bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing metabolic stress-induced phenotypes ofSynechocystisPCC6803 with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tanniche Imen , Collakova Eva , Denbow Cynthia , Senger Ryan S. 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundDuring their long evolution,Synechocystissp. PCC6803 developed a remarkable capacity to acclimate to diverse environmental conditions. In this study, Raman spectroscopy and Raman chemometrics tools (RametrixTM) were employed to investigate the phenotypic changes in response to external stressors and correlate specific Raman bands with their corresponding biomolecules determined with widely used analytical methods.MethodsSynechocystiscells were grown in the presence of (i) acetate (7.5–30 mM), (ii) NaCl (50–150 mM) and (iii) limiting levels of MgSO4(0–62.5 mM) in BG-11 media. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of PCs (DAPC) were performed with the RametrixTMLITE Toolbox for MATLABⓇ. Next, validation of these models was realized via RametrixTMPRO Toolbox where prediction of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for an unknown Raman spectrum was calculated. These analyses were coupled with statistical tests (ANOVA and pairwise comparison) to determine statistically significant changes in the phenotypic responses. Finally, amino acid and fatty acid levels were measured with well-established analytical methods. The obtained data were correlated with previously established Raman bands assigned to these biomolecules.ResultsDistinguishable clusters representative of phenotypic responses were observed based on the external stimuli (i.e., acetate, NaCl, MgSO4, and controls grown on BG-11 medium) or its concentration when analyzing separately. For all these cases, RametrixTMPRO was able to predict efficiently the corresponding concentration in the culture media for an unknown Raman spectra with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity exceeding random chance. Finally, correlations (R > 0.7) were observed for all amino acids and fatty acids between well-established analytical methods and Raman bands.
Characterizing glucose, illumination, and nitrogen-deprivation phenotypes ofSynechocystisPCC6803 with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tanniche Imen , Collakova Eva , Denbow Cynthia , Senger Ryan S. 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundSynechocystis sp.PCC6803 is a model cyanobacterium that has been studied widely and is considered for metabolic engineering applications. Here, Raman spectroscopy and Raman chemometrics (Rametrix™) were used to (i) study broad phenotypic changes in response to growth conditions, (ii) identify phenotypic changes associated with its circadian rhythm, and (iii) correlate individual Raman bands with biomolecules and verify these with more accepted analytical methods.MethodsSynechocystiscultures were grown under various conditions, exploring dependencies on light and/or external carbon and nitrogen sources. The Rametrix™ LITE Toolbox for MATLAB® was used to process Raman spectra and perform principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). The Rametrix™ PRO Toolbox was used to validate these models through leave-one-out routines that classified a Raman spectrum when growth conditions were withheld from the model. Performance was measured by classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Raman spectra were also subjected to statistical tests (ANOVA and pairwise comparisons) to identify statistically relevant changes inSynechocystisphenotypes. Finally, experimental methods, including widely used analytical and spectroscopic assays were used to quantify the levels of glycogen, fatty acids, amino acids, and chlorophyll a for correlations with Raman data.ResultsPCA and DAPC models produced distinct clustering of Raman spectra, representing multipleSynechocystisphenotypes, based on (i) growth in the presence of 5 mM glucose, (ii) illumination (dark, light/dark [12 h/12 h], and continuous light at 20 µE), (iii) nitrogen deprivation (0–100% NaNO3of native BG-11 medium in continuous light), and (iv) throughout a 24 h light/dark (12 h/12 h) circadian rhythm growth cycle. Rametrix™ PRO was successful in identifying glucose-induced phenotypes with 95.3% accuracy, 93.4% sensitivity, and 96.9% specificity. Prediction accuracy was above random chance values for all other studies. Circadian rhythm analysis showed a return to the initial phenotype after 24 hours for cultures grown in light/dark (12 h/12 h) cycles; this did not occur for cultures grown in the dark. Finally, correlation coefficients (R > 0.7) were found for glycogen, all amino acids, and chlorophyll a when comparing specific Raman bands to other experimental results.
Identification and functional characterization of aβ-glucosidase fromBacillus tequelensisBD69 expressed in bacterial and yeast heterologous systems
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Pothula Ratnasri , Abdelgaffar Heba , Bashir Saira , Jurat-Fuentes Juan Luis 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe identification and characterization of novel β-glucosidase genes has attracted considerable attention because of their valuable use in a variety of industrial applications, ranging from biofuel production to improved digestibility of animal feed. We previously isolated a fiber-degrading strain ofBacillus tequelensisfrom buffalo dung samples, and the goal of the current work was to identify β-glucosidase genes in this strain. We describe the cloning and expression of a new β-glucosidase gene (Bteqβgluc) fromBacillus tequelensisstrain BD69 in bacterial and yeast hosts. The recombinant Bteqβgluc were used to characterize specificity and activity parameters, and candidate active residues involved in hydrolysis of different substrates were identified through molecular docking.MethodsThe full lengthBteqβgluc gene was cloned and expressed inEscherichia coliandPichia pastoriscultures. Recombinant Bteqβgluc proteins were purified by immobilized metal affinity or anion exchange chromatography and used in β-glucosidase activity assays measuring hydrolysis ofρ-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG). Activity parameters were determined by testing relative β-glucosidase activity after incubation under different temperature and pH conditions. Candidate active residues in Bteqβgluc were identified using molecular operating environment (MOE) software.ResultsThe clonedBteqβgluc gene belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 4 and encoded a 54.35 kDa protein. Specific activity of the recombinant β-glucosidase was higher when expressed inP. pastoris(1,462.25 U/mg) than inE. coli(1,445.09 U/mg) hosts using same amount of enzyme. Optimum activity was detected at pH 5 and 50 °C. The activation energy (Ea) was 44.18 and 45.29 kJ/mol for Bteqβgluc produced byP. pastorisandE. coli, respectively. Results from other kinetic parameter determinations, including pKafor the ionizable groups in the active site, Gibbs free energy of activation (ΔG‡), entropy of activation (ΔS‡), Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) for pNPG hydrolysis support unique kinetics and functional characteristics that may be of interest for industrial applications. Molecular docking analysis identified Glu, Asn, Phe, Tyr, Thr and Gln residues as important in protein-ligand catalytic interactions.
Relationship between Smartphone Use and Dry Eye Symptoms in Children
Authors: Dash Nikita , Choudhury Deepak , Mohapatra Sumita , Nanda Prasanta Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Purpose:
To study the relationship between smartphone use and dry eye disease (DED) in pediatric age group.

Materials & methods:
A prospective, quasi-experimental study of 78 children diagnosed with DED (as per International Dry Eye Workshop guidelines) was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Odisha over the duration of 9 months from July 2016 - March 2017. Questions on time of smartphone/other visual display terminal use, continuous reading hour, outdoor activity were asked to older children and parents of younger children. Symptoms were noted and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score calculated. Ocular examination including slit lamp, inter blink interval (IBI), tear-film breakup time (TBUT) & Schirmer's test (ST) done. The patients were divided into Category A (continuous smartphone use for >/=1hr) & Category B (use for <1hr at a stretch/intermittent use).

Results:
Of the 78 children (43.6% rural & 56.4% urban) 88.4% belonged to Category A and 11.6% to Category B. Mean IBI in Category A was 2.89s & in Category B it was 4.32s, mean TBUT was measured at 8.87 s and 9s in both the categories respectively, and a Schirmer's value of <10mm without anaesthesia in both the categories. Patients were reviewed again after discontinuing use of smartphone for 1 month. Improvement in symptoms and dry eye scores noted with the values being statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Smartphone use continuously for longer time can lead to symptoms of DED in children. With increasing smartphone use among younger population this is a cause of concern.
Analysis of Vitrectomy in GRT with or without Encircling Band
Authors: Khan Balbir , Anand Vartika , Bhavna Trikha , Wasil Amit 
Published: March 2020

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate difference in the surgical outcome for management of giant retinal tear (GRT) by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), with and without encircling 240 band.

Methods:
This was a randomised control study, 20 patients having GRT underwent PPV combined with encircling band in one group (A) and without band in group (B) along with laser retinopexy of the retina followed by silicon oil tamponade. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year.

Results:
Complete success (retinal attachment after silicon oil removal) was achieved in 12eyes (80%), at the end of follow up, while incomplete success (where retina remain detached under silicon oil removal or redetached after SOR) was seen in 8 eyes (20%) patients. At the end of follow up improvement of best corrected visual acuity was achieved in 19 eyes. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity ranged from Hand movements(HM) to 6/60, while post operative visual acuity ranged from 6/9 to HM in group A and 6/18 to HM(hand movements)in group B.

Conclusion:
GRT can be effectively treated with PPV along with encircling scleral band, 3600 laser retinopexy and silicon oil tamponade(1000cc and 5000cc in recurrent RD post SOR) with minimum incidence of recurrence.
Socioeconomic Factors and Cultural Practices Influencing the Resurgence of Bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus): A Case of Nakuru Town, Kenya
Authors: Dennis Muriithi , Dominic Mogere , John Kariuki , Abdirazak Shire , Samuel Kingóri 
Published: March 2020

Bedbugs are parasitic insects that feed mostly on blood (human). Cimex hemipterus commonly known as the Tropical bedbug resurge in warmer climates like Africa, Asia and America. Over the years bedbug infestation has remained a major public health concern among the residents of Nakuru Town Kenya. The purpose of this study was to determine socioeconomic factors and cultural practices that influence the resurgence of bedbugs in Nakuru Town, Kenya.
This study adopted analytic epidemiological study design and used cross sectional descriptive survey for data collection. It was conducted in seven estates in Nakuru Town, Kenya with an estimated population of 32,856 in a period of seven months. Cluster sampling was used to sample the households in the estates with the study surveillance being done in four hundred and twenty two (422) households whereas 57% and 43% of the participants were male and female respectively.
The main source of income among the respondents was self-employment with only 27% of the participants being employed. According to the findings of this study 31% of the residents were earning between 5000 and 10000 with only 4% of their monthly income been allocated to healthcare. The current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. Cultural beliefs like witchcraft are limiting the eradication of bedbugs and leads to the resurgence in some of the households.
In conclusion, the current socioeconomic status among the residents of Nakuru Town is inhibiting the fight against bedbug elimination. The findings of this study will be used to inform the policy makers in the Nakuru County government on measures to be taken to improve the socioeconomic status of its residents so that in the future residents are empowered to eradicate the bedbugs.
FNAC of Different Breast Lesions in Subset of Rural Areas of Sindh
Authors: Sidhwani Santosh Kumar , Mahesh Paras , Chand Haresh , Mandviwala Haider Abbas , Rajbhoy Zahra Saifuddin , Qureshi Jabbar Ahmed 
Published: March 2020

Background: In the 1970’s the introduction of Fine Need Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) proved to be the key method for examining the nature and malignant potential of many palpable lesions like thyroid, salivary glands and lymphadenopathies. Breast pathologies is one of the entity that can also be diagnosed with FNAC. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy of women with overall 100,000 cases being reported annually around the globe. The most frequent lesion encountered using FNAC in breast is fibro-adenoma followed by fibrocystic disease, breast abscess, chronic inflammatory conditions and suspicious malignant masses. In current cross sectional study we tried to find frequency of different breast lesions by FNAC.
Methodology and Results: 649 samples were recruited from the Vital Laboratory Larkana with different pathological lesions of breast during the year 2014 and 2015 by non-probability consecutive sampling. 613 (95%) were females and 32 (5%) were male with mean age of 30.8±12.8 years. Majority of case were of 20-39 years of age (55.8%). Most of the cases were diagnosed with benign lesions (329, 51%) followed by inflammatory lesions (132, 20.5%) and gynecomastia (15, 2.3%). Right breast was more affected (329, 51%). In present study we found a strong association of diagnosis with gender (p =0.000) and age (p =0.000).
Conclusion: So in this study it is concluded that large number of females with breast pathologies present with benign lesions like fibro-adenoma at the age of 20-39 years. It is also concluded that in this age group mastitis and abscesses are common due to different risk factors.
Analysis of the Gaseous Emissions and the Residues Generated under Oxy-fuel Combustion of Biomasses in a Drop Tube Furnace (DTF)
Authors: Cruz Glauber , Crnkovic Paula Manoel 
Published: March 2020

Some environmental problems are caused by pollutants from thermoelectric plants, mainly by burning fossil fuels. Alternatives for reducing such emissions are discussed worldwide and using green fuels is a promising way. Five biomasses (pine sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, coffee and rice husks and tucumã seeds) were evaluated for application as feedstock in thermochemical processes. Particular attention is devoted to the residues and emissions (CO, CO2, SO2 and NO) produced by biomasses burning in a Drop Tube Furnace (DTF). Oxy-combustion (CO2/O2:60/40%) experiments were performed and emissions monitored continuously. Thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize in natura biomasses and residues after oxy-fuel combustion. CO2 emissions ranged between 34 and 60 mg Nm-3 g-1. Sugarcane bagasse showed the lowest emissions of CO2 and NO (34 and 21 mg Nm-3 g-1, respectively) and highest O2-consumption (≈ 32%), while tucumã seed and pine sawdust samples provided the lowest values of CO and SO2 (345 and 5 mg Nm-3 g-1, respectively). TG/DTG curves of the residues compared to the in natura samples aided in diagnosing the performance of the oxy-combustion in a DTF. Organic matter remaining in residues (from 3 to 92%) showed clearly that efficiency of the thermal process varies with biomass-type used. Chemical composition of the residues showed different proportions of inorganic elements (Si, K and Ca) and trace elements (Na, Fe, Cu, S, P, Ma and Cl), demonstrating that individual behavior is an effect of the biomass properties diversity, influencing directly the burning process. The knowledge of some trends is important for the understanding that generalizations of processes cannot be applied when different biomasses are used in thermal processes.
Dilemas de uma maternidade consciente: a quantas anda a conversa dos feminismos com tudo isso?
Authors: Carneiro Rosamaria 
Published: March 2020

<p>Este artigo se dispõe a refletir sobre os contornos da noção de “maternidade consciente”, veiculada no Brasil, sobretudo, a partir dos anos 2000 e junto do ideário do parto humanizado. Decorridas quase duas décadas dos princípios de sua circulação e prática, pareceu-nos interessante descrever os sentidos que tem sido a ela atribuídos pelas próprias mulheres, partindo mais especificamente da reação esboçada plataforma <em>Não me chamo mãe</em>. Esse mapeamento nos permite refletir sobre as relações possíveis entre maternidades e feminismos na contemporaneidade, um enlace nem sempre simples e tampouco nítido. Nesses encontros e desencontros, de diferentes tintas, despontara a relação entre a maternidade e o seu valor econômico ao longo dos tempos. Um aspecto recentemente integrado a leitura feminista do assunto. </p>
Mulheres Negras e Maternidade: um olhar sobre o ciclo gravídico-puerperal
Authors: Oliveira Tamiz Lima 
Published: March 2020

<p>Este estudo tem como objetivo a análise, a partir das vivências das mulheres negras, refletir o processo de gestação, parto e puerpério sob a ótica de suas narrativas. Esta investigação se insere em bases teórico-metodológicas de autoras que estão inscritas na vertente dos estudos do feminismo negro interseccional. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de arcabouço qualitativo, tendo como técnica a Entrevista Semiestruturada. Tendo em vista que já existe produções teóricas sobre as mulheres no âmbito da gestação, e diversas pesquisas que apontam a vulnerabilidade de mulheres negras quando são duplamente oprimidas pelo gênero e pela raça, quais seriam então os possíveis resultados desse intercruzamento de mulheres negras, gestação e instituições de saúde? Até que ponto a ideia de mulher como um conceito universal é verídico no tratamento, acolhimento e procedimentos que receberão? Com centralidade neste problema, foram entrevistadas cinco mulheres autodeclaradas negras, com base em um roteiro de perguntas, com o subsídio de um gravador de voz. As reflexões deste trabalho apontam uma lacuna na produção científica no que se refere ao tema. Diante do pressuposto das encruzilhadas interseccionais das opressões de raça, gênero, classe, deficiência, entre outras, as interlocutoras evidenciam em seus discursos que não é verídica a universalidade da categoria mulher, tendo em vista que suas realidades são múltiplas. Surge também relatos de discriminações em instituições de saúde, violência obstétrica e institucional, e dificuldades relacionadas ao torna-se mãe. Percebe-se o maternar como uma construção social, carregada de expectativas e frustrações diante das negações de direitos.</p>
M
ethanothermaceae
Authors: Akinyemi Taiwo , Shao Nana , Whitman William B. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Me.tha.no.ther.ma.ce'ae. N.L. masc. n.
Methanothermus
type genus of the family; suff.
‐aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Methanothermaceae
the
Methanothermus
family.

Euryarchaeota / Methanobacteria / Methanobacteriales / Methanothermaceae

Rod‐shaped cells, 0.3–0.4 × 1–5 μm, occurring singly, in pairs, and in short chains. Cells stain Gram‐positive. Cells are nonmotile. The cell envelope consists of an inner pseudomurein layer and an outer proteinaceous S‐layer. Strictly anaerobic chemolithotrophs utilizing H
2
and CO
2
as their sole substrates for growth. Elemental sulfur is reduced to H
2
S. No growth is observed below 55–60°C, while optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 80 and 88°C. Free‐living in hot anaerobic environments within solfatara fields. So far, one genus with two species is described. Genome sequence is available for the type strain of the type species,
Methanothermus fervidus
V24S.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 31.5–33.5 (genome, LC).

Type genus
:
Methanothermus
Stetter et al. 1981, VL8.
Bidirectional associations between affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression
Authors: Tampke Elizabeth C. , Fite Paula J. , Cooley John L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPreliminary evidence indicates that affective empathy is differentially related to proactive and reactive functions of aggression. However, additional longitudinal research is needed to understand the potential reciprocal nature of these links. The current study examined the bidirectional associations between affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression over a 6‐month period during middle childhood, with attention to potential gender differences. Data were collected from 294 elementary school children (52% girls; M = 9.25 years; SD = 0.944 years) and their homeroom teachers. Affective empathy was assessed using self‐reports, and teachers provided ratings of children's functions of aggression. Data were collected during the fall and spring of one academic year. Overall, results suggest some evidence that affective empathy and functions of aggression are reciprocally linked over time. As predicted, Time 1 empathy was inversely associated with Time 2 proactive aggression and Time 1 reactive aggression was inversely associated with Time 2 empathy. Contrary to expectations, Time 1 proactive aggression was marginally positively associated with Time 2 empathy, and Time 1 empathy was not significantly associated with Time 2 reactive aggression. These prospective links did not differ according to gender. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Self‐reported rates of impulsivity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Aumann Megan A. , Stark Adam J. , Hughes Shelby B. , Lin Ya‐Chen , Kang Hakmook , Bradley Elise , Zald David H. , Claassen Daniel O. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveImpulsive decision‐making is characterized by actions taken without considering consequences. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who receive dopaminergic treatment, especially dopamine agonists, are at risk of developing impulsive–compulsive behaviors (ICBs). We assessed impulse‐related changes across a large heterogeneous PD population using the Barratt impulsivity scale (BIS‐11) by evaluating BIS‐11 first‐ and second‐order factors.MethodsWe assessed a total of 204 subjects: 93 healthy controls (HCs), and 68 ICB– and 43 ICB + PD patients who completed the BIS‐11. Using a general linear model and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operation regression, we compared BIS‐11 scores between the HC, ICB– PD, and ICB + PD groups.ResultsPatients with PD rated themselves as more impulsive than HCs in the BIS‐11 total score, second‐order attention domain, and first‐order attention and self‐control domains. ICB + patients recorded higher total scores as well as higher scores in the second‐order non‐planning domain and in self‐control and cognitive complexity than ICB– patients.InterpretationThese results indicate that the patients with PD show particular problems with attentional control, whereas ICB + patients show a distinct problem in cognitive control and complexity. Additionally, it appears that all patients with PD are more impulsive than their age‐ and sex‐matched healthy peers. Increased impulsivity may be a result of the disease course, or attributed to dopaminergic medication use, but these results emphasize the importance of the cognitive components of impulsivity in patients with PD.