bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of recombinant colicin M in Nicotiana tabacum plants and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Łojewska Ewelina , Sakowicz Tomasz , Kowalczyk Aleksandra , Konieczka Magdalena , Grzegorczyk Janina , Sitarek Przemysław , Skała Ewa , Czarny Piotr , Śliwiński Tomasz , Kowalczyk Tomasz 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAntibiotic-resistant microorganisms causing a life-threatening infection pose a serious challenge for modern science. The rapidly growing number of incidents for which the use of standard antibiotics is ineffective forces us to develop new alternative methods of killing microorganisms. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) can be promising candidates to solve this problem. Colicin-M is one of the representatives of this group and is naturally produced byEscherichia coliacting on other closely related bacterial strains by disrupting their outer cell membrane. This bacteriocin has huge potential as a potent antimicrobial agent, especially, since it was recognized by the FDA as safe. In this work, we present the expression of colicin M in model transgenicNicotiana tabacumL. plants. We demonstrate that purified colicin retains its antibacterial activity against the controlEscherichia colistrains and clinical isolates ofEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniae. Our results also show that plant-derived ColM is not toxic for L929 and HeLa cell line, which allows us to suppose that plant-based expression could be an alternative production method of such important proteins.
Association of HSPA1B Polymorphisms with Paranoid Schizophrenia in a Polish Population
Authors: Kowalczyk Malgorzata , Kucia Krzysztof , Owczarek Aleksander , Suchanek-Raif Renata , Merk Wojciech , Fila-Danilow Anna , Paul-Samojedny Monika , Choreza Piotr , Kowalski Jan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to find the potential association betweenHSPA1Bpolymorphisms and risk of paranoid schizophrenia, clinical variables of the disease, and suicidal behavior. A total of 901 unrelated Polish subjects of Caucasian origin (377 schizophrenia patients and 524 controls) were recruited. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped using PCR–RFLP (rs539689, rs9281590) and TaqMan assays (rs263979, rs6547452). A strong tendency towards statistical significance (p = 0.051) was observed in rs539689 allele distribution between patients and controls in overall study subjects. After stratification according to gender, we found that rs539689 was significantly associated with schizophrenia in males, but not in females. The minor allele C had a protective effect in males [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.88,p < 0.05)]. In addition, two SNPs (rs539689, rs9281590) were significantly associated with PANSS scores. Another important finding was a strong significant association between theHSPA1Brs539689 polymorphism and attempted suicide in schizophrenic patients. The C/C genotype and C allele were protective against suicidal behavior in entire sample (p < 0.001), in males (p < 001), and in females (p < 0.05), although associations were weaker than in males. Our findings support thatHSPA1Bgene may be involved in susceptibility to schizophrenia and clinical presentation of the disease in a sex-dependent manner, and may play a role in suicidal behavior in the Polish population of schizophrenic patients. Further independent analyses in different populations should be performed to clarify the role ofHSPA1Bin the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Pill-induced esophagitis caused by ingesting excessive caffeine tablets
Authors: Miyata Jun , Ito Yoshiyuki , Ito Shigeji 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A 19-year-old woman with suicidal thoughts consumed 24 anhydrous caffeine tablets and was admitted to our hospital. After being discharged from the hospital, her oral intake remained impaired because of retrosternal pain and she was readmitted. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed diffuse ulcers throughout the mid-to-lower esophagus; the patient was diagnosed with caffeine-induced esophagitis. She recovered soon after conservative treatment. A follow-up endoscopy performed 1 month after the patient was discharged showed that the ulcers had healed. This case highlights the risk of esophageal injuries after ingesting excessive caffeine tablets, which were sold as dietary supplement without a prescription. Our experience indicates that endoscopic surveillance is advisable to prevent severe complications if a patient presents with esophageal symptoms suggestive of chemical esophagitis.
Regulation of JAK/STAT signal pathway by miR-21 in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Li Hong-Wei , Zeng Hua-Song 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Overexpression of the components of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway is the key factor of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). The study aims to investigate the association between miR-21 and the JAK/STAT signal pathway in JIA.

Methods
Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in active JIA patients. The relative expressions of miR-21, STAT3 and suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 in PBMCs were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and their expressions were measured by western blotting and dual-luciferase reported assay. Rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cell (RASF) was stimulated to become to osteoclasts using macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and factors that can impact on their differentiation ability were identified through the transfection of LV3-miR-21. The expression of STAT3/p-STAT3 was measured by western blot, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, p65, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3, MMP-4 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB after the LV3-miR-21 transfection were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, the miR-21 targeted STAT3 gene was detected by the dual-luciferase reported assay.

Results
The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in JIA patients than in healthy control (P < 0.05). The level of STAT3 was increased in PBMCs of JIA group compared with control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-21 in sJIA and polyarticular JIA groups were negatively correlated with STAT3 (r = − 0.5854/r = − 0.6134, P < 0.05). The expression of STAT3 changed little in PBMCS after the stimulation of IL-6 and not in RASFs with transfection of LV3-miR-21. The expression of p-STAT3 decreased after the stimulation of IL-6 in RASFs transfected by LV3-miR-21 (P < 0.05). RASFs were induced into osteoclasts using M-CSF. The number of osteoclasts as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was significantly lower in group miR-21 mimics as compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
We showed that expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in JIA patients compared with healthy control. MiR-21 might affect the JAK/STAT signal pathway by suppressing the expression of STAT3 and phosphorylation of STAT3. MiR-21 could inhibit the production of osteoclasts induced from RASFs by M-CSF.
Improvement of dyes removal from aqueous solution by Nanosized cobalt ferrite treated with humic acid during coprecipitation
Authors: Ibrahim Shaimaa M. , Badawy Abdelrahman A. , Essawy Hisham A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHighly effective novel adsorbent [CoFe2O4-humic acid(HA)] was synthesized by co-precipitation technique at pH 6 (H6) and pH 8 (H8). XRD,SBETand Zeta-potential measurements were used to study the physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles. XRD results showed that the chemical treatment of CoFe2O4by HA causes the appearance of carbon as new active sites for adsorption process. Batch adsorption tests were achieved to eliminate anionic remazole-red (RR-133) and cationic methylene blue (MB) dyes. The obtained data showed that H6 and H8 solids calcined at 300 and 500 °C have higher adsorption rate for removing of dye than unmodified cobalt iron mixed oxide. The removal reached 100% after a period of dye contact time 2 min and 30 min for RR and MB, respectively. The uptake of RR and MB was much affected by the pH of dye solution. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the most fitted well and the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption of dye on adsorbent was chemisorption process. The as-prepared adsorbents can be regenerated and reused four times for both dyes. The efficiency of the prepared nano-samples and durability as adsorbent were accomplished.Graphic abstract
First report of Fusarium proliferatum causing root rot of Gerbera in China
Authors: Zhao Dailin , Yang Xuehui , Wu Shiping , He Haiyong , Tan Qingqun , Chen Xiaojun , Shi Lejuan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In January 2018, gerbera plants showed root rot symptoms were found in a greenhouse at Guizhou Horticultural Institute in Guiyang city, Guizhou Province in southwest China. Morphological and molecular identifications confirmed the isolation of Fusarium proliferatum. The pathogenicity was verified with Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming root rot of gerbera caused by Fusarium proliferatum in China.
Peer rejection as a precursor of romantic dysfunction in adolescence: Can friendships protect?
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Lessard Leah M. , Juvonen Jaana 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionUsing a prospective longitudinal design across six years, the current study investigated whether adolescents’ experiences of peer rejection across middle school increased their risk of maladaptive (aggressive and unsupportive) behaviors in high school romantic relationships. Additionally, friendship quality following the transition to high school was examined as a potential protective factor.MethodsThe sample consisted of 1,987 ethnically diverse youth (54% female; Mage = 17.10) who were romantically involved at eleventh grade. Peer rejection (based on peer nominations) was assessed at four time points across three years in middle school. Students reported on their friendship quality in ninth grade and their aggressive (e.g., shouting; hitting) and supportive (e.g., listening; helping) behaviors towards a romantic partner in eleventh grade.ResultsResults demonstrated that adolescents who were increasingly rejected by peers during middle school were more likely to behave aggressively towards their romantic partners in high school. Friendship quality at the beginning of high school moderated prospective links from rejection to support, such that escalating middle school peer rejection predicted less supportive romantic behaviors only among youth with low‐quality friendships at ninth grade. These patterns were documented over and above the effects of sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and students’ aggressive behavior at the beginning of middle school.ConclusionsTogether, the findings suggest that 1) increasing peer rejection during middle school may spiral into later romantic relationship dysfunction and 2) supportive friendships across a critical school transition can interrupt links between peer and romantic problems.
Monitoring Emergency Department Visits From Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria Using Syndromic Surveillance – New York City, 2017
Authors: Wong Priscilla W. , Parton Hilary B. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTObjective:Syndromic surveillance has been useful for routine surveillance on a variety of health outcomes and for informing situational awareness during public health emergencies. Following the landfall of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) implemented an enhanced syndromic surveillance system to characterize related emergency department (ED) visits.Methods:ED visits with any mention of specific key words (“Puerto,” “Rico,” “hurricane,” “Maria”) in the ED chief complaint or Puerto Rico patient home Zip Code were identified from the DOHMH syndromic surveillance system in the 8-week window leading up to and following landfall. Visit volume comparisons pre- and post-Hurricane Maria were performed using Fisher’s exact test.Results:Analyses identified an overall increase in NYC ED utilization relating to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria landfall. In particular, there was a small but significant increase in visits involving a medication refill or essential medical equipment. Visits for other outcomes, such as mental illness, also increased, but the differences were not statistically significant.Conclusions:Gaining this situational awareness of medical service use was informative following Hurricane Maria, and, following any natural disaster, the same surveillance methods could be easily established to aid an effective emergency response.
Genetic, environmental and biomarker considerations delineating the regulatory effects of vitamin D on central nervous system function
Authors: Stephenson Andrea , Mamo John C. L. , Takechi Ryusuke , Hackett Mark J. , Lam Virginie 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStudies show that vitamin D (vit-D) (25(OH)D), the bioactive metabolite (1,25(OH)2D3) and vit-D receptors (vit-D receptor; protein disulphide isomerase, family A member 3) are expressed throughout the brain, particularly in regions pivotal to learning and memory. This has led to the paradigm that avoiding vit-D deficiency is important to preserve cognitive function. However, presently, it is not clear if the common clinical measure of serum 25(OH)D serves as a robust surrogate marker for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis or function. Indeed, recent studies report CNS biosynthesis of endogenous 25(OH)D, the CNS expression of the CYP group of enzymes which catalyse conversion to 1,25(OH)2D3and thereafter, deactivation. Moreover, in the periphery, there is significant ethnic/genetic heterogeneity in vit-D conversion to 1,25(OH)2D3and there is a paucity of studies which have actually investigated vit-D kinetics across the cerebrovasculature. Compared with peripheral organs, the CNS also has differential expression of receptors that trigger cellular response to 1,25(OH)2D3metabolites. To holistically consider the putative association of peripheral (blood) abundance of 25(OH)D on cognitive function, herein, we have reviewed population and genetic studies, pre-clinical and clinical intervention studies and moreover have considered potential confounders of vit-D analysis.
Principled or Pragmatic? Morality Politics in Direct Democracy
Authors: Colombo Céline 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPolitical scientists often distinguish between two types of issues: moral versus non-moral issues or social-cultural versus economic issues. The implication is that these types of issues trigger different types of reasoning: while economic issues rely on pragmatic, consequentialist reasoning, social-cultural issues are said to be dependent on principles and deontological reasoning. However, it is not known whether this distinction is as clear-cut from a citizen's perspective. Scholars agree that understanding the morality of voters’ political attitudes has implications for their political behaviour, such as their willingness to compromise and openness to deliberation. However, few studies have analysed whether citizens reason in principled or pragmatic ways on different issues. This study takes an exploratory approach and analyses the determinants of principled versus pragmatic reasoning in direct democracy, in which citizens make direct policy decisions at the ballot box. Using a unique dataset based on thirty-four ballot decisions in Switzerland, it explores the justifications voters give for their ballot decisions in open-ended survey answers. It distinguishes between pragmatic (or consequentialist) arguments and principled (or value-based) arguments. The analysis shows that principled justifications are not tied to particular issues. Voters use both types of justifications almost equally frequently. Moral justifications are more likely when an issue is personally relevant, as well as when a proposition is accepted, while pragmatic justifications prevail when a proposition is rejected. Furthermore, right-wing voters more often argue in pragmatic terms. Finally, the framing of the issue during the campaign significantly affects moral versus pragmatic justifications.
Analysis of genetic diversity and spatial structure in Tunisian populations ofHordeum marinumssp.marinumbased on molecular markers
Authors: Saoudi W. , Badri M. , Gandour M. , Smaoui A. , Abdelly C. , Taamalli W. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHordeum marinumcommonly known as sea barley is a salinity-tolerant species of grass. In the current study, 150 lines from ten populations ofH. marinumssp.marinumcollected from five Tunisian bioclimatic sites were screened for polymorphism with 13 selected random amplified polymorphic DNA primers. Results exhibited a high level of polymorphism (160 polymorphic bands with an average of 12.46 per primer) and a high level of genetic diversity in all the studied populations (on averageUHe= 0.247 andI= 0.358). High discrimination capacity was found for the 13 primers and a combination of three allowed assignation of a unique profile for each of the 150 lines. The partition of genetic diversity with Analysis of Molecular Variance suggested that the majority of genetic variation (67%) was within populations. The components between-populations within ecoregions and between-ecoregions explained 21 and 12%, respectively, of the total genetic variance. There was no significant association of population differentiation (ФPT) with geographical distance or altitudinal difference. Results also showed that the 150 lines grouped into three clusters with no respect to geographic origin. A sub-set of 13 lines was identified, which captured the maximum genetic diversity of the entire collection. The genetic variation found in this collection ofH. marinumis deemed to be useful in formulating conservation strategies for this species.
School-based psychoeducation and storytelling: Associations with long-term mental health in adolescent survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Tanaka E. , Iso H. , Tsutsumi A. , Kameoka S. , You Y. , Kato H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsWe explored the factors promoting long-term mental health among adolescent survivors of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. We examined the associations of their long-term mental health with disaster-related storytelling and school-based psychoeducation, and of school-based psychoeducation with disaster-related storytelling.MethodsA secondary school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted 6 years after the disaster. Participants with traumatic experiences such as injury, loss, witnessing someone's death/injury and home destruction (N= 1028, mean age 15, standard deviation 1.38, male 51%) were eligible. Mental health/disaster education (MHE/DE) was defined as taking one or more lessons in MHE and/or DE at school since the earthquake. Experiences of storytelling about the disaster involved expressing distressing memories and feelings regarding the earthquake since the disaster happened, according to four groups: never expressed distressing memories and feelings, expressed them through writing/drawing, expressed them through talking to lay supporters and expressed them through talking to health professionals. Analysis of covariance was used to compare mean scores on five selected subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Psychotic-Like Experiences (PLEs) scale among the four storytelling groups. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the relationships between MHE/DE and current mental health as measured by the SCL-90, AIS and PLEs. The relationship between education and storytelling was probed byχ2test.ResultsThe talked-to-lay-supporters group showed better mental health on the SCL-90 (p⩽ 0.001), AIS (p< 0.001) and PLEs (p= 0.004), while the consulted-health-professionals group showed worse mental health on the three dimensions of the SCL-90: depression (p= 0.05), anxiety (p= 0.02) and fear (p= 0.04), and on PLEs (p= 0.02) compared with the never-expressed group. MHE and DE were inversely associated with SCL-90, AIS and PLE scores. Participants who received these forms of education talked about their disaster experiences to lay supporters more than those who did not.ConclusionsMHE and DE at school may promote adolescents’ mental health after a disaster. Experience of storytelling about the disaster to lay supporters may be helpful for long-term psychological recovery, and may be a potential mediating factor for school-based education and better mental health. Because of the cross-sectional nature of this study, causality cannot be inferred; therefore, further prospective intervention studies are needed to elucidate the effect of these factors on adolescent survivors’ mental health.
Temperament Predictors of Motor Imagery Control in BCI
Authors: Zapała Dariusz , Małkiewicz Monika , Francuz Piotr , Kołodziej Marcin , Majkowski Andrzej 
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The aim of this study was to verify if selected temperament traits may be useful as predictors of motor imagery brain-computer interface (BCI) performance. In our experiment, 40 BCI-naive subjects were instructed to imagine the movement of clenching his/her right or left hand, in accordance with the visual cue. The activity of sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) (8–30 Hz) was measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and transformed into the information transfer rate (ITR) after feature selection and classification. All subjects also completed a self-assessment questionnaire for the determination of their temperament profile, comprising the following traits: Briskness, Perseveration, Sensory Sensitivity, Emotional Reactivity, Endurance, and Activity. We found significant correlations between ITR performance and Endurance (EN) and Perseveration (PE) scores. This effect was also visible in a topography of SMR desynchronization patterns, in groups with different results in EN and PE scales. Finally, a predictive model of motor imagery BCI control based on temperament traits was proposed. We interpret this finding as empirical support for an influence of basic, relatively stable personality traits on BCI control via the performance of the motor imagery task. Moreover, the implication of these results on the design of future brain-computer interfaces was discussed.