bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cow’s milk protein allergy as a model of food allergy in children with inherited epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Galimova А. А. 
Published: December 2023

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa includes a spectrum of rare genodermatoses characterized by dysfunction of the skin barrier, high permeability, and therefore high risks of sensitization to the most common allergens.The aim. To assess the prevalence of food allergies and immunological features of allergy to cow’s milk proteins among a large cohort of children with inherited epidermolysis bullosa.Materials and methods. He study was conducted with the participation of a small cohort of children of different age groups suffering from congenital epidermolysis bullosa. Children were necessarily consulted by an allergist and a nutritionist, a detailed anamnesis was collected, specific IgE to milk and its fractions were determined using ImmunoСАР.Results. A total of 173 children with a diagnosis of inherited epidermolysis bullosa were included in the study. Allergy to cow’s milk proteins was detected in 11.1% of children with a simple form of the disease and in 16.8% of children with dystrophic form. In the group of children with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, an IgE-mediated form of food allergy with a later onset was characteristic.Conclusion. A high frequency of allergy to cow’s milk proteins in patients with inherited epidermolysis bullosa has been shown. Food allergy can affect the overall picture of the disease, and it must be diagnosed and taken into account in this category of patients, taking into account the immunopathogenesis underlying the disease, as well as the features of the skin and mucous barrier.
Assessment of the body composition of basketball players by anthropometry and bioimpedancemetry methods – comparison of the results of calculated and two hardware methods
Authors: Vybornaya К. V. , Semenov М. М. , Radzhabkadiev R. M. , Krikun E. N. , Klochkova S. V. , Nikityuk D. B. 
Published: December 2023

Standardization of methods for assessing body composition is an extremely relevant topic, especially when analyzing the long-term training of athletes. Evaluation of the results of measuring body composition using the method of classical anthropometry in comparison with the hardware method of bioimpedanceometry is relevant, because Measurement results from these techniques often vary, and it is important for practitioners and trainers to be aware of these differences.The aim of the study was to ompare the results of assessing the body composition of basketball players obtained using the calculation and two hardware methods.Materials and methods. The survey involved 25 students-basketball players (age 20.3±1.7 years). Body composition was assessed by three methods: calculation – according to the formulas of J. Mateyk, hardware – using the body composition analyzer ABC‑01 (LLC STC «MEDASS», Russia), hardware – using the basic multi-frequency portable body composition analyzer ACCUNIQ BC310 (SELVAS Healthcare Inc., Daejeon, South Korea). Statistica software was used for statistical calculations and plotting. The significance of differences between independent groups was determined using the nonparametric Mann – Whitney test (U-test). Distribution normality was assessed using the Shapiro – Wilk test. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare dependent samples. Correlation analysis – according to Bland – Altman.Results and discussion. The calculation method based on anthropometry gives significantly greater results in terms of skeletal muscle mass; in terms of basal metabolism, ACCUNIQ gives the highest values, Medass – the smallest, anthropometry method – the average between the results obtained by two hardware methods. Correlation analysis showed that when determining lean body mass, the closest results are obtained when measured using two analyzers MEDAS and ACCUNIQ (r=0.938, p<0.05 5); ANTRA and ACCUNIQ give a lower correlation (r=0.819, p<0.05), the lowest correlation is shown between the ANTRA method and MEDASS (r=0.715, p<0.05). When determining body fat mass, the methods give the least correlations than when determining lean body mass: the closest results are obtained when measured using two analyzers – MEDASS and ACCUNIQ (r=0.677; p<0.05)), ANTRA and ACCUNIQ give a lower correlation (r=0.598; p<0.05) (moreover, the correlation is not significant).Conclusion. Determination of the body composition of athletes is possible by any of the methods (caliperometry, bioimpedancemetry), given that the same method will be used for dynamic studies.
Princípios da iniciação científica em sequencia didática de Ecologia: um estudo de caso com estudantes de graduação em Ciências Biológicas
Authors: De Deus Bueno Krawczyk Ana Carolina , Ribeiro Marcos Otávio , Krupek Rogério Antonio , Wierzbicki Beatriz , Costa Luana 
Published: December 2023

Ciência é uma atividade que tem como proposta buscar de forma consistente e pragmática a elaboração de teses fundamentadas e explicativas sobre diversos mecanismos da natureza/sociedade. Para que a ciência seja aplicada e depois compreendida, é necessário lançar mão de diversas ferramentas que auxiliam nesse processo. Uma dessas ferramentas é a criação de metodologias ativas que podem ser mediadores e facilitadores no processo ensino-aprendizagem. Dito isso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo e proposta avaliar o grau de compreensão e entendimento de um grupo de alunos do curso de licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas dentro da temática conceitual em Ecologia. Para tal, foram selecionados 14 alunos, inicialmente inseridos em aulas com abordagens expositivas e dialogadas sobre o tema “Interações Ecológicas”. Após a finalização das aulas, aplicou-se um questionário online elaborado com cinco questões de múltipla escolha que versavam sobre o tema trabalhado durante as aulas. Subsequentemente, foi proposto aos estudantes o desenvolvimento de um experimento replicando possíveis interações ecológicas, objetivando observar na prática os eventos de competição e predação. Após a realização do experimento e observação dos alunos, foi aplicado o mesmo questionário utilizado anteriormente ao início do experimento. Nossos resultados apontaram que houve aumento de acertos no questionário após a realização do experimento, sendo que em termos gerais os acertos do pré-teste foram de 61,4% e no pós-teste, 67,1%. Os resultados majoritários apontados neste estudo demonstraram que, a prática em laboratório, utilizando a modalidade de delineamento experimental e abordagem problematizadora, teve papel agregador e de consolidação do conhecimento prévio estabelecido nas aulas teóricas. Esses resultados também reforçam a hipótese de que aulas interativas como metodologias ativas, associadas à contextualização observacional, podem desempenhar papel fundamental no processo ensino aprendizagem
GC–MS profiling of Bacillus spp. metabolites with an in vitro biological activity assessment and computational analysis of their impact on epithelial glioblastoma cancer genes
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Ishfaq Huda , Rehman Shafique Ur , Javed Aneela , Waseem Muhammad , Makhdoom Syeda Izma , Aziz Tariq , Alharbi Metab , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Alasmari Abdullah F. 
Published: December 2023

Background: Bacterial metabolites play a crucial role in human health and have proven effective in treating various diseases. In this study, the 16S rRNA method and streaking were employed to isolate and molecularly identify a bacterial strain, with the goal of characterizing bioactive volatile metabolites extracted using nonpolar and polar solvents.Methods: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was conducted to identify 29 compounds in the bacterial metabolites, including key compounds associated with Bacillus spp. The main compounds identified included 2-propanone, 4,4-ethylenedioxy-1-pentylamine, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,1-butoxy-1-isobutoxy-butane, and 3,3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran-2-one.Results: The literature indicates the diverse biological and pharmacological applications of these compounds. Different concentrations of the metabolites from Bacillus species were tested for biological activities, revealing significant inhibitory effects on anti-diabetic activity (84.66%), anti-inflammatory activity (99%), antioxidant activity (99.8%), and anti-hemolytic activity (90%). Disc diffusion method testing also demonstrated a noteworthy inhibitory effect against tested strains.Conclusion:In silico screening revealed that 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid exhibited anticancer activity and promising drug-designing properties against epithelial glioblastoma cancer genes. The study highlights the potential of Bacillus spp. as a valuable target for drug research, emphasizing the significance of bacterial metabolites in the production of biological antibacterial agents.
Alginate oligosaccharide extends the service lifespan by improving the sperm metabolome and gut microbiota in an aging Duroc boars model
Authors: Zhou Yexun , Wei Zeou , Tan Jiajian , Sun Haiqing , Jiang Haidi , Gao Yang , Zhang Hongfu , Schroyen Martine 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAlginate oligosaccharide (AOS), as a natural non-toxic plant extract, has been paid more attention in recent years due to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanism by which AOS affects animal reproductive performance is still unclear.MethodsThe purpose of this study is to use multi-omics technology to analyze the effects of AOS in extending the service lifespan of aging boars.ResultsThe results showed that AOS can significantly improve the sperm motility (p &lt; 0.05) and sperm validity rate (p &lt; 0.001) of aging boars and significantly reduce the abnormal sperm rate (p &lt; 0.01) by increasing the protein levels such as CatSper 8 and protein kinase A (PKA) for semen quality. At the same time, AOS significantly improved the testosterone content in the blood of boars (p &lt; 0.01). AOS significantly improved fatty acids such as adrenic acid (p &lt; 0.05) and antioxidants such as succinic acid (p &lt; 0.05) in sperm metabolites, significantly reducing harmful substances such as dibutyl phthalate (p &lt; 0.05), which has a negative effect on spermatogenesis. AOS can improve the composition of intestinal microbes, mainly increasing beneficial bacteria Enterobacter (p = 0.1262) and reducing harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus (p &lt; 0.05), Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (p &lt; 0.05), and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, short-chain fatty acids in feces such as acetic acid (p &lt; 0.05) and butyric acid (p &lt; 0.05) were significantly increased. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a close correlation among microorganisms, sperm metabolites, and sperm parameters.DiscussionTherefore, the data indicated that AOS improved the semen quality of older boars by improving the intestinal microbiota and sperm metabolome. AOS can be used as a feed additive to solve the problem of high elimination rate in large-scale boar studs.
The effect of blood flow restriction exercise on N-lactoylphenylalanine and appetite regulation in obese adults: a cross-design study
Authors: Li Shuoqi , Guo Rong , Wang Juncheng , Zheng Xinyu , Zhao Shuo , Zhang Zhiru , Yu Wenbing , Li Shiming , Zheng Peng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundN-lactoylphenylalanine (Lac-Phe) is a new form of “exerkines” closely related to lactate (La), which may be able to inhibit appetite. Blood flow restriction (BFR) can lead to local tissue hypoxia and increase lactate accumulation. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of combining Moderate-intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) with BFR on Lac-Phe and appetite regulation in obese adults.MethodsThis study employed the cross-design study and recruited 14 obese adults aged 18-24 years. The participants were randomly divided into three groups and performed several tests with specific experimental conditions: (1) M group (MICE without BFR, 60%VO2max, 200 kJ); (2) B group (MICE with BFR, 60%VO2max, 200 kJ); and (3) C group (control session without exercise). Participants were given a standardized meal 60 min before exercise and a ad libitum 60 min after exercise. In addition, blood and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were collected before, immediately after, and 1 hour after performing the exercise.ResultsNo significant difference in each index was detected before exercise. After exercise, the primary differential metabolites detected in the M and B groups were xanthine, La, succinate, Lac-Phe, citrate, urocanic acid, and myristic acid. Apart from that, the major enrichment pathways include the citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. The enhanced Lac-Phe and La level in the B group was higher than M and C groups. Hunger of the B group immediately after exercise substantially differed from M group. The total ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and hunger in the B group 1 hour after exercise differed substantially from M group. The results of calorie intake showed no significant difference among the indexes in each group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this cross-design study demonstrated that the combined MICE and BFR exercise reduced the appetite of obese adults by promoting the secretion of Lac-Phe and ghrelin. However, the exercise did not considerably affect the subsequent ad libitum intake.
Enterococcus species: insights into antimicrobial resistance and whole-genome features of isolates recovered from livestock and raw meat in Ghana
Authors: Amuasi Grebstad Rabbi , Dsani Esther , Owusu-Nyantakyi Christian , Owusu Felicia A. , Mohktar Quaneeta , Nilsson Pernille , Adu Bright , Hendriksen Rene S. , Egyir Beverly 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionEnterococcus spp. have gradually evolved from commensals to causing life-threatening hospital-acquired infections globally due to their inherent antimicrobial resistance ability and virulence potential. Enterococcus spp. recovered from livestock and raw meat samples were characterized using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing.Materials and methodsIsolates were confirmed using the MALDI-ToF mass spectrometer, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Whole genome sequencing was performed on isolates resistant to two or more antibiotics. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine sequence types, resistance and virulence gene content and evolutionary relationships between isolates from meat and livestock samples, and other enterococci genomes curated by PATRIC. eBURST analysis was used to assign genomes to clonal complexes.ResultsEnterococcus spp. were predominantly E. faecalis (96/236; 41%) and E. faecium (89/236; 38%). Overall, isolates showed resistance to erythromycin (78/236; 33%), tetracycline (71/236; 30%), ciprofloxacin (20/236; 8%), chloramphenicol (12/236; 5%), linezolid (7/236; 3%), ampicillin (4/236; 2%) and vancomycin (1/236, 0.4%). Resistance to two or more antimicrobial agents was detected among 17% (n = 40) Enterococcus spp. Resistance genes for streptogramins [lsa(A), lsa(E), msr(C)], aminoglycosides [aac(6′)-Ii, aph(3′)-III, ant(6)-Ia, aac(6′)-aph(2″), str], amphenicol [cat], macrolides [erm(B), erm(T), msr(C)], tetracyclines [tet(M), tet(L), tet(S)] and lincosamides [lsa(A), lsa(E), lnu(B)] were detected among the isolates. Genes for biofilm formation, adhesins, sex pheromones, cytolysins, hyaluronidase, oxidative stress resistance, quorum-sensing and anti-phagocytic activity were also identified. Potential plasmids with replicon sequences (rep1, rep2, repUS43, repUS47, rep9a, rep9b) and other mobile genetic elements (Tn917, cn_5536_ISEnfa1, Tn6009, ISEnfa1, ISEfa10) were detected. Clinically relevant E. faecium ST32 and ST416 clones were identified in meat samples.ConclusionThe occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. in livestock and raw meat samples, carrying multiple resistance and virulence genes, including known clones associated with hospital-acquired infections, underscores the critical need for employing robust tools like whole genome sequencing. Such tools provide detailed data essential for ongoing surveillance efforts aimed at addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance with a focus on one health.
Available and novel plant-based carbon dots derived from Vaccaria Semen carbonisata alleviates liver fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Yafang , Dai Ertong , Dong Liyang , Yuan Jinye , Zhao Yusheng , Wu Tong , Kong Ruolan , Li Menghan , Wang Shuxian , Zhou Long , Yang Yingxin , Kong Hui , Zhao Yan , Qu Huihua 
Published: December 2023

Background: Liver fibrosis represents an intermediate stage in the progression of liver disease, and as of now, there exists no established clinical therapy for effective antifibrotic treatment.Purpose: Our aim is to explore the impact of Carbon dots derived from Vaccaria Semen Carbonisata (VSC-CDs) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice.Methods: VSC-CDs were synthesized employing a modified pyrolysis process. Comprehensive characterization was performed utilizing various techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), multiple spectroscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A hepatic fibrosis model induced by carbon tetrachloride was utilized to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of VSC-CDs.Results: VSC-CDs, exhibiting a quantum yield (QY) of approximately 2.08%, were nearly spherical with diameters ranging from 1.0 to 5.5 nm. The VSC-CDs prepared in this study featured a negative charge and abundant chemical functional groups. Furthermore, these particles demonstrated outstanding dispersibility in the aqueous phase and high biocompatibility. Moreover, VSC-CDs not only enhanced liver function and alleviated liver damage in pathomorphology but also mitigated the extent of liver fibrosis. Additionally, this study marks the inaugural demonstration of the pronounced activity of VSC-CDs in inhibiting inflammatory reactions, reducing oxidative damage, and modulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Conclusion: VSC-CDs exerted significant potential for application in nanodrugs aimed at treating liver fibrosis.
Altered dynamical integration/segregation balance during anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness
Authors: Lord Louis-David , Carletti Timoteo , Fernandes Henrique , Turkheimer Federico E. , Expert Paul 
Published: December 2023

In recent years, brain imaging studies have begun to shed light on the neural correlates of physiologically-reversible altered states of consciousness such as deep sleep, anesthesia, and psychedelic experiences. The emerging consensus is that normal waking consciousness requires the exploration of a dynamical repertoire enabling both global integration i.e., long-distance interactions between brain regions, and segregation, i.e., local processing in functionally specialized clusters. Altered states of consciousness have notably been characterized by a tipping of the integration/segregation balance away from this equilibrium. Historically, functional MRI (fMRI) has been the modality of choice for such investigations. However, fMRI does not enable characterization of the integration/segregation balance at sub-second temporal resolution. Here, we investigated global brain spatiotemporal patterns in electrocorticography (ECoG) data of a monkey (Macaca fuscata) under either ketamine or propofol general anesthesia. We first studied the effects of these anesthetics from the perspective of band-specific synchronization across the entire ECoG array, treating individual channels as oscillators. We further aimed to determine whether synchrony within spatially localized clusters of oscillators was differently affected by the drugs in comparison to synchronization over spatially distributed subsets of ECoG channels, thereby quantifying changes in integration/segregation balance on physiologically-relevant time scales. The findings reflect global brain dynamics characterized by a loss of long-range integration in multiple frequency bands under both ketamine and propofol anesthesia, most pronounced in the beta (13–30 Hz) and low-gamma bands (30–80 Hz), and with strongly preserved local synchrony in all bands.
Quality appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for the management of Dysphagia after acute stroke
Authors: Gao Shi-Lin , Liu Chang-Qing , Han Qing-Hua , Dai Xiao-Rong , Liu Yi-Wen , Li Ka 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesDysphagia is a common complication in stroke patients, widely affecting recovery and quality of life after stroke. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the gaps that between evidence and practice by critically assessing the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for management of dysphagia in stroke.MethodsWe systematically searched academic databases and guideline repositories between January 1, 2014, and August 1, 2023. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument was used by two authors to independently assess CPG quality.ResultsIn a total of 14 CPGs included, we identified that three CPGs obtained a final evaluation of “high quality,” nine CPGs achieved “moderate quality” and two CPGs received “low quality.” The domain of “scope and purpose” achieved the highest mean score (91.1%) and the highest median (IQR) of 91.7% (86.1, 94.4%), while the domain of “applicability” received the lowest mean score (55.8%) and the lowest median (IQR) of 55.4% (43.2, 75.5%).ConclusionThe CPG development group should pay more attention to improving the methodological quality according to the AGREE II instrument, especially in the domain of “applicability” and “stakeholder involvement;” and each item should be refined as much as possible.
Explainable stress type classification captures physiologically relevant responses in the Maastricht Acute Stress Test
Authors: Tervonen Jaakko , Närväinen Johanna , Mäntyjärvi Jani , Pettersson Kati 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionCurrent stress detection methods concentrate on identification of stress and non-stress states despite the existence of various stress types. The present study performs a more specific, explainable stress classification, which could provide valuable information on the physiological stress reactions.MethodsPhysiological responses were measured in the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST), comprising alternating trials of cold pressor (inducing physiological stress and pain) and mental arithmetics (eliciting cognitive and social-evaluative stress). The responses in these subtasks were compared to each other and to the baseline through mixed model analysis. Subsequently, stress type detection was conducted with a comprehensive analysis of several machine learning components affecting classification. Finally, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods were applied to analyze the influence of physiological features on model behavior.ResultsMost of the investigated physiological reactions were specific to the stressors, and the subtasks could be distinguished from baseline with up to 86.5% balanced accuracy. The choice of the physiological signals to measure (up to 25%-point difference in balanced accuracy) and the selection of features (up to 7%-point difference) were the two key components in classification. Reflection of the XAI analysis to mixed model results and human physiology revealed that the stress detection model concentrated on physiological features relevant for the two stressors.DiscussionThe findings confirm that multimodal machine learning classification can detect different types of stress reactions from baseline while focusing on physiologically sensible changes. Since the measured signals and feature selection affected classification performance the most, data analytic choices left limited input information uncompensated.