bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic studies and homology modeling of a dual-substrate linalool/nerolidol synthase from Plectranthus amboinicus
Authors: Ashaari Nur Suhanawati , Ab. Rahim Mohd Hairul , Sabri Suriana , Lai Kok Song , Song Adelene Ai-Lian , Abdul Rahim Raha , Ong Abdullah Janna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLinalool and nerolidol are terpene alcohols that occur naturally in many aromatic plants and are commonly used in food and cosmetic industries as flavors and fragrances. In plants, linalool and nerolidol are biosynthesized as a result of respective linalool synthase and nerolidol synthase, or a single linalool/nerolidol synthase. In our previous work, we have isolated a linalool/nerolidol synthase (designated as PamTps1) from a local herbal plant, Plectranthus amboinicus, and successfully demonstrated the production of linalool and nerolidol in an Escherichia coli system. In this work, the biochemical properties of PamTps1 were analyzed, and its 3D homology model with the docking positions of its substrates, geranyl pyrophosphate (C10) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (C15) in the active site were constructed. PamTps1 exhibited the highest enzymatic activity at an optimal pH and temperature of 6.5 and 30 °C, respectively, and in the presence of 20 mM magnesium as a cofactor. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) values of 16.72 ± 1.32 µM and 9.57 × 10–3 µM−1 s−1, respectively, showed that PamTps1 had a higher binding affinity and specificity for GPP instead of FPP as expected for a monoterpene synthase. The PamTps1 exhibits feature of a class I terpene synthase fold that made up of α-helices architecture with N-terminal domain and catalytic C-terminal domain. Nine aromatic residues (W268, Y272, Y299, F371, Y378, Y379, F447, Y517 and Y523) outlined the hydrophobic walls of the active site cavity, whilst residues from the RRx8W motif, RxR motif, H-α1 and J-K loops formed the active site lid that shielded the highly reactive carbocationic intermediates from the solvents. The dual substrates use by PamTps1 was hypothesized to be possible due to the architecture and residues lining the catalytic site that can accommodate larger substrate (FPP) as demonstrated by the protein modelling and docking analysis. This model serves as a first glimpse into the structural insights of the PamTps1 catalytic active site as a multi-substrate linalool/nerolidol synthase.
High neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio is associated with nutritional risk in hospitalised, unselected cancer patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Siqueira Jéssika M , Soares Jéssika D P , Borges Thaís C , Gomes Tatyanne L N , Pimentel Gustavo D 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCancer patients possess metabolic and pathophysiological changes and an inflammatory environment that leads to malnutrition. This study aimed to (i) determine whether there is an association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and nutritional risk, and (ii) identify the cut-off value of NLR that best predicts malnutrition by screening for nutritional risk (NRS 2002). This cross-sectional study included 119 patients with unselected cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or surgery. The NRS 2002 was applied within 24 h of hospitalisation to determine the nutritional risk. Systemic inflammation was assessed by blood collection, and data on C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils, and lymphocytes were collected for later calculation of NLR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the best cut-point for NLR value that predicted nutritional risk. Differences between the groups were tested using the Student’s t-, Mann–Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between NLR and nutritional risk. The ROC curve showed the best cut-point for predicting nutritional risk was NLR > 5.0 (sensitivity, 60.9%; specificity, 76.4%). The NLR ≥ 5.0 group had a higher prevalence of nutritional risk than the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 73.6% vs. NLR < 5.0: 37.9%, p = 0.001). The NLR group ≥ 5.0 showed higher values of CRP and NLR than the NLR < 5.0 group. In addition, patients with NLR ≥ 5.0 also had higher NRS 2002 values when compared to the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 3.0 ± 1.1 vs. NLR < 5.0: 2.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.0004). Logistic regression revealed an association between NRS and NLR values. In hospitalised unselected cancer patients, systemic inflammation measured by NLR was associated with nutritional risk. Therefore, we highlight the importance of measuring the NLR in clinical practice, with the aim to detect nutritional risk.
Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens
Authors: Mindus Claire , van Staaveren Nienke , Bharwani Aadil , Fuchs Dietmar , Gostner Johanna M. , Kjaer Joergen B. , Kunze Wolfgang , Mian M. Firoz , Shoveller Anna K. , Forsythe Paul , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFeather pecking (FP) is a stress-induced neuropsychological disorder of birds. Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotic bacteria are known to favorably modulate the gut microbiome and hence the neurochemical and immune components of the gut-brain axis. Consequently, probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP in domestic chickens. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals in chickens supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a placebo. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly; however, L. rhamnosus prevented this increase. L. rhamnosus supplementation showed a strong immunological effect by increasing the regulatory T cell population of the spleen and the cecal tonsils, in addition to limiting cecal microbiota dysbiosis. Despite minimal changes in aromatic amino acid levels, data suggest that catecholaminergic circuits may be an interesting target for further studies. Overall, our findings provide the first data supporting the use of a single-strain probiotic to reduce stress-induced FP in chickens and promise to improve domestic birds' welfare.
Spin current distribution in antiferromagnetic zigzag graphene nanoribbons under transverse electric fields
Authors: Zhang Jie , Fahrenthold Eric P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe spin current transmission properties of narrow zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) have been the focus of much computational research, investigating the potential application of zGNRs in spintronic devices. Doping, fuctionalization, edge modification, and external electric fields have been studied as methods for spin current control, and the performance of zGNRs initialized in both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin states has been modeled. Recent work has shown that precise fabrication of narrow zGNRs is possible, and has addressed long debated questions on their magnetic order and stability. This work has revived interest in the application of antiferromagnetic zGNR configurations in spintronics. A general ab initio analysis of narrow antiferromagnetic zGNR performance under a combination of bias voltage and transverse electric field loading shows that their current transmission characteristics differ sharply from those of their ferromagnetic counterparts. At relatively modest field strengths, both majority and minority spin currents react strongly to the applied field. Analysis of band gaps and current transmission pathways explains the presence of negative differential resistance effects and the development of spatially periodic electron transport structures in these nanoribbons.
Comprehensive in situ mapping of human cortical transcriptomic cell types
Authors: Langseth Christoffer Mattsson , Gyllborg Daniel , Miller Jeremy A. , Close Jennie L. , Long Brian , Lein Ed S. , Hilscher Markus M. , Nilsson Mats 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe ability to spatially resolve the cellular architecture of human cortical cell types over informative areas is essential to understanding brain function. We combined in situ sequencing gene expression data and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing cell type definitions to spatially map cells in sections of the human cortex via probabilistic cell typing. We mapped and classified a total of 59,816 cells into all 75 previously defined subtypes to create a first spatial atlas of human cortical cells in their native position, their abundances and genetic signatures. We also examined the precise within- and across-layer distributions of all the cell types and provide a resource for the cell atlas community. The abundances and locations presented here could serve as a reference for further studies, that include human brain tissues and disease applications at the cell type level.
The structure of a dimeric form of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase
Authors: Jochheim Florian A. , Tegunov Dimitry , Hillen Hauke S. , Schmitzová Jana , Kokic Goran , Dienemann Christian , Cramer Patrick 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 uses an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to replicate and transcribe its genome. Previous structures of the RdRp revealed a monomeric enzyme composed of the catalytic subunit nsp12, two copies of subunit nsp8, and one copy of subunit nsp7. Here we report an alternative, dimeric form of the enzyme and resolve its structure at 5.5 Å resolution. In this structure, the two RdRps contain only one copy of nsp8 each and dimerize via their nsp7 subunits to adopt an antiparallel arrangement. We speculate that the RdRp dimer facilitates template switching during production of sub-genomic RNAs.
A Comparison of the Perceived Hearing Difficulties of Community and Clinical Samples of Older Adults
Authors: Humes Larry E. , Dubno Judy R. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the perceived hearing difficulties of a community sample of older adults to two clinical samples of older adults, one with no hearing aid experience and the other with hearing aid experience.MethodScale scores from the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI) were analyzed for a community sample of older adults (N= 243) and compared to scores from two clinical samples, one without (N= 342) and one with prior hearing-aid experience (N= 179). General linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to examine the effects of data sample type and other factors on CPHI scale scores. Scores for the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) were also available for most participants and were analyzed.ResultsGLM analyses of each of the 20 CPHI scale scores showed significant effects of sample type with hearing-loss severity and age most frequently showing significant effects as well. GLM analyses controlling for hearing-loss severity and age across sample types found significant differences on most CPHI scales between the community sample and each of the two clinical samples. Significant differences between the two clinical samples were also found on several CPHI scales and on the HHIE.ConclusionsOlder adults from the community who did not seek help for hearing difficulties self-reported less difficulty and a greater denial or lack of awareness of communication problems than those who sought assistance at an audiology clinic. For those presumed to have sought a hearing evaluation, those acquiring hearing aids perceived greater communication difficulties in all environments, had greater awareness of communication difficulties, were more accepting of their hearing loss, but tended to allocate more responsibility for their difficulties to others, compared to those who sought clinical assistance but did not acquire hearing aids.
Safety of low-volume PEG-asc bowel cleansing preparation for colonoscopy: identifying patients at risk for hypokalemia in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Reumkens Ankie , Bakker Christine Minke , van Kraaij Sebastiaan J.W. , Winkens Bjorn , Raijmakers Maarten T. , van Nunen Annick B. , van Deursen Cees Th.B.M. , Masclee Ad A.M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and study aims The aim of bowel cleansing preparation should be high-quality results and conformance with safety standards. Previously, we reported that hypokalemia occurred in 23.6 % of patients after bowel preparation in a high-risk population on diuretics or hospitalized and referred for colonoscopy. Here we report on a prospective study in a non-selected colonoscopy cohort to identify patients at risk of developing hypokalemia before and after bowel cleansing with low-volume polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG-asc).
Patients and methods From January 1 to July 31, 2016, we included all patients undergoing colonoscopy in our institution. Prevalences of hypokalemia before and after PEG-asc bowel cleansing for colonoscopy were calculated and risk factors for developing hypokalemia after PEG-asc bowel cleansing were identified.
Results In total, 2011 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 0.8 % had hypokalemia before bowel cleansing with PEG-asc. After bowel preparation, 5.4 % developed hypokalemia. Of the patients, 281 were considered to have “high cardiac risk.” The combination of “high cardiac risk” and hypokalemia was present in 1 % of the initial colonoscopy population. Female sex, colorectal cancer diagnosis, and thiazide use were found to be significant predictors for hypokalemia after use of PEG-asc. No arrhythmias or serious adverse events due to hypokalemia occurred.
Conclusions Physicians referring patients for colonoscopy should be aware that “high cardiac risk” patients and those on thiazide diuretics undergoing bowel cleansing for colonoscopy are a risk of developing post-cleansing hypokalemia but it remains to be determined whether their risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias is truly increased.
Scissor-type knife improves the safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) among endoscopists without experience in ESD: a randomized ex vivo study
Authors: Visrodia Kavel , Sawas Tarek , Zakko Liam , Genere Juan Reyes , Leggett Cadman , Lutzke Lori , Wang Kenneth K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically challenging, difficult to learn, and carries a substantial risk of perforation, all of which remain significant barriers to its adoptability. We aimed to determine whether use of a novel scissor-type knife improved efficacy and safety among novice performers of ESD.Materials and methods Following a brief didactic session on ESD, participants performed ESD of two lesions (2 cm diameter) in an ex vivo porcine gastric model. One resection was performed with a conventional knife and the other with the scissor knife (order of knife randomized). We recorded procedure time, successful en bloc resection, and adverse events (including full-thickness perforation and muscle injury) for each dissection. Participants completed a post-study survey.Results 10 endoscopists (8 trainees, 2 staff) considered novices in ESD participated. Compared with the conventional knife, use of the scissor knife was associated with a significantly shorter time to completion of submucosal dissection (mean 6.2 [SD 5.6] vs. 15.6 [SD 15.6] minutes; P = 0.04) and total procedure time was not significantly different (22.1 [SD 13.3] vs. 24.9 [SD 26.5] minutes; P = 0.65). Scissor knife use was also associated with a significantly lower proportion of perforation and/or muscle injury (10.0 % vs. 70.0 %; P < 0.01) and proportion of muscle injury alone (10.0 % vs. 60.0 %; P  = 0.02).Conclusions Among novices performing ESD on an ex vivo animal model, use of a scissor knife was associated with a significantly lower proportion of adverse events without prolonging procedure time. Scissor-type knives may improve ESD safety, at least among novices.
Extent of eosinophilic esophagitis predicts response to treatment
Authors: Ghoz Hassan , Stancampiano Fernando F. , Valery Jose R. , Nordelo Katie , Malviya Balkishan , Lacy Brian E. , Francis Dawn , DeVault Kenneth , Bouras Ernest , Krishna Murli , Palmer William C. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and study aim The clinical impact of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) limited to the distal esophagus (Lim-EE) vs. diffuse involvement (Dif-EE) is unknown. This study compared clinical characteristics and outcomes of Lim-EE vs. Dif-EE.
Patients and methods This retrospective, single-center study of patients with EoE between December 2011 and December 2019 evaluated treatment response based on repeated pathology and/or clinical improvement using comparative statistics.
Results 479 patients were identified (126 Lim-EE, 353 Dif-EE). Lim-EE patients had a higher incidence of endoscopically identified esophagitis (23.0 % vs. 14.7 %; P = 0.04), were older (50.8 [SD 16.2] vs. 46.4 [SD 15.3] years; P = 0.007), and were more likely to present with iron deficiency anemia (5.6 % vs. 1.7 %; P = 0.05), dyspepsia (15.1 % vs. 8.8 %; P = 0.06) or for Barrett’s surveillance (10.3 % vs. 3.7 %; P = 0.02). Patients with Dif-EE presented more frequently with dysphagia (57.2 % vs. 45.2 %; P = 0.02). Both groups had similar proton pump inhibitor (87.2 % vs. 83.3 %; P = 0.37) and steroid (12.8 % vs. 21.4 %; P = 0.14) use. Patients with Lim-EE had a better clinicopathologic response (61.5 % vs. 44.8 %; P = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, EoE extent predicted treatment response with an odds ratio of 1.89 (95 % confidence interval 1.13–3.20; P = 0.02). However, treatment response based only on repeat biopsy results showed no statistical difference between Lim-EE (52.5 %) and Dif-EE (39.7 %; P = 0.15).
Conclusions Lim-EE may represent a distinct phenotype separate from Dif-EE, with more overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease and better treatment response.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Transabdominal Ultrasound and Computed
Tomography in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Authors: Nordaas Ingrid Kvåle , Engjom Trond , Gilja Odd Helge , Havre Roald Flesland , Sangnes Dag André , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Dimcevski Georg 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose Computed tomography (CT) is the most used imaging modality for
diagnosing chronic pancreatitis (CP), but advances in transabdominal ultrasound
(US) technology have given US a position as a viable alternative. We aimed to
evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal CT and pancreatic US compared to
the reference standard, a modified Mayo score.
Materials and Methods CT, US, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were
performed in patients referred due to suspected CP. The modified Mayo score
included EUS results, clinical presentation, and results from exocrine and
endocrine pancreatic function tests. We scored CT findings according to the
modified Cambridge classification and US findings according to the Rosemont
classification.
Results In total, 73 patients were included. 53 patients (73%)
were categorized as CP and 20 (27%) as non-CP. CT and US yielded similar
sensitivities (68% and 64%, respectively) and specificities (75
and 85%, respectively) and similar areas under the receiver operating
characteristic curves for diagnosing CP. We found no significant differences
between the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs)
for CT (AUROC 0.75, 95% CI 0.63–0.87) and US (AUROC 0.81,
95% CI 0.71–0.91).
Conclusion We conclude that CT and US had comparable, moderate accuracy in
diagnosing CP. Neither modality had high enough sensitivity to exclude the
diagnosis as a standalone method.
A Review on the Application of Silver Nanoparticles in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Selvido Diane Isabel , Bhattarai Bishwa Prakash , Riddhabhaya Apiwat , Vongsawan Kadkao , Arunpraphan Siripen , Wongsirichat Natthamet 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been taken advantage of in dentistry because of their good antibacterial resistance and self-sustaining potential. However, in oral and maxillofacial surgery and implantology, there is a lesser amount of evidence. The few pieces of evidence need to be accentuated for possible amplification of its use in the dental setting. AgNPs in oral and maxillofacial surgery can be used in wound healing, bone healing, extractions, guided tissue regeneration, apical surgeries, oral cancer, and dental implants. This review aims to feature the utilization and application of AgNPs in oral and maxillofacial surgery and implant dentistry, emphasizing its need for potential future development in clinical settings.
A Large Oral Melanoma: A Case Report of a Rare but Aggressive Malignancy
Authors: Warin Kritsasith , Klanrit Poramaporn , Pattanajakr Nutdanai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA variety of black-pigmented lesions of the oral cavity can be found, ranging from harmless benign lesions such as melanotic macule, smoker’s melanosis, amalgam/graphite tattoos, and pigmented nevus to a life-threatening oral malignant melanoma. Oral melanoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor that originates from melanocytes’ proliferation and accounts for only 0.5% of all oral malignancies. The etiology is unknown. Most oral melanomas are present at the palate and the upper alveolar ridge, whereas occurrences at the buccal mucosa, the lower alveolar ridge, and the lip are rare, with only a few reports in the literature. The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy. The prognosis is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of ~20%. In this report, we present a case of large oral melanoma at the right buccal mucosa involving the right lower alveolar ridge and lip commissure, which are relatively unusual locations for oral melanoma. In addition, immunohistochemical markers used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic decision-making of oral melanoma are also discussed.
Mechanical Properties of Experimental Composites with Different Photoinitiator
Authors: de Resende Luis Felipe Marques , Catelan Anderson , Baroudi Kusai , Palialol Alan Rodrigo Muniz , de Resende Alexandre Marques , Andreucci Ana Carolina , Zanatta Rayssa Ferreira , Liporoni Priscila Christiane Suzy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective The effect of different photoinitiators on mechanical properties of experimental composites was evaluated.
Materials and Methods Resin composites were formulated by using a blend of bisphenol A-glycidyl and triethylene glycol (50/50 wt%) dimethacrylate monomers, and 65 wt% of barium aluminium silicate and silica filler particles. Photoinitiators used were 0.2% camphorquinone (CQ) and 0.8% co-initiator (DMAEMA); 0.2% phenyl-propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.1% CQ + 0.1% phenyl propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.42% mono(acyl)phosphine oxide (MAPO); and 0.5% bis(acyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO). Specimens (n = 10) were light cured by using a multiple-emission peak light-emitting diode for 20 seconds at 1,200 mW/cm2 of irradiance and Knoop hardness and plasticization, depth of cure, flexural strength, and elastic modulus were evaluated. Data were statiscally analyzed at significance level of α = 5%.
Results Experimental composites containing MAPO and BAPO photoinitiators showed the highest values of flexural strength, elastic modulus, top surface hardness, and lower hardness reduction caused by alcohol compared with CQ. Composites containing CQ and PPD showed similar results, except for depth of cure and hardness of bottom surface.
Conclusion BAPO and MAPO showed higher flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness on top surface, and lower polymer plasticization to CQ.