bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slime molds as a valuable source of antimicrobial agents
Authors: Tafakori Vida 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGiven the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens, the number of effective antimicrobial agents to deal with the threat of bacterial and fungal resistance has fallen dramatically. Therefore, the critical solution to deal with the missing effective antibiotics is to research new sources or new synthetic antibiotics. Natural products have different advantages to be considered antimicrobial agents. There are different natural sources for antimicrobial agents, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, slime molds, and plants. This article has focused on antibiotics from slime molds, especially Myxomycetes. The reason why slime molds have been chosen to be studied is their unique bioactive metabolites, especially over the past couple of decades. Some of those metabolites have been demonstrated to possess antibiotic activities. Hence, this article has focused on the potential of these creatures as an alternative source of antibiotics.
Deletion of ER-retention motif on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduces cell hybrid during cell–cell fusion
Authors: Wang Xuening , Chen Chih-Hsiung , Badeti Saiaditya , Cho Jong Hyun , Naghizadeh Alireza , Wang Ziren , Liu Dongfang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The novel SARS-CoV-2 has quickly become a global pandemic since the first reported case in December 2019, with the virus infecting millions of people to date. The spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus plays a key role in binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a host cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2. S proteins that are expressed on the cell membrane can initiate receptor-dependent syncytia formation that is associated with extensive tissue damage. Formation of syncytia have been previously observed in cells infected with various other viruses (e.g., HIV, Ebola, Influenza, and Herpesviruses). However, this phenomenon is not well documented and the mechanisms regulating the formation of the syncytia by SARS-CoV-2 are not fully understood.

Results
In this study, we investigated the possibility that cell fusion events mediated by the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 interaction can occur in different human cell lines that mimic different tissue origins. These cell lines were transduced with either wild-type (WT-S) S protein or a mutated variant where the ER-retention motif was removed (Δ19-S), as well as human ACE2 expression vectors. Different co-culture combinations of spike-expressing 293T, A549, K562, and SK-Hep1 cells with hACE2-expressing cells revealed cell hybrid fusion. However, only certain cells expressing S protein can form syncytial structures as this phenomenon cannot be observed in all co-culture combinations. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 mediated cell–cell fusion represents a cell type-dependent process which might rely on a different set of parameters. Recently, the Δ19-S variant is being widely used to increase SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus production for in vitro assays. Comparison of cell fusion occurring via Δ19-S expressing cells shows defective nuclear fusion and syncytia formation compared to WT-S.

Conclusions
This distinction between the Δ19-S variant and WT-S protein may have downstream implications for studies that utilize pseudovirus-based entry assays. Additionally, this study suggest that spike protein expressed by vaccines may affect different ACE2-expressing host cells after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration. The long-term effects of these vaccines should be monitored carefully. Δ19-S mRNA may represent a safer mRNA vaccine design in the future.
Some properties of degenerate complete and partial Bell polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kwon Jongkyum , Lee Hyunseok , Park Seong-Ho 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we study degenerate complete and partial Bell polynomials and establish some new identities for those polynomials. In addition, we investigate the connections between modified degenerate complete and partial Bell polynomials, which are closely related to the degenerate complete and partial Bell polynomials, and the joint distribution of weighted sums of independent degenerate Poisson random variables.
Nitrogen addition reduced carbon mineralization of aggregates in forest soils but enhanced in paddy soils in South China
Authors: Cao Ruirui , Chen Longchi , Hou Xincun , Lü Xiaotao , Li Haimei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite the crucial role of nitrogen (N) availability in carbon (C) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, soil organic C (SOC) mineralization in different sizes of soil aggregates under various land use types and their responses to N addition is not well understood. To investigate the responses of soil C mineralization in different sized aggregates and land use types to N addition, an incubation experiment was conducted with three aggregate-size classes (2000, 250, and 53 μm) and two land use types (a Chinese fir plantation and a paddy land).

Results
Cumulative C mineralization of the < 53-μm fractions was the highest and that of microaggregates was the lowest in both forest and paddy soils, indicating that soil aggregates enhanced soil C stability and reduced the loss of soil C. Cumulative C mineralization in all sizes of aggregates treated with N addition decreased in forest soils, but that in microaggregates and the < 53-μm fraction increased in paddy soils treated with 100 μg N g−1. Moreover, the effect sizes of N addition on C mineralization of forest soils were below zero, but those of paddy soils were above zero. These data indicated that N addition decreased SOC mineralization of forest soils but increased that of paddy soils.

Conclusions
Soil aggregates play an important role in soil C sequestration, and decrease soil C loss through the increase of soil C stability, regardless of land use types. N addition has different effects on soil C mineralization in different land use types. These results highlight the importance of soil aggregates and land use types in the effects of N deposition on the global terrestrial ecosystem C cycle.
Novel method using DW-MRI and ADC images to guide stereotactic biopsy for the diagnosis small primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a case report
Authors: Su Xu , Han Liang , Li Mengxing , Wang Zhengming , Gao Jiadui , Tian Yu , Du Chao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
To determine the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) imaging to guide stereotactic biopsy for the diagnosis of intracranial angiitis.

Case presentation
In a 28-year-old woman who had experienced inactive headache and right limbs numbness for 4 days, preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, enhanced scanning, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and ADC image scanning were performed. Stereotactic biopsy was performed in one target where the area of edema detected with MR FLAIR, and two targets where the area shown as a high-value and a lower value area in the DWI/ADC image. Pathological examinations together with computed tomographic and enhanced MRI scans were conducted after surgery. A preoperative enhanced MRI scan showed a uniform low-intensity lesion in the patient’s left centrum semiovale, with a volume of 3.1 cm3. The DWI and ADC images showed uneven high-intensity signals and different ADC values in the lesion area, respectively. During surgery, tissues around the lesion and the lesion center were sampled at the three selected targets. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was primary angiitis of the central nervous system, and the patient was given anti-inflammatory medication and hormone therapy. The 3-year follow-up confirmed that the patient had recovered well, with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of five.

Conclusion
DW-MRI and ADC images can be reliably used to determine the location of small intracranial lesions, and guide stereotactic biopsy to facilitate the diagnosis of primary vasculitis of the central nervous system.
Appendiceal bleeding in an elderly male: a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Maeda Yuto , Saito Seiya , Ohuchi Mayuko , Tamaoki Yuka , Nasu Jiro , Baba Hideo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding has been increased including colonic diverticulitis and angioplasty. However, appendiceal bleeding is extremely rare.

Case presentation
We present a case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding from the appendix in an elderly male who presented with melena. Appendiceal bleeding was diagnosed using lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. The patient did not have melena postoperatively, and was discharged 6 days after the surgery.

Conclusion
It is important to distinguish appendiceal bleeding from lower gastrointestinal bleeding and to treat it as soon as possible with less invasiveness.
New homozygous gpt delta transgenic rat strain improves an efficiency of the in vivo mutagenicity assay
Authors: Masumura Kenichi , Ando Tomoko , Ukai Akiko , Fujiwara Sho , Yokose Shigeo , You Xinyue , Suzuki Takayoshi , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Nohmi Takehiko , Takagi Hisayoshi , Honma Masamitsu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Gene mutation assays in transgenic rodents are useful tools to investigate in vivo mutagenicity in a target tissue. Using a lambda EG10 transgene containing reporter genes, gpt delta transgenic mice and rats have been developed to detect point mutations and deletions. The transgene is integrated in the genome and can be rescued through an in vitro packaging reaction. However, the packaging efficiency is lower in gpt delta rats than in mice, because of the transgene in gpt delta rats being heterozygous and in low copy number. To improve the packaging efficiency, we herein describe a newly developed homozygous gpt delta rat strain.

Results
The new gpt delta rat has a Wistar Hannover background and has been successfully maintained as homozygous for the transgene. The packaging efficiency in the liver was 4 to 8 times higher than that of existing heterozygous F344 gpt delta rats. The frequency of gpt point mutations significantly increased in the liver and bone marrow of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (ENU)- and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-treated rats. Spi− deletion frequencies significantly increased in the liver and bone marrow of BaP-treated rats but not in ENU-treated rats. Whole genome sequencing analysis identified ≥ 30 copies of lambda EG10 transgenes integrated in rat chromosome 1.

Conclusions
The new homozygous gpt delta rat strain showed a higher packaging efficiency, and could be useful for in vivo gene mutation assays in rats.
Evaluation of cannabidiol’s inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase and its stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids
Authors: Ma Hang , Li Huifang , Liu Chang , Seeram Navindra P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to have anti-diabetic effects in pre-clinical and clinical studies but its inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, a carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme, remain unknown. Herein, we evaluated CBD’s inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase using in vitro assays and computational studies.

Methods
CBD’s inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity was evaluated in a yeast enzymatic assay and by molecular docking. The stability of CBD in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography analyses.

Results
CBD, at 10, 19, 38, 76, 152, 304, 608, and 1216 μM, inhibited α-glucosidase activity with inhibition of 17.1, 20.4, 48.1, 56.6, 59.1, 63.7, 74.1, and 95.4%, respectively. Acarbose, the positive control, showed a comparable inhibitory activity (with 85.1% inhibition at 608 μM). CBD’s inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase was supported by molecular docking showing binding energy (-6.39 kcal/mol) and interactions between CBD and the α-glucosidase protein. CBD was stable in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids for two hours (maintained ≥ 90.0%).

Conclusions
CBD showed moderate inhibitory effect against yeast α-glucosidase activity and was stable in gastric and intestinal fluids. However, further studies on CBD’s anti-α-glucosidase effects using cellular and in vivo models are warranted to support its potential application for the management of type II diabetes mellitus.
Dielectric metasurface zone plate for the generation of focusing vortex beams
Authors: Hu Yufeng , Liu Xuan , Jin Mingke , Tang Yutao , Zhang Xuecai , Li King Fai , Zhao Yan , Li Guixin , Zhou Jing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum have important applications in high dimensional optical information processing, manipulations of tiny particles, super-resolution imaging and so on. Among various optical components, metasurface represents an ideal platform for realizing vortex beams with multiple optical functionalities due to its strong ability in manipulating the phase, polarization and amplitude of light. A metasurface combing the functions of a lens and a vortex beam generator can greatly shrink the size of many optical systems. Here, we alternatively propose a new metasurface design based on the concept of a Fresnel zone plate to generate, focus the vortex beams, and perform on-axis interference between different vortex beams. These functions are experimentally demonstrated through encoding the spiral phase profiles into the odd and even zones of a dielectric metasurface. The proposed vortex beam generation strategy employs the advantages of both the Fresnel zone plate and the metasurface, and may open new routes for high-dimensional optical information processing.
Efficacy of axial TheraTogs on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: El-Shamy Shamekh Mohamed , Abd El Kafy Ehab Mohamed 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
TheraTogs promotes proprioceptive sense of a child with cerebral palsy and improves abnormal muscle tone, posture alignment, balance, and gait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TheraTogs orthotic undergarment on gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Thirty children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy were selected for this randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to (1) an experimental group that received TheraTogs orthotic undergarment (12 h/day, 3 days/week) plus traditional physical therapy for 3 successive months and (2) a control group that received only traditional physical therapy program for the same time period. Gait parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention using Pro-Reflex motion analysis.

Results
Children in both groups showed significant improvements in the gait parameters (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the experimental group than in the control group.

Conclusions
The use of TheraTogs may have a positive effect to improve gait pattern in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

Trial registration
This trial was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT03037697).
Studying Müllerian duct anomalies – from cataloguing phenotypes to discovering causation
Authors: Santana González Laura , Artibani Mara , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are developmental disorders of the Müllerian duct, the embryonic anlage of most of the female reproductive tract. The prevalence of MDAs is 6.7% in the general female population and 16.7% in women who exhibit recurrent miscarriages. Individuals affected by these anomalies suffer from high rates of infertility, first-trimester pregnancy losses, premature labour, placental retention, foetal growth retardation and foetal malpresentations. The aetiology of MDAs is complex and heterogeneous, displaying a range of clinical pictures that generally lack a direct genotype-phenotype correlation. De novo and familial cases sharing the same genomic lesions have been reported. The familial cases follow an autosomal-dominant inheritance, with reduced penetrance and variable expressivity. Furthermore, few genetic factors and molecular pathways underpinning Müllerian development and dysregulations causing MDAs have been identified. The current knowledge in this field predominantly derives from loss-of-function experiments in mouse and chicken models, as well as from human genetic association studies using traditional approaches, such as microarrays and Sanger sequencing, limiting the discovery of causal factors to few genetic entities from the coding genome. In this Review, we summarise the current state of the field, discuss limitations in the number of studies and patient samples that have stalled progress, and review how the development of new technologies provides a unique opportunity to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, we discuss how these new technologies can improve functional validation of potential causative alterations in MDAs.
Increase of SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in faecal samples prompts for rethinking of SARS-CoV-2 biology and COVID-19 epidemiology
Authors: Petrillo Mauro , Brogna Carlo , Cristoni Simone , Querci Maddalena , Piazza Ornella , Van den Eede Guy 
Published: June 2021

Background Scientific evidence for the involvement of human microbiota in the development of COVID-19 disease has been reported recently. SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in human faecal samples and SARS-CoV-2 activity in faeces from COVID-19 patients have been observed. Methods Starting from these observations, an experimental design was developed to cultivate in vitro faecal microbiota from infected individuals, to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and to collect data on the relationship between faecal bacteria and the virus. Results Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 replicates in vitro in bacterial growth medium, that the viral replication follows bacterial growth and it is influenced by the administration of specific antibiotics. SARS-CoV-2-related peptides have been detected in 30-day bacterial cultures and characterised. Discussion Our observations are compatible with a ‘bacteriophage-like’ behaviour of SARS-CoV-2, which, to our knowledge has not been observed or described before. These results are unexpected and hint towards a novel hypothesis on the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and on the COVID-19 epidemiology. The discovery of possible new modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 has far-reaching implications for the prevention and the treatment of the disease.
Analysis of the Dynamics of Mortality of Liquidators of the Consequences of the Accident at the Chernobyl NPP - Workers of the Atomic Industry of Russia
Authors: Shafransky I. , Tukov A. , Prokhorova O. , Kalinina M. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Assessment of the health of persons working under the influence of certain adverse environmental factors.
Material and methods: The work includes all male liquidators registered in the Sectoral Register of persons exposed to radiation as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This is about 18.5 thousand people. More than half of them have a verified dose load, all of which were exposed to radiation while working in the 30-km zone of the Chernobyl NPP. At this stage of the study, estimates were obtained for the corresponding retirement intensity function for two cohorts of liquidators – 1986 and subsequent years of work.In order to assess the dynamics of the age-specific mortality of the liquidators, the data for the years 2000 and 2014 are considered. It did not make sense to take earlier years due to the relatively young age of the liquidators at that point in time. The second estimate is related to exactly 15 years – half the entire period of observation of the register. 2014 turned out to be more preferable compared to 2015 due to the fact that it was in 2014 that a significant number of people were deregistered and thus dropped out of consideration.
Empirical analysis methods are used – survival curves are considered (data such as the lifetime) both in terms of morbidity and mortality. And a comparison is made of the curves obtained in different rank groups. For fitting curves, risk functions of various parametric distributions constructed using the likelihood function can be used. The main problem of this analysis is a large number of censored data at this stage of the study.
Results: The death rate of the liquidators differs significantly from the death rate of the male population of the Russian Federation, however, this difference decreases with time, primarily due to a decrease in the death rate of the population in the Russian Federation. If the trends in the dynamics of age-specific mortality in the Russian Federation correspond to global standards, which corresponds to a positive dynamic, the dynamics of the age-specific mortality of the liquidators is paradoxical, which primarily concerns the cohort of liquidators of 1986. The weather smoothed mortality of the liquidators of 1986 exceeds that calculated for all the liquidators of the register, which may indicate the presence of some additional factors determining the health of this group of persons. By the years 2007–2010, a significant increase in the slope of the mortality curve is observed as a sign of the cohort selection, relegation of the weaker ones first. Using the Kaplan –Meier method, survival curves for cohorts were constructed, and the presence of significant differences in their mortality was shown.
Self-stigma for the time of passing — an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of older women struggling with depression in the course of mood disorders
Authors: Bańbura-Nowak Anna , Kowara Katarzyna , Opoczyńska-Morasiewicz Małgorzata 
Published: June 2021

Cel pracyAutostygmatyzacja związana z zaburzeniami psychicznymi może stanowić dodatkową przyczynę cierpienia osób nimi dotkniętych. Naszym zamiarem było poszerzenie przyjętego w literaturze założenia, że zjawisku autostygmatyzacji towarzyszą jedynie negatywne konsekwencje. Podjęłyśmy próbę opisania i zrozumienia sposobów przeżywania siebie i relacji z innymi w kontekście chorowania na depresję, a także poddałyśmy refleksji wielość możliwych znaczeń autostygmatyzacji.MetodaNa podstawie danych zebranych podczas wywiadów indywidualnych z sześcioma kobietami w wieku 60+, hospitalizowanymi z powodu nasilenia epizodu depresji w przebiegu zaburzeń nastroju przeprowadziłyśmy interpretacyjną analizę fenomenologiczną.WynikiWyodrębniłyśmy trzy znaczenia, jakie może mieć zaabsorbowanie chorobą i opisałyśmy je w obszarach: (1) Zmaganie się z depresją jako ważny aspekt tożsamości; (2) Depresja jako jeden z aspektów, wokół których zorganizowane jest myślenie o przyszłości; (3) Depresja jako regulator relacji interpersonalnych.WnioskiAutostygmatyzacja przejawiała się u badanych w postaci dotkliwej dewaluacji siebie i owładnięcia krytycznymi myślami na swój temat. Wydaje się jednak, że usilne postrzeganie siebie przez pryzmat choroby mogło też pełnić pewne funkcje ochronne: wypełniać pustkę po pełnionych dawniej rolach; zabezpieczać przed konfrontacją z przemijaniem oraz stwarzać przestrzeń do kontaktu z innymi. Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników sformułowałyśmy wskazania do psychoedukacji starszych osób zmagających się z depresją: zachęcanie do tworzenia narracji na temat swojej przeszłości, umożliwienie kontaktu z rówieśnikami dotkniętymi podobnymi troskami, odstąpienie od prób zachęcania do zmiany sposobu przeżywania siebie i rewizji autonarracji.