bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between SMAD2 and STAT5A is a critical determinant of IL-17A/IL-17F differential expression
Authors: Corral-Jara Karla Fabiola , Chauvin Camille , Abou-Jaoudé Wassim , Grandclaudon Maximilien , Naldi Aurélien , Soumelis Vassili , Thieffry Denis
Published: April 2021

Interleukins (IL)-17A and F are critical cytokines in anti-microbial immunity but also contribute to auto-immune pathologies. Recent evidence suggests that they may be differentially produced by T-helper (Th) cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To address this question, we built a regulatory graph integrating all reported upstream regulators of IL-17A and F, completed by ChIP-seq data analyses. The resulting regulatory graph encompasses 82 components and 136 regulatory links. The graph was then supplemented by logical rules calibrated with original flow cytometry data using naive CD4+ T cells, in conditions inducing IL-17A or IL-17F. The model displays specific stable states corresponding to virtual phenotypes explaining IL-17A and IL-17F differential regulation across eight cytokine stimulatory conditions. Our model analysis points to the transcription factors NFAT2A, STAT5A and SMAD2 as key regulators of the differential expression of IL-17A and IL-17F, with STAT5A controlling IL-17F expression, and an interplay of NFAT2A, STAT5A and SMAD2 controlling IL-17A expression. We experimentally observed that the production of IL-17A was correlated with an increase of SMAD2 transcription, and the expression of IL-17F correlated with an increase of BLIMP-1 transcription, together with an increase of STAT5A expression (mRNA), as predicted by our model. Interestingly, RORγt presumably plays a more determinant role in IL-17A expression as compared to IL-17F expression. In conclusion, we propose the first mechanistic model accounting for the differential expression of IL-17A and F in Th cells, providing a basis to design novel therapeutic interventions in auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.
President's Page: The evolution of your geoscience career: Growing professionally with SEG by your side
Authors: Nessim Maurice
Published: April 2021

As we face the future, I am reminded of a wonderful insight by renowned futurist Alvin Toffler, who said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
The Way of the Future: Personalizing Treatment Plans Through Technology
Authors: Liefaard Marte C. , Lips Esther H. , Wesseling Jelle , Hylton Nola M. , Lou Bin , Mansi Tommaso , Pusztai Lajos
Published: April 2021

Advances in tissue analysis methods, image analysis, high-throughput molecular profiling, and computational tools increasingly allow us to capture and quantify patient-to-patient variations that impact cancer risk, prognosis, and treatment response. Statistical models that integrate patient-specific information from multiple sources (e.g., family history, demographics, germline variants, imaging features) can provide individualized cancer risk predictions that can guide screening and prevention strategies. The precision, quality, and standardization of diagnostic imaging are improving through computer-aided solutions, and multigene prognostic and predictive tests improved predictions of prognosis and treatment response in various cancer types. A common theme across many of these advances is that individually moderately informative variables are combined into more accurate multivariable prediction models. Advances in machine learning and the availability of large data sets fuel rapid progress in this field. Molecular dissection of the cancer genome has become a reality in the clinic, and molecular target profiling is now routinely used to select patients for various targeted therapies. These technology-driven increasingly more precise and quantitative estimates of benefit versus risk from a given intervention empower patients and physicians to tailor treatment strategies that match patient values and expectations.
Primary Prophylaxis With Biosimilar Filgrastim for Patients at Intermediate Risk for Febrile Neutropenia: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Li Edward , Mezzio Dylan J. , Campbell David , Campbell Kim , Lyman Gary H.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Temporary COVID-19 guideline recommendations have recently been issued to expand the use of colony-stimulating factors in patients with cancer with intermediate to high risk for febrile neutropenia (FN). We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis (PP) with biosimilar filgrastim-sndz in patients with intermediate risk of FN compared with secondary prophylaxis (SP) over three different cancer types.

METHODS:

A Markov decision analytic model was constructed from the US payer perspective over a lifetime horizon to evaluate PP versus SP in patients with breast cancer, non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds for incremental cost per FN avoided, life year gained, and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses evaluated uncertainty.

RESULTS:

Compared with SP, PP provided an additional 0.102-0.144 LYs and 0.065-0.130 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ranged from $5,660 in US dollars (USD) to $20,806 USD per FN event avoided, $5,123 to $31,077 USD per life year gained, and $7,213 to $35,563 USD per QALY gained. Over 1,000 iterations, there were 73.6%, 99.4%, and 91.8% probabilities that PP was cost-effective at a willingness to pay of $50,000 USD per QALY gained for breast cancer, NSCLC, and NHL, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

PP with a biosimilar filgrastim (specifically filgrastim-sndz) is cost-effective in patients with intermediate risk for FN receiving curative chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer, NSCLC, and NHL. Expanding the use of colony-stimulating factors for patients may be valuable in reducing unnecessary health care visits for patients with cancer at risk of complications because of COVID-19 and should be considered for the indefinite future.
Domain wall dynamics in the spinor Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Kuratsuji Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

A dynamical theory is presented for the domain wall in the spinor Bose-Einstein condensate of “effective” one dimension. The formulation is based on the time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg (LG) theory written in terms of the spinor order parameter. The procedure is carried out in such a way that an adiabatic change of the collective coordinates which are given by the kink position as well as the phase function built in the spinor, is adapted to the canonical term (alias geometric phase) in the LG Lagrangian. Two problems are discussed: The first one is to explore the translational motion of the kink center in the presence of the pinning potential, which results in the quantum potential problem. The other one concerns the steering of the domain wall by modulating the externally driven magnetic field assisted with dissipation. The present attempt would shed light on the spinor Bose-Einstein condensates from a novel viewpoint.
Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenols and Phthalates and Postpartum Depression: The Role of Neurosteroid Hormone Disruption
Authors: Jacobson Melanie H , Stein Cheryl R , Liu Mengling , Ackerman Marra G , Blakemore Jennifer K , Long Sara E , Pinna Graziano , Romay-Tallon Raquel , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Zhu Hongkai , Trasande Leonardo
Published: April 2021

Context

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious psychiatric disorder. While causes remain poorly understood, perinatal sex hormone fluctuations are an important factor, and allopregnanolone in particular has emerged as a key determinant. Although synthetic environmental chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates are known to affect sex hormones, no studies have measured allopregnanolone and the consequences of these hormonal changes on PPD have not been interrogated.

Objective

To investigate associations of repeated measures of urinary bisphenols and phthalates in early and midpregnancy with serum pregnenolone, progesterone, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone concentrations in midpregnancy and PPD symptoms at 4 months postpartum.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 139 pregnant women recruited between 2016 and 2018. Bisphenols and phthalates were measured in early and midpregnancy urine samples. Serum sex steroid hormone concentrations were measured in midpregnancy. PPD was assessed at 4 months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Multiple informant models were fit using generalized estimating equations. Serum levels of allopregnanolone, progesterone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone were examined as log-transformed continuous variables. PPD symptoms were examined as continuous EPDS scores and dichotomously with scores ≥10 defined as PPD.

Results

Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) metabolites were associated with reduced progesterone concentrations. Log-unit increases in ∑DnOP and ∑DiNP predicted 8.1% (95% CI –15.2%, –0.4%) and 7.7% (95% CI –13.3%, –1.7%) lower progesterone, respectively. ∑DnOP was associated with increased odds of PPD (odds ratio 1.48; 95% CI 1.04, 2.11).

Conclusion

Endocrine disrupting chemicals may influence hormonal shifts during pregnancy as well as contribute to PPD.
Acute Vestibular Syndrome
Authors: Steenerson Kristen K.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides a practical approach to acute vestibular syndrome while highlighting recent research advances.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acute vestibular syndrome is defined as sudden-onset, continuous vertigo lasting longer than 24 hours with associated nausea and vomiting, all of which are worsened with head movement. Acute vestibular syndrome is provoked by a variety of central and peripheral causes, the most common of which are vestibular neuritis and acute stroke (posterior circulation). A clinical approach focusing on timing, associated history, and ocular motor findings can improve diagnostic accuracy and is more sensitive and specific than early neuroimaging. Because of the shared neurovascular supply, both peripheral and central vestibular disorders can manifest overlapping signs previously considered solely peripheral or central, including vertical skew, nystagmus, abnormal vestibular ocular reflex, hearing loss, and gait instability. Although acute vestibular syndrome is typically benign, stroke should be considered in every person with acute vestibular syndrome because it can act as a harbinger of stroke or impending cerebellar herniation. Treatment is focused on physical therapy because the evidence is minimal for the long-term use of medication.

The diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome first requires the elimination of common medical causes for dizziness. Next, underlying pathology must be determined by distinguishing between the most common causes of acute vestibular syndrome: central and peripheral vestibular disorders. Central vestibular disorders are most often the result of ischemic stroke affecting the cerebellar arteries. Peripheral vestibular disorders are assumed to be caused mostly by inflammatory sources, but ischemia of the peripheral vestibular apparatus may be underappreciated. By using the HINTS Plus (Head Impulse test, Nystagmus, Test of Skew with Plus referring to hearing loss assessment) examination in addition to a comprehensive neurologic examination, strokes are unlikely to be missed. For nearly all acute vestibular disorders, vestibular physical therapy contributes to recovery.
Selected Otologic Disorders Causing Dizziness
Authors: Ishiyama Gail
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article details updated clinical presentations and current treatment paradigms of the common otologic disorders that may present to the neurologist for vertigo, including Ménière disease, superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, perilymphatic fistula, barotrauma, cholesteatoma, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, and autoimmune inner ear disease including Cogan syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent data on modern imaging techniques with three-dimensional delayed IV contrast in Ménière disease, findings on the clinical and testing parameters to diagnose semicircular canal dehiscence and barotrauma, and clinical findings in Ramsay Hunt syndrome, cholesteatoma, and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome are discussed in the article. The most recent findings on the treatment and evaluation of autoimmune inner ear disease and Cogan syndrome are also covered.

This article discusses the common clinical otologic entities in patients who may present to the neurologist for vertigo, and it can be used as a guide in the diagnosis of these conditions with the use of auditory, vestibular, and imaging results.
Cardiac Arrest due to Failed Pacemaker Capture After Peripheral Nerve Blockade With Levobupivacaine: A Case Report
Authors: Kitajima Asuka , Nakatomi Takeshi , Otsuka Yuji , Sanui Masamitsu , Lefor Alan Kawarai
Published: April 2021

We describe a patient with a pacemaker who developed cardiac arrest shortly after ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for postoperative analgesia. The cause of cardiac arrest was capture failure due to an increased pacing threshold, and the patient was promptly treated by increasing the pacing amplitude. Local anesthetics used for rectus sheath block might have affected the pacing threshold and caused pacing capture failure, since local anesthetics can block cardiac sodium channels. Anesthesiologists should recognize the risk of pacemaker capture failure when a large amount of local anesthetic is given to patients with a cardiac pacemaker.
Regulation of otocyst patterning by Tbx2 and Tbx3 is required for inner ear morphogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Kaiser Marina , Wojahn Irina , Rudat Carsten , Lüdtke Timo H. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Moon Anne , Kispert Andreas , Trowe Mark-Oliver
Published: April 2021

All epithelial components of the inner ear, including sensory hair cells and innervating afferent neurons, arise by patterning and differentiation of epithelial progenitors residing in a simple sphere, the otocyst. Here, we identify the transcriptional repressors TBX2 and TBX3 as novel regulators of these processes in the mouse. Ablation of Tbx2 from the otocyst led to cochlear hypoplasia, whereas loss of Tbx3 was associated with vestibular malformations. The loss of function of both genes (Tbx2/3cDKO) prevented inner ear morphogenesis at midgestation, resulting in indiscernible cochlear and vestibular structures at birth. Morphogenetic impairment occurred concomitantly with increased apoptosis in ventral and lateral regions of Tbx2/3cDKO otocysts around E10.5. Expression analyses revealed partly disturbed regionalisation, and a posterior-ventral expansion of the neurogenic domain in Tbx2/3cDKO otocysts at this stage. We provide evidence that repression of FGF signalling by TBX2 is important to restrict neurogenesis to the anterior-ventral otocyst and implicate another T-box factor, TBX1, as a crucial mediator in this regulatory network.
The tolerance to hypoxia is defined by a time-sensitive response of the gene regulatory network in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Layous Majed , Khalaily Lama , Gildor Tsvia , Ben-Tabou de-Leon Smadar
Published: April 2021

Deoxygenation, the reduction of oxygen level in the oceans induced by global warming and anthropogenic disturbances, is a major threat to marine life. This change in oxygen level could be especially harmful to marine embryos that use endogenous hypoxia and redox gradients as morphogens during normal development. Here, we show that the tolerance to hypoxic conditions changes between different developmental stages of the sea urchin embryo, possibly due to the structure of the gene regulatory networks (GRNs). We demonstrate that during normal development, the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway restricts the activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway to two lateral domains and this restriction controls proper skeletal patterning. Hypoxia applied during early development strongly perturbs the activity of Nodal and BMP pathways that affect the VEGF pathway, dorsal-ventral (DV) and skeletogenic patterning. These pathways are largely unaffected by hypoxia applied after DV-axis formation. We propose that the use of redox and hypoxia as morphogens makes the sea urchin embryo highly sensitive to environmental hypoxia during early development, but the GRN structure provides higher tolerance to hypoxia at later stages.
Concerted morphogenesis of genital ridges and nephric ducts in the mouse captured through whole-embryo imaging
Authors: Bunce Corey , McKey Jennifer , Capel Blanche
Published: April 2021

During development of the mouse urogenital complex, the gonads undergo changes in three-dimensional structure, body position and spatial relationship with the mesonephric ducts, kidneys and adrenals. The complexity of genital ridge development obscures potential connections between morphogenesis and gonadal sex determination. To characterize the morphogenic processes implicated in regulating gonad shape and fate, we used whole-embryo tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy to assemble a time course of gonad development in native form and context. Analysis revealed that gonad morphology is determined through anterior-to-posterior patterns as well as increased rates of growth, rotation and separation in the central domain that may contribute to regionalization of the gonad. We report a close alignment of gonad and mesonephric duct movements as well as delayed duct development in a gonad dysgenesis mutant, which together support a mechanical dependency linking gonad and mesonephric duct morphogenesis.
An SNX10-dependent mechanism downregulates fusion between mature osteoclasts
Authors: Barnea-Zohar Maayan , Winograd-Katz Sabina E. , Shalev Moran , Arman Esther , Reuven Nina , Roth Lee , Golani Ofra , Stein Merle , Thalji Fadi , Kanaan Moien , Tuckermann Jan , Geiger Benjamin , Elson Ari
Published: April 2021

Homozygosity for the R51Q mutation in sorting nexin 10 (SNX10) inactivates osteoclasts (OCLs) and induces autosomal recessive osteopetrosis in humans and in mice. We show here that the fusion of wild-type murine monocytes to form OCLs is highly regulated, and that its extent is limited by blocking fusion between mature OCLs. In contrast, monocytes from homozygous R51Q SNX10 mice fuse uncontrollably, forming giant dysfunctional OCLs that can become 10- to 100-fold larger than their wild-type counterparts. Furthermore, mutant OCLs display reduced endocytotic activity, suggesting that their deregulated fusion is due to alterations in membrane homeostasis caused by loss of SNX10 function. This is supported by the finding that the R51Q SNX10 protein is unstable and exhibits altered lipid-binding properties, and is consistent with a key role for SNX10 in vesicular trafficking. We propose that OCL size and functionality are regulated by a cell-autonomous SNX10-dependent mechanism that downregulates fusion between mature OCLs. The R51Q mutation abolishes this regulatory activity, leading to excessive fusion, loss of bone resorption capacity and, consequently, to an osteopetrotic phenotype in vivo.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
Maternal glucocorticoids have minimal effects on HPA axis activity and behavior of juvenile wild North American red squirrels
Authors: Westrick Sarah E. , van Kesteren Freya , Boutin Stan , Lane Jeffrey E. , McAdam Andrew G. , Dantzer Ben
Published: April 2021

As a response to environmental cues, maternal glucocorticoids (GCs) may trigger adaptive developmental plasticity in the physiology and behavior of offspring. In North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), mothers exhibit increased GCs when conspecific density is elevated, and selection favors more aggressive and perhaps more active mothers under these conditions. We tested the hypothesis that elevated maternal GCs cause shifts in offspring behavior that may prepare them for high-density conditions. We experimentally elevated maternal GCs during gestation or early lactation. We measured two behavioral traits (activity and aggression) in weaned offspring using standardized behavioral assays. Because maternal GCs may influence offspring hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dynamics, which may in turn affect behavior, we also measured the impact of our treatments on offspring HPA axis dynamics (adrenal reactivity and negative feedback), and the association between offspring HPA axis dynamics and behavior. Increased maternal GCs during lactation, but not gestation, slightly elevated activity levels in offspring. Offspring aggression and adrenal reactivity did not differ between treatment groups. Male, but not female, offspring from mothers treated with GCs during pregnancy exhibited stronger negative feedback compared with those from control mothers, but there were no differences in negative feedback between lactation treatment groups. Offspring with higher adrenal reactivity from mothers treated during pregnancy (both controls and GC-treated) exhibited lower aggression and activity. These results suggest that maternal GCs during gestation or early lactation alone may not be a sufficient cue to produce substantial changes in behavioral and physiological stress responses in offspring in natural populations.
Monoterpenoid signals and their transcriptional responses to feeding and juvenile hormone regulation in bark beetle Ips hauser
i
Authors: Fang Jia Xing , Du Hui Cong , Shi Xia , Zhang Su Fang , Liu Fu , Zhang Zhen , Zu Peng Juan , Kong Xiang Bo
Published: April 2021

Hauser's engraver beetle, Ips hauseri, is a serious pest in spruce forest ecosystems in Central Asia. Its monoterpenoid signal production, transcriptome responses and potential regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. The quality and quantity of volatile metabolites in hindgut extracts of I. hauseri were found to differ between males and females and among three groups: beetles that were newly emerged, those with a topical application of juvenile hormone III (JHIII) and those that had been feeding for 24 h. Feeding males definitively dominated monoterpenoid signal production in I. hauseri, which uses (4S)-(−)-ipsenol and (S)-(−)-cis-verbenol to implement reproductive segregation from Ipstypographus and Ipsshangrila. Feeding stimulation induced higher expression of most genes related to the biosynthesis of (4S)-(−)-ipsenol than JHIII induction, and showed a male-specific mode in I. hauseri. JHIII stimulated males to produce large amounts of (−)-verbenone and also upregulated the expression of several CYP6 genes, to a greater extent in males than in females. The expression of genes involved in the metabolism of JHIII in females and males was also found to be upregulated. Our results indicate that a species-specific aggregation pheromone system for I. hauseri, consisting of (4S)-(−)-ipsenol and S-(−)-cis-verbenol, can be used to monitor population dynamics or mass trap killing. Our results also enable a better understanding of the bottom-up role of feeding behaviors in mediating population reproduction/aggregation and interspecific interactions.
Beyond the Kármán gait: knifefish swimming in periodic and irregular vortex streets
Authors: Ortega-Jiménez Victor M. , Sanford Christopher P.
Published: April 2021

Neotropical freshwater fishes such as knifefishes are commonly faced with navigating intense and highly unsteady streams. However, our knowledge on locomotion in apteronotids comes from laminar flows, where the ribbon fin dominates over the pectoral fins or body bending. Here, we studied the 3D kinematics and swimming control of seven black ghost knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) moving in laminar flows (flow speed U∞≈1–5 BL s−1) and in periodic vortex streets (U∞≈2–4 BL s−1). Two different cylinders (∼2 and ∼3 cm diameter) were used to generate the latter. Additionally, fish were exposed to an irregular wake produced by a free oscillating cylinder (∼2 cm diameter; U∞≈2 BL s−1). In laminar flows, knifefish mainly used their ribbon fin, with wave frequency, speed and acceleration increasing with U∞. In contrast, knifefish swimming behind a fixed cylinder increased the use of pectoral fins, which resulted in changes in body orientation that mimicked steady backward swimming. Meanwhile, individuals behind the oscillating cylinder presented a combination of body bending and ribbon and pectoral fin movements that counteract the out-of-phase yaw oscillations induced by the irregular shedding of vortices. We corroborated passive out-of-phase oscillations by placing a printed knifefish model just downstream of the moving cylinder, but when placed one cylinder diameter downstream, the model oscillated in phase. Thus, the wake left behind an oscillating body is more challenging than a periodic vortex shedding for an animal located downstream, which may have consequences on inter- and intra-specific interactions.
Drosophila larval epidermal cells only exhibit epidermal aging when they persist to the adult stage
Authors: Wang Yan , Burra Sirisha , Galko Michael J.
Published: April 2021

Holometabolous insects undergo a complete transformation of the body plan from the larval to the adult stage. In Drosophila, this transformation includes replacement of larval epidermal cells (LECs) by adult epidermal cells (AECs). AECs in Drosophila undergo a rapid and stereotyped aging program where they lose both cell membranes and nuclei. Whether LECs are capable of undergoing aging in a manner similar to AECs remains unknown. Here, we address this question in two ways. First, we looked for hallmarks of epidermal aging in larvae that have a greatly extended third instar and/or carry mutations that would cause premature epidermal aging at the adult stage. Such larvae, irrespective of genotype, did not show any of the signs of epidermal aging observed in the adult. Second, we developed a procedure to effect a heterochronic persistence of LECs into the adult epidermal sheet. Lineage tracing verified that presumptive LECs in the adult epidermis are not derived from imaginal epidermal histoblasts. LECs embedded within the adult epidermal sheet undergo clear signs of epidermal aging; they form multinucleate cells with each other and with the surrounding AECs. The incidence of adult cells with mixed AEC nuclei (small) and persistent LEC nuclei (large) increased with age. Our data reveals that epidermal aging in holometabolous Drosophila is a stage-specific phenomenon and that the capacity of LECs to respond to aging signals does exist.
Preparation of Colloidal Monodisperse Hollow Organosiloxane-Based Nanoparticles with a Double Mesoporous Shell
Authors: Watanabe Tenkai , Yamamoto Eisuke , Wada Hiroaki , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: April 2021

Hollow siloxane-based nanoparticles (HSNs) have attracted significant attention because of many potential applications. The interior and exterior properties of HSNs can be varied by forming double shells with different compositions, which leads to new functionalities. In this study, we prepared colloidal monodisperse HSNs (smaller than 50 nm in diameter) with a double mesoporous shell by the stepwise addition of two different bridged organoalkoxysilanes [(EtO)3Si-C2H4-Si(OEt)3 (BTEE1) and (EtO)3Si-C2H2-Si(OEt)3 (BTEE2)] to a dispersion of colloidal silica nanoparticles (ca. 20 nm in diameter) in the presence of surfactants. The hollow structure was formed by dissolution-redeposition of the silica core during the formation of an organosiloxane shell. Upon addition of BTEE1 in the first step, core-shell structure was formed. Subsequent addition of BTEE2 led to the formation of mesoporous HSNs composed of an inner shell containing ethylene (-CH2-CH2-) groups and an outer shell containing ethenylene (-CH=CH-) groups. Suppression of the diffusion of the second organosilane species into the inner region of HSNs was critical for the formation of the double shell. The ethenylene groups in the outer shell allowed for chemical modification by thiol-ene reaction while maintaining the hollow inner space of the HSNs, which will lead to the application of HSNs in various fields.
ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Weight Loss in Weight-Category Sports
Authors: Burke Louise M. , Slater Gary J. , Matthews Joseph J. , Langan-Evans Carl , Horswill Craig A.
Published: April 2021

Weight-category sports are defined by the requirement of a weigh-in before competition to provide performance equity and reduced injury risks by eliminating size discrepancies. Athletes in these sports try to gain a theoretical advantage by competing in weight divisions that are lower than their day-to-day body mass (BM), using a combination of chronic strategies (body-fat losses) and acute manipulations over a period of hours to days before weigh-in (“making weight”). Strategies to support safer practices include minimal competition weight classification based on preseason body composition, reductions in the period between weigh-in and competition, and prohibition of unhealthy weight loss techniques. At an individual level, expert guidance by a sports nutrition professional can help an athlete to establish a pragmatic and long-term approach to BM management, recognizing the nuances of their sport, to achieve favorable outcomes for both health and performance.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging standards in the UK: British Society of Skeletal Radiologists (BSSR) position statement
Authors: Dalili Danoob , Carne Andrew , MacKay James , O'Connor Philip , Silver David , Robinson Philip , Mansour Ramy
Published: April 2021

There has been some concern expressed by UK regulator, the Professional Standards Authority regarding the risks arising from Independent sonographer practices. The Professional Standards Authority presented evidence demonstrating that there are instances of harm occurring because of errors made by non-radiologists performing musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS), particularly MSKUS-guided interventions. This document summarises British Society of Skeletal Radiologists position for Musculoskeletal use of ultrasound in UK, representing the agreed consensus of experts from the British Society of Skeletal Radiologists Ultrasound committee. The purpose of this position statement is to review the current practices affecting the delivery of MSKUS. Recommendations are given for education and training, audit and clinical governance, reporting, and medicolegal issues.
Εξωδικαστικοί τρόποι επίλυσης διαφορών
Authors: Μουρατίδη Σπυριδούλα
Published: April 2021

Αξιοποιώντας το πολυπληθές αρχειακό υλικό των αρχείων της Κέρκυρας, μελετήθηκε ο τρόπος εφαρμογής των κανόνων δικαίου κατά τη διαδικασία επίλυσης διαφορών. Eίναι γνωστό ότι η Κέρκυρα, εξαιτίας της σπουδαίας γεωπολιτικής της θέσης, υπήρξε σημαντικότατος χώρος τέτοιων εξελίξεων. O τελευταίος αιώνας της βενετικής κυριαρχίας και ο αμέσως επόμενος χαρακτηρίζονται από πλήθος μεταβολών ως απόρροια των γενικότερων πολιτικών, οικονομικών και κοινωνικών αλλαγών. Ωστόσο, οι πρακτικές της διαμεσολάβησης και του διακανονισμού, καθώς και ο θεσμός της διαιτησίας εμφανίζουν μικρές διαφοροποιήσεις, με την επισήμανση των αστικών χαρακτηριστικών των οικονομικών δραστηριοτήτων, οι οποίες πλαισιώνονται και τεκμηριώνονται με την εφαρμογή κανόνων του γραπτού και του εθιμικού δικαίου. Στην υπό εξέταση χρονική περίοδο, το ενδιαφέρον εστιάζεται στην εξωδικαστική επίλυση των διαφορών όπως αυτή υπαγορευόταν κυρίως από την ανάγκη των αντιδίκων για γρήγορη διευθέτηση των υποθέσεών τους, καθώς και για την αποφυγή των ενίοτε υψηλών δικαστικών εξόδων. Οι τρόποι επίλυσης των διαφορών, εκτός του πλαισίου υπαγωγής τους στη δικαστική εξουσία, ήταν η διευθέτηση διαφορών από τους άμεσα ενδιαφερομένους, η διαμεσολάβηση μέσω άτυπων κριτών και η προσφυγή στη διαιτησία (αιρετοκρισία), περιβαλλόμενοι βεβαίως και οι τρεις τρόποι με το κύρος της συμβολαιογραφικής πράξης. Αξιοσημείωτος ο ρόλος του συμβολαιογράφου, αφού καθίστατο σημαντικότατος φορέας εφαρμογής γραπτού και εθιμικού δικαίου. Οι προς επίλυση υποθέσεις αφορούν θέματα σχεδόν όλων των κλάδων του αστικού δικαίου (ενοχικό, εμπράγματο, κληρονομικό, οικογενειακό και εμπορικό δίκαιο). Για παράδειγμα, καταγράφονται προς επίλυση διενέξεις και αντιδικίες σε εμπορικές εταιρείες (αξιοποίηση κεφαλαίων, καταμερισμός κερδών), μεταβιβάσεις κυριότητας, δανεισμοί, συμβάσεις έργου, ενεχυριάσεις, μισθώσεις, προικώα και κληρονομίες. Η διαιτητική διαδικασία περιελάμβανε τη σύναψη συνυποσχετικού, δυνάμει του οποίου γινόταν η εκλογή των κριτών με δεδηλωμένη τη βούληση των αντιδίκων για επίλυση της διαφοράς. Οι αντίδικοι, στο πλαίσιο εφαρμογής του περί δικαίου αισθήματος, αποδέχονται και δεσμεύονται για την εφαρμογή των διαιτητικών αποφάσεων, οι οποίες ήταν ανέκκλητες. Οι κριτές είχαν ανώτερη κοινωνική καταγωγή και, ως επί το πλείστον, ήταν άτομα εγνωσμένου κύρους, ενώ δεν ήταν λίγες οι φορές, κατά τις οποίες λειτουργούσαν και ως διαμεσολαβητές ή ζητούσαν την αρωγή εκτιμητών, ειδικών εμπειρογνωμόνων. Στο πλαίσιο της επίλυσης των διαφορών, συχνά υιοθετείται ένας συνδυασμός επιλογών, πάντοτε βάσει των συναλλακτικών ηθών της εποχής και στο πλαίσιο της εφαρμογής των κανόνων και των αρχών του δικαίου, που ίσχυαν στην Κέρκυρα κατά τον 18ο και τον 19ο αιώνα.
First data on ostracods and foraminifera living in Cystoseira associations in western Ionian Sea
Authors: SCIUTO FRANCESCO , ROSSO ANTONIETTA , SANFILIPPO ROSSANA , ALONGI GIUSEPPINA , CATRA MARCELLO , SERIO DONATELLA , BEJAOUI SAMEH , LEONARDI RICCARDO , VIOLA ALFIO
Published: April 2021

For the first time ostracod and foraminifera populations living on infralittoral algae were analysed from three different localities near the Ciclopi Islands Marine Protected Area along the Etnean Ionian coast of Sicily, few km N of the city of Catania. Six series of samples, each of three samples, were collected at 5, 10 and 26 m water depth in sea bottom areas where the Biocoenosis of the Infralittoral Algae is developed. Some samples were collected inside the Ciclopi Islands Marine Protected Area (CIMPA) and some outside it.In all the samples the ostracod association is characteristically constituted by a mixture of true shallow water phytal taxa and and infralittoral sediment-dwelling taxa. The family Xestoleberididae is markedly dominant, mainly in the shallowest samples. Xestoleberis dispar represents more than 60% of all the specimens, followed by X. communis and X. dispar. The families Paradoxostomatidae (with Paradoxostoma rarum, P. simile, P. parallelum, P. intermedium, P. atrum and P. caecum), Hemicytheridae (with Aurila prasina and A. convexa), Bairdidae (with Neonesidea mediterranea, N. corpulenta, and N. Longevaginata) follow. Loxoconchidae (with Loxoconcha rhomboidea), Pontocyprididae (with Pontocypris mediterranea and Pontocypris pirifera) and Cytheruridae (with very few specimens of Semicytherura spp.) are subordinate.Foraminifera are represented almost exclusively by phytal benthic taxa. Between them the the family Miliolidae is markedly prevalent, mostly represented by Quinqueloculina species, followed by the family Rotaliidae with Elphidium crispum, E. depressum, E. aculeatum, and Elphidium spp. Discorbidae, with Rosalina spp.; Cibidididae, largely represented by Cibicides refulgens and C. advenum; Planorbulinidae with Planorbulina mediterranensis, are also present.
Sightings of risso’s dolphin (grampus griseus) off the Southern coast of Linosa island (South-Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: CORRIAS VALENTINA , FILICIOTTO FRANCESCO , GIARDINA FABIO
Published: April 2021

Risso’s dolphin distribution, habitat preferences, and site fidelity in the Strait of Sicily are very little known. During three summer seasons of sea surveys, we sighted this species offshore Linosa island in groups of variable numbers of individuals (2-20 with an average of 9.7 ± 7.0 SD). Sightings were located in a small area showing medium depth (average 591 m) and bathymetric features that usually correspond with known habitat preferences of the species. A total of 32 individuals belonging to 4 age classes were photo-identified and 8 of them were re-sighted once over years. This work illustrates for the first time, the presence of the species in the studied area and the results seem to indicate a site fidelity over years.
The polyclad fauna (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora) of the Sinop Peninsula (Black Sea, Turkey) with the description of a new species of Cryptocelis Lang, 1884
Authors: GAMMOUDI MEHREZ , BULNES VERONICA N. , KURT GÜLEY
Published: April 2021

Between October 2013 and July 2014, 40 polyclad specimens were collected during the systematic sampling of mussel beds along the coast of the Sinop Peninsula (Western Black Sea). Six species were identified, including a new Cryptocelis species. Cryptocelis sinopae sp. nov. is characterized by possessing a prostatic vesicle lined with a ridged fold in its anterior end and the presence of two secretory glandular folds in the distal dorsal wall of male atrium. Additionally, new records of Echinoplana celerrima Haswell, 1907 and Leptoplana mediterranea (Bock, 1913) are reported for the Black Sea and Turkey; and Leptoplana tremellaris (Müller OF, 1774) and Prosthiostomum siphunculus Delle Chiaje, 1822 for the coast of the Black Sea of Turkey. A short description of the reproductive behaviour of Pleioplana okusi Bulnes, Kalkan and Karahan, 2009 and Cryptocelis sinopae sp. nov. will be also provided.
Recent hydrological status of the Aegean Sea derived from free drifting profilers
Authors: KASSIS DIMITRIS , KORRES GERASIMOS
Published: April 2021

Being a semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea comprises a complex hydrology that plays a significant role in the hydrology of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Its interaction with many sub-basins, along with its contribution towards the formation of deep and intermediate water, makes it an ideal case for the study of hydrological changes in transitional areas. Since 2010, the operational monitoring of the basin has been significantly enriched due to the deployment of autonomous free-drifting profilers (Argo floats) under the framework of the newly formed Greek Argo Research Infrastructure activities. In this study the hydrological status of the area is examined for the period 2010 - 2017 using the temperature and salinity profiles acquired from Argo floats that operated in the basin. The profiles are analyzed together with complementary remote sensing and model outputs datasets in order to present the spatio-temporal distribution of the co-existent water masses and shed light on hydrological features and changes that took place throughout the basin in an attempt to reassess its hydrological status during the last decade. The distribution of the physical properties in different sub-regions and their interaction is examined reconstructing a general picture of strong latitudinal gradients in the T-S and σθ fields from the upper layers towards the deeper zones. Interannually, findings indicate changes of the Aegean water masses structure within the water-column. Deep homogenization in the upper layers is recorded mainly during the winter periods of 2011-2012, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 in the southern, central, and northern parts of the area accordingly. The observed dense water formation events, along with mixing and advection appear to alterate the water column physical properties structure and affect the dynamics of the surface and sub-surface dominant water masses in the Aegean. The results further highlight the valuable information that can be extracted from the operation of free-drifting profilers in enclosed marginal seas similar to the Aegean case.
Seasonal variation of microplastics density in Algerian surface waters (South-Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: SETITI SKANDER , HAMDI BOUALEM , CHERNAI SAFIA , HOUMA BACHARI FOUZIA , BACHOUCHE SAMIR , GHEZALI YOUSRA , SUARIA GIUSEPPE
Published: April 2021

Coastal waters worldwide are widely contaminated with various-size plastics, whose presence in aquatic ecosystems has been shown to produce a wide range of economic and social impacts and harmful effects on marine ecosystems. While microplastics have been reported from many regions of the Mediterranean Sea, very few data exist regarding microplastics concentration in Algerian waters. In this study, we used a Manta trawl (330 µm) at six sampling stations in Bou-Ismail Bay, Algeria (South-West Mediterranean Sea) in order to provide novel information about the occurrence and composition of microplastics along the Algerian coast. Sampling was performed seasonally at six different sampling stations in 2018, providing additional information about the spatio-temporal variability of microplastics concentrations at the sea surface. Microplastics were found in all collected samples, with highly variable concentrations of 0.95, 0.88, 1.26, and 0.36 items/m3 in Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, respectively, and an overall mean concentration of 0.86 ± 0.35 items/m3. A classification based on the shape and appearance of microplastics indicated the predominance of fibers (32%), followed by fragments (27%), films (16%), foams (13%), and granules (12%). A qualitative microplastics analysis through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed that microplastics were mainly composed of polyethylene (68.2%), polypropylene (24.7%), polystyrene (4.1%) and other polymers (3%). These data provide an initial overview of the quantity, characteristics, and spatio-temporal distribution of floating microplastics in Bou-Ismail Bay (Algeria).
Trace-metal distribution and ecological risk assessment in sediments of a sheltered coastal area (Gulf of Gaeta, central-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) in relation to hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: BONAMANO SIMONE , PIAZZOLLA DANIELE , SCANU SERGIO , PIERMATTEI VIVIANA , MARCELLI MARCO
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the relationship between sediment contamination and hydrodynamic conditions in the Gaeta Gulf (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy), an anthropogenically impacted and sheltered coastal area. The pollution levels, potential toxicity, and ecological risk of trace metals were analysed in 16 sediment sampling sites using Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), the Adverse Effect Index (AEI), and the Mean ERM Quotient (m-ERM-Q). The bottom shear stress of the study area, evaluated using an annual simulation of a 3D numerical model, was used to calculate a new Sediment Mobilisation Index (SMI) that detects the coastal zones where a low probability of sediment resuspension occurs. As, Ni, and Cu concentrations exceeded the Threshold Effects Level (TEL) guideline value and  AEI limit in several sampling sites, indicating their ability to produce adverse effects on biota. Moreover m-ERM-Q showed the highest values of potential ecological risk in most of the sampling sites located in the inner part of the Gulf of Gaeta. In this area, the highest SMI values were also identified, demonstrating that there is a tight relationship between the two indexes (R2 = 0.8214). The application of SMI in sheltered areas will help achieve high performance of monitoring and hazard assessment tools through obtaining predictable responses on hotspot identification.
First record of Marphysa chirigota (Annelida: Eunicidae) in the Mediterranean Sea (Gulf of Tunis)
Authors: CHAIBI MARWA , ROMANO CHIARA , AZZOUNA ATF , MARTIN DANIEL
Published: April 2021

To date, the genus Marphysa is represented by only three species, Marphysa sanguinea, Marphysa aegypti and Marphysa birgeri in the Mediterranean Sea. Combining morphological, molecular data (16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mitochondrial loci) and environmental information, we are here presenting the first Mediterranean report of Marphysa chirigota, based on the specimens collected at Radès Station (Gulf of Tunis, western Mediterranean). The current information on the distribution of of the Marphysa species strongly supports that M. sanguinea inhabits hard bottoms and has a restricted distribution close to its type location (south English coast and nearby NE European Atlantic). The specimens from Radès Station, as well as all those reported as M. sanguinea along the Tunisian coast, were found in the shallow water soft bottoms. Therefore, we suggest that the presence of M. sanguinea in Tunisia seems is doubtful, and all Marphysa species reports from Tunisia might correspond to M. chirigota.
Pinna nobilis in the south Marmara Islands (Sea of Marmara); it still remains uninfected by the epidemic and acts as egg laying substratum for an alien invader
Authors: CINAR MELIH ERTAN , BİLECENOĞLU MURAT , YOKEŞ MEHMET BAKI , GÜÇLÜSOY HARUN
Published: April 2021

A total of 12 Pinna nobilis beds were found and studied at depths varying between 2 and 6 m in the south Marmara Islands (Sea of Marmara). Fan mussel individuals in the beds were healthy with a few old dead specimens, indicating that the epidemic, which has devastated P. nobilis populations in the Mediterranean Sea, has not reached the Sea of Marmara, making the region a refuge area for the species. The average density of P. nobilis in the area varied between 0.6 ind.10 m-2 and 24 ind.10 m-2. The P. nobilis shells overall provided substrata or refuge for 14 species (10 sessile and 4 motile organisms), from macroalgae to fish. Shells of juvenile and adult specimens had different species assemblages. Four distinct assemblages were detected on shells, primarily formed by the red alga Gracilaria bursa-postaris, egg cocoons of the invasive alien Rapana venosa, the gastropod Bittium reticulatum and the serpulid polychaete Spirobranchus polytrema.
The importance of thermoperiod for proper gametogenesis and successful egg and sperm production in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) breeders in aquaculture
Authors: DE MELLO PAULO H. , LANCEROTTO STEFANO , FAKRIADIS IOANNIS , TSOUKALI PANAGIOTA , PAPADAKI MARIA , MYLONAS CONSTANTINOS CHRYSANTHOS
Published: April 2021

We examined the effect of constant water temperature throughout the year on gametogenesis, spawning success and egg/sperm/embryo quality in meagre (Argyrosomus regius). Two broodstocks were exposed to simulated natural photoperiod, andeither attenuated seasonal water temperature (SeasT, 16.4 to 19.6ºC) or relatively constant water temperature (CoT, 19.4 ± 0.6ºC).In the spawning period (May), 4 couples per group were induced to spawn with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Gonadal stage of development, sperm quality parameters and plasma levels of sex steroids were evaluated prior to the GnRHa treatment. Spawning success and egg/sperm quality were examined over the following 4 weeks. Constant temperature did not prevent gametogenesis, but exposure to attenuated seasonal water temperature with the inclusion of winter low temperature was beneficial to both sexes. The mean (±SD) diameter of the largest vitellogenic oocytes prior to GnRHa administration was significantly higher in the SeasT compared to the CoT group (598 ± 27 vs 520 ± 17 μm). Testosterone plasma levels in the females were significantly higher in the SeasT group, but all other hormones were similar in both sexes. SeasT females spawned more consistently with higher relative fecundity, and 24-h embryo survival of the produced eggs. A more pronounced negative effect of constant water temperature was observed in males, since CoT males exhibited a spermiation index of 0 prior to GnRHa treatment, the latter clearly having a beneficial effect over the following 4 weeks. The study demonstrated that meagre do undergo gametogenesis to a significant extent even under constant water temperatures during the year. However, a seasonal thermal regime -even an attenuated one- was necessary for the proper development of the gametes, allowing for the successful spawning induction using the established GnRHa induction protocol.