bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural prioritization may increase the impact of COVID-19 vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa due to ongoing internal migration: A modeling study
Authors: Selvaraj Prashanth , Wagner Bradley G. , Chao Dennis L. , Jackson Maïna L’Azou , Breugelmans J. Gabrielle , Jackson Nicholas , Chang Stewart T.
Published: June 2021

How COVID-19 vaccine is distributed within low- and middle-income countries has received little attention outside of equity or logistical concerns but may ultimately affect campaign impact in terms of infections, severe cases, or deaths averted. In this study we examined whether subnational (urban-rural) prioritization may affect the cumulative two-year impact on disease transmission and burden of a vaccination campaign using an agent-based model of COVID-19 in a representative Sub-Saharan Africa country setting. We simulated a range of vaccination strategies that differed by urban-rural prioritization, age group prioritization, timing of introduction, and final coverage level. Urban prioritization averted more infections in only a narrow set of scenarios, when internal migration rates were low and vaccination was started by day 30 of an outbreak. Rural prioritization was the optimal strategy for all other scenarios, e.g., with higher internal migration rates or later start dates, due to the presence of a large immunological naive rural population. Among other factors, timing of the vaccination campaign was important to determining maximum impact, and delays as short as 30 days prevented larger campaigns from having the same impact as smaller campaigns that began earlier. The optimal age group for prioritization depended on choice of metric, as prioritizing older adults consistently averted more deaths across all of the scenarios. While guidelines exist for these latter factors, urban-rural allocation is an orthogonal factor that we predict to affect impact and warrants consideration as countries plan the scale-up of their vaccination campaigns.
Mild cognitive impairment is not a valid concept and should be replaced by a more restrictive, biologically validated class, named Mild Cognitive Dysfunctions (MCD): a nomothetic network approach
Authors: Maes Michael , Tangwongchai Sookjaroen
Published: June 2021

Background

No studies have examined whether interactions between the apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele and peripheral biomarkers, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may impact the neurocognitive, behavioral and social dysfunctions in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD).

Aims

To clinically define and biologically validate a subgroup of aMCI subjects that take up an intermediate position between controls and AD patients.

Methods

In 61 healthy controls, 60 subjects with aMCI, and 60 AD patients we measured the features of aMCI/AD using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD). A composite BIORISK score was computed using the ApoE4 allele, serum folate, albumin, white blood cells, fasting blood glucose (FBG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), T2DM and hypertension.

Results

Clustering and nearest neighbour analyses were unable to validate the aMCI subgroup. We constructed two z unit-based composite scores, the first indicating overall burden of cognitive, social, and behavioural deterioration (OBD), and a second reflecting the interactions between ApoE4, all other biomarkers, hypertension and T2DM (BIORISK). We found that 40.2% of the variance in the OBD score was explained by BIORISK, ApoE4, age and education. The OBD index was used to construct three subgroups (normal, medium, and high OBD) with the medium group (n=45) showing mild cognitive dysfunctions (MCD) in memory, language, orientation, and ADL. People with MCD show OBD and BIORISK scores that are significantly different from controls and AD.

Conclusions

Petersen’s aMCI criteria cannot be validated and should be replaced by the more restrictive, biologically validated MCD class.
Selectively expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein S1 subunit in cardiomyocytes induces cardiac hypertrophy in mice
Authors: Negron Steven G. , Kessinger Chase W. , Xu Bing , Pu William T. , Lin Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

Cardiac injury is common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and portends poorer prognosis and higher mortality. To better understand how SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) damages the heart, it is critical to elucidate the biology of CoV-2 encoded proteins, each of which may play multiple pathological roles. For example, CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein (CoV-2-S) not only engages ACE2 to mediate virus infection, but also directly impairs endothelial function and can trigger innate immune responses in cultured murine macrophages. Here we tested the hypothesis that CoV-2-S damages the heart by activating cardiomyocyte (CM) innate immune responses. HCoV-NL63 is another human coronavirus with a Spike protein (NL63-S) that also engages ACE2 for virus entry but is known to only cause moderate respiratory symptoms. We found that CoV-2-S and not NL63-S interacted with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a crucial pattern recognition receptor that responsible for detecting pathogen and initiating innate immune responses. Our data show that the S1 subunit of CoV-2-S (CoV-2-S1) interacts with the extracellular leucine rich repeats-containing domain of TLR4 and activates NF-kB. To investigate the possible pathological role of CoV-2-S1 in the heart, we generated a construct that expresses membrane-localized CoV-2-S1 (S1-TM). AAV9-mediated, selective expression of the S1-TM in CMs caused heart dysfunction, induced hypertrophic remodeling, and elicited cardiac inflammation. Since CoV-2-S does not interact with murine ACE2, our study presents a novel ACE2-independent pathological role of CoV-2-S, and suggests that the circulating CoV-2-S1 is a TLR4-recognizable alarmin that may harm the CMs by triggering their innate immune responses.
The EXO70B2 exocyst subunit contributes to papillae and encasement formation in anti-fungal defence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ortmannová Jitka , Sekereš Juraj , Kulich Ivan , Šantrůček Jiří , Dobrev Petre , Žárský Viktor , Pečenková Tamara
Published: June 2021

In the reaction to non-adapted Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bg), Arabidopsis thaliana leaf epidermal cells deposit cell wall reinforcements called papillae or seal fungal haustoria in encasements, both of which involve intensive exocytosis. A plant syntaxin SYP121/PEN1 has been found to be of key importance for the timely formation of papillae, and the vesicle tethering complex exocyst subunit EXO70B2 has been found to contribute to their morphology. Here, we identify a specific role for the EXO70B2-containing exocyst complex in the papillae membrane domains important for the callose deposition and GFP-SYP121 delivery to the focal attack sites, as well as its contribution to encasement formation. The mRuby2-EXO70B2 co-localises with the exocyst core subunit SEC6 and GFP-SYP121 in the membrane domain of papillae, and both proteins have the capacity to directly interact. The exo70B2/syp121 double mutant has a reduced number of papillae and haustorial encasements in response to Bg, indicating an additive role of the exocyst in SYP121 coordinated non-host resistance. In summary, we report cooperation between the plant exocyst and a SNARE protein in penetration resistance against non-adapted fungal pathogens.

Highlight

The exocyst complex containing EXO70B2 subunit has specific role in papilla and encasement formation, implemented in coordination with the pathway regulated by the SYP121 SNARE complex in defence.
Large-scale neural recordings with single-cell resolution in human cortex using high-density Neuropixels probes
Authors: Paulk Angelique C. , Kfir Yoav , Khanna Arjun , Mustroph Martina , Trautmann Eric M. , Soper Dan J. , Stavisky Sergey D. , Welkenhuysen Marleen , Dutta Barundeb , Shenoy Krishna V. , Hochberg Leigh R. , Richardson R. Mark , Williams Ziv M. , Cash Sydney S.
Published: June 2021

Recent advances in multi-electrode array technology have made it possible to monitor large neuronal ensembles at cellular resolution. In humans, however, current approaches either restrict recordings to only a few neurons per penetrating electrode or combine the signals of thousands of neurons in local field potential (LFP) recordings. Here, we describe a new probe variant and set of techniques which enable simultaneous recording from over 200 well-isolated cortical single units in human participants during intraoperative neurosurgical procedures using silicon Neuropixels probes. We characterized a diversity of extracellular waveforms with eight separable single unit classes, with differing firing rates, positions along the length of the linear electrode array, spatial spread of the waveform, and modulation by LFP events such as inter-ictal discharges and burst suppression. While some additional challenges remain in creating a turn-key recording system, high-density silicon arrays provide a path for studying human-specific cognitive processes and their dysfunction at unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution.
An IRF4-MYC-mTORC1 integrated pathway controls cell growth and the proliferative capacity of activated B cells during B cell differentiationin vivo
Authors: Patterson Dillon G. , Kania Anna K. , Price Madeline J. , Rose James R. , Scharer Christopher D. , Boss Jeremy M.
Published: June 2021

Cell division is an essential component of B cell differentiation to antibody-secreting plasma cells, with critical reprogramming occurring during the initial stages of B cell activation. However, a complete understanding of the factors that coordinate early reprogramming events in vivo remain to be determined. In this study, we examined the initial reprogramming by IRF4 in activated B cells using an adoptive transfer system and mice with a B cell-specific deletion of IRF4. IRF4-deficient B cells responding to influenza, NP-Ficoll and LPS divided, but stalled during the proliferative response. Gene expression profiling of IRF4-deficient B cells at discrete divisions revealed IRF4 was critical for inducing MYC target genes, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. Moreover, IRF4-deficient B cells maintained an inflammatory gene expression signature. Complementary chromatin accessibility analyses established a hierarchy of IRF4 activity and identified networks of dysregulated transcription factor families in IRF4-deficient B cells, including E-box binding bHLH family members. Indeed, B cells lacking IRF4 failed to fully induceMycafter stimulation and displayed aberrant cell cycle distribution. Furthermore, IRF4-deficient B cells showed reduced mTORC1 activity and failed to initiate the B cell-activation unfolded protein response and grow in cell size.Mycoverexpression in IRF4-deficient was sufficient to overcome the cell growth defect. Together, these data reveal an IRF4-MYC-mTORC1 relationship critical for controlling cell growth and the proliferative response during B cell differentiation.
Interactions between sensory prediction error and task error during implicit motor learning
Authors: Tsay Jonathan S. , Haith Adrian M. , Ivry Richard B. , Kim Hyosub E.
Published: June 2021

Implicit motor recalibration allows us to flexibly move in novel and changing environments. Conventionally, implicit recalibration is thought to be driven by errors in predicting the sensory outcome of movement (i.e., sensory prediction errors). However, recent studies have shown that implicit recalibration is also influenced by errors in achieving the movement goal (i.e., task errors). Exactly how sensory prediction errors and task errors interact to drive implicit recalibration and, in particular, whether task errors alone might be sufficient to drive implicit recalibration remain unknown. To test this, we induced task errors in the absence of sensory prediction errors by displacing the target mid-movement. We found that task errors alone failed to induce implicit recalibration. In additional experiments, we simultaneously varied the size of sensory prediction errors and task errors. We found that implicit recalibration driven by sensory prediction errors could be continuously modulated by task errors, revealing an unappreciated dependency between these two sources of error. Moreover, implicit recalibration was attenuated when the target was simply flickered in its original location, even though this manipulation did not affect task error – an effect likely attributed to attention being directed away from the feedback cursor. Taken as a whole, the results were accounted for by a computational model in which sensory prediction errors and task errors, modulated by attention, interact to determine the extent of implicit recalibration.

Author’s summary

What information does the brain use to maintain precise calibration of the sensorimotor system? Using a reaching task paired with computational modeling, we find that movements are implicitly recalibrated by errors in predicting both the sensory outcome of movement (i.e., sensory prediction errors) as well as errors in achieving the movement goal (i.e., task errors). Even though task errors alone do not elicit implicit recalibration, they nonetheless modulate implicit recalibration when sensory prediction error is present. The results elucidate an unappreciated interaction between these two sources of error in driving implicit recalibration.
Microbiome diversity and host immune functions may define the fate of sponge holobionts under future ocean conditions
Authors: Posadas Niño , Baquiran Jake Ivan P. , Nada Michael Angelou L. , Kelly Michelle , Conaco Cecilia
Published: June 2021

The sponge-associated microbial community contributes to the overall health and adaptive capacity of the sponge holobiont. This community is regulated by the environment, as well as the immune system of the host. However, little is known about the effect of environmental stress on the regulation of host immune functions and how this may, in turn, affect sponge-microbe interactions. In this study, we compared the microbiomes and immune repertoire of two sponge species, the demosponge, Neopetrosia compacta and the calcareous sponge, Leucetta chagosensis, under varying levels of acidification and warming stress. Neopetrosia compacta harbors a diverse bacterial assemblage and possesses a rich repertoire of scavenger receptors while L. chagosensis has a less diverse microbiome and an expanded range of pattern recognition receptors and proteins with immunological domains. Upon exposure to warming and acidification, the microbiome and host transcriptome of N. compacta remained stable, which correlated with high survival. In contrast, the bacterial community of L. chagosensis exhibited drastic restructuring and widespread downregulation of host immune-related pathways, which accompanied tissue necrosis and mortality. Differences in microbiome diversity and immunological repertoire of diverse sponge groups highlight the central role of host-microbe interactions in predicting the fate of sponges under future ocean conditions.
RiboTRIBE: Monitoring Translation with ADAR-meditated RNA Editing
Authors: Xu Weijin , Abruzzi Katharine , Rosbash Michael
Published: June 2021

RNA translation is tightly regulated to ensure proper protein expression in cells and tissues. Translation is often assayed with biochemical assays such as ribosome profiling and TRAP, which are effective in many contexts. These assays are however not ideal with limiting amounts of biological material when it can be difficult or even impossible to make an extract with sufficient signal or sufficient signal:noise. Because of our interest in translational regulation within the few Drosophila adult circadian neurons, we fused the ADAR catalytic domain (ADARcd) to several small subunit ribosomal proteins and assayed mRNA editing in Drosophila S2 cells. The strategy is named RiboTRIBE and is analogous to a recently published APOBEC-based method. The list of RiboTRIBE-edited transcripts overlaps well with ribosome profiling targets, especially with more highly ranked targets. There is also an enriched number of editing sites in ribosome-associated mRNA comparing to total mRNA, indicating that editing occurs preferentially on polyribosome-associated transcripts. The use of cycloheximide to freeze translating ribosomes causes a substantial increase in the number of RiboTRIBE targets, which is decreased by pretreating cells with the chain terminating drug puromycin. NOTE: Additional experiments performed after first submitting this manuscript to BioRxiv estimate that less than 5% of Rps28b-ADAR is ribosome-associated. This is because the vast majority of the fusion protein sediments at the top of a polyribosome gradient. We therefore suggest that most editing reported in the manuscript is not catalyzed by ribosome-associated ADAR (10/2/2021).
The gravitation-driven stress-reduced urothelial barrier in toad bladder urothelium
Authors: Xinli Tan , Danmei Wang , Shouyan Fan , Xiaochi Xu , Hui Guo , Teye Emmanuel Kwao , Ndjike Michele Merveille Nnanga , Yang Wang
Published: June 2021

The urinary bladder urothelial are highly specialized epithelia that protect the underlying tissues from mechanical stress and seal them from the overlying fluid space. To better understand the maintaining permeability induced electrical potential roles played by urothelial in the bladder, we established a protocol of gravitation stress in toad urothelial, observed the transmembrane potential difference variation.

Method

The toad urothelial were mounted in a using chamber which the chamber was separated to two solution spaces, and stable with 0.9% saline solution. The electrodes were settled on the surface of each side of the preparation, serosal side definite as cathode. The using chamber was settled in the centrifugal rotor and under 300 rpm rotation to obtain a vertically +4G gravitation on serosal chamber 5min.

Result

a transient transmembrane potential difference increasing was observed after adding CaCl2 (3% solution) in serosal chamber. The amplitude increasing phase included a rapid and a slowly ascending phase. In gravitation stressed urothelial preparation, CaCl2 induced transient phase was significantly increased, furthermore the secondary slowly ascending phase was much more amplified on its amplitude axis and significantly prolonged on the time scale than that evoked in control preparations. The evoked total amplitude increasing were 10 times higher than that in control.

Conclusion

The urinary bladder epithelial layer has a structure which regulates ion permeability as a barrier. The tight junction plays an important role as the intercellular coupling in the apical side of the epithelial cell. On the other hand, it is known that the ion channel exists on the epithelial cell membrane and regulates the physiological process. The gravitation stress weakened the tight junction. The transmembrane potential difference was enhanced both on its amplitude and prolonged time. The gravitation stress induced hyperpolarization that evoked by CaCl2 is one kind of Cl- transfer from serosal chamber in which high Ca2+ in the urothelial basal membrane activated the calcium-activated chloride channels. This outwardly rectifying chloride channel induced hyperpolarization can be blocked by Nppb.
Oxidative stress is a potential cost of synchronous nesting in olive ridley sea turtles
Authors: Arango B. Gabriela , Harfush-Meléndez Martha , Ensminger David C. , López-Reyes Elpidio Marcelino , Marmolejo-Valencia José Alejandro , Merchant-Larios Horacio , Crocker Daniel E. , Vázquez-Medina José Pablo
Published: June 2021

Olive ridley sea turtles,Lepidochelys olivacea, exhibit a polymorphic reproductive behaviour nesting in solitary or in mass aggregations termed “arribadas”, where thousands of turtles nest at once. Arribadas may provide fitness benefits including mate finding during nearshore aggregations and predator satiation at the time of hatching, but the potential costs of arribada nesting remain understudied. To explore the potential trade-offs of the fitness benefits associated with arribada nesting, we collected blood from olive ridley turtles nesting in arribada and solitary. We measured reproductive and metabolic hormones (progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine), triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and markers of oxidative damage (4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, and nitrotyrosine). Arribada nesters were bigger and had higher levels of progesterone than solitary nesters. Similarly, thyroid hormones were higher in individuals nesting in arribada than in solitary nesters, while TG and NEFA were positively correlated in arribada but not in solitary nesters. Nesting in arribada was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls compared to solitary nesting. These results suggest that nesting in arribada is potentially more energetically expensive than nesting solitarily, and that oxidative stress may be a trade-off of the fitness benefits associated with arribada nesting.
The neurocomputational architecture of explore-exploit decision making
Authors: Hogeveen Jeremy , Mullins Teagan S. , Romero John , Eversole Elizabeth , Rogge-Obando Kimberly , Mayer Andrew R. , Costa Vincent D.
Published: June 2021

Humans and other animals often make the difficult decision to try new options (exploration) and forego immediate rewards (exploitation). Novelty-seeking is an adaptive solution to this explore-exploit dilemma, but our understanding of the neural computations supporting novelty-seeking in humans is limited. Here, we presented the same explore-exploit decision making task to monkeys and humans and found evidence that the computational basis for novelty-seeking is conserved across primate species. Critically, through computational model-based decomposition of event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans, these findings reveal a previously unidentified cortico-subcortical architecture mediating explore-exploit behavior in humans.
Bayesian evaluation of privacy-preserving risk communication for user android app preferences
Authors: Momenzadeh Behnood , Gopavaram Shakthidhar , Das Sanchari , Camp L. Jean
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose practical and usable interactions that will allow more informed, risk-aware comparisons for individuals during app selections. The authors include an explicit argument for the role of human decision-making during app selection and close with a discussion of the strengths of a Bayesian approach to evaluating privacy and security interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focused on the risk communication in mobile marketplace’s realm, examining how risk indicators can help people choose more secure and privacy-preserving apps. Combining canonical findings in risk perception with previous work in usable security, the authors designed indicators for each app to enable decisions that prioritize risk avoidance. Specifically, the authors performed a natural experiment with N = 60 participants, where they asked them to select applications on Android tablets with accurate real-time marketplace data.

Findings

In the aggregate, the authors found that app selections changed to be more risk-averse in the presence of a user-centered multi-level warning system using visual indicators that enabled a click-thru to the more detailed risk and permissions information.

Originality/value

Privacy research in the laboratory is often in conflict with privacy decision-making in the marketplace, resulting in a privacy paradox. To better understand this, the authors implemented a research design based on clinical experimental approaches, testing the interaction in a noisy, confounded field environment.
Human rights dimensions of COVID-19 responses in Bangladesh: challenges and recommendations
Authors: Mannan Sonia , Alam Jobair , Rahman Md Habibur
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the human rights dimensions of COVID-19 responses in Bangladesh through a viewpoint methodology in four critical areas: freedom of opinion and expression; access to information; protection of health-care workers; and marginalized populations’ access to health care. However, these responses remain non-aligned with the international human rights law obligations of Bangladesh, which undermines the human rights and dignity of its population. Based on the responses shaping and aggravating the situation, this paper concludes with some recommendations, which can be helpful for Bangladesh for better human rights responses in these areas, should a parallel situation emerge in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper scrutinizes the human rights dimensions of COVID-19 responses in Bangladesh through a viewpoint methodology.

Findings

The responses of Bangladesh remain non-aligned with international human rights law obligations of Bangladesh, which undermines the human rights and dignity of its population.

Originality/value

This paper concludes with some recommendations, which can be helpful for Bangladesh for better human rights responses in these areas, should a parallel situation emerge in the future.
Rise of the machines: examining the influence of professional service robots attributes on consumers’ experience
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Cai Xiaomei , Xu Changliang , Li Jun (Justin)
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the antecedents of perceived value and the moderating effect of trust and the relationship between these antecedents and perceived value in the context of the service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate statistical analysis technique of structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

The results indicate that self-efficacy, motivation, social influence, facilitating conditions and emotions have a significant and direct relationship with customers’ perceived value and that trust can enhance the effect of these antecedents on perceived value. These findings have several significant implications for service robot implementation within the service sector.

Originality/value

With the advancement in artificial intelligence and sensor technology, various industries have launched the practice of deploying intelligent robots to build competitive advantages. The use of intelligent robots to assist with the customer service process and improve consumers’ experience within the service sector is becoming more commonplace.
Communities, ecosystem engineers, and functional domains
Authors: Ponge Jean‐François
Published: June 2021

Communities are shaped by the activity of ecosystem engineers, which modify their environment to their benefit and that of subordinate species within their functional domain. Communities are defined as embedded assemblages of interactions, from cells to landscapes. They are threatened by present‐day global changes which trigger the invasive nature of ecological engineers, with cascading effects. This perspective paper starts with a definition of ecosystem engineers and functional domains in the frame of developments in community ecology. Then I show that the concepts of ecosystem engineer and functional domain explain (i) most of the observed cases of community boundaries, and (ii) the passage from small‐scale interactions among individuals to community‐wide processes of dynamics and stability. I will further show that ecological engineering exists at various scales, from viruses to landscapes, functional domains being embedded in a flexible manner. At last, I will show that threats posed by global changes to communities are mainly mediated by their negative or positive effects on ecosystem engineers.
Evaluation of natural disaster treatment efficiency in 27 Chinese provinces
Authors: Li Ying , Chiu Yung‐ho , Lin Tai‐Yu , Cen Hongyi , Liu Yabin
Published: June 2021

Research on disaster mitigation and prevention has tended to focus on the impact of natural disasters on the economy and strategies for risk reduction and mitigation. There has been significant research on disaster prevention and treatment efficiencies, however, most analyses have employed traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) radial models that do not consider undesirable output. Differing from previous research, this study employed a non‐radial directional distance function DEA that included an undesirable output analysis to evaluate the natural hazard management efficiency in 27 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions in China. Results show that: (a) economic losses from natural disasters were lower due to the increase in natural disaster prevention and control program expenditure; (b) the overall natural disaster control efficiencies varied significantly across the provinces; and (c) Tibet and Xinjiang, which have the lowest general disaster prevention efficiencies, could benefit from following the example set by provinces such as Sichuan and Guangdong, which have the highest disaster prevention efficiencies. Disaster prevention efficiencies measure the overall performance of each province in disaster prevention. This efficiency index is measured by input (disaster prevention expenditure) and output (number of natural disasters prevented and natural disaster economic losses), and its calculation method is the ratio of the actual value of each input and output to the target value. This ratio is called the efficiency score, and the efficiency score is between 0 and 1. An efficiency score of 1 represents the most efficient.
Emerging nondestructive approaches for meat quality and safety evaluation—A review
Authors: Khaled Alfadhl Y. , Parrish Chadwick A. , Adedeji Akinbode
Published: June 2021

Meat is one of the most consumed agro‐products because it contains proteins, minerals, and essential vitamins, all of which play critical roles in the human diet and health. Meat is a perishable food product because of its high moisture content, and as such there are concerns about its quality, stability, and safety. There are two widely used methods for monitoring meat quality attributes: subjective sensory evaluation and chemical/instrumentation tests. However, these methods are labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and destructive. To overcome the shortfalls of these conventional approaches, several researchers have developed fast and nondestructive techniques. Recently, electronic nose (e‐nose), computer vision (CV), spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), and multispectral imaging (MSI) technologies have been explored as nondestructive methods in meat quality and safety evaluation. However, most of the studies on the application of these novel technologies are still in the preliminary stages and are carried out in isolation, often without comprehensive information on the most suitable approach. This lack of cohesive information on the strength and shortcomings of each technique could impact their application and commercialization for the detection of important meat attributes such as pH, marbling, or microbial spoilage. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of recent nondestructive technologies (e‐nose, CV, spectroscopy, HSI, and MSI), as well as their applications and limitations in the detection and evaluation of meat quality and safety issues, such as contamination, adulteration, and quality classification. A discussion is also included on the challenges and future outlooks of the respective technologies and their various applications.
Investigating the infant gut microbiota in developing countries: worldwide metagenomic meta‐analysis involving infants living in sub‐urban areas of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Fontana Federico , Mancabelli Leonardo , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Taracchini Chiara , Alessandri Giulia , Longhi Giulia , Anzalone Rosaria , Viappiani Alice , Famo Roch , Brognan Marc , Micondo Kouamé Hervé , Turroni Francesca , Ventura Marco , D'Alfonso Rossella , Milani Christian
Published: June 2021

In recent decades, infants' gut microbiota has aroused constant scientific interest, primarily due to early‐ and long‐term repercussions on the host health. In this context, nutritional challenges such as those found in less developed countries can influence infants' gut microbiota development, thus generating potentially critical health outcomes. However, comprehensive investigations regarding species‐level differences in the infant gut microbiota's composition between urbanized and rural countries are still missing. In this study, 16S rRNA and Shallow Shotgun metagenomics sequencing were exploited to dissect the microbial community's species‐level composition of 11 faecal samples collected from infants living in a semi‐urban area of Sub‐Saharan Africa, i.e. Côte d'Ivoire. Moreover, the generated data were coupled with those retrieved from public available metagenomic repositories, including two rural communities and 13 urban communities of industrialized countries. The meta‐analysis led to the identification of Infant Species Community States Type (ISCSTs) and microbial species covariances, which were exploited to reveal key signatures of infants living in rural and semi‐urban societies. Remarkably, analysis of rural and semi‐urban datasets revealed shifts from ISCSTs prevalent in urbanized populations with putative health implications. Thus, indicating the need for population‐wide investigations aimed to define the factors determining such potentially harmful gut microbial communities' signatures.
Exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil: A national survey
Authors: Barros Fabrício Sciammarella , Pinheiro Bruno Valle , Lucinda Leda Marília Fonseca , Rezende Gabriel Ferreira , Segura‐Ortí Eva , Reboredo Maycon Moura
Published: June 2021

To evaluate the availability and characteristics of exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil and to identify the reported barriers to exercise program implementation and maintenance. All dialysis units were assessed for eligibility using the database of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology. Each dialysis unit was contacted by telephone and the questions were administered. In dialysis units with exercise training, questions related to personnel involved, exercise components, and program delivery were included. Additionally, the barriers to exercise program implementation and maintenance were evaluated. This study included 261 dialysis units that responded to the survey. Forty‐one dialysis units reported exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil (prevalence of 15.7%). We identified 66 physiotherapists and 10 exercise physiologists in dialysis units with exercise training. Resistance training was the most common program component (92.7%). Hypotension (90.5%) and muscle cramps (85.7%) were the most common adverse events reported. In dialysis units with exercise training, poor patients’ adherence to exercise was the most commonly reported barrier. The most prevalent barrier in dialysis units that tried or never tried to implement the exercise programs was a lack of resources. The number of dialysis units that have exercise training during hemodialysis in Brazil is low, and the most common program component is resistance training. A lack of resources was the most prevalent barrier in dialysis units that tried or never tried to implement the exercise programs.
Superior treatment persistence with ustekinumab in Crohn’s disease and vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis compared with anti‐TNF biological agents: real‐world registry data from the Persistence Australian National IBD Cohort (PANIC) study
Authors: Ko Yanna , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Yau Yunki , Leong Rupert W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Medication persistence contributes real‐world evidence about treatment effectiveness, tolerability and prescriber and patient acceptability.

Aims

To evaluate persistence of biological agents in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and the effects of immunomodulator use and treatment lines.

Methods

Retrospective national population‐based data on treatment persistence for adalimumab, infliximab vedolizumab and ustekinumab for CD and UC were analysed from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

There were 2499 patients included with 8219 person‐years of follow‐up. In CD patients ustekinumab had increased persistence compared to anti‐TNF agents (HR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.32‐2.38, P < 0.01). Twelve‐month CD persistence rates were ustekinumab 80.0%, vedolizumab 73.5%, infliximab 68.1% and adalimumab 64.2% (P = 0.01). In moderate‐severe UC vedolizumab had increased persistence compared to anti‐TNF agents (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.27‐2.18 P < 0.001). Twelve‐month UC persistence rates were vedolizumab 73.4%, infliximab 61.1% and adalimumab 45.5% (P < 0.001). Immunomodulator co‐therapy did not significantly increase persistence in non‐anti‐TNF therapy (P > 0.05). Thiopurines increased persistence of anti‐TNF agents in CD (P < 0.001) and UC (P = 0.03). Methotrexate co‐therapy increased persistence of anti‐TNF agents in CD (P = 0.001) only. First‐line therapy was superior to non‐first line in persistence (P < 0.001). In fistulising CD, the persistence of infliximab and adalimumab was not significantly different (P = 0.11).

Conclusion

Persistence was highest in ustekinumab in CD and vedolizumab in UC. Factors which increased the persistence of biological agents are first‐line therapy, and immunomodulator co‐therapy in anti‐TNF agent use.
Sampling biases shape our view of the natural world
Authors: Hughes Alice C. , Orr Michael C. , Ma Keping , Costello Mark J. , Waller John , Provoost Pieter , Yang Qinmin , Zhu Chaodong , Qiao Huijie
Published: June 2021

Spatial patterns of biodiversity are inextricably linked to their collection methods, yet no synthesis of bias patterns or their consequences exists. As such, views of organismal distribution and the ecosystems they make up may be incorrect, undermining countless ecological and evolutionary studies. Using 742 million records of 374 900 species, we explore the global patterns and impacts of biases related to taxonomy, accessibility, ecotype and data type across terrestrial and marine systems. Pervasive sampling and observation biases exist across animals, with only 6.74% of the globe sampled, and disproportionately poor tropical sampling. High elevations and deep seas are particularly unknown. Over 50% of records in most groups account for under 2% of species and citizen‐science only exacerbates biases. Additional data will be needed to overcome many of these biases, but we must increasingly value data publication to bridge this gap and better represent species' distributions from more distant and inaccessible areas, and provide the necessary basis for conservation and management.
Impact of frailty metabolic phenotypes on the management of older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ahmed H , Emmerton Demelza , Sinclair Alan J
Published: June 2021

Aims

To provide a pathophysiological basis for distinguishing metabolic variants of the frailty phenotype in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We have made an in‐depth review of the possible mechanisms in diabetes, ageing and frailty that will alter allow us to describe phenotypic changes which might assist in predicting responses to particular glucose‐lowering therapy.

Results

Our review has enable us to describe with some confidence a sarcopenic obese phenotype and an anorexic malnourished phenotype.

Conclusions

By identifying these two phenotypes we can predict which would be most responsive to certain classes of therapy and where therapies may be ill‐advised. This represents the first novel approach in this area. Further work is being planned to develop this hypothesis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 614–622.
Resolution of fibrosis by siRNA HSP47 in vitamin A‐coupled liposomes induces regeneration of chronically injured livers
Authors: Sato Yasushi , Yoneda Akihiro , Shimizu Fumiko , Nishimura Miyuki , Shimoyama Rai , Tashiro Yasuyuki , Kurata Wataru , Niitsu Yoshiro
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

In chronic hepatic diseases where treatment strategies are not available, deposited fibrotic tissues deteriorate the intrinsic regeneration capacity of the liver by creating special restrictions. Thus, if the anti‐fibrosis modality is efficiently applied, the regeneration capacity of the liver should be reactivated even in such refractory hepatic diseases.

Methods

Rat liver fibrosis was induced by dimethyl‐nitrosamine (DMN). Another liver fibrosis model was established in CCl4 treated Sox9CreERT2ROSA26: YFP mice. To resolve hepatic fibrosis, vitamin A‐coupled liposomes containing siRNA HSP47 (VA‐liposome siHSP47) were employed. EpCAM + hepatic progenitor cells from GFP rats were transplanted to DMN rat liver to examine their trans‐differentiation into hepatic cells after resolution of liver fibrosis.

Results

Even under continuous exposure to such strong hepatotoxin as DMN, rats undergoing VA‐liposome siHSP47 treatment showed an increment of DNA synthesis of hepatocytes with the concomitant restoration of impaired liver weight and normalization of albumin levels. These results were consistent with the observation that GFP + EpCAM hepatic progenitor cells transplanted to DMN rat liver, trans‐differentiated into GFP + mature hepatic cells after VA‐liposome siHSP47 treatment. Another rodent model also proved regeneration potential of the fibrotic liver in CCl4 administered Sox9CreERT2ROSA26: YFP mice, VA‐liposome siHSP47 treatment‐induced restoration of liver weight and trans‐differentiation of YEP + Sox9 + cells into YFP + hepatic cells, although because of relatively mild hepatotoxicity of CCl4, undamaged hepatocytes also proliferated.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that regeneration of chronically damaged liver indeed occurs after anti‐fibrosis treatment even under continuous exposure to hepatotoxin, which promises a significant benefit of the anti‐fibrosis therapy for refractory liver diseases.
SPOSAB ABP 501: A Sicilian Prospective Observational Study of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Adalimumab Biosimilar ABP 501
Authors: Macaluso Fabio Salvatore , Cappello Maria , Busacca Anita , Fries Walter , Viola Anna , Costantino Giuseppe , Magnano Antonio , Vinci Elisa , Ferracane Concetta , Privitera Antonino Carlo , Piccillo Giovita , Belluardo Nunzio , Giangreco Emiliano , Romano Claudio , Citrano Michele , Graziano Francesco , Garufi Serena , Bertolami Carmelo , Ventimiglia Marco , Scrivo Barbara , Teresi Giulia , Renna Sara , Rizzuto Giulia , Casà Angelo , Orlando Ambrogio ,   Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN‐IBD)
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

There are few clinical data on Adalimumab (ADA) biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to perform a multicenter, observational, prospective study on safety and effectiveness of ADA biosimilar ABP 501 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

All consecutive patients from the cohort of the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease treated with ADA biosimilar ABP 501 from February 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups: group A, naïve to ADA and naïve to anti‐tumor necrosis factors; group B, naïve to ADA and previously exposed to anti‐tumor necrosis factors; and group C: switched from ADA originator to ABP 501.

Results

A total of 559 patients (median age 39 years; Crohn's disease 88.0%, ulcerative colitis 12.0%) were included, with a follow‐up time of 403.4 patient‐years. Thirty‐six serious adverse events occurred in 36 patients (6.4%; incidence rate [IR]: 8.9 per 100 person‐years [PY]). The IR of serious adverse events was higher among patients in group A compared with group C (17.4 vs 4.8 per 100 PY; IR ratio = 3.61; P < 0.001) and among patients in group B compared with group C (16.4 vs 4.8 per 100 PY; IR ratio = 3.42; P = 0.041). Among ADA‐naïve patients (group A + B), 188 (85.8%) had a clinical response after 12 weeks, including 165 (75.3%) who achieved steroid‐free remission. Higher treatment persistence estimates were reported for patients in group C compared with groups A and B (log–rank P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Safety and effectiveness of ABP 501 seem to be overall similar to those reported for ADA originator. Switching from originator to ABP 501 was safe and effective.
Trust violations in buyer–supplier relationships: Spillovers and the contingent role of governance structures
Authors: Eckerd Stephanie , Handley Sean , Lumineau Fabrice
Published: June 2021

Buyer–supplier relationships provide ample opportunities for trust violations to occur. Yet the literature on the impact and outcomes of violations of trust in buyer–supplier relationships is underdeveloped. In this study, we report the results from three complementary scenario‐based experiments that evaluate the impact of a supplier‐induced violation on a buyer's trust in that supplier. We establish a spillover effect of supplier integrity violations onto the buyer's competence dimension of trust, and of supplier competence violations onto the buyer's integrity dimension of trust. We also examine the role of inter‐organizational governance, finding that contractual and relational governance are differentially effective at mitigating trust damages experienced by a buyer after a supplier violation. Specifically, we observe that relational governance helps mitigate damages to buyer's trust following a supplier competence violation, whereas some evidence suggests that contractual governance serves to preserve buyer's trust following a supplier integrity violation. These findings have important theoretical and managerial implications for the management of buyer–supplier relationships. We discuss why the governance structures adopted by firms involved in a buyer–supplier relationship have distinct impacts on trust assessments following a violation.
microRNA‐17 is a tumor suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinoma and is repressed by LSD1
Authors: Wangzhou Kaixin , Fu Wanren , Li Mengmeng , Lu Zishao , Lai Zhiying , Liu Cheng , Tan Yi , Hao Chunbo
Published: June 2021

Objective

The effects of epigenetic modifiers have been uncovered on cellular reprogramming and, specifically, on sustaining characteristics of cancer stem cells. We here aim to investigate whether lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) affects the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by sustaining the cancer stem cells from OSCC (OSCSCs).

Methods

RT‐qPCR detection was firstly conducted to screen out research gene by determining differential expression of histone demethylases and methylases in identified OSCSCs. Then, microarray analysis was carried out in cells with poor expression of LSD1.

Results

OSCSCs expressed high levels of LSD1, and LSD1 inhibition reduced cell viability, migration, invasion, and sphere formation of OSCSCs. Later mechanistic studies suggested that LSD1 inhibited microRNA (miR)‐17 expression through histone demethylation. miR‐17 bound to KPNA2, and LSD1 downstream genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Importantly, miR‐17 inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of si‐LSD1 on cell activity, while si‐KPNA2 abolished the promotive effect of miR‐17 inhibitor on cell activity both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Overall, LSD1 functions as a cancer stem cell supporter in OSCC by catalyzing demethylation of miR‐17 and activating the downstream KPNA2/PI3K/AKT pathway, which contributes to understanding of the mechanisms associated with epigenetic regulation in OSCC.