bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Gut Microbial Diversity and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Szabo Helga , Hernyes Anita , Piroska Marton , Ligeti Balazs , Fussy Peter , Zoldi Luca , Galyasz Szonja , Makra Nora , Szabo Dora , Tarnoki Adam Domonkos , Tarnoki David Laszlo
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives: There is an increasing focus on the effect of the gut microbiome on developing atherosclerosis, but there is still no unified standpoint. We aimed to find associations between intestinal microbiome diversity and a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Materials and Methods: Recruited from the Hungarian Twin Registry, 108 monozygotic (MZ) twins (mean age 52.4 ± 14.1 years, 58% female) underwent a comprehensive carotid ultrasound examination (Samsung RS85). Of the 108 MZ twins, 14 pairs (mean age 65 ± 6.4 years, 71% female) discordant for carotid IMT were selected to undergo a stool sample collection. A special stool sampling container was mailed and received from each participant. After DNA extraction, library construction was performed specifically for the V3–V4 hypervariable region of microbial 16S rRNA. Next, the microbiome composition of the samples was determined using Kraken software. Two hypotheses were tested with the exact permutation test: (1) in the group with normal IMT, the Shannon index of the phyla is higher; and (2) the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is greater in the group with high IMT values. Furthermore, the abundance of different bacterial strains present at higher and normal IMT was also explored. Statistical analysis was carried out using R software. Results: Increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was associated with increased IMT (mean Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of IMT > 0.9 and IMT < 0.9 groups: 2.299 and 1.436, respectively; p = 0.031). In the group with normal IMT values, a substantially higher fraction of Prevotellaceae was observed in contrast with subjects having subclinical atherosclerosis. However, there was no significant difference in the alpha diversity between the two groups. Conclusions: The determining role of individual genera and their proportions in the development and progression of atherosclerosis can be assumed. Further studies are needed to clarify if these findings can be used as potential therapeutic targets.
Assessment of Stress, Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with COPD during In-Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Wrzeciono Adam , Czech Oliver , Buchta Katarzyna , Zabłotni Sabina , Gos Edyta , Tłuczykont Łukasz , Górecka Dagmara , Pastuła Agnieszka , Adamczyk Mateusz , Jach Ewa , Świerkowski Igor , Szary Patryk , Szczegielniak Jan
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives: The relationship between physical health and mental health has been considered for years. A number of studies have shown a correlation between depressive states and the progress of somatic diseases. It seems that the proper cooperation of specialists may result in the improvement of the patient’s well-being and a positive effect on the course of the rehabilitation process. The aim of this study was to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as the assessment of the relationship of psychological symptoms with sociodemographic factors and physical condition. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 51 COPD patients who underwent a three-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. After admission to the rehabilitation department, the subjects were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Anxiety states were diagnosed in 70% of respondents and depressive states were diagnosed in 54% of patients. Some of the respondents (14%) also showed a tendency to experience various grounded stresses. Additionally, there were correlations between the mental state and the results of fitness and respiratory tests. Conclusions: Patients with COPD are at risk for mental disorders, which may adversely affect their general health and significantly limit their physical and respiratory efficiencies. The development of widely available therapeutic solutions to reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and stress seems to be an important challenge for the management of patients with COPD.
Outcome Reporting Bias in COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Clinical Trials
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: February 2021

Relative risk reduction and absolute risk reduction measures in the evaluation of clinical trial data are poorly understood by health professionals and the public. The absence of reported absolute risk reduction in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials can lead to outcome reporting bias that affects the interpretation of vaccine efficacy. The present article uses clinical epidemiologic tools to critically appraise reports of efficacy in Pfzier/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine clinical trials. Based on data reported by the manufacturer for Pfzier/BioNTech vaccine BNT162b2, this critical appraisal shows: relative risk reduction, 95.1%; 95% CI, 90.0% to 97.6%; p = 0.016; absolute risk reduction, 0.7%; 95% CI, 0.59% to 0.83%; p < 0.000. For the Moderna vaccine mRNA-1273, the appraisal shows: relative risk reduction, 94.1%; 95% CI, 89.1% to 96.8%; p = 0.004; absolute risk reduction, 1.1%; 95% CI, 0.97% to 1.32%; p < 0.000. Unreported absolute risk reduction measures of 0.7% and 1.1% for the Pfzier/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, respectively, are very much lower than the reported relative risk reduction measures. Reporting absolute risk reduction measures is essential to prevent outcome reporting bias in evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.
A 30-Month Complete Urinary Obstruction Resulting from Trapped and Incarcerated Uterus: A Case Report
Authors: Nam Gina , Lee Sa Ra , Kim Sung Hoon , Chae Hee Dong
Published: February 2021

Uterine incarceration is rare, but it can cause serious complications, in which the uterus is trapped in the pelvic cavity behind the sacral promontory. Fibroid uterus can cause urinary frequency and retention, which can result from compression of the urinary bladder with an enlarged fibroid uterus and the compression of the bladder neck or urethra, respectively. To our knowledge, there is no report on prolonged complete urinary obstruction because of an incarcerated uterus in nonpregnant women to date. A 51-year-old woman was referred for uterine myomas. She could not void for 30 months after she received an intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin for urinary frequency management at the urology department of another hospital. She underwent clean intermittent catheterization for 30 months. She was referred to the gynecologic department for the evaluation of uterine myoma found on using abdominopelvic computed tomography. On physical examination, the uterine cervix was extremely displaced in the upward direction and was not exposed on speculum examination. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the urethra and the bladder neck were compressed by an extremely retroflexed fibroid uterus. Manual reduction of the incarcerated uterus failed; hence, we performed robot-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy. She immediately urinated immediately after the operation and had normal urination at 1- and 48-month follow-up visits. Uterine incarceration by a fibroid uterus can cause complete urinary obstruction, as in this case. Uterine incarceration should be considered in women with urinary frequency or retention to avoid prolonged, serious complications.
Teleneurorehabilitation in the COVID-19 Era: What Are We Doing Now and What Will We Do Next?
Authors: Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: February 2021

Dear Editor, [...]
Optimization of Mordenite Membranes Using Sucrose Precursor for Pervaporation of Water-Ethanol Mixtures
Authors: Alomair Abdulaziz A. , Alqaheem Yousef
Published: February 2021

Post-treated mordenite membranes were prepared using sucrose (C12H22O11) as a carbon precursor to block any pinholes and defects in the zeolite layer. The pervaporation (PV) process was used to separate ethanol from the water. The effects of the sucrose concentration and the pyrolysis temperature (650–850 °C) were investigated, and the resulting high separation performance compared to those post/pre-treated membranes was reported in the literature. In this study, mordenite carbon membranes yielded a water/ethanol separation factor of 990.37 at a water flux of 9.10 g/m2h. The influence of the operating temperature on the performance of the membrane also was considered. It was concluded that the selective adsorption of water through zeolite pores was achieved. The entire preparation procedure was achieved using a rapid, low-cost preparation process.
Analysis of Micro-Segregation of Solute Elements on the Central Cracking of Continuously Cast Bloom
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Xiao Chao , Li Jianli
Published: February 2021

On the basis of the Brody–Flemings model and modified Voller–Beckermann model, an analytical model of micro-segregation is established by considering the actual solidification cooling conditions of bloom. According to the developed model, the interdendritic solute distribution at the origin of the cracking gap is obtained. It is found that both phosphorus and sulfur have quite severe segregation, but both carbon and manganese have slight segregation; these results agree well with the semiquantitative analysis results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). At the same time, the interdendritic segregation leads to an enhanced increase in the temperature range of crack formation; correspondingly, the possibility of cracking significantly increases and, thus, element segregation is the internal cause of crack formation. On the other hand, taking into account heat transfer, phase transformation, and metallurgical pressure, the strain of the solid shell is revealed through finite element software. When the solid shell thickness is equal to the distance of 90 mm between the opening point of the crack and the inner arc side, the tensile strain of the solid front is much bigger than the critical strain, which meets the external cause of crack formation; therefore, reasons for the cracking of blooms are successfully found.
The Influence of La and Ce on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Fe Alloy at High Temperature
Authors: Du Andong , Jarfors Anders E. W. , Zheng Jinchuan , Wang Kaikun , Yu Gegang
Published: February 2021

The effect of lanthanum (La)+cerium (Ce) addition on the high-temperature strength of an aluminum (Al)–silicon (Si)–copper (Cu)–magnesium (Mg)–iron (Fe)–manganese (Mn) alloy was investigated. A great number of plate-like intermetallics, Al11(Ce, La)3- and blocky α-Al15(Fe, Mn)3Si2-precipitates, were observed. The results showed that the high-temperature mechanical properties depended strongly on the amount and morphology of the intermetallic phases formed. The precipitated tiny Al11(Ce, La)3 and α-Al15(Fe, Mn)3Si2 both contributed to the high-temperature mechanical properties, especially at 300 °C and 400 °C. The formation of coarse plate-like Al11(Ce, La)3, at the highest (Ce-La) additions, reduced the mechanical properties at (≤300) ℃ and improved the properties at 400 ℃. Analysis of the strengthening mechanisms revealed that the load-bearing mechanism was the main contributing mechanism with no contribution from thermal-expansion mismatch effects. Strain hardening had a minor contribution to the tensile strength at high-temperature.
Influence of Pre-Aging on the Artificial Aging Behavior of a 6056 Aluminum Alloy after Conventional Extrusion
Authors: Winter Lisa , Hockauf Kristin , Scholze Mario , Hellmig Ralph Jörg , Lampke Thomas
Published: February 2021

In the present study, the influence of the initial heat-treatment conditions on the artificial aging behavior after conventional linear extrusion at room temperature was investigated for the precipitation hardening of a 6056 aluminum alloy. A solution-annealed condition was systematically compared to naturally-aged and pre-aged conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry was used for analyzing the precipitation sequence and its dependence on the initial heat treatment. The natural aging behavior prior to extrusion and the artificial aging behavior after extrusion were determined by microhardness measurements as a function of the aging time. Furthermore, the microstructure, dependent on the induced strain, was investigated using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. As a result of pre-aging, following a solid-solution treatment, the formation of stable room-temperature clusters was suppressed and natural aging was inhibited. The artificial aging response after extrusion was significantly enhanced by pre-aging, and the achieved hardness and strength were significantly higher when compared with the equally processed solution-annealed or naturally-aged conditions.
Alterations of Extracellular Matrix Components in the Course of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Wojdas Magdalena , Dąbkowska Klaudia , Winsz-Szczotka Katarzyna
Published: February 2021

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common group of chronic connective tissue diseases in children that is accompanied by joint structure and function disorders. Inflammation underlying the pathogenic changes in JIA, caused by hypersecretion of proinflammatory cytokines, leads to the destruction of articular cartilage. The degradation which progresses with the duration of JIA is not compensated by the extent of repair processes. These disorders are attributed in particular to changes in homeostasis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including proteoglycans, that forms articular cartilage. Changes in metabolism of matrix components, associated with the disturbance of their degradation and biosynthesis processes, are the basis of the progressive wear of joint structures observed in the course of JIA. Clinical evaluation and radiographic imaging are current methods to identify the destruction. The aim of this paper is to review enzymatic and non-enzymatic factors involved in catabolism of matrix components and molecules stimulating their biosynthesis. Therefore, we discuss the changes in these factors in body fluids of children with JIA and their potential diagnostic use in the assessment of disease activity. Understanding the changes in ECM components in the course of the child-hood arthritis may provide the introduction of both new diagnostic tools and new therapeutic strategies in children with JIA.
Plant Metabolites Involved in the Differential Development of a Heliantheae-Specialist Insect
Authors: Gallon Marília Elias , Gobbo-Neto Leonardo
Published: February 2021

Balanced nutritional intake is essential to ensure that insects undergo adequate larval development and metamorphosis. Integrative multidisciplinary approaches have contributed valuable insights regarding the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of plant–insect interactions. To address the plant metabolites involved in the larval development of a specialist insect, we investigated the development of Chlosyne lacinia caterpillars fed on Heliantheae species (Tithonia diversifolia, Tridax procumbens and Aldama robusta) leaves and determined the chemical profile of plants and insects using a metabolomic approach. By means of LC-MS and GC-MS combined analyses, 51 metabolites were putatively identified in Heliantheae species and C. lacinia caterpillars and frass; these metabolites included flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenes, triterpenes, oxygenated terpene derivatives, steroids and lipid derivatives. The leading discriminant metabolites were diterpenes, which were detected only in A. robusta leaves and insects that were fed on this plant-based diet. Additionally, caterpillars fed on A. robusta leaves took longer to complete their development to the adult phase and exhibited a greater diapause rate. Hence, we hypothesized that diterpenes may be involved in the differential larval development. Our findings shed light on the plant metabolites that play roles in insect development and metabolism, opening new research avenues for integrative studies of insect nutritional ecology.
Combined Metabolome and Lipidome Analyses for In-Depth Characterization of Lipid Accumulation in the DHA Producing Aurantiochytrium sp. T66
Authors: Bartosova Zdenka , Ertesvåg Helga , Nyfløt Eirin Lishaugen , Kämpe Kristoffer , Aasen Inga Marie , Bruheim Per
Published: February 2021

Thraustochytrids are marine heterotrophic microorganisms known for their potential to accumulate docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched lipids. There have been many attempts to improve thraustochytrid DHA bioprocesses, especially through traditional optimization of cultivation and media conditions. Nevertheless, thraustochytrid-based bioprocesses are still not commercially competitive for high volume-low cost production of DHA. Thus, it is realized that genetic and metabolic engineering strategies are needed for the development of commercially competitive thraustochytrid DHA cell factories. Here, we present an analytical workflow for high resolution phenotyping at metabolite and lipid levels to generate deeper insight into the thraustochytrid physiology, with particular focus on central carbon and redox metabolism. We use time-series sampling during unlimited growth and nitrogen depleted triggering of DHA synthesis and lipid accumulation (LA) to show-case our methodology. The mass spectrometric absolute quantitative metabolite profiling covered glycolytic, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) metabolites, amino acids, complete (deoxy)nucleoside phosphate pools, CoA and NAD metabolites, while semiquantitative high-resolution supercritical fluid chromatography MS/MS was applied for the lipid profiling. Interestingly, trace amounts of a triacylglycerols (TG) with DHA incorporated in all three acyl positions was detected, while TGs 16:0_16:0_22:6 and 16:0_22:6_22:6 were among the dominant lipid species. The metabolite profiling data indicated that lipid accumulation is not limited by availability of the acyl chain carbon precursor acetyl-CoA nor reducing power (NADPH) but rather points to the TG head group precursor glycerol-3-phosphate as the potential cause at the metabolite level for the gradual decline in lipid production throughout the cultivation. This high-resolution phenotyping provides new knowledge of changes in the central metabolism during growth and LA in thraustochytrids and will guide target selection for metabolic engineering needed for further improvements of this DHA cell factory.
Evidence That Agouti-Related Peptide May Directly Regulate Kisspeptin Neurons in Male Sheep
Authors: Merkley Christina M. , Shuping Sydney L. , Sommer Jeffrey R. , Nestor Casey C
Published: February 2021

Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, which relay information from peripheral metabolic signals, may constitute a key central regulator of reproduction. Given that AgRP inhibits luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and that nutritional suppression of LH elicits an increase in AgRP while suppressing kisspeptin expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, we sought to examine the degree to which AgRP could directly regulate ARC kisspeptin neurons. Hypothalamic tissue was collected from four castrated male sheep (10 months of age) and processed for the detection of protein (AgRP input to kisspeptin neurons) using immunohistochemistry and mRNA for melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors (MC3R; MC4R) in kisspeptin neurons using RNAscope. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the majority of ARC kisspeptin neurons are contacted by presumptive AgRP terminals. RNAscope analysis revealed that nearly two thirds of the ARC kisspeptin neurons express mRNA for MC3R, while a small percentage (<10%) colocalize MC4R. Taken together, this data provides neuroanatomical evidence for a direct link between orexigenic AgRP neurons and reproductively critical kisspeptin neurons in the sheep, and builds upon our current understanding of the central link between energy balance and reproduction.
Transparent and Flexible SiOC Films on Colorless Polyimide Substrate for Flexible Cover Window
Authors: Park Jin-Hyeok , Kim Chan-Hwi , Lee Ju-Hyeon , Kim Han-Ki
Published: February 2021

We fabricated transparent and flexible silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) hard coating (HC) films on a colorless polyimide substrate to use as cover window films for flexible and foldable displays using a reactive roll-to-roll (R2R) sputtering system at room temperature. At a SiOC thickness of 100 nm, the R2R-sputtered SiOC film showed a high optical transmittance of 87.43% at a visible range of 400 to 800 nm. The R2R-sputtered SiOC films also demonstrated outstanding flexibility, which is a key requirement of foldable and flexible displays. There were no cracks or surface defects on the SiOC films, even after bending (static folding), folding (dynamic folding), twisting, and rolling tests. Furthermore, the R2R-sputtered SiOC film showed good scratch resistance in a pencil hardness test (550 g) and steel wool test under a load of 250 g. To test the impact protection ability, we compared the performance of thin-film heaters (TFHs) and oxide-semiconductor-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) with and without SiOC cover films. The similar performance of the TFHs and TFTs with the SiOC cover window films demonstrate that the R2R-sputtered SiOC films offer promising cover window films for the next generation of flexible or foldable displays.
Novel Template Plasmids pCyaA’-Kan and pCyaA’-Cam for Generation of Unmarked Chromosomal cyaA’ Translational Fusion to T3SS Effectors in Salmonella
Authors: Fernández Paulina A. , Zabner Marcela , Ortega Jaime , Morgado Constanza , Amaya Fernando , Vera Gabriel , Rubilar Carolina , Salas Beatriz , Cuevas Víctor , Valenzuela Camila , Baisón-Olmo Fernando , Álvarez Sergio A. , Santiviago Carlos A.
Published: February 2021

The type III secretion systems (T3SS) encoded in pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2 are key virulence factors of Salmonella. These systems translocate proteins known as effectors into eukaryotic cells during infection. To characterize the functionality of T3SS effectors, gene fusions to the CyaA’ reporter of Bordetella pertussis are often used. CyaA’ is a calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase that is only active within eukaryotic cells. Thus, the translocation of an effector fused to CyaA’ can be evaluated by measuring cAMP levels in infected cells. Here, we report the construction of plasmids pCyaA’-Kan and pCyaA’-Cam, which contain the ORF encoding CyaA’ adjacent to a cassette that confers resistance to kanamycin or chloramphenicol, respectively, flanked by Flp recombinase target (FRT) sites. A PCR product from pCyaA’-Kan or pCyaA’-Cam containing these genetic elements can be introduced into the bacterial chromosome to generate gene fusions by homologous recombination using the Red recombination system from bacteriophage λ. Subsequently, the resistance cassette can be removed by recombination between the FRT sites using the Flp recombinase. As a proof of concept, the plasmids pCyaA’-Kan and pCyaA’-Cam were used to generate unmarked chromosomal fusions of 10 T3SS effectors to CyaA’ in S. Typhimurium. Each fusion protein was detected by Western blot using an anti-CyaA’ monoclonal antibody when the corresponding mutant strain was grown under conditions that induce the expression of the native gene. In addition, T3SS-1-dependent secretion of fusion protein SipA-CyaA’ during in vitro growth was verified by Western blot analysis of culture supernatants. Finally, efficient translocation of SipA-CyaA’ into HeLa cells was evidenced by increased intracellular cAMP levels at different times of infection. Therefore, the plasmids pCyaA’-Kan and pCyaA’-Cam can be used to generate unmarked chromosomal cyaA’ translational fusion to study regulated expression, secretion and translocation of Salmonella T3SS effectors into eukaryotic cells.
Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Infected with the Microsporidian Parasite Nosema ceranae
Authors: Borges Daniel , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto , Goodwin Paul H.
Published: February 2021

Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian fungus that parasitizes the midgut epithelial cells of honey bees, Apis mellifera. Due to the role that midgut microorganisms play in bee health and immunity, food supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics may assist in the control of N. ceranae. The dietary fiber prebiotics acacia gum, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides, as well as the commercial probiotics Vetafarm Probotic, Protexin Concentrate single-strain (Enterococcus faecium), and Protexin Concentrate multi-strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus salivarius, and E. faecium) were tested for their effect on N. ceranae spore loads and honey bee survivorship. Bees kept in cages were inoculated with N. ceranae spores and single-dose treatments were administered in sugar syrup. Acacia gum caused the greatest reduction in N. ceranae spore numbers (67%) but also significantly increased bee mortality (62.2%). However, Protexin Concentrate single-strain gave similarly reduced spore numbers (59%) without affecting the mortality. In a second experiment, multiple doses of the probiotics revealed significantly reduced spore numbers with 2.50 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic, and 0.25, 1.25, and 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. Mortality was also significantly reduced with 1.25 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 3.75 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic had higher survival than N. ceranae-inoculated bees, which was similar to that of non-inoculated bees, while N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain, had significantly higher survival than both N. ceranae-inoculated and non-inoculated bees. Protexin Concentrate single-strain is promising as it can reduce N. ceranae proliferation and increase bee survivorship of infected bees, even compared to healthy, non-infected bees.
Influence on Secondary Metabolism of Piper nigrum L. by Co-Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis
Authors: Trindade Rafaela , Almeida Laís , Xavier Luciana , Andrade Eloisa Helena , Maia José Guilherme , Mello Andréa , Setzer William N. , Ramos Alessandra , da Silva Joyce Kelly R.
Published: February 2021

To elucidate defense mechanisms of Piper nigrum against fusariosis, an experiment based on co-inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis was performed. Variations in secondary metabolism in plants infected with F. solani f. sp. piperis (FUS) and co-inoculated with AMFs and F. solani (AMF + FUS) were monitored at 7- and 21-days post inoculations (dpi). The pathogen induced a decrease in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (82.0–77.4%), and changes in the concentrations of the main compounds, α-muurolene, α-muurolol, and 2E-hexenal in the leaves. It was observed that the concentration of 2E-hexenal decreased at 7 dpi, α-muurolene decreased at 21 dpi, and α-muurolol increased at 21 dpi. There was a prevalence of sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons in the roots, such as β-caryophyllene, δ-elemene, and limonene. The infection and co-inoculation induced greater production of phenolics in the roots at 7 dpi. The enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase decreased in the leaves at 21 dpi and in the roots on both days, while the lipoxygenase activity decreased only in the roots at 21 dpi. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation with AMFs and F. solani induces changes in the defense metabolism of P. nigrum, but it is not efficient in the biocontrol of fusariosis during the evaluated period.
Genome-Wide Mapping Reveals Complex Regulatory Activities of BfmR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fan Ke , Cao Qiao , Lan Lefu
Published: February 2021

BfmR is a response regulator that modulates diverse pathogenic phenotypes and induces an acute-to-chronic virulence switch in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important human pathogen causing serious nosocomial infections. However, the mechanisms of action of BfmR remain largely unknown. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), we showed that 174 chromosomal regions of P. aeruginosa MPAO1 genome were highly enriched by coimmunoprecipitation with a C-terminal Flag-tagged BfmR. Integration of these data with global transcriptome analyses revealed that 172 genes in 106 predicted transcription units are potential targets for BfmR. We determined that BfmR binds to and modulates the promoter activity of genes encoding transcriptional regulators CzcR, ExsA, and PhoB. Intriguingly, BfmR bound to the promoters of a number of genes belong to either CzcR or PhoB regulon, or both, indicating that CzcRS and PhoBR two-component systems (TCSs) deeply feed into the BfmR-mediated regulatory network. In addition, we demonstrated that phoB is required for BfmR to promote the biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. These results delineate the direct BfmR regulon and exemplify the complexity of BfmR-mediated regulation of cellular functions in P. aeruginosa.
Microenvironmental Conditions Drive the Differential Cyanobacterial Community Composition of Biocrusts from the Sahara Desert
Authors: Mehda Smail , Muñoz-Martín Maria Ángeles , Oustani Mabrouka , Hamdi-Aïssa Baelhadj , Perona Elvira , Mateo Pilar
Published: February 2021

The Sahara Desert is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, which are a unique challenge for life. Cyanobacteria are key players in the colonization of bare soils and form assemblages with other microorganisms in the top millimetres, establishing biological soil crusts (biocrusts) that cover most soil surfaces in deserts, which have important roles in the functioning of drylands. However, knowledge of biocrusts from these extreme environments is limited. Therefore, to study cyanobacterial community composition in biocrusts from the Sahara Desert, we utilized a combination of methodologies in which taxonomic assignation, for next-generation sequencing of soil samples, was based on phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA gene) in parallel with morphological identification of cyanobacteria in natural samples and isolates from certain locations. Two close locations that differed in microenvironmental conditions were analysed. One was a dry salt lake (a “chott”), and the other was an extension of sandy, slightly saline soil. Differences in cyanobacterial composition between the sites were found, with a clear dominance of Microcoleus spp. in the less saline site, while the chott presented a high abundance of heterocystous cyanobacteria as well as the filamentous non-heterocystous Pseudophormidium sp. and the unicellular cf. Acaryochloris. The cyanobacteria found in our study area, such as Microcoleus steenstrupii, Microcoleus vaginatus, Scytonema hyalinum, Tolypothrix distorta, and Calothrix sp., are also widely distributed in other geographic locations around the world, where the conditions are less severe. Our results, therefore, indicated that some cyanobacteria can cope with polyextreme conditions, as confirmed by bioassays, and can be considered extremotolerant, being able to live in a wide range of conditions.
Serological Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers Employed in a Large Tertiary Hospital in Lombardy, Northern Italy
Authors: Comelli Agnese , Focà Emanuele , Sansone Emanuele , Tomasi Cesare , Albini Elisa , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Tomasoni Lina Rachele , Sala Emma , Bonfanti Carlo , Caccuri Francesca , Caruso Arnaldo , De Palma Giuseppe , Castelli Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is requesting unprecedented efforts by health-care workers (HCWs) in all countries, and especially in Italy during the first semester of 2020. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at the Spedali Civili General Hospital, in Brescia, Northern Italy during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic in the first semester of 2020. Serum samples from HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibodies. An online survey was used to collect demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data. Results: Of the 1893 HCWs included, 433 (22.9%) were found seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The cumulative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (antibodies production or past positive RT-PCR on nasal/throat swab) was 25.1% (475/1893). Fifty-six out of 433 (13%) seropositive participants declared to have been asymptomatic during the study period. The development of COVID-19 signs or symptoms is the main determinant of seropositivity (OR: 11.3, p < 0.0001) along with their duration and severity. 40/290 (14.5%) HCWs with documented positive RT-PCR during the study period did not show any detectable antibody response. IgG levels positively correlate with age, COVID-19-compatible signs and symptoms experienced and their duration. Conclusions: In this study, carried out in one of the most affected areas in Europe, we demonstrate that most HCWs with COVID-19 related symptoms develop a spike protein-specific antibodies with potential neutralizing effect.
Evaluation of Four Lateral Flow Assays for the Detection of Legionella Urinary Antigen
Authors: Wong Alicia Y. W. , Johnsson Alexander T. A. , Iversen Aina , Athlin Simon , Özenci Volkan
Published: February 2021

Urinary antigen tests (UATs) are often used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease as they are rapid and easy to perform on readily obtainable urine samples without the need for specialized skills compared to conventional methods. Recently developed automated readers for UATs may provide objective results interpretation, especially in cases of weak result bands. Using 53 defined patient urine samples, we evaluated the performance of the BinaxNOW Legionella Antigen Card (Abbott), ImmuView S. pneumoniae and Legionella (SSI Diagnostica), STANDARD F Legionella Ag FIA (SD Biosensor), and Sofia Legionella FIA (Quidel) simultaneously with their respective automated readers. Automatic and visual interpretation of result bands were also compared for the immunochromatography-based BinaxNOW and ImmuView UATs. Overall sensitivity and specificity of Legionella UATs were 53.9–61.5% and 90.0–94.9%, respectively. All four UATs successfully detected all samples from L. pneumophila serogroup 1-positive patients, but most failed to detect samples for Legionella spp., or other serogroups. Automatic results interpretation of results was found to be mostly concordant with visual results reading. In conclusion, the performance of the four UATs were similar to each other in the detection of Legionella urinary antigen with no major difference between automated or visual results reading.
SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Proteins 1 and 13 Suppress Caspase-1 and the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Kim Na-Eun , Kim Dae-Kyum , Song Yoon-Jae
Published: February 2021

Viral infection-induced activation of inflammasome complexes has both positive and negative effects on the host. Proper activation of inflammasome complexes induces down-stream effector mechanisms that inhibit viral replication and promote viral clearance, whereas dysregulated activation has detrimental effects on the host. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, encode viroporins that activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the severity of coronavirus disease is associated with the inflammasome activation. Although the NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of coronaviruses, these viruses must evade inflammasome-mediated antiviral immune responses to establish primary replication. Screening of a complementary DNA (cDNA) library encoding 28 SARS-CoV-2 open reading frames (ORFs) showed that two nonstructural proteins (NSPs), NSP1 and NSP13, inhibited caspase-1-mediated IL-1β activation. NSP1 amino acid residues involved in host translation shutoff and NSP13 domains responsible for helicase activity were associated with caspase-1 inhibition. In THP-1 cells, both NSP1 and NSP13 significantly reduced NLRP3-inflammasome-induced caspase-1 activity and IL-1β secretion. These findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 and NSP13 are potent antagonists of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Bacterial Communities and Enzymatic Activities in Sediments of Long-Term Fish and Crab Aquaculture Ponds
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Deng Qinghui , Wan Lingling , Cao Xiuyun , Zhou Yiyong , Song Chunlei
Published: February 2021

Aquaculture is among the most important and fastest growing agriculture sectors worldwide; however, it generates environmental impacts by introducing nutrient accumulations in ponds, which are possibly different and further result in complex biological processes in the sediments based on diverse farming practices. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term farming practices of representative aquatic animals dominated by grass carp (GC, Ctenopharyngodon idella) or Chinese mitten crab (CMC, Eriocheir sinensis) on the bacterial community and enzyme activity of sediments from more than 15 years of aquaculture ponds, and the differences associated with sediment properties were explored in the two farming practices. Compared to CMC ponds, GC ponds had lower contents of TC, TN, and TP in sediments, and similar trends for sediment pH and moisture content. Sediment bacterial communities were significantly different between GC and CMC ponds, with higher bacterial richness and diversity in GC ponds. The bacterial communities among the pond sediments were closely associated with sediment pH, TC, and TN. Additionally, the results showed profoundly lower activities of β-1,4-glucosidase, leucine aminopeptidase, and phosphatase in the sediments of GC ponds than CMC ponds. Pearson’s correlation analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between the hydrolytic enzyme activities and nutrient concentrations among the aquaculture ponds, indicating microbial enzyme regulation response to sediment nutrient dynamics. Our study herein reveals that farming practices of fish and crab differently affect bacterial communities and enzymatic activities in pond sediments, suggesting nutrient-driven sediment biological processes in aquaculture ponds for different farming practices.
Variety of Iron Oxide Inclusions in Sapphire from Southern Vietnam: Indication of Environmental Change during Crystallization
Authors: Vu Doan Thi Anh , Fanka Alongkot , Salam Abhisit , Sutthirat Chakkaphan
Published: February 2021

Sapphires from alluvial deposits associated with Cenozoic basalts in Southern Vietnam were collected for investigation of mineral inclusions. In this report, primary iron oxide inclusions were focused on, with detailed mineral chemistry using a Raman spectroscope and electron probe micro-analyzer. Consequently, a variety of iron oxide inclusions were recognized as wüstite, hercynite, and ilmenite. Ilmenite falling within an ilmenite–hematite series ranged in composition between Il24-30He36-38Mt35-40 and Il49-54He34-40Mt7-10, classified as titanomagnetite and titanohematite, respectively. Wüstite with non-stoichiometry, (Fe2+0.3-0.9)(Ti3+<0.179Al3+≤0.6Cr3+<0.1Fe3+≤0.46)☐≤0.23O, was associated with hercynite inclusions, clearly indicating cogenetic sapphire formation. Wüstite and sapphire appear to have been formed from the breakdown reaction of hercynite (hercynite = sapphire+wüstite) within a reduction magma chamber. Titanohematite and titanomagnetite series might have crystallized during iron–titanium reequilibration via subsolidus exsolution under a slightly oxidized cooling process.
Contamination Alters the Physicochemical and Textural Characteristics of Clays in the Sediments of the Peri Urban Reconquista River, Affecting the Associated Indigenous Microorganisms
Authors: Tufo Ana E. , Vázquez Susana , Porzionato Natalia F. , Grimolizzi María Celeste , Prados María Belén , Sica Mauricio , Curutchet Gustavo
Published: February 2021

The physicochemical and textural characteristics of river sediments and, essentially, their clays, are at the center of a network of biological and geochemical factors that are mutually modifying. Therefore, the contamination, the characteristics of the clays, and the associated microorganisms strongly influence each other. In this work, sediments from two sites of the urban Reconquista River, near Buenos Aires City, Argentina, exposed to different environmental contexts were characterized. The huge differences in the organic matter content in the vertical profile between both sediments strongly evidenced the polluted status of San Francisco (SF) site as opposed to the Dique Roggero (DR) site. Thorough physicochemical and textural characterization of the sediments and their clay fraction performed by pH, Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), spectrophotometry, XRD, laser diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, EDS, and SEM measurements revealed that organic matter (DR: 41 ± 5 g kg−1; SF: 150 ± 30 g kg−1) intervened in the retention of heavy metals (DR: 5.6 mg kg−1 Zn, 7 mg kg−1 Cu, 3.1 kg−1 Cr; SF: 240 mg kg−1 Zn, 60 mg kg−1 Cu, 270 mg kg−1 Cr) and affected the level of association and the formation of mineral–organic aggregates (DR: 15 ± 3 μm; SF: 23 ± 4 μm). This can be decisive in the surface interaction required for the establishment of bacterial assemblages, which determine the biogeochemical processes occurring in sediments and have a key role in the fate of contaminants in situ and in the remediation processes that need to be applied to restore the anoxic contaminated sediments.
Stabilization of β-Galactosidase on Modified Gold Nanoparticles: A Preliminary Biochemical Study to Obtain Lactose-Free Dairy Products for Lactose-Intolerant Individuals
Authors: Alshanberi Asim Muhammed , Satar Rukhsana , Ansari Shakeel Ahmed
Published: February 2021

The unique chemical, optical, and electrical characteristics of nanoparticles make their utilization highly successful in every field of biological sciences as compared to their bulk counterpart. These properties arise as a result of their miniature size, which provides them an excellent surface area-to-volume ratio, inner structure, and shape, and hence increases their surface characteristics. Therefore, this study was undertaken to engineer gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for improving their catalytic activity and stability in biotechnological processes. The characterization of AuNPs was performed by XRD, UV spectra, and TEM. The synthesized AuNPs were surface-modified by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for binding the enzyme in excellent yield. The developed immobilized enzyme system (PVA-AuNPs-β-galactosidase) displayed pH optima at pH 7.0 and temperature optima at 40 °C. Moreover, the stability of PVA-AuNPs-β-galactosidase was significantly enhanced at wider pH and temperature ranges and at higher galactose concentrations, in contrast to the free enzyme. β-galactosidase bound to PVA-modified AuNPs exhibited greater operational activity, even after its sixth reuse. The developed nanosystem may prove useful in producing lactose-free dairy products for lactose-intolerant patients.
Skin-Whitening and Anti-Wrinkle Effects of Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Peanut Shell Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Gam Da Hye , Hong Ji Woo , Kim Jun Hee , Kim Jin Woo
Published: February 2021

Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for simultaneous optimization of dependent variables, including DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA), tyrosinase activity inhibition (TAI), and collagenase activity inhibition (CAI) of peanut shell extracts. The effects of the main variables including extraction time (5.0~55.0 min, X1), extraction temperature (26.0~94.0 °C, X2), and ethanol concentration (0.0%~99.5%, X3) were optimized. Based on experimental values from each condition, quadratic regression models were derived for the prediction of optimum conditions. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the independent variable was in the range of 0.89~0.96, which demonstrates that the regression model is suitable for the prediction. In predicting optimal UAE conditions based on the superimposing method, extraction time of 31.2 min, extraction temperature of 36.6 °C, and ethanol concentration of 93.2% were identified. Under these conditions, RSA of 74.9%, TAI of 50.6%, and CAI of 86.8% were predicted, showing good agreement with the experimental values. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that peanut shell extract decreased mRNA levels of tyrosinase-related protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 genes in B16-F0 cell. Therefore, we identified the skin-whitening and anti-wrinkle effects of peanut shell extracts at protein as well as gene expression levels, and the results show that peanut shell is an effective cosmetic material for skin-whitening and anti-wrinkle effects. Based on this study, peanut shell, which was considered a byproduct, can be used for the development of healthy foods, medicines, and cosmetics.
Protective Effect of Thymus serrulatus Essential Oil on Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats, through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Downregulation of NF-κB, iNOS, and Smad2 mRNA Expression
Authors: Ansari Mohd Nazam , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Karim Aman , Imam Faisal , Hamad Abubaker M.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the research was to examine the protective effect of essential oil from Thymus serrulatus Hochst. ex Benth. (TSA oil) against cadmium (Cd)-induced renal toxicity. The experimental protocol was designed using 30 healthy adult Wistar albino rats allocated into five groups containing six animals in each group. Group 1 was treated as normal control and groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 3 mg/kg, IP) for 7 days. Group 3 was also treated with silymarin (100 mg/kg, PO) as a standard group, while groups 4 and 5 were administered with TSA oil at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg PO, respectively. The nephrotoxicity was measured with various parameters such as kidney function markers, oxidative stress markers (glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of inflammatory factors. The histological studies were also evaluated in the experimental protocol. The CdCl2-treated groups showed a significant increase in the levels of serum kidney function markers along with MDA levels in kidney homogenate. However, renal GSH level was found to be reduced significantly. It was found that CdCl2 significantly upregulated the nuclear factor levels of kappaB (NF-κB p65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad2) as compared to the normal control group. On the other hand, TSA oil significantly improved the increased levels of serum kidney function markers, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation. In addition, TSA oil significantly downregulated the increased expression of NF-κB p65, iNOS, and Smad2 in Cd-intoxicated rats. Moreover, the histological changes in the tissue samples of the kidney of Cd-treated groups were significantly ameliorated in the silymarin- and TSA-oil-treated groups. The present study reveals that TSA oil ameliorates Cd-induced renal injury, and it is also proposed that the observed nephroprotective effect could be due to the antioxidant potential of TSA oil and healing due to its anti-inflammatory action.