bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Optimization of Persian Gum/Whey Protein Bionanocomposite Films Containing Betanin Nanoliposomes for Food Packaging Utilization
Authors: Ghasempour Zahra , Khodaivandi Sepideh , Ahangari Hossein , Hamishehkar Hamed , Amjadi Sajed , Kia Ehsan Moghaddas , Ehsani Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, composite packaging films were produced from relatively inexpensive materials including whey protein isolate (WPI) and Persian gum (PG), supplemented with betanin nanoliposomes (NLPs). Using response surface methodology (central composite design), we investigated the effects of two variables (PG [0–2% w/v] and betanin NLPs’ [0–10% w/v] content) on the physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties of the film treatments. Afterward, the optimal treatment was evaluated for structural and antimicrobial characteristics. The film samples' permeability to water vapor decreased with the addition of NLP (from 7.38 to 5.46 g/Pa.s.m) but increased with PG incorporation; decreased solubility was observed when either substance was added. Mechanical properties like Young’s modulus and tensile strength were weakened by PG addition, but the incorporation of NLPs led to pronounced tensile strength. XRD analysis revealed improved crystallinity through NLPs’ addition. The presence of NLPs in the nanocomposite film resulted in an elevated level of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the addition of both PG and betanin NLPs led to improved antioxidative activity (63.45%). Considering the results, PG/WPI films loaded with betanin NLPs could be introduced in active packaging applications for the shelf life extension of perishable food products.
Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lewandowska Anna , Rudzki Grzegorz , Lewandowski Tomasz , Stryjkowska-Góra Aleksandra , Rudzki Sławomir 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, and, according to the World Health Organisation database GLOBOCAN, it accounts for about 1.4 million new diagnoses annually worldwide. There is an association between the occurrence of colorectal cancer and non-modifiable risk factors, including age and hereditary factors, as well as with modifiable factors linked to the environment and lifestyle choices.Methods: The study included 800 patients, 400 diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 400 within the control group. The research was based on a clinical, direct, individual, structured, in-depth and focused interview. Assessment of activity and BMI was used according to WHO recommendations, as well as the expert system.Results: The average age of the patients was 64.53 ± 8.86 years, of the control group I - 59.64 ± 9.33 and the control group II - 57.5 (7.83). The association between the incidence of ulcerative colitis and the risk of colorectal cancer was clearly positive (p<0.001). Among obese subjects, the colorectal cancer risk was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) in comparison with non-obese subjects. The relative risk for current smokers was 2.17 (95% CI 1.79-2.66). Higher fat consumption and higher red meat consumption were also associated with the higher risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.01).Conclusions: Obesity, low physical activity, active and passive smoking and high salt and red meat consumption have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The results give further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Identification of a novel gene signature in second-trimester amniotic fluid for the prediction of preterm birth
Authors: Kim Min-A , Lee Eun-Ju , Yang Wookyeom , Kim Young-Han , Kim Jae-Hoon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Preterm birth (PB) affects approximately 5–7% of live births worldwide and is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains abundant cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) that can provide genetic information associated with pregnancy complications. In the current study, cfNAs of AFS in the early second-trimester before the onset of symptoms of preterm birth were analyzed, and we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PB (n = 5) and term birth (TB, n = 5) groups using sequencing analysis. Differential expression analyses detected 43 genes with increased and 11 genes with decreased expression in the PB group compared to TB. Upregulated expressions of RDH14, ZNF572, VOPP1, SERPINA12, and TCF15 were validated in an extended AFS sample by quantitative PCR (PB, n = 21; TB, n = 40). Five candidate genes displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression in immortalized trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell with H2O2 treatment. Moreover, the expression of five candidate genes was increased to more than 2-fold by pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Alternation of gene expression between PB and TB is strongly correlated with oxidative stress and infection during pregnancy. It could be feasible diagnostic markers for early identification of women at risk of having PB.
TNF-α-dependent neuronal necroptosis regulated in Alzheimer's disease by coordination of RIPK1-p62 complex with autophagic UVRAG
Authors: Xu Chong , Wu Jialin , Wu Yiqun , Ren Zhichu , Yao Yuyuan , Chen Guobing , Wei Libin , Chen Xijing , Sima Jian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Neuronal death is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Necroptosis, as a programmed necrotic process, is activated in AD. However, what signals and factors initiate necroptosis in AD is basically unknown. Methods We examined the expression levels of critical molecules in necroptotic signaling pathway by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and immunoblotting using brain tissues from AD patients and AD mouse models of APP/PS1 and 5×FAD. We performed brain stereotaxic injection with recombinant TNF-α, anti-TNFR1 neutralizing antibody or AAV-mediated gene expression and knockdown in APP/PS1 brains. For in vitro studies, we used TNF-α combined with zVAD-fmk and Smac mimetic to establish neuronal necroptosis models and utilized pharmacological or molecular biological approaches to study the signaling crosstalk.Results We find that activated neuronal necroptosis is dependent on upstream TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling in both neuronal cell cultures and AD mouse models. Upon TNF-α stimulation, accumulated p62 recruits RIPK1 and induces its self-oligomerization, and activates downstream RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL cascade, leading to neuronal necroptosis. We further reveal that ectopic accumulation of p62 is caused by impaired autophagy flux, which is mediated by downregulation of UVRAG during the TNF-α-promoted necroptosis. Notably, UVRAG overexpression can inhibit neuronal necroptosis in cultures and in brains of AD mice. Conclusions We identify a finely controlled regulation of neuronal necroptosis in AD by coordinated TNF-α signaling, RIPK1/3 activity and autophagy machinery.
Hypoxia-Induced PTTG3P Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Glycolysis and M2 Phenotype of Macrophage
Authors: wang yue , yu guilin , liu yiyang , xie longfei , ge jinnian , zhao guohua , lin jie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical factors in tumor progression and are ectopically expressed in malignant tumors. Until now, lncRNA PTTG3P biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC) needs further to be clarified. Methods qRT-PCR was used to measure the PTTG3P level and CCK-8, glucose uptake, lactate assay, ATP assay, ECAR assay, and xenograft mice model were adopted to evaluate the glycolysis and proliferation, and macrophage polarization were determined in CRC cells. Xenograft experiments were utilized to analyze tumor growth. Results Ectopic expression of PTTG3P was involved in CRC and related to dismal prognosis. Through gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, PTTG3P enhanced cell proliferation and glycolysis through YAP1. Further, LDHA knockdown or glycolysis inhibitor (2-DG,3-BG) recovered PTTG3P-induced proliferation. And PTTG3P overexpression could facilitate M2 polarization of macrophages. Silenced PTTG3P decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and low PTTG3P expression related with CD8+ T, NK, and TFH cell infiltration. Besides, HIF1A could increase PTTG3P expression by binding to the PTTG3P promoter region. Conclusions Hypoxia-induced PTTG3P contributes to glycolysis and M2 phenotype of macrophage, which proposes a novel approach for clinical treatment.
The MarR Family Regulator OsbR Controls Oxidative Stress Response, anaerobic Nitrate Respiration, and Biofilm Formation in Chromobacterium Violaceum
Authors: Alves Júlia A. , Previato-Mello Maristela , Barroso Kelly C. M. , Neto José F. da Silva 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Chromobacterium violaceum is an environmental opportunistic pathogen that causes rare but deadly infections in humans. The transcriptional regulators that C. violaceum uses to sense and respond to environmental cues remain largely unknown. Results: Here, we described a novel transcriptional regulator in C. violaceum belonging to the MarR family that we named OsbR (oxidative stress response and biofilm formation regulator). Transcriptome profiling by DNA microarray using strains with deletion or overexpression of osbR showed that OsbR exerts a global regulatory role in C. violaceum, regulating genes involved in oxidative stress response, nitrate reduction, biofilm formation, and several metabolic pathways. EMSA assays showed that OsbR binds to the promoter regions of several OsbR-regulated genes, and the in vitro DNA binding activity was inhibited by oxidants. We demonstrated that the overexpression of osbR caused activation of ohrA even in the presence of the repressor OhrR, which resulted in improved growth under organic hydroperoxide treatment. We showed that the proper regulation of the nar genes by OsbR ensures optimal growth of C. violaceum under anaerobic conditions by tuning the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Finally, the osbR overexpressing strain showed a reduction in biofilm formation, and this phenotype correlated with the OsbR-mediated repression of two gene clusters encoding putative adhesins. Conclusions: Together, our data indicated that OsbR is a MarR-type regulator that controls the expression of a large number of genes in C. violaceum, thereby contributing to oxidative stress defense, anaerobic respiration, and biofilm formation.
In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated From the Mexican Cactus Pachycereus Marginatus (DC.) Britton &amp; Ros
Authors: Ramírez-Villalobos Jesica M. , Romo-Sáenz César I. , Santibañez Karla S. Morán , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Quintanilla-Licea Ramiro , Orozco-Flores Alonso A. , Romero-Argüelles Ricardo , Tamez-Guerra Reyes , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Gomez-Flores Ricardo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Arid zone plants such as cacti are known to harbor diverse groups of endophytic fungi, which represent potential sources of new compounds with anticancer properties. In the present study we isolated, identified, and characterized Pachycereus marginatus (DC.) Britton & Ros endophytic fungi with cytotoxic activity against murine and human tumor cell lines.Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from P. marginatus stems. Methanol extracts were then obtained from fungi liquid cultures and their cytotoxic activity at concentrations ranging from 31 µg/ml to 250 µg/ml against murine L5178Y-R lymphoma, human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29, and human breast cancer MCF-7 was evaluated by the colorimetric 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay, using the normal cells Macacus rhesus monkey epitelial kidney MA-104 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as controls. IC50 values were obtained and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated from the IC50 ratio of cancer cells and normal cells. Furthermore, molecular identification of fungi showing cytotoxic activity was determined by the internal transcribed spacer molecular marker.Results: The Cladosporium sp. PME-H008 strain showed significant (P < 0.01) 94.3% and 36.8% cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R and HT-29 cells, respectively. The highest SI was observed by L5178Y-R cells with 2.4 and 2.9 for MA-104 and PBMC respectively. In addition, the Metarhizium anisopliae PME-H007 strain was more effective against MCF-7 with 55.8% cytotoxicity. The lowest IC50 was obtained with the Aspergillus sp. PME-H005 strain at 95.21 µg/ml against the MCF-7 cell line, followed by PME-H008 strain at 101 µg/ml against L5178Y-R cells.Conclusion: P. marginatus endophytic fungi showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against murine and human tumor cell lines, without affecting normal cells.
Voluntary Testing Practice Among People with Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 in Somalia: Using Andersen’s Behavioral model
Authors: Magan Mohamed Ali , Dwomoh Duah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19, is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus is a global pandemic which threatens children and their rights in countries around the world. Epidemiologists have advocated for a robust testing and contact tracing as a potential solution to balance public health and economic priorities. Using Anderson Behavioral Model, our study aimed to analyze predisposing, Enabling and Need factors associated with VT4C-19 practice in Somalia. Methods: A cross sectional community-based survey were conducted at household level among adults above the age 18 years living in Mogadishu and Garowe cities. The study used multi-stage stratified-cluster sampling method. Out of the Four main towns in Somalia with a designated free National laboratory for COVID-19 testing by the government, the study randomly selected two cities (Mogadishu & Garowe) using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) Method. The study used univariate analysis and Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression model to control other possible confounders and to give the Andersen Behavioral Modal that were independently associated with voluntary testing for COVID-19 in Somalia. The statistical significance tests were accepted at p < 0.05.Results: Only 113 (6.6%) out of (1,708) study participants who experienced clinical symptoms of COVID-19 (between 16 March – 31 December 2020) voluntarily tested their COVID-19 status. The study found Predisposing factors including gender (P<0.001), marital status (p<0.05), mass media availability (p<0.05), telephone ownership (p<0.05), peer influence (P<0.001) and stigma of COVID-19 positive individuals in the community (P<0.001), and Enabling factors including: place of residence (p<0.001), expense decision maker at household level (p<0.05), insurance status (p<0.001) and access to outreach and health education program (p<0.05), as well as the Need factors including: perceived importance of COVID-19 voluntary test (p<0.001) and chronic diseases status among the study participants (p<0.05) were among the factors associated with the practice of voluntary tests of COVID-19 among the clinically symptomatic individuals in Somalia.Conclusion: The uptake of Voluntary testing for COVID-19 is very low in Somalia. To promote this, health officials and policy makers need to focus on a consistent and culturally sensitive community sensitization programs and bringing the COVID-19 test closer to the communities including rural communities.
Identification of a New Regulation Pathway of EGFR and E-cadherin Dynamics
Authors: Proux-Gillardeaux Veronique , Advedissian Tamara , Périn Charlotte , Gelly Jean-Christophe , Viguier Mireille , Deshayes Frederique 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
E-cadherin and EGFR are known to be closely associated hence regulating differentiation and proliferation notably in epithelia. We have previously shown that galectin-7 binds to E-cadherin and favors its retention at the plasma membrane. In this study, we shed in light that galectin-7 establishes a physical link between E-cadherin and EGFR. Indeed, our results demonstrate that galectin-7 also binds to EGFR, but unlike the binding to E-cadherin this binding is sugar dependent. The establishment of E-cadherin/EGFR complex and the binding of galectin-7 to EGFR thus lead to a regulation of its signaling and intracellular trafficking allowing cell proliferation and migration control. In vivo observations further support these results since an epidermal thickening is observed in galectin-7 deficient mice. This study therefore reveals that galectin-7 controls epidermal homeostasis through the regulation of E-cadherin/EGFR balance.
Phytotoxic Effects of Antibiotics on Terrestrial Crop Plants and Wild Plants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carballo Matilde , Rodríguez Antonio , torre Ana De la 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This review examines the state of knowledge on the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on terrestrial crop plants and wild (non-crop) plants with the goal of evaluating differences in their sensitivity. This is important because environmental risk assessments of antibiotics, like assessments of plant protection products, currently consider their potential effects only on crop species but not wild species. We identified 644 articles in various electronic databases that examined the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on plants. After evaluation based on eligibility criteria, 34 unique studies were selected for further analysis. Data from standardised assays (ASTM, OECD, EPA, ISTA) were evaluated, and assay characteristics (short-term germination and long-term plant growth) as well as toxicity endpoints (seed germination and plant growth - elongation and biomass) were taken into account. Overall, we analysed 281 datasets consisting of antibiotic-plant species-endpoint combinations for germination (mg/L) and 192 datasets for plant growth (mg/kg). We found that < 1% of the data in each dataset were from wild species. Among the most sensitive species, geometric mean values of endpoints showed that wild species were more sensitive, especially with respect to vegetative ecotoxicological endpoints such as biomass. However, available data on wild species are still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Further work must be conducted to gain a better understanding of the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on terrestrial wild plants and subsequently assess whether the current approach to environmental risk assessment of antibiotics is sufficient to protect plant biodiversity.
Digitodesmium polybrachiatum sp. nov., a new species of Dictyosporiaceae from Brazil
Authors: Nobrega Thaisa Ferreira , Ferreira Bruno Wesley , Barreto Robert 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Digitodesmium is a genus of saprobic fungi, generally associated with decaying wood in freshwater habitats or in the soil. As morphologic markers they produce cheiroid, euseptate conidia on sporodochia. During an exam of a necrotic robusta coffee stem sent from Nova Venécia, state of Espírito Santo, to the Plant Clinic at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Brazil), for disease diagnosis a fungus, recognized as having the typical features of Digitodesmium was observed. The fungus was isolated in pure culture and DNA was extracted. Sequences of the partial 18S ribosomal RNA gene, large subunit of the nrDNA, internal transcribed spacer and translation elongation factor 1-α were generated. The combination of results of the phylogenetic analysis with the exam of the morphology led to the conclusion that the fungus from coffee stem morphological data showed that this fungus represents a monophyletic distinct lineage within Digitodesmium and an undescribed species for the genus. The concatenate tree also revealed that Digitodesmium is divided in two distinct clades. The novel species can be differentiated morphologically from other species of Digitodesmium by the size of the conidia, the number of arms and the presence of appendages. The new species Digitodesmium polybrachiatum is hence proposed herein. A comparative table of conidial morphology for the species in the genus is also included.
A Resected Primary Angiosarcoma of the Pancreas Presenting Aggressive Metastatic Liver Recurrence With Uncontrollable Intraabdominal Bleeding: A Case Report
Authors: Igaue Shota , Kudo Hiroki , Kyoden Yusuke , Hoshikawa Mayumi , Koyama Ken , Saitoh Hitoaki , Iijima Tatsuo , Motoi Toru , Yoshimi Fuyo , Yamamoto Junji 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A 74-year-old man was diagnosed to have a pancreas head tumor (38mm × 32 mm) due to an obstructive jaundice. The patient presented an acute intrabiliary bleeding, while waiting for surgery. Thus, after a coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery and the anterior/posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery an emergency pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The patient suffered from grade B delayed gastric emptying, being discharged on postoperative day 33. The pathological diagnosis established was pancreatic angiosarcoma. The patient was re-admitted 4 days after discharge with a general malaise and the loss of appetite. A dynamic computed tomography (CT) and angiography revealed multiple liver metastases and a massive hemoperitoneum. Despite of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with gelfoam particles, the patient died 42 days after operation. Six patients with primary angiosarcoma of the pancreas have been reported in English literature so far and this is the first report of unique features of angiogram of multiple liver metastases. The present report allows a deeper knowledge about the aggressive behavior of angiosarcoma of the pancreas.
All-Optical 40 Channels Regenerator Based on Four-Wave Mixing
Authors: Ghafoor Salman , Khan Muhammad Usama , Gulistan Aamir , Salman Ahmad , Zaidi Syed M. Hassan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We have proposed a novel multi-channel regeneration scheme for wavelength division multiplexed systems, which is based on four wave mixing in a highly nonlinear fiber. A 40-channel wavelength division multiplexed signal having data rate of 10 Gbps per channel is divided into five groups. Each group is composed of eight channels and requires a single pump laser source and two segments of highly nonlinear fibers to regenerate the eight channels. Therefore, our proposed scheme requires four times lesser number of highly nonlinear fibers compared to the previously proposed techniques. The regeneration performance for all the forty channels is presented through bit error rate analysis at low optical signal to noise ratio of 15 dB. Simulation results show that an average improvement of 4.246 dB, 3.935 dB, 3.72 dB, 2.71 dB and 2.593 dB in receiver sensitivities has been observed for all the five groups of channels, respectively.
The Unresolved Definition of The Pressure-Viscosity Coefficient
Authors: Bair Scott 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the classical approach to elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) a single parameter, the pressure-viscosity coefficient, quantifies the isothermal pressure dependence of the viscosity for use in prediction of film thickness. Many definitions are in current use. Progress toward a successful definition of this property has been hampered by the refusal of those working in classical EHL to acknowledge the existence of accurate measurements of the piezoviscous effect that have existed for nearly a century. The Hamrock and Dowson pressure-viscosity coefficient at high temperature requires knowledge of the piezoviscous response at pressures which exceed the inlet pressure and may exceed the Hertz pressure. The definition of pressure-viscosity coefficient and the assumed equation of state must limit the use of the classical formulas, including Hamrock and Dowson, to liquids with high Newtonian limit and to low temperature. Given that this problem has existed for at least fifty years without resolution, it is reasonable to conclude that there is no definition of pressure-viscosity coefficient that will quantify the piezoviscous response for an analytical calculation of EHL film thickness at temperatures above ambient.