bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of radiotherapy in head and neck regions on periodontal and oral hygiene conditions
Authors: Cartaxo André Costa , Marinho Liliane Cristina Nogueira , Silva Davi Neto de Araújo , Silva Natália Teixeira da , Morais Maria de Lourdes Silva de Arruda , Dorini André Luís , Martins Ana Rafaela Luz de Aquino
Published: February 2021

Objective: Evaluate the influence of head and neck radiotherapy dose on periodontal tissue for to understanding of its adverse effects, and consequently to propose strategies to reduce its severity. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal and prospective study with intraoral clinical examinations performed before radiotherapy (T0) and immediately after the end of radiation therapy. The clinical data collected regarding oral and periodontal hygiene conditions were visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), gingival recession area, clinical attachment level (CAL), degree of mobility and presence or absence of suppuration. In addition, data such as radiation dose, fractionation and duration of radiotherapy were reported. Results: Fourteen patients were evaluated, of which 11 had periodontitis after the radiotherapy, and 9 had poor oral hygiene conditions after the radiotherapy. Seven of the 11 subjects with periodontitis presented tumors in the oral cavity. There was a decrease in visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI). The research was unable to establish a significant association between radiation therapy and oral hygiene condition and periodontitis. Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene conditions predominated in the sample, which can be associated with the presence of debilitating conditions. Direct radiation on the oral cavity may have an influence on the development of periodontitis. The development of gingivitis only and periodontitis was not influenced by dose, fraction or duration of radiotherapy in the study period.
Custos da água na produção de cerveja: Uma análise econômica comparativa
Authors: Cavalcanti Rafael Felipe Ramos de Rangel Moreira , Silva José Erivaldo da , Fontgalland Isabel Lausanne
Published: February 2021

O Brasil tem crescido bastante no segmento cervejeiro com as grandes fabricantes e com as cervejarias artesanais que surgem constantemente no mercado. Porém, o gasto de água em uma indústria cervejeira pode ser de 4a 10 vezes em relação ao volume de cerveja produzida. Diante da grande quantidade de água necessária na produção de cerveja o trabalho teve como objetivo verificar se o uso da água na produção de cerveja é sustentável, tomando como parâmetro o preço implantado aos utilizadores e os custos pela utilização. Dois métodos de avaliação foram adotados, a construção de uma função de produção e a avaliação da predisposição a pagar pela água na produção.Concluiu-se que ah um investimento em tecnologias pelas principais fábricas de cerveja para preservação dos recursos naturais especialmente a água e que a propensão a pagar pelo recurso é tratada a partir dos discursos dos representantes como já sendo feito a partir dos investimentos em tecnologias para maior impactar no meio ambiente e diminuição das externalidades negativas.
Interações Medicamentosas em pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise
Authors: Folgosa Andrêssa Lacerda Carvaho , Lesting Jaqueline Pepe , Meira Maria Letícia da Graça Teles de , Diegues Stephanie Nascimento , Orsi Isabella Miranda Esteves , Silva Roberta Bessa Veloso , Silva Robson Eugênio da , Santos Gérsika Bitencourt
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os medicamentos utilizados com maior frequência entre os pacientes em hemodiálise e identificar possíveis interações medicamentosas entre tais fármacos. Este é um estudo transversal realizado no setor de hemodiálise de um hospital. O cruzamento entre os medicamentos foi estudado no programa Interage – Interações Medicamentosas, com a finalidade de identificar potenciais interações medicamentosas e classificá-las de acordo com a gravidade. O total de pacientes estudados foi de 45 indivíduos, destes, 47% eram homens. Os fármacos utilizados com maior frequência pelos pacientes foram Omeprazol (22,35%), seguido pela Eritropoietina (11,40%). Foram encontradas 113 interações medicamentosas, sendo 38 IMs de caráter leve (33,63%), 60 IMs de caráter moderado (53,10%) e 15 IMs de caráter grave (13,27%). Foi considerada alta a prevalência de interações medicamentosas em pacientes usuários da hemodiálise. Os indivíduos em terapia hemodialítica carecem do uso de diversos medicamentos, logo tem suma importância a seleção cautelosa de soluções terapêuticas para o uso eficaz, racional e seguro desses medicamentos.
Garimpando obras: estado do conhecimento sobre formação permanente de professores, educação especial e docência inclusiva
Authors: Carvalho Luciana Carrion , Antunes Helenise Sangoi
Published: February 2021

O estudo consiste no estado do conhecimento desenvolvido na tese de doutorado do programa de Pós-Graduação da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM/RS), a partir dos descritores: “Formação Permanente de Professores”, “Educação Especial” e “Docência Inclusiva”. A escolha desses descritores deu-se por serem constituintes no título da pesquisa “Formação Permanente em Educação Especial: aproximações e afastamentos da docência Inclusiva”. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica, de abordagem qualitativa, na busca do que já foi produzido em relação às questões de pesquisa. Nesse sentido, oportuniza a contextualização do objeto de estudo situado no contexto histórico, social e no campo científico. Os artigos encontrados fazem importantes provocações para a área da Educação Especial enquanto campo de saber, nas mais diversas dimensões, como: a “polivalência” por meio das formações, tanto na inicial quanto na continuada; o esvaziamento pedagógico/epistemológico por meio da formação aligeirada para o AEE; a formação de professores nos fundamentos teóricos à problematização da práxis; a Educação Especial como campo de saber ser tratada superficialmente, sendo colocada apenas no imperativo da perspectiva da educação inclusiva, ainda, a formação de professores para a inclusão, na busca de metodologias, técnicas e procedimentos para a inclusão. A partir dessa “garimpada” dos descritores nos repositórios citados, nas pesquisas referendadas neste estado do conhecimento e nas Revistas de Educação Especial da UFSM, foi possível constatar lacunas importantes a serem pesquisadas devido à pouca e/ou inexistência de publicações científicas no contexto de formação permanente de professores para a docência inclusiva, conforme proposta na investigação.
Loss-of-function HSD17B13 variants, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and adverse liver outcomes: Results from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort
Authors: Ting Yi-Wen , Kong Amanda Shen-Yee , Zain Shamsul Mohd , Chan Wah-Kheong , Tan Hwa-Li , Mohamed Zahurin , Pung Yuh-Fen , Mohamed Rosmawati
Published: February 2021

Background/Aims: 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) variants were recently reported to have significantly lower odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is a two-part study that aimed to evaluate the association of HSD17B13 variants with NAFLD and its histological severity, and to identify the association of the variants with clinical outcomes in a cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients.Methods: Consecutive biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and controls without fatty liver were recruited for this study between 2009 and 2014. Genotyping for HSD17B13 variants was performed using rhAmp assays. A total of 165 patients with NAFLD were monitored up until August 2019. Clinical outcomes were recorded.Results: HSD17B13 rs72613567 TA allele and rs6834314 G allele were associated with lower odds of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in the overall cohort and among ethnic Chinese, but not among ethnic Malays or Indians (P<0.05). During a mean follow-up of 89 months, 32 patients (19.4%) experienced at least one clinical outcome (cardiovascular events, n=22; liver-related complications, n=6; extra-hepatic malignancy, n=5; and mortality, n=6). The rs72613567 homozygous TA allele and the rs6834314 homozygous G allele were independently associated with a lower incidence of liver-related complications (hazard ratio [HR], 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.64; P=0.033 and HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00–0.97; P=0.048, respectively) and were associated with lower grade of hepatocyte ballooning among the ethnic Chinese.Conclusion: HSD17B13 rs72613567 and rs6834314 variants were inversely associated with NAFLD and NASH, and were associated with lower incidence of adverse liver outcomes in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asian patients with NAFLD.
Cognitive functions and drug sensitivity in adult male rats prenatally exposed to methamphetamine
Authors: Schutová B , Hrubá L , Pometlová M , Deykun K , Šlamberová R
Published: February 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of
prenatal methamphetamine (MA) exposure and application of the
same drug in adulthood on cognitive functions of adult male rats
tested in Morris water maze (MWM). Adult male rats prenatally
exposed to MA (5 mg/kg), saline or no injection were examined.
Half of the animals were injected daily with MA (1 mg/kg) after
finishing the testing. Three types of tests were used: (1) “Place
navigation test” (Learning), (2) “Probe test” and (3) “Retention
memory test” (Memory). Our results showed that prenatal MA
exposure did not affect the test of learning and the Probe test. In
the test of memory prenatally MA-exposed rats showed smaller
search errors and used spatial strategies more than both control
groups. Further, MA application in adulthood prolonged
trajectories, increased the incidence of random search and
decreased the incidence of direct swim in the Place navigation
test. In addition, MA administration in adulthood increased the
speed of swimming regardless of prenatal exposure. The present
study thus demonstrates that 1) Prenatal MA exposure does not
affect learning in the MWM, 2) Prenatal MA exposure improves
performance in the Retention memory test in the MWM, and
3) MA application in adulthood impairs learning in the Morris
water maze.
Mechanisms of chronic heart failure development in end-stage renal disease patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Malík J , Tuka V , Mokrejšová M , Holaj R , Tesař V
Published: February 2021

More than 50 % of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients
treated by chronic hemodialysis die from cardiovascular diseases,
including congestive heart failure (CHF). The incidence of CHF is
rising in both general and ESRD population. However, the
mechanisms, which lead to the development of CHF in dialyzed
patients, differ considerably. First, there are several factors
leading to increase of the left ventricular afterload: volume
overload between dialyses, hypertension, increased arterial
stiffness, anemia, vascular access flow (arteriovenous fistula) and
sympathetic activation. Second, hypertension, left ventricular
hypertrophy, anemia and frequently present coronary artery
disease worsen myocardial oxygenation. The combination of
these factors explains the high incidence of CHF in dialyzed
patients and their roles are reviewed in this article.
Fetal-Derived Immune Cells at the Roots of Lifelong Pathophysiology
Authors: Mass Elvira , Gentek Rebecca
Published: February 2021

Tissue-resident innate immune cells exert a wide range of functions in both adult homeostasis and pathology. Our understanding of when and how these cellular networks are established has dramatically changed with the recognition that many lineages originate at least in part from fetal sources and self-maintain independently from hematopoietic stem cells. Indeed, fetal-derived immune cells are found in most organs and serous cavities of our body, where they reside throughout the entire lifespan. At the same time, there is a growing appreciation that pathologies manifesting in adulthood may be caused by adverse early life events, a concept known as “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD). Yet, whether fetal-derived immune cells are mechanistically involved in DOHaD remains elusive. In this review, we summarize our knowledge of fetal hematopoiesis and its contribution to adult immune compartments, which results in a “layered immune system.” Based on their ontogeny, we argue that fetal-derived immune cells are prime transmitters of long-term consequences of prenatal adversities. In addition to increasing disease susceptibility, these may also directly cause inflammatory, degenerative, and metabolic disorders. We explore this notion for cells generated from erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMP) produced in the extra-embryonic yolk sac. Focusing on macrophages and mast cells, we present emerging evidence implicating them in lifelong disease by either somatic mutations or developmental programming events resulting from maternal and early environmental perturbations.
Microbiota Detection Patterns Correlate With Presence and Severity of Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Okereke Ikenna C. , Miller Aaron L. , Jupiter Daniel C. , Hamilton Catherine F. , Reep Gabriel L. , Krill Timothy , Andersen Clark R. , Pyles Richard B.
Published: February 2021

Background

The microbiome has been increasingly associated with different disease processes, but its role in esophagus is largely unknown. Our goal was to determine the associations of the esophageal microbiota with Barrett’s esophagus.

Methods

A total of 74 patients were included in this prospective study, including 34 patients with Barrett’s esophagus and 40 patients without Barrett’s esophagus. Esophageal swabs were obtained from the uvula, and mucosal biopsies were obtained from the proximal esophagus and distal esophagus in each patient. The microbiome of each sample was assessed using a customized Esophageal Microbiome qPCR array (EMB). For each clinical sample, we completed a detection/non-detection analysis for each organism in the EMB. The limit of detection (LOD) for each target was established by analysis of plasmid dilutions.

Results

Average age was 60.2 years. There were significantly different microbial detection patterns in patients with Barrett’s esophagus compared to the control population. There were a greater number of organisms which had different likelihoods of detection in the distal esophagus, compared to the proximal esophagus or uvula. In addition, as the length of the Barrett’s column increased, multiple organisms were less likely to be detected. This decreased likelihood occurred only in the distal esophagus. Beside Barrett’s esophagus, no other demographic factors were associated with differences in detection patterns.

Conclusions

Microbial community structures differ between patients with and without Barrett’s esophagus. Certain organisms are less likely to be detected as the severity of Barrett’s esophagus worsens. These results suggest that particular organisms may have a protective effect against the development of Barrett’s esophagus.
Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum by Single-Molecule Long-Read Sequencing
Authors: Yang Mengquan , Shang Xiaomin , Zhou Yiqing , Wang Changhong , Wei Guiying , Tang Jianxia , Zhang Meihua , Liu Yaobao , Cao Jun , Zhang Qingfeng
Published: February 2021

Malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, still accounts for amounts of deaths annually in last decades. Despite the significance of Plasmodium falciparum as a model organism of malaria parasites, our understanding of gene expression of this parasite remains largely elusive since lots of progress on its genome and transcriptome are based on assembly with short sequencing reads. Herein, we report the new version of transcriptome dataset containing all full-length transcripts over the whole asexual blood stages by adopting a full-length sequencing approach with optimized experimental conditions of cDNA library preparation. We have identified a total of 393 alternative splicing (AS) events, 3,623 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 1,555 alternative polyadenylation (APA) events, 57 transcription factors (TF), 1,721 fusion transcripts in P. falciparum. Furthermore, the shotgun proteome was performed to validate the full-length transcriptome of P. falciparum. More importantly, integration of full-length transcriptomic and proteomic data identified 160 novel small proteins in lncRNA regions. Collectively, this full-length transcriptome dataset with high quality and accuracy and the shotgun proteome analyses shed light on the complex gene expression in malaria parasites and provide a valuable resource for related functional and mechanistic researches on P. falciparum genes.
Vascular Inflammation and Cardiovascular Burden in Metastatic Breast Cancer Female Patients Receiving Hormonal Treatment and CDK 4/6 Inhibitors or Everolimus
Authors: Papageorgiou Christos , Zagouri Flora , Tampakis Konstantinos , Georgakopoulou Rebecca , Manios Efstathios , Kafouris Pavlos , Benetos Georgios , Koutagiar Iosif , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: February 2021

Background: Chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer treatment can promote vascular dysfunction and lead to high cardiovascular risk.

Purpose: To investigate the cardiovascular burden and vascular inflammation in metastatic breast cancer patients receiving CDK 4/6 inhibitors or everolimus in addition to standard hormonal treatment.

Methods: 22 consecutive female patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled. Relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricle mass (LVM) measurements by transthoracic echocardiography were obtained followed by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Uptake of the radiotracer in the aortic wall was estimated as tissue-to-background ratio (TBR). Each patient was assessed for the aforementioned parameters before the initiation and after 6 months of treatment.

Results: At follow up, patients assigned to CDK 4/6 treatment demonstrated increased 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.004), daytime SBP (p = 0.004) and night time SBP (p = 0.012) (Group effect). The 24-h mean arterial pressure measurements were also higher in CDK 4/6 population, in comparison to everolimus that displayed firm values (Group effect- p = 0.035, Interaction effect-p = 0.023). Additionally, 24 h diastolic blood pressure recordings in CDK 4/6 therapy were higher opposed to everolimus that remained consistent (Interaction effect- p = 0.010). In CDK 4/6 group, TBR aorta also increased significantly, whereas TBR values in everolimus remained stable (Interaction effect-p = 0.049). Both therapeutic regimens displayed statistically significant damaging effect to RWT and LVM.

Conclusion: CDK 4/6 inhibitors and hormonal treatment can lead to increased vascular inflammation, and higher blood pressure compared to the combination of everolimus and hormonal treatment. Moreover, both treatment strategies promoted left ventricle remodeling.
The Seismotectonic Significance of Geofluids in Italy
Authors: Vannoli Paola , Martinelli Giovanni , Valensise Gianluca
Published: February 2021

There is growing interest in how geofluid emissions are released in the atmosphere by the planet’s geodynamic activity, and how much they contribute to the global budget of greenhouse gases. Many workers are addressing this issue with studies conducted at global scale, so as to get the required global-scale answers. The data available at the global scale on geofluids, faults, earthquakes and volcanoes, however, are generally too coarse to provide these answers. We investigate the relationships between geofluid emissions and tectonics at a more detailed scale. Building on over a century of data on geofluid emissions and on an extensive knowledge of the region’s tectonics and seismicity, we focused on Italy, one of the areas of the globe that experience the largest release of natural CO2and CH4. We systematically overlaid and compared data collected by a number of workers into 13 published countrywide databases concerning geofluid emissions, carbon-bearing deposits, seismogenic faults, historical and instrumentally documented earthquakes, and heat flow observations. Our results indicate that 1) thermal springs and CO2emissions dominate in areas of mantle upwelling and crustal stretching, but also that 2) some of them occur in the extending inner Apennines, generally along major lithospheric chain-perpendicular lineaments that bound the largest normal faults. Conversely, 3) CH4emissions and mud volcanoes dominate in areas undergoing active contraction, where no CO2emissions are observed; in particular, we find 4) that mud volcanoes concentrate where the crests of active anticlines intersect major lithospheric chain-perpendicular lineaments. An overarching conclusion is that, in Italy, the release of geofluids is primarily controlled by deep crustal discontinuities that developed over the course of 5–10 My, and is only mildly affected by ongoing crustal strains. Geofluid emissions bring information on processes that occur primarily in the lower crust, marking the surface projection of generally hidden discontinuities that control the geometry and modes of seismic release. As such they may also provide valuable insight for improving the assessment of seismic hazard in hard-to-investigate seismically active regions, such as Italy.
Absence of Thyroid Hormone Induced Delayed Dendritic Arborization in Mouse Primary Hippocampal Neurons Through Insufficient Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Yajima Hiroyuki , Amano Izuki , Ishii Sumiyasu , Sadakata Tetsushi , Miyazaki Wataru , Takatsuru Yusuke , Koibuchi Noriyuki
Published: February 2021

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays important roles in the developing brain. TH deficiency in early life leads to severe developmental impairment in the hippocampus. However, the mechanisms of TH action in the developing hippocampus are still largely unknown. In this study, we generated 3,5,3’-tri-iodo-l-thyronine (T3)-free neuronal supplement, based on the composition of neuronal supplement 21 (NS21), to examine the effect of TH in the developing hippocampus using primary cultured neurons. Effects of TH on neurons were compared between cultures in this T3-free culture medium (-T3 group) and a medium in which T3 was added (+T3 group). Morphometric analysis and RT-qPCR were performed on 7, 10, and 14 days in vitro (DIV). On 10 DIV, a decreased dendrite arborization in -T3 group was observed. Such difference was not observed on 7 and 14 DIV. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA levels also decreased significantly in -T3 group on 10 DIV. We then confirmed protein levels of phosphorylated neurotrophic tyrosine kinase type 2 (NTRK2, TRKB), which is a receptor for BDNF, on 10 DIV by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Phosphorylated NTRK2 levels significantly decreased in -T3 group compared to +T3 group on 10 DIV. Considering the role of BDNF on neurodevelopment, we examined its involvement by adding BDNF on 8 and 9 DIV. Addition of 10 ng/ml BDNF recovered the suppressed dendrite arborization induced by T3 deficiency on 10 DIV. We show that the lack of TH induces a developmental delay in primary hippocampal neurons, likely caused through a decreased Bdnf expression. Thus, BDNF may play a role in TH-regulated dendritogenesis.
Mexican Onyx Waste as Active Material and Active Material’s Precursor for Conversion Anodes of Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Quiroga-González Enrique , Morales-Merino Emma
Published: February 2021

For the first time a limestone has been used as active material or active material’s precursor for electrodes of Li ion batteries. Limestones are very abundant, what is a condition for a sustainable development of energy storage devices. Mexican onyx has been used as a model of limestone in this work, mainly composed of calcite (calcium carbonate). Waste powder of this material from handcraft production was used, reducing costs. The material was carbonized and pyrolyzed, producing calcium oxide covered with carbon. Mexican onyx either treated or untreated works well as anode material for Li ion batteries, storing charges by conversion. Despite the grains of this material were as big as 50 μm, the material with no treatment showed a maximum Li storage capacity of 530.16 mAh/g at C/3.3, while the pyrolyzed one showed a maximum reversible capacity of 220 mAh/g at 1.37C and of 158 mAh/g at 5.48C, performance even better than the performance of graphite.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Immune-Related Four-lncRNA Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Jixin , Yin Xiangjun , Zhang Yin-Qiang , Ji Xuming
Published: February 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major subtype of lung cancer, the prognosis of patients with which is associated with both lncRNAs and cancer immunity. In this study, we collected gene expression data of 585 LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 605 subjects from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. LUAD patients were divided into high and low immune-cell-infiltrated groups according to the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Based on the 49 immune-related DE lncRNAs, a four-lncRNA prognostic signature was constructed by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, univariate Cox regression, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression in sequence. Kaplan–Meier curve, ROC analysis, and the testing GEO datasets verified the effectiveness of the signature in predicting overall survival (OS). Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression suggested that the signature was an independent prognostic factor. The correlation analysis revealed that the infiltration immune cell subtypes were related to these lncRNAs.
MAPKAP Kinase-2 Drives Expression of Angiogenic Factors by Tumor-Associated Macrophages in a Model of Inflammation-Induced Colon Cancer
Authors: Suarez-Lopez Lucia , Kong Yi Wen , Sriram Ganapathy , Patterson Jesse C. , Rosenberg Samantha , Morandell Sandra , Haigis Kevin M. , Yaffe Michael B.
Published: February 2021

Chronic inflammation increases the risk for colorectal cancer through a variety of mechanisms involving the tumor microenvironment. MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2), a major effector of the p38 MAPK stress and DNA damage response signaling pathway, and a critical regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, has been identified as a key contributor to colon tumorigenesis under conditions of chronic inflammation. We have previously described how genetic inactivation of MK2 in an inflammatory model of colon cancer results in delayed tumor progression, decreased tumor angiogenesis, and impaired macrophage differentiation into a pro-tumorigenic M2-like state. The molecular mechanism responsible for the impaired angiogenesis and tumor progression, however, has remained contentious and poorly defined. Here, using RNA expression analysis, assays of angiogenesis factors, genetic models,in vivomacrophage depletion and reconstitution of macrophage MK2 function using adoptive cell transfer, we demonstrate that MK2 activity in macrophages is necessary and sufficient for tumor angiogenesis during inflammation-induced cancer progression. We identify a critical and previously unappreciated role for MK2-dependent regulation of the well-known pro-angiogenesis factor CXCL-12/SDF-1 secreted by tumor associated-macrophages, in addition to MK2-dependent regulation of Serpin-E1/PAI-1 by several cell types within the tumor microenvironment.
Putting Proteomics Into Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Liangyu , Qin Di , Guo Xinyu , Wang Qixue , Li Jie
Published: February 2021

In glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain cancer, a complex microenvironment of heterogeneity and immunosuppression, are considerable hurdles to classify the subtypes and promote treatment progression. Treatments for glioblastoma are similar to standard therapies for many other cancers and do not effectively prolong the survival of patients, due to the unique location and heterogeneous characteristics of glioblastoma. Immunotherapy has shown a promising effect for many other tumors, but its application for glioma still has some challenges. The recent breakthrough of high-throughput liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems has allowed researchers to update their strategy for identifying and quantifying thousands of proteins in a much shorter time with lesser effort. The protein maps can contribute to generating a complete map of regulatory systems to elucidate tumor mechanisms. In particular, newly developed unicellular proteomics could be used to determine the microenvironment and heterogeneity. In addition, a large scale of differentiated proteins provides more ways to precisely classify tumor subtypes and construct a larger library for biomarkers and biotargets, especially for immunotherapy. A series of advanced proteomic studies have been devoted to the different aspects of immunotherapy for glioma, including monoclonal antibodies, oncolytic viruses, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Thus, the application of proteomics in immunotherapy may accelerate research on the treatment of glioblastoma. In this review, we evaluate the frontline applications of proteomics strategies for immunotherapy in glioblastoma research.
SFTSV Infection Induced Interleukin-1β Secretion Through NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Liu Jian-Wei , Chu Min , Jiao Yong-jun , Zhou Chuan-Min , Qi Rui , Yu Xue-jie
Published: February 2021

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus that causes hemorrhagic fever. Previous studies showed that SFTSV-infected patients exhibited elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), indicating that SFTSV infection may activate inflammasomes. However, the detailed mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we found that SFTSV could stimulate the IL-1β secretion in the infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), human macrophages, and C57/BL6 mice. We demonstrate that the maturation and secretion of IL-1β during SFTSV infection is mediated by the nucleotide and oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing protein family, pyrin-containing domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. This process is dependent on protease caspase-1, a component of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex. For the first time, our study discovered the role of NLRP3 in response to SFTSV infection. This finding may lead to the development of novel drugs to impede the pathogenesis of SFTSV infection.
Association of HLA Class I Genotypes With Severity of Coronavirus Disease-19
Authors: Shkurnikov Maxim , Nersisyan Stepan , Jankevic Tatjana , Galatenko Alexei , Gordeev Ivan , Vechorko Valery , Tonevitsky Alexander
Published: February 2021

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules play a crucial role in the development of a specific immune response to viral infections by presenting viral peptides at the cell surface where they will be further recognized by T cells. In the present manuscript, we explored whether HLA class I genotypes can be associated with the critical course of Coronavirus Disease-19 by searching possible connections between genotypes of deceased patients and their age at death. HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C genotypes of n = 111 deceased patients with COVID-19 (Moscow, Russia) and n = 428 volunteers were identified with next-generation sequencing. Deceased patients were split into two groups according to age at the time of death: n = 26 adult patients aged below 60 and n = 85 elderly patients over 60. With the use of HLA class I genotypes, we developed a risk score (RS) which was associated with the ability to present severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) peptides by the HLA class I molecule set of an individual. The resulting RS was significantly higher in the group of deceased adults compared to elderly adults [p = 0.00348, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC = 0.68)]. In particular, presence of HLA-A*01:01 allele was associated with high risk, while HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-A*03:01 mainly contributed to low risk. The analysis of patients with homozygosity strongly highlighted these results: homozygosity by HLA-A*01:01 accompanied early deaths, while only one HLA-A*02:01 homozygote died before 60 years of age. Application of the constructed RS model to an independent Spanish patients cohort (n = 45) revealed that the score was also associated with the severity of the disease. The obtained results suggest the important role of HLA class I peptide presentation in the development of a specific immune response to COVID-19.
A Diagnostic Panel for Acquired Immune-Mediated Polyneuropathies Based on the Expression of lncRNAs
Authors: Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Nicknafs Fwad , Hidayat Hazha Jamal , Sayad Arezou , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Taheri Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to alter immune responses, thus contributing to the pathobiology of autoimmune conditions. We investigated the expression levels of ANRIL, PICART1, MALAT1, CCAT1, CCAT2, and CCHE1 lncRNAs in acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP and CIDP). ANRIL, PICART1, MALAT1, CCAT1, CCAT2, and CCHE1 lncRNAs were significantly downregulated in individuals with both AIDP and CIDP compared with unaffected individuals. Gender-based comparisons also verified such downregulations in both male and female subjects compared with sex-matched unaffected controls for all lncRNAs. There was no significant difference in the expression of any of the lncRNAs between cases with AIDP and cases with CIDP. While the expression levels of ANRIL and PICART1 were significantly correlated in healthy subjects (r = 0.86, p = 8.5E-16), similar analysis in cases with AIDP and CIDP revealed no significant correlation. The most robust correlation among patients was detected between ANRIL and MALAT1 lncRNAs (r = 0.59, p = 3.52E-6). ANRIL, MALAT1, and PICART1 had the diagnostic power of 0.96, 0.94, and 0.92 in distinguishing between cases with CIDP and controls, respectively. A combination of all lncRNAs resulted in 0.95 diagnostic power with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.96 for this purpose. Diagnostic power values of these lncRNAs in differentiation between cases with AIDP and controls were 0.98, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. The combinatorial diagnostic power reached 0.98 for differentiation between cases with AIDP and controls. The six-lncRNA panel could differentiate combined cases with AIDP and CIDP from controls with area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.97, 0.90, and 0.96, respectively. Collectively, the lncRNA panel is suggested as a sensitive and specific diagnostic panel for acquired immune-mediated polyneuropathies.
Countering Avoidance Strategies Used by Fishers to Avoid Detection During Illegal Fishing
Authors: Arias Adrian , Bergseth Brock J. , Weekers Damian , Wilcox Chris
Published: February 2021

Non-compliers typically avoid detection by authorities, benefiting from increased catch and income. While detection-avoidance strategies (e.g., secret compartments to hide illegal catch) are commonly used in the nature conservation context, they remain largely unstudied. We address this knowledge gap in three sections. First, we introduce and hypothesize the likelihood of non-compliers adopting detection-avoidance strategies in the broader conservation context. Second, we identify and categorize detection-avoidance strategies used by small-scale fishers. Third, we provide recommendations for countering detection-avoidance strategies (i.e., countermeasures). Because countermeasures are context-specific, they should be informed through systematic processes such as the intelligence cycle. If used properly, enforcement activities and countermeasures can help build voluntary compliance, particularly through procedural justice, or acting in a way that users perceive as fair and just.
Northern Shortfin Squid (Illex illecebrosus) Fishery Footprint on the Northeast US Continental Shelf
Authors: Lowman Brooke A. , Jones Andrew W. , Pessutti Jeffrey P. , Mercer Anna M. , Manderson John P. , Galuardi Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) have presented a challenge for US fishery management because of their life history traits and broad population distribution. They are characterized by a short semelparous lifespan and high interannual variability in recruitment. Much of the stock resides outside of the boundaries of existing US fisheries surveys and US fishing effort. Based on the annual migration pattern and broad geographic distribution of shortfin squid, it is believed that the US squid fishery in the Mid-Atlantic has not had a substantial impact on the stock; however, recent catches are viewed as tightly constrained by quotas. To better estimate the potential impact of fishing on the resource, we worked with industry representatives, scientists, and managers to estimate the availability of the northern shortfin squid stock on the US continental shelf to the US fishery. Taking a novel analytical approach, we combine a model-based estimate of the area occupied by northern shortfin squid with the empirical US commercial shortfin squid fishery footprint to produce estimates of the area of overlap. Because our method overestimates the fishery footprint and underestimates the full distribution of the stock, we suggest that our estimates of the overlap between the area occupied by the squid and the fishery footprint is a way to develop a conservative estimate of the potential fishery impact on the stock. Our findings suggest a limited degree of overlap between the US fishery and the modeled area occupied by the squid on the US continental shelf, with a range of 1.4–36.3%. The work demonstrates the value of using high-resolution, spatially explicit catch and effort data in a species distribution model to inform management of short-lived and broadly distributed species, such as the northern shortfin squid.
Climate Change Impacts on Atlantic Oceanic Island Tuna Fisheries
Authors: Townhill Bryony L. , Couce Elena , Bell James , Reeves Stuart , Yates Oliver
Published: February 2021

Climate change is already affecting the distributions of marine fish, and future change is expected to have a particularly large impact on small islands that are reliant on the sea for much of their income. This study aims to develop an understanding of how climate change may affect the distribution of commercially important tuna in the waters around the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic. The future suitable habitat of southern bluefin, albacore, bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tunas were modelled under two future climate change scenarios. Of all the tunas, the waters of Tristan da Cunha are the most suitable for southern bluefin, and overall, the environmental conditions will remain so in the future. Tristan da Cunha is not projected to become more suitable for any of the other tuna species in the future. For the other tuna species, Ascension Island and Saint Helena will become more suitable in the future, particularly so for skipjack tuna around Ascension Island, as the temperature and salinity conditions change in these areas. Large marine protected areas have been designated around the territories, with those in Ascension and Tristan da Cunha closed to tuna fishing. Although these areas are small relative to the whole Atlantic, these model projections could be useful in understanding whether this protection will benefit tuna populations into the future, particularly where there is high site fidelity.
Diatoms Biotechnology: Various Industrial Applications for a Greener Tomorrow
Authors: Sharma Nikunj , Simon Daris Pazhukkunnel , Diaz-Garza Aracely Maribel , Fantino Elisa , Messaabi Anis , Meddeb-Mouelhi Fatma , Germain Hugo , Desgagné-Penix Isabel
Published: February 2021

The benefits of the complex microscopic and industrially important group of microalgae such as diatoms is not hidden and have lately surprised the scientific community with their industrial potential. The ability to survive in harsh conditions and the presence of different pore structures and defined cell walls have made diatoms ideal cell machinery to produce a variety of industrial products. The prospect of using a diatom cell for industrial application has increased significantly in synch with the advances in microscopy, metabarcoding, analytical and genetic tools. Furthermore, it is well noted that the approach of industry and academia to the use of genetic tools has changed significantly, resulting in a well-defined characterization of various molecular components of diatoms. It is possible to conduct the primary culturing, harvesting, and further downstream processing of diatom culture in a cost-effective manner. Diatoms hold all the qualities to become the alternative raw material for pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, and energy sources leading to a sustainable economy. In this review, an attempt has been made to gather important progress in the different industrial applications of diatoms such as biotechnology, biomedical, nanotechnology, and environmental technologies.
Update in Viral Infections in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fragkou Paraskevi C. , Moschopoulos Charalampos D. , Karofylakis Emmanouil , Kelesidis Theodoros , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: February 2021

The advent of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques has improved our ability to detect viral pathogens leading to severe and often fatal infections that require admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Viral infections in the ICU have pleomorphic clinical presentations including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, central or peripheral nervous system manifestations, and viral-induced shock. Besidesde novoinfections, certain viruses fall into latency and can be reactivated in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent critically ill patients. Depending on the viral strain, transmission occurs either directly through contact with infectious materials and large droplets, or indirectly through suspended air particles (airborne transmission of droplet nuclei). Many viruses can efficiently spread within hospital environment leading to in-hospital outbreaks, sometimes with high rates of mortality and morbidity, thus infection control measures are of paramount importance. Despite the advances in detecting viral pathogens, limited progress has been made in antiviral treatments, contributing to unexpectedly high rates of unfavorable outcomes. Herein, we review the most updated data on epidemiology, common clinical features, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of severe community- and hospital-acquired viral infections in the ICU settings.
Factors Influencing Participation in COVID-19 Clinical Trials: A Multi-National Study
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ahmed Samir , Abd ElHafeez Samar , Khalil Mohammad Adnan , Shahrouri Manal , Alosaimi Bandar , Salem Raneem O. , Alorabi Mohamed , Abdelgawad Fatma , Ahram Mamoun
Published: February 2021

In 2020, the World Health Organization has characterized COVID-19, a disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as a pandemic. Although a few vaccines and drugs have been approved to, respectively, prevent or treat the disease, several clinical trials are still ongoing to test new vaccines or drugs to mitigate the burden of the pandemic. Few studies have shown the role of host genetics in disease prognosis and drug response highlighting the importance of diverse participation in COVID-19 clinical trials. The goal of this study is to assess public attitudes in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan toward participating in COVID-19 clinical trials and to identify the factors that may influence their attitude. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed among the target group through social media platforms. The number of responses was 1,576. Three quarters (74.9%) of participants heard about clinical trials before, 57.6% of them had a positive attitude toward participation in COVID-19 clinical trials. The conduct of clinical trials in accordance with the scientific, research, and ethical guidelines was a strong predictor of willingness to participate in clinical trials. Other positive factors also included protection of family from COVID-19 and contributing to the return to normal community life as well as receiving additional healthcare benefit was the fourth significant predictor. On the other hand, the thought that clinical trials can have a negative impact on the health of participants strongly predicted the unwillingness of individuals to participate in such trials. This was followed by having limited information about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 and the lack of trust in physicians and hospitals. In general, Arab citizens are accepting the concept and have a positive attitude toward COVID-19 clinical trials. Increasing awareness of COVID-19 and clinical trials, enforcing the concept of altruism, and placing clear policies in conducting clinical trials are needed to increase participation in clinical trials among Arabs.
Diagnosis of Fibrosis Using Blood Markers and Logistic Regression in Southeast Asian Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Sang Chao , Yan Hongmei , Chan Wah Kheong , Zhu Xiaopeng , Sun Tao , Chang Xinxia , Xia Mingfeng , Sun Xiaoyang , Hu Xiqi , Gao Xin , Jia Wei , Bian Hua , Chen Tianlu , Xie Guoxiang
Published: February 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the main causes of fibrosis. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for the confirmation of fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Effective and non-invasive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis is essential to disease surveillance and treatment decisions. Herein we used routine medical test markers and logistic regression to differentiate early and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients from China, Malaysia, and India (n1 = 540, n2 = 147, and n3 = 97) who were confirmed by liver biopsy. Nine parameters, including age, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, presence of diabetes or impaired fasting glycemia, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, triglyceride, and aspartate transaminase/platelet count ratio, were selected by stepwise logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and hypothesis testing and were used for model construction. The area under the ROC curve (auROC) of the model was 0.82 for differentiating early and advanced fibrosis (sensitivity = 0.69, when specificity = 0.80) in the discovery set. Its diagnostic ability remained good in the two independent validation sets (auROC = 0.89 and 0.71) and was consistently superior to existing panels such as the FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis score. A web-based tool, LiveFbr, was developed for fast access to our model. The new model may serve as an attractive tool for fibrosis classification in NAFLD patients.