bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulation and evaluation of anti-MRSA nanoemulsion loaded with Achyrocline satureioides: a new sustainable strategy for the bovine mastitis
Authors: Machado Gabriela Tasso Pinheiro , Veleirinho Maria Beatriz , Honorato Luciana Aparecida , Kuhnen Shirley 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes mastitis in dairy cattle with serious economic and public health significance. This study developed nanoemulsions of Linum usitatissimun oil loaded with Achyrocline satureioides (macela) extract and investigated their in vitro antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Macela-nanoemulsions (NE-ML) were prepared using high-pressure homogenization (HPH) with different proportions of flaxseed oil, Tween 80 and crude extract. Four majoritarian flavonoids were identified in the macela extract: 3-O methylquercetin, achyrobichalcone, quercetin and luteolin (187.3 ± 0.1, 155.4 ± 11.6, 76.3 ± 0.1 and 30.4 ± 0.0 μg ml−1, respectively). NE-ML nanoemulsions were successfully obtained by the HPH method and showed a milky aspect with yellowish color. The mean particle size was around 200 nm with monodisperse distribution (PdI < 0.2), remaining stable for 160 days at room temperature. When analyzed on a LUMiSizer high-end dispersion analyzer, low values were found (≤0.5), indicating high stability index, mainly for NE-ML1:5 (0.2). The encapsulation efficiency of macela-nanoemulsions was greater than 94%, considering the four chemical compounds from extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against planktonic bacteria, inhibition of biofilm formation (MBIC), and eradication of MRSA biofilms (MBEC) were determined through in vitro tests on microplates. The MIC of NE-ML against planktonic MRSA showed values ranging from 1.2 to 10% (v/v), while blank-nanoemulsions (NE-B, without macela extract) showed values ranging from 6 to 50% (v/v). MBIC and MBEC of NE-ML were 25 and 80% (v/v), respectively. MBIC showed a mass reduction greater than 64%, and MBEC showed a mass reduction greater than 73%. Macela-nanoemulsions (NE-ML), mainly NE-ML1:5, showed high antimicrobial activity and appeared to represent a new alternative of sustainable antimicrobial product for the control of MRSA. Since this innovative nanoemulsion can impact animal health, future research should include in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate intramammary therapy and control of MRSA infections in organic and agroecological milk production systems.
Cellular and Transcriptional Adaptation of Bovine Granulosa Cells Under Ethanol-Induced Stress In Vitro
Authors: Sohel Md Mahmodul Hasan , Salman Mostafa Abdulkareem , Ayvaz Abdurrahman 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Aims
Granulosa cells (GCs) are the major cellular component in a follicular microenvironment and play an indispensable role in ovarian function. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ethanol exposure on the cellular and transcriptional changes of ovarian GCs.

Methods
For this purpose, bovine GCs were exposed to different concentrations of ethanol (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000) to mimic the effects of alcohol in in vitro. Subsequently, 100 and 1000 mM concentrations were discarded from further experiments, as 100 mM was not different from 50 mM, and 1000 mM was supertoxic to the cells.

Results
The results showed that there was a gradual loss of cell viability with the increase of the ethanol concentration, i.e. lowest viability was observed at the highest concentration (1000 mM), which is further supported by cell proliferation assay. Mitochondrial activity decreased significantly at higher concentrations. The expression of NRF2 decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in ethanol-exposed cells compared with the cells in the control group at the 6-h time point, whereas the expression was increased in 500 mM concentration at the 24-h time point. The expression of antioxidant genes, downstream to Nrf2-pathway activation, showed that overall expression pattern similar to NRF2.

Conclusion
The result of this study prompted us to postulate that ethanol exposure decreases the ability of GCs to handle stress by downregulating the expression of genes involved in Nrf2-pathway.
Evaluation of Genetic Damage in Persons Occupationally Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs in Serbian Hospitals
Authors: Pajic Jelena , Rovcanin Branislav , Rakic Boban 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Although useful in the treatment of malignant cells, antineoplastic drugs (ANPDs) as chemical genotoxic agents, can interfere with normal cell physiology causing genetic damage and unfavourable health effects, especially in occupationally exposed persons. The Cytokinesis-block Micronucleus (CBMN) Cytome assay has been widely used in human biomonitoring studies as a reliable biomarker of chemical genotoxic exposure.

Objectives
Our comprehensive research was conducted in order to evaluate micronuclei as a marker for preventive medical screening purposes for persons occupationally exposed to ANPDs.

Methods
Using the CBMN Cytome test, peripheral blood lymphocytes of 201 control and 222 exposed subjects were screened for genetic damage.

Results
Age and gender influenced micronucleus (MN) frequency, but smoking habit did not. The mean micronuclei frequencies and other parameters of the CBMN Cytome test [numbers of binuclear lymphocytes with one (MN1) or two (MN2) micronuclei] were significantly higher in the group of exposed persons. Positive correlation between duration of occupational exposure and MN frequency was revealed.

Conclusions
The results of our study performed on a large sample confirmed the capacity of the CBMN Cytome assay to serve as a reliable biomarker of long-term ANPD exposure.
DoubleRecViz: a web-based tool for visualizing transcript–gene–species tree reconciliation
Authors: Kuitche Esaie , Qi Yanchun , Tahiri Nadia , Parmer Jack , Ouangraoua Aïda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Motivation
A phylogenetic tree reconciliation is a mapping of one phylogenetic tree onto another which represents the co-evolution of two sets of taxa (e.g. parasite–host co-evolution, gene–species co-evolution). The reconciliation framework was extended to allow modeling the co-evolution of three sets of taxa such as transcript–gene–species co-evolutions. Several web-based tools have been developed for the display and manipulation of phylogenetic trees and co-phylogenetic trees involving two trees, but there currently exists no tool for visualizing the joint reconciliation between three phylogenetic trees.

Results
Here, we present DoubleRecViz, a web-based tool for visualizing double reconciliations between phylogenetic trees at three levels: transcript, gene and species. DoubleRecViz extends the RecPhyloXML model—developed for gene–species tree reconciliation—to represent joint transcript–gene and gene–species tree reconciliations. It is implemented using the Dash library, which is a toolbox that provides dynamic visualization functionalities for web data visualization in Python.

Availability and implementation
DoubleRecViz is available through a web server at https://doublerecviz.cobius.usherbrooke.ca. The source code and information about installation procedures are also available at https://github.com/UdeS-CoBIUS/DoubleRecViz.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is Associated With Elevated Serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and Antiphospholipid IgA Antibodies
Authors: Hasan Ali Omar , Bomze David , Risch Lorenz , Brugger Silvio D , Paprotny Matthias , Weber Myriam , Thiel Sarah , Kern Lukas , Albrich Werner C , Kohler Philipp , Kahlert Christian R , Vernazza Pietro , Bühler Philipp K , Schüpbach Reto A , Gómez-Mejia Alejandro , Popa Alexandra M , Bergthaler Andreas , Penninger Josef M , Flatz Lukas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently entails complications that bear similarities to autoimmune diseases. To date, there are little data on possible immunoglobulin (Ig) A–mediated autoimmune responses. Here, we aim to determine whether COVID-19 is associated with a vigorous total IgA response and whether IgA antibodies are associated with complications of severe illness. Since thrombotic events are frequent in severe COVID-19 and resemble hypercoagulation of antiphospholipid syndrome, our approach focused on antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, clinical data and aPL from 64 patients with COVID-19 were compared from 3 independent tertiary hospitals (1 in Liechtenstein, 2 in Switzerland). Samples were collected from 9 April to 1 May 2020.ResultsClinical records of 64 patients with COVID-19 were reviewed and divided into a cohort with mild illness (mCOVID; 41%), a discovery cohort with severe illness (sdCOVID; 22%) and a confirmation cohort with severe illness (scCOVID; 38%). Total IgA, IgG, and aPL were measured with clinical diagnostic kits. Severe illness was significantly associated with increased total IgA (sdCOVID, P = .01; scCOVID, P &lt; .001), but not total IgG. Among aPL, both cohorts with severe illness significantly correlated with elevated anticardiolipin IgA (sdCOVID and scCOVID, P &lt; .001), anticardiolipin IgM (sdCOVID, P = .003; scCOVID, P&lt; .001), and anti–beta 2 glycoprotein-1 IgA (sdCOVID and scCOVID, P&lt; .001). Systemic lupus erythematosus was excluded from all patients as a potential confounder.ConclusionsHigher total IgA and IgA-aPL were consistently associated with severe illness. These novel data strongly suggest that a vigorous antiviral IgA response, possibly triggered in the bronchial mucosa, induces systemic autoimmunity.
‘Defying Gravity’: Prose Epic and Heroic Style in Lucrezia Marinella’s 1602Vita di Maria Vergine
Authors: Brazeau Bryan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article examines Lucrezia Marinella’s literary-theoretical declaration at the beginning of the 1602 Vita di Maria Vergine by contextualizing her claims within contemporary debates on whether epic, particularly Christian epic, can be written in a style of high prose. It demonstrates that although Marinella seems to rely more heavily on Aristotle’s Rhetoric, her choices in writing this epic in a high prose style were greatly influenced by the Poetics and contemporary discussions surrounding the text (along with a misunderstanding of the text itself). The essay also contains (as an appendix) the first English-language translation of Marinella’s literary theoretical preface, ‘To the Readers’.
Prognostic validation of partition values for quantitative parameters to grade functional tricuspid regurgitation severity by conventional echocardiography
Authors: Muraru Denisa , Previtero Marco , Ochoa-Jimenez Roberto C , Guta Andrada C , Figliozzi Stefano , Gregori Dario , Bottigliengo Daniele , Parati Gianfranco , Badano Luigi P 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Aims
Quantitative echocardiography parameters are seldom used to grade tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity due to relative paucity of validation studies and lack of prognostic data. To assess the relationship between TR severity and the composite endpoint of death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF); and to identify the threshold values of vena contracta width (VCavg), effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), regurgitant volume (RegVol), and regurgitant fraction (RegFr) to define low, intermediate, and high-risk TR based on patients’ outcome data.

Methods and results
A cohort of 296 patients with at least mild TR underwent 2D, 3D, and Doppler echocardiography. We built statistical models (adjusted for age, NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure) for VCavg, EROA, RegVol, and RegFr to study their relationships with the hazard of outcome. The tertiles of the derived hazard values defined the threshold values of the quantitative parameters for TR severity grading. During 47-month follow-up, 32 deaths and 72 CHF occurred. Event-free rate was 14%, 48%, and 93% in patients with severe, moderate, and mild TR, respectively. Severe TR was graded as VCavg &gt; 6 mm, EROA &gt; 0.30 cm2, RegVol &gt; 30 mL, and RegF &gt; 45%.

Conclusion
This outcome study demonstrates the prognostic value of quantitative parameters of TR severity and provides prognostically meaningful threshold values to grade TR severity in low, intermediate, and high risk.
Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries: is the unroofing procedure always appropriate?
Authors: Mostefa Kara Meriem , Fournier Emmanuelle , Cohen Sarah , Hascoet Sebastien , Van Aerschot Isabelle , Roussin Regine , El Zoghbi Joy , Belli Emre 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery (AAOCA) with an interarterial ± an intramural course is a rare anomaly that carries a high risk of ischaemic events and even sudden death. The unroofing of the intramural course has been adopted as the gold standard surgical treatment. However, some anatomical forms need alternative techniques.

METHODS
We reviewed the surgical cohort with AAOCA managed at our institution between 2005 and 2019 and analysed the anatomical and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS
Thirty-nine patients underwent surgical interventions. The median age was 14 years (10–26 years). Twenty-eight patients (72%) had right AAOCA, and 11 (28%) had left AAOCA. Thirty-one (80%) patients presented with symptoms. The symptoms were chest pain in 22 patients (56%), syncope in 5 patients (13%), cardiac arrest during exercise in 2 patients (5%), dyspnoea in 6 patients (15%) and dizziness in 13 patients (33%). An ischaemic test was performed in 32 patients: Only 4 patients (10%) had positive results from the ischaemic test. All patients had computed tomography angiography scans to confirm the precise anatomical features of the anomaly. Repair techniques included 30 unroofing procedures (77%) with an associated translocation of the pulmonary artery for 11 patients in our early experience. In 6 patients the unroofing procedure was not feasible because of the absence of an intramural distinct segment or was judged intraoperatively not appropriate. A reimplantation of the anomalous coronary artery was performed in 2 patients (5%); 3 patients had coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (7%); and 3 (8%) had an isolated translocation of the pulmonary artery. There were no early or late deaths. All patients were free of symptoms. Computed tomography angiography scans performed in 31 cases showed a patent, non-restrictive coronary artery ostium. Seventeen patients underwent postoperative ischaemia testing and showed no evidence of ischaemia.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgical correction in AAOCA is mandatory both for symptomatic and for asymptomatic patients with evidence of myocardial ischaemia under stress or with a restricted coronary artery segment. Surgical unroofing remains the gold standard but is not appropriate for all forms: alternative techniques should be considered. Surgical results are promising.
Patterns of online health information seeking after visiting a physician: perceptions of adolescents from high schools in central Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Gazibara Tatjana , Cakic Milica , Cakic Jelena , Grgurevic Anita , Pekmezovic Tatjana 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Browsing webpages that offer health information allows visitors to remain anonymous, particularly when researching sensitive topics. Uncertainty about confidentiality may be a barrier for adolescents to discuss their health in-person with a physician and seek further health information on the Internet after seeing a physician.

Objective
To explore factors contributing to perceived online health information seeking after visiting a physician in a sample of high school students.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to January 2017. The study included 702 high school students. Socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire as well as the electronic health (e-health) literacy scale (eHEALS) were used to collect data. Students described their perceptions of what they commonly do after visiting a physician, which was not connected to a particular clinic at any point in time.

Results
A total of 347 students (49.4%) perceived that they search for online health information after visiting a physician. Attending humanities-languages school program, lower education level of parents, being older at first Internet use, stronger influence of online health information on students’ behaviour, better e-health literacy, use of smartphones, YouTube, social networks and heath forums were associated with perceived online health information seeking after visiting a physician.

Conclusion
One-half of high school students in this study perceived that they search for online health information after having visited a physician. Our results suggest that many adolescents might seek additional information about health.
Massive rhizobial genomic variation associated with partner quality in Lotus–Mesorhizobium symbiosis
Authors: Bamba Masaru , Aoki Seishiro , Kajita Tadashi , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Watano Yasuyuki , Sato Shusei , Tsuchimatsu Takashi 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
Variation in partner quality is commonly observed in diverse cooperative relationships, despite the theoretical prediction that selection favoring high-quality partners should eliminate such variation. Here, we investigated how genetic variation in partner quality could be maintained in the nitrogen-fixing mutualism between Lotus japonicus and Mesorhizobium bacteria. We reconstructed de novo assembled full-genome sequences from nine rhizobial symbionts, finding massive variation in the core genome and the similar symbiotic islands, indicating recent horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of the symbiosis islands into diverse Mesorhizobium lineages. A cross-inoculation experiment using 9 sequenced rhizobial symbionts and 15 L. japonicus accessions revealed extensive quality variation represented by plant growth phenotypes, including genotype-by-genotype interactions. Variation in quality was not associated with the presence/absence variation in known symbiosis-related genes in the symbiosis island; rather, it showed significant correlation with the core genome variation. Given the recurrent HGT of the symbiosis islands into diverse Mesorhizobium strains, local Mesorhizobium communities could serve as a major source of variation for core genomes, which might prevent variation in partner quality from fixing, even in the presence of selection favoring high-quality partners. These findings highlight the novel role of HGT of symbiosis islands in maintaining partner quality variation in the legume–rhizobia symbiosis.
Bacterial microbiota associated with insect vectors of grapevine Bois noir disease in relation to phytoplasma infection
Authors: Moussa Abdelhameed , Passera Alessandro , Sanna Francesco , Faccincani Monica , Casati Paola , Bianco Piero Attilio , Mori Nicola , Quaglino Fabio 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTBois noir is a grapevine disease causing severe yield loss in vineyards worldwide. It is associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’, a phloem-limited bacterium transmitted by polyphagous insects. Due to its complex epidemiology, it is difficult to organize effective containment measures. This study aimed to describe the bacterial microbiota associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ infected and non-infected insect hosts and vectors to investigate if phytoplasma presence can shape the microbiota. Alpha-diversity analysis showed a low microbiota diversity in these insects, in which few genera were highly abundant. Beta-diversity analysis revealed that the xylem- and phloem-feeding behavior influences the microbiota structure. Moreover, it highlighted that phytoplasma infection is associated with a restructuring of microbiota exclusively in Deltocephalinae insect vectors. Obtained data showed that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ may have adverse effects on the endosymbionts Sulcia and Wolbachia, suggesting a possible fitness modification in the insects. The phytoplasma-antagonistic Dyella was not found in any of the examined insect species. The results indicate an interesting perspective regarding the microbial signatures associated with xylem- and phloem-feeding insects, and determinants that could be relevant to establish whether an insect species can be a vector or not, opening up new avenues for developing microbial resource management-based approaches.
‘Candidatus Oscillochloris kuznetsovii’ a novel mesophilic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic Chloroflexales bacterium from Arctic coastal environments
Authors: Gaisin Vasil A , Grouzdev Denis S , Krutkina Maria S , Ashikhmin Aleksandr A , Sinetova Maria A , Osipova Natalya S , Koziaeva Veronika V , Gorlenko Vladimir M 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTChloroflexales bacteria are mostly known as filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs that thrive as members of the microbial communities of hot spring cyanobacterial mats. Recently, we described many new Chloroflexales species from non-thermal environments and showed that mesophilic Chloroflexales are more diverse than previously expected. Most of these species were isolated from aquatic environments of mid-latitudes. Here, we present the comprehensive characterization of a new filamentous multicellular anoxygenic phototrophic Chloroflexales bacterium from an Arctic coastal environment (Kandalaksha Gulf, the White Sea). Phylogenomic analysis and 16S rRNA phylogeny indicated that this bacterium belongs to the Oscillochloridaceae family as a new species. We propose that this species be named ‘Candidatus Oscillochloris kuznetsovii’. The genomes of this species possessed genes encoding sulfide:quinone reductase, the nitrogenase complex and the Calvin cycle, which indicate potential for photoautotrophic metabolism. We observed only mesophilic anaerobic anoxygenic phototrophic growth of this novel bacterium. Electron microphotography showed the presence of chlorosomes, polyhydroxyalkanoate-like granules and polyphosphate-like granules in the cells. High-performance liquid chromatography also revealed the presence of bacteriochlorophylls a, c and d as well as carotenoids. In addition, we found that this bacterium is present in benthic microbial communities of various coastal environments of the Kandalaksha Gulf.
Characterizing offspring of Dutch elm disease-resistant trees (Ulmus minorMill.)
Authors: Martín Juan A , Solla Alejandro , Oszako Tomasz , Gil Luis 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPopulations of Ulmus minor in Europe were severely damaged by Dutch elm disease (DED) pandemics. However, elm breeding programmes have permitted selection of resistant elm varieties currently used for reforestation. In restored elm forests, resistant (R) and susceptible (S) trees interbreed, but little is known about resistance in their offspring. In this work, growth, DED resistance and xylem anatomy in the offspring of two resistant U. minor trees (R1 and R2) were studied. To verify whether transmission of traits in offspring is determined by maternal or paternal trees, a complete randomized plot was established with clonal material from controlled crosses (R1 × S and R2 × S) and parent trees (R1, R2 and S). Trees were inoculated with O. novo-ulmi firstly at age 4 years and again at 5 years. Growth, susceptibility to DED and vessel size in offspring were closer to the traits of maternal than of paternal trees. This association disappeared after the second inoculation when symptoms increased. The more resistant trees in R1 × S and R2 × S had wide and narrow earlywood vessels, respectively, suggesting that water-conducting strategies and resistance mechanisms vary in offspring. Tylosis formation was related to resistance only in R2 × S offspring, possibly due to the narrow earlywood vessles of trees. Latewood vessels were normally narrower in the more resistant trees. This study sheds light on anatomical resistance mechanisms of elms against DED: (1) offspring exhibit high variability in responses among individuals, (2) narrow earlywood vessels are not a prerequisite for DED resistance and (3) barrier zones are not fully associated with tree resistance in offspring.