bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of DNA Extraction Methods and Bioinformatic Pipelines for Marine Nano- and Pico-Eukaryotic Plankton Analysis
Authors: Muñoz-Colmenero Marta , Sánchez Ana , Correa Begoña , Figueiras Francisco G. , Garrido Jose L. , Sotelo Carmen G.
Published: January 2021

The smallest size fractions of plankton, nano- and pico-plankton, have been highlighted due to they accomplish key functions in marine ecosystems. However, the knowledge about some of them is scarce because they are difficult or impossible to be detected and identified with non-DNA-based methodologies. Here we have evaluated five DNA extraction protocols (MT1–MT5) and seven bioinformatic pipelines (P1–P7) to find the best protocol for detecting most of the eukaryotic species of nano- and pico-plankton present in an environmental sample using Ion Torrent technology. The protocol MT3 was the most reproducible methodology, showing less variation among samples, good DNA quality and sufficient quantity to amplify and sequence the eukaryote species, offering the best results after sequencing. For bioinformatic analyses, P1 and P7 resulted in the highest percentage of detection for the difficult-to-detect species in mock communities. However, only P1 avoided the confusion with other closed species during the taxonomic assignment. The final protocols, MT3-P1 (free) and MT3-P7 (private), showed good and consistent results when they were applied to an environmental sample, being a valuable tool to study the eukaryotes present in environmental samples of nano- and pico-plankton, even for the genera that are difficult to be detected by other techniques.
The hsp40 Gene Family in Japanese Flounder: Identification, Phylogenetic Relationships, Molecular Evolution Analysis, and Expression Patterns
Authors: Yan Weijie , Qiao Yingjie , Qu Jiangbo , Liu Xiumei , Zhang Quanqi , Wang Xubo
Published: January 2021

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are cellular chaperones that are involved in developmental stages and stress responses. Hsp40 is the major subfamily of hsps, but has not been fully characterized in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), especially their roles in immune response. In this study, a comprehensive identification and analysis of hsp40 in flounder is presented, including gene structures, evolutionary relationships, conserved domains, molecular evolution analysis, and expression patterns. Sequence features and phylogenetic analysis revealed thathsp40genes could be grouped into 40 distinct subfamilies and most of them (96%) in Japanese flounder possessed no less than two introns. Molecular evolution analysis indicated that thehsp40genes were conservative during evolution and were functional-constrained. Meanwhile,hsp40genes were found to express in different embryonic and larval stages and might play the role of sentinel in healthy organisms. Furthermore,hsp40genes’ expression profiles afterEdwardsiella tardainjection were determined in Japanese flounder without precedent, and 88% (44/50) ofhsp40genes showed differential expression patterns after bacterial challenge. Our findings provide basic and useful resources for understanding the immune responsibilities ofhsp40genes in flatfish.
DNA Methylation Dynamics in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Challenged With High Temperature and Moderate Hypoxia
Authors: Beemelmanns Anne , Ribas Laia , Anastasiadi Dafni , Moraleda-Prados Javier , Zanuzzo Fábio S. , Rise Matthew L. , Gamperl A. Kurt
Published: January 2021

The marine environment is predicted to become warmer and more hypoxic, and these conditions may become a challenge for marine fish species. Phenotypically plastic responses facilitating acclimatization to changing environments can be mediated by DNA methylation through the modulation of gene expression. To investigate whether temperature and hypoxia exposure induce DNA methylation changes, we challenged post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to increasing temperatures (12 → 20°C, 1°C week–1) under normoxia or moderate hypoxia (∼70% air saturation) and compared responses in the liver after 3 days or 4 weeks at 20°C. DNA methylation was studied in six genes related to temperature stress (cirbp, serpinh1), oxidative stress (prdx6, ucp2), apoptosis (jund), and metabolism (pdk3). Here, we report that exposure to high temperature, alone or combined with hypoxia, affected the methylation of CpG sites within different genomic regulatory elements around the transcription start of these temperature/hypoxia biomarker genes. Yet, we uncovered distinct CpG methylation profiles for each treatment group, indicating that each environmental condition may induce different epigenetic signatures. These CpG methylation responses were strongly dependent on the duration of stress exposure, and we found reversible, but also persistent, CpG methylation changes after 4 weeks of exposure to 20°C. Further, several of these changes in CpG methylation correlated with transcriptional changes, and thus, can be considered as regulatory epigenetic marks (epimarkers). Our study provides insights into the dynamic associations between CpG methylation and transcript expression in Atlantic salmon, and suggests that this epigenetic mechanism may mediate physiological acclimation to short-term and long-term environmental changes.
Assessment of Coral Reef Fish Stocks From the Nansha Islands, South China Sea, Using Length-Based Bayesian Biomass Estimation
Authors: Zhang Kui , Zhang Jun , Shi Dengfu , Chen Zuozhi
Published: January 2021

The South China Sea (SCS) is one of the world’s main centers for coral reef diversity, with more than one-third of all reef fish species being found in this area. Some indications of overfishing have appeared in typical coral reefs of the SCS, as fish diversities have declined and the average body lengths of dominant fish species have decreased. However, only few assessments of coral reef fish stocks have been conducted, due to insufficient available data. In this study, we applied a newly developed length-based Bayesian biomass (LBB) estimation method to assess 10 dominant coral reef fish species from three main reefs (Yongshu Reef, Zhubi Reef, and Meiji Reef) of the Nansha Islands, SCS. Simulations indicated the estimated parameters were not sensitive to sample sizes (more than 100) using the LBB method. Our results showed that the relative biomass levels (B/BMSY) ofCephalopholis spiloparaea,Cephalopholis urodeta,Lutjanus gibbus,Gnathodentex aureolineatus,Pentapodus caninus, andCheilinus fasciatuswere between 0.16 and 0.45, suggesting an overfishing status; the relative biomass levels ofEpinephelus merra, andParupeneus crassilabriswere 0.98 and 1.1, respectively, indicating that they were fully exploited; and the relative biomass levels ofLutjanus kasmiraandMelichthys viduawere 1.3 and 2.5, respectively, indicating the populations were in good conditions. The estimates ofLc/Lc_optwere less than one for seven stocks, suggesting that the stocks were suffering from growth overfishing. Therefore, we emphasize the need to reduce fishing mortality and increase the mesh size of the coral reef fishery in the Nansha Islands, to achieve a sustainable yield and biomass.
Trends in the Development of Tailored Elastin-Like Recombinamer–Based Porous Biomaterials for Soft and Hard Tissue Applications
Authors: Mbundi Lubinda , González-Pérez Miguel , González-Pérez Fernando , Juanes-Gusano Diana , Rodríguez-Cabello José Carlos
Published: January 2021

Porous biomaterials are of significant interest in a variety of biomedical applications as they enable the diffusion of nutrients and gases as well as the removal of metabolic waste from implants. Pores also provide 3D spaces for cell compartmentalization and the development of complex structures such as vasculature and the extracellular matrix. Given the variation in the extracellular matrix composition across and within different tissues, it is necessary to tailor the physicochemical characteristics of biomaterials and or surfaces thereof for optimal bespoke applications. In this regard, different synthetic and natural polymers have seen increased usage in the development of biomaterials and surface coatings; among them, elastin-like polypeptides and their recombinant derivatives have received increased advocacy. The modular assembly of these molecules, which can be controlled at a molecular level, presents a flexible platform for the endowment of bespoke biomaterial properties. In this review, various elastin-like recombinamer–based porous biomaterials for both soft and hard tissue applications are discussed and their current and future applications evaluated.
Preparation of 304 Stainless Steel Powder for 3D Printing by Vacuum-Induced Multistage Atomization
Authors: Jiang Xueyu , Che Xin , Tian Chen , Zhu Xiaofei , Zhou Ge , Chen Lijia , Li Jianlin
Published: January 2021

A vacuum-induced multistage atomization process was adopted to fabricate the high-performance 304 stainless steel powder for 3D printing, based on the flexible control of the droplet spheroidization and solidification process. The 36.7 μm-median diameter (D50) 304 stainless steel powder with high sphericity was successfully obtained, together with particle size proportion of 45–55 μm larger than 35% and the lower oxygen and nitrogen content increment below 0.04%.
Improving Robustness of Legged Robots Against Mechanical Shock Using Impulsive Dynamics
Authors: Driessen Josephus J. M. , Orsolino Romeo
Published: January 2021

This manuscript presents a method to calculate and analyze mechanical shock of a multi-rigid body system, based on the revised concept of the center of percussion and a newly derived variable called the radius of percussion. The objective is to improve the mechanism’s robustness against mechanical shocks that are caused by certain impacts, such as those experienced by legged robots from landing a jump or making a step. In practice, it can be used for placement of shock-sensitive components in robots, such as inertial measurement units and cameras, and for mechanical and controller design improvements and optimizations that aim to reduce shock in certain body parts. Several case studies are presented to support the usefulness of the theory.
COVID-19 With Preexisting Hypercoagulability Digestive Disease
Authors: Jiang Mingshan , Mu Jingxi , Shen Silan , Zhang Hu
Published: January 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public health and economic crisis. The advent of hypercoagulability and thrombotic complications can substantially influence the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. In this review, we elaborate on the clinical findings, potential underlying pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategy of hypercoagulability and thromboembolism in COVID-19, particularly focusing on the COVID-19 patients with preexisting digestive hypercoagulability disease.
Macromolecular Crowding as a Tool to Screen Anti-fibrotic Drugs: The Scar-in-a-Jar System Revisited
Authors: Puerta Cavanzo Nataly , Bigaeva Emilia , Boersema Miriam , Olinga Peter , Bank Ruud A.
Published: January 2021

An unsolved therapeutic problem in fibrosis is the overproduction of collagen. In order to screen the effect of anti-fibrotic drugs on collagen deposition, the Scar-in-a-Jar approach has been introduced about a decade ago. With macromolecular crowding a rapid deposition of collagen is seen, resulting in a substantial decrease in culture time, but the system has never been tested in an adequate way. We therefore have compared six different macromolecular crowders [Ficoll PM 70 (Fc70), Ficoll PM 400 (Fc400), a mixture of Ficoll 70 and 400 (Fc70/400), polyvinylpyrrolidone 40 (PVP40), polyvinylpyrrolidone 360 (PVP360), neutral dextran 670 (ND670), dextran sulfate 500 (DxS500), and carrageenan (CR)] under profibrotic conditions (addition of TGFβ1) with primary human adult dermal fibroblasts in the presence of 0.5 and 10% FBS. We found that (1) collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation was superior with 0.5% FBS, (2) DxS500 and CR results in an aberrant collagen deposition pattern, (3) ND670 does not increase collagen deposition, and (4) CR, DxS500, and Fc40/700 affected important phenotypical properties of the cells when cultured under pro-fibrotic conditions, whereas PVP40 and PVP360 did less or not. Because of viscosity problems with PVP360, we conclude that PVP40 is the most optimal crowder for the screening of anti-fibrotic drugs. Finally, the effect of various concentrations of Imatinib, Galunisertib, Omipalisib or Nintedanib on collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation was tested with PVP40 as the crowder.
Variability of the Atmospheric PM10 Microbiome in Three Climatic Regions of France
Authors: Samaké Abdoulaye , Martins Jean M. F. , Bonin Aurélie , Uzu Gaëlle , Taberlet Pierre , Conil Sébastien , Favez Olivier , Thomasson Alexandre , Chazeau Benjamin , Marchand Nicolas , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc
Published: January 2021

Primary Biogenic Organic Aerosols (PBOA) were recently shown to be produced by only a few types of microorganisms, emitted by the surrounding vegetation in the case of a regionally homogeneous field site. This study presents the first comprehensive description of the structure and main sources of airborne microbial communities associated with temporal trends in Sugar Compounds (SC) concentrations of PM10 in 3 sites under a climatic gradient in France. By combining sugar chemistry and DNA Metabarcoding approaches, we intended to identify PM10-associated microbial communities and their main sources at three sampling-sites in France, under different climates, during the summer of 2018. This study accounted also for the interannual variability in summer airborne microbial community structure (bacteria and fungi only) associated with PM10-SC concentrations during a 2 consecutive years’ survey at one site. Our results showed that temporal changes in PM10-SC in the three sites are associated with the abundance of only a few specific taxa of airborne fungi and bacterial. These taxa differ significantly between the 3 climatic regions studied. The microbial communities structure associated with SC concentrations of PM10 during a consecutive 2-year study remained stable in the rural area. Atmospheric concentration levels of PM10-SC species varied significantly between the 3 study sites, but with no clear difference according to site typology (rural vs. urban), suggesting that SC emissions are related to regional rather than local climatic characteristics. The overall microbial beta diversity in PM10 samples is significantly different from that of the main vegetation around the urban sites studied. This indicates that the airborne microorganisms at these urban sites are not solely from the immediate surrounding vegetation, which contrasts with observations at the scale of a regionally homogeneous rural site in 2017. These results improve our understanding of the spatial behavior of tracers of PBOA emission sources, which need to be better characterized to further implement this important mass fraction of Organic Matter (OM) in Chemical Transport models (CTM).
Mucoromycotina Fungi Possess the Ability to Utilize Plant Sucrose as a Carbon Source: Evidence From Gongronella sp. w5
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Fang Junnan , Liu Pu , Liu Juanjuan , Fang Wei , Fang Zemin , Xiao Yazhong
Published: January 2021

Mucoromycotina is one of the earliest fungi to establish a mutualistic relationship with plants in the ancient land. However, the detailed information on their carbon supply from the host plants is largely unknown. In this research, a free-living Mucoromycotina called Gongronella sp. w5 (w5) was employed to explore its effect on Medicago truncatula growth and carbon source utilization from its host plant during the interaction process. W5 promoted M. truncatula growth and caused the sucrose accumulation in M. truncatula root tissue at 16 days post-inoculation (dpi). The transportation of photosynthetic product sucrose to the rhizosphere by M. truncatula root cells seemed accelerated by upregulating the SWEET gene. A predicted cytoplasmic invertase (GspInv) gene and a sucrose transporter (GspSUT1) homology gene in the w5 genome upregulated significantly at the transcriptional level during w5–M. truncatula interaction at 16 dpi, indicating the possibility of utilizing plant sucrose directly by w5 as the carbon source. Further investigation showed that the purified GspInv displayed an optimal pH of 5.0 and a specific activity of 3380 ± 26 U/mg toward sucrose. The heterologous expression of GspInv and GspSUT1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed the function of GspInv as invertase and GspSUT1 as sugar transporter with high affinity to sucrose in vivo. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the ability of Mucoromycotina to utilize sucrose from its host plant underwent a process of “loss and gain.” These results demonstrated the capacity of Mucoromycotina to interact with extant land higher plants and may employ a novel strategy of directly up-taking and assimilating sucrose from the host plant during the interaction.
Analysis of Difference in Microbial Community and Physicochemical Indices Between Surface and Central Parts of Chinese Special-Flavor Baijiu Daqu
Authors: Chen Yanru , Li Kaimin , Liu Ting , Li Ruyi , Fu Guiming , Wan Yin , Zheng Fuping
Published: January 2021

Special-flavor Baijiu is a unique Baijiu in Jiangxi Province, China, whose uniqueness mainly depends on the unique production process of special-flavor Baijiu Daqu. However, the microbial structure and physicochemical indices of different parts of the special-flavor Baijiu Daqu are still unknown. This greatly reduces the actual value of Daqu in the production of special-flavor Baijiu. Therefore, culture-dependent and Illumina MiSeq sequencing methods were used to analyze the microbial structure of special-flavor Baijiu Daqu. The results indicated that there was a complicated microbial diversity in Chinese special-flavor Baijiu Daqu. The predominant bacterial communities were Bacillales, Lactobacillales, and Rhodospirillales, while Saccharomycetales and Eurotiales were the predominant fungal communities. Significant differences in microbial community and distribution were shown between the surface and central parts of Daqu. Acetobacter and Pichia genera were the predominant microorganisms in the surface part of Daqu, whereas Aspergillus, Kroppenstedtia, Oceanobacillus, and Bacillus genera were the predominant microorganisms in the central part of Daqu. Meantime, the different microbial distributions between the surface and central parts of Daqu caused the significant differences in the physicochemical indices. These results can provide an important theoretical basis for improving the brewing process and the quality of special-flavor Baijiu.
Comparative Analysis of Genetic Determinants Encoding Cadmium, Arsenic, and Benzalkonium Chloride Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes of Human, Food, and Environmental Origin
Authors: Gelbicova Tereza , Florianova Martina , Hluchanova Lucie , Kalova Alžběta , Korena Kristýna , Strakova Nicol , Karpiskova Renáta
Published: January 2021

Environmental adaptation of Listeria monocytogenes is a complex process involving various mechanisms that can contribute to their survival in the environment, further spreading throughout the food chain and the development of listeriosis. The aim of this study was to analyze whole-genome sequencing data in a set of 270 strains of L. monocytogenes derived from human listeriosis cases and food and environmental sources in order to compare the prevalence and type of genetic determinants encoding cadmium, arsenic, and benzalkonium chloride resistance. Most of the detected genes of cadmium (27.8%), arsenic (15.6%), and benzalkonium chloride (7.0%) resistance were located on mobile genetic elements, even in phylogenetically distant lineages I and II, which indicates the possibility of their horizontal spread. Although no differences were found in the prevalence of these genes between human and food strains, they have been detected sporadically in strains from the environment. Regarding cadmium resistance genes, cadA1C1_Tn5422 predominated, especially in clonal complexes (CCs) 121, 8, and 3 strains. At the same time, qacH_Tn6188-encoding benzalkonium chloride resistance was most frequently detected in the genome of CC121 strains. Genes encoding arsenic resistance were detected mainly in strains CC2 (located on the chromosomal island LGI2) and CC9 (carried on Tn554). The results indicated a relationship between the spread of genes encoding resistance to cadmium, arsenic, and benzalkonium chloride in certain serotypes and CCs and showed the need for a more extensive study of L. monocytogenes strains to better understand their ability to adapt to the food production environment.
The Utility of Specific Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 in Laboratory Diagnosis
Authors: Fu Yu , Pan Yunbao , Li Zhiqiang , Li Yirong
Published: January 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now become a global pandemic due to its high transmissibility. The unavoidable shortcomings of traditional diagnostic assay, including nucleic acid testing, diverse serological assays characterized by high-throughput and less workload, are playing a more and more crucial role to supplement the nucleic acid test. In this review, we summarize the dynamic change of the specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 as well as neutralizing antibodies and discuss the clinical utility and limitations of the different serological assays. SARS-CoV-2, a newly discovered virus, shows some unique pathogenetic and epidemiological characteristics that have not been completely understood so far. Currently, studies about the antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical utility of serological testing are increasing. It’s well suggested that the combination of serological tests and nucleic acid tests can cohesively improve the testing efficiency for identifying COVID-19 suspected patients.
A Place for Viruses on the Tree of Life
Authors: Harris Hugh M. B. , Hill Colin
Published: January 2021

Viruses are ubiquitous. They infect almost every species and are probably the most abundant biological entities on the planet, yet they are excluded from the Tree of Life (ToL). However, there can be no doubt that viruses play a significant role in evolution, the force that facilitates all life on Earth. Conceptually, viruses are regarded by many as non-living entities that hijack living cells in order to propagate. A strict separation between living and non-living entities places viruses far from the ToL, but this may be theoretically unsound. Advances in sequencing technology and comparative genomics have expanded our understanding of the evolutionary relationships between viruses and cellular organisms. Genomic and metagenomic data have revealed that co-evolution between viral and cellular genomes involves frequent horizontal gene transfer and the occasional co-option of novel functions over evolutionary time. From the giant, ameba-infecting marine viruses to the tiny Porcine circovirus harboring only two genes, viruses and their cellular hosts are ecologically and evolutionarily intertwined. When deciding how, if, and where viruses should be placed on the ToL, we should remember that the Tree functions best as a model of biological evolution on Earth, and it is important that models themselves evolve with our increasing understanding of biological systems.
The Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Telithromycin Against Enterococcus spp. Isolated From Patients in China
Authors: Xiong Yanpeng , Chen Junwen , Sun Xiang , Xu Guangjian , Li Peiyu , Deng Qiwen , Yu Zhijian , Chen Zhong , Zheng Jinxin
Published: January 2021

Telithromycin has been reported to possess robust in vitro antibacterial activity against many species of gram-positive bacteria, and telithromycin is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. However, the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of telithromycin against clinical enterococci isolates in China is rarely reported and the impacts of telithromycin on the biofilm formation and eradication of enterococci remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of telithromycin on planktonic cells and biofilms of Enterococcus strains. A total of 280 Enterococcus faecalis and 122 Enterococcus faecium isolates were collected from individual inpatients in China. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values of telithromycin against the E. faecalis and E. faecium strains carrying erythromycin-resistant methylase (erm) genes such as the ermA, ermB, or ermC, were 2 and 4 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, these isolates were typed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) based on housekeeping genes. The predominant sequence types (STs) of E. faecalis were ST16, ST30, and ST179, and the main STs of E. faecium isolates were ST18, ST78, and ST80. Among these major STs, 87.1% (135/158) of E. faecalis and 80.4% (41/51) of E. faecium carried erm genes. Furthermore, at the subinhibitory concentrations (1/4 and 1/8 × MIC) of telithromycin, the biofilm formation of 16 E. faecalis isolates were inhibited by approximately 35%. Moreover, treatment with 8 × MIC of telithromycin or ampicillin led to an almost 40% reduction in the established biofilms of E. faecalis isolates, whereas vancomycin or linezolid with 8 × MIC had minimal effects. The combination of telithromycin and ampicillin resulted in an almost 70% reduction in the established biofilms of E. faecalis. In conclusion, these results revealed that telithromycin significantly decreased the planktonic cells of both E. faecalis and E. faecium. In addition, the data further demonstrated that telithromycin has the robust ability to inhibit E. faecalis biofilms and the combination of telithromycin and ampicillin improved antibiofilm activity. These in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities suggest that telithromycin could be a potential candidate for the treatment of enterococcal infections.
Host-Dependent Clustering of Campylobacter Strains From Small Mammals in Finland
Authors: Olkkola Satu , Rossi Mirko , Jaakkonen Anniina , Simola Maria , Tikkanen Jouni , Hakkinen Marjaana , Tuominen Pirkko , Huitu Otso , Niemimaa Jukka , Henttonen Heikki , Kivistö Rauni
Published: January 2021

Small mammals are known to carryCampylobacterspp.; however, little is known about the genotypes and their role in human infections. We studied intestinal content from small wild mammals collected in their natural habitats in Finland in 2010–2017, and in close proximity to 40 pig or cattle farms in 2017. The animals were trapped using traditional Finnish metal snap traps.Campylobacterspp. were isolated from the intestinal content using direct plating on mCCDA. A total of 19% of the captured wild animals (n= 577) and 41% of the pooled farm samples (n= 227) were positive forC. jejuni, which was the onlyCampylobacterspecies identified. The highest prevalence occurred in yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) which carriedCampylobacterspp. in 66.3 and 63.9% of the farm samples and 41.5 and 24.4% of individual animals trapped from natural habitats, respectively. Interestingly, all house mouse (Mus musculus) and shrew (Sorexspp.) samples were negative forCampylobacterspp.C. jejuniisolates (n= 145) were further characterized by whole-genome sequencing. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) clustering showed that mouse and vole strains were separated from the rest of theC. jejunipopulation (636 and 671 allelic differences, 94 and 99% of core loci, respectively). Very little or no alleles were shared withC. jejunigenomes described earlier from livestock or human isolates. FastANI results further indicated thatC. jejunistrains from voles are likely to represent a new previously undescribed species or subspecies ofCampylobacter. Core-genome phylogeny showed that there was no difference between isolates originating from the farm and wild captured animals. Instead, the phylogeny followed the host species-association. There was some evidence (one strain each) of livestock-associatedC. jejunioccurring in a farm-caughtA. flavicollisand a brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), indicating that although small mammals may not be the original reservoir ofCampylobactercolonizing livestock, they may sporadically carryC. jejunistrains occurring mainly in livestock and be associated with disease in humans.
A Comprehensive Phenotype of Non-motor Impairments and Distribution of Alpha-Synuclein Deposition in Parkinsonism-Induced Mice by a Combination Injection of MPTP and Probenecid
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Kim Yu-Kang , Ahn Sora , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Lee Hyejung , Park Hi-Joon
Published: January 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by non-motor symptoms as well as motor deficits. The non-motor symptoms rarely appear individually and occur simultaneously with motor deficits or independently. However, a comprehensive research on the non-motor symptoms using an experimental model of PD remains poorly understood. The aim of the current study is to establish a chronic mouse model of PD mimicking the comprehensive non-motor symptoms of human PD by injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and probenecid (MPTP/p). The non-motor and motor symptoms were evaluated by performing buried food, short-term olfactory memory, hot plate, open field, tail suspension, Y maze, novel object recognition, bead expulsion, one-h stool collection, rotarod, rearing, catalepsy, and akinesia tests after 10 injections of MPTP/p into mice. The expression levels of α-synuclein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or DJ-1 were analyzed by Western blotting or immunostaining. MPTP/p-treated mice achieved to reproduce the key features of non-motor symptoms including olfactory deficit, thermal hyperalgesia, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in addition to motor deficits. The MPTP/p-treated mice also showed the high levels of α-synuclein and low levels of TH and DJ-1 in striatum, substantia nigra, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, locus coeruleus, or colon. In addition, the expression levels of phosphorylated-α-synuclein and GFAP were elevated in the striatum and substantia nigra in the MPTP/p-treated mice. Taken together, our study clarifies that the chronic MPTP/p-treated mice have a variety of non-motor dysfunctions as well as motor abnormalities by α-synuclein overexpression and dopaminergic depletion. Therefore, the study of comprehensive phenotypes of non-motor symptoms in one PD model would advance in-depth understandings of neuropathological alternations and contribute to future strategies for PD treatment.
Telemedicine Guidelines in South East Asia—A Scoping Review
Authors: Intan Sabrina Mohamad , Defi Irma Ruslina
Published: January 2021

Background: Telemedicine is a useful tool to deliver healthcare to communities in low- to high-income countries, especially in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic era. Guidelines on telemedicine would assist healthcare providers in delivering healthcare services based on local circumstances.

Objective: To explore and compare guidelines on telehealth and telemedicine in South East Asian countries.

Methods: Electronic databases such as Google, PubMed, and Cochrane reviews were searched for articles using keywords such as “telemedicine” OR “telehealth” OR “eHealth” OR “telemedis” AND “guidelines” AND “South East Asia” OR “Malaysia” OR “Singapore” OR “Indonesia” OR “Thailand” OR “Vietnam” published up to 2020. Inclusion criteria were full articles and gray materials (i.e., policy statements, advisories, blueprints, executive summaries, and circulars) related to telemedicine guidelines. No language restrictions were imposed. Only the first 100 Google searches were included for eligibility based on its relevance to telemedicine guidelines. Exclusion criteria were abstracts, duplicate publications, blogs, news articles, promotional brochures, conference proceedings, and telemedicine projects unrelated to telemedicine guidelines.

Results: A total of 62,300 articles were identified through the search engines (Google 62,203, PubMed 77, and Cochrane 20) and six articles from additional sources. Sixty-eight full-text articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but only 24 articles contained some form of guidelines on telemedicine: Indonesia (nine), Malaysia (seven), Singapore (five), Thailand (two), and Vietnam (one). There were six laws, six advisory guidelines, five policy statements, and two circulars (regulations) issued by either the Ministry of Communication and Multimedia, Ministry of Health, or Medical Councils from the respective countries. Issues addressed were clinical governance (100%); information and communication technology infrastructure (83.3%); privacy, storage, and record-keeping (77.8%, respectively); ethics and legal (77.8%); security and safety (72.2%); definitions and applications of telemedicine (72.2%); confidentiality (66.7%); licensing (66.7%); identification (55.6%); cost of information and communication technology infrastructure (55.6%); reimbursement (16.7%); mobile applications (11.1%); and feedback and choices (5.6%). The Singapore National Telemedicine Guidelines contained the most domains compared with other guidelines from South East Asia.

Conclusions: Although there can be no “one-size-fits-all” telemedicine guideline, there should be a comprehensive and universal telemedicine guideline for any country to adapt based on the local context. Details on patient-identification, data ownership, back-up, and disposal; transregional cybersecurity laws and ways to overcome the limitations of telemedicine compared with face-to-face consultations should be outlined clearly to ensure uniformity of telemedicine service and patient safety.
Progress in Research on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Causing Neurological Diseases and Its Infection Mechanism
Authors: Wang Lintao , Ren Zhiguang , Ma Li , Han Yanjie , Wei Wenqiang , Jiang Enshe , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide since its outbreak and has now become a major public health problem. More and more evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 may not only affect the respiratory system but also cause great harm to the central nervous system. Therefore, it is extremely important to explore in-depth the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nervous system. In this paper, the possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 invading the central nervous system during COVID-19, and the neurological complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed.
Neuroprotective Properties of Dimethyl Fumarate Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-inflammatory Animal Models
Authors: Dietrich Michael , Hecker Christina , Nasiri Milad , Samsam Sogol , Issberner Andrea , Kohne Zippora , Hartung Hans-Peter , Albrecht Philipp
Published: January 2021

While great advances have been made in the immunomodulatory treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), there is still an unmet need for drugs with neuroprotective potential. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been suggested to exert both immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in MS. To investigate if DMF has neuroprotective effects independent of immunomodulation we evaluated its effects in the non-inflammatory animal models of light-induced photoreceptor loss and optic nerve crush. This might also reveal applications for DMF besides MS, such as age related macular degeneration. Retinal neurodegeneration was longitudinally assessed by in vivo retinal imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and glutathione (GSH) measurements as well as histological investigations were performed to clarify the mode of action. For light-induced photoreceptor loss, one eye of C57BL/6J mice was irradiated with a LED cold light lamp while for optic nerve crush the optic nerve was clamped behind the eye bulb. The other eye served as control. GSH was measured in the optic nerve, choroid and retina and immunohistological staining of retinal microglia (Iba1) was performed. Mice were treated with 15 or 30 mg DMF/kg bodyweight or vehicle. While no protective effects were observed in optic nerve crush, in the light-induced retinal degeneration model DMF treatment significantly reduced retinal degeneration. In these mice, GSH levels in the retina and surrounding choroid were increased and histological investigations revealed less microglial activation in the outer retinal layers, suggesting both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Atypical Resting-State Functional Connectivity Dynamics Correlate With Early Cognitive Dysfunction in HIV Infection
Authors: Nguchu Benedictor Alexander , Zhao Jing , Wang Yanming , Li Yu , Wei Yarui , Uwisengeyimana Jean de Dieu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Qiu Bensheng , Li Hongjun
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Previous studies have shown that HIV affects striato-cortical regions, leading to persisting cognitive impairment in 30–70% of the infected individuals despite combination antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to investigate brain functional dynamics whose deficits might link to early cognitive decline or immunologic deterioration.

Methods: We applied sliding windows and K-means clustering to fMRI data (HIV patients with asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment and controls) to construct dynamic resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) maps and identify states of their reoccurrences. The average and variability of dynamic RSFC, and the dwelling time and state transitioning of each state were evaluated.

Results: HIV patients demonstrated greater variability in RSFC between the left pallidum and regions of right pre-central and post-central gyri, and between the right supramarginal gyrus and regions of the right putamen and left pallidum. Greater variability was also found in the frontal RSFC of pars orbitalis of the left inferior frontal gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus (medial). While deficits in learning and memory recall of HIV patients related to greater striato-sensorimotor variability, deficits in attention and working memory were associated with greater frontal variability. Greater striato-parietal variability presented a strong link with immunologic function (CD4+/CD8+ ratio). Furthermore, HIV-infected patients exhibited longer time and reduced transitioning in states typified by weaker connectivity in specific networks. CD4+T-cell counts of the HIV-patients were related to reduced state transitioning.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HIV alters brain functional connectivity dynamics, which may underlie early cognitive impairment. These findings provide novel insights into our understanding of HIV pathology, complementing the existing knowledge.
Two Symptoms Strongly Suggest Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in a Dizzy Patient
Authors: van Dam Victor S. , Maas Britta D. P. J. , Schermer Tjard R. , van Benthem Peter-Paul G. , Bruintjes Tjasse D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: This prospective cohort study determined which questions in patient history are most likely to identify symptoms that are independently associated with a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional dizziness (BPPV) in patients presenting with dizziness, and to evaluate whether the patient's age and type of BPPV are of influence.

Methods: We included adult patients with dizziness referred to our dizziness center, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, from December 2018 to November 2019. All patients completed a questionnaire, underwent vestibular testing and received a diagnosis. Symptoms strongly suggesting BPPV were tested with multivariable analysis to determine their independent associations with BPPV. Subgroup analysis was performed for patient age, and the type of BPPV.

Results: We included a total of 885 patients, 113 of whom (13%) were diagnosed with BPPV. The duration of dizziness spells <1 min (Q2) and dizziness provoked by rolling over in bed (Q4) were independently associated with the diagnosis BPPV. Q2 showed a sensitivity of 43%, and a specificity of 75%; Q4 scored 81% and 68%, respectively. Overall, the way patients perceived their dizziness (vertigo, light-headedness or instability) was not independently associated with the diagnosis BPPV. In younger patients, light-headedness and instability decreased the likelihood of BPPV compared to vertigo.

Conclusion: The most reliable predictors for BPPV in patient history are a short duration of the dizziness spell and provocation of dizziness by rolling over in bed. Unlike younger patients, elderly patients with BPPV do not only perceive the dizziness as vertigo, but also as a feeling of instability.
The Gut Microbiome and Abiotic Factors as Potential Determinants of Postprandial Glucose Responses: A Single-Arm Meal Study
Authors: Nestel Nathalie , Hvass Josephine D. , Bahl Martin I. , Hansen Lars H. , Krych Lukasz , Nielsen Dennis S. , Dragsted Lars Ove , Roager Henrik M.
Published: January 2021

The gut microbiome has combined with other person-specific information, such as blood parameters, dietary habits, anthropometrics, and physical activity been found to predict personalized postprandial glucose responses (PPGRs) to various foods. Yet, the contributions of specific microbiome taxa, measures of fermentation, and abiotic factors in the colon to glycemic control remain elusive. We tested whether PPGRs 60 min after a standardized breakfast was associated with gut microbial α-diversity (primary outcome) and explored whether postprandial responses of glucose and insulin were associated with specific microbiome taxa, colonic fermentation as reflected by fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and breath hydrogen and methane exhalation, as well as abiotic factors including fecal pH, fecal water content, fecal energy density, intestinal transit time (ITT), and stool consistency. A single-arm meal trial was conducted. A total of 31 healthy (24 female and seven male) subjects consumed a standardized evening meal and a subsequent standardized breakfast (1,499 kJ) where blood was collected for analysis of postprandial glucose and insulin responses. PPGRs to the same breakfast varied across the healthy subjects. The largest inter-individual variability in PPGRs was observed 60 min after the meal but was not associated with gut microbial α-diversity. In addition, no significant associations were observed between postprandial responses and specific taxa of the gut microbiome, measures of colonic fermentation, ITT, or other abiotic factors. However, fasting glucose concentrations were negatively associated with ITT, and fasting insulin was positively associated with fasting breath hydrogen. In conclusion, the gut microbiome, measures of colonic fermentation, and abiotic factors were not shown to be significantly associated with variability in postprandial responses, suggesting that contributions of the gut microbiome, colonic fermentation, and abiotic factors to PPGRs may be subtle in healthy adults.
Gut Microbiota and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: The Effect of Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Calabrese Cinzia Myriam , Valentini Alessia , Calabrese Giorgio
Published: January 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Regarding the latter, gut microbiota has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of T1DM, by affecting intestinal permeability, molecular mimicry, and modulating innate and adaptive immune system, as described in several previous studies. The composition of the gut microbiota is largely influenced by diet. Some observational studies have shown that a low fiber intake is associated with the development of many inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD), which is based on high consumption of cereals (preferably as whole grains), legumes, nuts, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and fish, could play a protective role. Many of the characteristic components of MD have functional characteristics with positive effects on health and well-being. Eating habits are the main significant determinants of the microbial multiplicity of the intestine and the food components influence both microbial populations and their metabolic activities from the early stages of life. Moreover, food metabolites influence the immune response. The intestine is considered the primary site where food metabolites mediate their effects, through epithelial integrity or mucosal immunity. The compromised epithelial integrity allows the translocation of bacteria and/or the diffusion of their products, such as food antigens and lipopolysaccharides, from the intestinal lumen to the tissues, which could enhance the stimulation of immune cells, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as T1DM. The intake of a high amount of fiber and therefore of prebiotics with MD allows the microbiota to have a good microbial balance. Moreover, as more dietary fibers are ingested, a higher amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is produced by anaerobic gut microbiota, promoting gut homeostasis, to which also contribute tryptophan metabolites and omega-3-fatty acids. Furthermore, the higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3-fatty-acids contribute to a better metabolic control. In this review we report the relationship between gut microbiota and T1DM and we explore the effects of Mediterranean diet on microbiota as a potential therapeutic strategy, aimed at preventing or delaying progression of T1DM and its complications.
Does the Nutritional Composition of Dairy Milk Based Recovery Beverages Influence Post-exercise Gastrointestinal and Immune Status, and Subsequent Markers of Recovery Optimisation in Response to High Intensity Interval Exercise?
Authors: Russo Isabella , Della Gatta Paul A. , Garnham Andrew , Porter Judi , Burke Louise M. , Costa Ricardo J. S.
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to determine the effects of flavored dairy milk based recovery beverages of different nutrition compositions on markers of gastrointestinal and immune status, and subsequent recovery optimisation markers. After completing 2 h high intensity interval running, participants (n = 9) consumed a whole food dairy milk recovery beverage (CM, 1.2 g/kg body mass (BM) carbohydrate and 0.4 g/kg BM protein) or a dairy milk based supplement beverage (MBSB, 2.2 g/kg BM carbohydrate and 0.8 g/kg BM protein) in a randomized crossover design. Venous blood samples, body mass, body water, and breath samples were collected, and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) were measured, pre- and post-exercise, and during recovery. Muscle biopsies were performed at 0 and 2 h of recovery. The following morning, participants returned to the laboratory to assess performance outcomes. In the recovery period, carbohydrate malabsorption (breath H2 peak: 49 vs. 24 ppm) occurred on MBSB compared to CM, with a trend toward greater gut discomfort. No difference in gastrointestinal integrity (i.e., I-FABP and sCD14) or immune response (i.e., circulating leukocyte trafficking, bacterially-stimulated neutrophil degranulation, and systemic inflammatory profile) markers were observed between CM and MBSB. Neither trial achieved a positive rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis [−25.8 (35.5) mmol/kg dw/h]. Both trials increased phosphorylation of intramuscular signaling proteins. Greater fluid retention (total body water: 86.9 vs. 81.9%) occurred on MBSB compared to CM. Performance outcomes did not differ between trials. The greater nutrient composition of MBSB induced greater gastrointestinal functional disturbance, did not prevent the post-exercise reduction in neutrophil function, and did not support greater overall acute recovery.