bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European Copernicus Services to Inform on Sea-Level Rise Adaptation: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Melet Angélique , Buontempo Carlo , Mattiuzzi Matteo , Salamon Peter , Bahurel Pierre , Breyiannis George , Burgess Samantha , Crosnier Laurence , Le Traon Pierre-Yves , Mentaschi Lorenzo , Nicolas Julien , Solari Lorenzo , Vamborg Freja , Voukouvalas Evangelos
Published: September 2021

Sea-level rise is a direct consequence of climate change. Primarily due to ocean thermal expansion and transfer from land ice (glaciers, ice sheets) to the ocean, sea-level rise is therefore an integrated indicator of climate change. Coastal zones and communities are expected to be increasingly threatened by sea level changes, with various adverse and widespread impacts. The European Union’s Earth Observation Programmed, Copernicus, monitors our planet and its environment, for the ultimate benefit of society. This includes the monitoring of sea level changes and the provision of ancillary fields needed to assess sea-level rise coastal risks, to guide adaptation and to support related policies and directives. Copernicus is organized with a space component, including dedicated Earth Observation satellites (Sentinel missions), and services, which transform the wealth of satellite, in situ and integrated numerical model information into added-value datasets and information usable by scientists, managers and decision-makers, and the wider public. Here, an overview of the Copernicus products and services to inform on sea level rise adaptation is provided. Perspectives from Copernicus services on future evolutions to better inform on coastal sea level rise, associated risks, and support adaptation are also discussed.
Signatures of Adaptation and Acclimatization to Reef Flat and Slope Habitats in the Coral Pocillopora damicornis
Authors: Marhoefer Shelby R. , Zenger Kyall R. , Strugnell Jan M. , Logan Murray , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Kenkel Carly D. , Bay Line K.
Published: September 2021

Strong population-by-habitat interactions across environmental gradients arise from genetic adaptation or acclimatization and represents phenotypic variation required for populations to respond to changing environmental conditions. As such, patterns of adaptation and acclimatization of reef-building corals are integral to predictions of the future of coral reefs under climate warming. The common brooding coral, Pocillopora damicornis, exhibits extensive differences in host genetic and microbial symbiont community composition between depth habitats at Heron Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. An 18-month reciprocal field transplant experiment was undertaken to examine the environmental and genetic drivers behind variation in survival, weight gain, heat tolerance and algal symbiont community between the reef flat and slope habitats. We observed population-by-habitat interactions for in situ partial mortality and weight gain, where trait-related fitness of natives was greater than transplants in most cases, consistent with local adaptation. On average, flat colonies transplanted to the slope had a relatively low partial mortality but minimal weight gain, whereas slope colonies transplanted to the flat had relatively high partial mortality and average weight gain. Experimental heat tolerance was always higher in colonies sourced from the flat, but increased when slope colonies were transplanted to the flat, providing evidence of acclimatization in these colonies. The performance of certain slope to flat transplants may have been driven by each colony’s algal symbiont (Symbiodiniaceae) community, and flat variants were observed in a small number of slope colonies that either had a fixed flat composition before transplantation or shuffled after transplantation. Host genotypes of previously identified genetic outlier loci could not predict survival following transplantation, possibly because of low sample size and/or polygenic basis to the traits examined. Local environmental conditions and Symbiodiniaceae composition may provide insight into the adaptive potential to changing environmental conditions.
A Review of Sustainability Concepts in Marine Spatial Planning and the Potential to Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14
Authors: Kirkfeldt Trine Skovgaard , Frazão Santos Catarina
Published: September 2021

Ecosystems all over the world are under increasing pressure from human uses. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN SDG 14) seeks to ensure sustainability below water by 2020; however, the ongoing biodiversity loss and habitat deterioration challenge the achievement of this goal. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a developing practice with a similar objective to the UN SDG 14, albeit research shows that most MSP cases prioritize economic objectives above environmental objectives. This paper presents an assessment of how MSP can contribute to achieving the UN SDG 14. Results are presented in three steps. First, a representative definition of MSP is presented. Secondly, activities that can be addressed through MSP are laid out. Lastly, results are used to assess how MSP can contribute to the achievement of the UN SDG 14 targets and indicators. This assessment shows great potential for MSP to play a role in the achievement of the UN SDG 14.
Physiological Response of Shallow-Water Hard Coral Acropora digitifera to Heat Stress via Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Safuan Che Din Mohd , Samshuri Muhammad Arif , Jaafar Siti Nurtahirah , Tan Chun Hong , Bachok Zainudin
Published: September 2021

Heat stress disturbs the mutualistic relationship between the hard corals and the symbiotic algae, which cause coral bleaching. A wide array of biochemical parameters is used to demonstrate the phenomenon. This study exposed a shallow-water hard coral, Acropora digitifera, to a series of elevated temperatures over time while the interaction between Symbiodiniaceae (SD) density, antioxidants activities, fatty acid (FA) composition, and putative FA health indicators was evaluated. Heat stress caused a substantial loss in SD densities, consequently regulated the antioxidant activities and caused significant changes in FA composition. There was a lack of evidence showing A. digitifera experienced oxidative stress; nonetheless, a significant decrease of monounsaturated fatty acid as (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) during the thermally induced experiment demonstrated that corals utilize their unsaturated FA as a final barrier or as a repair system against oxidative damage once the antioxidant enzyme cannot cope with stress condition. The lower ratio of putative FA health indicators [i.e., n-3 LC:n-6 LC, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA):arachidonic acid (ARA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA):ARA] characterized an unhealthy coral. The loss of SD density was significantly correlated with certain PUFA markers [i.e., linolenic acid (18:3n6), 20:5n3, and 22:6n3] and putative FA health indicator (i.e., n-3 LC:n-6 LC, EPA:ARA, and DHA:ARA). These notably imply that the FA linked with the symbiont can be a potential health indicator for assessing the effect of the environmental stressor on coral. This study also revealed the regulation of FAs during stress conditions, especially when heterotrophic feeding is limited. Future studies on FA profiles toward antagonistic or synergistic effects will offer a better understanding of the nature of this relationship under a harsh climate.
Ecological Traits Influencing Anthropogenic Debris Ingestion by Herbivorous Reef Fishes
Authors: Cardozo-Ferreira Gabriel C. , Calazans Thayane L. , Benevides Larissa J. , Luiz Osmar J. , Ferreira Carlos E. L. , Joyeux Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2021

One of the most conspicuous marks of the Anthropocene worldwide is the ubiquitous pollution by long lifespan materials (e.g., plastic). In marine habitats, anthropogenic debris are observed from floating on the surface to deposited on the substrate or ingested by wildlife at different food web levels. However, the link between feeding strategy types and debris ingestion by reef fishes remains poorly explored. We analyzed the gut contents of three nominally herbivorous fishes along the Brazilian coast: the doctorfish Acanthurus chirurgus, the parrotfish, Sparisoma axillare, and the chub Kyphosus vaigiensis. Individual [i.e., total length (TL)] and species-level functional traits, as well sites with distinct environmental features (i.e., tourism activity intensity, fishing pressure, and distance from the coast), were tested as predictors of the concentration of debris found inside individual fish guts. Debris found were quantified, measured, and classified accordingly to color and shape. We found debris in 52.7% of individuals. Debris ranged from 0.10 to 11.75 mm, and the frequency of occurrence and ingestion rate (number of debris per individual) varied among species, being higher for the scraper species S. axillare (95.7% and 4.9 ± 1.2, respectively) and A. chirurgus (74.6% and 1.64 ± 0.34), than for the browser K. vaigiensis (55.8% and 0.83 ± 0.24). TL, scraping feeding mode, and the most impacted location were positively related to debris ingestion rate. Our work revealed a higher vulnerability of an ecologically important trophic group to debris ingestion and of an already threatened species according to Brazilian red list. Besides the increasing number of species contaminated by anthropogenic debris, its effect on fish biology and physiology remains poorly understood. Understanding these links would improve conservation planning as species contamination could act as a proxy for environmental pollution on marine habitats.
Seasonal Differences in Submicron Marine Aerosol Particle Organic Composition in the North Atlantic
Authors: Lewis Savannah L. , Saliba Georges , Russell Lynn M. , Quinn Patricia K. , Bates Timothy S. , Behrenfeld Michael J.
Published: September 2021

Submicron atmospheric primary marine aerosol (aPMA) were collected during four North Atlantic Aerosol and Marine Ecosystem Study (NAAMES) research cruises between November 2015 and March 2018. The average organic functional group (OFG) composition of the aPMA samples was 72–85% hydroxyl group mass, 6–13% alkane group mass, and 5–8% amine group mass, which is similar to prior observations and to aerosol generated from Sea Sweep. The carboxylic acid group had seasonal averages that ranged from 1% for Winter, 8% for Late Spring, and 10% for Autumn. The carboxylic acid group mass concentration correlated with nitrate mass concentration and weakly with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) above 100 W m–2, suggesting a substantial secondary organic aerosol contribution in sunnier months. The three sizes of aPMA aerosol particles (<0.18, <0.5, and <1 μm) had the same four organic functional groups (hydroxyl, alkane, amine, and carboxylic acid groups). The aPMA spectra of the three sizes showed more variability (higher standard deviations of cosine similarity) within each size than between the sizes. The ratio of organic mass (OM) to sodium (OM/Na) of submicron generated primary marine aerosol (gPMA) was larger for Autumn with project average of 0.93 ± 0.3 compared to 0.55 ± 0.27 for Winter, 0.47 ± 0.16 for Late Spring, and 0.53 ± 0.24 for Early Spring. When the gPMA samples were separated by latitude (47–60°N and 18–47°N), the median OM/Na concentration ratio for Autumn was higher than the other seasons by more than the project standard deviations for latitudes north of 47°N but not for those south of 47°N, indicating that the seasonal differences are stronger at higher latitudes. However, the high variability of day-to-day differences in aPMA and gPMA composition within each season meant that seasonal trends in organic composition were generally not statistically distinguishable.
Using a UAV-Mounted Multispectral Camera for the Monitoring of Marine Macrophytes
Authors: Román Alejandro , Tovar-Sánchez Antonio , Olivé Irene , Navarro Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Marine macrophytes constitute one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, as well as one of the most threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Their monitoring is therefore essential, which has experienced a fast methodological evolution in recent years, from traditional in situ sampling to the use of satellite remote sensing, and subsequently by sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This study aims to advance the monitoring of these ecosystems through the use of a UAV equipped with a 10-band multispectral camera, using different algorithms [i.e., maximum likelihood classifier (MLC), minimum distance classifier (MDC), and spectral angle classifier (SAC)], and using the Bay of Cádiz Natural Park (southern Spain) as a case of study. The results obtained with MLC confirm the suitability of this technique for detecting and differentiating seagrass meadows in a range of 0–2 m depth and the efficiency of this tool for studying and monitoring marine macrophytes in coastal areas. We inferred the existence of a cover of 25452 m2 of Cymodocea nodosa, and macroalgae species such as Caulerpa prolifera, covering 22172 m2 of Santibañez (inner Bay of Cádiz).
Chronic Diseases as a Predictor for Severity and Mortality of COVID-19: A Systematic Review With Cumulative Meta-Analysis
Authors: Geng JinSong , Yu XiaoLan , Bao HaiNi , Feng Zhe , Yuan XiaoYu , Zhang JiaYing , Chen XiaoWei , Chen YaLan , Li ChengLong , Yu Hao
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Given the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the consequent global healthcare crisis, there is an urgent need to better understand risk factors for symptom deterioration and mortality among patients with COVID-19. This systematic review aimed to meet the need by determining the predictive value of chronic diseases for COVID-19 severity and mortality.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Complete to identify studies published between December 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Two hundred and seventeen observational studies from 26 countries involving 624,986 patients were included. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies and performed a cumulative meta-analysis.

Results: We found that among COVID-19 patients, hypertension was a very common condition and was associated with higher severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the strongest predictor for COVID-19 severity, admission to ICU, and mortality, while asthma was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 mortality. Patients with obesity were at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19 rather than mortality. Patients with cerebrovascular disease, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, or cancer were more likely to become severe COVID-19 cases and had a greater probability of mortality.

Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with chronic diseases were more likely to experience severe symptoms and ICU admission and faced a higher risk of mortality. Aggressive strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic should target patients with chronic diseases as a priority.
The Th17/IL-17 Axis and Kidney Diseases, With Focus on Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Paquissi Feliciano Chanana , Abensur Hugo
Published: September 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by dysregulation and hyperreactivity of the immune response at various levels, including hyperactivation of effector cell subtypes, autoantibodies production, immune complex formation, and deposition in tissues. The consequences of hyperreactivity to the self are systemic and local inflammation and tissue damage in multiple organs. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most worrying manifestations of SLE, and most patients have this involvement at some point in the course of the disease. Among the effector cells involved, the Th17, a subtype of T helper cells (CD4+), has shown significant hyperactivation and participates in kidney damage and many other organs. Th17 cells have IL-17A and IL-17F as main cytokines with receptors expressed in most renal cells, being involved in the activation of many proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways. The Th17/IL-17 axis promotes and maintains repetitive tissue damage and maladaptive repair; leading to fibrosis, loss of organ architecture and function. In the podocytes, the Th17/IL-17 axis effects include changes of the cytoskeleton with increased motility, decreased expression of health proteins, increased oxidative stress, and activation of the inflammasome and caspases resulting in podocytes apoptosis. In renal tubular epithelial cells, the Th17/IL-17 axis promotes the activation of profibrotic pathways such as increased TGF-β expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with consequent increase of extracellular matrix proteins. In addition, the IL-17 promotes a proinflammatory environment by stimulating the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines by intrinsic renal cells and immune cells, and the synthesis of growth factors and chemokines, which together result in granulopoiesis/myelopoiesis, and further recruitment of immune cells to the kidney. The purpose of this work is to present the prognostic and immunopathologic role of the Th17/IL-17 axis in Kidney diseases, with a special focus on LN, including its exploration as a potential immunotherapeutic target in this complication.
Musculoskeletal Changes Across the Lifespan: Nutrition and the Life-Course Approach to Prevention
Authors: Azzolino Domenico , Spolidoro Giulia Carla Immacolata , Saporiti Edoardo , Luchetti Costanza , Agostoni Carlo , Cesari Matteo
Published: September 2021

Aging is characterized by the progressive decline of muscle mass and function, the so-called sarcopenia. Also bone loss is widespread among older people. Sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis are associated with several adverse outcomes including falls, risk of fractures, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Recently, the life-course approach to prevent or delay functional decline has become very popular. Regarding musculoskeletal health, there is suggestive evidence that acting during critical or sensitive periods of life in which each person build-up its biological reserves may influence the rate of functional decline in the later stages of life. A life-course approach to musculoskeletal health should take place during early life when plasticity allows more easily the attainment of the peak of the musculoskeletal system driven by environmental stimuli. The rate of the subsequent decline will depend on the peak previously reached. Nutrition and physical exercise are important environmental factors that can influence musculoskeletal development by favoring and maintaining peak bone and muscle mass and strength. Here we provide an overview of body composition changes occurring across the lifespan and strategies based on nutrition and physical exercise to support musculoskeletal health as well as minimizing losses during older life.
The Effect of Oxycodone on Post-operative Pain and Inflammatory Cytokine Release in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
Authors: Lao Wei-long , Song Qi-liang , Jiang Zong-ming , Chen Wen-di , Zheng Xian-he , Chen Zhong-hua
Published: September 2021

Background: To evaluate the effect of oxycodone on post-operative pain and inflammation in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Methods: Sixty patients who were of both sexes, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) Class I or II, over 65 years of age and undergoing an elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into two groups: an oxycodone group (Group O) including 20 males and 10 females and a sufentanil group (Group S) including 21 males and 9 females. The post-operative analgesia regimen was as follows: 40 mg of parecoxib sodium and 0.1 mg/kg of oxycodone was intravenously injected into Group O before the abdomen closure, while 40 mg of parecoxib sodium and 0.1 μg/kg of sufentanil was injected intravenously into Group S. Both groups were infiltrated with 20 ml of 1% ropivacaine at the end of the operation. The level of serum IL-6 and IL-10 were assayed immediately at the following timepoints: at the conclusion of surgery (T1), 1 h (T2), 6 h (T3), and 24 h (T4) after the completion of the surgery. The numerical rating scale (NRS), the Ramsay sedation score, analgesic-related adverse events, post-operative pulmonary inflammation events and the post-operative stay were recorded.

Results: Compared with Group S, the serum IL-6 concentrations of Group O decreased at T3 and T4, while the serum IL-10 concentrations increased (P < 0.05). In Group O, the serum IL-6 concentrations at T3 and T4 were lower than those at T1 (P < 0.05). The incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pulmonary inflammation in Group O was lower than that in Group S (P < 0.05). At each time point, the NRS of visceral pain in Group O was lower than that in Group S. At 6 and 24 h after extubation, the NRS of incision pain in Group O was lower than that in Group S (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Oxycodone can regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines and reduce post-operative inflammatory response.
Follow-Ups on Persistent Symptoms and Pulmonary Function Among Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Long Qiuyue , Li Jiwei , Hu Xiaoyi , Bai Yangyuyan , Zheng Yali , Gao Zhancheng
Published: September 2021

Objective:As the number of recovering COVID-19 patients increases worldwide, the persistence of symptoms and signs through the post-acute phase indicates an urgent need for prolonged follow-up care. To explore existing data about post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, this meta-analysis assesses the prevalence of persistent manifestations in multiple systems and abnormalities in lung function, as well as their related risks in patients with various severities.

Methods:Articles about discharged COVID-19 patients (published from January 1, 2020 to February 23, 2021) were obtained by searching four databases. Cohort studies with follow-up periods >1 month post-discharge or >2 months post-admission were included.

Results:A total of 4,478 COVID-19 patients from 16 cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. Fatigue or weakness (47%) were the most prevalent physical effects of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, while psychosocial (28%) symptoms were the most common manifestations among several systems. Abnormalities in lung function of recovering patients, i.e., DLCO <80% (47%, 95% CI: 32–61%) persisted for long periods. Severe patients were more likely to present joint pain (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.11–3.04) and decreased lung functions compared with non-severe patients, with pooled ORs for abnormal TLC, FEV1, FVC, and DLCO of 3.05 (95% CI: 1.88–4.96), 2.72 (95% CI: 1.31–5.63), 2.52 (95% CI: 1.28–4.98), and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.32–2.50), respectively.

Conclusions:Our research indicates that patients recovering from COVID-19 manifest long-term, multi-system symptoms, and the adverse effects on psychosocial health and lung functions were the most extensive and persistent. These findings together may facilitate much needed in-depth study of clinical treatments for long-term, post-acute phase symptoms that affect a great number of recovering COVID-19 patients.
Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Predicts Graft Function Following Kidney Transplantation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Yongrong , Han Fei , Ma Maolin , Sun Qipeng , Huang Zhengyu , Zheng Haofeng , Yang Zhe , Luo Zihuan , Liao Tao , Li Heng , Hong Liangqing , Na Ning , Sun Qiquan
Published: September 2021

Background:Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication after kidney transplantation (KT) with a poor clinical outcome. There are no accurate biomarkers for the early prediction of DGF. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) release during surgery plays a key role in protecting the kidney, and may be a potential biomarker for predicting post-transplant renal allograft recovery.

Methods:Recipients who underwent KT between July 2020 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study. Plasma MIF levels were tested in recipients at different time points, and the correlation between plasma MIF and DGF in recipients was evaluated. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000035596).

Results:Intraoperative MIF levels were different between immediate, slowed, and delayed graft function groups (7.26 vs. 6.49 and 5.59,P< 0.001). Plasma MIF was an independent protective factor of DGF (odds ratio = 0.447, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.264–0.754,P= 0.003). Combining plasma MIF level and donor terminal serum creatinine provided the best predictive power for DGF (0.872; 95%CI 0.795–0.949). Furthermore, plasma MIF was significantly associated with allograft function at 1-month post-transplant (R2= 0.42,P< 0.001).

Conclusion:Intraoperative MIF, as an independent protective factor for DGF, has excellent diagnostic performance for predicting DGF and is worthy of further exploration.
Pilates Reducing Falls Risk Factors in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: da Silva Larissa Donatoni , Shiel Agnes , McIntosh Caroline
Published: September 2021

Background: The main theme of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the evidence of randomized controlled trial of evidence of Pilates intervention, in comparison to control groups and other forms of exercise, for falls prevention in healthy older adults.

Methods: The following electronic databases were searched up to October 2020; EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE (Ovid), Science Direct, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. A PICOS approach was adopted as a framework to formulate the research question and set the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were healthy older adults, defined as older adults who have maintained functional ability, including participants of both genders, those with a falls history, non-fallers, and individuals who were considered to be sedentary or active. Randomized controlled trials studies, written in the English language, from the decade, were included if they focused on specific outcome measures to decrease falls risk; functional mobility, mobility, fear of falling, gait, and postural stability. The PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias.

Results: There were included 12 studies. In total, 702 healthy older adults' participants were included. Pilates showed an effect in mediolateral directions in comparison to control groups (MD = −1.77, 95% CI, −2.84 to −0.70, p = 0.001, heterogeneity: I2 = 3%), mobility (MD = 9.23, 95% CI, 5.74 to 12.73, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: I2 = 75%) and fear of falling (MD = −8.61, 95% CI, −10.16 to −7.07, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: I2 = 88%). In relation to other exercises group, Pilates showed positive effects in functional mobility (MD = −1.21, 95% CI, −2.30 to −0.11, p = 0.03, heterogeneity: I2 = 80%), mobility (MD = 3.25, 95% CI, 1.46 to 5.04, p < 0.0004, heterogeneity: I2 = 0%). No evidence of an improvement was found between the groups for dynamic gait index (MD = 2.26, 95% CI, −0.05 to 4.56, p = 0.06, heterogeneity: I2 = 86%), anteroposterior directions of balance (MD = −1.58, 95% CI, −3.74 to −0.59, p = 0.15, heterogeneity: I2 = 51%) and functional mobility when compared to control groups (no exercise) (MD = −1.24, 95% CI, −2.48 to −0.00, p = 0.05, heterogeneity: I2 = 87%).

Discussion: Pilates may be effective in decreasing the risk of falls in older adults. Pilates intervention was found to improve functional mobility, mobility, gait, fear of falling and postural stability and therefore there is some evidence to suggest that Pilates reduces certain risk factors for falls in healthy older adults. However, there is an absence of high-quality evidence in regards to the impact of Pilates on reducing falls and further robust RCTs are needed.

Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42021206134].
ROCK1 Mediates Retinal Glial Cell Migration Promoted by Acrolein
Authors: Fukutsu Kanae , Murata Miyuki , Kikuchi Kasumi , Yoshida Shiho , Noda Kousuke , Ishida Susumu
Published: September 2021

Objective: Acrolein is a highly reactive aldehyde that covalently binds to cellular macromolecules and subsequently modulates cellular function. Our previous study demonstrated that acrolein induces glial cell migration, a pathological hallmark of diabetic retinopathy; however, the detailed cellular mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of acrolein in retinal glial cell migration by focusing on rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs).

Methods: Immunofluorescence staining for ROCK isoforms was performed using sections of fibrovascular tissue obtained from the eyes of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Rat retinal Müller glial cell line, TR-MUL5, was stimulated with acrolein and the levels of ROCK1 were evaluated using real-time PCR and western blotting. Phosphorylation of the myosin-binding subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase [myosin phosphatase target subunit 1, (MYPT1)] and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) was assessed. The cell migration rate of TR-MUL5 cells exposed to acrolein and/or ripasudil, a non-selective ROCK inhibitor, was measured using the Oris cell migration assay.

Results: ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, were positively stained in the cytosol of glial cells in fibrovascular tissues. In TR-MUL5 cells, the mRNA expression level of Rock1, but not Rock2, was increased following acrolein stimulation. In line with the PCR data, western blotting showed increase in ROCK1 and cleaved ROCK1 protein in TR-MUL5 cells stimulated with acrolein. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) suppressed acrolein-associated Rock1 upregulation in TR-MUL5 cells. Acrolein augmented the phosphorylation of MYPT1 and MLC2 and increased the cell migration rate of TR-MUL5 cells, both of which were abrogated by ripasudil.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that ROCK1 mediates the migration of retinal glial cells promoted by the unsaturated aldehyde acrolein.
End-Stage Renal Disease-Related Accelerated Immune Senescence: Is Rejuvenation of the Immune System a Therapeutic Goal?
Authors: Ducloux Didier , Legendre Mathieu , Bamoulid Jamal , Saas Philippe , Courivaud Cécile , Crepin Thomas
Published: September 2021

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients exhibit clinical features of premature ageing, including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and muscle wasting. Accelerated ageing also concerns the immune system. Patients with ESRD have both immune senescence and chronic inflammation that are resumed in the so-called inflammaging syndrome. Immune senescence is particularly characterised by premature loss of thymic function that is associated with hyporesponsiveness to vaccines, susceptibility to infections, and death. ESRD-related chronic inflammation has multiple causes and participates to accelerated cardiovascular disease. Although, both characterisation of immune senescence and its consequences are relatively well-known, mechanisms are more uncertain. However, prevention of immune senescence/inflammation or/and rejuvenation of the immune system are major goal to ameliorate clinical outcomes of ESRD patients.
Effect of Nebulized Amphotericin B in Critically ill Patients With Respiratory Candida spp. De-colonization: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Du Hangxiang , Wei Limin , Li Wenzhe , Huang Bixia , Liu Yongan , Ye Xiaofei , Zhang Sheng , Wang Tao , Chen Yizhu , Chen Dechang , Liu Jiao
Published: September 2021

The potential relationship among airway Candida spp. de-colonization, nebulized amphotericin B (NAB), and occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients who are critically ill has not been fully investigated, especially concerning effects on survival. In this observational, retrospective, cohort study in a 22-bed central intensive care unit, we included patients aged >18 years who required mechanical ventilation (MV) for >48 h, with at least two consecutive positive Candida spp. test results. Patients were categorized into NAB and no NAB (control) groups. Propensity matching at 1:1 was performed according to strict standards, and multiple Cox proportional hazard model and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of NAB treatment. Throughout an 8-year study period, 526 patients had received MV and had positive respiratory tract Candida spp. cultures. Of these, we included 275 patients and excluded 251 patients. In total, we successfully matched 110 patients from the two groups (each group, n = 55; total population median age, 64 years; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II] score, 25.5; sequential organ failure assessment score, 9). The Candida spp. de-colonization rate was 69.1% in patients treated with NAB. VAP incidence did not differ significantly between the NAB (10.91%) and control (16.36%) groups (P = 0.405). Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related VAP rates differed significantly between the NAB (10.91%) and control (25.45%) groups (P = 0.048). Five (9.1%) patients in the NAB group died during hospitalization compared with 17 (30.9%) controls (P = 0.014). At 28 days, 9 (16.4%) and 16 (29.1%) deaths occurred in the NAB and control groups, respectively, (P = 0.088). The cumulative 90-day mortality rate differed significantly between the two groups (23.6 vs. 43.6%, P = 0.015). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated a decreased 90-day mortality in the NAB group (adjusted odds ratio 0.413; 95% confidence interval 0.210–0.812; P = 0.01). In subgroup analyses, the NAB-associated decreased risk of death at 90 days was consistent across subgroups of patients with a Candida score of 2, younger age (<64 years), a higher APACHE II score (≥25), fewer Candida sites (<2), or MV at admission. NAB treatment contributed to Candida spp. airway de-colonization, was associated with a reduced risk of P. aeruginosa-related VAP, and improved 90-day mortality in patients critically ill with Candida spp. tracheobronchial colonization who had received MV for >2 days. NAB may be an alternative treatment option for critically ill patients with VAP.
Cotton and Surgical Face Masks in Community Settings: Bacterial Contamination and Face Mask Hygiene
Authors: Delanghe Lize , Cauwenberghs Eline , Spacova Irina , De Boeck Ilke , Van Beeck Wannes , Pepermans Koen , Claes Ingmar , Vandenheuvel Dieter , Verhoeven Veronique , Lebeer Sarah
Published: September 2021

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has become increasingly recommended and even mandatory in community settings. To evaluate the risk of bacterial cross-contamination, this study analyzed the bacterial bioburden of disposable surgical masks and homemade cotton masks, and surveyed the habits and face mask preferences of the Flemish population. Using culture approaches and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the microbial community on surgical and/or cotton face masks of 13 healthy volunteers after 4 h of wearing. Cotton and surgical masks contained on average 1.46 × 105 CFU/mask and 1.32 × 104 CFU/mask, respectively. Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Acinetobacter spp. were mostly cultured from the masks and 43% of these isolates were resistant to ampicillin or erythromycin. Microbial profiling demonstrated a consistent difference between mask types. Cotton masks mainly contained Roseomonas, Paracoccus, and Enhydrobacter taxa and surgical masks Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. After 4 h of mask wearing, the microbiome of the anterior nares and the cheek showed a trend toward an altered beta-diversity. According to dedicated questions in the large-scale Corona survey of the University of Antwerp with almost 25,000 participants, only 21% of responders reported to clean their cotton face mask daily. Laboratory results indicated that the best mask cleaning methods were boiling at 100°C, washing at 60°C with detergent or ironing with a steam iron. Taken together, this study suggests that a considerable number of bacteria, including pathobionts and antibiotic resistant bacteria, accumulate on surgical and even more on cotton face masks after use. Based on our results, face masks should be properly disposed of or sterilized after intensive use. Clear guidelines for the general population are crucial to reduce the bacteria-related biosafety risk of face masks, and measures such as physical distancing and increased ventilation should not be neglected when promoting face mask use.
Small Non-coding RNA Expression Following Respiratory Syncytial Virus or Measles Virus Infection of Neuronal Cells
Authors: Bakre Abhijeet A. , Duffy Catherine , Abdullah Hani’ah , Cosby S. Louise , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: September 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or measles virus (MeV) infection modifies host responses through small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) expression. We show that RSV or MeV infection of neuronal cells induces sncRNAs including various microRNAs and transfer RNA fragments (tRFs). We show that these tRFs originate from select tRNAs (GCC and CAC for glycine, CTT and AAC for Valine, and CCC and TTT for Lysine). Some of the tRNAs are rarely used by RSV or MeV as indicated by relative synonymous codon usage indices suggesting selective cleavage of the tRNAs occurs in infected neuronal cells. The data implies that differentially expressed sncRNAs may regulate host gene expression via multiple mechanisms in neuronal cells.
Ameliorative Effect of Surface Proteins of Probiotic Lactobacilli in Colitis Mouse Models
Authors: Chandhni P. R. , Pradhan Diwas , Sowmya Kandukuri , Gupta Sunny , Kadyan Saurabh , Choudhary Ritu , Gupta Archita , Gulati Ganga , Mallappa Rashmi Hogarehalli , Kaushik Jai K. , Grover Sunita
Published: September 2021

The increase in concern from viable cells of probiotics specifically in acute inflammatory conditions has led to the emergence of the concept of postbiotics as a safer alternative therapy in the field of health and wellness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of surface proteins from three probiotic strains in dextran sodium sulfate and trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid = induced colitis mouse models. The molecular weight of total surface proteins extracted from the three probiotic strains ranged from ∼25 to ∼250 kDa with the presence of negligible levels of endotoxins. Surface layer proteins (SLPs) (∼45 kDa) were found to be present only in the Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM strain. In the in vivo study, significant differences were not observed in the weight loss and general appetite, however, the decrease in colon length was apparent in TNBS colitis control mice. Further, the administration of these surface proteins significantly reversed the histopathological damages induced by the colitogens and improved the overall histological score. The oral ingestion of these surface proteins also led to a decrease in myeloperoxidase activity and TNF-α expression while the IL-10 levels significantly increased for the strain NCFM followed by MTCC 5690 and MTCC 5689. Overall, the present study signifies the ameliorative role of probiotic surface proteins in colitis mice, thereby, offering a potential and safer alternative for the management of inflammatory bowel disorders.
Distribution Patterns of Ciliate Diversity in the South China Sea
Authors: Liu Weiwei , McManus George B. , Lin Xiaofeng , Huang Honghui , Zhang Wenjing , Tan Yehui
Published: September 2021

Ciliates are abundant microplankton that are widely distributed in the ocean. In this paper, the distribution patterns of ciliate diversity in the South China Sea (SCS) were analyzed by compiling community data from previous publications. Based on morphological identification, a total of 592 ciliate species have been recorded in the SCS. The ciliate communities in intertidal, neritic and oceanic water areas were compared in terms of taxonomy, motility and feeding habit composition, respectively. Significant community variation was revealed among the three areas, but the difference between the intertidal area and the other two areas was more significant than that between neritic and oceanic areas. The distributions of ciliates within each of the three areas were also analyzed. In the intertidal water, the community was not significantly different among sites but did differ among habitat types. In neritic and oceanic areas, the spatial variation of communities among different sites was clearly observed. Comparison of communities by taxonomic and ecological traits (motility and feeding habit) indicated that these traits similarly revealed the geographical pattern of ciliates on a large scale in the SCS, but to distinguish the community variation on a local scale, taxonomic traits has higher resolution than ecological traits. In addition, we assessed the relative influences of environmental and spatial factors on assembly of ciliate communities in the SCS and found that environmental selection is the major process structuring the taxonomic composition in intertidal water, while spatial processes played significant roles in influencing the taxonomic composition in neritic and oceanic water. Among ecological traits, environmental selection had the most important impact on distributions.
Evaluation of Droplet Digital PCR Assay for the Diagnosis of Candidemia in Blood Samples
Authors: Chen Biao , Xie Yingguang , Zhang Ning , Li Wenqiang , Liu Chen , Li Dongmei , Bian Shaodong , Jiang Yufeng , Yang Zhiya , Li Renzhe , Feng Yahui , Zhang Xiaojie , Shi Dongmei
Published: September 2021

Numerous studies have shown that droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a promising tool for the diagnosis of pathogens, especially in samples with low concentrations of pathogenic DNA. An early diagnosis of candidemia is critical for the effective treatment of patients. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR assay for Candida DNA detection both in vitro by mixing fungal cells with human blood and in vivo by analyzing blood samples from infected mice and patients with suspected candidemia. The results showed that ddPCR assay could detect a minimum of 4.5 DNA copies per reaction in blood samples. ddPCR showed higher sensitivity and specificity for Candida DNA detection than traditional culture and quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods and also exhibited significantly better positive and negative predictive values than the culture and qPCR methods that were commonly used in clinical practice. Hence, our study demonstrates that ddPCR assay is a promising method for the timely diagnosis of candidemia and could be useful for monitoring the treatment of candidemia.
Staphylococcus aureus Putative Vaccines Based on the Virulence Factors: A Mini-Review
Authors: Mirzaei Bahman , Babaei Ryhaneh , Zeighami Habib , Dadar Maryam , Soltani Ali
Published: September 2021

Since the 1960s, the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a recurrent cause of nosocomial infections has increased. Since multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus has overcome antimicrobial treatment, the development of putative vaccines based on virulence factors could be a great help in controlling the infections caused by bacteria and are actively being pursued in healthcare settings. This mini-review provides an overview of the recent progress in vaccine development, immunogenicity, and therapeutic features of some S. aureus macromolecules as putative vaccine candidates and their implications against human S. aureus-related infections. Based on the reviewed experiments, multivalent vaccines could prevent the promotion of the diseases caused by this bacterium and enhance the prevention chance of S. aureus infections.
Probiotics Modulate Mouse Gut Microbiota and Influence Intestinal Immune and Serotonergic Gene Expression in a Site-Specific Fashion
Authors: Taverniti Valentina , Cesari Valentina , Gargari Giorgio , Rossi Umberto , Biddau Cristina , Lecchi Cristina , Fiore Walter , Arioli Stefania , Toschi Ivan , Guglielmetti Simone
Published: September 2021

Probiotic microorganisms may benefit the host by influencing diverse physiological processes, whose nature and underlying mechanisms are still largely unexplored. Animal models are a unique tool to understand the complexity of the interactions between probiotic microorganisms, the intestinal microbiota, and the host. In this regard, in this pilot study, we compared the effects of 5-day administration of three different probiotic bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb23sg, Lactobacillus helveticus MIMLh5, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DG) on three distinct murine intestinal sites (ileum, cecum, and colon). All probiotics preferentially colonized the cecum and colon. In addition, probiotics reduced in the ileum and increased in the cecum and colon the relative abundance of numerous bacterial taxonomic units. MIMBb23sg and DG increased the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the ileum, which is involved in epithelial homeostasis. In addition, MIMBb23sg upregulated cytokine IL-10 in the ileum and downregulated the cyclooxygenase COX-2 in the colon, suggesting an anti-inflammatory/regulatory activity. MIMBb23sg significantly affected the expression of the main gene involved in serotonin synthesis (TPH1) and the gene coding for the serotonin reuptake protein (SERT) in the ileum and colon, suggesting a potential propulsive effect toward the distal part of the gut, whereas the impact of MIMLh5 and DG on serotonergic genes suggested an effect toward motility control. The three probiotics decreased the expression of the permeability marker zonulin in gut distal sites. This preliminary in vivo study demonstrated the safety of the tested probiotic strains and their common ability to modulate the intestinal microbiota. The probiotics affected host gene expression in a strain-specific manner. Notably, the observed effects in the gut were site dependent. This study provides a rationale for investigating the effects of probiotics on the serotonergic system, which is a topic still widely unexplored.
Anthraquinones as Potential Antibiofilm Agents Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Song Zhi-Man , Zhang Jun-Liang , Zhou Kun , Yue Lu-Ming , Zhang Yu , Wang Chang-Yun , Wang Kai-Ling , Xu Ying
Published: September 2021

Biofilms formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are one of the contributing factors to recurrent nosocomial infection in humans. There is currently no specific treatment targeting on biofilms in clinical trials approved by FDA, and antibiotics remain the primary therapeutic strategy. In this study, two anthraquinone compounds isolated from a rare actinobacterial strain Kitasatospora albolonga R62, 3,8-dihydroxy-l-methylanthraquinon-2-carboxylic acid (1) and 3,6,8-trihydroxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (2), together with their 10 commercial analogs 3–12 were evaluated for antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against MRSA, which led to the discovery of two potential antibiofilm anthraquinone compounds anthraquinone-2-carboxlic acid (6) and rhein (12). The structure-activity relationship analysis of these anthraquinones indicated that the hydroxyl group at the C-2 position of the anthraquinone skeleton played an important role in inhibiting biofilm formation at high concentrations, while the carboxyl group at the same C-2 position had a great influence on the antibacterial activity and biofilm eradication activity. The results of crystal violet and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium staining assays, as well as scanning electron microscope and confocal scanning laser microscopy imaging of compounds 6 and 12 treatment groups showed that both compounds could disrupt preformed MRSA biofilms possibly by killing or dispersing biofilm cells. RNA-Seq was subsequently used for the preliminary elucidation of the mechanism of biofilm eradication, and the results showed upregulation of phosphate transport-related genes in the overlapping differentially expressed genes of both compound treatment groups. Herein, we propose that anthraquinone compounds 6 and 12 could be considered promising candidates for the development of antibiofilm agents.