bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quorum quenching and anti-biofilm activities of halotolerant Bacillus strains isolated in different environments in Algeria
Authors: El Aichar Fairouz , Muras Andrea , Parga Ana , Otero Ana , Nateche Farida 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
The current study aimed to screen Bacillus strains with wide-spectrum quorum quenching (QQ) activity against N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs), helpful in controlling virulence traits in Gram-negatives, including biofilm formation and also with anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positives.

Methods and Results
A total of 94 halotolerant strains of Bacillus isolated from soil and salt-lake sediment samples in Algeria were examined for the presence of QQ activity against AHLs, the presence of the aiiA gene, encoding an AHL lactonase enzyme typical of Bacillus spp., antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Of all strains of Bacillus spp. isolated, 48.9% showed antibacterial activity. In addition, 40% of these isolates showed a positive QQ activity against long-chain AHLs, of which seven strains presented the aiiA gene. Among the species with broad-spectrum QQ activity, the cell extract of Bacillus thuringiensis DZ16 showed antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1, reducing 60% using the Amsterdam active attachment (AAA) biofilm cultivation model. In addition, the cell extract of B. subtilis DZ17, also presenting a broad-spectrum QQ activity, significantly reduced Strep. mutans ATCC 25175 biofilm formations by 63% and 53% in the xCELLigence and the AAA model, respectively, without affecting growth. Strain DZ17 is of particular interest due to its explicit halophilic nature because it can thrive at salinities in the range of 6%–30%.

Conclusions
B. thuringiensis DZ16 and B. subtilis DZ17 strains have interesting antibacterial, QQ, and anti-biofilm activities. The high range of salinities accepted by these strains increases their biotechnological potential. This may open up their use as probiotics, the treatment and prevention of conventional and emerging infectious diseases.

Significance and Impact of Study
The use of safe, economical and effective probiotics is limited to control the infections related to multi-resistant bacteria. In our study, we provide two promising agents with QQ, anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities.
Iron and methyl jasmonate increase high-value PUFA production by elevating the expression of desaturase genes in marine microalga Isochrysis sp.,
Authors: Ayothi Parthasarathy , Muthu Arumugam , Shanmugam Kathiresan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aim
This study investigated the effect of several metabolic enhancers on the expression of fatty acid biosynthetic genes and their influence on the production of high-value PUFA in the marine microalgae Isochrysis sp., CASA CC 101.

Methods and Results
The effect of the presence of iron (Fe), nicotinic acid (NIC), methyl jasmonate (MJ) and thidiazuron (TDZ) on the expression of the fatty acid desaturase genes Δ6Des, Δ5Des and Δ4Des was studied in cultures of the marine microalga Isochrysis sp., CASA CC 101. The production of high-value PUFA like γ-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was correlated with these gene expressions. The results showed that MJ, Fe and TDZ significantly increased the lipid content than the control. MJ specifically up-regulated ∆6Des gene expression and thereby increased GLA production. Whereas Fe specifically increased ∆5Des gene expression and thereby increased EPA production. However, Fe and TDZ-treated cells effectively upregulated the expression of ∆4Des and increased the production of DHA when compared with control cells.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that addition of Fe and MJ in the culture medium triggers the expression of PUFA biosynthetic genes, especially ∆6Des and ∆4Des, in marine microalga Isochrysis sp., CASA CC 101 their presence resulted in increased production of the PUFAs GLA, EPA and DHA.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This study shows that the addition of Fe and MJ to the culture media of Isochrysis sp., CASA CC 101 results in up-regulation of its genes Δ4Des, Δ6Des and Δ5Des, and improves the production of PUFA. Therefore, the addition of Fe and MJ to the culture medium is useful to increase the production of high-value PUFA in Isochrysis sp., CASA CC 101 and also to the other micro algal species.
Santin and cirsimaritin from Betula pubescens and Betula pendula buds induce apoptosis in human digestive system cancer cells
Authors: Szoka Lukasz , Nazaruk Jolanta , Stocki Marcin , Isidorov Valery 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFlavonoids are bioactive secondary metabolites of plants, which exert anti‐cancer effects. However, metabolism in enterocytes and the liver can influence the biological activity of flavonoids contained in the diet. Therefore, results from in vitro studies on cancer cells from the digestive tract and liver may reflect the real effects in the human body. Previously, we have found that the extract from birch buds exerts antiproliferative activity in a panel of cancer cells. In the present study, the anti‐cancer activity of ten flavonoids isolated from the buds of Betula pubescens and Betula pendula was characterized. Among them, santin and cirsimaritin significantly reduced viability, proliferation and clonogenicity of gastric (AGS), colon (DLD‐1) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells. Both flavonoids induced apoptosis, accompanied by activation of caspase‐3, caspase‐7, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9. Moreover, upregulation of p53 was detected only in wild‐type p53 harbouring cells. Together, our results suggest that santin and cirsimaritin exhibit promising anti‐cancer activity in cultures of digestive system cancer cells.
Development of an innovative mathematical model to design an active modified atmosphere storage system for mango (cv. Amrapali)
Authors: Thakur Rajeev Ranjan , Mangaraj Shukadev 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCurrently, the modified atmosphere storage (MAS) technique is one of the most economical and widely adopted practices used to enhance the shelf life of fresh produce including mango. The MAS system is designed in two ways; one is called passive MAS and other is active MAS. Nowadays the bulk handling and storage of fresh produce at on‐farm level is one of the challenging tasks and therefore, using the basic principle of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) the study was aimed to develop an active MAS system. In this study, to design an active MAS system for 100 kg of mango, an innovative active mathematical model was developed using enzyme kinetics‐based respiration rate model coupled with Arrhenius equation under active condition (50, 100, and 150 cc of O2 absorber). The designed active system was used for on‐farm handling and storage of mango at 27°C. The basic aim of the model was to determine the exact quantity of oxygen absorber required to bring early dynamic equilibrium condition inside the MAS system with optimum level of gas concentration (5–8% O2 and 5–8% CO2) for mango. The model was solved by Adam's numerical method using Taylor's formulae and iterated in MATLAB software. The mean relative percentage deviation moduli (E) between the experimental and predicted values of O2 and CO2 concentration was found to be 8.97 and 8.42%, respectively, indicating the accuracy of the developed active model.Practical applicationsOn‐farm handling of fresh horticultural crops is the leading problem for orchard growers and causes excess postharvest losses. The current work presents some interesting results on the determination of the exact concentration of oxygen absorber required to design an accurate as well as a perfect active modified atmosphere storage system for 100 kg of mango using the concept of mathematical modeling. The principle aim of this approach was to increase the adaptability of the modified atmosphere packaging concept for preservation and shelf life extension of fresh produce during bulk handling and transportation. The designed system is easy to handle mango during its on‐farm storage and might become a boon for orchard growers.
The effect of music interventions on chronic pain experienced by older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Fen , Chen Kuei‐Min , Belcastro Frank 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeTo synthesize results from multiple studies to determine the effects of music interventions on chronic pain in older adults.DesignThis systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guideline to identify and select studies.MethodsRelevant studies were identified from nine electronic databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists were employed to assess methodological quality. All authors performed screening, data extraction, and synthesis. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials investigating music for chronic pain in older adults aged 65 and older.FindingsEight studies involving 524 older adults were included, comprising five randomized controlled trials and three quasi‐experimental studies. Music interventions consisted of live music, recorded music, and active music, with a variety of music styles and genres. Despite the small and short‐term effects, five studies presented significantly positive outcomes for reducing chronic pain and its common comorbidities in older adults following music interventions. Three studies reported decreased trends in pain scores although they did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsMusic has potential to be an effective adjuvant for managing chronic pain in older adults.Clinical RelevanceNurses can incorporate music into the care of older adults with chronic pain.
Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics
Authors: Nestor Mark S. , Ablon Glynis , Gade Anita , Han Haowei , Fischer Daniel L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss consisting of a characteristic receding frontal hairline in men and diffuse hair thinning in women, with frontal hairline retention, and can impact an individual's quality of life. The condition is primarily mediated by 5‐alpha‐reductase and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair follicles to undergo miniaturization and shortening of successive anagen cycles. Although a variety of medical, surgical, light‐based and nutraceutical treatment options are available to slow or reverse the progression of AGA, it can be challenging to select appropriate therapies for this chronic condition.AimsTo highlight treatment options for androgenetic alopecia taking into consideration the efficacy, side effect profiles, practicality of treatment (compliance), and costs to help clinicians offer ethically appropriate treatment regimens to their patients.Materials and MethodsA literature search was conducted using electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, EBSCO) and textbooks, in addition to the authors' and other practitioners' clinical experiences in treating androgenetic alopecia, and the findings are presented here.ResultsAlthough topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and low‐level light therapy are the only FDA‐approved therapies to treat AGA, they are just a fraction of the treatment options available, including other oral and topical modalities, hormonal therapies, nutraceuticals, PRP and exosome treatments, and hair transplantation.DiscussionAndrogenetic alopecia therapy remains challenging as treatment selection involves ethical, evidence‐based decision‐making and consideration of each individual patient's needs, compliance, budget, extent of hair loss, and aesthetic goals, independent of potential financial benefits to the practitioners.
A proposed scoring system for facial port‐wine stain evaluation: Facial port‐wine stain area and severity index
Authors: Ren Jie , Tuan Hsiaohan , Huang Chenyu , Shu Dan , Chen Dian , Zhou Eray Yihui , Liu Dehua , Tu Ping , Zhao Yi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPort‐wine stain (PWS) is a congenital capillary malformation that often occurs on the face. Feasible and quantitative evaluation of facial port‐wine stain (FPWS) can significantly impact its clinical management and aid in future research.AimTo develop and validate an easy‐to‐use scoring system for FPWS evaluation.MethodsA facial port‐wine stain area and severity index (FSASI) scoring system was proposed. To determine the FSASI score, the face was divided into four regions: forehead, right malar, left malar, and perioral. The severity of FPWS in each region was evaluated by three factors: percentage of the area affected, lesion color, and thickness. To evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of FSASI, two separate FSASI assessments on 111 clinical pictures were conducted by each rater in a one‐week interval, and the results from 6 independent raters at different time points were compared. Validity of the FSASI scores was assessed by comparing it with physician global assessment (PGA) and traditional classification data. Validity of the area and color elements of FSASI was also determined. The changes in FSASI scores after vascular‐targeted photodynamic therapy (V‐PDT) were analyzed to evaluate the treatment effect.ResultsThe FSASI scoring system showed good intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability (ICC >0.75, p < 0.001) and was found to be comparable to PGA scores (Spearman's r = 0.752–0.907, p < 0.001) and traditional classification data (Spearman's r = 0.426–0.662, p < 0.001). Efficacy analysis indicated that FSASI scores decreased after V‐PDT treatment.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated the reliability and validity of FSASI, which may be applied to assess the severity of FPWS and to evaluate treatment effects in clinical practice and research.
The safety and efficacy of a cosmetic camouflaging agent for post‐procedural bruising
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Chilukuri Suneel , Day Doris , Enright Kaitlyn M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionA challenge of minimally invasive esthetic procedures (eg, injectables and threads) is managing adverse events (AEs), such as post‐procedural bruising. Implementation of post‐procedural camouflage therapy may minimize the appearance of bruising and mitigate AEs.AimsA physician and patient user experience program was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a concealer for the cosmetic camouflage of post‐procedural bruising.MethodsThirty female patients with a mean age of 42.03 years participated in the program. Physicians and patients completed various questionnaires regarding the safety and efficacy of the investigational product (Dermablend™ Professional Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer) at three timepoints: Visit 1 (Day 0); Visit 2 (Day 3); and Visit 3 (Day 14 ± 3 days).ResultsAll patients presented with mild‐to‐moderate bruising following treatment with either esthetic injectables or threads. On average, users required 1.55 (SD: 0.72) coats to sufficiently cover their bruise(s). After application of the concealer, 78.18% of users displayed “clear skin with no signs of erythema” and 21.82% displayed “almost clear skin, with slight redness.” No physician‐reported AEs related to product use were reported throughout the evaluation period. No allergic reactions upon application nor intolerance to the product after prolonged use (ie, up to 14 days ± 3 days) was observed. Throughout the duration of use, 98.81% of subjects were at least slightly satisfied with results. At Visits 1 and 2, 100% of physicians were at least slightly satisfied with results.ConclusionCosmetic concealer use can ameliorate the post‐procedural experience for patients presenting with mild‐to‐moderate bruising.
The relationships between step count and hospitalisation‐associated outcomes in acutely hospitalised older adults – A systematic review
Authors: Levin Chedva , Rand Debbie , Gil Efrat , Agmon Maayan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeAlthough low ambulation among older adults has been linked to a broad range of adverse outcomes during and after acute hospitalisation, a systematic inquiry of the link between step count and these consequences is required. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to systematically review the relationships between step count and hospitalisation‐associated outcomes in acutely hospitalised older adults.MethodsThe electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for studies including older adults (above age 65) hospitalised in acute internal wards. The search included the following key terms: ‘accelerometer’, ‘step count’, ‘hospital’, ‘internal ward’, and ‘older adults’. Step count measurement linked to short‐ and/or long‐term outcome(s) during and/or after hospitalisation. All types of articles (except reviews) in English from 1990 to May 2020 were considered. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included observational studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) were evaluated using the PEDro scale. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. PRISMA guidelines were followed and a PRISMA checklist for reporting systematic reviews completed.ResultsThe search yielded 1340 articles, and of those, the inclusion criteria were met by 12 studies: eight prospective, three interventional (one randomised controlled trial), and one case‐control. These studies included three major adverse hospitalisation outcomes associated with step count: functional decline, longer length of stay, and higher re‐hospitalisation rate; however, the large heterogeneity in the studies’ methodology makes meta‐analysis impossible.ConclusionsDaily step count during hospitalisation of older adults is negatively associated with adverse outcomes, but causation cannot be inferred due to inconsistent outcomes and various methodological limitations. More studies are needed to illuminate causal pathways and mechanisms underlying these relationships, especially to differentiate between the relative contribution of personal versus environmental factors.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Post and Core Restorations: A 3D Accuracy Analysis between Heat‐Pressed and CAD‐CAM Fabrication Methods
Authors: Lalama Martin , Rocha Mateus Garcia , O'Neill Edgar , Zoidis Panagiotis 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based post and core restorations using heat‐pressed and computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) methods.Materials and MethodsPost and core patterns (n = 10) were fabricated using an acrylic pattern resin and each pattern was scanned to generate a resin pattern standard tessellation file (STL‐R) to be used as the standard control group for the 3D profilometric analysis. The STL‐R files were loaded into a computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) machine and a milling disk made of a modified PEEK‐based polymer with 20% ceramic fillers was milled into post and core restorations. Each original post and core resin pattern was sprued, invested and pressed using pellets made of the same PEEK material and a PEEK pressing unit. The resulting post and core restorations from the CAD‐CAM and heat‐pressed methods were scanned to generate STL‐M (milled) and STL‐P (heat‐pressed) files, respectively. STL‐M and STL‐P files were digitally aligned and compared to STL‐R files using a 3D analysis software. The 3D spatial distribution deviation was exported, and the statistical analysis was performed using the 95% CI deviation distribution from the Gaussian function subtraction. The statistical outcome for each group was merged and a 3D color‐coded map was created showing the average deviation (α = 0.05).ResultsThe heat‐pressed post and core restoration showed 79 ±6% of the areas within ±50 µm while the CAD‐CAM post‐and‐core restoration showed 66 ±9%. The CAD‐CAM post and core restorations show 6 ±5% of the areas above the ideal for marginal adaptation limit threshold of 200 µm, while only 0.7 ±0.7% was found for the heat‐pressed.ConclusionsThe heat‐pressed method to manufacture PEEK‐based post and core restorations showed higher accuracy than the CAD‐CAM method.
Prognostic value of left ventricular‐arterial coupling estimated using echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Osuga Tatsuyuki , Morita Tomoya , Sasaki Noboru , Morishita Keitaro , Ohta Hiroshi , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe interaction between the left ventricle (LV) and systemic arterial systems, known as left ventricular‐arterial coupling (VAC), has been evaluated based on the effective arterial elastance (Ea) to LV end‐systolic elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees). The Ea reflects the total arterial load of LV, whereas Ees reflects the LV systolic function. A recent study found that inappropriate VAC based on increased Ea/Ees estimated by echocardiography is associated with advanced disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).HypothesisInappropriate VAC assessed by echocardiographic estimation of Ea/Ees is associated with a worse prognosis in dogs with MMVD.AnimalsEighty‐nine dogs with MMVD.MethodsProspective cohort study. Dogs underwent echocardiographic examinations at enrollment. The Ea was estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(forward stroke volume/body weight). The Ees was estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(LV end‐systolic volume/body weight). The Ea/Ees was calculated.ResultsBy end of study, 22 dogs died of cardiac‐related causes with 67 dogs censored. Dogs with increased Ea/Ees (Ea/Ees >0.34; median survival time, 527 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 322 days‐not determinable) had a shorter survival time (P < .0001) than those without increased Ea/Ees (Ea/Ees ≤0.34; median survival time, >1112 days; 95% CI, not determinable). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that Ea/Ees, body weight, peak systolic mitral annular velocity, and the peak early diastolic transmitral velocity‐to‐peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio were independent predictors of cardiac‐related death among echocardiographic indices.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceInappropriate VAC assessed based on echocardiographically‐estimated Ea/Ees is associated with a worse prognosis in dogs with MMVD.