bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF DRYING KINETICS OF APRICOTS IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: ASLAN Mehmet , ÖNAL Yunus , AKBULUT Yeliz , AKMİL BAŞAR Canan
Published: February 2021

In this study, Çöloğlu, Hacıhaliloğlu, Kabaaşı and Karacabey apricot species grown in Malatya province of Turkey were used. The effects of various drying environment on the drying kinetics of crude and pre-treated apricots have been investigated. The experiments were conducted in the sunlight and in the shade environment with SO2 treated and untreated apricot. While the drying speed curves of the dried apricots increased rapidly at the beginning, the drying speed curve started to decrease afterwards. The data was fitted to five different mathematical models. Midilli et al. model was determined as the best one to explain drying of apricots by comparing the coefficient of correlation determination (R2), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the observed and expected moisture ratios.
Atributos de liderazgo en Instagram durante las elecciones presidenciales en Argentina 2019
Authors: García-Beaudoux Virginia , Berrocal-Gonzalo Salomé , D'Adamo Orlando
Published: February 2021

La investigación analiza los contenidos que 32 candidatos y candidatas publicaron en sus cuentas de Instagram durante el mes previo a la fecha de las elecciones presidenciales en Argentina de 2019. Se utilizó el método de análisis de contenido, con el objetivo de evaluar dos variables: tipo de información publicada, y estilo de liderazgo comunicado. Los principales resultados indican que privilegiaron el contenido propiamente político más que el politainment, y la proyección de habilidades duras de liderazgo más que blandas. Por su parte, los usuarios de Instagram manifiestan su preferencia por las publicaciones en las que se comunican habilidades blandas de liderazgo, sobre todo cuando se trata de las publicaciones de las candidatas
Estudio del comportamiento de consumo del surfista español. Una aproximación desde la perspectiva profesional
Authors: Sanz-Marcos Paloma , Jiménez-Marín Gloria
Published: February 2021

Este artículo realiza un análisis de la práctica y consumo del surf en España con objeto de profundizar en el estudio del surfista español desde una perspectiva de consumo. A través de una metodología de enfoque cualitativo basada en la realización de un panel de expertos que cuenta con los representantes de las ocho marcas más representativas del surf español y la celebración de cuatro focus groups integrados por surfistas españoles, se persigue conocer si tanto la práctica como el consumo de esta actividad conlleva algún tipo de implicación social en su condición como espacio de identificación colectiva. Los resultados indican que, si bien se trata de un deporte plenamente desarrollado socialmente, no existen indicios de que su práctica motive o fortalezca vínculos sociales entre los surfistas españoles.
¿Por qué y para qué la Comunicación Popular? Apuntes sobre pueblo, subjetivación y política
Authors: Saavedra Moisés Valenzuela
Published: February 2021

Este ensayo se propone, con las limitaciones propias de quien analiza un fenómeno tan vivo, apuntar algunas ideas que ayuden a aclarar los alcances de la Comunicación Popular y la importancia que ella tiene como precondición de la actividad política. Para esto, se reflexiona sobre las nociones de pueblo y lo popular, los procesos de subjetivación y la relación que entre ellos establecen los ejercicios populares de comunicación, consideradas prácticas esenciales para sociedades que persigan ideales democráticos. El trabajo se basa en la idea de la Comunicación Popular como ejercicio conflictivo toda vez que, a través de la instalación de contradiscursos que hacen frente a una oficialidad comunicativa institucional, profesional e ideológica, se cuestiona la configuración del espacio público y se litiga con los procesos dominantes de identificación, permitiendo la existencia de desacuerdo y, en definitiva, haciendo posible la política. No se trata de una descripción de la Comunicación Popular, ni mucho menos de una enumeración de sus elementos constitutivos: más bien es un intento por defender el lugar que ella debe ocupar en nuestra vida en sociedad y en el espacio de lo común.
Recursos periodísticos en la construcción del relato sobre las consecuencias de la crisis económica en la población
Authors: Gómez López Concepción , García Soidán Pilar
Published: February 2021

La presente investigación estudia el uso de algunas herramientas, en el discurso elaborado por la prensa, para narrar el efecto de la primera crisis del siglo XXI en la población española. Este objetivo se ha desarrollado a partir del corpus creado con las piezas informativas publicadas en los periódicos de mayor influencia en una ciudad española (Vigo), de importancia estratégica para la economía de su entorno, cuyo modelo sería extrapolable a otras urbes de similares características. Para delimitar el período de estudio (de septiembre de 2009 a julio de 2011), se tomaron como referencia dos hechos que tuvieron especial relevancia en la crisis económica que vivió la región considerada. Dentro de este marco temporal, se construyó la muestra a partir de las piezas informativas publicadas en las 23 semanas seleccionadas para esta investigación, que respondían a los criterios establecidos para la búsqueda.  Con los datos resultantes, se realizó un análisis exploratorio para determinar la utilización de los siguientes recursos: presencia en portada, género periodístico y acompañamiento de fotografías u otros elementos gráficos.
Identifying the administrative challenges encountered by the principals in low-performing public secondary schools of Faisalabad District, Pakistan
Authors: Parveen Khalida
Published: February 2021

According to the current situation, the most controversial issues emerging in developing countries are the excellence and quality of the national education. Several escalating challenges, especially those related to the secondary school administration, are inevitably responsible for poor administrative and academic performance. In addressing those challenges, school administrators are expected to take full accountability for the implementation of educational policies into practice efficiently. The key objective of the study is to explore the prospective challenges principals are encountering in low-performing public secondary schools. To fulfil the research purpose, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed. A sample of 122 secondary school principals in Faisalabad District was selected by taking advantage of purposive sampling technique. As a result, a total of 24 challenges were collectively validated through questionnaire survey. Frequency analysis approach was initially applied to figure out the most critical challenges. Accordingly, 7 challenges were found statistically significant with a frequency ≥50% for each factor. Additionally, school-type-based (rural vs. urban) analysis was performed by applying Chi-Square test. Furthermore, a taxonomy was developed to classify the identified challenges into nine basic knowledge-areas of school administration. The results revealed ‘Governance and Relationships” is the most significant knowledge-area attribute for school improvement.
The Versatile Type V CRISPR Effectors and Their Application Prospects
Authors: Tong Baisong , Dong Huina , Cui Yali , Jiang Pingtao , Jin Zhaoxia , Zhang Dawei
Published: February 2021

The class II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas systems, characterized by a single effector protein, can be further subdivided into types II, V, and VI. The application of the type II CRISPR effector protein Cas9 as a sequence-specific nuclease in gene editing has revolutionized this field. Similarly, Cas13 as the effector protein of type VI provides a convenient tool for RNA manipulation. Additionally, the type V CRISPR–Cas system is another valuable resource with many subtypes and diverse functions. In this review, we summarize all the subtypes of the type V family that have been identified so far. According to the functions currently displayed by the type V family, we attempt to introduce the functional principle, current application status, and development prospects in biotechnology for all major members.
Elavl1 Impacts Osteogenic Differentiation and mRNA Levels of Genes Involved in ECM Organization
Authors: Kota Satya K. , Lim Zhu Wei , Kota Savithri B.
Published: February 2021

Posttranscriptional gene regulation by Adenylate Uridylate (AU) rich element RNA binding protein, Elavl1 has been implicated in embryonic development as well as progenitor cell differentiation. Elavl1 binds to hundreds of cellular messenger RNAs predominantly through interactions with AU-rich elements (AREs) found in the untranslated regions (UTRs) and functions by regulating their stability. Biological functions of Elavl1 during osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells is not well-understood. Here we report that specific knockdown of nuclear localized Elavl1 by RNA interference in multipotent BMSCs led to increased osteogenic differentiation. Differential gene expression analysis following unbiased total RNA sequencing upon Elavl1 depletion during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs showed increased levels of multiple mRNAs that are involved in extracellular matrix organization. We further show that many of these mRNAs contain Elavl1 binding consensus motifs that are preserved in their 3′ UTRs. RNA stability analyses indicated that depletion of Elavl1 prolongs the steady state RNA levels of several of these mRNAs. Together, our data points to Elavl1 mediated negative regulation of multiple genes involved in ECM organization that play a functional role in MSC osteogenic differentiation.
Consistent Long-Term Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Umbilical Cord Matrix-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells After Myocardial Infarction Despite Individual Differences and Transient Engraftment
Authors: Laundos Tiago L. , Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Gomes Rita N. , Sampaio-Pinto Vasco , Cruz Pedro , Cruz Hélder , Santos Jorge M. , Barcia Rita N. , Pinto-do-Ó Perpétua , Nascimento Diana S.
Published: February 2021

Human mesenchymal stem cells gather special interest as a universal and feasible add-on therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). In particular, human umbilical cord matrix-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UCM-MSC) are advantageous since can be easily obtained and display high expansion potential. Using isolation protocols compliant with cell therapy, we previously showed UCM-MSC preserved cardiac function and attenuated remodeling 2 weeks after MI. In this study, UCM-MSC from two umbilical cords, UC-A and UC-B, were transplanted in a murine MI model to investigate consistency and durability of the therapeutic benefits. Both cellular products improved cardiac function and limited adverse cardiac remodeling 12 weeks post-ischemic injury, supporting sustained and long-term beneficial therapeutic effect. Donor associated variability was found in the modulation of cardiac remodeling and activation of the Akt-mTOR-GSK3β survival pathway. In vitro, the two cell products displayed similar ability to induce the formation of vessel-like structures and comparable transcriptome in normoxia and hypoxia, apart from UCM-MSCs proliferation and expression differences in a small subset of genes associated with MHC Class I. These findings support that UCM-MSC are strong candidates to assist the treatment of MI whilst calling for the discussion on methodologies to characterize and select best performing UCM-MSC before clinical application.
How to Succeed as an Academic on YouTube
Authors: Maynard Andrew D.
Published: February 2021

More and more people are turning to YouTube to expand their knowledge, develop their understanding, and learn new skills. These “casual learners”—loosely defined as individuals who are curious about a topic and are self-motivated to learn more about it—are taking advantage of the ease with which nearly anyone with an internet connection, basic video skills, and something to say, can become a YouTube “creator.” However, amidst a dizzying array of videos purporting to educate or otherwise inform viewers, academic content-creators are notable by their lack of presence on the platform. Here, there are largely-untapped opportunities for academics to contribute to the richness, diversity and trustworthiness of video content available to casual learners, and to effectively mobilize their knowledge at scale. There is also a pressing need for diversity in casual learning content, including diversity in creator gender, identity, ethnicity, and perspective, and academics are uniquely positioned to address this need. Drawing on the author's experiences in developing and producing the YouTube channel Risk Bites, this perspective explores how time, resource, and even talent-limited academics can nevertheless leverage YouTube as a platform for further mobilizing their knowledge for public good.
The Syenite–Carbonatite Complex of Ihouhaouene (Western Hoggar, Algeria): Interplay Between Alkaline Magma Differentiation and Hybridization of Cumulus Crystal Mushes
Authors: Djeddi A. , Parat F. , Bodinier J.-L. , Ouzegane K. , Dautria J.-M.
Published: February 2021

The 2 Ga-old Ihouhaouene alkaline complex (Western Hoggar, Algeria) is among the oldest known carbonatite occurrences on Earth. The carbonatites are calciocarbonatites hosted by syenites, the predominant rock type in the complex. Both rock types are characterized by medium-grained to pegmatitic textures and contain clinopyroxene, apatite, and wollastonite, associated with K-feldspar in syenites and a groundmass of calcite in carbonatites. The rock suite shows a continuous range of compositions from 57–65 wt.% SiO2and 0.1–0.4 wt.% CO2in red syenites to 52–58 wt.% SiO2and 0.1–6.5 wt.% CO2in white syenites, 20–35 wt.% SiO2and 11–24 wt.% CO2in Si-rich carbonatites (>10% silicate minerals), and <20 wt.% SiO2and 24–36 wt.% CO2in Si-poor carbonatites (<5% silicate minerals). Calculation of mineral equilibrium melts reveals that apatite and clinopyroxene are in disequilibrium with each other and were most likely crystallized from different parental magmas before being assembled in the studied rocks. They are subtle in the red syenites, whereas the white syenites and the Si-rich carbonatites bear evidence for parental magmas of highly contrasted compositions. Apatite was equilibrated with LREE-enriched (Ce/Lu = 1,690–6,182) carbonate melts, also characterized by elevated Nb/Ta ratio (>50), whereas clinopyroxene was precipitated from silicate liquids characterized by lower LREE/HREE (Ce/Lu = 49–234) and variable Nb/Ta ratios (Nb/Ta = 2–30). The Si-poor carbonatites resemble the Si-rich carbonatites and the white syenites with elevated REE contents in apatite equilibrium melts compared to clinopyroxene. However, apatite equilibrium melt in Si-poor carbonatite shows a majority of subchondritic values (Nb/Ta<10) and clinopyroxene has chondritic-to-superchondritic values (Nb/Ta = 15–50). Although paradoxical at first sight, this Nb-Ta signature may simply reflect the segregation of the carbonatite from highly evolved silicate melts characterized by extremely low Nb/Ta values. Altogether, our results suggest an evolutionary scheme whereby slow cooling of a silico-carbonated mantle melt resulted in the segregation of both cumulus minerals and immiscible silicate and carbonate melt fractions, resulting in the overall differentiation of the complex. This process was however counterbalanced by intermingling of partially crystallized melt fractions, which resulted in the formation of hybrid alkaline cumulates composed of disequilibrium cumulus phases and variable proportions of carbonate or K-feldspar.
Diversification of Aeonium Species Across Macaronesian Archipelagos: Correlations Between Genome-Size Variation and Their Conservation Status
Authors: Brilhante Miguel , Roxo Guilherme , Catarino Sílvia , dos Santos Patrícia , Reyes-Betancort J. Alfredo , Caujapé-Castells Juli , Sequeira Miguel Menezes , Talhinhas Pedro , Romeiras Maria M.
Published: February 2021

The rich endemic flora of the Macaronesian Islands places these oceanic archipelagos among the top biodiversity hotspots worldwide. The radiations that have determined the evolution of many of these insular lineages resulted in a wealth of endemic species, many of which occur in a wide range of ecological niches, but show small distribution areas in each of them. Aeonium (Crassulaceae) is the most speciose lineage in the Canary Islands (ca. 40 taxa), and as such can be considered a good model system to understand the diversification dynamics of oceanic endemic floras. The present study aims to assess the genome size variation within Aeonium distribution, i.e., the Macaronesian archipelagos of Madeira, Canaries and Cabo Verde, and analyse it together with information on distribution (i.e., geography and conservation status), taxonomy (i.e., sections), morphological traits (i.e., growth-form), geological data (i.e., island's geological age), and environmental variables (i.e., altitude, annual mean temperature, and precipitation). Based on extensive fieldwork, a cytogeographic screening of 24 Aeonium species was performed. The conservation status of these species was assessed based on IUCN criteria. 61% of the taxa were found to be threatened (4% Endangered and 57% Vulnerable). For the first time, the genome size of a comprehensive sample of Aeonium across the Macaronesian archipelagos was estimated, and considerable differences in Cx-values were found, ranging from 0.984 pg (A. dodrantale) to 2.768 pg (A. gorgoneum). An overall positive correlation between genome size and conservation status was found, with the more endangered species having the larger genomes on average. However, only slight relationships were found between genome size, morphological traits, and environmental variables. These results underscore the importance of characterizing the cytogenomic diversity and conservation status of endemic plants found in Macaronesian Islands, providing, therefore, new data to establish conservation priorities.
Trade in African Grey Parrots for Belief-Based Use: Insights From West Africa's Largest Traditional Medicine Market
Authors: Assou Délagnon , Elwin Angie , Norrey John , Coulthard Emma , Megson David , Ronfot Delphine , Auliya Mark , Segniagbeto Gabriel H. , Martin Rowan O. , D'Cruze Neil
Published: February 2021

Over 1.2 million wild-sourced African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) have reportedly been traded internationally since the 1970s, the majority of which were taken from the wild with serious implications for conservation, animal welfare, and biosecurity. While international trade has mostly been for the pet trade, in some West African countries, Grey parrots are also consumed for belief-based use. However, to date there has been little research into the scale and scope of this trade and its drivers. Here, we explore multiple facets of the trade in Grey parrots for belief-based use through interviews with five vendors at the largest “fetish” market of West Africa in Togo. We focus on understanding the purpose of medicinal and spiritual use of Grey parrots, and the socio-economic dimensions of this trade. Parrot heads were the most valuable and most frequently traded body part over the last year (2017), sold primarily for the medicinal purpose of helping to “improve memory.” Feathers were the most common transaction for spiritual use, largely purchased for “attracting clients”, “love”, and to “help with divorce”. Whole parrots and parrot heads had also been traded for spiritual use, mainly for “good luck” and “protection from witchcraft”. Our findings suggest ~900 Grey parrots were traded over the past 10 years in the market. Most vendors perceived an increase in the rarity of Grey parrot body parts over the past 5 years, which may reflect increased restrictions on international trade and/or the deteriorating state of wild populations. Although the sale of feathers collected from beneath roosting sites does not negatively impact wild populations, the relatively low value of these parts compared with other parrot derivatives and live parrots, suggests there may be minimal opportunity to leverage market mechanisms to protect wild populations through sustainable use. We identify a need for further investigations to examine the complex relationship between capture to supply the international pet market, a process in which many parrots die, and the local trade in belief-based use of derivatives.
Museum Genomics Illuminate the High Specificity of a Bioluminescent Symbiosis for a Genus of Reef Fish
Authors: Gould Alison L. , Fritts-Penniman Allison , Gaisiner Ana
Published: February 2021

Symbiotic relationships between bioluminescent bacteria and fishes have evolved multiple times across hundreds of fish taxa, but relatively little is known about the specificity of these associations and how stable they are over host generations. This study describes the degree of specificity of a bioluminescent symbiosis between cardinalfishes in the genus Siphamia and luminous bacteria in the Vibrio family. Primarily using museum specimens, we investigated the codivergence of host and symbiont and test for patterns of divergence that correlate with both biogeography and time. Contrary to expectations, we determined that the light organ symbionts of all 14 Siphamia species examined belong to one genetic clade of Photobacterium mandapamensis (Clade II), indicating that the association is highly specific and conserved throughout the host genus. Thus, we did not find evidence of codivergence among hosts and symbionts. We did observe that symbionts hosted by individuals sampled from colder water regions were more divergent, containing more than three times as many single nucleotide polymorphisms than the rest of the symbionts examined. Overall, our findings indicate that the symbiosis between Siphamia fishes and P. mandapamensis Clade II has been highly conserved across host taxa and over a broad geographic range despite the facultative nature of the bacterial symbiont. We also present a new approach to simultaneously recover genetic information from a bacterial symbiont and its vertebrate host from formalin-fixed specimens, enhancing the utility of museum collections.
A Small Key for a Heavy Door: Genetic Therapies for the Treatment of Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Zittersteijn Hidde A. , Harteveld Cornelis L. , Klaver-Flores Stefanie , Lankester Arjan C. , Hoeben Rob C. , Staal Frank J. T. , Gonçalves Manuel A. F. V.
Published: February 2021

Throughout the past decades, the search for a treatment for severe hemoglobinopathies has gained increased interest within the scientific community. The discovery that ɤ-globin expression from intact HBG alleles complements defective HBB alleles underlying β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, has provided a promising opening for research directed at relieving ɤ-globin repression mechanisms and, thereby, improve clinical outcomes for patients. Various gene editing strategies aim to reverse the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch to up-regulate ɤ-globin expression through disabling either HBG repressor genes or repressor binding sites in the HBG promoter regions. In addition to these HBB mutation-independent strategies involving fetal hemoglobin (HbF) synthesis de-repression, the expanding genome editing toolkit is providing increased accuracy to HBB mutation-specific strategies encompassing adult hemoglobin (HbA) restoration for a personalized treatment of hemoglobinopathies. Moreover, besides genome editing, more conventional gene addition strategies continue under investigation to restore HbA expression. Together, this research makes hemoglobinopathies a fertile ground for testing various innovative genetic therapies with high translational potential. Indeed, the progressive understanding of the molecular clockwork underlying the hemoglobin switch together with the ongoing optimization of genome editing tools heightens the prospect for the development of effective and safe treatments for hemoglobinopathies. In this context, clinical genetics plays an equally crucial role by shedding light on the complexity of the disease and the role of ameliorating genetic modifiers. Here, we cover the most recent insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying hemoglobin biology and hemoglobinopathies while providing an overview of state-of-the-art gene editing platforms. Additionally, current genetic therapies under development, are equally discussed.
The Role of C-Reactive Protein and Fibrinogen in the Development of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Mendelian Randomization Study in European Population
Authors: Wang Biyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Di , Zhang Jie , Cao Mingyang , Tian Xin , Maranga Isinta Elijah , Meng Xiaoni , Tian Qiuyue , Tian Feifei , Cao Weijie , Wang Wei , Song Manshu , Wang Youxin
Published: February 2021

Background: The causal association of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains uncertain. We investigated the causal associations of CRP and fibrinogen with ICH using two-sample Mendelian randomization.

Method: We used single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CRP and fibrinogen as instrumental variables. The summary data on ICH were obtained from the International Stroke Genetics Consortium (1,545 cases and 1,481 controls). Two-sample Mendelian randomization estimates were performed to assess with inverse-variance weighted and sensitive analyses methods including the weighted median, the penalized weighted median, pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) approaches. MR-Egger regression was used to explore the pleiotropy.

Results: The MR analyses indicated that genetically predicted CRP concentration was not associated with ICH, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.263 (95% CI = 0.935–1.704, p = 0.127). Besides, genetically predicted fibrinogen concentration was not associated with an increased risk of ICH, with an OR of 0.879 (95% CI = 0.060–18.281; p = 0.933). No evidence of pleiotropic bias was detected by MR-Egger. The findings were overall robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions: Our findings did not support that CRP and fibrinogen are causally associated with the risk of ICH.
Accounting for Genetic Differences Among Unknown Parents in Bubalus bubalis: A Case Study From the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo
Authors: Gómez Mayra , Rossi Dario , Cimmino Roberta , Zullo Gianluigi , Gombia Yuri , Altieri Damiano , Di Palo Rossella , Biffani Stefano
Published: February 2021

The use of genetic evaluations in the Water Buffalo by means of a Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) animal model has been increased over the last two-decades across several countries. However, natural mating is still a common reproductive strategy that can increase the proportion of missing pedigree information. The inclusion of genetic groups in variance component (VC) and breeding value (EBV) estimation is a possible solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different genetic grouping strategies and their effects on VC and EBV for composite (n = 5) and linear (n = 10) type traits in the Italian Mediterranean Buffalo (IMB) population. Type traits data from 7,714 buffalo cows plus a pedigree file including 18,831 individuals were provided by the Italian National Association of Buffalo Breeders. VCs and EBVs were estimated for each trait fitting a single-trait animal model and using the official DNA-verified pedigree. Successively, EBVs were re-estimated using modified pedigrees with two different proportion of missing genealogies (30 or 60% of buffalo with records), and two different grouping strategies, year of birth (Y30/Y60) or genetic clustering (GC30, GC60). The different set of VCs, estimated EBVs and their standard errors were compared with the results obtained using the original pedigree. Results were also compared in terms of efficiency of selection. Differences among VCs varied according to the trait and the scenario considered. The largest effect was observed for two traits, udder teat and body depth in the GC60 genetic cluster, whose heritability decreased by −0.07 and increased by +0.04, respectively. Considering buffalo cows with record, the average correlation across traits between official EBVs and EBVs from different scenarios was 0.91, 0.88, 0.84, and 0.79 for Y30, CG30, Y60, and CG60, respectively. In bulls the correlations between EBVs ranged from 0.90 for fore udder attachment and udder depth to 0.96 for stature and body length in the GC30 scenario and from 0.75 for udder depth to 0.90 for stature in the GC60 scenario. When a variable proportion of missing pedigree is present using the appropriate strategy to define genetic groups and including them in VC and EBV is a worth-while and low-demanding solution.
Monogenic Immune Diseases Provide Insights Into the Mechanisms and Treatment of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Rozmus Jacob
Published: February 2021

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and can burden patients with devastating and lifelong health effects. Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying chronic GvHD remains incomplete and this lack of understanding is reflected by lack of clear therapeutic approaches to steroid refractory disease. Observations predominantly from mouse models and human correlative studies currently support a three phase model for the initiation and development of chronic GvHD: 1) early inflammation and tissue damage triggers the innate immune system. This leads to inflammatory cytokine/chemokine patterns that recruit effector immune cell populations; 2) chronic inflammation causes the loss of central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms leading to emergence of pathogenic B and T cell populations that promote autoimmune and alloimmune reactions; 3) the dysregulated immunity causes altered macrophage polarization, aberrant tissue repair leading to scarring and end organ fibrosis. This model has led to the evaluation of many new therapies aimed at limiting inflammation, targeting dysregulated signaling pathways and restoring tolerance mechanisms. However, chronic GvHD is a multisystem disease with complex clinical phenotypes and it remains unclear as to which cluster of patients will respond best to specific therapeutic strategies. However, it is possible to gain novel insights from immune-related monogenic diseases. These diseases either share common clinical manifestations, replicate steps from the three phase chronic GvHD model or serve as surrogates for perfectly targeted drugs being investigated in chronic GvHD therapy. In this review, we will summarize the evidence from these monogenic immune related diseases that provide insight into pathogenic pathways in chronic GvHD, rationales for current therapies and novel directions for future drug discovery.
Immunotherapy Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Gao Xidan , Sui Hongshu , Zhao Shang , Gao Xingmei , Su Yanping , Qu Peng
Published: February 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that accumulate in tumor-bearing hosts to reduce T cells activity and promote tumor immune escape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The immune system in the TME can be stimulated to elicit an anti-tumor immune response through immunotherapy. The main theory of immunotherapy resides on the plasticity of the immune system and its capacity to be re-educated into a potent anti-tumor response. Thus, MDSCs within the TME became one of the major targets to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy, and therapeutic strategies for tumor MDSCs were developed in the last few years. In the article, we analyzed the function of tumor MDSCs and the regulatory mechanisms of agents targeting MDSCs in tumor immunotherapy, and reviewed their therapeutic effects in MDSCs within the TME. Those data focused on discussing how to promote the differentiation and maturation of MDSCs, reduce the accumulation and expansion of MDSCs, and inhibit the function, migration and recruitment of MDSCs, further preventing the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumor. Those investigations may provide new directions for cancer therapy.
Amblyomma sculptum Salivary Protease Inhibitors as Potential Anti-Tick Vaccines
Authors: Costa Gabriel Cerqueira Alves , Ribeiro Izabela Cosso Tavares , Melo-Junior Otoni , Gontijo Nelder F. , Sant’Anna Mauricio R.V. , Pereira Marcos H. , Pessoa Grasielle C.D. , Koerich Leonardo B. , Oliveira Fabiano , Valenzuela Jesus G. , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Bartholomeu Daniella Castanheira , Araujo Ricardo N.
Published: February 2021

Amblyomma sculptumis the main tick associated with human bites in Brazil and the main vector ofRickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of the most severe form of Brazilian spotted fever. Molecules produced in the salivary glands are directly related to feeding success and vector competence. In the present study, we identified sequences ofA. sculptumsalivary proteins that may be involved in hematophagy and selected three proteins that underwent functional characterization and evaluation as vaccine antigens. Among the three proteins selected, one contained a Kunitz_bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor domain (named AsKunitz) and the other two belonged to the 8.9 kDa and basic tail families of tick salivary proteins (named As8.9kDa and AsBasicTail). Expression of the messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding all three proteins was detected in the larvae, nymphs, and females at basal levels in unfed ticks and the expression levels increased after the start of feeding. Recombinant proteins rAs8.9kDa and rAsBasicTail inhibited the enzymatic activity of factor Xa, thrombin, and trypsin, whereas rAsKunitz inhibited only thrombin activity. All three recombinant proteins inhibited the hemolysis of both the classical and alternative pathways; this is the first description of tick members of the Kunitz and 8.9kDa families being inhibitors of the classical complement pathway. Mice immunization with recombinant proteins caused efficacies against A.sculptumfemales from 59.4% with rAsBasicTail immunization to more than 85% by immunization with rAsKunitz and rAs8.9kDa. The mortality of nymphs fed on immunized mice reached 70–100%. Therefore, all three proteins are potential antigens with the possibility of becoming a new tool in the control ofA. sculptum.
Skin Multi-Omics-Based Interactome Analysis: Integrating the Tissue and Mucus Exuded Layer for a Comprehensive Understanding of the Teleost Mucosa Functionality as Model of Study
Authors: Reyes-López Felipe E. , Ibarz Antoni , Ordóñez-Grande Borja , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Andree Karl B. , Balasch Joan Carles , Fernández-Alacid Laura , Sanahuja Ignasi , Sánchez-Nuño Sergio , Firmino Joana P. , Pavez Leonardo , Polo Javier , Tort Lluis , Gisbert Enric
Published: February 2021

From a general structural perspective, a mucosal tissue is constituted by two main matrices: the tissue and the secreted mucus. Jointly, they fulfill a wide range of functions including the protection of the epithelial layer. In this study, we simultaneously analyzed the epithelial tissue and the secreted mucus response using a holistic interactome-based multi-omics approach. The effect of the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) skin mucosa to a dietary inclusion of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) was evaluated. The epithelial skin microarrays-based transcriptome data showed 194 differentially expressed genes, meanwhile the exuded mucus proteome analysis 35 differentially synthesized proteins. Separately, the skin transcripteractome revealed an expression profile that favored biological mechanisms associated to gene expression, biogenesis, vesicle function, protein transport and localization to the membrane. Mucus proteome showed an enhanced protective role with putatively higher antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The integrated skin mucosa multi-interactome analysis evidenced the interrelationship and synergy between the metabolism and the exuded mucus functions improving specifically the tissue development, innate defenses, and environment recognition. Histologically, the skin increased in thickness and in number of mucous cells. A positive impact on animal performance, growth and feed efficiency was also registered. Collectively, the results suggest an intimate crosstalk between skin tissue and its exuded mucus in response to the nutritional stimulus (SDPP supplementation) that favors the stimulation of cell protein turnover and the activation of the exudation machinery in the skin mucosa. Thus, the multi-omics-based interactome analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological context of response that takes place in a mucosal tissue. In perspective, this strategy is applicable for evaluating the effect of any experimental variable on any mucosal tissue functionality, including the benefits this assessment may provide on the study of the mammalian mucosa.
Characterization of Circulating IL-10-Producing Cells in Septic Shock Patients: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Fabri Astrid , Kandara Khalil , Coudereau Rémy , Gossez Morgane , Abraham Paul , Monard Céline , Cour Martin , Rimmelé Thomas , Argaud Laurent , Monneret Guillaume , Venet Fabienne
Published: February 2021

Sepsis is a worldwide health priority characterized by the occurrence of severe immunosuppression associated with increased risk of death and secondary infections. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine which plasma concentration is increased in septic patients in association with deleterious outcomes. Despite studies evaluating IL-10 production in specific subpopulations of purified cells, the concomitant description of IL-10 production in monocytes and lymphocytes in septic patients’ whole blood has never been performed. In this pilot study, we characterized IL-10 producing leukocytes in septic shock patients through whole blood intracellular staining by flow cytometry. Twelve adult septic shock patients and 9 healthy volunteers were included. Intracellular tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and IL-10 productions after lipopolysaccharide stimulation by monocytes and IL-10 production after PMA/Ionomycine stimulation by lymphocytes were evaluated. Standard immunomonitoring (HLA-DR expression on monocytes, CD4+ T lymphocyte count) of patients was also performed. TNFα expression by stimulated monocytes was reduced in patients compared with controls while IL-10 production was increased. This was correlated with a reduced monocyte HLA-DR expression. B cells, CD4+, and CD4- T lymphocytes were the three circulating IL-10 producing lymphocyte subsets in both patients and controls. No difference in IL-10 production between patients and controls was observed for B and CD4- T cells. However, IL-10 production by CD4+ T lymphocytes significantly increased in patients in parallel with reduced CD4+ T cells number. Parameters reflecting altered monocyte (increased IL-10 production, decreased HLA-DR expression and decreased TNFα synthesis) and CD4+ T lymphocyte (increased IL-10 production, decreased circulating number) responses were correlated. Using a novel technique for intracellular cytokine measurement in whole blood, our results identify monocytes and CD4+ T cells as the main IL-10 producers in septic patients’ whole blood and illustrate the development of a global immunosuppressive profile in septic shock. Overall, these preliminary results add to our understanding of the global increase in IL-10 production induced by septic shock. Further research is mandatory to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to such increased IL-10 production in monocytes and CD4+ T cells.
Inflammatory Dendritic Cells Contribute to Regulate the Immune Response in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Sesti-Costa Renata , Borges Marina Dorigatti , Lanaro Carolina , Albuquerque Dulcinéia Martins de , Saad Sara Terezinha Olalla , Costa Fernando Ferreira
Published: February 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide, is characterized by a chronic inflammatory component, with systemic release of inflammatory cytokines, due to hemolysis and vaso-occlusive processes. Patients with SCD demonstrate dysfunctional T and B lymphocyte responses, and they are more susceptible to infection. Although dendritic cells (DCs) are the main component responsible for activating and polarizing lymphocytic function, and are able to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines found in the serum of patients with SCD, minimal studies have thus far been devoted to these cells. In the present study, we identified the subpopulations of circulating DCs in patients with SCD, and found that the bloodstream of the patients showed higher numbers and percentages of DCs than that of healthy individuals. Among all the main DCs subsets, inflammatory DCs (CD14+ DCs) were responsible for this rise and correlated with higher reticulocyte count. The patients had more activated monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs), which produced MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in culture. We found that a CD14+ mo-DC subset present in culture from some of the patients was the more activated subset and was mainly responsible for cytokine production, and this subset was also responsible for IL-17 production in co-culture with T lymphocytes. Finally, we suggest an involvement of heme oxygenase in the upregulation of CD14 in mo-DCs from the patients, indicating a potential mechanism for inducing inflammatory DC differentiation from circulating monocytes in the patients, which correlated with inflammatory cytokine production, T lymphocyte response skewing, and reticulocyte count.
Future Socio-Political Scenarios for Aquatic Resources in Europe: A Common Framework Based on Shared-Socioeconomic-Pathways (SSPs)
Authors: Pinnegar John K. , Hamon Katell G. , Kreiss Cornelia M. , Tabeau Andrzej , Rybicki Sandra , Papathanasopoulou Eleni , Engelhard Georg H. , Eddy Tyler D. , Peck Myron A.
Published: February 2021

It has proven extremely challenging for researchers to predict with confidence how human societies might develop in the future, yet managers and industries need to make projections in order to test adaptation and mitigation strategies designed to build resilience to long-term shocks. This paper introduces exploratory scenarios with a particular focus on European aquaculture and fisheries and describes how these scenarios were designed. Short-, medium- and long-term developments in socio-political drivers may be just as important in determining profits, revenues and prospects in the aquaculture and fisheries industries as physical drivers such as long-term climate change. Four socio-political-economic futures were developed, based partly on the IPCC SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) framework and partly on the newer system of Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). ‘Off the shelf’ narrative material as well as quantitative outputs were ‘borrowed’ from earlier frameworks but supplemented with material generated through in-depth stakeholder workshops involving industry and policy makers. Workshop participants were tasked to outline how they thought their sector might look under the four future worlds and, in particular, to make use of the PESTEL conceptual framework (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) as an aide memoire to help define the scope of each scenario. This work was carried out under the auspices of the EU Horizon 2020 project CERES (Climate change and European aquatic RESources), and for each ‘CERES scenario’ (World Markets, National Enterprise, Global Sustainability and Local Stewardship), additional quantitative outputs were generated, including projections of future fuel and fish prices, using the MAGNET (Modular Applied GeNeral Equilibrium Tool) modeling framework. In developing and applying the CERES scenarios, we have demonstrated that the basic architecture is sufficiently flexible to be used at a wide diversity of scales. We urge the climate science community to adopt a similar scenarios framework, based around SSPs, to facilitate global cross-comparison of fisheries and aquaculture model outputs more broadly and to harmonize communication regarding potential future bioeconomic impacts of climate change.
Social Structure, Habitat Use and Injuries of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Reveal Isolated, Coastal, and Threatened Communities in the South Pacific
Authors: Bonneville Claire Daisy , Derville Solène , Luksenburg Jolanda A. , Oremus Marc , Garrigue Claire
Published: February 2021

Understanding population structure and habitat use of poorly known cetacean species is a first step toward scientifically informed management decisions. In the southern range of New Caledonia (South Pacific), a long-term dataset of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) encounters primarily during winter seasons 1997 to 2019 (473 group observations) was used to assess social structure, habitat use and potential threats. A total of 338 individuals were photographically identified, forming three distinct communities in the south-west lagoon, the south lagoon and the Isle of Pines. Mark-recapture histories revealed that the three communities were weakly connected and might be considered as independent management units. Suitable habitats were estimated with presence-only distribution models relative to topographic and seabed substrate predictors. Habitat suitability increased with proximity to coasts or reefs, at shallow depth, and over muddy bottom. These habitats had various levels of protection and were used by humans, mostly in the south-west lagoon. External injuries were interpreted to determine natural interactions and potential anthropogenic threats. The prevalence in injuries did not vary among the three areas. A substantial proportion of injuries related to propeller hits was reported, representing a total of 16.7% (34 of 204) of all injuries observed on dolphins. The three communities of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins revealed in the southern part of New Caledonia are particularly vulnerable due to their insularity, their coastal habitat use and the low levels of connectivity found among them. In a context of increasing maritime traffic, fishing and recreational activities, this study provides a useful baseline to the urgent assessment of the conservation status of dolphins in New Caledonia.
Lithistid Demosponges of Deep-Water Origin in Marine Caves of the North-Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pisera Andrzej , Gerovasileiou Vasilis
Published: February 2021

Desmas-bearing demosponges known as lithistids have heavily silicified skeleton and occur typically in bathyal environments of warm and tropical areas but may be found in certain shallow marine caves. Here we report, for the first time two lithistid species, i.e., Neophrissospongia endoumensis, and N. cf. nana, that were earlier known from Western Mediterranean marine caves, from four marine caves in the north-eastern Mediterranean, and their congener Neophrissospongia nolitangere from deep waters (ca. 300 m) of the Aegean Sea. All marine caves, and sections within these caves, where lithistids occur, have freshwater springs. We interpret this surprising association between lithistids and freshwater input by elevated concentration of silica in water in cave sections where such springs occur, being 8–11 times higher in comparison with shallow water outside caves, and comparable to that of deep waters, that promoted lithistids’ development. One of the studied caves harbored an abundant population of N. endoumensis which formed large masses. The age estimation of these lithistids, based on known growth rate of related deep-water sponges, suggest that they could be approximately 769–909 years old in the case of the largest specimen observed, about 100 cm large. These sponges could have colonized the caves from adjacent deep-water areas not earlier than 7,000–3,000 years ago, after the last glaciation, because earlier they were emerged. High variability of spicules, especially microscleres, and underdevelopment of megascleres may be related to silicic acid concentration.