bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TÜRKİYE’DE PARLAMENTODA KADININ (EKSİK) TEMSİLİ: MİLLETVEKİLİ GENEL SEÇİMLERİ ÖZELİNDE DEMOGRAFİK BİR İNCELEME
Authors: ŞAHİN Zeynep
Published: January 2022

Siyasi partilerin temel hedefi toplumun bütün kesimlerini yakalamaya çalışmak suretiyle oy oranını artırmak olduğundan kendilerine en çok katkı sağlayacak adayları seçmeye çabalamaktadırlar. Böylece partilerce kabul gören adayların nitelikleri daha da ehemmiyet kazanmaktadır. Bu durum genelde partilerce aday gösterilen grupların özel olarak da kadının temsilinde aday gösterilen kesimden seçimi kazananların genel bir portresinin ortaya konulması bağlamında önemli ipuçları vermektedir. Ayrıca tüm kesimden ne kadarının parlamentoda temsil edebildiği sorusunun yanıtı önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmada kadın temsilinin %10’un üstünde olduğu son dört genel seçim (12 Haziran 2011, 7 Haziran/ 1 Kasım 2015, 24 Haziran 2018) ele alınmak suretiyle, “seçime katılma” ve “seçimi kazanma” kıstasları özelinde partiler düzeyinde kadın, erkek temsilinin ortaya çıkartılmasına odaklanılmaktadır. Türkiye’deki hem “erkek egemen parlamentonun yapısının” hem de demografik verilerden yararlanılmak suretiyle “kadın temsili bağlamında aday gösterilmiş olan kesimden seçilmişlerin genel bir portresinin” dört genel seçim sonuçları özelinde incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Ayrıca kadın adaylar içinde seçilmişlerin “yaş, yasal medeni durum, eğitim” olmak üzere demografik kriterler bağlamında dağılımı genelde ve partiler ölçeğinde karşılaştırılmalı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Betimsel analiz yönteminin kullanıldığı çalışmada, inceleme kapsamına alınan dört genel seçime ait aday listeleri, sonuçları ve demografik bilgiler Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK) tarafından ilân edilen verilerden yararlanılmak suretiyle sunulmuştur. Çalışmanın sonucunda 2011 %14,36, Haziran 2015 %17,82 ve Kasım 2015 %14,73, 2018 %17,33 kadın temsili sayı ve oranlarıyla “erkek egemen parlamentonun günümüzde de varlığını devam ettirdiği” tespit edilmiştir. Aday gösterilen kesimden seçilen kadın temsilcilerin genel portresi, “belli bir eğitim düzeyi, yaş olgunluğu ve aile kurumu içinde yer alış” şeklinde siyasal alana yansıdığı görülmüştür.
“Pasang”, Knowledge and Implementation of Local Wisdom in The Kajang Traditional Forest Area, South Sulawesi
Authors: Nurmala  , Muh. Dassir  , Supratman
Published: January 2022

The Kajang tribe as a cultural and environmental tourism destination is a community of indigenous people who live in harmony with nature by having the life principle of "Kamase mase" (unpretentious) and are firm on the "Pasang" (message) of the ancestors. "Pasang" is a way of life for indigenous peoples originating from Turiek A'ra'na (the creator) which was passed down to Tu Mariolo (the first person). The core of "pasang", is to maintain and preserve the forest for a better life and more prosperous. The purpose of this research is to analyze the type of “pasang” as local knowledge and implementation of forest conservation in the Customary Areas. Data was collected through field observations and in-depth interviews with participants and key informants consisting of; 1) Customary Leaders, Ammatoa, 2) Customary Stakeholders, 3) Village Heads, 4) Non-Governmental Organizations, 5) indigenous peoples. The results showed that knowledge of local wisdom for forest conservation and management contained several "pasang". “Pasang” as Knowledge of local wisdom is implemented in the form of forest management zoning. The customary forest is divided into three zones; 1) core zone or sacred forest (borong karamaka or borong lompoa); 2) buffer zone, limited production forest (borong battasayya), and 3) utilization zone (borong Luarayya). The three forest zones have different functions and uses in Ammatoa supervision.
Inactivation of Clostridioides Difficile Spores in Carpeting and Upholstery to Reduce Disease Recurrence in Households and Nursing Care Facilities
Authors: J Sadowsky Michael , Erickson Raymond , Wang Ping , J Hamilton Matthew , Hoo Melissa , Kaiser Thomas , Fryxell Kathryn , Khoruts Alexander
Published: January 2022

Objective: Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) is among the most reported hospital and community-acquired gastrointestinal infections. Spores produced by this bacterium cause the initial disease and recurrent C. difficile infections (rCDI) and survive for long periods in the environment. Killing of C. difficile spores in carpeting and upholstery is very challenging without destruction or alteration of the fiber matrix material. In this study, we evaluated a fiber-safe standardized method for inhibiting germination of C. difficile spores recovered from in carpeting and upholstery material and thereby reduce the risk of disease incidence in households and nursing care facilities. Methods and Results : In this study, we found that the most effective procedure for the recovery of C. difficile spores from short-fiber textile surfaces used an ammonium phosphate-gelatin buffer, stainless steel beads to extract the spores from the carpet samples, and the addition of a heat activation step prior to plating. Virasept®, a known sporicide containing hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, was evaluated for marked reduction of viable C. difficile spore number in carpet and fabric models. After a 30 min contact time, application of the sporicide at ~ 75 ml m2 of carpet (or 51.2 ml m2 upholstery fabric) resulted in a 3-log reduction in germination of five different C. difficile spore types (a ~99.9% decrease), representing five different Nap biotypes. Despite effective inhibition of C. difficile spore germination, Virasept treatment did not visibly damage or discolor carpet or fabric fibers. Conclusions: Results of this study show the potential effectiveness of a robust regimen for the practical treatment of carpeting and upholstery fabric in nursing care facilities, and residential homes to prevent community- and environmentally-acquired reinfection and recurrence of CDI in susceptible individuals.
Inflammation and Myeloid Cells in Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Deng Jenying , Fleming Jason B.
Published: January 2022

To date, the most immunotherapy drugs act upon T cell surface proteins to promote tumoricidal T cell activity. However, this approach has to date been unsuccessful in certain solid tumor types including pancreatic, prostate cancer and glioblastoma. Myeloid-related innate immunity can promote tumor progression through direct and indirect effects on T cell activity; improved understanding of this field may provide another therapeutic avenue for patients with these tumors. Myeloid cells can differentiate into both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mature form depending upon the microenvironment. Most cancer type exhibit oncogenic activating point mutations (ex. P53 and KRAS) that trigger cytokines production. In addition, tumor environment (ex. Collagen, Hypoxia, and adenosine) also regulated inflammatory signaling cascade. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic factor driving the tumor immune microenvironment and regulating the differentiation and function of myeloid cells, T cells activity and tumor progression. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between cancer cells and myeloid cells-mediated tumor immune microenvironment to promote cancer progression and immunotherapeutic resistance. Furthermore, we will describe how cytokines and chemokines produced by cancer cells influence myeloid cells within immunosuppressive environment. Finally, we will comment on the development of immunotherapeutic strategies with respect to myeloid-related innate immunity.
The Effect of Gender-Affirming Medical Care on the Vaginal and Neovaginal Microbiomes of Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
Authors: Krakowsky Yonah , Potter Emery , Hallarn Jason , Monari Bern , Wilcox Hannah , Bauer Greta , Ravel Jacques , Prodger Jessica L.
Published: January 2022

Transgender and gender diverse individuals may seek gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to produce primary and/or secondary sex characteristics that are more congruent with their gender. Gender-affirming medical care for transmasculine individuals can include testosterone therapy, which suppresses circulating estrogen and can lead to changes in the vaginal epithelium that are reminiscent of the post-menopausal period in cisgender females. Among transfeminine individuals, gender-affirming medical care can include vaginoplasty, which is the surgical creation of a vulva and neovaginal canal, commonly using penile and scrotal skin. The effect of gender-affirming medical care on the vagina of transmasculine individuals and on the neovagina of transfeminine individuals is poorly characterized. This review summarizes what is known of the epithelium and local microbiota of the testosterone-exposed vagina and the neovagina. We focus on potential pathogens and determinants of gynecological health and identify key knowledge gaps for future research.
Fuzzy or Clear? A Computational Approach Towards Dynamic L2 Lexical-Semantic Representation
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Li Ping
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a computational approach to bilingual speakers’ non-native (L2) lexical-semantic representations. Specifically, based on detailed analyses of the error patterns shown in our previous simulation results (Zhao and Li Int. J. Bilingual. Educ. Bilingual., 2010, 13, 505–524;Zhao and Li, Bilingualism, 2013, 16, 288–303), we aim at revealing the underlying learning factors that may affect the extent of fuzzy category boundaries within bilinguals’ L2 representation. Here, we first review computational bilingual models in the literature that have focused on simulating L2 lexical representations, including the Developmental Lexicon II (DevLex-II) model (Zhao and Li, Int. J. Bilingual. Educ. Bilingual., 2010, 13, 505–524;Zhao and Li, Bilingualism, 2013, 16, 288–303), on which the current study is based. The DevLex-II modeling results indicate a strong age of acquisition (AoA) effect: When the learning of L2 is early relative to that of native language (L1), functionally distinct lexical representations may be established for both languages; when the learning of L2 is significantly delayed relative to that of L1, fuzzy L2 representations may occur due to the structural consolidation (or theentrenchment) of the L1 lexicon. Next, we explore the error patterns shown in both lexical comprehension and production in DevLex-II. A novel contribution of the current study is that we systematically compare the computational simulation results with empirical findings. Such model-based error analyses extend our previous findings by indicating, especially in the late L2 learning condition, that fuzzy L2 semantic representations emerge and lead to processing errors, including errors in unstable phonology-semantic and semantic-phonemic mappings. The DevLex-II model provides a computational account of the development of bilinguals’ L2 representation with reference to the dynamic interaction and competition between the two lexicons. We point to future directions in which fuzzy L2 representations may be overcome, through a framework that highlights the social learning of L2 (SL2) and the embodied semantic representation of the lexicon in the new language (Li and Jeong, Npj Sci. Learn., 2020, 5, 1–9;Zhang, Yang, Wang and Li, Lang. Cogn. Neurosci., 2020, 35, 1223–1238).
Maximizing Photosynthesis-Driven Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation Efficiency in Recombinant Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Tüllinghoff Adrian , Uhl Magdalena B. , Nintzel Friederike E. H. , Schmid Andreas , Bühler Bruno , Toepel Jörg
Published: January 2022

Photosynthesis-driven whole-cell biocatalysis has great potential to contribute to a sustainable bio-economy since phototrophic cells use light as the only energy source. It has yet to be shown that phototrophic microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria, can combine the supply of high heterologous enzyme levels with allocation of sufficient reduction equivalents to enable efficient light-driven redox biocatalysis. Here, we demonstrated that the heterologous expression of an NADPH-dependent Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) gene from Acidovorax sp. CHX100 turns Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 into an efficient oxyfunctionalization biocatalyst, deriving electrons and O2 from photosynthetic water oxidation. Several expression systems were systematically tested, and a PnrsB-(Ni2+)–controlled expression based on a replicative plasmid yielded the highest intracellular enzyme concentration and activities of up to 60.9 ± 1.0 U gCDW−1. Detailed analysis of reaction parameters, side reactions, and biocatalyst durability revealed—on the one hand—a high in vivo BVMO activity in the range of 6 ± 2 U mgBVMO−1 and—on the other hand—an impairment of biocatalyst performance by product toxicity and by-product inhibition. Scale-up of the reaction to 2-L fed-batch photo-bioreactors resulted in the stabilization of the bioconversion over several hours with a maximal specific activity of 30.0 ± 0.3 U g CDW−1, a maximal volumetric productivity of 0.21 ± 0.1 gL−1 h−1, and the formation of 1.3 ± 0.1 gL−1 of ε-caprolactone. Process simulations based on determined kinetic data revealed that photosynthesis-driven cyclohexanone oxidation on a 2-L scale under high-light conditions was kinetically controlled and not subject to a limitation by photosynthesis.
Case Report: Dynamic Changes in Hemodynamics During the Formation and Progression of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Zhai Xiaodong , Wang Yadong , Fang Gang , Hu Peng , Zhang Hongqi , Zhu Chengcheng
Published: January 2022

Despite the devastating consequences of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the mechanisms underlying the formation, progression, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are complex and not yet fully clear. In a real-world situation, continuously observing the process of aneurysm development in humans appears unrealistic, which also present challenges for the understanding of the underlying mechanism. We reported the relatively complete course of IA development in two real patients. On this basis, computational fluid dynamics simulation (CFD) was performed to evaluate the changes in hemodynamics and analyze the mechanism underlying the formation, progression, and rupture of IAs. Our results suggested that the formation and progression of IAs can be a dynamic process, with constantly changing hemodynamic characteristics. CFD analysis based on medical imaging provides the opportunity to study the hemodynamic conditions over time. From these two rare cases, we found that concentrated high-velocity inflow jets, flows with vortex structures, extremely high WSS, and a very steep WSSG were correlated with the formation of IAs. Complex multi-vortex flows are possibly related to IAs prior to growth, and the rupture of IAs is possibly related to low WSS, extreme instability and complexity of flow patterns. Our findings provide unique insight into the theoretical hemodynamic mechanism underlying the formation and progression of IAs. Given the small sample size the findings of this study have to be considered preliminary and exploratory.
D-Dimer Is a Predictive Factor of Cancer Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients Treated With Cardiotoxic Chemotherapy
Authors: Oikawa Masayoshi , Yaegashi Daiki , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Sato Takamasa , Kaneshiro Takashi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Ishida Takafumi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: January 2022

Background

D-dimer is a sensitive biomarker for cancer-associated thrombosis, but little is known about its significance on cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD).

Methods

Consecutive 169 patients planned for cardiotoxic chemotherapy were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. All patients underwent echocardiography and blood test at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12 months.

Results

The patients were divided into two groups based on the level of D-dimer (>1.65 μg/ml or ≦ 1.65 μg/ml) at baseline before chemotherapy: high D-dimer group (n = 37) and low D-dimer group (n = 132). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased at 3- and 6 months after chemotherapy in high D-dimer group [baseline, 65.2% (62.8–71.4%); 3 months, 62.9% (59.0–67.7%); 6 months, 63.1% (60.0–67.1%); 12 months, 63.3% (58.8–66.0%), p = 0.03], but no change was observed in low D-dimer group. The occurrence of CTRCD within the 12-month follow-up period was higher in the high D-dimer group than in the low D-dimer group (16.2 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.0146). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that high D-dimer level at baseline was an independent predictor of the development of CTRCD [odds ratio 3.93, 95% CI (1.00–15.82), p = 0.047].

Conclusion

We should pay more attention to elevated D-dimer levels not only as a sign of cancer-associated thrombosis but also the future occurrence of CTRCD.
South African Higher Education Institutions at the Beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Sense-Making and Lessons Learnt
Authors: du Plessis Marieta , Jansen van Vuuren Carel D. , Simons Abigail , Frantz José , Roman Nicolette , Andipatin Michelle
Published: January 2022

After the unprecedented changes experienced in higher education due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a need to integrate initial thoughts and reflective experience to decide on the way forward. This study aimed to reflect on, and make sense of the events related to South African higher education institutions HEIs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Cynefin framework. Data from a rapid review of online media at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and a collaborative autoethnography session 1 year since lockdowns were implemented are used to present perspectives for the sense-making process. This offers insights to both ends of the spectrum as it highlights the evolution of processes taking place at multiple levels from government policies to institutional practices, as well as how this impacted on both staff and students. The Cynefin framework demonstrated sense-making efforts in the disordered, to the chaotic, to the complex, then to the complicated and eventually to the simple domain. Each domain ushered in its peculiarities and highlighted the issues ranging from vulnerabilities experienced in the higher education sector, to trying to reconfigure the academic year, to dealing with wicked problems, to eventually relying on expert assistance to navigate the virtual university space. Trying to establish causality in the simple domain proved challenging as the information available during the time was sparse. Despite these challenges, the lessons learnt include the importance of the sense-making process among all academic staff, the significance of collaboration and team efforts and the need to adapt leadership and self-leadership approaches to the changed ways of working in higher education institutions.
Evaluation of Autofluorescence in Identifying Parathyroid Glands by Measuring Parathyroid Hormone in Fine-Needle Biopsy Washings
Authors: Liu Zhen , Ma Run-sheng , Jia Jun-li , Wang Tao , Zuo Dao-hong , Yin De-tao
Published: January 2022

Background

Near-infrared autofluorescence imaging has potentially great value for assisting endocrine surgeons in identifying parathyroid glands and may dramatically change the surgical strategy of endocrine surgeons in thyroid surgery. This study is designed to objectively evaluate the role of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging in identifying parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery by measuring intraoperative parathyroid hormone in fine-needle aspiration biopsy washings.

Methods

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in China from February 2020 to June 2020. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with or without neck lymph node dissection were consecutively included. The surgeon used near-infrared autofluorescence imaging to identify parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery and confirmed suspicious parathyroid tissues by measuring their intraoperative parathyroid hormone. Nanocarbon was injected into the thyroid gland if the thyroid autofluorescence intensity was too strong. The sensitivity and accuracy of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging and vision for identifying parathyroid glands, and the difference in autofluorescence intensity in various tissues were the main outcomes.

Results

Overall, 238 patients completed the trial. Based on the pathological and aIOPTH results, the sensitivity of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging for detecting parathyroid glands (568 of 596 parathyroid glands; 95.30%)was significantly higher than that of vision (517 of 596 parathyroid glands; 86.74%, P<.001). The accuracy of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging (764 of 841 tissues; 90.84%) was significantly higher than that of vision (567 of 841 tissues; 67.42%, P<.001) when the evaluations of certain tissues were inconsistent. There was a significant difference between the autofluorescence intensity of the parathyroid glands and that of the lymph nodes (74.19 ± 17.82 vs 33.97 ± 10.64, P<.001).

Conclusion

The use of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging, along with intraoperative parathyroid hormone and nanocarbon for the identification of parathyroid glands in thyroid surgery may increase the number of confirmed parathyroid glands. Using near-infrared autofluorescence imaging can effectively distinguish lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during lymph node dissection.
Rethinking Condition: Measuring and Evaluating Wetland Vegetation Responses to Water Management
Authors: Campbell Cherie J. , Thompson Ross M. , Capon Samantha J. , Dyer Fiona J.
Published: January 2022

Environmental water management is increasingly used to restore riverine, wetland and floodplain ecosystems and requires an understanding of what the flow regime or restoration objectives are, why these objectives are being targeted and how outcomes will be evaluated. This perspective paper focuses on non-woody vegetation, an important component of river-floodplain ecosystems and a targeted outcome for many environmental flow management programs, such as the Basin wide environmental watering strategy for the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia. Effective management of non-woody vegetation using environmental water requires identifying a suite of measurable condition outcomes (the “what”), understanding how these relate to broader functions and values (the “why”) and developing clear cause-and-effect relationships between management and outcomes (the “how”). A critical component of this process is to characterise what constitutes management success, which requires reimagining current definitions of condition to better incorporate dynamic functions and diverse values. We identify the need to characterise condition in a structured framework using both ecological data and societal values. This approach will not only help inform the development of benchmarks, watering objectives and monitoring metrics, but will also facilitate engagement by a broader spectrum of the community with the management and outcomes of environmental watering.
Exploring Virome Diversity in Public Data in South America as an Approach for Detecting Viral Sources From Potentially Emerging Viruses
Authors: Mazur Fernando G. , Morinisi Leandro M. , Martins Junior Olímpio , Guerra Pedro Pontes Bueno , Freire Caio C. M.
Published: January 2022

The South American continent presents a great diversity of biomes, whose ecosystems are constantly threatened by the expansion of human activity. The emergence and re-emergence of viral populations with impact on the human population and ecosystem have shown increases in the last decades. In deference to the growing accumulation of genomic data, we explore the potential of South American-related public databases to detect signals that contribute to virosphere research. Therefore, our study aims to investigate public databases with emphasis on the surveillance of viruses with medical and ecological relevance. Herein, we profiled 120 “sequence read archives” metagenomes from 19 independent projects from the last decade. In a coarse view, our analyses identified only 0.38% of the total number of sequences from viruses, showing a higher proportion of RNA viruses. The metagenomes with the most important viral sequences in the analyzed environmental models were 1) aquatic samples from the Amazon River, 2) sewage from Brasilia, and 3) soil from the state of São Paulo, while the models of animal transmission were detected in mosquitoes from Rio Janeiro and Bats from Amazonia. Also, the classification of viral signals into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (family) allowed us to infer from metadata a probable host range in the virome detected in each sample analyzed. Further, several motifs and viral sequences are related to specific viruses with emergence potential fromTogaviridae,Arenaviridae, andFlaviviridaefamilies. In this context, the exploration of public databases allowed us to evaluate the scope and informative capacity of sequences from third-party public databases and to detect signals related to viruses of clinical or environmental importance, which allowed us to infer traits associated with probable transmission routes or signals of ecological disequilibrium. The evaluation of our results showed that in most cases the size and type of the reference database, the percentage of guanine–cytosine (GC), and the length of the query sequences greatly influence the taxonomic classification of the sequences. In sum, our findings describe how the exploration of public genomic data can be exploited as an approach for epidemiological surveillance and the understanding of the virosphere.
Prospectus of Genomic Selection and Phenomics in Cereal, Legume and Oilseed Breeding Programs
Authors: Sandhu Karansher S. , Merrick Lance F. , Sankaran Sindhuja , Zhang Zhiwu , Carter Arron H.
Published: January 2022

The last decade witnessed an unprecedented increase in the adoption of genomic selection (GS) and phenomics tools in plant breeding programs, especially in major cereal crops. GS has demonstrated the potential for selecting superior genotypes with high precision and accelerating the breeding cycle. Phenomics is a rapidly advancing domain to alleviate phenotyping bottlenecks and explores new large-scale phenotyping and data acquisition methods. In this review, we discuss the lesson learned from GS and phenomics in six self-pollinated crops, primarily focusing on rice, wheat, soybean, common bean, chickpea, and groundnut, and their implementation schemes are discussed after assessing their impact in the breeding programs. Here, the status of the adoption of genomics and phenomics is provided for those crops, with a complete GS overview. GS’s progress until 2020 is discussed in detail, and relevant information and links to the source codes are provided for implementing this technology into plant breeding programs, with most of the examples from wheat breeding programs. Detailed information about various phenotyping tools is provided to strengthen the field of phenomics for a plant breeder in the coming years. Finally, we highlight the benefits of merging genomic selection, phenomics, and machine and deep learning that have resulted in extraordinary results during recent years in wheat, rice, and soybean. Hence, there is a potential for adopting these technologies into crops like the common bean, chickpea, and groundnut. The adoption of phenomics and GS into different breeding programs will accelerate genetic gain that would create an impact on food security, realizing the need to feed an ever-growing population.
Silica Induction of Diverse Inflammatory Proteome in Lungs of Lupus-Prone Mice Quelled by Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation
Authors: Rajasinghe Lichchavi D. , Bates Melissa A. , Benninghoff Abby D. , Wierenga Kathryn A. , Harkema Jack R. , Pestka James J.
Published: January 2022

Repeated short-term intranasal instillation of lupus-prone mice with crystalline silica (cSiO2) induces inflammatory gene expression and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in the lung, leading to early onset of systemic autoimmunity and rapid progression to glomerulonephritis. These responses are suppressed by dietary supplementation with the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here, we tested the hypothesis that dietary DHA supplementation suppresses cSiO2-induced inflammatory proteins in bronchoalveolar alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma of lupus-prone mice. Archived tissue fluid samples were used from a prior investigation in which 6 wk-old lupus-prone female NZBWF1 mice were fed isocaloric diets containing 0 or 10 g/kg DHA for 2 wks and then intranasally instilled with 1 mg cSiO2or vehicle once weekly for 4 wks. Cohorts were terminated at 1, 5, 9 or 13 wk post-instillation (PI). BALF and plasma from each cohort were analyzed by high density multiplex array profiling of 200 inflammatory proteins. cSiO2time-dependently induced increases in the BALF protein signatures that were highly reflective of unresolved lung inflammation, although responses in the plasma were much less robust. Induced proteins in BALF included chemokines (e.g., MIP-2, MCP-5), enzymes (e.g., MMP-10, granzyme B), adhesion molecules (e.g., sE-selectin, sVCAM-1), co-stimulatory molecules (e.g., sCD40L, sCD48), TNF superfamily proteins (e.g., sTNFRI, sBAFF-R), growth factors (e.g., IGF-1, IGFBP-3), and signal transduction proteins (e.g., MFG-E8, FcgRIIB), many of which were blocked or delayed by DHA supplementation. The BALF inflammatory proteome correlated positively with prior measurements of gene expression, pulmonary ectopic lymphoid tissue neogenesis, and induction of autoantibodies in the lungs of the control and treatment groups. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were among the top upstream regulators of the cSiO2-induced protein response. Furthermore, DHA’s effects were associated with downregulation of cSiO2-induced pathways involving i) inhibition of ARE‐mediated mRNA decay, ii) bacterial and viral pattern recognition receptor activation, or iii) TREM1, STAT3, NF-κB, and VEGF signaling and with upregulation of PPAR, LXR/RXR and PPARα/RXRα signaling. Altogether, these preclinical findings further support the contention that dietary DHA supplementation could be applicable as an intervention against inflammation-driven autoimmune triggering by cSiO2or potentially other environmental agents.
mRNA Vaccine: How to Meet the Challenge of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jin Yingqi , Hou Chen , Li Yonghao , Zheng Kang , Wang Chuan
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with high infectivity, pathogenicity, and variability, is a global pandemic that severely affected public health and the world economy. The development of safe and effective vaccines is crucial to the prevention and control of an epidemic. As an emerging technology, mRNA vaccine is widely used for infectious disease prevention and control and has significant safety, efficacy, and high production. It has received support and funding from many pharmaceutical enterprises and becomes one of the main technologies for preventing COVID-19. This review introduces the current status of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, specifically mRNA vaccines, focusing on the challenges of developing mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, and discusses the relevant strategies.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome-Associated FHR1 Isoform FHR1*B Enhances Complement Activation and Inflammation
Authors: Xu Boyang , Kang Yuqi , Du Yujing , Guo Weiyi , Zhu Li , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2022

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare but severe type of thrombotic microangiopathy that is triggered by the abnormal activation of the alternative complement pathway. Previous studies have reported that three completely linked coding variants ofCFHR1form two haplotypes, namely,CFHR1*A (c.469C, c.475C, c.523G) andCFHR1*B (c.469T, c.475G, c.523C).CFHR1*B is associated with susceptibility to aHUS. To explore the genetic mechanism by whichCFHR1isoforms contribute to aHUS, we compared the structures of FHR1*A and FHR1*B by homology modeling and found differences in the angles between SCR3 and SCR4-SCR5, as FHR1*B had a larger angle than FHR1*A. Then, we expressed FHR1*A and FHR1*B recombinant proteins and compared their functions in complement system regulation and inflammation. We found that FHR1*B presented a significantly higher capacity for binding C3b and necrotic cells than FHR1*A. In a cofactor assay, the FHR-1*B showed stronger influence on FH mediated cofactor function than the FHR-1*A, resulted in fewer C3b cleavage products. In the C3 convertase assays, FHR1*B showed more powerful effect compared with FHR1*A regarding to de-regulate FH function of inhibition the assembling of C3bBb. Additionally, we also found that FHR1*B triggered monocytes to secrete higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 than FHR1*A. In the present study, we showed that variants ofCFHR1might differently affect complement activation and sterile inflammation. Our findings provide a possible mechanism underlying the predisposition to aHUS caused byCFHR1isoformCFHR1*B.
Subtyping of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Cancers Based on the Expression Profiles of 50 Genes
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Li Shengwei , Luo Jiangti , Ying Xia , Li Zhi , Wang Yuanhe , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Tianfang , Jiang Peiyue , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: January 2022

Background

Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) cervical cancers are highly heterogeneous in molecular and clinical features. However, the molecular classification of HPV+ cervical cancers remains insufficiently unexplored.

Methods

Based on the expression profiles of 50 genes having the largest expression variations across the HPV+ cervical cancers in the TCGA-CESC dataset, we hierarchically clustered HPV+ cervical cancers to identify new subtypes. We further characterized molecular, phenotypic, and clinical features of these subtypes.

Results

We identified two subtypes of HPV+ cervical cancers, namely HPV+G1 and HPV+G2. We demonstrated that this classification method was reproducible in two validation sets. Compared to HPV+G2, HPV+G1 displayed significantly higher immune infiltration level and stromal content, lower tumor purity, lower stemness scores and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) scores, higher level of genomic instability, lower DNA methylation level, as well as better disease-free survival prognosis. The multivariate survival analysis suggests that the disease-free survival difference between both subtypes is independent of confounding variables, such as immune signature, stemness, and ITH. Pathway and gene ontology analysis confirmed the more active tumor immune microenvironment in HPV+G1 versus HPV+G2.

Conclusions

HPV+ cervical cancers can be classified into two subtypes based on the expression profiles of the 50 genes with the largest expression variations across the HPV+ cervical cancers. Both subtypes have significantly different molecular, phenotypic, and clinical features. This new subtyping method captures the comprehensive heterogeneity in molecular and clinical characteristics of HPV+ cervical cancers and provides potential clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Best Practice Data Standards for Discrete Chemical Oceanographic Observations
Authors: Jiang Li-Qing , Pierrot Denis , Wanninkhof Rik , Feely Richard A. , Tilbrook Bronte , Alin Simone , Barbero Leticia , Byrne Robert H. , Carter Brendan R. , Dickson Andrew G. , Gattuso Jean-Pierre , Greeley Dana , Hoppema Mario , Humphreys Matthew P. , Karstensen Johannes , Lange Nico , Lauvset Siv K. , Lewis Ernie R. , Olsen Are , Pérez Fiz F. , Sabine Christopher , Sharp Jonathan D. , Tanhua Toste , Trull Thomas W. , Velo Anton , Allegra Andrew J. , Barker Paul , Burger Eugene , Cai Wei-Jun , Chen Chen-Tung A. , Cross Jessica , Garcia Hernan , Hernandez-Ayon Jose Martin , Hu Xinping , Kozyr Alex , Langdon Chris , Lee Kitack , Salisbury Joe , Wang Zhaohui Aleck , Xue Liang
Published: January 2022

Effective data management plays a key role in oceanographic research as cruise-based data, collected from different laboratories and expeditions, are commonly compiled to investigate regional to global oceanographic processes. Here we describe new and updated best practice data standards for discrete chemical oceanographic observations, specifically those dealing with column header abbreviations, quality control flags, missing value indicators, and standardized calculation of certain properties. These data standards have been developed with the goals of improving the current practices of the scientific community and promoting their international usage. These guidelines are intended to standardize data files for data sharing and submission into permanent archives. They will facilitate future quality control and synthesis efforts and lead to better data interpretation. In turn, this will promote research in ocean biogeochemistry, such as studies of carbon cycling and ocean acidification, on regional to global scales. These best practice standards are not mandatory. Agencies, institutes, universities, or research vessels can continue using different data standards if it is important for them to maintain historical consistency. However, it is hoped that they will be adopted as widely as possible to facilitate consistency and to achieve the goals stated above.
Foraging Behaviours of Breeding Arctic Terns Sterna paradisaea and the Impact of Local Weather and Fisheries
Authors: Morten Joanne M. , Burgos Julian M. , Collins Lee , Maxwell Sara M. , Morin Eliza-Jane , Parr Nicole , Thurston William , Vigfúsdóttir Freydís , Witt Matthew J. , Hawkes Lucy A.
Published: January 2022

During the breeding season, seabirds are central place foragers and in order to successfully rear chicks they must adjust their foraging behaviours to compensate for extrinsic factors. When foraging, arctic ternsSterna paradisaeaare restricted to the first 50 cm of the water column and can only carry a few prey items back to their nests at once. In Iceland, where 20–30% of the global population breed, poor fledging success has been linked to low food availability. Using GPS loggers, we investigated individual foraging behaviours of breeding adults during incubation from a large colony over four seasons. First, we tested whether foraging trip distance or duration was linked to morphology or sex. Second, we examined how trips vary with weather and overlap with commercial fisheries. Our findings reveal that arctic terns travel far greater distances during foraging trips than previously recorded (approximately 7.3 times further), and they forage around the clock. There was inter-annual variability in the foraging locations that birds used, but no relationship between size or sex differences and the distances travelled. We detected no relationship between arctic tern foraging flights and local prevailing winds, and tern heading and speed were unrelated to local wind patterns. We identified key arctic tern foraging areas and found little spatial or temporal overlap with fishing pelagic vessels, but larger home ranges corresponded with years with lower net primary productivity levels. This suggests that whilst changing polar weather conditions may not pose a threat to arctic terns at present, nor might local competition with commercial fisheries for prey, they may be failing to forage in productive areas, or may be affected by synergistic climatic effects on prey abundance and quality. Shifts in pelagic prey distributions as a result of increasing water temperatures and salinities will impact marine top predators in this region, so continued monitoring of sentinel species such as arctic terns is vital.
Clinical and Inflammatory Characteristics of the Chinese APAC Cough Variant Asthma Cohort
Authors: Lai Kefang , Zhan Wenzhi , Wu Feng , Zhang Yunhui , Lin Lin , Li Wen , Yi Fang , Jiang Ziyu , Dai Yuanrong , Li Suyun , Lin Jiangtao , Yuan Yadong , Jiang Yong , Qiu Chen , Zhao Limin , Chen Meihua , Qiu Zhongmin , Li Hu , Chen Ruchong , Luo Wei , Xie Jiaxing , Guo Chunxing , Jiang Mei , Yang Xiaohong , Shi Guochao , Sun Dejun , Chen Rongchang , Chung Kian Fan , Shen Huahao , Zhong Nanshan
Published: January 2022

Background

The AtyPical Asthma in China (APAC) cohort is a multi-center prospective, observational cohort set-up to investigate the clinical, pathophysiological features, prognosis, and mechanisms of cough variant asthma (CVA).

Objectives

To present the characteristics of newly physician-diagnosed adults with CVA (n = 328) compared to mild-moderate classic asthma (CA, n = 206).

Methods and Main Results

CVA subjects showed a higher proportion of female (67.1 vs. 55.3%, P = 0.0084), abnormal laryngopharyngeal sensations (71 vs. 51%, p < 0.0001) than CA, but presented with near normal spirometry and higher methacholine PD20-FEV1 values [4.2 (1, 8.6) vs. 0.8 (0.4, 4.7), P < 0.0001]. Lower fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels [38.5 (19.8, 72.5) vs. 53. (28.5, 92.2), P = 0.0019], blood eosinophil counts [0.2 (0.1, 0.4) vs. 0.3 (0.2, 0.5), P = 0.0014], and sputum eosinophils [2.3 (0.3, 8.0) vs. 12.2 (2, 34.5), p < 0.0001] were found in CVA. Despite lower total serum IgE levels in CVA, there was similar proportion of atopy in both groups. The prevalence of cough in CA was 86.4%, while CVA reported more severe cough on Visual Analog Scale, Cough Evaluation Test, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire, similar anxiety and depression scores but better asthma control scores as reflected by Asthma Control Test compared to CA. No correlation was found between cough assessment outcomes and sputum eosinophil count, blood eosinophil count, FENO, spirometry variables, or PD20-FEV1.

Conclusion

Cough variant asthma is distinctive from classic asthma in regard to clinical features, lung function, and airway inflammation. Quality of life is badly impaired as well in spite of better asthma control scores.
Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1/2 Infection in Central Brazil Prisons: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Melo Bandeira Larissa , Moreira Puga Marco Antonio , Croda Julio , Pompílio Maurício Antonio , Amianti Carolina , Rocha de Rezende Grazielli , Coimbra Motta-Castro Ana Rita
Published: January 2022

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is endemic in some group populations. Prisoners are at high risk of acquiring HTLV infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions, socioeconomic conditions, and risk behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, the occurrence of new cases of HTLV infection after a 1-year follow-up, and circulating subtypes of HTLV-1 among prisoners from twelve closed prisons in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Central Brazil. A total of 1,507 prisoners were randomly enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Out of the 1,507 participants, 1,000 prisoners, susceptible to HTLV infection, were included in the prospective cohort study. In the cross-sectional study, serological evidence of HTLV infection was 0.4% (CI 95%: 0.1-0.7), tested for anti-HTLV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three samples were positive for HTLV-1, two samples were positive for HTLV-2, and 1 sample was indeterminate by the Western blot method. The presence of HTLV proviral DNA was detected in all positive samples by amplification of the HTLV tax gene through nested-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HTLV-1 samples belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup. From a cohort of 1,000 individuals, no new case of HTLV infection was detected. Although the prevalence rate of HTLV infection found in this study was similar to that observed in the Brazilian general population, the lack of access to preventive interventions and harm reduction measures all contribute to increasing the risk of HTLV transmission and acquisition among this key and vulnerable population.
Fish Skin Microbiomes Are Highly Variable Among Individuals and Populations but Not Within Individuals
Authors: Berggren Hanna , Tibblin Petter , Yıldırım Yeşerin , Broman Elias , Larsson Per , Lundin Daniel , Forsman Anders
Published: January 2022

Fish skin-associated microbial communities are highly variable among populations and species and can impact host fitness. Still, the sources of variation in microbiome composition, and particularly how they vary among and within host individuals, have rarely been investigated. To tackle this issue, we explored patterns of variation in fish skin microbiomes across different spatial scales. We conducted replicate sampling of dorsal and ventral body sites of perch (Perca fluviatilis) from two populations and characterized the variation of fish skin-associated microbial communities with 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Results showed a high similarity of microbiome samples taken from the left and right side of the same fish individuals, suggesting that fish skin microbiomes can be reliably assessed and characterized even using a single sample from a specific body site. The microbiome composition of fish skin differed markedly from the bacterioplankton communities in the surrounding water and was highly variable among individuals. No ASV was present in all samples, and the most prevalent phyla, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, varied in relative abundance among fish hosts. Microbiome composition was both individual- and population specific, with most of the variation explained by individual host. At the individual level, we found no diversification in microbiome composition between dorsal and ventral body sites, but the degree of intra-individual heterogeneity varied among individuals. To identify how genetic and phenotypic characteristics of fish hosts impact the rate and nature of intra-individual temporal dynamics of the skin microbiome, and thereby contribute to the host-specific patterns documented here, remains an important task for future research.