bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA Helicase DDX5 in Association With IFI16 and the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Silences Transcription of the Hepatitis B Virus by Interferon
Authors: Li Zhili , Rahman Naimur , Bi Cheng , Mohallem Rodrigo , Pattnaik Aryamav , Kazemian Majid , Huang Fang , Aryal Uma K. , Andrisani Ourania 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRNA helicase DDX5 is a host restriction factor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis. Mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) identified significant DDX5‐interacting partners, including interferon‐inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and RBBP4/7, an auxiliary subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). DDX5 co‐eluted with IFI16, RBBP4/7, and core PRC2 subunits in size exclusion chromatography fractions derived from native nuclear extracts. Native gel electrophoresis of DDX5 immunoprecipitants revealed a 750 kDa DDX5/IFI16/PRC2 complex, validated by nanoscale co‐localization via super‐resolution microscopy. Prior studies demonstrated that IFI16 suppresses HBV transcription by binding to the interferon‐sensitive response element of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), reducing H3 acetylation and increasing H3K27me3 levels by an unknown mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of IFI16 inhibited HBV transcription from recombinant rcccDNA, correlating with increased IFI16 binding to rcccDNA, reduced H3 acetylation, and elevated H3K27me3, determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of ectopic IFI16 on HBV transcription was reversed by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of DDX5 and EZH2, the methyltransferase subunit of PRC2. This reversal was associated with decreased IFI16 binding to rcccDNA, enhanced H3 acetylation, and reduced H3K27me3. Similarly, endogenous IFI16 induced by interferon‐α inhibited HBV rcccDNA transcription in a DDX5‐ and PRC2‐dependent manner. In HBV‐infected HepG2‐NTCP cells, the antiviral effect of interferon‐α was abrogated upon knockdown of DDX5 and EZH2, underscoring the crucial role of the DDX5 complex in IFI16‐mediated antiviral response. In conclusion, in response to interferon, DDX5 partners with IFI16 to bind cccDNA, directing PRC2 to epigenetically silence cccDNA chromatin, thereby regulating immune signaling and HBV transcription.
The Effectiveness of COVID‐19 Vaccination on Post‐Acute Sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection Among Geriatric Patients
Authors: Chan Yi‐Ju , Chen Chia‐Chen , Tu Yu‐Kuan , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Liu Ting‐Hui , Huang Po‐Yu , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Hung Kuo‐Chuan , Lee Mei‐Chuan , Yu Tsung , Lai Chih‐Cheng , Weng Tzu‐Chieh , Wu Jheng‐Yan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines in preventing the post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (PASC), commonly known as long COVID, and reducing all‐cause mortality among older patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database. The study cohort consisted of older patients (age ≥ 65 years) with their first COVID‐19 illness between January 1, 2022, and May 31, 2024. Participants were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups based on their vaccination status. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Cox regression models and log‐rank tests were applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for PASC and all‐cause mortality during 30–180 days of follow‐up. The study included 189 059 geriatric patients who contracted SARS‐CoV‐2, with 5615 vaccinated and 183 444 unvaccinated. After PSM, each group contained 5615 patients. Vaccinated patients exhibited a significantly lower incidence of PASC symptoms (HR = 0.852, 95% CI: 0.778–0.933, p = 0.0005), particularly anxiety and depression, with a HR of 0.710 (95% CI: 0.575–0.878, p = 0.0015). Vaccination was also significantly associated with reduced all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.231, 95% CI: 0.136–0.394, p < 0.0001). The findings highlight the effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccination in mitigating the development of PASC and decreasing mortality among older patients.
Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination and Mapping in the Environment Through Surveillance of Wastewater
Authors: Raju Neenu P. , Ansari Aamir , Patil Gandhali , Sheeraz Mohammed Shahique , Kukade Sushrut , Kumar Shailendra , Kapley Atya , Qureshi Asifa 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAntibiotic resistance is one of the major health threat for humans, animals, and the environment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Antibiotic‐Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS). In the last several years, wastewater/sewage has been identified as potential hotspots for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and transfer of resistance genes. However, systematic approaches for mapping the antibiotic resistance situation in sewage are limited and underdeveloped. The present review has highlighted all possible perspectives by which the dynamics of ARBs/ARGs in the environment may be tracked, quantified and assessed spatio‐temporally through surveillance of wastewater. Moreover, application of advanced methods like wastewater metagenomics for determining the community distribution of resistance at large has appeared to be promising. In addition, monitoring wastewater for antibiotic pollution at various levels, may serve as an early warning system and enable policymakers to take timely measures and build infrastructure to mitigate health crises. Thus, by understanding the alarming presence of antibiotic resistance in wastewater, effective action plans may be developed to address this global health challenge and its associated environmental risks.
Beer wheat residue as a probiotic carrier: physicochemical properties via fluid bed granulation (Beer wheat residue for lactic acid bacteria encapsulation)
Authors: Guo Huei‐Rong , Dong Cheng‐Di , Patel Anil Kumar , Sharma Vishal , Singhania Reeta Rani , Tsai Mei‐Ling 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years, consumer preference for symbiotics containing live bacteria has surged, driven by the acknowledged health benefits. Wheat residue from beer brewing, rich in dietary fiber, remains an unexplored prebiotic raw material for developing vegan probiotic powdered products. Concerns about ambient conditions, dehydration and drying affecting bacterial cell viability prompt the investigation of protective agents (maltodextrin, l‐arabinose, casein, whey protein, skimmed milk) and fluidized bed granulation microencapsulation for enhancing the survival rate of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NKUST 817.RESULTSThe results of the study show that wheat residue, when utilized as the carrier with 10% indigestible dextrin FB06, served as the optimal protective agent. Optimal air inlet temperature (45, 55 and 65 °C) for fluidized bed granulation was investigated along with cell survival rate and probiotic powder characteristics such as moisture, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, bulk density and flowability. Bacteria without protective agents showed a survival rate of only 82.63–86.96%. However, the addition of 10% indigestible dextrin FB06 significantly increased in the survival rate of bacteria (granulated at 45–65 °C) to 93.52–95.18%. The microencapsulated bacteria powder exhibited low moisture (2.38–4.36%) and water activity (0.06–0.22). Powder fluidity, indicated by Carr's index (10.87–13.62) and the Hausner ratio (1.13–1.16%), demonstrated good flowability. Furthermore, the powder remained stable for 45 days, with a viable bacteria count of 7.29 log colony‐forming units g−1 and a survival rate of 88.69%.CONCLUSIONThis study pioneers vegan probiotic product development at the same time as addressing processing challenges to optimize strain resilience. This research stablishes wheat residue as a suitable candidate for a probiotics carrier. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A leap in scale for invasive species management: a medium‐scale beaver eradication pilot project
Authors: Jusim Pablo , Goijman Andrea P. , Schiavini Adrián 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn 1946, 20 beavers (Castor canadensis) were introduced in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and over the last 70 years, the population has expanded, severely affecting riparian environments. In 2008, Argentina and Chile agreed to restore the environments affected by beavers through their eradication. The objectives of this paper were to assess the trapping effort and cost required to remove beavers, and to determine the factors that influence capture success. The study was conducted over 7 pilot areas in the Argentine part of Tierra del Fuego. Ten trappers using body‐grip traps, snares, and shooting carried out an eradication pilot project between October 2015 and June 2018. Trappers acted in 505 colonies, performing 9,751 trapping episodes, and capturing 1,012 beavers. In the mountain range zone, trappers needed on average 23 trapping episodes/km of watercourse. Capture success was best explained by trap placement and trap type. We estimated a required investment of 31 million US dollars over 17 years for a full beaver eradication in the Argentine part of Tierra del Fuego. We concluded that by using mainly body‐grip traps, eradication is feasible and it allows trapping in neighboring colonies simultaneously, without the need to check traps daily. Traps should be set preferably on dams, dams should be broken only after the first captures, and trappers should be trained to capture all individuals.
Sanctuary for migrating and wintering waterfowl: Synthesis and insights for waterfowl management and conservation planning
Authors: Davis J. Brian , Brasher Michael G. , Hagy Heath M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWaterfowl use a diversity of resources (e.g., food, structure, sanctuary) to meet energetic, social, and other life‐history demands during the non‐breeding period. Waterfowl often seek areas with limited human disturbance (i.e., sanctuary) during autumn and winter when hunting seasons are open perhaps to reduce exposure to mortality risks, minimize energy expenditure, and increase foraging efficiency, all of which should enhance survival and subsequent fitness. Prior studies of sanctuary use by waterfowl have mostly focused on patterns of abundance and behavior, with many documenting differential diel movements of marked birds in and around sanctuaries. Although reduced mortality risk is likely associated with sanctuary use, much less is known about the potential effects on energy expenditure, body condition, reproductive consequences at the individual level, and seasonal distribution with respect to viewing and harvest potential. We consider these aforementioned factors among the most significant gaps in our understanding of the function of sanctuary in waterfowl management. As waterfowl hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation have become a major initiative of many natural resource agencies and a core principle of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, we discuss the potential role of sanctuary relative to these efforts. Herein, we review historical aspects of waterfowl sanctuary, introduce hypotheses about its potential role in habitat resource management and conservation planning during autumn and winter, discuss our knowledge of the effects of sanctuary on waterfowl, and share insights to inform decisions about the role of sanctuary in waterfowl management given currently available evidence and remaining uncertainties. Our review describes the existing evidence for the biological and social outcomes of sanctuary, draws some conclusions about the role of sanctuary in natural resource management given the available evidence, and outlines potential research opportunities to help us make informed decisions regarding sanctuary implementation for waterfowl.
Kinetics of reduction of m‐iodonitrobenzene by aqueous ammonium sulfide under liquid–liquid phase transfer catalysis
Authors: Senapati Snigdha , Pradhan Narayan C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHydrogen sulfide generated during hydrotreatment of sour crude oil fractions could be absorbed into aqueous ammonium hydroxide to produce ammonium sulfide. This ammonium sulfide can then be utilized to produce commercially valuable aromatic amino compounds by reducing the corresponding nitro compounds. In this work, the reduction of m‐iodonitrobenzene (m‐INB) to m‐iodoaniline (m‐IA) was performed by aqueous ammonium sulfide using a phase transfer catalyst, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The study scrutinized the influences of various parameters such as concentrations of TBAB and m‐INB, as well as initial sulfide and ammonia concentrations, on the rate of reaction of m‐INB. An 11‐fold increase in reaction rate was obtained with only 0.09 kmol of catalyst TBAB per cubic meter of the organic phase. The selectivity of m‐IA was found to be100%. The reaction was found to be kinetically controlled with an activation energy of 40.0 kJ/mol. The rate of reaction of m‐INB was observed to be directly proportional to the concentrations of m‐INB, initial sulfide, and catalyst. A pseudo‐first order kinetic model was developed to correlate the conversion versus time data and an excellent agreement between observed and predicted reaction rates was obtained. The present work has very high commercial importance as it could be a viable alternative to the traditional Claus process to arrest H2S released by petroleum refineries.
Nutritional, Antioxidant and Structural Properties of Rusk Developed From Wheat–Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranean) Flour
Authors: Ramashia Shonisani Eugenia , Sikhipha Rilwele Calmon , Olamiti Gbeminiyi , Mashau Mpho Edward 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBambara groundnut (BGN) is an underutilised legume that has been utilised in bakery products to enhance the protein and crude fibre content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BGN flour on the nutritional, antioxidant and microstructural properties of wheat flour rusks. Five formulations of rusks were produced by adding different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) of BGN flour. Increasing BGN flour from 0% to 20% decreased bulk density, water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity and cold paste viscosity of the wheat flour. Nonetheless, addition of BGN flour increased the hot paste viscosity of flour samples ranging from 1132 to 1162.67 cP. It was observed that the inclusion of BGN flour increased the ash, fat, protein, crude fibre content, polyphenols and antioxidant activity of wheat flour and rusk, while moisture, carbohydrate and energy content decreased. As the amount of BGN flour increased, darkening in colour of the wheat flour and rusks were observed. Distinct functional groups exhibited peaks in flour and rusk with increased in percentages of BGN flour. The addition of BGN flour decreased physical properties of the rusks such as loaf volume and specific volume, hardness and fracturability. Furthermore, inclusion of BGN flour altered the microstructural properties of the rusks. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the sustainability and application of BGN flour in bakery products.
Valorization of Pea Pod (Pisum sativum L.) Waste: Application as a Functional Ingredient in Flatbreads
Authors: Sik Beatrix , Takács Georgina , Lakatos Erika , Ajtony Zsolt , Székelyhidi Rita 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLegumes provide valuable functional properties, serving as rich sources of protein, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. This study evaluated the nutritional and antioxidant properties of pea pod powder (PPP) as a fortifying ingredient in flatbreads. The results indicate that PPP contains carbohydrates (55%), protein (16.7%), and dietary fiber (13.1%), with significant antioxidant properties (total polyphenol content: 463 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content: 159 mg QE/100 g, DPPH radical scavenging activity: 166 mg AAE/100 g; IC50: 2.31 mg/mL, chlorophyll a: 17.4 mg/100 g, chlorophyll b: 17.4 mg/100 g, and total chlorophyll: 32.6 mg/100 g). Rutin, chlorogenic acid, and p‐coumaric acid were identified and quantified by HPLC‐DAD, with concentrations of 15.2, 2.94, and 6.60 mg/100 g, respectively. Flatbreads fortified with PPP at 5%w/w and 10%w/w showed increased thickness, reduced diameter and spread ratio, and enhanced antioxidant properties. However, consumer acceptance significantly declined at the 10%w/w level, likely due to off‐flavors that affected sensory appeal.
An Easy Synthesis of Polyaniline Through Bacterial Nanocellulose Membranes Obtained from Kombucha Tea Fermentation
Authors: Gwiazdecki Karoline , Junkes Ermelinda , Meier Marcia M. , Shneider Andrea L. S. , Dalmolin Carla 
Published: December 2024

AbstractComposites with polyaniline (Pani) in cellulosic matrices have been studied as Pani electrodes in many applications, but the presence of an insulating network causes a reduction in conductivity, and the electrochemical properties of the composites are difficult evaluate. This work, propose an easy synthesis of Pani into a membrane of bacterial nanocellulose produced from Kombucha tea fermentation by using the well‐known aniline interfacial polymerization. To promote the polymer formation through all the large surface area of the three‐dimensional (3D) membrane, the monomer and an oxidant are forced to penetrate the cellulosic matrix by vacuum filtration using different methodologies. Optical and scanning electron microscopies (SEMs) show that Pani is deposited even on the inner surface of the bacterial nanocellulose membrane, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows that the redox properties of Pani are maintained. Finally, higher current peaks are used to propose an easy methodology to produce Pani/bacterial nanocellulose electrodes with better electrochemical activity.
The Role of Aniline Adsorption on Carbon Fiber Before Plasma Treatment for Polyaniline Deposition
Authors: Medeiros Wilma S. , Borges André F. D. , Fontana Luiz C. , Dalmolin Carla 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolyaniline (Pani) is widely studied for power sources due to its easy synthesis, good chemical and thermal stabilities, high electrical conductivity and reversive oxidation/reduction processes. However, the interaction between Pani and the carbon substrate used as a current collector interferes with the efficiency of the final electrode. So, the present work aims at evaluating the effect of plasma functionalization of textile carbon fibers (CFs) with the intention of promoting conjugated covalent bonds between the substrate and the polymer chain, intensifying their interaction and electron transfer. The applied methodology is based on exposing CF to Ar/N2 plasma to promote reactive groups on the surface and to create anchors to the growth of the polymer chain in the following interfacial synthesis of Pani. For comparison purposes, Pani electrodes are produced using CF with no treatment and CF with previously adsorbed aniline. The morphological characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), allied with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), shows modifications in the fiber rugosity and the insertion of polar and N‐functional groups on the surface. Finally, the electrochemical properties of the electrode are evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show a lower impedance, a higher peak, and higher capacitive currents for the electrodes whose CF are treated by Ar/N2 when compared with electrodes with untreated CF or with adsorbed aniline.
Effect of the Incorporation of Lignin on Starch/PVA Blend Films Produced by Casting
Authors: Kotekewis Helen , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEnvironmental issues caused by polymeric materials residue are an emerging problem. Biodegradable and biobased materials are great alternatives that need improvement in their properties. The goal is to produce and characterize starch/PVA blend films with lignin to improve the properties of the blend and determine the optimum amount of lignin. Flexible films are produced by casting using 75% starch, 25% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and varying quantities of lignin (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%). Optical, thermal, and water interaction properties are analyzed. The addition of lignin make the films more translucent and with red and yellow colors. Moisture absorption drops 34% with the incorporation of the additive. The film with 0.5% lignin shows significant improvement in all the properties tested, showing a potential to be applied as a flexible and biodegradable packaging material.
Lactobacillus acidophilus 6074 Fermented Jujube Juice Ameliorated DSS‐induced Colitis via Repairing Intestinal Barrier, Modulating Inflammatory Factors, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Hongcai , Fan Lingjia , Yang Siqi , Tan Pei , Lei Wenzhi , Yang Haihua , Gao Zhenpeng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLactobacillus acidophilus L. acidophilus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, This study aimed to explore the ameliorative effects and underlying mechanisms of oral administration Lactobacillus acidophilus 6074 fermented jujube juice (LAFJ) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. In this study, jujube juice was used as a substrate and fermented by L. acidophilus 6074 to investigate its effects on gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice with colitis and to reveal its potential mechanism for alleviating colitis. The results demonstrated that fermentation caused significant changes in the nutrients and nonnutrients of jujube juice, mainly in organic acids (malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid) and free amino acids (Thr, Met, Ser, Ile, and Lys). High‐dose LAFJ (20 mL/kg/day) significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI), improved histopathological morphology, and increased colon length in colitis mice. LAFJ alleviated colon damage and preserved the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier by promoting the expression of colonic tight junction proteins occludin, claudin‐1, and zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1). Furthermore, LAFJ inhibited the production of proinflammatory factors and attenuated oxidative stress. Gut microbiota of mice revealed that LAFJ increased beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, promoted the production of SCFAs, and inhibited the growth of harmful microorganisms. Overall, LAFJ could reshape and restore gut microbiota imbalance caused by intestinal inflammation and alleviate the development of colitis, which may become a novel dietary intervention.