bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of arsenic toxicity and transport in microorganisms
Authors: Mucha Seweryn , Berezowski Mateusz , Markowska Katarzyna 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Arsenic is an ubiquitous element present in the environment either through geological or anthropogenic activities. Millions of people all over the world are exposed to arsenic mainly via air, drinking water and food sources, which results in higher incidence of cancer. Several mechanisms by which arsenic compounds induce tumorigenesis have been proposed. Arsenic mediates its toxicity by generating oxidative stress, inducing protein misfolding, promoting genotoxicity, hampering DNA repair and disrupting signal transduction. Thus, all organisms have developed multiple pathways for arsenic detoxification. In this article, we review recent advances in the understanding of arsenic toxicity and its transport routes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including a dual role of aquaglyceroporins in the uptake and efflux, active transport out of the cell via secondary ion pumps and sequestration of metalloid-thiol conjugates into vacuoles by primary ABC transporters. We believe that such studies are of high importance due to the increasing usage of arsenic-based drugs in the treatment of certain types of cancer and diseases caused by protozoan parasites as well as for the development of bio-and phytoremediation strategies for metalloid-polluted areas.
1. Introduction. 2. The chemical properties and the presence of arsenic in the environment. 3. Pathways for arsenic uptake. 4. Mechanism of trivalent arsenic toxicity. 4.1. Oxidative stress. 4.2. Arsenic binding to proteins. 4.3. Protein aggregation. 5. Pentavalent arsenic toxicity. 6. Cellular detoxification mechanisms of arsenic compounds. 6.1. ars operons. 6.2. ACR genes. 6.3. Removal of arsenic conjugates by the ABC transporters. 6.4. Bi-directional transport of arsenic. 7. Summary
1. Wstęp. 2. Właściwości chemiczne i występowanie arsenu w środowisku. 3. Sposoby wnikania arsenu do komórek. 4. Mechanizmy toksycznego działania arsenu trójwartościowego. 4.1. Stres oksydacyjny. 4.2. Wiązanie z białkami. 4.3. Agregacja białek. 5. Toksyczność pięciowartościowego arsenu. 6. Mechanizmy detoksykacji komórek ze związków arsenu. 6.1. Operony ars. 6.2. Geny ACR. 6.3. Usuwanie koniugatów arsenu przez pierwotne transportery ABC. 6.4. Dwukierunkowy transport arsenu. 7. Podsumowanie
Pathogenicity of Lactobacillus sp. – risk factors, identification, antibiotic resistance
Authors: Kłos Marta 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Lactobacilli are found in the mucous membrane of the mouth, in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and in the genitourinary tract. It is known that lactobacilli have a beneficial effect on our health and are used in the production of fermented milk, yoghurts, cheese, and probiotics. However, in this article I show that lactic acid bacteria also cause many diseases. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid which acidifies the environment. There are some factors increasing the risk of infection caused by lactobacilli, such as neutropenia in immunocompromised patients and certain underlying diseases, especially diabetes. Also, lactobacilli have a natural resistance to some antibiotics, especially vancomycin. The identification of lactobacilli can be very difficult due to the number of species, subspecies and genotypic or phenotypic traits. The most advanced procedures are molecular DNA-based techniques. Conventional biochemical tests can be also used to determine some differences. Lactobacilli infection can affect both a single organ and the whole organism, causing for example lactobacillemia. The main disease caused by lactobacilli is endocarditis.
1. Introduction. 2. Risk factors. 3. Identification. 4. Pathogenicity. 5. Conclusions
1. Wstęp. 2. Czynniki zwiększające ryzyko infekcji Lactobacillus sp. 3. Identyfikacja Lactobacillus sp. 4. ChorobotwórczośćLactobacillus sp. 5. Podsumowanie
Underground communication – the new elements of signalling pathways of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Jas Katarzyna , Małolepsza Urszula 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between living cells of the roots of higher plants and non-pathogenic fungi which inhabit soil and belong to Glomeromycota (endomycorrhizae) and Basidiomycota, Ascomycota (ectomycorrhizae). Although the phenomenon of mycorrhiza was discovered by a Polish botanist F.D. Kamieński already in 1881, various stages of establishing the symbiotic relationship between the partners are still not fully understood and explained. According to the current knowledge, the roots of host plants release strigolactones, which stimulate germination and branching of spores of arbuscular fungi. As a result, the fungi synthesize molecular signals, i.e. chitooligosaccharides (COs) and lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOS), called MycF factors. Thanks to the development of molecular biology techniques the probable cascade of events during the recognition of fungal MycF factor by the host-plant has been outlined. The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase 1 (HMGR1) and also its product, mevalonic acid (MVA), play an essential role in the biosynthesis of sterols and isoprenoids in a plant cell. The recent studies indicate that these compounds may also play a very important role during establishing of the symbiotic mycorrhizal relationship. It is believed that MVA detects and transmits MycF factor to a cell nucleus of a host-plant triggering numerous necessary mechanisms in the plant cell to activate next steps of the mycorrhizal symbiosis. The discovery of HMGR1 and MVA sheds new light on symbiotic nature of mycorrhiza. This paper is a review of the current knowledge on the signal exchange during symbiotic interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and host plants.
1. Introduction. 2. Symbiotic nature of arbuscular fungi. 3. Arbuscular mycorrhiza in early stages. 4. Exchange of signaling molecules during arbuscular mycorrhiza formation. 5. Mevalonic acid – secondary signaling molecule messengers in the arbuscular mycorrhiza. 6. Protein kinase CCaMK as a key element in the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhiza. 7. Summary
Nitroaromatic compounds – characteristics and methods of biodegradation
Authors: Wysocka Alicja , Olszyna Agata , Komorowska Iga , Popowska Magdalena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Nitroaromatic compounds are present in the environment mainly as industry products. They pose a serious risk to our health (often exhibiting strong mutagenic and carcinogenic effect) as well as to the environment. Most of the nitroaromatic compounds are stable due to considerable resistance to degradation and they persist in the environment for a long time. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge concerning biodegradation of nitroaromatic compounds. In the first part, general information regarding their proprieties, synthesis and sources as well as pathways of microbial aerobic or anaerobic degradation are described. In some cases microorganisms have evolved several pathways of degradation specific nitrocompound, for instance nitrobenzene, which we describe in detail. The second part of the publication focuses on environmental bioremediation of nitrocompounds.
1. Introduction. 2.2. Characteristics of aromatic nitrocompounds. 2.1. Chemical properties and synthesis nitroarenes. 2.2. Synthetic aromatic nitrocompounds. 3. The aromatic nitrocompounds in the environment. 4. Risks related to aromatic nitrocompounds. 5. Biodegradation of aromatic nitrocompounds. 5.1. Microbial degradation of aromatic compounds. 5.1.1. Aerobic degradation. 5.1.2. Reductive degradation nitroarenes. 5.1.2.1. Anaerobic digestion. 5.1.3 Degradation of nitrobenzene – an example of alternative distribution pathway. 6. Bioremediation. 6.1. Bioremediation of aromatic nitro compounds – examples of implementation. 6.1.1. Bioremediation engineering in situ. 6.1.2. Bioremediation engineering ex situ. 6.2. Limitations of the bioremediation process and strategies to overcome them. 7. Summary
Microbiological contaminations of underground gas storage facilities and natural gas pipelines
Authors: Staniszewska Agnieszka , Kunicka-Styczyńska Alina , Ziemiński Krzysztof 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The growing demand for natural gas is primarily due to an increase in the share of gas in electricity production. Replacing coal with natural gas results in a significant decrease in emissions of greenhouse gases and dusts. The presence of microorganisms may be the cause of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities and pipelines deterioration. Microorganisms and their metabolic products contribute to the formation of sudden and unexpected failure causing loss of energy security by: decline in the quality of stored gas or disruption of its transmission. The paper presents a variety of microbiomes of the underground storage facilities and pipelines, showing that not only the sulfate-reducing bacteria are able to grow and develop in these extreme environments. Microorganisms producing CH4 may change the composition of the gas, and the produced H2S and CO2 are not only gas pollutants, but also generate corrosion of transmission networks. At the same time, the presence of bacteria and archaea in pipelines hinders the correct operation of the network, through the accumulation of biofilm and reduction in the pipe diameter.
1. Introduction. 2. Microorganisms in underground gas storage facilities. 3. Microorganisms in natural gas pipelines. 4. Summary
Taxonomy, virulence and life cycles of Bacillus cereus sensu lato
Authors: Bartoszewicz Marek , Czyżewska Urszula 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Bacillus cereus sensu lato is a group of several species of Gram-positive sporeformers ubiquitous in nature and showing huge impact on human activities. They are often found in soil, air, plant material, animal tissues and digestive tracts as well as in food products. Their genetic similarities and frequent horizontal gene transfer causes doubts regarding their taxonomy. In addition, their toxicity and psychrotolerance constitute serious problems in the dairy industry, being responsible for food-poisonings and spoilage of cold-stored products. Finally, recent finding indicate that B. cereus sensu lato toxicity plays an important role not only in their virulence, but also in social interactions with other bacteria.
1. Introduction. 2. The most important aspects of B. cereus sensu lato biology. 2.1. First challenge – coherent taxonomy. 2.2. Second challenge – life cycles and interactions with the environment. 2.3. Third challenge – adaptation to low temperatures. 2.4. Fourth challenge – toxins of B. cereus sensu lato. 3. Summary
The Hfq protein – a novel view on the well-known riboregulator
Authors: Cech Grzegorz M. , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Hfq protein is one of the most important regulatory factors acting at the RNA level. This protein was first discovered as a host factor necessary for Qβ bacteriophage development. Following the discovery, the Hfq role in bacteriophage development was not investigated in depth. In subsequent years, however, many studies revealed various riboregulatory functions of this protein, mainly focused on facilitating sRNA and mRNA pairing, regulating both the degradation and stability of many transcripts. The Hfq protein has the ability to bind to nucleic acids – it binds more efficiently to RNA, but can also attach to DNA. It has been also proved that Hfq is involved in the nucleoid organization. These observations open room for discussion on the potential role of Hfq in the regulation of DNA replication. Since Hfq protein affects many cellular processes, the deletion of the gene encoding this protein has a pleiotropic effect on the cell.
1. Introduction. 2. The history of the Hfq protein discovery and its evolutionary context. 3. Structure of the Hfq protein and its molecular function. 4. Characteristics of cells devoid of the Hfq protein. 5. Hfq interactions with the DNA. 6. Summary
Listeriosis. Modern perception of epidemiological threat
Authors: Lewańska Monika , Godela Agnieszka , Myga-Nowak Magdalena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The presence of Listeria rods, especially Listeria monocytogenes, in the environment and food products, contributes each year to death of both humans and animals. The ability of bacteria to lead a saprophytic and parasitic existence as well as insensitivity to many physicochemical factors greatly facilitates the spread and guarantees access to a wide range of vulnerable organisms. Although the factors predisposing to infection result in a relatively low incidence of disease, infections are characterized by high mortality and often the need of hospitalization. The disease most often manifests itself in the form of bacteremia, meningitis and encephalitis as well as perinatal infections. The way Listeria spreads in the body contributes to the identification of new types of the disease. Recent studies on the acquisition of pathogenicity traits, dose and development of antibiotic resistance as well as numerous reports on incidence of these bacteria and the epidemics they caused, have led to more efficient monitoring of the pathogen . The qualification of the disease has also changed and, currently, listeriosis is considered a contemporary threat to life and health.
1. Introduction. 2. Genus Listeria. Characteristics and traits responsible for pathogenicity. 3. Listeriosis. Transmission pathways. 4. The beginning and course of the infection. 5. Clinical forms of listeriosis. 5.1. Bacteremia. 5.2. Central nervous system infections. 5.3. Perinatal infections. 5.4. Gastroenteritis. 5.5. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). 5.6. Endocarditis. 5.7. Inflammation and liver abscess. 5.8. Skin and eye infections. 5.9. Musculoskeletal infection. 6. Monitoring. 7. Normalization. 8. Summary
Farmed and companion animals as reservoirs of zoonotic rotavirus strains
Authors: Kozyra Iwona , Rzeżutka Artur 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Rotavirus (RV) infections are a major epidemiological problem in humans and farm animals. So far, a number of human and animal RV strains have been identified. Based on the antigenic properties of the VP6 capsid protein, they have been classified into eight serogroups (A-H). The most important of them are viruses from group A (RVA), which are responsible for more than 90% of cases of rotaviral diarrhoea. The segmented structure of the virus genome and the presence of animals in human neighbourhood favour genetic reassortment between RV strains originating from different hosts. This could result in an emergence of zoonotic virus strains. The increasing number of human infections caused by virus strains having genotypes which have only been identified in animals indicates the need for epidemiological surveillance of infections. Additionally, the identification of epidemic virus strains in the outbreaks of disease in humans should be conducted. The identification of RVA strains circulating in humans and animals will allow the assessment of the impact of vaccination on the selection and emergence of zoonotic RVA strains.
1. Introduction. 2. General characteristics and classification of rotaviruses. 3. Group A rotavirus infection in humans. 4. Group A rotavirus infection in animals. 5. Genetic changes and reassortment as factors leading to the formation of zoonotic rotavirus strains. 6. Impact of human immunization on changes in genotype profile of circulating rotavirus strains. 7. Conclusions
Implementation of whole genome sequencing for bacteria genotyping
Authors: Artyszuk Daria , Wołkowicz Tomasz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The molecular typing methods are used to identify specific genetic targets and relationships between microbial isolates. In order to understand clonal relatedness between the microbial strains, classic phenotypic methods are used in line with modern molecular biology techniques. The development of genetics, especially new techniques like molecular typing, have revolutionized microbial research. After 1970, the development techniques, especially those referring to DNA sequencing, established molecular microbiology, thus providing modern tools for the identification of sources and routes of infection. Whole genome sequencing and other high-throughput typing methods are becoming increasingly popular and, thanks to their high resolution, they are ideal tools for comparative analysis of bacteria. This study reviews the methods most commonly used in the molecular typing of bacteria, including those which are in the development stage and may be the main tool in microbial typing in the future.
1. Introduction. 1.1. Typing methods. 2. Phenotypic typing methods. 3. Genetic typing methods. 3.1. REA-PFGE. 3.2. MLVA. 3.3. MLST. 4. 1st generation sequencing technology. 4.1. Sanger sequencing. 4.2. Maxam-Gilbert sequencing. 5. Whole genome sequencing. 5.1. 2nd generation sequencing. 5.2. 3rd generation sequencing. 6. Molecular typing using whole genome sequencing. 6.1. K-mer. 6.2. SNP. 6.3. wgMLST. 7. Analysis difficulties. 7.1. Data processing. 7.2. Data storage and sharing. 7.3. Nomenclature. 8. Potential directions of development. 9. Summary
NON-ANTIBIOTIC USE OF ANTIBIOTICS
Authors: Danielewski Maciej , Ksiądzyna Dorota , Szeląg Adam 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Antibiotics are widely used medicines in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, some of them show also non-antibiotic properties, which are increasingly used in the treatment of non-infectious diseases. The authors of this publication believe that this is one of the reasons behind antibiotic dissemination in the environment and, ipso facto, behind the increasing risk of bacterial resistance. It is worth remembering that, along with the progress in science and better knowledge of the new properties of antibiotics, every extension of indications for antimicrobial agents may restrict their primary indications. Progress in science does not always mean progress in therapy. In fact, it may sometimes have an opposite effect and we should be able to assess the benefit/risk ratio. The aim of this study was to present other than antibacterial properties of antibiotics which currently are or may be used in the future in the treatment of non-infectious diseases, as well as to assess the long-term effects of extending the indications for medicines commonly used in the treatment of infectious diseases. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such attempt has not been made so far, therefore authors decided to review the most important, useful or promising reports on non-antibiotic use of antibiotics. The article summarizes the latest data on prokinetic action of erythromycin, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action of azithromycine, potential use of doxycycline as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent, and also anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of minocycline. Futhermore, the basics of demeclocycline application in the treatment of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone hypesecretion syndrome and rifaximin use as an anti-inflammatory and eubiotic agent are presented. Neuroprotective action of ceftriaxone and anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory action of fusafungine were also described.
1. Introduction – antibiotics as potentially effective agents in the therapy of non-infectious diseases. 2. Erythromycine – prokinetic action. 3. Azithromycine – anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action. 4. Doxycycline – anticancer and anti-inflammatory action. 5. Minocycline – anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant and antiapoptotic action. 6. Demeclocycline – inhibition of the antiantidiuretic hormone action. 7. Rifaximin – anti-inflammatory action / eubiotic. 8. Ceftriaxone – neuroprotective action. 9. Fusafungine – anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory action. 10. Summary
Psychometric validity of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scale for Adolescents: a Swedish version
Authors: Henje Eva , Rindestig Frida Carlberg , Gilbert Paul , Dennhag Inga 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background:
There is increasing evidence that compassion is linked to mental health and well-being while difficulties in receiving and expressing compassion to self and others is associated with mental health and social difficulties. For the most part the self-report scales that measure these processes have been developed for adults and little is known how they function in adolescents. This study investigates a Swedish adaption for adolescents of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS), developed by Gilbert et al. (2017) for adults. This assesses different competencies associated with being compassionate to others, the experience receiving compassion from others, and being compassionate with one-self.

Objective:
To evaluate the psychometric properties and gender differences of CEAS for Youths - Swedish version (CEASY-SE), in a school-sample of adolescents (n = 316) aged 15-20 years.

Method:
The Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales were translated into Swedish. A back-translation method was used. It was then adapted for adolescents with age-appropriate language. Adolescents were recruited by research assistants at two public high schools.

Results:
After removing one item of each subscale, the dimensionalities of the three scales were good. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that engagement and action constituted different dimensions in each scale. Internal consistency was good to excellent in all three sub-scales (α from 0.74 to 0.92). Intra Class Correlations demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability over a period of three weeks (0.67 to 0.85). Convergent and divergent validity were as expected, except for Compassion for others, which did not correlate with anxiety and depression symptoms as expected. Girls showed less self-compassion compared to boys and more compassion for others.

Conclusions:
Present study suggests that CEASY-SE has good to excellent psychometric properties and further study is needed for more definite establishment of the psychometric properties. Girls and boys have different patterns of compassion.
Help-seeking behavior in Norwegian adolescents: the role of bullying and cyberbullying victimization in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaiser Sabine , Kyrrestad Henriette , Fossum Sturla 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background:
Help-seeking is considered a constructive coping style. However, the threshold at which many adolescents seek help is relatively high, and the outcomes are not necessarily always positive.

Objective:
The main aim of this study was to examine if bullying and cyberbullying victimization predicted help-seeking behavior among Norwegian adolescents.

Method:
Help-seeking behavior was predicted using three different Generalized Linear Mixed Models. In addition to demographic characteristics and mental health, these models controlled for bullying and cyberbullying, respectively.

Results:
2054 adolescents answered questions on help-seeking behavior and if they had felt the need to seek outside help with their problems, feelings, behavior, or emotional troubles within the past 6 months. Two hundred (9.7%) reported seeking outside help. Being exposed to bullying increased the likelihood of help-seeking behavior, while being exposed to cyberbullying did not. Only when forms of bullying or cyberbullying, respectively, were added to the models, did the threat of having rumors spread, both in real life and online, increase the likelihood for seeking help.

Conclusions:
Many factors affect whether adolescents seek help for a problem. The fact that adolescents exposed to bullying seek help more often than those not exposed may be considered a success, as this behavior is encouraged by many adults, mental health professionals, and anti-bullying interventions. However, adolescents exposed to cyberbullying did not seem to seek help. Future studies should identify factors that lead to more and successful help-seeking among bullied and cyberbullied adolescents.