bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irradiance and nutrient-dependent effects on photosynthetic electron transport in Arctic phytoplankton: A comparison of two chlorophyll fluorescence-based approaches to derive primary photochemistry
Authors: Sezginer Yayla , Suggett David J. , Izett Robert W. , Tortell Philippe D.
Published: December 2021

We employed Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry for high-resolution mapping of marine phytoplankton photophysiology and primary photochemistry in the Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in the summer of 2019. Continuous ship-board analysis of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence demonstrated relatively low photochemical efficiency over most of the cruise-track, with the exception of localized regions within Barrow Strait, where there was increased vertical mixing and proximity to land-based nutrient sources. Along the full transect, we observed strong non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, with relaxation times longer than the 5-minute period used for dark acclimation. Such long-term quenching effects complicate continuous underway acquisition of fluorescence amplitude-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport rates, which rely on dark acclimation of samples. As an alternative, we employed a new algorithm to derive electron transport rates based on analysis of fluorescence relaxation kinetics, which does not require dark acclimation. Direct comparison of kinetics- and amplitude-based electron transport rate measurements demonstrated that kinetic-based estimates were, on average, 2-fold higher than amplitude-based values. The magnitude of decoupling between the two electron transport rate estimates increased in association with photophysiological diagnostics of nutrient stress. Discrepancies between electron transport rate estimates likely resulted from the use of different photophysiological parameters to derive the kinetics- and amplitude-based algorithms, and choice of numerical model used to fit variable fluorescence curves and analyze fluorescence kinetics under actinic light. Our results highlight environmental and methodological influences on fluorescence-based photochemistry estimates, and prompt discussion of best-practices for future underway fluorescence-based efforts to monitor phytoplankton photosynthesis.
Implementation of organization and end-user computing-anti-money laundering monitoring and analysis system security control
Authors: Sun Ling
Published: December 2021

The Monitoring and Analysis Centre for the fight against money laundering is a valid financial information body which is responsible for collecting, analysing and providing financial information and conducting international exchanges of financial information for relevant undertakings. By constructing the analysis of the monitoring of the local and foreign currency and of the data transmission subsystem in the plan for the transitional period against In the light of the above, the Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the acquis in the light of the progress made in implementing the acquis future new systems. The purpose of this paper is to study the research and implementation of the security control of the anti-money laundering monitoring and analysis system. This article studies the application of decision tree analysis technology in the anti-money laundering monitoring system of insurance companies to achieve the purpose of improving the anti-money laundering monitoring technology and capabilities of insurance companies. The emergence of data mining technology provides a new system solution for anti-money laundering monitoring. For insurance anti-money laundering, how to find potential money laundering cases in suspicious and large surrender transactions is key. The experimental data show that the decision tree method is the best predictor of the customer category between the insurance application and the surrender days. The decision tree analysis technology has greatly improved the security monitoring capabilities of the insurance in the anti-money laundering monitoring system. Experimental data shows that the security control capabilities of the anti-money laundering monitoring and analysis system make the accuracy of the entire model reach 95%, the accuracy of large and suspicious transactions reaches 88.6%, and the correct classification of customers is about 99.6%.
Water tank and swimming pool detection based on remote sensing and deep learning: Relationship with socioeconomic level and applications in dengue control
Authors: Cunha Higor Souza , Sclauser Brenda Santana , Wildemberg Pedro Fonseca , Fernandes Eduardo Augusto Militão , dos Santos Jefersson Alex , Lage Mariana de Oliveira , Lorenz Camila , Barbosa Gerson Laurindo , Quintanilha José Alberto , Chiaravalloti-Neto Francisco
Published: December 2021

Studies have shown that areas with lower socioeconomic standings are often more vulnerable to dengue and similar deadly diseases that can be spread through mosquitoes. This study aims to detect water tanks installed on rooftops and swimming pools in digital images to identify and classify areas based on the socioeconomic index, in order to assist public health programs in the control of diseases linked to theAedes aegyptimosquito. This study covers four regions of Campinas, São Paulo, characterized by different socioeconomic contexts. With mosaics of images obtained by a 12.1 MP Canon PowerShot S100 (5.2 mm focal length) carried by unmanned aerial vehicles, we developed deep learning algorithms in the scope of computer vision for the detection of water tanks and swimming pools. An object detection model, which was initially created for areas of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, was enhanced using the transfer learning technique, and allowed us to detect objects in Campinas with fewer samples and more efficiency. With the detection of objects in digital images, the proportions of objects per square kilometer for each region studied were estimated by adopting a Chi-square distribution model. Thus, we found that regions with low socioeconomic status had more exposed water tanks, while regions with high socioeconomic levels had more exposed pools. Using deep learning approaches, we created a useful tool forAe.aegypticontrol programs to utilize and direct disease prevention efforts. Therefore, we concluded that it is possible to detect objects directly related to the socioeconomic level of a given region from digital images, which encourages the practicality of this approach for studies aimed towards public health.
Diabetic mice have retinal and choroidal blood flow deficits and electroretinogram deficits with impaired responses to hypercapnia
Authors: Muir Eric R. , Narayanan Divya , Chandra Saurav B. , Akimov Nikolay P. , Sohn Jeong-Hyeon , Meyer Evan , Rentería René C. , Duong Timothy Q.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate neuronal and vascular functional deficits in the retina and their association in a diabetic mouse model. We measured electroretinography (ERG) responses and choroidal and retinal blood flow (ChBF, RBF) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy and diabetic mice under basal conditions and under hypercapnic challenge.

Methods

Ins2Akita diabetic (Diab, n = 8) and age-matched, wild-type C57BL/6J mice (Ctrl, n = 8) were studied under room air and moderate hypercapnia (5% CO2). Dark-adapted ERG a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potentials (OPs) were measured for a series of flashes. Regional ChBF and RBF under air and hypercapnia were measured using MRI in the same mice.

Results

Under room air, Diab mice had compromised ERG b-wave and OPs (e.g., b-wave amplitude was 422.2±10.7 μV in Diab vs. 600.1±13.9 μV in Ctrl, p < 0.001). Under hypercapnia, OPs and b-wave amplitudes were significantly reduced in Diab (OPs by 30.3±3.0% in Diab vs. -3.0±3.6% in Ctrl, b-wave by 17.9±1.4% in Diab vs. 1.3±0.5% in Ctrl). Both ChBF and RBF had significant differences in regional blood flow, with Diab mice having substantially lower blood flow in the nasal region (ChBF was 5.4±1.0 ml/g/min in Diab vs. 8.6±1.0 ml/g/min in Ctrl, RBF was 0.91±0.10 ml/g/min in Diab vs. 1.52±0.24 ml/g/min in Ctrl). Under hypercapnia, ChBF increased in both Ctrl and Diab without significant group difference (31±7% in Diab vs. 17±7% in Ctrl, p > 0.05), but an increase in RBF was not detected for either group.

Conclusions

Inner retinal neuronal function and both retinal and choroidal blood flow were impaired in Diab mice. Hypercapnia further compromised inner retinal neuronal function in diabetes, while the blood flow response was not affected, suggesting that the diabetic retina has difficulty adapting to metabolic challenges due to factors other than impaired blood flow regulation.
Impact of sleep on the microbiome of oral biofilms
Authors: Sotozono Maki , Kuriki Nanako , Asahi Yoko , Noiri Yuichiro , Hayashi Mikako , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Yamaguchi Mikiyo , Iida Tetsuya , Ebisu Shigeyuki
Published: December 2021

Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome is associated with diseases such as periodontitis and dental caries. Because the bacterial counts in saliva increase markedly during sleep, it is broadly accepted that the mouth should be cleaned before sleep to help prevent these diseases. However, this practice does not consider oral biofilms, including the dental biofilm. This study aimed to investigate sleep-related changes in the microbiome of oral biofilms by using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Two experimental schedules—post-sleep and pre-sleep biofilm collection—were applied to 10 healthy subjects. Subjects had their teeth and oral mucosa professionally cleaned 7 days and 24 h before sample collection. Samples were collected from several locations in the oral cavity: the buccal mucosa, hard palate, tongue dorsum, gingival mucosa, tooth surface, and saliva. Prevotella and Corynebacterium had higher relative abundance on awakening than before sleep in all locations of the oral cavity, whereas fluctuations in Rothia levels differed depending on location. The microbiome in different locations in the oral cavity is affected by sleep, and changes in the microbiome composition depend on characteristics of the surfaces on which oral biofilms form.
Time for change: Transitions between HIV risk levels and determinants of behavior change in men who have sex with men
Authors: Basten Maartje G. J. , van Wees Daphne A. , Matser Amy , Boyd Anders , Rozhnova Ganna , den Daas Chantal , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. E. , Heijne Janneke C. M.
Published: December 2021

As individual sexual behavior is variable over time, the timing of interventions might be vital to reducing HIV transmission. We aimed to investigate transitions between HIV risk levels among men who have sex with men (MSM), and identify determinants associated with behavior change. Participants in a longitudinal cohort study among HIV-negative MSM (Amsterdam Cohort Studies) completed questionnaires about their sexual behavior during biannual visits (2008–2017). Visits were assigned to different HIV risk levels, based on latent classes of behavior. We modelled transitions between risk levels, and identified determinants associated with these transitions at the visit preceding the transition using multi-state Markov models. Based on 7,865 visits of 767 participants, we classified three risk levels: low (73% of visits), medium (22%), and high risk (5%). For MSM at low risk, the six-month probability of increasing risk was 0.11. For MSM at medium risk, the probability of increasing to high risk was 0.08, while the probability of decreasing to low risk was 0.33. For MSM at high risk, the probability of decreasing risk was 0.43. Chemsex, erection stimulants and poppers, high HIV risk perception, and recent STI diagnosis were associated with increased risk at the next visit. High HIV risk perception and young age were associated with decreasing risk. Although the majority of MSM showed no behavior change, a considerable proportion increased HIV risk. Determinants associated with behavior change may help to identify MSM who are likely to increase risk in the near future and target interventions at these individuals, thereby reducing HIV transmission.
Conservation of A-to-I RNA editing in bowhead whale and pig
Authors: Larsen Knud , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: December 2021

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process in which nucleotide changes are introduced into an RNA sequence, many of which can contribute to proteomic sequence variation. The most common type of RNA editing, contributing to nearly 99% of all editing events in RNA, is A-to-I (adenosine-to-inosine) editing mediated by double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR) enzymes. A-to-I editing at ‘recoding’ sites results in non-synonymous substitutions in protein-coding sequences. Here, we present studies of the conservation of A-to-I editing in selected mRNAs between pigs, bowhead whales, humans and two shark species. All examined mRNAs–NEIL1, COG3, GRIA2, FLNA, FLNB, IGFBP7, AZIN1, BLCAP, GLI1, SON, HTR2C and ADAR2 –showed conservation of A-to-I editing of recoding sites. In addition, novel editing sites were identified in NEIL1 and GLI1 in bowhead whales. The A-to-I editing site of human NEIL1 in position 242 was conserved in the bowhead and porcine homologues. A novel editing site was discovered in Tyr244. Differential editing was detected at the two adenosines in the NEIL1 242 codon in both pig and bowhead NEIL1 mRNAs in various tissues and organs. No conservation of editing of KCNB1 and EEF1A mRNAs was seen in bowhead whales. In silico analyses revealed conservation of five adenosines in ADAR2, some of which are subject to A-to-I editing in bowheads and pigs, and conservation of a regulatory sequence in GRIA2 mRNA that is responsible for recognition of the ADAR editing enzyme.
An investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization and depression symptoms: A cross sectional study among university students in Qatar
Authors: Alrajeh Sara Mohamed , Hassan Huda Mohammed , Al-Ahmed Aisha Salim , Alsayed Hassan Diana
Published: December 2021

Background

Cyberbullying is a modern form of bullying that could be practiced electronically or on the internet. It is related to different mental health issues such as depression, which can affect both the cyberbully and the victim. Although a few studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimization among the younger generation in Qatar, no studies have been conducted among young adults despite studies showing that they are also prone to cyberbullying.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and the relationship between cyberbullying, cyber-victimization, and depression symptoms among Qatar University students. A self-administered close-ended electronic questionnaire was used to assess student’s cyberbullying/cyber-victimization behaviors and depression symptoms. The Revised Cyberbullying Inventory scale (RCBI-II) and Patient Health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were utilized to measure involvement in cyberbullying and depression symptoms, respectively. A total of 836 students participated in the study. Pearson Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data.

Results

Results indicated the majority of students have been involved in cyberbullying as follows: 6.8% cyberbullies, 29.2% cybervictims, 35.8% cyberbully-victims, and 28.2% not involved in either. Approximately 50% of the students scored a ten or higher on the PHQ9 test indicating symptoms of depression. Moreover, significant associations were found between cyberbullying experiences and gender (p = 0.03), depression and gender (p = 0.046), and between cyberbullying experiences and depression (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that among Qatar University students, cyberbullying and cyber-victimization are prevalent behaviors that could be associated with the high reported rates of depression symptoms.
Smooth muscle cells affect differential nanoparticle accumulation in disturbed blood flow-induced murine atherosclerosis
Authors: Miller Hunter A. , Schake Morgan A. , Bony Badrul Alam , Curtis Evan T. , Gee Connor C. , McCue Ian S. , Ripperda Thomas J. , Chatzizisis Yiannis S. , Kievit Forrest M. , Pedrigi Ryan M.
Published: December 2021

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the formation of plaques in the inner lining of arteries. Plaques form over a range of phenotypes, the most severe of which is vulnerable to rupture and causes most of the clinically significant events. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) to differentiate between two plaque phenotypes based on accumulation kinetics in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. This model uses a perivascular cuff to induce two regions of disturbed wall shear stress (WSS) on the inner lining of the instrumented artery, low (upstream) and multidirectional (downstream), which, in turn, cause the development of an unstable and stable plaque phenotype, respectively. To evaluate the influence of each WSS condition, in addition to the final plaque phenotype, in determining NP uptake, mice were injected with NPs at intermediate and fully developed stages of plaque growth. The kinetics of artery wall uptake were assessedin vivousing dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. At the intermediate stage, there was no difference in NP uptake between the two WSS conditions, although both were different from the control arteries. At the fully-developed stage, however, NP uptake was reduced in plaques induced by low WSS, but not multidirectional WSS. Histological evaluation of plaques induced by low WSS revealed a significant inverse correlation between the presence of smooth muscle cells and NP accumulation, particularly at the plaque-lumen interface, which did not exist with other constituents (lipid and collagen) and was not present in plaques induced by multidirectional WSS. These findings demonstrate that NP accumulation can be used to differentiate between unstable and stable murine atherosclerosis, but accumulation kinetics are not directly influenced by the WSS condition. This tool could be used as a diagnostic to evaluate the efficacy of experimental therapeutics for atherosclerosis.
Risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in type 2 diabetes patients: A two-centre study in a developing country
Authors: Azit Noor Atika , Sahran Shahnorbanun , Voon Meng Leow , Subramaniam Manisekar , Mokhtar Suryati , Mohammed Nawi Azmawati
Published: December 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly known as a risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we determined the risk factors associated with HCC in T2DM patients. This was a matched case-control study conducted at two hepatobiliary referral centres in a developing country. Patients’ sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2018 were extracted from the electronic medical records and analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 212 case-control pairs were included. Significant risk factors included Chinese and Malay ethnicities that interacted with viral hepatitis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–99.79) and (AOR = 37.94, 95% CI: 3.92–367.61) respectively, weight loss (AOR = 5.28, 95% CI: 2.29–12.19), abdominal pain/ discomfort (AOR = 6.73, 95% CI: 3.34–13.34), alcohol (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.81–9.22), fatty liver (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.40–7.76), low platelet (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI:1.90–8.55), raised alanine transaminase (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.16–3.86). and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.17–4.00). Statins reduced the risk of HCC by 63% (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21–0.65). The identification of these factors aids the risk stratification for HCC among T2DM patients for early detection and decision-making in patient management in the primary care setting.
Changes in motor paralysis involving upper extremities of outpatient chronic stroke patients from temporary rehabilitation interruption due to spread of COVID-19 infection: An observational study on pre- and post-survey data without a control group
Authors: Sakamoto Daigo , Hamaguchi Toyohiro , Nakayama Yasuhide , Hada Takuya , Abo Masahiro
Published: December 2021

Background

Outpatient rehabilitation was temporarily suspended because of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and there was a risk that patients’ activities of daily living (ADLs) would decrease and physical functions unmaintained. Therefore, we investigated the ADLs and motor functions of chronic stroke patients whose outpatient rehabilitation was temporarily interrupted.

Methods

In this observational study, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Barthel Index (BI) scores of 49 stroke hemiplegic patients at 6 and 3 months before rehabilitation interruptions were retrospectively determined and were prospectively investigated on resumption of outpatient rehabilitation. Presence or absence of symptoms and difficulties caused by the interruption period (IP) was investigated using a binomial method. Deltas were analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) according to the survey period. Age, sex, severity of FMA-UE immediately post-resumption and post-onset period were used as covariates. For survey items showing significant model fit, the 95% confidence interval of minimum detectable change (MDC95) was calculated, and the amount of change was compared. Questionnaire responses were tested via proportion ratio. Statistical significance was set at 5%.

Results

The FMA-UE part A and total scores were significantly model fit depending on periods. The estimated FMA-UE total score decreased by 1.64 (z = −2.38, p = 0.02) during the 3-month IP. No fits were observed by GLM in other parts of the FMA-UE, ARAT, or BI. The calculated MDC95was 3.58 for FMA-UE part A and 4.50 for FMA-UE overall. Answers to questions regarding sleep disturbance and physical pain were significantly biased toward “no” in the psychosomatic function items (p<0.05). There was no bias in the distribution of answers to questions regarding joint stiffness, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and difficulty in moving arms and hands. All 16 questions regarding activities and participation items were significantly biased toward answers “no” (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The FMA-UE part A and total scores were affected. Patients complained of subjective symptoms related to upper limb paralysis after the IP. Since ADLs of patients were maintained, the therapist can recommend that patients not receiving outpatient treatments be evaluated in relation to the shoulder, elbow, and forearm and instructed on self-training to maintain motor function.
Key role of Extracellular RNA in hypoxic stress induced myocardial injury
Authors: Bhagat Saumya , Biswas Indranil , Alam Md Iqbal , Khan Madiha , Khan Gausal A.
Published: December 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI), atherosclerosis and other inflammatory and ischemic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a very high mortality rate and limited therapeutic options. Although the diagnosis is based on markers such as cardiac Troponin-T (cTrop-T), the mechanism of cTrop-T upregulation and release is relatively obscure. In the present study, we have investigated the mechanism of cTrop-T release during acute hypoxia (AH) in a mice model by ELISA & immunohistochemistry. Our study showed that AH exposure significantly induces the expression and release of sterile inflammatory as well as MI markers in a time-dependent manner. We further demonstrated that activation of TLR3 (mediated by eRNA) by AH exposure in mice induced cTrop-T release and Poly I:C (TLR3 agonist) also induced cTrop-T release, but the pre-treatment of TLR3 immuno-neutralizing antibody or silencing ofTlr3gene or RNaseA treatment two hrs before AH exposure, significantly abrogated AH-induced Caspase 3 activity as well as cTrop-T release. Our immunohistochemistry and Masson Trichrome (MT) staining studies further established the progression of myocardial injury by collagen accumulation, endothelial cell and leukocyte activation and adhesion in myocardial tissue which was abrogated significantly by pre-treatment of RNaseA 2 hrs before AH exposure. These data indicate that AH induced cTrop-T release is mediated via the eRNA-TLR3-Caspase 3 pathway.
Genome-wide host methylation profiling of anal and cervical carcinoma
Authors: Siegel Erin M. , Ajidahun Abidemi , Berglund Anders , Guerrero Whitney , Eschrich Steven , Putney Ryan M. , Magliocco Anthony , Riggs Bridget , Winter Kathryn , Simko Jeff P. , Ajani Jaffer A. , Guha Chandan , Okawara Gordon S. , Abdalla Ibrahim , Becker Mark J. , Pizzolato Joseph F. , Crane Christopher H. , Brown Kevin D. , Shibata David
Published: December 2021

HPV infection results in changes in host gene methylation which, in turn, are thought to contribute to the neoplastic progression of HPV-associated cancers. The objective of this study was to identify joint and disease-specific genome-wide methylation changes in anal and cervical cancer as well as changes in high-grade pre-neoplastic lesions. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) anal tissues (n = 143; 99% HPV+) and fresh frozen cervical tissues (n = 28; 100% HPV+) underwent microdissection, DNA extraction, HPV genotyping, bisulfite modification, DNA restoration (FFPE) and analysis by the Illumina HumanMethylation450 Array. Differentially methylated regions (DMR; t test q<0.01, 3 consecutive significant CpG probes and mean Δβ methylation value>0.3) were compared between normal and cancer specimens in partial least squares (PLS) models and then used to classify anal or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-3 (AIN3/CIN3). In AC, an 84-gene PLS signature (355 significant probes) differentiated normal anal mucosa (NM; n = 9) from AC (n = 121) while a 36-gene PLS signature (173 significant probes) differentiated normal cervical epithelium (n = 10) from CC (n = 9). The CC progression signature was validated using three independent publicly available datasets (n = 424 cases). The AC and CC progression PLS signatures were interchangeable in segregating normal, AIN3/CIN3 and AC and CC and were found to include 17 common overlapping hypermethylated genes. Moreover, these signatures segregated AIN3/CIN3 lesions similarly into cancer-like and normal-like categories. Distinct methylation changes occur across the genome during the progression of AC and CC with overall similar profiles and add to the evidence suggesting that HPV-driven oncogenesis may result in similar non-random methylomic events. Our findings may lead to identification of potential epigenetic drivers of HPV-associated cancers and also, of potential markers to identify higher risk pre-cancerous lesions.
Chronic plantar heel pain modifies associations of ankle plantarflexor strength and body mass index with calcaneal bone density and microarchitecture
Authors: Rogers Jason Andrew , Jones Graeme , Cook Jill , Squibb Kathryn , Wills Karen , Lahham Aroub , Winzenberg Tania
Published: December 2021

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is associated with calcaneal bone spurs, but its associations with other calcaneal bone features are unknown. This study therefore aimed to determine associations between having CPHP and bone density and microarchitecture of the calcaneus. We assessed 220 participants with CPHP and 100 age- and sex-matched population-based controls. Trabecular bone density, thickness, separation and number, BV/TV, and cortical density, thickness and area were measured using a Scanco Xtreme1 HR-pQCT scanner at a plantar and mid-calcaneal site. Clinical, physical activity and disease history data were also collected. Associations with bone outcomes were assessed using multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, BMI and ankle plantarflexor strength. We assessed for potential effect modification of CPHP on these covariates using interaction terms. There were univariable associations at the plantar calcaneus where higher trabecular bone density, BV/TV and thickness and lower trabecular separation were associated with CPHP. In multivariable models, having CPHP was not independently associated with any bone outcome, but modified associations of BMI and ankle plantarflexor strength with mid-calcaneal and plantar bone outcomes respectively. Beneficial associations of BMI with mid-calcaneal trabecular density (BMI-case interaction standardised X/unstandardised Y beta -10.8(mgHA/cm3) (se 4.6), thickness -0.002(mm) (se 0.001) and BV/TV -0.009(%) (se 0.004) were reduced in people with CPHP. Beneficial associations of ankle plantarflexor strength with plantar trabecular density (ankle plantarflexor strength -case interaction -11.9(mgHA/cm3) (se 4.4)), thickness -0.003(mm) (se 0.001), separation -0.003(mm) (se 0.001) and BV/TV -0.010(%) (se 0.004) were also reduced. CPHP may have consequences for calcaneal bone density and microarchitecture by modifying associations of BMI and ankle plantarflexor strength with calcaneal bone outcomes. The reasons for these case-control differences are uncertain but could include a bone response to entheseal stress, altered loading habits and/or pain mechanisms. Confirmation with longitudinal study is required.
Investigation of the impact of commonly used medications on the oral microbiome of individuals living without major chronic conditions
Authors: DeClercq Vanessa , Nearing Jacob T. , Langille Morgan G. I.
Published: December 2021

Background

Commonly used medications produce changes in the gut microbiota, however, the impact of these medications on the composition of the oral microbiota is understudied.

Methods

Saliva samples were obtained from 846 females and 368 males aged 35–69 years from a Canadian population cohort, the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (PATH). Samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and differences in microbial community compositions between nonusers, single-, and multi-drug users as well as the 3 most commonly used medications (thyroid hormones, statins, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI)) were examined.

Results

Twenty-six percent of participants were taking 1 medication and 21% were reported taking 2 or more medications. Alpha diversity indices of Shannon diversity, Evenness, Richness, and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity were similar among groups, likewise beta diversity as measured by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity (R2 = 0.0029, P = 0.053) and weighted UniFrac distances (R2 = 0.0028, P = 0.161) were non-significant although close to our alpha value threshold (P = 0.05). After controlling for covariates (sex, age, BMI), six genera (Saprospiraceae uncultured, Bacillus, Johnsonella, Actinobacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Mycoplasma) were significantly different from non-medication users. Thyroid hormones, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and PPI were the most reported medications. Shannon diversity differed significantly among those taking no medication and those taking only thyroid hormones, however, there were no significant difference in other measures of alpha- or beta diversity with single thyroid hormone, statin, or PPI use. Compared to participants taking no medications, the relative abundance of eight genera differed significantly in participants taking thyroid hormones, six genera differed in participants taking statins, and no significant differences were observed with participants taking PPI.

Conclusion

The results from this study show negligible effect of commonly used medications on microbial diversity and small differences in the relative abundance of specific taxa, suggesting a minimal influence of commonly used medication on the salivary microbiome of individuals living without major chronic conditions.
Human fascioliasis in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Dermauw Veronique , Muchai Joan , Al Kappany Yara , Fajardo Castaneda Ana Lucia , Dorny Pierre
Published: December 2021

Fascioliasis is a globally distributed, parasitic zoonosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. A comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of human fascioliasis in Africa is missing up to now. Therefore, our objective was to conduct a systematic review aiming to summarize recent knowledge on the distribution, prevalence, and risk factors of human fascioliasis in Africa. A key word search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Africa Wide, to gather relevant literature, published between the 1st of January 2000 and 31st of December 2020. A total of 472 records were initially retrieved, with 40 full text articles retained for the qualitative synthesis. Human fascioliasis was reported in 12 African countries, namely Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South-Africa, Tanzania and Tunisia. The majority of the studies was conducted in Egypt. A total of 28 records were population surveys. Coproscopy was the most commonly used tool for fascioliasis diagnosis in these surveys. Gender (being female), consumption of raw vegetables/seeds, age, owning livestock, and use of unsafe drinking water sources, were identified as risk factors in 7 studies. Furthermore, 43 case reports were retrieved, described in 12 studies. Eosinophilia was present in 39 of these cases, while 11 had positive coproscopy results. Eight cases described having eaten raw wild vegetables. Overall, the low number and quality of records retrieved indicates that human fascioliasis remains a truly neglected disease in Africa, and more epidemiological studies are urgently needed to both establish the actual distribution as well as risk factors on the continent.
Competing social identities and intergroup discrimination: Evidence from a framed field experiment with high school students in Vietnam
Authors: Vuong Tam Kiet , Chan Ho Fai , Torgler Benno
Published: December 2021

We conducted a framed field experiment to explore a situation where individuals have potentially competing social identities to understand how group identification and socialisation affect in-group favouritism and out-group discrimination. The Dictator Game and the Trust Game were conducted in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on two groups of high school students with different backgrounds, i.e., French bilingual and monolingual (Vietnamese) students. We find strong evidence for the presence of these two phenomena: our micro-analysis of within- and between-school effects show that bilingual students exhibit higher discriminatory behaviour toward non-bilinguals within the same school than toward other bilinguals from a different school, implying that group identity is a key factor in the explanation of intergroup cooperation and competition.
Microbial proteasomes as drug targets
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lin Gang
Published: December 2021

Proteasomes are compartmentalized, ATP-dependent, N-terminal nucleophile hydrolases that play essentials roles in intracellular protein turnover. They are present in all 3 kingdoms. Pharmacological inhibition of proteasomes is detrimental to cell viability. Proteasome inhibitor rugs revolutionize the treatment of multiple myeloma. Proteasomes in pathogenic microbes such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), and other parasites and worms have been validated as therapeutic targets. Starting with Mtb proteasome, efforts in developing inhibitors selective for microbial proteasomes have made great progress lately. In this review, we describe the strategies and pharmacophores that have been used in developing proteasome inhibitors with potency and selectivity that spare human proteasomes and highlight the development of clinical proteasome inhibitor candidates for treatment of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Finally, we discuss the future challenges and therapeutical potentials of the microbial proteasome inhibitors.
Molecular signatures between citrus and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Hu Bin , Rao Muhammad Junaid , Deng Xiuxin , Pandey Sheo Shankar , Hendrich Connor , Ding Fang , Wang Nian , Xu Qiang
Published: December 2021

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) is the most prevalent strain associated with HLB, which is yet to be cultured in vitro. None of the commercial citrus cultivars are resistant to HLB. The pathosystem of Ca. Liberibacter is complex and remains a mystery. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in genomic research on the pathogen, the interaction of host and CLas, and the influence of CLas infection on the transcripts, proteins, and metabolism of the host. We have also focused on the identification of candidate genes for CLas pathogenicity or the improvements of HLB tolerance in citrus. In the end, we propose potentially promising areas for mechanistic studies of CLas pathogenicity, defense regulators, and genetic improvement for HLB tolerance/resistance in the future.
Fungicide effects on human fungal pathogens: Cross-resistance to medical drugs and beyond
Authors: Bastos Rafael W. , Rossato Luana , Goldman Gustavo H. , Santos Daniel A.
Published: December 2021

Fungal infections are underestimated threats that affect over 1 billion people, andCandidaspp.,Cryptococcusspp., andAspergillusspp. are the 3 most fatal fungi. The treatment of these infections is performed with a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, and the class of the azoles is the most used. Although these drugs present low toxicity for the host, there is an emergence of therapeutic failure due to azole resistance. Drug resistance normally develops in patients undergoing azole long-term therapy, when the fungus in contact with the drug can adapt and survive. Conversely, several reports have been showing that resistant isolates are also recovered from patients with no prior history of azole therapy, suggesting that other routes might be driving antifungal resistance. Intriguingly, antifungal resistance also happens in the environment since resistant strains have been isolated from plant materials, soil, decomposing matter, and compost, where important human fungal pathogens live. As the resistant fungi can be isolated from the environment, in places where agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture and wood industry, the hypothesis that fungicides could be driving and selecting resistance mechanism in nature, before the contact of the fungus with the host, has gained more attention. The effects of fungicide exposure on fungal resistance have been extensively studied inAspergillus fumigatusand less investigated in other human fungal pathogens. Here, we discuss not only classic and recent studies showing that environmental azole exposure selects cross-resistance to medical azoles inA.fumigatus, but also how this phenomenon affectsCandidaandCryptococcus, other 2 important human fungal pathogens found in the environment. We also examine data showing that fungicide exposure can select relevant changes in the morphophysiology and virulence of those pathogens, suggesting that its effect goes beyond the cross-resistance.
Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells control dendritic cells in inducing antigen-specific immunity to emerging SARS-CoV-2 antigens
Authors: Uraki Ryuta , Imai Masaki , Ito Mutsumi , Shime Hiroaki , Odanaka Mizuyu , Okuda Moe , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Yamazaki Sayuri
Published: December 2021

Regulatory T (Treg) cells, which constitute about 5–10% of CD4+T cells expressing Foxp3 transcription factor and CD25(IL-2 receptor α chain), are key regulators in controlling immunological self-tolerance and various immune responses. However, how Treg cells control antigen-specific immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of transient breakdown of the immunological tolerance induced by Treg-cell depletion on adaptive immune responses against administered SARS-CoV-2 antigen, spike protein 1 (S1). Notably, without the use of adjuvants, transient Treg-cell depletion in mice induced anti-S1 antibodies that neutralized authentic SARS-CoV-2, follicular helper T cell formation and S1-binding germinal center B cell responses, but prevented the onset of developing autoimmune diseases. To further clarify the mechanisms, we investigated maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which is essential to initiate antigen-specific immunity. We found that the transient Treg-cell depletion resulted in maturation of both migratory and resident DCs in draining lymph nodes that captured S1-antigen. Moreover, we observed S1-specific CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells with interferon-γ production. Thus, captured S1 was successfully presented by DCs, including cross-presentation to CD8+T cells. These data indicate that transient Treg-cell depletion in the absence of adjuvants induces maturation of antigen-presenting DCs and succeeds in generating antigen-specific humoral and cellular immunity against emerging SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Finally, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific immune responses induced by transient Treg-cell depletion in the absence of adjuvants were compatible with those induced with an effective adjuvant, polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidyl acid (poly IC) and that the combination of transient Treg-cell depletion with poly IC induced potent responses. These findings highlight the capacity for manipulating Treg cells to induce protective adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 with activating antigen-presenting DCs, which may improve the efficacy of ongoing vaccine therapies and help enhance responses to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Cytotoxic CD4+ T-cells specific for EBV capsid antigen BORF1 are maintained in long-term latently infected healthy donors
Authors: Dowell Alexander C. , Haigh Tracey A. , Ryan Gordon B. , Turner James E. , Long Heather M. , Taylor Graham S.
Published: December 2021

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of the population whereupon it establishes a latent infection of B-cells that persists for life under immune control. Primary EBV infection can cause infectious mononucleosis (IM) and long-term viral carriage is associated with several malignancies and certain autoimmune diseases. Current efforts developing EBV prophylactic vaccination have focussed on neutralising antibodies. An alternative strategy, that could enhance the efficacy of such vaccines or be used alone, is to generate T-cell responses capable of recognising and eliminating newly EBV-infected cells before the virus initiates its growth transformation program. T-cell responses against the EBV structural proteins, brought into the newly infected cell by the incoming virion, are prime candidates for such responses. Here we show the structural EBV capsid proteins BcLF1, BDLF1 and BORF1 are frequent targets of T-cell responses in EBV infected people, identify new CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell epitopes and map their HLA restricting alleles. Using T-cell clones we demonstrate that CD4+ but not CD8+ T-cell clones specific for the capsid proteins can recognise newly EBV-infected B-cells and control B-cell outgrowth via cytotoxicity. Using MHC-II tetramers we show a CD4+ T-cell response to an epitope within the BORF1 capsid protein epitope is present during acute EBV infection and in long-term viral carriage. In common with other EBV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses the BORF1-specific CD4+ T-cells in IM patients expressed perforin and granzyme-B. Unexpectedly, perforin and granzyme-B expression was sustained over time even when the donor had entered the long-term infected state. These data further our understanding of EBV structural proteins as targets of T-cell responses and how CD4+ T-cell responses to EBV change from acute disease into convalescence. They also identify new targets for prophylactic EBV vaccine development.
Migration: Traces in an Art Collection, Maria Lind and Cecilia Widenheim (eds)
Authors: Brereton William
Published: December 2021

Review of: Migration: Traces in an Art Collection, Maria Lind and Cecilia Widenheim (eds)

Berlin: Sternberg Press (2021), 320 pp., p/bk,

ISBN: 978-3-95679-547-3, US $29.95
Efectos especiales made in Spain. Un análisis sobre el trucaje cinematográfico en Emilio Ruiz del Río
Authors: Lanza Vidal Darío
Published: December 2021

Emilio Ruiz del Río fue el artista español de efectos de mayor reconocimiento internacional. Conocido como el «wizard» por su amplio repertorio de recursos, ha destacado principalmente por la calidad de sus pinturas sobre cristal y chapa, sus maquetas y sus escenarios de perspectiva forzada. Dejando al margen las descripciones de carácter práctico o instrumental, el presente trabajo busca profundizar en su obra a través de una investigación sobre los mecanismos implícitos en el particular proceso de iconización que se activa en sus creaciones y que sustenta la efectividad de sus trucajes, reflexionar sobre la realidad o irrealidad en la imagen trucada, así como poner en relieve su particular aproximación al trucaje cinematográfico, rigurosamente articulada en torno a la manipulación profílmica.
Online Reputation Management in Canadian Hospitals
Authors: Medina Aguerrebere Pablo , Gonzalez Pacanowski Toni , Medina Eva
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to evaluate how Canadian hospitals manage Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and their own corporate websites to promote their brand and reinforce their strategic positioning. We carried out a literature review about corporate communication, branding and health organizations; and then, we defined 48 key performance indicators to analyze how the best 85 Canadian hospitals managed Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and their corporate website for promoting their brands. We concluded that most Canadian hospitals used their corporate website for disseminating journalistic information; Facebook and Twitter, for interacting with patients; and Youtube, for publishing videos about health education.
From ‘Content Providers’ to ‘Key Social Structures’: a Turn to Practice in Citizens’ Discourses on Spanish Public Service Television (TVE)
Authors: Mateos Martín Concha , Lamuedra María , Broullón-Lozano Manuel
Published: December 2021

This work analyses the evolution of citizens’ discourses on public service broadcasting in Spain before and after the wave of social unrest occurring between 2011 and 2013. A shift from a demand for barely defined towards more specific content, relating to the very structure of public service broadcasting, was detected. On the basis of an analysis of 11 focus groups formed by viewers of Televisión Española (TVE) and performed in two stages (2008-2009 and 2014-2016), a paradigm definable as a ‘turn to practice’ is confirmed. It has been observed that the practices pertaining to that paradigm have advocated for convergence and collaboration in the fields of information, the arts, critical thinking and certain institutional policies, which are also present in the citizenry’s definition of public service broadcasting. This has led viewers to call for a greater say in public service broadcasting and to emphasise communitarian forms of relating to it.