bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Study of Breakthrough Cancer Pain: An Extension of IOPS-MS Study
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Caraceni Augusto , Cuomo Arturo , Mammucari Massimo , Marchetti Paolo , Mediati Rocco Domenico , Natoli Silvia , Tonini Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess the characteristics of background pain and breakthrough pain (BTcP), analgesic treatment, and satisfaction with treatment four weeks after the first assessment. Methods: Adult cancer patients with a diagnosis of BTcP were included. At T0, age, gender, visit setting, cancer diagnosis, the extent of the disease, ongoing anticancer treatments, and Karnofsky level were recorded. The background pain intensity in the last 24 h (on a numerical scale 0–10), opioids used for background pain, and their doses, expressed as oral morphine equivalents (OME), as well as other analgesic drugs, were recorded. The number of BTcP episodes, their intensity, predictability and precipitating factors, onset duration of untreated episodes, and interference with daily activities were collected. Analgesics and doses used for BTcP, and the mean time to meaningful pain relief after taking medication, were assessed. The level of satisfaction with BTcP medication was also assessed. Adverse effects to be attributed to these medications were also recorded. At T4, the same data were evaluated. Results: After one-month follow-up, patients had a lower number of BTcP episodes and peak intensity, possibly due to the optimization of background analgesia. The principal characteristics of BTcP did not change significantly. Conclusion: A careful and continuous assessment should be guaranteed to all patients to limit the burden induced by BTcP, other than treating BTcP episodes with short-onset opioids.
Screening Pregnant Women for Bacterial Vaginosis Using a Point-of-Care Test: A Prospective Validation Study
Authors: Foessleitner Philipp , Kiss Herbert , Deinsberger Julia , Ott Julia , Zierhut Lorenz , Rosta Klara , Falcone Veronica , Farr Alex
Published: May 2021

Bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The introduction of a simple screen-and-treat program into antenatal care was shown to significantly reduce the rate of preterm birth. The gold standard for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis is Gram staining, which is, however, time-consuming and requires laboratory facilities. The objective of this prospective study was to validate a point-of-care sialidase activity detection test (OSOM® BVBLUE® Test) for asymptomatic pregnant women and evaluate its accuracy as a screening tool. We enrolled 200 pregnant participants, 100 with Gram staining-confirmed bacterial vaginosis and 100 healthy controls. Compared to Gram staining, the point-of-care test showed a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 98.1%. In conclusion, we found that the OSOM® BVBLUE® Test was an accurate method for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women. This point-of-care test can therefore be considered a reliable and easy-to-use screening tool for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy.
Alcohol Septal Ablation: An Option on the Rise in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arévalos Victor , Rodríguez-Arias Juan José , Brugaletta Salvatore , Micari Antonio , Costa Francesco , Freixa Xavier , Masotti Mónica , Sabaté Manel , Regueiro Ander
Published: May 2021

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause symptoms due to the obstruction of the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT). Although pharmacological therapy is the first step for treating this condition, many patients do not fully respond to the treatment, and an invasive approach is required to manage symptoms. Septal reduction therapies include septal myectomy (SM) and alcohol septal ablation (ASA). ASA consists of a selective infusion of high-grade alcohol into a septal branch supplying the basal interventricular septum to create an iatrogenic infarction with the aim of reducing LVOT obstruction. Currently, SM and ASA have the same level of indication; however, ASA is normally reserved for patients of advanced age, with comorbidities or when the surgical approach is not feasible. Recent data suggests that there are no differences in short- and long-term all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death between ASA and SM. Despite the greater experience and refinement of the technique gained in recent years, the most common complication continues to be complete atrio-ventricular block, requiring a permanent pacemaker. Septal reduction therapies should be performed in experienced centres with comprehensive programs.
Radionuclide Imaging of Fungal Infections and Correlation with the Host Defense Response
Authors: Ankrah Alfred O. , Sathekge Mike M. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M.
Published: May 2021

The human response to invading fungi includes a series of events that detect, kill, or clear the fungi. If the metabolic host response is unable to eliminate the fungi, an infection ensues. Some of the host response’s metabolic events to fungi can be imaged with molecules labelled with radionuclides. Several important clinical applications have been found with radiolabelled biomolecules of inflammation. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose is the tracer that has been most widely investigated in the host defence of fungi. This tracer has added value in the early detection of infection, in staging and visualising dissemination of infection, and in monitoring antifungal treatment. Radiolabelled antimicrobial peptides showed promising results, but large prospective studies in fungal infection are lacking. Other tracers have also been used in imaging events of the host response, such as the migration of white blood cells at sites of infection, nutritional immunity in iron metabolism, and radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies. Many tracers are still at the preclinical stage. Some tracers require further studies before translation into clinical use. The application of therapeutic radionuclides offers a very promising clinical application of these tracers in managing drug-resistant fungi.
Relationships between Psychoeducational Rehabilitation and Health Outcomes—A Systematic Review Focused on Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Cojocariu Sabina Alexandra , Maștaleru Alexandra , Sascău Radu Andy , Stătescu Cristian , Mitu Florin , Cojocaru Elena , Trandafir Laura Mihaela , Leon-Constantin Maria-Magdalena
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Cardiac rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary program that includes psychoeducational support in addition to physical exercise. Psychoeducational intervention is a component that has had accelerated interest and development in recent decades. The aim was to analyze the current evidence on the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature via four databases: PubMed, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention compared to usual care in ACS patients. We assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Cochrane tool. We analyzed data regarding the population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and timing. (3) Results: We identified 6248 studies. After a rigorous screening, we included in the analysis 11 articles with a total of 3090 participants. Major adverse cardiovascular events, quality of life, hospitalizations, lipidogram, creatinine, NYHA class, smoking, physical behavior, and emotional state were significantly improved. In addition, illness perception, knowledge, and beliefs were substantially ameliorated (all p < 0.001). All this was related to the type and dose of psychological intervention. (4) Conclusions: Patients with ACS can receive significant benefits through individualized psychoeducation sessions. The cardiac rehabilitation program should include personalized psychological and educational intervention by type and dose.
The Interplay of Language Awareness and Bilingual Writing Abilities in Heritage Language Speakers
Authors: Riehl Claudia Maria
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates how language awareness influences the writing abilities of bilingual heritage language speakers. The study includes 175 bilingual 9th and 10th graders with Italian, Greek, or Turkish as their L1 and German as an early L2. The analysis is based on a corpus of narrative and argumentative texts in L1 and L2 and a language awareness test to explore semantic, pragmatic, and textual knowledge that was administered in both languages. We found that the students’ writing abilities in both languages were highly interdependent and there was a significant correlation between achieving high scores in the heritage language test and achieving equally high (or even higher) scores in the L2 test. The results further point to a significant correlation between metalinguistic awareness and writing abilities. However, there was a higher correlation between metalinguistic awareness and text level scores in the heritage language, which shows that writing abilities in this language are more dependent on metalinguistic awareness than in the language of schooling. Moreover, differences were found between the respective language groups and different school types. Based on these results, it is argued that the fostering of language awareness ought to be implemented more intensively in the language classroom.
Development of a New Risk Score for Stratification of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at High Risk of Persisting Postpartum Glucose Intolerance Using Routinely Assessed Parameters
Authors: Bartáková Vendula , Barátová Beáta , Pácal Lukáš , Ťápalová Veronika , Šebestová Silvie , Janků Petr , Kaňková Kateřina
Published: May 2021

The aims of the study were (i) to find predictive factors for early postpartum conversion of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) into persisting glucose intolerance (PGI), (ii) to evaluate potential differences in adverse perinatal outcomes in GDM women with and without early postpartum PGI and, finally, (iii) to establish a risk score to predict postpartum PGI. A cross-sectional study comprised 244 GDM patients with known age, parity, positive family history of diabetes, pre-gestational BMI, comorbidities, smoking history, results of mid-trimester oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, obstetric complications, neonatal outcomes and mode of delivery. A risk score was calculated using parameters with highest odds ratios in a statistic scoring model. Significant differences between women with and without PGI postpartum were ascertained for mid-trimester fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.001), HbA1c above 42 mmol/mol (p = 0.035), prevalence of obesity (p = 0.007), hypothyroidism, family history of diabetes and smoking. We also observed higher incidence of prolonged and complicated delivery in PGI group (p = 0.04 and 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, this study identified several parameters with predictive potential for early PGI and also adverse peripartal outcomes. We established a simple risk-stratification score for PGI prediction applicable for GDM affected women prior their leaving maternity ward. Yet, given a relatively small sample size as a main limitation of this study, the proposed score should be validated in the larger cohort.
Current Perspectives on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension without Papilloedema
Authors: Mollan Susan P. , Chong Yu Jeat , Grech Olivia , Sinclair Alex J. , Wakerley Benjamin R.
Published: May 2021

The pseudotumor cerebri syndrome embraces disorders characterised by raised intracranial pressure, where the commonest symptom is headache (90%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilloedema (IIHWOP) is increasingly recognised as a source of refractory headache symptoms and resultant neurological disability. Although the majority of patients with IIHWOP are phenotypically similar to those with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), it remains uncertain as to whether IIHWOP is nosologically distinct from IIH. The incidence, prevalence, and the degree of association with the world-wide obesity epidemic is unknown. Establishing a diagnosis of IIHWOP can be challenging, as often lumbar puncture is not routinely part of the work-up for refractory headaches. There are published diagnostic criteria for IIHWOP; however, some report uncertainty regarding a pathologically acceptable cut off for a raised lumbar puncture opening pressure, which is a key criterion. The literature provides little information to help guide clinicians in managing patients with IIHWOP. Further research is therefore needed to better understand the mechanisms that drive the development of chronic daily headaches and a relationship to intracranial pressure; and indeed, whether such patients would benefit from therapies to lower intracranial pressure. The aim of this narrative review was to perform a detailed search of the scientific literature and provide a summary of historic and current opinion regarding IIHWOP.
Inappropriateness of Antibiotic Prescribing in Medical, Surgical and Intensive Care Units: Results of a Multicentre Observational Study
Authors: Macera Margherita , Calò Federica , Onorato Lorenzo , Di Caprio Giovanni , Monari Caterina , Russo Antonio , Galdieri Anna , Giordano Antonio , Cuccaro Patrizia , Coppola Nicola
Published: May 2021

The objectives of the present study were to provide a snapshot analysis of antibiotic appropriateness in two hospitals in Southern Italy in three specific areas, surgical, medical and intensive care, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with inappropriateness in antimicrobial prescriptions. We conducted a multicentre observational study in two hospitals in the Campania region. We collected data of all patients admitted on the day of evaluation to antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis through a case report form. The primary outcome was to assess the inappropriateness of antibiotic prescribing, related to the spectrum, dose, route of administration and duration of treatment—in particular, to assess whether there was a difference in the adequacy of the prescriptive practice in the medical, surgical and intensive sectors. Prescriptive inappropriateness was more frequently observed in surgical units (79.8% of the 104 antimicrobial prescriptions) than in medical units (53.8% of the 65 prescriptions, p = 0.0003) or in intensive care units (64.1% of the 39 prescriptions, p = 0.052). The reasons for the inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions were similar in the three areas evaluated: antimicrobial unnecessary and antimicrobial not recommended were the most frequent reasons for inappropriateness. Not participating in an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) was identified as a factor associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions in medical and surgical units, but not in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ASPs may enhance the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions especially in medical and surgical units. In ICUs, specific programs able to limit empirical therapies and encourage the collection of microbiological samples may be useful to set up targeted therapies and to design antimicrobial protocols.
Time for a Paradigm Shift in Animal Nutrition Metabolic Pathway: Dietary Inclusion of Organic Acids on the Production Parameters, Nutrient Digestibility, and Meat Quality Traits of Swine and Broilers
Authors: Rathnayake Dhanushka , Mun Hong Seok , Dilawar Muhammad Ammar , Baek Kwang Soo , Yang Chul Ju
Published: May 2021

Because the application of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) causes accelerated adverse effects on the animal diet, the scientific community has taken progressive steps to enhance sustainable animal productivity without using AGP in animal nutrition. Organic acids (OAs) are non-antibiotic feed additives and a promising feeding strategy in the swine and broiler industry. Mechanistically, OAs improve productivity through multiple and diverse pathways in: (a) reduction of pathogenic bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) by reducing the gut pH; (b) boosting the digestibility of nutrients by facilitating digestive enzyme secretion and increasing feed retention time in the gut system; and (c) having a positive impact and preventing meat quality deterioration without leaving any chemical residues. Recent studies have reported the effectiveness of using encapsulated OAs and synergistic mechanisms of OAs combinations in swine and broiler productivity. On the other hand, the synergistic mechanisms of OAs and the optimal combination of OAs in the animal diet are not completely understood, and further intensive scientific explorations are needed. Moreover, the ultimate production parameters are not similar owing to the type of OAs, concentration level, growth phase, health status of animals, hygienic standards, and environmental factors. Thus, those factors need to be considered before implementing OAs in feeding practices. In conclusion, the current review evaluates the basics of OAs, mode of action, novel strategies to enhance utilization, influence on growth performances, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality traits of swine and broilers and their potential concerns regarding utilization.
Long-Term Follow-Up of 12 Patients Treated with Bilateral Pallidal Stimulation for Tardive Dystonia
Authors: Koyama Hiroshi , Mure Hideo , Morigaki Ryoma , Miyamoto Ryosuke , Miyake Kazuhisa , Matsuda Taku , Fujita Koji , Izumi Yuishin , Kaji Ryuji , Goto Satoshi , Takagi Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Tardive dystonia (TD) is a side effect of prolonged dopamine receptor antagonist intake. TD can be a chronic disabling movement disorder despite medical treatment. We previously demonstrated successful outcomes in six patients with TD using deep brain stimulation (DBS); however, more patients are needed to better understand the efficacy of DBS for treating TD. We assessed the outcomes of 12 patients with TD who underwent globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS by extending the follow-up period of previously reported patients and enrolling six additional patients. All patients were refractory to pharmacotherapy and were referred for surgical intervention by movement disorder neurologists. In all patients, DBS electrodes were implanted bilaterally within the GPi under general anesthesia. The mean ages at TD onset and surgery were 39.2 ± 12.3 years and 44.6 ± 12.3 years, respectively. The Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) performed the preoperative and postoperative evaluations. The average BFMDRS improvement rate at 1 month postoperatively was 75.6 ± 27.6% (p < 0.001). Ten patients were assessed in the long term (78.0 ± 50.4 months after surgery), and the long-term BFMDRS improvement was 78.0 ± 20.4%. Two patients responded poorly to DBS. Both had a longer duration from TD onset to surgery and older age at surgery. A cognitive and psychiatric decline was observed in the oldest patients, while no such decline ware observed in the younger patients. In most patients with TD, GPi-DBS could be a beneficial therapeutic option for long-term relief of TD.
Selecting Correct Methods to Extract Fuzzy Rules from Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Tan Xiao , Zhou Yuan , Ding Zuohua , Liu Yang
Published: May 2021

Artificial neural network (ANN) inherently cannot explain in a comprehensible form how a given decision or output is generated, which limits its extensive use. Fuzzy rules are an intuitive and reasonable representation to be used for explanation, model checking, and system integration. However, different methods may extract different rules from the same ANN. Which one can deliver good quality such that the ANN can be accurately described by the extracted fuzzy rules? In this paper, we perform an empirical study on three different rule extraction methods. The first method extracts fuzzy rules from a fuzzy neural network, while the second and third ones are originally designed to extract crisp rules, which can be transformed into fuzzy rules directly, from a well-trained ANN. In detail, in the second method, the behavior of a neuron is approximated by (continuous) Boolean functions with respect to its direct input neurons, whereas in the third method, the relationship between a neuron and its direct input neurons is described by a decision tree. We evaluate the three methods on discrete, continuous, and hybrid data sets by comparing the rules generated from sample data directly. The results show that the first method cannot generate proper fuzzy rules on the three kinds of data sets, the second one can generate accurate rules on discrete data, while the third one can generate fuzzy rules for all data sets but cannot always guarantee the accuracy, especially for data sets with poor separability. Hence, our work illustrates that, given an ANN, one should carefully select a method, sometimes even needs to design new methods for explanations.
The Classification of Profiles of Financial Catastrophe Caused by Out-of-Pocket Payments: A Methodological Approach
Authors: García-Centeno Maria-Carmen , Mínguez-Salido Román , del Pozo-Rubio Raúl
Published: May 2021

The financial catastrophe resulting from the out-of-pocket payments necessary to access and use healthcare systems has been widely studied in the literature. The aim of this work is to predict the impact of the financial catastrophe a household will face as a result of out-of-pocket payments in long-term care in Spain. These predictions were made using machine learning techniques such as LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) penalized regression and elastic-net, as well as algorithms like k-nearest neighbors (KNN), MARS (Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines), random forest, boosted trees and SVM (Support Vector Machine). The results reveal that all the classification methods performed well, with the complex models performing better than the simpler ones and showing no evidence of overfitting. Detecting and defining the profiles of individuals and families most likely to suffer from financial catastrophe is crucial in enabling the design of financial policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups.
Application of Delaunay Triangulation and Catalan Objects in Steganography
Authors: Selimović Faruk , Stanimirović Predrag , Saračević Muzafer , Krtolica Predrag
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a new method of steganography based on a combination of Catalan objects and Voronoi–Delaunay triangulation. Two segments are described within the proposed method. The first segment describes the process of embedding data and generating a complex stego key. The second segment explains the extraction of a hidden message. The main goal of this paper is to transfer a message via the Internet (or some other medium) using an image so that the image remains absolutely unchanged. In this way, we prevented the potential attacker from noticing some secret message hidden in that picture. Additionally, the complex stego key consists of three completely different parts (the image, the encrypted Delaunay triangulation, and the array Rk in Base64 code), which are very difficult to relate with each other. Finally, a few security analyses of the proposed method are conducted, as well as the corresponding steganalysis.
A Triangular Plate Bending Element Based on Discrete Kirchhoff Theory with Simple Explicit Expression
Authors: Tian Longgang , Cheng Ziling
Published: May 2021

A Simple three-node Discrete Kirchhoff Triangular (SDKT) plate bending element is proposed in this study to overcome some inherent difficulties and provide efficient and dependable solutions in engineering practice for thin plate structure analyses. Different from the popular DKT (Discrete Kirchhoff Theory) triangular element, using the compatible trial function for the transverse displacement along the element sides, the construction of the present SDKT element is based on a specially designed trial function for the transverse displacement over the element, which satisfies interpolation conditions for the transverse displacements and the rotations at the three corner nodes. Numerical investigations of thin plate structures were conducted, using the proposed SDKT element. The results were compared with those by other prevalent plate elements, including the analytical solutions. It was shown that the present element has the simplest explicit expression of the nine-DOF (Degree of Freedom) triangular plate bending elements currently available that can pass the patch test. The numerical examples indicate that the present element has a good convergence rate and possesses high precision.
Generalized Galbraith’s Test: Characterization and Applications to Anonymous IBE Schemes
Authors: Cotan Paul , Teşeleanu George
Published: May 2021

The main approaches currently used to construct identity-based encryption (IBE) schemes are based on bilinear mappings, quadratic residues and lattices. Among them, the most attractive approach is the one based on quadratic residues, due to the fact that the underlying security assumption is a well-understood hard problem. The first such IBE scheme was constructed by Cocks, and some of its deficiencies were addressed in subsequent works. In this paper, we focus on two constructions that address the anonymity problem inherent in Cocks’ scheme, and we tackle some of their incomplete theoretical claims. More precisely, we rigorously study Clear et al.’s and Zhao et al.’s schemes and give accurate probabilities of successful decryption and identity detection in the non-anonymized version of the schemes. Furthermore, in the case of Zhao et al.’s scheme, we give a proper description of the underlying security assumptions.
Anti-Leukemic Properties of Aplysinopsin Derivative EE-84 Alone and Combined to BH3 Mimetic A-1210477
Authors: Song Sungmi , Kim Sua , El-Sawy Eslam R. , Cerella Claudia , Orlikova-Boyer Barbora , Kirsch Gilbert , Christov Christo , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: May 2021

Aplysinopsins are a class of marine indole alkaloids that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Although both the indole and N-benzyl moieties of aplysinopsins are known to possess antiproliferative activity against cancer cells, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Through in vitro and in vivo proliferation and viability screening of newly synthesized aplysinopsin analogs on myelogenous leukemia cell lines and zebrafish toxicity tests, as well as analysis of differential toxicity in noncancerous RPMI 1788 cells and PBMCs, we identified EE-84 as a promising novel drug candidate against chronic myeloid leukemia. This indole derivative demonstrated drug-likeness in agreement with Lipinski’s rule of five. Furthermore, EE-84 induced a senescent-like phenotype in K562 cells in line with its cytostatic effect. EE-84-treated K562 cells underwent morphological changes in line with mitochondrial dysfunction concomitant with autophagy and ER stress induction. Finally, we demonstrated the synergistic cytotoxic effect of EE-84 with a BH3 mimetic, the Mcl-1 inhibitor A-1210477, against imatinib-sensitive and resistant K562 cells, highlighting the inhibition of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins as a promising novel senolytic approach against chronic myeloid leukemia.
An Integrative Bioinformatic Analysis for Keratinase Detection in Marine-Derived Streptomyces
Authors: Valencia Ricardo , González Valentina , Undabarrena Agustina , Zamora-Leiva Leonardo , Ugalde Juan A. , Cámara Beatriz
Published: May 2021

Keratinases present promising biotechnological applications, due to their ability to degrade keratin. Streptomyces appears as one of the main sources of these enzymes, but complete genome sequences of keratinolytic bacteria are still limited. This article reports the complete genomes of three marine-derived streptomycetes that show different levels of feather keratin degradation, with high (strain G11C), low (strain CHD11), and no (strain Vc74B-19) keratinolytic activity. A multi-step bioinformatics approach is described to explore genes encoding putative keratinases in these genomes. Despite their differential keratinolytic activity, multiplatform annotation reveals similar quantities of ORFs encoding putative proteases in strains G11C, CHD11, and Vc74B-19. Comparative genomics classified these putative proteases into 140 orthologous groups and 17 unassigned orthogroup peptidases belonging to strain G11C. Similarity network analysis revealed three network communities of putative peptidases related to known keratinases of the peptidase families S01, S08, and M04. When combined with the prediction of cellular localization and phylogenetic reconstruction, seven putative keratinases from the highly keratinolytic strain Streptomyces sp. G11C are identified. To our knowledge, this is the first multi-step bioinformatics analysis that complements comparative genomics with phylogeny and cellular localization prediction, for the prediction of genes encoding putative keratinases in streptomycetes.
Implementation of kLa-Based Strategy for Scaling Up Porphyridium purpureum (Red Marine Microalga) to Produce High-Value Phycoerythrin, Fatty Acids, and Proteins
Authors: Rodas-Zuluaga Laura Isabel , Castillo-Zacarías Carlos , Núñez-Goitia Gabriela , Martínez-Prado María Adriana , Rodríguez-Rodríguez José , López-Pacheco Itzel Y. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: May 2021

Porphyridium purpureum is a well-known Rhodophyta that recently has attracted enormous attention because of its capacity to produce many high-value metabolites such as the pigment phycoerythrin and several high-value fatty acids. Phycoerythrin is a fluorescent red protein-pigment commercially relevant with antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, and fluorescent properties. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) was kept constant within the different scaling-up stages in the present study. This scaling-up strategy was sought to maintain phycoerythrin production and other high-value metabolites by Porphyridium purpureum, using hanging-bag photobioreactors. The kLa was monitored to ensure the appropriate mixing and CO2 diffusion in the entire culture during the scaling process (16, 80, and 400 L). Then, biomass concentration, proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and phycoerythrin were determined in each step of the scaling-up process. The kLa at 16 L reached a level of 0.0052 s−1, while at 80 L, a value of 0.0024 s−1 was achieved. This work result indicated that at 400 L, 1.22 g L−1 of biomass was obtained, and total carbohydrates (117.24 mg L−1), proteins (240.63 mg L−1), and lipids (17.75% DW) were accumulated. Regarding fatty acids production, 46.03% palmitic, 8.03% linoleic, 22.67% arachidonic, and 2.55% eicosapentaenoic acid were identified, principally. The phycoerythrin production was 20.88 mg L−1 with a purity of 2.75, making it viable for food-related applications. The results of these experiments provide insight into the high-scale production of phycoerythrin via the cultivation of P. purpureum in an inexpensive and straightforward culture system.
Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Expressing White-Spotted Charr Lectin Regulates Antiviral Response in Tumor Cells and Inhibits Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhou Ningning , Liu Tingting , Jia Xiaoyuan , Ye Ting , Chen Kan , Li Gongchu
Published: May 2021

Oncolytic vaccina virus (oncoVV) used for cancer therapy has progressed in recent years. Here, a gene encoding white-spotted charr lectin (WCL) was inserted into an oncoVV vector to form an oncoVV-WCL recombinant virus. OncoVV-WCL induced higher levels of apoptosis and cytotoxicity, and replicated faster than control virus in cancer cells. OncoVV-WCL promoted IRF-3 transcriptional activity to induce higher levels of type I interferons (IFNs) and blocked the IFN-induced antiviral response by inhibiting the activity of IFN-stimulated responsive element (ISRE) and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). The higher levels of viral replication and antitumor activity of oncoVV-WCL were further demonstrated in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Therefore, the engineered oncoVV expressing WCL might provide a new avenue for anticancer gene therapy.
Clinical Characteristics Associated with the Development of Cystoid Macular Edema in Patients with Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
Authors: Kwon Hye-Ji , Son Gisung , Lee Joo-Yong , Kim June-Gone , Kim Yoon-Jeon
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of eyes with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis according to the occurrence of cystoid macular edema (CME) and identified the risk factors of its occurrence. Patients diagnosed with CMV retinitis and examined using optical coherence tomography were classified according to the development of CME. The CME group was further divided according to the presence of active retinitis at the time of CME development. The demographics, serologic findings, ophthalmic presentations, ocular treatments, and visual prognosis were compared. CME was identified in 25 eyes (17 eyes with active retinitis and 8 eyes with inactive retinitis) out of the 67 eyes with CMV retinitis. Visual acuity was worse in the CME group than in the non-CME group. The CME group had longer CMV viremia duration, zone 1 involvement, and larger extent of CMV retinitis. While CME with concurrent active retinitis developed in eyes with direct foveal involvement of retinitis in the acute phase and required more ganciclovir injections after CME development, CME without active retinitis developed in eyes with larger extents of involvement and more intravitreal ganciclovir injections before CME development. Zone 1 involvement and longer CMV viremia duration were independently associated with the occurrence of CME. CME, which caused visual deterioration, developed in considerable patients with CMV retinitis and had different characteristics according to the presence of active retinitis.
Reassessment of the Columnea latent viroid (CLVd) Taxonomic Classification
Authors: Tangkanchanapas Parichate , Haegeman Annelies , Höfte Monica , De Jonghe Kris
Published: May 2021

Columnea latent viroid (CLVd) is a member of the Pospiviroid family and its naked circular RNA genome typically forms native “rod-like” secondary structures. In this work, the CLVd taxonomy was reevaluated based on sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis, as well as the evaluation of the symptom development and disease severity of four selected CLVd isolates in a range of host species. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all CLVd isolates were clustered into five distinct clades: (I) severe isolates originally found in tomato crops in Thailand, (II) ornamental isolates, (III) mild isolates originally found in tomato crops in Thailand, and two clades (IV and V) containing mild isolates originating mainly from tomato crops in European countries, with different virulence levels on several hosts. Our analysis demonstrated that some CLVd isolates have a sequence similarity of less than 90% within the species taxon, as well as distinct biological characteristics (symptom development and virulence), both of which are important ICTV criteria for viroid classification. For these reasons, we propose that CLVd should be re-classified into at least three main taxonomic lineages: a “CLVd-tomato Asian lineage” (I), a “CLVd-tomato European lineage” (IV) and a “CLVd-ornamental European lineage” (II), plus two minor lineages (III and V), fitting the ICTV criteria.
Degradation Products of Complex Arabinoxylans by Bacteroides intestinalis Enhance the Host Immune Response
Authors: Yasuma Taro , Toda Masaaki , Abdel-Hamid Ahmed M. , D’Alessandro-Gabazza Corina , Kobayashi Tetsu , Nishihama Kota , D’Alessandro Valeria Fridman , Pereira Gabriel V. , Mackie Roderick I. , Gabazza Esteban C. , Cann Isaac
Published: May 2021

Bacteroides spp. of the human colonic microbiome degrade complex arabinoxylans from dietary fiber and release ferulic acid. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of ferulic acid. Here, we hypothesized that ferulic acid or the ferulic acid-rich culture supernatant of Bacteroides intestinalis, cultured in the presence of complex arabinoxylans, enhances the immune response. Ferulic acid and the culture supernatant of bacteria cultured in the presence of insoluble arabinoxylans significantly decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and increased the expression of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor β1 from activated dendritic cells compared to controls. The number of granulocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes, the number of spleen monocytes/granulocytes, and interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 plasma levels were significantly increased in mice treated with ferulic acid or the culture supernatant of bacteria cultured with insoluble arabinoxylans. Ferulic acid or the culture supernatant of bacteria cultured with insoluble arabinoxylans increased the expression of interleukin-12, interferon-α, and interferon-β in intestinal epithelial cell lines. This study shows that ferulic acid or the ferulic acid-rich culture supernatant of the colonic bacterium Bacteroides intestinalis, cultured with insoluble arabinoxylans, exerts anti-inflammatory activity in dendritic cells under inflammatory conditions and enhances the Th1-type immune response under physiological conditions in mice.
Laryngeal Helicobacter pylori Infection and Laryngeal Cancer-Case Series and a Systematic Review
Authors: Hsin Li-Jen , Chuang Hai-Hua , Lin Mu-Yun , Fang Tuan-Jen , Li Hsueh-Yu , Liao Chun-Ta , Kang Chung-Jan , Chen Tse-Ching , Huang Chung-Guei , Yen Tzu-Chen , Lee Li-Ang
Published: May 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection involves the development of gastric cancer and may be associated with laryngeal cancer. However, laryngeal H. pylori infection in Taiwanese patients with newly diagnosed laryngeal cancer has not been reported. This study was aimed to investigate the possible association between laryngeal H. pylori infection and laryngeal cancer in Taiwan and perform a systematic review of previous reports in other countries. An analysis of 105 patients with laryngeal lesions found the positive rates of H. pylori DNA (determined by polymerase chain reaction) and antigen (determined by immunohistochemistry) of the laryngeal lesions were relatively low (vocal polyps: 3% and 3%; vocal fold leukoplakia: 0% and 0%; laryngeal cancers: 0% and 2%). Furthermore, H. pylori-associated laryngopharyngeal reflux and the expression of E-cadherin and CD1d (determined by immunohistochemistry) were comparable among the three subgroups. Fifteen studies were involved in the systematic review of the digital literature database, distributed to February 2021. The data of patients with laryngeal cancer and controls showed that the laryngeal H. pylori infection rates were 29.4% and 16.7%, respectively. Although current evidence supported that laryngeal H. pylori infection was associated with laryngeal cancer globally, it might not play a role in the development of laryngeal cancer in Taiwan.
Soil-Associated Bacillus Species: A Reservoir of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Therapeutic Activity against Human Pathogens
Authors: Yahya Galal , Ebada Asmaa , Khalaf Eman M. , Mansour Basem , Nouh Nehal A. , Mosbah Rasha A. , Saber Sameh , Moustafa Mahmoud , Negm Sally , El-Sokkary Mohamed M. A. , El-Baz Ahmed M.
Published: May 2021

Soil hosts myriads of living organisms with the extensive potential to produce bioactive compounds. Bacteria are the major soil inhabitants that represent a rich reservoir for antibiotic production along with their role in recycling nutrients and maintenance of the soil ecosystem. Here, from 55 tested soil samples, we isolated and identified a novel antibiotic-producing bacterial strain with a phylogenetically closest match to Bacillus subtilis sp. based on BLASTN search of GenBank for the 16S rRNA gene sequence. We characterized this novel strain through microscopic, biochemical, and molecular techniques, combined with testing its potential antimicrobial activity. Chemical studies revealed that the antibiotic produced by this strain is a glycopeptide. It exhibited profound activity against both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans. The antibiotic is optimally produced at 37 °C after 28 h of growth. The biocompatibility of the extracted antibiotic was tested over a wide range of factors including temperature, pH, surfactants, and metal salts. To confirm its therapeutic potential, a sterile solution of the antibiotic was tested in vivo against bacteria-induced keratitis in rats where significant healing activity was recorded. Hence, this soil Bacillus strain may lead to the development of novel antibiotics for the treatment of human pathogens.
An Inside Job: Molecular Determinants for Postsynaptic Localization of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Ferns Michael
Published: May 2021

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic ganglionic synapses in the peripheral nervous system. The postsynaptic localization of muscle ((α1)2β1γδ) and neuronal ((α3β4)2β4) nicotinic receptors at these synapses is mediated by interactions between the nAChR intracellular domains and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins. Recent high resolution structures and functional studies provide new insights into the molecular determinants that mediate these interactions. Surprisingly, they reveal that the muscle nAChR binds 1–3 rapsyn scaffolding molecules, which dimerize and thereby form an interconnected lattice between receptors. Moreover, rapsyn binds two distinct sites on the nAChR subunit cytoplasmic loops; the MA-helix on one or more subunits and a motif specific to the β subunit. Binding at the latter site is regulated by agrin-induced phosphorylation of βY390, and increases the stoichiometry of rapsyn/AChR complexes. Similarly, the neuronal nAChR may be localized at ganglionic synapses by phosphorylation-dependent interactions with 14-3-3 adaptor proteins which bind specific motifs in each of the α3 subunit cytoplasmic loops. Thus, postsynaptic localization of nAChRs is mediated by regulated interactions with multiple scaffolding molecules, and the stoichiometry of these complexes likely helps regulate the number, density, and stability of receptors at the synapse.
Bee and Beekeeping Research in a Rapidly Changing World: Advancements and Challenges
Authors: Canale Angelo , Benelli Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Populations of pollinating insects are in concrete decline globally [...]
Metabolic Alterations in Pisum sativum Roots during Plant Growth and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Development
Authors: Shtark Oksana , Puzanskiy Roman , Avdeeva Galina , Yemelyanov Vladislav , Shavarda Alexey , Romanyuk Daria , Kliukova Marina , Kirpichnikova Anastasia , Tikhonovich Igor , Zhukov Vladimir , Shishova Maria
Published: May 2021

Intensive exchange of nutrients is a crucial part of the complex interaction between a host plant and fungi within arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. For the first time, the present study demonstrates how inoculation with AMF Rhizophagus irregularis affects the pea (Pisum sativum L.) root metabolism at key stages of plant development. These correspond to days 21 (vegetation), 42 (flowering initiation), and 56 (fruiting-green pod). Metabolome profiling was carried out by means of a state-of-the-art GC-MS technique. The content shifts revealed include lipophilic compounds, sugars, carboxylates, and amino acids. The metabolic alterations were principally dependent on the stage of plant development but were also affected by the development of AM fungi, a fact which highlights interaction between symbiotic partners. The comparison of the present data with the results of leaf metabolome profiling earlier obtained did not reveal common signatures of metabolic response to mycorrhization in leaves and roots. We supposed that the feedback for the development and symbiotic interaction on the part of the supraorganismic system (root + AM fungi) was the cause of the difference between the metabolic profile shift in leaf and root cells that our examination revealed. New investigations are required to expand our knowledge of metabolome plasticity of the whole organism and/or system of organisms, and such results might be put to use for the intensification of sustainable agriculture.
Bioacaricidal Potential of Moringa oleifera Ethanol Extract for Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) Control
Authors: Heinz-Castro Rapucel Tonantzin Quetzalli , Arredondo-Valdés Roberto , Ordaz-Silva Salvador , Méndez-Cortés Heriberto , Hernández-Juárez Agustín , Chacón-Hernández Julio Cesar
Published: May 2021

The Tetranychidae family includes mites causing severe damage to agricultural fields. The red spider mite, Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae), causes severe damage to several plant species grown as cash crops. Current red spider mite control depends mainly on chemical insecticides. There is a need for alternate control measures that are environmentally friendlier than chemical pesticides. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20% (v/v)) against T. merganser females. Such effects can serve as a basis to include this compound in integrated pest management programs for the control of red spider mites. Mites treated with 20% (v/v) killed 86.67%, 13.70%, and 96.30% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, as compared to the control treatment. Oviposition, egg hatching, and the damage caused by red spider mites were all reduced at high concentrations. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract can be used as a powerful bioacaricide for the control of T. merganser.
A Comparative Review of Six Invasive Nassella Species in Australia with Implications for Their Management
Authors: Humphries Talia , Florentine Singarayer K.
Published: May 2021

Two Nassella species, Nassella trichotoma and Nassella neesiana, have significantly reduced the carrying capacity of Australia’s south-east rangelands and agricultural systems. It is, therefore, of considerable concern that four other Nassella species have also become naturalised in Australia, and are noted to share many of the ecological features of the two currently widespread species. This paper reviews the distribution, ecology, and impacts of all six Nassella species, which are currently naturalised in Australia, and makes recommendations toward a blanket Nassella control program. The review highlights observed similarities between the species, including the time of flowering, seed type, germination requirements, and growth morphology. These common factors support the possibility that an integrated Nassella control program could be designed to integrate good grazing management with cultural control methods, such as soil cultivation, fire, and native plant competition, with treatments being implemented prior to the common annual seed maturation period. Notwithstanding the success of these integrated programs, it is recognised that seeds of all species may remain viable in the seedbank for up to 12 years, meaning ongoing monitoring and management will be required. To develop even finer control programs, further research into the ecology of these Nassella species is recommended to determine any additional weak spots in these species’ defences, and to subsequently develop and apply novel integrated control methods that target all six species.