bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Prevalence of Vancomycin Non-Susceptible and Multi-Drug Resistant Enterococci in Farmed Animals and Fresh Retail Meats in Bangladesh
Authors: Samad Mohammed A. , Sagor Md Shahjalal , Hossain Muhammad Sazzad , Karim Md Rezaul , Mahmud Mohammad Asheak , Shownaw Fahria A. , Mia Zakaria , Sarker Md Samun , Card Roderick M. , Agunos Agnes , Johanna Lindahl 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistant Enterococcus spp., a leading cause of untreatable nosocomial infection, in food animals and dissemination to humans is a public health concern. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in food animals and meats in Bangladesh. Enterococcus spp., were confirmed using sodA gene specific PCR, and antimicrobial resistance and virulence properties were characterized by PCR. Enterococcus spp. were recovered from 57% of the collected samples (n=201/352). Farm samples yielded significantly higher (p≤0.05) prevalence (62%) compared to retail meat samples (41%) and E. faecalis (52%) was most frequently isolated species. High proportions of isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline (74%), erythromycin (65%) and ciprofloxacin (34%). Fifty-one isolates were vancomycin non-susceptible enterococci (VNSE), of which forty-seven were MDR and 20 were linezolid resistant, a last line drug for VNSE. Virulence factors such as gelatinase (gelE), aggregation factor (asa1) and sex pheromone (cpd) were detected along with vancomycin resistance gene (vanA, vanB and vanC2/C3) in VNSE isolates. The high prevalence of MDR enterococci in food animals and retail meats may lead to infection in consumers with concomitant reduced therapeutic options available for treatment.
IFN-γ Enhances the Efficacy of Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Myocardial Infarction Rats via miR-21 Stimulated by STAT1
Authors: Zhang Jian , Lu Yao , Mao Yangming , Yu Yue , Wu Tianyu , Zhao Wei , Zhu Yeqian , Zhao Pengcheng , Zhang Fengxiang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) activated with IFN-γ elicit more powerful physical effects. Exosomes (Exos) secreted from MSCs have protective against myocardial injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Exsos derived from IFN-γ-pretreated MSCs exhibit more potent cardioprotective function and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Exos were isolated from MSCs (Ctrl-Exo) and IFN-γ-primed MSCs (IFN-γ-Exo) and were then delivered to H9c2 cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) condition or in vivo in an infarcted rat heart. RNA sequencing was to identify the different expressed functional transcription factor (TF). Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qPCR) was to confirm the upregulated TF and miRNA in IFN-γ-primed MSCs. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were to analyze the transcriptional regulation of miRNAs by STAT1. The target of miR-21-5p (miR-21) was disclosed by luciferase reporter assays and qPCR. The function of BTG2 was verified in vitro under OGD condition.Result: IFN-γ-Exo accelerated migration, tube-like structure formation, and prevented H9c2 from OGD-induced apoptosis. Similarly, IFN-γ-Exo leaded to further reduction in fibrosis size, reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improved cardiac function compared to Ctrl-Exo. miR-21 was significantly upregulated in both IFN-γ-primed MSCs and IFN-γ-Exo. STAT1 transcriptionally induced miR-21 expression. Up-regulated miR-21 can inhibit the expression of BTG2. BTG2 promoted H9c2 cells apoptosis and reversed the protective effect of miR-21 under OGD environment.Conclusion: IFN-γ-Exo have enhanced therapeutic efficacy against acute MI possibly through promoting angiogenesis and anti-apoptotic effect through increasing the level of miR-21, which directly targeted on BTG2.
Negative Autoregulation Controls size Scaling in Confined Gene Expression Reactions
Authors: Maeda Yusuke T. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Gene expression via transcription-translation is the most fundamental reaction to sustain biological systems, and complex reactions such as this one occur in a small compartment of living cells. Transcriptional feedback that controls gene expression during mRNA synthesis is a vital mechanism that regulates protein synthesis in cells. There is increasing evidence that the cellular compartment induces steric effects in gene expression reactions. However, the finite-size effect of spatial constraints on feedback regulation is not well understood. Here, we study the confinement effect on transcriptional negative feedback regulation of gene expression reactions using a theoretical model. We find that negative feedback regulation alters the scaling relation of gene expression level on compartment volume, approaching the regular scaling relation without the steric effect. Our findings suggest that negative autoregulatory feedback at the transcription step can dampen the size-dependence of protein expression levels in heterogeneous cell populations.
Cannabis Cultivator Phenotype and Attribute Preferences in Legal Recreational and Medical Cannabis Cultivation Operations in Oregon and Colorado
Authors: Nelsen Berit 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAs recreational and medicinal Cannabis sativa production increases across the United States, concerns have arisen regarding declines in cannabis biodiversity. Studies have suggested genetic bottlenecking has occurred primarily because of breeder and cultivator preferences and practices which over-emphasize the selection of strains with high contents of the psychoactive cannabinoid, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). No study to-date, however, has sought to systematically assess grower and breeder knowledge, preferences, and practices within legal operations within the United States. MethodsTwenty-one licensed recreational and medical cannabis growers in the states of Colorado and Oregon were provided with free lists to ascertain cultural domains of knowledge regarding cannabis phenotypes and attributes within commercial cannabis production operations. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with participants to provide more nuanced explanations of free-list responses, and to clarify responses where necessary. Free-list results were initially ungrouped excepting those variables whose meanings had been triangulated utilizing interview data. Free list data was assessed utilizing Smith’s S formula to ascertain cultural salience for listed attributes and phenotypes. A second analysis was then conducted for grouped terpene-related data. Results Results from the ungrouped free list identified Yield as the most culturally salient category (.29) followed by High THC Content (.26) and Smell (.25). Overall, horticultural characteristics such as yield, plant structure, and morphology garnered were the most frequently listed, followed by chemometrics, economics, and phenology, with some overlap between these categorizations. Though THC content was described as important within commercial operations by most growers both within free-list responses and interviews, growers also expressed that this preference was due to state testing regulations and a misinformed consumer base, rather than grower partialities. Respondents also noted that they believed consumer preferences were changing as consumer demographics were beginning to trend towards “older” consumers. When terpene-related attributes within free-listed results were combined utilizing triangulation from semi-structured interviews to verify the free list data, terpenes became the most cultural-salient attribute listed by growers (.42). Conclusions The results from this study suggest that cannabis biodiversity may indeed be declining due to breeder practices that emphasize THC content, but that these practices are informed by state policies and consumer purchasing metrics rather than grower preferences.
Effective Detection of Phenylalanine Using Pyridine Based Sensor
Authors: Sathya Vijayakumar , Srinivasadesi Venkatesan , Lee Shyi-Long , Padmini Vediappen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Pyridine based organic fluorophore has been synthesized for the detection of phenylalanine (PA). The quenching has been observed between fluorophore and PA through ICT system as noticed by colorimetric and fluorimetric techniques. Under optimized conditions, the fluorophore detects PA selectively in the presence of other biomolecules. The practical application of the fluorophore has been successfully applied in human blood serum and urine.
Effects of Electrolyte Flushing and Surface State on Electropolishing TB2 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Wei Ying , Fang Xiaolong , Qu Ningsong , Zhu Di 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
TB2 titanium alloys are widely used in the aerospace industry. A high surface quality is required for the performance and fatigue life of titanium alloy parts. Electropolishing is useful for thin metal plates owing to its good processability and conformability. In this study, electrolyte flushing was proposed for electropolishing a large surface and a NaCl-containing ethylene glycol electrolyte was adopted. Three different mechanical grindings were employed for pretreatment, and the ideal surface quality was obtained with a rubber grinding head. Therefore, in the process of electropolishing a large surface, electrolyte flushing is superior to stirring because its flow field is even and controllable. The effects of the main processing parameters (voltage, flow rate, and process time) on the surface roughness and morphology were studied. Finally, a mirror-like surface with a surface roughness of 10.5 nm was obtained after flushing electropolishing for 30 min under a voltage of 25 V and a flow rate of 0.84 m/s.
Identification of a Novel HOOK3-FGFR1 Fusion Gene Involved in Activation of The NF-kappaB Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xuehong , Wang Furong , Yan Fanzhi , Huang Dan , Wang Haina , Gao Beibei , Gao Yuan , Hou Zhijie , Lou Jiacheng , Li Weiling , Yan Jinsong 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRearrangements involving the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene result in 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS), which is a rare and aggressive hematological malignancy that is often initially diagnosed as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Clinical outcomes are typically poor due to relative resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and rapid transformation to acute leukemia. Deciphering the transcriptomic signature of FGFR1 fusions may open new treatment strategies for FGFR1 rearrangement patients.MethodsDNA sequencing (DNA-seq) was performed for 20 MDS patients and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for one HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion positive patient. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed for 20 MDS patients and 8 healthy donors. Fusion genes were detected using the STAR-Fusion tool. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion gene. The phosphorylation antibody array was performed to validate the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling. ResultsWe identified frequently recurrent mutations of ASXL1 and U2AF1 in the MDS cohort, which is consistent with previous reports. We also identified a novel in-frame HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion gene in one MDS case with abnormal monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and ring chromosome 8. FISH analysis detected the FGFR1 break-apart signal in myeloid blasts only. qRT-PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion transcript with breakpoints located at the 11th exon of HOOK3 and 10th exon of FGFR1, and Western blot detected the chimeric HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion protein that is presumed to retain the entire tyrosine kinase domain of FGFR1. The transcriptional feature of HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion was characterized by the significant enrichment of the NF-kappaB pathway by comparing the expression profiling of FGFR1 fusion positive MDS with 8 healthy donors and FGFR1 fusion negative MDS patients. Further validation by phosphorylation antibody array also showed NF-kappaB activation, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of p65 (Ser 536) and of IKBalpha (Ser 32). ConclusionThe HOOK3-FGFR1 fusion gene may contribute to the pathogenesis of MDS and activate the NF-kappaB pathway. These findings highlight a potential novel approach for combination therapy for FGFR1 rearrangement patients.
Encoder Lipschitz Integers: The Lipschitz integers that have the ”division with small division” property
Authors: Duram Ramazan , Güzeltepe Murat 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The residue class set of a Lipschitz integer is constructed by modulo function with primitive Lipschitz integer whose norm is a prime integer, i.e. prime Lipschitz integer. In this study, we consider primitive Lipschitz integer whose norm is both a prime integer and not a prime integer. If the norm of each element of the residue class set of a Lipschitz integer is less than the norm of the primitive Lipschitz integer used to construct the residue class set of the Lipschitz integer, then, the Euclid division algorithm works for this primitive Lipschitz integer. The Euclid division algorithm always works for prime Lipschitz integers. In other words, the prime Lipschitz integers have the ”division with small remainder” property. However, this property is ignored in some studies that have a constructed Lipschitz residue class set that lies on primitive Lipschitz integers whose norm is not a prime integer. In this study, we solve this problem by defining Lipschitz integers that have the ”division with small remainder” property, namely, encoder Lipschitz integers set. Therefore, we can define appropriate metrics for codes over Lipschitz integers. Also, we investigate the performances of Lipschitz signal constellations (the left residue class set) obtained by modulo function with Lipschitz integers, which have the ”division with small remainder” property, over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel by agency of the constellation figure of merit (CFM), average energy, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Ethnomycological Study of Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms in District Jammu, J&amp;K, India
Authors: Sharma Roshi , Sharma Y. P , Hashmi S. A.J. , Kumar Sanjeev , Manhas R. K. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has a rich tradition of usage of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) for culinary and medicinal purposes. But very few studies, restricted to some regions of the Union Territory, have been conducted to enlist the WEM. District Jammu has never been explored for WEM. Moreover, the quantification of the traditional knowledge of WEM has not been carried out as yet in J&K. Therefore, the present study was conducted in Jammu district with aims of; enlisting the WEM and its usage, finding the most used WEM, and enumerating the consensus of usage for a species and associated knowledge. Methods: Data of use reports was collected as per semi–structured questionnaire from 192 randomly selected informants. The cultural importance index (CI) and informant consensus factor (Fic) were calculated on the basis of use reports. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of differences in the usage of WEM among the different informant categories.Results: Results of the present study show that the locals were having the knowledge of fourteen fleshy fungi that are mainly utilized for culinary purposes. They also affirmed various medicinal values of some of these fungi. Termitomyces sp. (CI, 0.57) was the most important and diversely used species. Termitomyces heimii, Termitomyces clypeatus and Termitomyces striatus var. annulatus were the other frequently consumed species by the locals. More than 78.6% of these WEM were new records as culinary and medicinal for Jammu and Kashmir (UT). Agaricaceae and Lyophyllaceae were the largest families and Termitomyces (5 species) the most represented genera. Females, elders, and informants who have not attended schools were having significantly (P<0.05) higher information regarding WEM. The maximum consensus was recorded for the use of WEM as culinary with 596 citations and 0.98 Fic, and the minimum homogeneity was found for their use in skin diseases (42 citations and 0.76 Fic).Conclusion: The inhabitants of district Jammu had good knowledge of WEM, but no documentation, lying of most of the information with elders and uneducated people, and destruction of forests and other natural habitats of WEM pose serious threat of losing this valuable information in near future. An ardent need is to educate locals regarding regionally available WEM. Further studies are recommended for developing protocols of cultivation of these WEM so that their future availability is ascertained along with creating income resources for the local population.
Communication with cancer survivors: Disparities by education level but not race in a majority-minority community
Authors: Chock Marci , Tamashiro Sharon , Fujinaga Kristy , Nakasone Ryon , Acoba Jared 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose Patient-provider communication (PPC) is an important component of optimal patient care. Many factors influence the quality of PPC among cancer patients, however, there are conflicting data on the impact of patient race and education level on PPC. We sought to assess the effect of race and education level on PPC among a multiracial cohort of cancer survivors. Methods We conducted a survey of 360 cancer survivors. Data were collected on age, race, income, and education level. The survey assessed satisfaction with PPC and follow-up with cancer physician. Questions were answered on a 5-point response scale. We evaluated PPC using nonparametric analyses and built logistic regression models for satisfaction with follow-up care. Results Patients with a high school or lower education consistently rated questions of PPC more poorly than those who attained a higher level of education. No significant associations were detected between PPC and race. Results for perceived quality of care showed a similar disparity by education level. High school educated patients reported significantly lower satisfaction with quality of follow-up care compared with patients who attained Graduate level education (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.37-8.94). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that education level, but not race, is associated with perception of communication and satisfaction with follow-up care. Patients who attained higher levels of education had higher PPC ratings and satisfaction with follow-up care. Our findings identify an opportunity for improvement in PPC through individualizing the delivery of health-related information with the goal of achieving optimal care of long-term cancer survivors.
Association of Cancer Caregiver Stress and Negative Attribution Style With Depressive Symptoms and Cortisol: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pössel Patrick , Mitchell Amanda M , Harbison Brooks , Fernandez-Botran G. Rafael 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose. We examined the effect of cancer caregiver stress and negative attribution style (NAS) on depressive symptoms and salivary cortisol. Method. The sample came from a hospital bone marrow unit and caregiver support organizations and included 60 informal cancer caregivers (51.7% partners) of cancer patients (provided care for a median of 27.5 hours per week for 12 months) and 46 non-caregiver participants. In this cross-sectional study, participants completed questionnaires assessing NAS and depressive symptoms and provided saliva samples to measure cortisol. Results. Linear regressions demonstrated that cancer caregiver stress (p=0.001) and the cancer caregiver stress by NAS interaction (p=0.017), but not NAS alone (p=0.152), predicted depressive symptoms. Caregivers independent of their NAS and non-caregivers high in NAS reported high depression while non-caregivers low in NAS reported low depression. Neither cancer caregiver stress (p=0.920) nor NAS alone (p=0.114), but their interaction, predicted cortisol (p=0.036). Higher NAS was associated with a higher cortisol in both groups while non-caregivers had higher cortisol than caregivers. Conclusions. If the findings can be replicated, the implementation of interventions to support informal caregivers in managing their chronic stress and modify their NAS appears warranted.
Epidemiology and in-Depth Clinical and Biochemical Assessment of Cushing’s Syndrome – A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mangion Jessica , Imbroll Miriam Giordano , Craus Sarah , Vassallo Josanne , Gruppetta Mark 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To provide complete epidemiological data on Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) with analysis and differentiation of biochemical parameters including blood count indices and serum inflammation-based scores.Methods: Clinical records of 35 patients diagnosed with CS between 2008 and 2020 at the only central national health service hospital in Malta, were retrospectively analysed. Detailed clinical and biochemical data were obtained for each patient. Correlation and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were used to establish a threshold value for different variables to predict malignant CS.Results: Standardized incidence rate (SIR) (/million/year) of CS was 4.5, SIR of Cushing’s disease (CD) was 2.3, 0.5 for ectopic CS, 1.5 for cortisol secreting adrenal adenoma and 0.3 cases for cortisol-producing ACC. Malignant cause of CS had a statistically significant higher cortisol, size of tumour and lower potassium at diagnosis (P<0.001). Additionally, malignant causes had a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P=0.001), systemic immune inflammation index (P=0.005) and a lower lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (P<0.001). Using ROC curve analysis to predict malignant cause of CS, a potassium level of < 3.05 was 75% sensitive and 100% specific (ROC-AUC 0.907, P = 0.001), a post-ODST cortisol level of > 841nmol/L was 100% sensitive and 91% specific (ROC-AUC 0.981, P <0.001), while a NLR ratio > 3.9 was 100% sensitive and 57.7% specific (ROC-AUC 0.885, P = 0.001).Conclusion: Biochemical and blood count indices and serum inflammatory-based scores remarkably differ between benign and malignant causes of endogenous CS and such indices can help in predicting severity of disease and thus prognosis.