bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of Spirulina platensis ethanol extract: influence on mRNA expression and prediction of molecular interactions with IL-10
Authors: Purba H H S , Paramita R , Prijanti A R , Iswanti F C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Alleviation of inflammation requires an optimal balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, in which IL-10 plays a critical role as a major anti-inflammatory cytokine. Studies about the ability of the active component of Spirulina platensis to promote IL-10 expression still vary. This study aims to analyze the effect of S. platensis on IL-10 mRNA expression in healthy rats of emerging adults and young adults. This study used six groups of male Wistar rats aged 12, 18, and 24 weeks treated with 200 mg/kg BW of S. platensis extract and a control group. Molecular interaction was predicted between three bioactive compounds of S. platensis (α-glucan, β-carotene, phycocyanobilin) and tacrolimus (control ligand) with IL-10 protein. The relative expression ratio of IL-10 mRNA increased in the treatment rats at 12 weeks (1.77) and 24 weeks (2.05). In rats aged 18 weeks, there was no increase in the expression ratio of IL-10 mRNA in treated rats compared to controls (0.91). Tacrolimus, the control ligand, has the best affinity as an IL-10 inhibitor (-6.68 kcal/mol), followed by β-carotene (-5.83 kcal/mol). The ethanolic extract of S. platensis can potentially increase the expression of IL-10 mRNA in the rat spleen at 12 and 24 weeks.
Comparative analysis of germination performance from several species of seeds under influence of silica nanoparticles
Authors: Sembada A A , Lenggoro I W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The first and most critical phase in growing crops is seed germination. Failure and slower germination process may have an impact on productivity. As a result, numerous strategies are needed to hasten germination and improving the quality of the seedlings. One possible strategy is the use of nanoparticles. This present study used colloidal silica nanoparticles (8 - 10 nm) with concentrations of 0 (control), 100, and 1000 mg/L. Seeds from six different species were used (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Cucumis sativus, Solanum melongena, Solanum lycopersicum, and Daucus carota). Seeds were germinated in dark condition for eight consecutive days. The result showed that the use of silica nanoparticles may shorten the germination time while increasing the germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination in C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. sativus, and S. lycopersicum. However, the observed effect was not very strong compared to the control. This could be due to the seeds utilized were not in dormant stage and had rather high viability. On the other hand, we found that silica nanoparticles could alter the structure of the seed coat, allowing for easier water imbibition for germination.
The effect of methyl jasmonate on growth, stevioside and rebaudioside A production in Stevia rebaudiana shoot culture using mist bioreactor
Authors: Rahmawati A , Saksyasamita A R , Emmanuel V , Iriawati  , Lambangsari K , Esyanti R R , Othman R , Faizal A , Nugrahapraja H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Steviol glycosides (SG) from Stevia rebaudiana have been used as natural sweeteners to substitute sucrose. SG production naturally needs large biomass. Therefore, it requires large area of cultivation. In vitro cultivation can be used as an alternative to propagate Stevia, as well as for increasing the production of SG. In this experiment, we conducted Stevia propagation in bioreactor and induced SG production through methyl jasmonate (MeJa) elicitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MeJA on plant growth and SG contents in Stevia shoot cultivated using mist bioreactor. Elicitation was carried out by MeJa spraying for 30 min every 6 h. In treatment A, we used 10 μM MeJa for 72 h and 100 μM MeJa for 24 h for treatment B. The results showed that treatment A gave higher increase in shoot growth (485%), biomass production (547%), and relative growth rate (0.13) compared to treatment B. There was no significant difference in stevioside content among treatments (A and B) and controls, meanwhile treatment B produced rebaudioside A (0.0113 mg/g) higher than treatment A (0.0062 mg/g). We concluded that treatment A was better in inducing growth and treatment B could be used to increase rebaudioside A.
Detection of recombinant Pichia pastoris producing glargine
Authors: Hardianto D , Martius E , Rostinawati T , Safarrida A , Royani J I , Laziba D , Assyifa F 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise. Diabetes management involves the administration of insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels. Currently, two main types of insulin are used for diabetes treatment: human insulin and insulin analogs. One such insulin analog is insulin glargine, categorized as a long-acting insulin. Four prominent organisms used for insulin production are Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Hansenula polymorpha. Pichia pastoris was used to produce insulin glargine in this study. The pPICZαA-G plasmid containing the synthetic glargine gene was inserted into Pichia pastoris. Recombinant Pichia pastoris containing the pPICZαA-G plasmid was detected using selection media with Zeocin, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing. Through the implementation of selection media containing Zeocin, PCR, and DNA sequencing techniques, it was known that the recombinant Pichia pastoris contained the synthetic glargine gene. Further research will be carried out testing the expression of glargine in recombinant Pichia pastoris.
Vegetative response of shallot (Allium cepa Aggregatum group) bulbs on vernalization and gibberellin treatment in different environments
Authors: Nawfetrias W , Maretta D , Handayani D P , Himawati S , Aprianti R , Suhendra A , Marianto F A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research is an initial study of the effects of vernalization and Gibberellins in two different environments. The research was conducted in a split-split plot design with three factors and three times repetition. The main plot was the environment (environment 1, environment 2), the split plot was vernalization temperature (3±2 and 9±2°C), and split-split plot was Gibberellin concentration (0, 50, 100, 150 ppm). The result showed that the vernalizations and Gibberellin have significantly affected plant height (p<0.01). The environment significantly affected plant height, number of tillers, and number of leaves. There was an interaction between Gibberellin and environment treatment on plant height and an interaction between vernalization, Gibberellin, and environment on the number of leaves. The environment with temperature: 29±2.18°C, RH: 45±9.14%, light intensity: 9272±7669 μmol m-2 S-1 showed plant height and the number of tillers higher than other environments, contrary to the number of leaves. According to the principal component analysis, this environment is more suitable for all vernalization and Gibberellin treatments than other environments. The results of this study indicate that the environment more influences vegetative growth than the other two treatments.
Sex ratio affects sexual selection against mutant alleles in a locus-specific way
Authors: Sharda Sakshi , Hollis Brian , Kawecki Tadeusz J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Higher male:female operational sex ratio (OSR) is often assumed to lead to stronger sexual selection on males. Yet, this premise has been directly tested by very few studies, with mixed outcomes. We investigated how OSR affects the strength of sexual selection against two deleterious alleles, a natural ebony mutant and a transgenic GFP insertion, in Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, we estimated the relative paternity share of homozygous mutant males competing against wild-type males under different OSRs (1:2, 1:1, 2:1). We also manipulated the mating pool density (18, 36, or 54 individuals) and assessed paternity over three consecutive days, during which the nature of sexual interaction changed. The strength of sexual selection against the ebony mutant increased with OSR, became weaker after the first day, and was little affected by density. In contrast, sexual selection against the GFP transgene was markedly affected by density: at the highest density, it increased with OSR, but at lower densities, it was strongest at 1:1 OSR, remaining strong throughout the experiment. Thus, while OSR can strongly affect the strength of sexual selection against “bad genes,” it does not necessarily increase monotonically with male:female OSR. Furthermore, the pattern of relationship between OSR and the strength of sexual selection can be locus-specific, likely reflecting the specific phenotypic effects of the mutation.
Comparative analysis of hospitalizations among patients treated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in European pediatric nephrology centers: results from a prospective EPDWG/ESPN Dialysis Working Group study
Authors: Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A , Özdemir Atikel Yeşim , Schmitt Claus Peter , Lévai Eszter , Adalat Shazia , Goodman Nadine , Dursun İsmail , Pınarbaşı Ayşe Seda , Yazıcıoğlu Burcu , Paglialonga Fabio , Vondrak Karel , Guzzo Isabella , Printza Nikoleta , Zurowska Aleksandra , Zagożdżon Ilona , Karabay Bayazıt Aysun , Atmış Bahriye , Tkaczyk Marcin , Faria Maria do Sameiro , Zaloszyc Ariane , Jankauskienė Augustina , Ekim Mesiha , Edefonti Alberto , Shroff Rukshana 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background and hypothesis
Hospital admissions in pediatric dialysis patients need to be better studied, and most existing studies are retrospective and based on registry data. This study aimed to analyse and compare hospital admission rates, causes, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes in children treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD).

Methods
Data from 236 maintenance PD and 138 HD patients across 16 European dialysis centers were collected between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018. A total of 178 hospitalized patients (103 PD, 75 HD) were included for further analyses.

Results
There were 465 hospitalization events (268 PD, 197 HD) with a rate of 0.39 admissions per 100 patient-days at risk (PDAR) and 2.4 hospital days per 100 PDAR. The admission rates were not significantly different between HD and PD patients. The most common causes of hospitalization were access-related infections (ARI) (17%), non-infectious complications of access (NIAC) (14%), and infections unrelated to access (12%). ARI was the leading cause in PD patients (24%), while NIAC was more common in HD patients (19%). PD patients had more ARIs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment adjustments (P &lt; .05), while HD patients had more NIACs, infections unrelated to access, access placement procedures, and interventional/surgical procedures (P &lt; .001). LOS was longer with acute admissions than non-acute admissions (P &lt; .001). Overall LOS and LOS in the intensive care unit were similar between HD and PD patients. High serum uric acid and low albumin levels were significant predictors of longer LOS (P = .022 and P = .045, respectively). Young age, more significant height deficit, and older age at the start of dialysis were predictors of longer cumulative hospital days (P = .002, P = .001, and P = .031, respectively).

Conclusion
Access-related complications are the main drivers of hospitalization in pediatric dialysis patients, and growth and nutrition parameters are significant predictors of more extended hospital stays.
Tissue characterization of acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance-guided ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: a feasibility study
Authors: Bijvoet G P , Nies H M J M , Holtackers R J , Martens B M , Smink J , Linz D , Vernooy K , Wildberger J E , Nijveldt R , Chaldoupi S M , Mihl C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
To characterize acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter by combining T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T1 mapping, first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. CMR-guided catheter ablation offers a unique opportunity to investigate acute ablation lesions. Until present, studies only used T2WI and LGE CMR to assess acute lesions.

Methods and results
Fifteen patients with CTI-dependent atrial flutter scheduled for CMR-guided RF ablation were prospectively enrolled. Directly after achieving bidirectional block of the CTI line, CMR imaging was performed using: T2WI (n = 15), T1 mapping (n = 10), first-pass perfusion (n = 12), and LGE (n = 12) imaging. In case of acute reconnection, additional RF ablation was performed. In all patients, T2WI demonstrated oedema in the ablation region. Right atrial T1 mapping was feasible and could be analysed with a high inter-observer agreement (r = 0.931, ICC 0.921). The increase in T1 values post-ablation was significantly lower in regions showing acute reconnection compared with regions without reconnection [37 ± 90 ms vs. 115 ± 69 ms (P = 0.014), and 3.9 ± 9.0% vs. 11.1 ± 6.8% (P = 0.022)]. Perfusion defects were present in 12/12 patients. The LGE images demonstrated hyper-enhancement with a central area of hypo-enhancement in 12/12 patients.

Conclusion
Tissue characterization of acute lesions during CMR-guided CTI-dependent atrial flutter ablation demonstrates oedema, perfusion defects, and necrosis with a core of microvascular damage. Right atrial T1 mapping is feasible, and may identify regions of acute reconnection that require additional RF ablation.
Dissimulation in forensic psychiatric evaluations, a case-control study of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III
Authors: Risola Roberta , Mandarelli Gabriele , Grattagliano Ignazio , Cassano Anna , Valerio Antonia , Barbieri Cristiano , Catanesi Roberto 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The possible tendency of subjects to decrease, hide, or omit symptomatic aspects of their mental functioning is one of the main problems in forensic psychological and psychiatric evaluations. We aimed at verifying the possible existence of significant differences in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) scales scores between a sample of dissimulators (n = 40) and their non-dissimulator counterpart matched by age, sex, and diagnosis. Cases and comparisons were retrieved from the archive of a single university forensic psychiatric centre between 2013 and 2022. Results showed statistically significant higher scores in the sample of dissimulators in the Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Compulsive MCMI-III scales than in the comparison sample. Point biserial correlation test disclosed a strong positive correlation between the Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Compulsive scales of the MCMI-III and being in the dissimulator group of subjects while a negative correlation emerged for all the other scales except drug dependence.

Key points
Whole-genome sequence and annotation of Penstemon davidsonii
Authors: Ostevik Kate L , Alabady Magdy , Zhang Mengrui , Rausher Mark D 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Penstemon is the most speciose flowering plant genus endemic to North America. Penstemon species’ diverse morphology and adaptation to various environments have made them a valuable model system for studying evolution. Here, we report the first full reference genome assembly and annotation for Penstemon davidsonii. Using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technology, we constructed a de novo reference genome of 437,568,744 bases, with a contig N50 of 40 Mb and L50 of 5. The annotation includes 18,199 gene models, and both the genome and transcriptome assembly contain over 95% complete eudicot BUSCOs. This genome assembly will serve as a valuable reference for studying the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of the Penstemon genus.
Astrocytes Drive Divergent Metabolic Gene Expression in Humans and Chimpanzees
Authors: Zintel Trisha M , Pizzollo Jason , Claypool Christopher G , Babbitt Courtney C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The human brain utilizes ∼20% of all of the body's metabolic resources, while chimpanzee brains use &lt;10%. Although previous work shows significant differences in metabolic gene expression between the brains of primates, we have yet to fully resolve the contribution of distinct brain cell types. To investigate cell type–specific interspecies differences in brain gene expression, we conducted RNA-seq on neural progenitor cells, neurons, and astrocytes generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from humans and chimpanzees. Interspecies differential expression analyses revealed that twice as many genes exhibit differential expression in astrocytes (12.2% of all genes expressed) than neurons (5.8%). Pathway enrichment analyses determined that astrocytes, rather than neurons, diverged in expression of glucose and lactate transmembrane transport, as well as pyruvate processing and oxidative phosphorylation. These findings suggest that astrocytes may have contributed significantly to the evolution of greater brain glucose metabolism with proximity to humans.
Banking on the Neighborhood? Inequalities in Older Adults’ Access to Local Banking and Neighborhood Perceptions
Authors: Goldman Alyssa W , Bea Megan Doherty 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Access to local banking represents an understudied dimension of neighborhood-based inequalities that could significantly influence older adults’ perceptions of their neighborhood spaces in ways that matter for disparities in well-being. We evaluate disparities in banking access and then examine how local banking access informs older adults’ perceptions of neighborhood collective efficacy and danger, above and beyond other neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods
We use nationally representative data from older adults in the United States who were interviewed at Round 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, linked with data on banks in respondents’ residential and surrounding census tracts from the National Establishment Time-Series database, in a series of bivariate and multivariable regression analyses.

Results
White older adults and those with higher levels of education have significantly greater local banking access than Black and Hispanic older adults and those with lower levels of education. Higher rates of local banking institutions are associated with significantly lower perceptions of neighborhood danger, but not with perceived collective efficacy. This finding emerges when accounting for neighborhood concentrated disadvantage and physical disorder.

Discussion
Local banks may represent neighborhood investment and the broader economic vitality of a community, as well as the ability of communities to meet older adults’ everyday needs in ways that enhance older residents’ feelings of safety. Increasing access to local financial institutions may help attenuate neighborhood-based contributors to inequalities in health and well-being among the older adult population.
Prevention of childhood overweight and obesity in Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam: identifying priority actions
Authors: Norov Bolormaa , Cristobal-Maramag Cherry , Van Minh Hoang , Long Khương Quỳnh , Huse Oliver , Nkoroi Alice , Luvsanjamba Munkhjargal , Phuong Do Hong , Kupka Roland , Lobstein Tim , Jewell Jo , Castro Mary Christine , Oliver Nikka , Watson Fiona 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries are increasingly faced with a triple burden of malnutrition: endemic underweight, micronutrient deficiencies and rising prevalence of overweight. This study aimed to address existing knowledge gaps and to identify priority policy options in Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam. A landscape analysis approach was adopted using methods set out in a UNICEF global toolkit. Quantitative and qualitative data were compiled from a range of global and national sources on childhood overweight and obesity, risk factors and policy responses. Key informant interviews and validation workshops were undertaken with key food and nutrition stakeholders from government and non-government organizations to identify priority policy options for the prevention of overweight and obesity among children. Overweight and obesity among children are increasing in all three countries. Associated risk factors are related to maternal nutrition, birthweight, breastfeeding, as well as diets and physical activity shaped by increasingly obesogenic environments. Key informants identified undefined policy approaches, poor community understanding and food and beverage industry influence as barriers to addressing overweight and obesity. Key policy priorities include restricting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages, unhealthy food and beverage taxation, introduction of front-of-pack nutrition labels and improving school nutrition environments. Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam are all facing an increasing burden of childhood overweight and obesity. Despite differing national contexts, similar environmental factors are driving this rise. A suite of evidence-based policies can effectively be introduced to address obesogenic environments.
Risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Ram Sanyogita (Sanya) , Scahill Shane 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Identifying the risk and predicting complaints and misconduct against health practitioners are essential for healthcare regulators to implement early interventions and develop long-term prevention strategies to improve professional practice and enhance patient safety. This scoping review aims to map out existing literature on the risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases and finished on the same day (6 September 2021). Articles meeting the eligibility criteria were charted and descriptively analysed through a narrative analysis method. The initial search generated 5473 articles. After the identification, screening, and inclusion process, 81 eligible studies were included for data charting. Three key themes were reported: methods used for identifying risk factors and predictors of the complaints and misconduct, synthesis of identified risk factors and predictors in eligible studies, and predictive tools developed for complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. The findings reveal that risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct are complex issues influenced by multiple factors, exhibiting non-linear patterns and being context specific. Further efforts are needed to understand the characteristics and interactions of risk factors, develop systematic risk prediction tools, and facilitate the application in the regulatory environment.
Why do countries with criminal antitrust sanctions fail to incarcerate price fixers?
Authors: Calvani Terry , Jones Rory 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A good many jurisdictions have criminalized cartel conduct and authorized custodial sentences for offenders in efforts to enhance antitrust enforcement. The authors explore why so few of those jurisdictions have imposed prison sentences on cartelists. Although data problems lead to understating the number of incarcerations, the record is not robust. The authors find that the reasons are varied. Statutory impediments and poor case selection are important factors. Others include poor case management, separation of investigation and prosecutorial responsibilities and judicial reluctance to impose sentences on ‘white collar’ criminals. In addition, lack of public support and cultural differences in sentencing in general also probably play roles.