The Marine Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP): illuminating the functional diversity of eukaryotic life in the oceans through transcriptome sequencing

International audienceCurrent sampling of genomic sequence data from eukaryotes is relatively poor, biased, and inadequate to address important questions about their biology, evolution, and ecology; this Community Page describes a resource of 700 transcriptomes from marine microbial eukaryotes to help understand their role in the world's oceans

Negative Effect of Age, but Not of Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Antibody Response to a Novel Influenza Vaccine Strain in Healthy Adults.

Older adults are more vulnerable to influenza virus infection and at higher risk for severe complications and influenza-related death compared to younger adults. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine responses tend to be impaired in older adults due to aging of the immune system (immunosenescence). Latent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is assumed to enhance age-associated deleterious changes of the immune system. Although lower responses to influenza vaccination were reported in CMV-seropositive compared to CMV-seronegative adults and elderly, beneficial effects of CMV infection were observed as well. The lack of consensus in literature on the effect of latent CMV infection on influenza vaccination may be due to the presence of pre-existing immunity to influenza in these studies influencing the subsequent influenza vaccine response. We had the unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of age and latent CMV infection on the antibody response to the novel influenza H1N1pdm vaccine strain during the pandemic of 2009, thereby reducing the effect of pre-existing immunity on the vaccine-induced antibody response. This analysis was performed in a large study population (n = 263) in adults (18-52 years old). As a control, memory responses to the seasonal vaccination, including the same H1N1pdm and an H3N2 strain, were investigated in the subsequent season 2010-2011. With higher age, we found decreased antibody responses to the pandemic vaccination even within this age range, indicating signs of immunosenescence to this novel antigen in the study population. Using a generalized estimation equation regression model, adjusted for age, sex, and previous influenza vaccinations, we observed that CMV infection in contrast did not influence the influenza virus-specific antibody titer after H1N1pdm vaccination. Yet, we found higher residual protection rates (antibody level ≥40 hemagglutinin units (HAU)) in CMV-seropositive individuals than in CMV-seronegative individuals 6 months and 1 year after pandemic vaccination. In the subsequent season, no effect of age or CMV infection on seasonal influenza vaccine response was observed. In conclusion, we observed no evidence for CMV-induced impairment of antibody responses to a novel influenza strain vaccine in adults. If anything, our data suggest that there might be a beneficial effect of latent CMV infection on the protection rate after novel influenza vaccination

Negative Effect of Age, but Not of Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Antibody Response to a Novel Influenza Vaccine Strain in Healthy Adults.

Older adults are more vulnerable to influenza virus infection and at higher risk for severe complications and influenza-related death compared to younger adults. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine responses tend to be impaired in older adults due to aging of the immune system (immunosenescence). Latent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is assumed to enhance age-associated deleterious changes of the immune system. Although lower responses to influenza vaccination were reported in CMV-seropositive compared to CMV-seronegative adults and elderly, beneficial effects of CMV infection were observed as well. The lack of consensus in literature on the effect of latent CMV infection on influenza vaccination may be due to the presence of pre-existing immunity to influenza in these studies influencing the subsequent influenza vaccine response. We had the unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of age and latent CMV infection on the antibody response to the novel influenza H1N1pdm vaccine strain during the pandemic of 2009, thereby reducing the effect of pre-existing immunity on the vaccine-induced antibody response. This analysis was performed in a large study population (n = 263) in adults (18-52 years old). As a control, memory responses to the seasonal vaccination, including the same H1N1pdm and an H3N2 strain, were investigated in the subsequent season 2010-2011. With higher age, we found decreased antibody responses to the pandemic vaccination even within this age range, indicating signs of immunosenescence to this novel antigen in the study population. Using a generalized estimation equation regression model, adjusted for age, sex, and previous influenza vaccinations, we observed that CMV infection in contrast did not influence the influenza virus-specific antibody titer after H1N1pdm vaccination. Yet, we found higher residual protection rates (antibody level ≥40 hemagglutinin units (HAU)) in CMV-seropositive individuals than in CMV-seronegative individuals 6 months and 1 year after pandemic vaccination. In the subsequent season, no effect of age or CMV infection on seasonal influenza vaccine response was observed. In conclusion, we observed no evidence for CMV-induced impairment of antibody responses to a novel influenza strain vaccine in adults. If anything, our data suggest that there might be a beneficial effect of latent CMV infection on the protection rate after novel influenza vaccination

Negative Effect of Age, but Not of Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Antibody Response to a Novel Influenza Vaccine Strain in Healthy Adults

Older adults are more vulnerable to influenza virus infection and at higher risk for severe complications and influenza-related death compared to younger adults. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine responses tend to be impaired in older adults due to aging of the immune system (immunosenescence). Latent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is assumed to enhance age-associated deleterious changes of the immune system. Although lower responses to influenza vaccination were reported in CMV-seropositive compared to CMV-seronegative adults and elderly, beneficial effects of CMV infection were observed as well. The lack of consensus in literature on the effect of latent CMV infection on influenza vaccination may be due to the presence of pre-existing immunity to influenza in these studies influencing the subsequent influenza vaccine response. We had the unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of age and latent CMV infection on the antibody response to the novel influenza H1N1pdm vaccine strain during the pandemic of 2009, thereby reducing the effect of pre-existing immunity on the vaccine-induced antibody response. This analysis was performed in a large study population (n = 263) in adults (18–52 years old). As a control, memory responses to the seasonal vaccination, including the same H1N1pdm and an H3N2 strain, were investigated in the subsequent season 2010–2011. With higher age, we found decreased antibody responses to the pandemic vaccination even within this age range, indicating signs of immunosenescence to this novel antigen in the study population. Using a generalized estimation equation regression model, adjusted for age, sex, and previous influenza vaccinations, we observed that CMV infection in contrast did not influence the influenza virus-specific antibody titer after H1N1pdm vaccination. Yet, we found higher residual protection rates (antibody level ≥40 hemagglutinin units (HAU)) in CMV-seropositive individuals than in CMV-seronegative individuals 6 months and 1 year after pandemic vaccination. In the subsequent season, no effect of age or CMV infection on seasonal influenza vaccine response was observed. In conclusion, we observed no evidence for CMV-induced impairment of antibody responses to a novel influenza strain vaccine in adults. If anything, our data suggest that there might be a beneficial effect of latent CMV infection on the protection rate after novel influenza vaccination

Prevention of eating disorders at universities: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Background Eating problems are highly prevalent among young adults. Universities could be an optimal setting to prevent the onset of eating disorders through psychological intervention. As part of the World Mental Health‐International College Student initiative, this systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesizes data on the efficacy of eating disorder prevention programs targeting university students. Method A systematic literature search of bibliographical databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) for randomized trials comparing psychological preventive interventions for eating disorders targeting university students with psychoeducation or inactive controls was performed on October 22, 2019. Results Twenty‐seven studies were included. Thirteen (48.1%) were rated to have a low risk of bias. The relative risk of developing a subthreshold or full‐blown eating disorder was incidence rate ratio = 0.62 (95% CI [0.44, 0.87], n c = 8, numbers‐needed‐to‐treat [NNT] = 26.08; standardized clinical interviews only), indicating a 38% decrease in incidence in the intervention groups compared to controls. Small to moderate between‐group effects at posttest were found on eating disorder symptoms (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.24, 0.46], NNT = 5.10, n c = 26), dieting (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.29, 0.57], NNT = 4.17, n c = 21), body dissatisfaction (g = 0.40, 95% CI [0.27, 0.53], NNT = 4.48, n c = 25), drive for thinness (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.27, 0.59], NNT = 4.23, n c = 12), weight concerns (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.10, 0.57], NNT = 5.35, n c = 13), and affective symptoms (g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.38], NNT = 6.70, n c = 18). The effects on bulimia nervosa symptoms were not significant. Heterogeneity was moderate across comparisons. Discussion Eating disorder prevention on campus can have significant, small‐to‐moderate effects on eating disorder symptoms and risk factors. Results also suggest that the prevention of subthreshold and full‐syndrome eating disorders is feasible using such interventions. More research is needed to identify ways to motivate students to use preventive eating disorder interventions. Antecedentes Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria son altamente prevalentes entre los adultos jóvenes. Las universidades podrían ser un entorno óptimo para prevenir la aparición de trastornos alimentarios a través de la intervención psicológica. Como parte de la iniciativa World Mental Health‐International College Student, esta revisión sistemática y meta‐análisis sintetiza datos sobre la eficacia de los programas de prevención de trastornos alimentarios dirigidos a estudiantes universitarios. Método Una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática de datos bibliográficas (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) para ensayos aleatorios que comparaban intervenciones preventivas psicológicas para trastornos alimentarios dirigidos a estudiantes universitarios con psicoeducación o controles inactivos fue realizada hasta el 22 de octubre de 2019. Resultados Se incluyeron 27 estudios. Trece (48,1%) fueron calificados como de bajo riesgo de sesgo. El riesgo relativo de desarrollar un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria subclínico (parcial) o completo fue IRR = 0.62 (95% CI [0.44, 0.87], nc = 8, NNT = 26.08; sólo entrevistas clínicas estandarizadas), lo que indica una disminución del 38% en la incidencia en los grupos de intervención en comparación con los controles. Se encontraron efectos pequeños a moderados entre los grupos en la post‐prueba en los síntomas del trastorno alimentario (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.24, 0.46], NNT = 5.10, nc = 26), dieta (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.29, 0.57], NNT = 4.17, nc = 21), insatisfacción corporal (g = 0.40, 95% CI [0.27, 0.53], NNT = 4.48, nc = 25), impulso por delgadez (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.27, 0.59], NNT = 4.23, nc = 12), problemas de peso (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.10, 0.57], NNT = 5.35, nc = 13) y síntomas afectivos (g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.38], NNT = 6.70, nc = 18). Los efectos sobre los síntomas de la bulimia nervosa no fueron significativos. La heterogeneidad fue moderada en las comparaciones. Discusión La prevención de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en el campus universitario puede tener efectos significativos, de pequeños a moderados, sobre los síntomas del trastorno alimentario y los factores de riesgo. Los resultados también sugieren que la prevención de los trastornos alimentarios subclínicos o parciales y síndromes completos es factible utilizando tales intervenciones. Se necesita más investigación para identificar formas de motivar a los estudiantes a usar intervenciones preventivas para los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria

Prevention of eating disorders at universities: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Eating problems are highly prevalent among young adults. Universities could be an optimal setting to prevent the onset of eating disorders through psychological intervention. As part of the World Mental Health-International College Student initiative, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes data on the efficacy of eating disorder prevention programs targeting university students. METHOD: A systematic literature search of bibliographical databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) for randomized trials comparing psychological preventive interventions for eating disorders targeting university students with psychoeducation or inactive controls was performed on October 22, 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included. Thirteen (48.1%) were rated to have a low risk of bias. The relative risk of developing a subthreshold or full-blown eating disorder was incidence rate ratio = 0.62 (95% CI [0.44, 0.87], n c = 8, numbers-needed-to-treat [NNT] = 26.08; standardized clinical interviews only), indicating a 38% decrease in incidence in the intervention groups compared to controls. Small to moderate between-group effects at posttest were found on eating disorder symptoms (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.24, 0.46], NNT = 5.10, n c = 26), dieting (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.29, 0.57], NNT = 4.17, n c = 21), body dissatisfaction (g = 0.40, 95% CI [0.27, 0.53], NNT = 4.48, n c = 25), drive for thinness (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.27, 0.59], NNT = 4.23, n c = 12), weight concerns (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.10, 0.57], NNT = 5.35, n c = 13), and affective symptoms (g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.38], NNT = 6.70, n c = 18). The effects on bulimia nervosa symptoms were not significant. Heterogeneity was moderate across comparisons. DISCUSSION: Eating disorder prevention on campus can have significant, small-to-moderate effects on eating disorder symptoms and risk factors. Results also suggest that the prevention of subthreshold and full-syndrome eating disorders is feasible using such interventions. More research is needed to identify ways to motivate students to use preventive eating disorder interventions. ANTECEDENTES: Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria son altamente prevalentes entre los adultos jóvenes. Las universidades podrían ser un entorno óptimo para prevenir la aparición de trastornos alimentarios a través de la intervención psicológica. Como parte de la iniciativa World Mental Health-International College Student, esta revisión sistemática y meta-análisis sintetiza datos sobre la eficacia de los programas de prevención de trastornos alimentarios dirigidos a estudiantes universitarios. MÉTODO: Una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática de datos bibliográficas (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) para ensayos aleatorios que comparaban intervenciones preventivas psicológicas para trastornos alimentarios dirigidos a estudiantes universitarios con psicoeducación o controles inactivos fue realizada hasta el 22 de octubre de 2019. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 27 estudios. Trece (48,1%) fueron calificados como de bajo riesgo de sesgo. El riesgo relativo de desarrollar un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria subclínico (parcial) o completo fue IRR = 0.62 (95% CI [0.44, 0.87], nc = 8, NNT = 26.08; sólo entrevistas clínicas estandarizadas), lo que indica una disminución del 38% en la incidencia en los grupos de intervención en comparación con los controles. Se encontraron efectos pequeños a moderados entre los grupos en la post-prueba en los síntomas del trastorno alimentario (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.24, 0.46], NNT = 5.10, nc = 26), dieta (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.29, 0.57], NNT = 4.17, nc = 21), insatisfacción corporal (g = 0.40, 95% CI [0.27, 0.53], NNT = 4.48, nc = 25), impulso por delgadez (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.27, 0.59], NNT = 4.23, nc = 12), problemas de peso (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.10, 0.57], NNT = 5.35, nc = 13) y síntomas afectivos (g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.38], NNT = 6.70, nc = 18). Los efectos sobre los síntomas de la bulimia nervosa no fueron significativos. La heterogeneidad fue moderada en las comparaciones. DISCUSIÓN: La prevención de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en el campus universitario puede tener efectos significativos, de pequeños a moderados, sobre los síntomas del trastorno alimentario y los factores de riesgo. Los resultados también sugieren que la prevención de los trastornos alimentarios subclínicos o parciales y síndromes completos es factible utilizando tales intervenciones. Se necesita más investigación para identificar formas de motivar a los estudiantes a usar intervenciones preventivas para los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria.status: publishe

Long Lasting Antibodies From Convalescent Pertussis Patients Induce ROS Production and Bacterial Killing by Human Neutrophils.

Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccination coverage this disease remains a public health concern worldwide. A better understanding of the protective immune responses to B. pertussis is required for the development of improved vaccines. The aim of this study was to determine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human neutrophils in response to B. pertussis and to determine the contribution of opsonizing antibodies from convalescent pertussis patients in this response. The serum samples from convalescent patients were taken at <3, 9, 18 and 36 months after diagnosis of pertussis. Also included were sera from healthy age-matched controls. We show that neutrophils produced high levels of ROS in response to opsonized, compared to non-opsonized, B. pertussis and that this effect was independent of the time the convalescent serum samples were taken. This indicates the presence of functional opsonizing antibodies up to 3 years after B. pertussis infection. While opsonization of B. pertussis with serum samples from uninfected controls also induced ROS production, sera from infected individuals induced significantly higher ROS levels. Spearman correlations analysis showed that IgG antibodies targeting fimbriae3 followed by pertactin, and BrkA correlate with ROS production. Additionally, we observed that neutrophils killed opsonized B. pertussis in a ROS-dependent manner. Searching for other antigen-specific antibodies from convalescent pertussis patients involved in ROS production by neutrophils may assist in the identification of novel antigens to improve the current pertussis vaccines

Chemical Modification of Influenza CD8+ T-Cell Epitopes Enhances Their Immunogenicity Regardless of Immunodominance.

T cells are essential players in the defense against infection. By targeting the MHC class I antigen-presenting pathway with peptide-based vaccines, antigen-specific T cells can be induced. However, low immunogenicity of peptides poses a challenge. Here, we set out to increase immunogenicity of influenza-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes. By substituting amino acids in wild type sequences with non-proteogenic amino acids, affinity for MHC can be increased, which may ultimately enhance cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses. Since preventive vaccines against viruses should induce a broad immune response, we used this method to optimize influenza-specific epitopes of varying dominance. For this purpose, HLA-A*0201 epitopes GILGFVFTL, FMYSDFHFI and NMLSTVLGV were selected in order of decreasing MHC-affinity and dominance. For all epitopes, we designed chemically enhanced altered peptide ligands (CPLs) that exhibited greater binding affinity than their WT counterparts; even binding scores of the high affinity GILGFVFTL epitope could be improved. When HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice were vaccinated with selected CPLs, at least 2 out of 4 CPLs of each epitope showed an increase in IFN-γ responses of splenocytes. Moreover, modification of the low affinity epitope NMLSTVLGV led to an increase in the number of mice that responded. By optimizing three additional influenza epitopes specific for HLA-A*0301, we show that this strategy can be extended to other alleles. Thus, enhancing binding affinity of peptides provides a valuable tool to improve the immunogenicity and range of preventive T cell-targeted peptide vaccines