bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma asprosin, CCDC80 and ANGPTL4 levels are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wang Hao-Hua , Luo Wan-Ying , Lin Min , Li Xiao-Jing , Xiang Guang-Da , d Triganti Silvia
Published: May 2021

Asprosin, coiled-coil domain-containing 80(CCDC80) and angiopoietin-like 4(ANGPTL4) are newly discovered adipocytokine that affects glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this study was to investigate if a relationship exists among asprosin, CCDC80 and ANGPTL4 and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fifty subjects with newly diagnosed IBD and fifty healthy individuals were enrolled. Patients were treated with standard therapies for 3 months. Plasma asprosin, CCDC80 and ANGPTL4 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High resolution ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery diameter at rest, after reactive hyperemia (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) and after sublingual glyceryltrinitrate. Compare with healthy individuals, plasma CCDC80, erythrocyte sedi¬mentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher (p < 0.05, respectively), whereas plasma asprosin, ANGPTL4 levels and FMD were significantly lower in both UC and CD patients (p < 0.05). Plasma CCDC80 levels were significantly higher in patients with CD (p < 0.05), while plasma asprosin and ANGPTL4 levels were lower (pP < 0.05) as compared with those in patients with UC. Standard therapies increased plasma asprosin, ANGPTL4 levels and FMD in both UC and CD (p < 0.05), UC and CD patientswhile decreased plasma CCDC80, ESR, CRP levels and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). The changes in HOMA-IR and FMD were correlated with the changes in plasma asprosin, CCDC80 and ANGPTL4 levels over the study period (p < 0.05). Plasma asprosin, CCDC80 and ANGPTL4 levels may be applied as a significant marker for early stage of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in IBD, especially of CD.
Thinking of deduction level students in proving theorem of triangle and its convers based on the steps of Polya
Authors: Yudianto Erfan , Dewi Niken Shofiana , Setiawan Toto Bara
Published: May 2021

Kemampuan membuktikan jarang sekali diasah dalam pembelajaran matematika. Dengan demikian, hal tersebut menjadi menarik ketika dikaji dan dikaitkan dengan level berpikir geometri van Hiele yaitu level deduksi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui proses berpikir siswa level deduksi dalam membuktikan Triangle Proportionally Theorem dan konversnya. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Siswa level deduksi diberikan tes pembuktian teorema sebanyak dua soal, kemudian dilakukan wawancara untuk mengetahui lebih dalam proses berpikirnya. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah siswa level deduksi mampu membuktikan teorema dengan memanfaatkan pengetahuan yang dimiliki baik mengenai unsur-unsur pangkal (titik dan garis), postulat kesejajaran garis dan kesebangunan segitiga AAA, definisi sudut dan kekongruenan sudut, teorema kesejajaran garis dan kesebangunan segitiga SAS~, corollary CSSTP dan CASTC. Hal ini terlihat dari hasil pembuktian yang diberikan dan wawancara yang dilakukan oleh peneliti terhadap siswa tersebut.
Adaptación y validación de un cuestionario para la caracterización de las prácticas evaluativas de los aprendizajes en educación superior PREVAPREDU
Authors: Cortés Ibarra Erika Fernanda , Martínez Clares Pilar
Published: May 2021

El propósito general de este artículo es dar a conocer el proceso de adaptación y validación del instrumento de recolección de información del estudio Percepción de estudiantes y docentes sobre las prácticas evaluativas como competencia profesional del profesorado en tres títulos de la Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia  PREVAPREDU. En este sentido, la adaptación se realizó a partir del nivel de formación y del enfoque pedagógico. Luego, buscó determinar la validez de contenido, establecer la validez de constructo del instrumento y señalar la estabilidad y/o fiabilidad del mismo. Esta investigación se desarrolló bajo la orientación metodológica de un estudio mixto convergente según Creswell (2012), con alcance no experimental, descriptivo de corte transversal. Es necesario advertir que la recolección de la información se realizó en un solo momento por cada unidad de análisis. Se utilizaron dos estrategias: análisis de los datos, que se aplicaron a una muestra de la población y revisión del instrumento por once expertos, quienes debían valorarlo según su claridad, pertinencia, relevancia y exclusividad, en una escala de cuatro niveles, sobre los componentes que constituyen las bases conceptuales del instrumento a saber, concepción de evaluación del aprendizaje, características de la evaluación, actores del proceso evaluativo, contenido de la evaluación, momentos para la evaluación, procedimientos del proceso evaluativo, técnicas e instrumentos de evaluación, usos de la evaluación del aprendizaje y formas de retroalimentación y por último, competencias evaluativas. El Alpha de Cronbach fue de 0,860 en los docentes y 0,973 en los estudiantes, resultado óptimo para la consistencia interna; respecto a la validez de contenido el resultado que se obtuvo en la W de Kendall es de 0,654 para los docentes y de 0,785 para los estudiantes los dos valores indican que hay una tendencia general, de acuerdo en el criterio de los jueces; en cuanto a la validez de constructo se aplicó el análisis factorial exploratorio y el confirmatorio: en el exploratorio Kaiser Meyer Olkin (kmo) se obtuvo para docentes 0,714 y  para estudiantes 0,923, valores cercanos a 1, considerados óptimos, el  confirmatorio permitió la reubicación de los ítems en cada una de las dimensiones, mediante la matriz de componentes rotados, se excluyeron valores inferiores a 0,500 por no ser significativos. En esta medida, PREVAPREDU se piensa como un recurso adaptado y validado para dar una mirada de 360° grados a las prácticas evaluativas de los docentes en el ámbito de la educación superior.
Efecto Preventivo de Ejercicios con Tubos de Resonancia en un Grupo Docente.
Authors: Muñoz Hernández Monica Patricia
Published: May 2021

En múltiples estudios se ha determinado la importancia de la voz en aquellos profesionales que la utilizan como su herramienta principal de trabajo. Dentro de este grupo se encuentran locutores, agentes de call center, profesores, entre otros; la población objeto de estudio en esta investigación son los profesores universitarios, ellos trabajan durante varias horas al día usando su voz para transmitir el conocimiento dentro del aula de clase, muchas veces en condiciones poco óptimas para un desempeño laboral efectivo. Además, están expuestos a diversos factores de riesgos ambientales y organizacionales lo cual los predispone y genera diversidad de patologías laríngeas propias de su ocupación. Los participantes pertenecen a un programa de conservación de la voz. El diseño de investigación pre experimental, cuantitativo, utilizando pre-test y pos-test en una misma población, descriptivo transversal, bajo un enfoque epidemiológico. Se aplicó una encuesta de autopercepción vocal como pre-test, con el fin de identificar la percepción que tenían estos profesionales acerca de sus características vocales. Posterior a esto, se les realizó una serie de ejercicios con tubos de resonancia basados en la técnica de Tracto Vocal Semi Ocluido (TVSO) y finalmente, se le reaplicó la encuesta de autopercepción vocal como post-test para determinar los efectos y cambios fisiológicos de estos ejercicios sobre los parámetros acústicos de la voz y las características del habla tales como: inteligibilidad, naturalidad y audibilidad; logrando un efecto fisiológico terapéutico inmediato y una percepción subjetiva de mejoría posterior a la terapia, generando un cambio en el patrón vibratorio de sus pliegues vocales, minimizando el abuso y mal uso vocal, creando conciencia del cuidado que se debe tener con la voz cuando se utiliza de manera profesional por ser la herramienta principal de su trabajo.
Hipoacusia Neurosensorial Súbita y COVID 19:
Authors: Gómez Avila Niyireth , Rodriguez montoya Silvia Raquel , Ramirez fajardo Claudia , Paredes Aguirre Dunia Ximena , Rojas Giron Nataly Esmeralda
Published: May 2021

La enfermedad por COVID 19 es una infección viral causada por el agente etiológico SARS Cov 2; presenta una gama de características clínicas incluyendo síntomas neurológicos, afectando neuronas, células gliales y nervios; formando parte del grupo de etiología de la hipoacusia neurosensorial. Se realiza este reporte de caso de hipoacusia súbita neurosensorial unilateral acompañada de tinnitus en paciente con antecedente de SARSCov2 Positivo, describiendo los principales hallazgos otológicos y audiológicos en el proceso de evaluación diagnóstico. La afectación por el virus nCoV-19 tiene incidencia en la pérdida auditiva, como se describe en estudios de casos reportados internacionales.
Atención Conjunta y Desarrollo del Lenguaje Durante el Primer Año de Vida
Authors: Cano Villagrasa Alejandro , Ribes Sonia Signes
Published: May 2021

La atención temprana se centra en el óptimo desarrollo del niño desde el nacimiento hasta el inicio escolar, enfocado en el entorno familiar y social, en los aspectos biopsicosociales. Por otro lado, la adquisición del lenguaje es un proceso complejo que ocurre de forma muy temprana, a pesar de ello es fundamental para el desarrollo humano en la esfera tanto personal como social. Es por eso que el objetivo que tiene el presente estudio es determinar e identificar la relación y el papel que juega la atención temprana en la correcta adquisición del lenguaje y la comunicación en niños de muy corta edad, utilizando diversas escalas: Early-Social-Communication Scales y el Inventario de Desarrollo Comunicativo MacArthur. Se estudia mediante la creación de un diseño cuasi-experimental longitudinal-transversal, con un solo grupo experimental de 30 niños citados y estudiados en dos etapas diferentes: a los 8 meses (30 sujetos) y  a los 12 meses (30 sujetos).  Los resultados indican que si aumentan diversos aspectos de la atención conjunta, algunos estadios pertenecientes al lenguaje también se verán incrementados o mejorados, estableciendo una relación positiva entre ambas. A lo largo del primer año de vida, estas competencias se ven incrementadas significativamente, preparando los cimientos para la correcta adquisición del lenguaje oral.
Postmortem Studies of Fetal Grafts in Parkinson’s Disease: What Lessons Have We Learned?
Authors: Li Jia-Yi , Li Wen
Published: May 2021

Neural transplantation is a potential therapeutic method for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Fetal dopaminergic (DA) neurons have been important transplantation cell sources in the history of replacement therapy for PD. Several decades of preclinical animal experiments and clinical trials using fetal DA neuron transplantation in PD therapy have shown not only promising results but also problems. In order to reveal possible factors influencing the clinical outcomes, we reviewed fetal DA neuron transplantation therapies from 1970s to present, with a special focus on postmortem studies. Firstly, we gave a general description of the clinical outcomes and neuroanatomy of grafted cases; secondly, we summarized the main available postmortem studies, including the cell survival, reinnervation, and pathology development. In the end, we further discussed the link between function and structure of the grafts, seeking for the possible factors contributing to a functional graft. With our review, we hope to provide references for future transplantation trials from a histological point of view.
Cross-Talk Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) and Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Bouland Cyril , Philippart Pierre , Dequanter Didier , Corrillon Florent , Loeb Isabelle , Bron Dominique , Lagneaux Laurence , Meuleman Nathalie
Published: May 2021

Bone regeneration is a complex, well-orchestrated process based on the interactions between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, observed in both physiological and pathological situations. However, specific conditions (e.g., bone regeneration in large quantity, immunocompromised regenerative process) require additional support. Tissue engineering offers novel strategies. Bone regeneration requires a cell source, a matrix, growth factors and mechanical stimulation. Regenerative cells, endowed with proliferation and differentiation capacities, aim to recover, maintain, and improve bone functions. Vascularization is mandatory for bone formation, skeletal development, and different osseointegration processes. The latter delivers nutrients, growth factors, oxygen, minerals, etc. The development of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cocultures has shown synergy between the two cell populations. The phenomena of osteogenesis and angiogenesis are intimately intertwined. Thus, cells of the endothelial line indirectly foster osteogenesis, and conversely, MSCs promote angiogenesis through different interaction mechanisms. In addition, various studies have highlighted the importance of the microenvironment via the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs stimulate bone regeneration and angiogenesis. In this review, we describe (1) the phenomenon of bone regeneration by different sources of MSCs. We assess (2) the input of EPCs in coculture in bone regeneration and describe their contribution to the osteogenic potential of MSCs. We discuss (3) the interaction mechanisms between MSCs and EPCs in the context of osteogenesis: direct or indirect contact, production of growth factors, and the importance of the microenvironment via the release of EVs.
2-Hydroxychalcone as a Potent Compound and Photosensitizer Against Dermatophyte Biofilms
Authors: Bila Níura Madalena , Costa-Orlandi Caroline Barcelos , Vaso Carolina Orlando , Bonatti Jean Lucas Carvalho , de Assis Letícia Ribeiro , Regasini Luís Octavio , Fontana Carla Raquel , Fusco-Almeida Ana Marisa , Mendes-Giannini Maria José Soares
Published: May 2021

Dermatophytes, fungi that cause dermatophytosis, can invade keratinized tissues in humans and animals. The biofilm-forming ability of these fungi was described recently, and it may be correlated with the long treatment period and common recurrences of this mycosis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-dermatophytic and anti-biofilm activity of 2-hydroxychalcone (2-chalcone) in the dark and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-mediated and to determine its mechanism of action. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains were used in the study. The antifungal susceptibility test of planktonic cells, early-stage biofilms, and mature biofilms were performed using colorimetric methods. Topographies were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human skin keratinocyte (HaCat) monolayers were also used in the cytotoxicity assays. The mechanisms of action of 2-chalcone in the dark and under photoexcitation were investigated using confocal microscopy and the quantification of ergosterol, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and death induction by apoptosis/necrosis. All strains, in the planktonic form, were inhibited after treatment with 2-chalcone (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 7.8-15.6 mg/L), terbinafine (TRB) (MIC = 0.008–0.03 mg/L), and fluconazole (FLZ) (1–512 mg/L). Early-stage biofilm and mature biofilms were inhibited by 2-chalcone at concentrations of 15.6 mg/L and 31.2 mg/L in all tested strains. However, mature biofilms were resistant to all the antifungal drugs tested. When planktonic cells and biofilms (early-stage and mature) were treated with 2-chalcone-mediated PDT, the inhibitory concentrations were reduced by four times (2–7.8 mg/L). SEM images of biofilms treated with 2-chalcone showed cell wall collapse, resulting from a probable extravasation of cytoplasmic content. The toxicity of 2-chalcone in HaCat cells showed higher IC50 values in the dark than under photoexcitation. Further, 2-chalcone targets ergosterol in the cell and promotes the generation of ROS, resulting in cell death by apoptosis and necrosis. Overall, 2-chalcone-mediated PDT is a promising and safe drug candidate against dermatophytes, particularly in anti-biofilm treatment.
Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment in Meso and Macro Tidal Areas. Application to the Cádiz Bay, Spain
Authors: González Mauricio , Álvarez-Gómez José A. , Aniel-Quiroga Íñigo , Otero Luis , Olabarrieta Maitane , Omira Rachid , Luceño Alberto , Jelinek Robert , Krausmann Elisabeth , Birkman Joern , Baptista Maria A. , Miranda Miguel , Aguirre-Ayerbe Ignacio
Published: May 2021

Tsunami hazard can be analyzed from both deterministic and probabilistic points of view. The deterministic approach is based on a “credible” worst case tsunami, which is often selected from historical events in the region of study. Within the probabilistic approach (PTHA, Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis), statistical analysis can be carried out in particular regions where historical records of tsunami heights and runup are available. In areas where these historical records are scarce, synthetic series of events are usually generated using Monte Carlo approaches. Commonly, the sea level variation and the currents forced by the tidal motion are either disregarded or considered and treated as aleatory uncertainties in the numerical models. However, in zones with a macro and meso tidal regime, the effect of the tides on the probability distribution of tsunami hazard can be highly important. In this work, we present a PTHA methodology based on the generation of synthetic seismic catalogs and the incorporation of the sea level variation into a Monte Carlo simulation. We applied this methodology to the Bay of Cádiz area in Spain, a zone that was greatly damaged by the 1755 earthquake and tsunami. We build a database of tsunami numerical simulations for different variables: faults, earthquake magnitudes, epicenter locations and sea levels. From this database we generate a set of scenarios from the synthetic seismic catalogs and tidal conditions based on the probabilistic distribution of the involved variables. These scenarios cover the entire range of possible tsunami events in the synthetic catalog (earthquakes and sea levels). Each tsunami scenario is propagated using the tsunami numerical model C3, from the source region to the target coast (Cádiz Bay). Finally, we map the maximum values for a given probability of the selected variables (tsunami intensity measures) producing a set of thematic hazard maps. 1000 different time series of combined tsunamigenic earthquakes and tidal levels were synthetically generated using the Monte Carlo technique. Each time series had a 10000-year duration. The tsunami characteristics were statistically analyzed to derive different thematic maps for the return periods of 500, 1000, 5000, and 10000 years, including the maximum wave elevation, the maximum current speed, the maximum Froude number, and the maximum total forces.
Relating Dike Geometry and Injection Rate in Analogue Flux-Driven Experiments
Authors: Galetto Federico , Bonaccorso Alessandro , Acocella Valerio
Published: May 2021

Dikes feed most eruptions, so understanding their mechanism of propagation is fundamental for volcanic hazard assessment. The variation in geometry of a propagating dike as a function of the injection rate remains poorly studied. Here we use experiments injecting water into gelatin to investigate the variation of the thickness, width and length of a flux-driven dike connected to its source as a function of the injection time and intruded volume. Results show that the thickness of vertically propagating dikes is proportional to the injection rate and remains constant as long as the latter is constant. Neither buoyancy nor injected volume influence the thickness. The along-strike width of the dike is, however, proportional to the injected volume. These results, consistent with the inferred behavior of several dikes observed during emplacement, open new opportunities to better understand how dikes propagate and also to forecast how emplacing dikes may propagate once their geometric features are detected in real-time through monitoring data.
Seafloor Geodesy From Repeated Multibeam Bathymetric Surveys: Application to Seafloor Displacement Caused by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Fujiwara Toshiya
Published: May 2021

Repeated multibeam bathymetric surveys played an important role for understanding the distribution of coseismic seafloor displacement caused by the March 11, 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake. After the earthquake, we collected bathymetric data along the same tracks obtained before the earthquake. The selected tracks were crossing the trench and extending from the landward to seaward trench slopes. We examined the seafloor displacement on the landward relative to the seaward by means of the difference in bathymetry before and after the earthquake. The multibeam bathymetric survey has the advantage of areal coverage. The repeated surveys clarified the areal distribution of the coseismic seafloor displacement. In the main rupture area, very large seafloor displacement was observed. Sharp bathymetric change at the trench axis provided solid evidence that the fault slip on the shallowest part of the megathrust reached the trench axis and peaked at the trench axis. The very large displacement is limited to the particular area. Smaller seafloor displacements were observed in the area tens of kilometers away from the main rupture area. We present methods and results of the repeated multibeam bathymetric surveys and an application to the seafloor displacement caused by the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake in the northern Japan Trench. Less than several meters in seafloor vertical displacements and less than 20 m in seafloor horizontal displacement were estimated in the northern Japan Trench. The estimated smaller displacements are comparable in magnitude to error of the seafloor displacement observation from our bathymetric survey. Nevertheless, three adjacent survey tracks showed coherent relative differences in seafloor elevation, which suggests the relative difference enables us to discuss the along-track variation in seafloor displacement in the area. However, our survey was affected by uncertainties of roll and pitch biases and sound velocity errors. Well-prepared repeated multibeam bathymetric survey for the purpose of seafloor geodesy could lead to a higher resolution and more accurate result. Repeated acquisition of high resolution and accuracy bathymetric data using state-of-the-art technology will be important to quantitative discussion of the seafloor displacements caused by even smaller magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis.
Improving Classroom Communication: The Effects of Virtual Social Training on Communication and Assertion Skills in Middle School Students
Authors: Johnson Maria Teresa , Troy Aimee Herron , Tate Kathleen Michelle , Allen Tandra Toon , Tate Aaron Michael , Chapman Sandra Bond
Published: May 2021

This study examined the relationship between teacher identification of socially at-risk adolescents and baseline student social competency levels. Additionally, the feasibility and effects of an eight-session, virtual social training were analyzed. Upon completion of the virtual social training, the transfer effects from the targeted intervention into the general education classroom were determined. Study participants (N=90) were comprised of sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students from four public middle schools in Dallas, Texas. Data was collected through classroom teacher questionnaires to measure students’ baseline social behaviors. In addition, pre-post student performance measures in the areas of affect recognition, social inference, and social attribution were administered. Results revealed that middle school teachers were effective identifiers of students with lagging social skills. Baseline ratings of social skills showed a high positive association between student affect recognition and teacher rating of participant total social skills including communication, cooperation, responsibility, and self-control. A high negative association was found between student affect recognition and problem behaviors. A high negative association was also found between student perspective-taking and hyperactivity and externalizing behaviors. Student pre-post test performance measures revealed significant improvement in affect recognition, attribution, and social inferencing after undergoing the virtual social training. At the time of a 5°week follow up, teachers rated participants’ social skills in the areas of communication and assertion as significantly improved. Sixty-eight percent of participants reported increased confidence in social communication skills such as relating, maintaining, adapting, and asserting thoughts after the training. Preliminary findings from this small-scale study provide evidence that a brief eight-session, virtual social training in middle school is a feasible delivery model that can achieve positive effects on social behavior, and that teacher referral was a reliable way to identify students who could benefit from the training. Incorporating teacher perspective aided in translating a previously lab-based training into an ecologically relevant setting while addressing a programming need to meet the social demands of adolescence.
Motion Artifact Removal Techniques for Wearable EEG and PPG Sensor Systems
Authors: Seok Dongyeol , Lee Sanghyun , Kim Minjae , Cho Jaeouk , Kim Chul
Published: May 2021

Removal of motion artifacts is a critical challenge, especially in wearable electroencephalography (EEG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) devices that are exposed to daily movements. Recently, the significance of motion artifact removal techniques has increased since EEG-based brain–computer interfaces (BCI) and daily healthcare usage of wearable PPG devices were spotlighted. In this article, the development on EEG and PPG sensor systems is introduced. Then, understanding of motion artifact and its reduction methods implemented by hardware and/or software fashions are reviewed. Various electrode types, analog readout circuits, and signal processing techniques are studied for EEG motion artifact removal. In addition, recent in-ear EEG techniques with motion artifact reduction are also introduced. Furthermore, techniques compensating independent/dependent motion artifacts are presented for PPG.
Changes in Organic Matter Deposition Can Impact Benthic Marine Meiofauna in Karst Subterranean Estuaries
Authors: Brankovits David , Little Shawna N. , Winkler Tyler S. , Tamalavage Anne E. , Mejía-Ortíz Luis M. , Maupin Christopher R. , Yáñez-Mendoza German , van Hengstum Peter J.
Published: May 2021

Subsurface mixing of seawater and terrestrial-borne meteoric waters on carbonate landscapes creates karst subterranean estuaries, an area of the coastal aquifer with poorly understood carbon cycling, ecosystem functioning, and impact on submarine groundwater discharge. Caves in karst platforms facilitate water and material exchange between the marine and terrestrial environments, and their internal sedimentation patterns document long-term environmental change. Sediment records from a flooded coastal cave in Cozumel Island (Mexico) document decreasing terrestrial organic matter (OM) deposition within the karst subterranean estuary over the last ∼1,000 years, with older sediment likely exported out of the cave by intense storm events. While stable carbon isotopic values (δ13Corgranging from −22.5 to −27.1‰) and C:N ratios (ranging from 9.9 to 18.9) indicate that mangrove and other terrestrial detritus surrounding an inland sinkhole are the primarily sedimentary OM supply, an upcore decrease in bulk OM and enrichment of δ13Corgvalues are observed. These patterns suggest that a reduction in the local mangrove habitat decreased the terrestrial particulate OM input to the cave over time. The benthic foraminiferal community in basal core sediment have higher proportions of infaunal taxa (i.e.,Bolivina) andAmmonia, and assemblages shift to increased miliolids and less infaunal taxa at the core-top sediment. The combined results suggest that a decrease in terrestrial OM through time had a concomitant impact on benthic meiofaunal habitats, potentially by impacting dissolved oxygen availability at the microhabitat scale or resource partitioning by foraminifera. The evidence presented here indicates that landscape and watershed level changes can impact ecosystem functioning within adjacent subterranean estuaries.
Bird Extinctions in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and How They Can Be Prevented
Authors: Develey Pedro F. , Phalan Benjamin T.
Published: May 2021

Bird species extinctions in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil have been predicted since the early 1990s, but it has become accepted wisdom that none have yet been documented. We revisit this question in light of updates to the global Red List, and conclude that between five and seven bird species have likely been driven to extinction in the wild in this biome in recent decades, plus a further two species that occurred elsewhere in Brazil. These extinctions were the result of habitat loss in combination with other threats. A further nine Atlantic Forest bird species are Critically Endangered, plus six from elsewhere in Brazil. We review growing efforts to help these species avoid extinction using a range of tools including multi-stakeholder planning, advocacy, habitat protection and restoration on public and private land, focussed research, and intensive population management, drawing on examples from the most threatened Atlantic Forest endemics. Conservation organisations, local communities, government agencies, zoos, international funders, universities and others are working together to prevent these species from disappearing. While the political environment in Brazil has rarely been more hostile to conservation, there are also some positive trends. Rates of deforestation in the Atlantic Forest have fallen, forest restoration and recovery is increasing, and an unprecedented number of ordinary people are taking an interest in birds and participating in citizen science. With dedication, collaboration, sufficient resources, and a focus on evidence-informed solutions, we are hopeful that many of the Critically Endangered species can be pulled back from the brink of extinction.
Forecasting the Cumulative Effects of Multiple Stressors on Breeding Habitat for a Steeply Declining Aerial Insectivorous Songbird, the Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
Authors: Norris Andrea R. , Frid Leonardo , Debyser Chloé , De Groot Krista L. , Thomas Jeffrey , Lee Adam , Dohms Kimberly M. , Robinson Andrew , Easton Wendy , Martin Kathy , Cockle Kristina L.
Published: May 2021

To halt ongoing loss in biodiversity, there is a need for landscape-level management recommendations that address cumulative impacts of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on wildlife habitat. We examined the cumulative effects of logging, roads, land-use change, fire, and bark beetle outbreaks on future habitat for olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), a steeply declining aerial insectivorous songbird, in Canada’s western boreal forest. To predict the occurrence of olive-sided flycatcher we developed a suite of habitat suitability models using point count surveys (1997–2011) spatially- and temporally-matched with forest inventory data. Flycatcher occurrence was positively associated with small (∼10 ha) 10- to 20-year-old clearcuts, and with 10–100% tree mortality due to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks, but we found no association with roads or distance to water. We used the parameter estimates from the best-fit habitat suitability models to inform spatially explicit state-and-transition simulation models to project change in habitat availability from 2020 to 2050 under six alternative scenarios (three management × two fire alternatives). The simulation models projected that the cumulative effects of land use conversion, forest harvesting, and fire will reduce the area of olive-sided flycatcher habitat by 16–18% under Business As Usual management scenarios and by 11–13% under scenarios that include protection of 30% of the land base. Scenarios limiting the size of all clearcuts to ≤10 ha resulted in a median habitat loss of 4–6%, but projections were highly variable. Under all three management alternatives, a 50% increase in fire frequency (expected due to climate change) exacerbated habitat loss. The projected losses of habitat in western boreal forest, even with an increase in protected areas, imply that reversing the ongoing population declines of olive-sided flycatcher and other migratory birds will require attention to forest management beyond protected areas. Further work should examine the effects of multiple stressors on the demographic mechanisms driving change in aerial insectivore populations, including stressors on the wintering grounds in South America, and should aim to adapt the design of protected areas and forest management policies to projected climate-driven increases in the size and frequency of wildfires.
Generalization of Foraging Experience Biases Bees Toward Flowers With Complex Morphologies
Authors: Krishna Shivani , Keasar Tamar
Published: May 2021

The importance of pollinators as selective agents for many floral traits is well established, but understanding their role in the evolution of complex floral shapes remains challenging. This is because pollinators often need much practice to efficiently handle morphologically complex flowers and extract their food rewards. What induces foragers to persistently visit and pollinate complex flowers despite their initial low profitability? We previously found that naive bumblebees, and unsuccessful feeding attempts of experienced ones, contribute to the pollination of complex flowers. Here we tested a complementary hypothesis, positing that successful foraging on flowers of one complex shape prepares pollinators to visit other species of different complex morphologies. We trained bumblebees to computer-controlled artificial flowers that were either simple, complex or both simple and complex. We then recorded their feeding choices and handling times on a second array of simple and complex flowers that had different shapes and required another handling technique. Bees trained on a single flower type (whether simple or complex) preferred flowers of the same type in the testing array. The foragers’ preferences after training on both flower types depended on the reward schedule during training: when both flower types rewarded equally, simple flowers were preferred at the test phase; when complex flowers provided higher reward during training, they became the preferred flower type during testing. These results suggest that successful foraging on complex flowers, especially when highly rewarding, can indeed induce insect pollinators to attempt additional flower species with other complex shapes.
Phosphorus Leaching From Naturally Structured Forest Soils Is More Affected by Soil Properties Than by Drying and Rewetting
Authors: Gerhard Lukas , Puhlmann Heike , Vogt Margret , Luster Jörg
Published: May 2021

Foliar phosphorus (P) concentrations in beech trees are decreasing in Europe, potentially leading to reductions in the trees’ growth and vitality. In the course of climate change, drying and rewetting (DRW) cycles in forest soils are expected to intensify. As a consequence, P leakage from the root zone may increase due to temporarily enhanced organic matter mineralization. We addressed the questions whether sites with different soil properties, including P pools, differ in their susceptibility to DRW-induced P leaching, and whether this is affected by the DRW intensity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted on naturally structured soil columns with beech saplings from three sites representing a gradient of soil P availability. Four DRW cycles were conducted by air-drying and irrigating the soils over 4 hours (fast rewetting) or 48 hours (slow rewetting). Leachates below the soil columns were analyzed for total P, and molybdate reactive P (considered as inorganic P). The difference was considered to represent organically bound P. Boosted regression trees were used to examine the effects of DRW and soil characteristics on P leaching. Contrary to a first hypothesis, that P leaching increases upon rewetting with the intensity of the preceding desiccation phase, intense soil drying (to pF 3.5 to 4.5) did not generally increase P leakage compared to moderate drying (to pF 2 to 3). However, we observed increased inorganic P concentrations and decreased organic P concentrations in leachates after drying to matric potentials above pF 4. Also against our expectations, fast rewetting did not lead to higher leakage of P than slow rewetting. However, the results confirmed our third hypothesis that the site poorest in P, where P recycling is mainly limited to the humus layer and the uppermost mineral soil, lost considerably more P during DRW than the other two sites. The results of our experiment with naturally structured soils imply that intensified drying and rewetting cycles, as predicted by climate-change scenarios, may not per se lead to increased P leaching from forest soils. Soil properties such as soil organic carbon content and texture appear to be more important predictors of P losses.
Identify. Quantify. Predict. Why Immunologists Should Widely Use Molecular Imaging for Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Juengling Freimut D. , Maldonado Antonio , Wuest Frank , Schindler Thomas H.
Published: May 2021

Molecular imaging using PET/CT or PET/MRI has evolved from an experimental imaging modality at its inception in 1972 to an integral component of diagnostic procedures in oncology, and, to lesser extent, in cardiology and neurology, by successfully offering in-vivo imaging and quantitation of key pathophysiological targets or molecular signatures, such as glucose metabolism in cancerous disease. Apart from metabolism probes, novel radiolabeled peptide and antibody PET tracers, including radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have entered the clinical arena, providing the in-vivo capability to collect target-specific quantitative in-vivo data on cellular and molecular pathomechanisms on a whole-body scale, and eventually, extract imaging biomarkers possibly serving as prognostic indicators. The success of molecular imaging in mapping disease severity on a whole-body scale, and directing targeted therapies in oncology possibly could translate to the management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), by identifying, localizing, and quantifying involvement of different immune mediated responses to the infection with SARS-COV2 during the course of acute infection and possible, chronic courses with long-term effects on specific organs. The authors summarize current knowledge for medical imaging in COVID-19 in general with a focus on molecular imaging technology and provide a perspective for immunologists interested in molecular imaging research using validated and immediately available molecular probes, as well as possible future targets, highlighting key targets for tailored treatment approaches as brought up by key opinion leaders.
Clinical Character of CASPR2 Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Multiple Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Qin Xiaoxiao , Yang Huajun , Zhu Fei , Wang Qun , Shan Wei
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine the clinical characteristics of autoimmune encephalitis associated with the contactin-associated protein-2 (CASPR2) antibody.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of all patients diagnosed with CASPR2 antibody-associated encephalitis were retrospectively analysed. Data regarding demographic features, neurological symptoms and signs, laboratory tests, imaging results, treatments, and prognosis were collected.

Results

A total of 25 patients aged from 3 to 79 years old were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 43. Eight of 25 (32%) were female, and 17 of 25 (68%) were male. The median age of symptom onset was 42 years old with the course of disease from onset to hospital admission ranging from 2 days to 6 months (median was 17 days). Six patients (6/25) had fever as an onset symptom. During the course of disease, cognitive disturbance was the most common symptom, which was observed in 17 patients (17/25) in total. Eight patients (8/25) met the criteria for limbic encephalitis. Epileptic seizure occurred in six of these eight patients. Four patients (4/25) were diagnosed as Morvan syndrome. All patients were positive for anti-CASPR2 antibody in the serum (1:10–1:300). In six patients, antibodies were detected both in the blood and CSF (1:32–1:100). White blood cell (WBC) counts in the CSF were elevated in eight patients (8/25). The concentration of proteins in CSF increased in 10 patients (ranging from 480 to 1,337.6 mg/dl), decreased in seven patients (ranging from 23.2 to 130.5 mg/dl) and remained at a normal range in the other eight patients (ranging from 150 to 450 mg/dl). Abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) activities included slow background activity and epileptic patterns. Abnormal signals in the bilateral hippocampus were detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in three patients presenting cognitive disturbance. In one patient who had limbic encephalitis, increased metabolism of bilateral basal ganglia and the mesial temporal lobe was revealed by PET-CT. Eleven of 15 patients receiving immunotherapy experienced varying degrees of improvement. Relapse occurred in four of 25 patients (4/25) after 2 months.

Conclusion

CASPR-antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis is characterized by diverse clinical manifestations. The most prominent conclusion revealed by this retrospective analysis is the involvement of both central and peripheral nerve systems, as well as a lower relapse rate, a good response to immunotherapy, and favorable short-term prognosis after treatment was also demonstrated. Besides, additional work is necessary to evaluate the long-term prognosis.
Distinct Roles of Hemocytes at Different Stages of Infection by Dengue and Zika Viruses in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Leite Thiago H. J. F. , Ferreira Álvaro G. A. , Imler Jean-Luc , Marques João T.
Published: May 2021

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors for arboviruses of medical importance such as dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses. Different innate immune pathways contribute to the control of arboviruses in the mosquito vector including RNA interference, Toll and Jak-STAT pathways. However, the role of cellular responses mediated by circulating macrophage-like cells known as hemocytes remains unclear. Here we show that hemocytes are recruited to the midgut of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in response to DENV or ZIKV. Blockade of the phagocytic function of hemocytes using latex beads induced increased accumulation of hemocytes in the midgut and a reduction in virus infection levels in this organ. In contrast, inhibition of phagocytosis by hemocytes led to increased systemic dissemination and replication of DENV and ZIKV. Hence, our work reveals a dual role for hemocytes in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, whereby phagocytosis is not required to control viral infection in the midgut but is essential to restrict systemic dissemination. Further understanding of the mechanism behind this duality could help the design of vector-based strategies to prevent transmission of arboviruses.
Bacterial and Archaeal Communities in Polymetallic Nodules, Sediments, and Bottom Waters of the Abyssal Clarion-Clipperton Zone: Emerging Patterns and Future Monitoring Considerations
Authors: Wear Emma K. , Church Matthew J. , Orcutt Beth N. , Shulse Christine N. , Lindh Markus V. , Smith Craig R.
Published: May 2021

Bacteria and archaea are key contributors to deep-sea biogeochemical cycles and food webs. The disruptions these microbial communities may experience during and following polymetallic nodule mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the North Pacific Ocean could therefore have broad ecological effects. Our goals in this synthesis are to characterize the current understanding of biodiversity and biogeography of bacteria and archaea in the CCZ and to identify gaps in the baseline data and sampling approaches, prior to the onset of mining in the region. This is part of a large effort to compile biogeographic patterns in the CCZ, and to assess the representivity of no-mining Areas of Particular Environmental Interest, across a range of taxa. Here, we review published studies and an additional new dataset focused on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon characterization of abyssal bacterial and archaeal communities, particularly focused on spatial patterns. Deep-sea habitats (nodules, sediments, and bottom seawater) each hosted significantly different microbial communities. An east-vs.-west CCZ regional distinction was present in nodule communities, although the magnitude was small and likely not detectable without a high-resolution analysis. Within habitats, spatial variability was driven by differences in relative abundances of taxa, rather than by abundant taxon turnover. Our results further support observations that nodules in the CCZ have distinct archaeal communities from those in more productive surrounding regions, with higher relative abundances of presumed chemolithoautotrophic Nitrosopumilaceae suggesting possible trophic effects of nodule removal. Collectively, these results indicate that bacteria and archaea in the CCZ display previously undetected, subtle, regional-scale biogeography. However, the currently available microbial community surveys are spatially limited and suffer from sampling and analytical differences that frequently confound inter-comparison; making definitive management decisions from such a limited dataset could be problematic. We suggest a number of future research priorities and sampling recommendations that may help to alleviate dataset incompatibilities and to address challenges posed by rapidly advancing DNA sequencing technology for monitoring bacterial and archaeal biodiversity in the CCZ. Most critically, we advocate for selection of a standardized 16S rRNA gene amplification approach for use in the anticipated large-scale, contractor-driven biodiversity monitoring in the region.
Are Periodic Oscillations of Sea Surface Height Inherent to River Plumes?
Authors: Zavialov Peter O.
Published: May 2021

We analyze high temporal resolution (10 min) sea surface height (SSH) data records from pressure sensors deployed on the inner shelf within the plumes of the Mzymta and the Vulan, two small-to-medium size rivers in the Russian sector of the Black Sea coast. The SSH was recorded in parallel with meteorological parameters, averaged over the same 10 min intervals. While the low-frequency changes of the SSH at periods of 6 h or longer accounted for about 90% of the total variability and were strongly correlated with the wind, superimposed on them there always existed higher frequency oscillations whose characteristic periods ranged from 70 to 230 min, and the amplitudes spanned between 1 and 19 cm, not correlated with either the wind stress or atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the amplitudes and the periods of these high-frequency oscillations appeared to be proportional to the horizontal scale of the river plume, as well as to each other. A very simple semi-analytical model focused on the interplay between the plume’s mass and the momentum budgets demonstrated that periodic oscillations of the sea surface height should be inherent to river plumes, and also helped to explain the abovementioned dependencies.