Search

Influenza virus is a well-known respiratory pathogen, which still leads to many severe pulmonary infections in the human population every year. Morbidity and mortality rates are further increased if virus infection coincides with co-infections or superinfections caused by bacteria such as 'Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae)' and 'Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)'. This enhanced pathogenicity is due to complex interactions between the different pathogens and the host and its immune system and is mainly governed by altered intracellular signaling processes. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the innate and adaptive immune responses during co-infection with influenza virus and 'S. pneumoniae' or 'S. aureus', describing the signaling pathways involved and how these interactions influence disease outcomes., Finanziert durch den Open-Access-Publikationsfonds der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU Münster).

Background COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia). Methods An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time). Results In the USA and Australia samples, there was a significant decline in planned PA from pre- to during lockdown. Among young adults, Australians exhibited the lowest planned PA scores, while in middle-aged groups, the UK recorded the highest. Young adults exhibited the largest reduction in unplanned PA. Across nations, there was a reduction of ~ 2000 steps per day. Large increases in sedentary behavior emerged during lockdown, which were most acute in young adults. Lockdown was associated with a decline in mental health that was more pronounced in women. Conclusions The findings illustrate the deleterious effects of lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations. Australian young and lower middle-aged adults appeared to fare particularly badly in terms of planned PA. The reduction in steps per day is equivalent to the non-expenditure of ~ 100 kcal. Declines in mental health show how harmful lockdowns can be for women in particular.

Summary Introduced predators threaten prey species worldwide, but strategies to protect vulnerable wildlife from introduced predators can be expensive, time-consuming, and logistically difficult 1 , 2 . Novel conservation strategies that reduce predation affordably and efficiently must be explored. ‘Headstarting’ is one such strategy, whereby prey are isolated from predators only during the critical early life stage before being returned to the wild, thus improving juvenile survivorship and recruitment to contribute to an increase in population growth 3 . Headstarting is a particularly useful conservation strategy for species facing higher levels of a threatening process during only the early part of their life history when mortality rates are higher, and has demonstrably improved conservation outcomes for birds and marine species 3 , 4 . Here we report findings from the first known headstarting program for a terrestrial mammal, the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) at Avocet Nature Refuge (henceforth ‘Avocet’) in Queensland, Australia.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OVCA), a lethal malignancy of women, mainly disseminates locally in the peritoneal cavity and the local immune system plays important roles in inhibiting its progression. Although NK cells, a member of innate immunity, recognize and exert anti-tumor immune responses, tumors escape NK cell immunity and progress to late stages by inducing factors like inhibitory receptors and cytokines. IL-15, a cytokine, stimulates NK cell function and persistent exposure to IL-15 induces cytokine inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH), an inhibitory receptor and a marker of NK cell exhaustion. It is unknown if ovarian tumors use this phenomenon in their favor as the tumor secretes enhanced levels of IL-15. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with root powder of Ashwagandha (ASH), a natural herb and an anti-stress compound has shown to decrease the rates of OVCA metastasis and enhance the frequency of intratumoral NK cells in a preclinical model. However, it is unknown if ASH supplementation improves NK cell frequency by inhibiting CISH. The goal of this study was to examine if OVCA progresses by inducing CISH-expression in NK cells and if dietary ASH supplementation reduces NK cell exhaustion by decreasing CISH expression. Materials and methods: Two studies were conducted. Study 1: Exploratory study with clinical specimens including normal ovaries (n=5) and ovarian high grade serous carcinoma at early and late stages (n=5 each). Study 2: Prospective study using the laying hen model of OVCA supplemented with or without 2% dietary ASH root powder for 90 days (n=7 for each group; normal, early and late stage). Hen normal and tumor ovarian tissues were collected at the end of the study. Both the clinical and hen specimens were used for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and gene expression assays to determine the frequency of CISH-expressing NK-cells and intensity of GRP78 expression (a marker of cellular stress). Data were collected and analyzed by ANOVA and unpaired t-test and considered significant when P Results: CISH-expressing NK cells were localized in normal and tumor ovaries in women and hens. Compared with normal ovaries, frequency of CISH-expressing NK cells was significantly higher in tumors at early and late stages in patients and hens. Similarly, strong expression of CISH gene and protein (29kDa) was detected in tumor tissues. Enhanced expression of CISH positively correlated with expression of GRP78. Compared with untreated, ASH supplementation reduced tumor progression in 5 out of 7 hens and significantly decreased the frequency of CISH-expressing NK cells and GRP78 (P Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that expression of CISH by NK cells and cellular stress were associated with OVCA progression and dietary ASH supplementation reduced NK cell exhaustion by decreasing CISH and GRP78. Support: Swim Across America and NIH CA187309 Citation Format: Jasmin C. Acosta, Amy K. Stasik, Janice M. Bahr, Animesh Barua. Ovarian tumors escape anti-tumor function of NK cells by inducing CISH expression and its inhibition prevents tumor progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2520.

Anthropogenic contaminants, including nutrient enrichment, frequently alter environmental conditions in marine systems and affect the development of communities on hard-substrata. Biofilms can influence the settlement of marine invertebrates and hence impact on the structure of fouling communities. Few studies have examined bacteria, invertebrates and nutrient-rich contaminants in concert, with none yet to examine the effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on both biofilms and the recruitment of sessile invertebrate communities in-situ to ascertain the mechanistic basis behind observed impacts. Biofilm treatments were allowed to develop under manipulated environmental conditions of either ambient or enriched nutrient levels. Enrichment conditions were elevated via slow-release fertiliser and invertebrate recruitment was prevented during initial biofilm development. Biofilm treatments (including a no film control) were then subject to either ambient or enriched water-borne nutrients (in a fully-factorial design) during a period of invertebrate colonisation in the field. Effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on invertebrate recruitment were observed as changes to community composition and the abundances of taxonomic groups. Communities on no biofilm control treatments differed from those with pre-developed biofilms. Naturally developed biofilms promoted recruitment by all organisms, except barnacles, which preferred nutrient-enriched biofilms. Water-borne nutrients increased the recruitment of ascidians and barnacles, but suppressed bryozoan, serpulid polychaete and sponge recruitment. The direct and indirect impacts observed on biofilm and invertebrate communities suggest that increasing nutrient levels via nutrient-rich contaminants will result in structural community shifts that may ultimately impact ecosystem functioning within estuaries.

First responders often face traumatic and emotionally-taxing incidents in their role. Understanding their mental health and coping capacity is important for wellbeing and continued service delivery. Surf lifesavers and lifeguards are an under researched yet a vital part of the first responder workforce. The recent Senate Report on first responders explored mental health in the leading emergency services personnel in Australia and found a high incidence of mental health difficulties in those who worked or volunteered as emergency responders. However, a significant literature gap exists regarding mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards in both the international and Australian context. Here we propose a strategy to address this gap, at the individual, organisational and community level.

Diagnostic mammography is routinely ordered, along with targeted breast ultrasound, to evaluate breast symptoms in women 30-39 years of age. However, in this age group, mammography is often limited by breast density and the probability of detecting an occult malignancy is low. We sought to evaluate whether diagnostic mammography detected any new incidental malignancies in women aged 30-39 years presenting with focal breast symptoms. This retrospective study included women 30-39 years of age who had a diagnostic mammogram performed for focal breast symptoms at a single institution from 2002 to 2017. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine the rate of incidental mammographic findings outside of the region of the presenting symptom that 1) led to additional imaging and/or biopsies and 2) were found to be malignant. During the 16-year study period, 1770 evaluations were performed, of which 249 (14.1%) were found to have an additional incidental mammographic abnormality. Further diagnostic imaging was required in 211 (11.3%), core biopsy in 67 (3.8%), and excisional biopsy in 8 (0.5%). None of the mammographically detected incidental findings resulted in a new diagnosis of breast cancer. In the evaluation of focal benign breast symptoms in women 30-39 years of age, diagnostic mammography did not detect any new incidental malignancies outside of the area of interest, but instead led to additional unavailing imaging and biopsy procedures. The mammography component of the diagnostic evaluation of younger average-risk women may potentially be omitted if the presenting symptom is determined to be benign with ultrasound alone.

Additional file 2. Data screening and diagnostics.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Anthropomorphic, demographic and health characteristics of the present sample.

Biocatalysts are receiving increased attention in the field of selective oxyfunctionalization of C-H bonds, with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s), and the related peroxygenases, leading the field. Here we report on the substrate promiscuity of CYP505A30, previously characterized as a fatty acid hydroxylase. In addition to its regioselective oxyfunctionalization of saturated fatty acids (ω-1 - ω-3 hydroxylation), primary fatty alcohols are also accepted with similar regioselectivities. Moreover, alkanes such as n-octane and n-decane are also readily accepted, allowing for the production of non-vicinal diols through sequential oxygenation.

Diarrhea, soil-transmitted helminth infection and malnutrition are leading causes of child mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To reduce the prevalence of these diseases, effective interventions for adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) should be implemented. This paper describes the design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial that will compare the efficacy of four school-based WaSH interventions for improving children’s health literacy, handwashing, and nutrition. Interventions consisted of (1) WaSH policy reinforcement; (2) low-, medium-, or high-volume health education; (3) hygiene supplies; and (4) WaSH facilities (e.g., toilets, urinals, handwashing basins) improvements. We randomly allocated school clusters from the intervention arm to one of four groups to compare with schools from the control arm. Primary outcomes were: children’s health literacy, physical growth, nutrition status, and handwashing prevalence. Secondary outcomes were: children’s self-reported health status and history of extreme hunger, satisfaction with WaSH facilities, and school restrooms’ WaSH adequacy. We will measure differences in pre- and post-intervention outcomes and compare these differences between control and intervention arms. This research protocol can be a blueprint for future school-based WaSH intervention studies to be conducted in LMICs. Study protocols were approved by the ethics committees of the University of Bonn, Germany, and the University of the Philippines Manila. This trial was retroactively registered, ID number: DRKS00021623.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by dysbiosis, elevated levels of uremic toxins, systemic inflammation, and increased markers of oxidative stress. These factors lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is common among CKD patients. Supplementation with high amylose maize resistant starch type 2 (RS-2) can change the composition of the gut microbiota, and reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the impact of RS-2 supplementation has not been extensively studied in CKD patients not on dialysis. Aerobic exercise training lowers certain markers of inflammation in CKD patients. Whether combining aerobic training along with RS-2 supplementation has an additive effect on the aforementioned biomarkers in predialysis CKD patients has not been previously investigated. Methods The study is being conducted as a 16-week, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel arm, randomized controlled trial. Sixty stage 3–4 CKD patients (ages of 30–75 years) are being randomized to one of four groups: RS-2 & usual care, RS-2 & aerobic exercise, placebo (cornstarch) & usual care and placebo & exercise. Patients attend four testing sessions: Two baseline (BL) sessions with follow up visits 8 (wk8) and 16 weeks (wk16) later. Fasting blood samples, resting brachial and central blood pressures, and arterial stiffness are collected at BL, wk8 and wk16. A stool sample is collected for analysis of microbial composition and peak oxygen uptake is assessed at BL and wk16. Blood samples will be assayed for p-cresyl sulphate and indoxyl sulphate, c-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostanes F2a, endothelin-1 and nitrate/nitrite. Following BL, subjects are randomized to their group. Individuals randomized to conditions involving exercise will attend three supervised moderate intensity (55–65% peak oxygen uptake) aerobic training sessions (treadmills, bikes or elliptical machine) per week for 16 weeks. Discussion This study has the potential to yield information about the effect of RS-2 supplementation on key biomarkers believed to impact upon the development of CVD in patients with CKD. We are examining whether there is an additive effect of exercise training and RS-2 supplementation on these key variables. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Trial registration#NCT03689569. 9/28/2018, retrospectively registered.

Suicide is an increasing global concern with multiple risk factors, yet location-based understanding is limited. In Australia, surf lifesavers (SLS) and lifeguards patrol the coast, performing rescues and assisting injured people, including people who suicide. This study is a descriptive epidemiological analysis of Australian coastal suicide deaths. The results will be used to inform training and support surf lifesaving personnel and suicide prevention organisations. This is a population-based cross-sectional study of suicide deaths at Australian coastal locations (between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2019). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System and SLS Australia’s Incident Report Database. Analyses explored decedent, incident, and risk factors by sex and method. Across the study period, there were 666 coastal suicide deaths (71.0% male, 43.4% jumping from high places [X80]). Males were more likely to suicide by other means (hanging, self-poisoning, firearm discharge; n = 145, 83.8%), compared to females who were more likely to suicide by drowning ([X71]; n = 77, 37.7%). In one third (n = 225, 38.3%) toxicology was a contributing factor. The risk of coastal suicides was 10.3 times higher during the seven-days prior to their birthday (p

Identifying trends and drivers of fish growth in commercial species is important for ongoing sustainable management, but there is a critical shortage of long-term datasets in marine systems. Using otolith (ear bone) sclerochronology and mixed-effects modeling, we reconstructed nearly four decades (37 yr) of growth across four oceanographically diverse regions in an iconic fishery species, snapper (Chrysophrys auratus). Growth was then related to environmental factors (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a, and Southern Oscillation Index) and population performance indicators (recruitment and commercial catch). Across the decades, growth rates declined in the two most productive fishery regions. Chlorophyll-a (a measure of primary productivity) was the best predictor of growth for all regions, but direction and magnitude of the relationships varied, indicating regional-specific differences in intra-specific competition. Sea surface temperature was positively correlated with fish growth, but negatively correlated after temperature reached optimum thermal maxima, which suggests individuals in warmer regions may be under thermal stress. Growth also decreased at the extremes of the Southern Oscillation Index, indicating fish growth is impeded in significant climatic events. Contrasting relationships between growth, catch, and recruitment indicated regional-specific density-dependent effects, with growth positively correlated with population size in one region but negatively correlated in another. Our results indicate that under future ocean warming and increased frequency of extreme climate events, fish growth and fisheries productivity are likely to be affected. Furthermore, the interactive effects of extrinsic factors also indicated that stressors on fisheries should be managed collectively. We show that otolith chronologies are an effective method to assess long-term trends and drivers of growth in fishery species. Such informed ecological predictions will help shape the sustainable management of fisheries under future changing climates. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Carbon stable isotopes (δ13C) in animal tissues are a powerful tool for tracking biological and environmental change. However, carbon isotope signatures can be altered by both physiological and environmental factors which can cloud interpretation in their use as biomarkers. We investigated metabolic effects (by varying temperatures) on δ13C of three fish tissues (otolith, muscle and liver) and the proportional contributions of environmental water (dissolved inorganic carbon; DIC) and diet (metabolic sources). Juvenile Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) were laboratory-reared at four temperatures for up to two months and then δ13C in otolith, liver and muscle were measured using isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Temperature significantly altered δ13C signatures in all tissues. δ13C in otoliths reflected carbon signatures from diet and water DIC, with values and variation of proportional contributions influenced by temperature. In muscle and liver, we found differences in δ13C between tissues and across temperature treatments with concurrent high diet-to-tissue fractionation. We conclude that metabolic effects influenced carbon incorporation for all tissues, with otolith carbon providing valuable insights into field metabolic rates. However, metabolic effects complicated the use of soft-tissue to track diet. This study deepens our understanding of internal and external drivers of carbon isotopic signatures in fish tissues and enhances their utility as a biomarker in the field. Improved insight into biomarkers facilitates more accurate predictions of ecological and environmental change for better understanding and management of wild populations. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

A versatile one-pot procedure for the preparation of 2-alkyl-substituted

Background Priming is a process in which exposure to a stimulus activates relevant mental representations that are given increased weight in subsequent judgment tasks. Affective primes can influence affective evaluations and associations. Such influence has meaningful implications for the promotion of exercise behavior, yet there is scant research on priming effects in exercise settings. Purpose The purpose of the present pair of studies was to examine the efficacy of music (M), music video (MV), and music video with affective primes (PRIME) in modulating psychological responses during and immediately following an exercise bout among two distinct populations. Methods In Study 1, physically active participants completed a brisk walking task on a treadmill under four conditions: M, MV, PRIME, and control. Affective valence and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed during exercise and remembered/forecasted pleasure was measured immediately following each exercise bout. In Study 2, largely inactive and overweight participants completed a brisk walking task on a treadmill under two conditions: MV and PRIME. Affective valence was assessed during exercise, while exercise enjoyment and remembered/forecasted pleasure were assessed postexercise. Results In Study 1, PRIME yielded more positively valenced affect, remembered/forecasted pleasure, and lower RPE when compared to the other conditions (MCohen’s d for all DVs = 0.91). In Study 2, PRIME elicited more positively valenced affect, greater enjoyment, and enhanced remembered/forecasted pleasure when compared to MV (MCohen’s d for all DVs = 0.64). Conclusions Subliminal primes embedded in music video can elicit positive changes in psychological responses during and immediately following exercise.

Positive affective responses to exercise have been linked to longer-term adherence. The dual-mode model indicates that affective responses during heavy exercise (between the ventilatory threshold and the respiratory compensation point) are subject to interindividual variability (zone of response variability). Participants (N = 48) completed measures to assess personal characteristics prior to a graded exercise test. Responses to the Feeling Scale were recorded during the graded exercise test and subsequently used to group participants as either negative responders or neutral/positive responders to heavy exercise. Discriminant function analysis was applied, and a significant weighted linear composite predicted affective response. Preference for exercise intensity and sex were significant predictors (p = .003). Negative responders had lower preference scores and were more likely to be men. The combination of these two variables successfully predicted group membership 71% of the time. Individual differences appear relevant when examining affective responses to heavy exercise.