bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of self-aggregation in Bacillus licheniformis strain RK14
Authors: Ojima Yoshihiro , Matano Satsuki , Azuma Masayuki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Some Bacillus licheniformis strain isolated from the environment has been reported to form aggregates during the suspension culture under carbon limitation. The aim of this study is to characterize the aggregation process of B. licheniformis RK14 strain isolated from the soil.

Methods
B. licheniformis RK14 was cultured in a glucose-free lysogeny broth (LB) to confirm the aggregate formation under glucose limitation conditions and compared to model B. licheniformis strains. To characterize the aggregation process of RK14, microscopic analyses and time-lapse observations were conducted. Thioflavin T (ThT) was used to assess the involvement of transient cell elongation in aggregate formation.

Results
Although RK14 did not form aggregate when cultured in a glucose-rich γ-PGA production medium, it was found to self-aggregate when grown in a glucose-free LB. The optimal temperature for aggregation was approximately 40℃. Microscopic analysis showed that the aggregates were composed of viable cells with cell–cell cluster-like structures. Time-lapse observations clarified elongation of individual cells after 1 h of culture, followed by a return to rod-shape while maintaining the aggregation state. Addition of ThT at micromolar concentration inhibits aggregate formation, probably due to the suppression of cell elongation.

Conclusions
The aggregation process of RK14 was similar to the pellicle and submerged biofilm formation process of B. subtilis in terms of morphological changes. It was concluded that transient cell elongation is critical for aggregate formation of RK14 strain.
MiR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC extracellular vesicles modulates the inflammatory response to sulfur mustard-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Pei Zhipeng , Cen Jinfeng , Zhang Xinkang , Gong Chuchu , Sun Mingxue , Meng Wenqi , Mao Guanchao , Wan Jingjing , Hu Bingyue , He Xiaowen , Xu Qingqiang , Han Hua , Xiao Kai 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic chemical warfare agent that has caused numerous casualties during wars and conflicts in the past century. Specific antidotes or therapeutic strategies are rare due to the complicated mechanism of toxicity, which still awaits elucidation. Clinical data show that acute lung injury (ALI) is responsible for most mortality and morbidity after SM exposure. Extracellular vesicles are natural materials that participate in intercellular communication by delivering various substances and can be modified. In this study, we aim to show that extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hucMSC-EVs) could exert therapeutic effects on SM-induced ALI, and to explain the underlying mechanism of effects.

Methods
MiR-146a-5p contained in hucMSC-EVs may be involved in the process of hucMSC-EVs modulating the inflammatory response to SM-induced ALI. We utilized miR-146a-5p delivered by extracellular vesicles and further modified hucMSCs with a miR-146a-5p mimic or inhibitor to collect miR-146a-5p-overexpressing extracellular vesicles (miR-146a-5p+-EVs) or miR-146a-5p-underexpressing extracellular vesicles (miR-146a-5p−-EVs), respectively. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we investigated the mechanism.

Results
The effect of miR-146a-5p+-EVs on improving the inflammatory reaction tied to SM injury was better than that of hucMSC-EVs. We demonstrated that miR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC-EVs targeted TRAF6 to negatively regulate inflammation in SM-induced ALI models in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion
In summary, miR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC-EVs targeted TRAF6, causing hucMSC-EVs to exert anti-inflammatory effects in SM-induced ALI; thus, hucMSC-EVs treatment may be a promising clinical therapeutic after SM exposure.

Graphical Abstract
APSIC dental infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines
Authors: Ling M. L. , Ching P. , Cheng J. , Lang L. , Liberali S. , Poon P. , Shin Y. , Sim C. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control launched the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines in July 2022. This document describes the guidelines and recommendations for safe practices in dental setting. It aims to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist dental facilities at Asia Pacific region in achieving high standards in infection prevention and control practices, staff and patient safety.

Method
The guidelines were developed by an appointed workgroup comprising experts in the Asia Pacific region, following reviews of previously published international guidelines and recommendations relevant to each section.

Results
It recommends standard precautions as a minimal set of preventive measures to protect staff and prevent cross transmission. Surgical aseptic technique is recommended when procedures are technically complex and longer in duration. Only trained staff are eligible to conduct reprocessing of dental instruments. The design, layout of the dental facility are important factors for successful infection prevention. The facility should also have a Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

Conclusions
Dental facilities should aim for excellence in infection prevention and control practices as this is part of patient safety. The guidelines that come with a checklist help dental facilities to identify gaps for improvement to reach this goal.
Association between thyroid function and obesity phenotypes in healthy euthyroid individuals: an investigation based on Tehran Thyroid Study
Authors: Abiri Behnaz , Ahmadi Amirhossein Ramezani , Mahdavi Maryam , Amouzegar Atieh , Valizadeh Majid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Aims
We investigated whether thyroid function could be associated with obesity phenotypes amongst euthyroid individuals.

Materials and methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among healthy, euthyroid subjects. The study participants were chosen from the Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS). We analyzed 2988 euthyroid adults and classified them into four obesity phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). The statistical differences between thyroid hormones between various obesity phenotypes according to age and sex was compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results
It was found that MHNW participants had higher levels of FT4 when compared with metabolically healthy or unhealthy obese subjects (P < 0.001), even after adjustment for the confounding variables. No difference was observed in the levels of TSH (P = 0.260) among obesity phenotypes. In the subgroup analysis according to the age, a significant difference was observed in the level of FT4 only in subjects with age < 55 years (P = 0.001). However, analyzing men and women separately did not show a significant difference in the FT4 level among obesity phenotypes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
“Metabolically abnormality” was independently related to low normal FT4 levels in overweight/obese euthyroid individuals. There is a need for further research to understand how low FT4 levels are linked to metabolically unhealthy states in euthyroid individuals.
Kruppel-family zinc finger proteins as emerging epigenetic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pearson Patrick , Smith Kendra , Sood Nilita , Chia Elizabeth , Follett Alicia , Prystowsky Michael B. , Kirby Simon , Belbin Thomas J. 
Published: May 2023

Background Krüppel-type zinc finger protein genes located on chromosome 19q13 are aberrantly hypermethylated with high frequency in all anatomic sub-sites of head and neck cancers as well as other epithelial tumours resulting in decreased expression. Methods We examined prognostic significance of ZNF154 and ZNF132 expression and DNA methylation in independent patient cohort of about 500 head and neck cancer patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We also overexpressed these genes in HEK-293 cells, as well as the oral cancer cell line UM-SCC-1. Results In 20 patients from the TCGA cohort of HNSCC patients where ZNF154 and ZNF132 DNA methylation and RNA expression could be compared in tumor and adjacent normal tissue, there was increased DNA methylation and decreased expression of both ZNF154 and ZNF132 in primary tumours. Low ZNF154 and low ZNF132 expression were associated with shorter overall survival in both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC patients). While expression of these proteins in HEK-293 cells produced full-length protein, only truncated copies could be expressed in head and neck cancer cells (UM-SCC-1). The truncated version of ZNF154 protein increased doubling time and reduced cell migration in UM-SCC-1 cancer cells. Conclusions Both ZNF132 and ZNF154 represent novel clinically significant biomarkers in head and neck cancer with potential tumour suppressive properties. Future studies will address the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ZNF154 expression in HNSCC contributes to the control of cell growth and migration. Graphical Abstract
Stomach position evaluated using computed tomography is related to successful post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Yokose Masashi , Takaki Shunsuke , Saigusa Yusuke , Mihara Takahiro , Ishiwata Yoshinobu , Kato Shingo , Horie Keiichi , Goto Takahisa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Post-pyloric enteral feeding reduces respiratory complications and shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation. Blind placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes (EFT) in patients with critical illnesses is often the first-line method because endoscopy or fluoroscopy cannot be easily performed at bedside; however, difficult placements regularly occur. We reported an association between the stomach position caudal to spinal level L1–L2, evaluated by abdominal radiographs after placement, and difficult placement; however, this method could not indicate difficulty before EFT placement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between stomach position, estimated using computed tomography (CT) images taken before the blind placement of the post-pyloric EFT, and the difficulty of EFT placement.

Methods
Data from patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent post-pyloric EFT in our intensive care unit were obtained retrospectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between successful initial EFT placement and explanatory variables, including stomach position estimated by CT. Two cut-off values were used: caudal to L1–L2 based on a previous study and the best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variable selection was performed backward stepwise using Akaike's Information Criterion.

Results
Of the total of 453 patients who were enrolled, the success rate of the initial EFT placement was 43.5%. The adjusted odds ratio for successful initial EFT placement of the stomach position caudal to L1–L2 was 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.41–1.07). Logistic regression analysis, including the stomach position caudal to L2–L3, calculated as the best cut-off value, indicated that stomach position was an independent factor for failure of initial EFT placement (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.91).

Conclusions
Stomach position evaluated using CT images was associated with successful initial post-pyloric EFT placement. The best cut-off value of the greater curvature of the stomach to predict the success or failure of the first attempt was spinal level L2–L3.
Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046986; February 28, 2022). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000052151
LncRNA WAC-AS1 expression in human tumors correlates with immune infiltration and affects prognosis
Authors: Wang Yanyang , Gong Haiyan , Cao Yue 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
WAC-antisense RNA1 (WAC-AS1) is a newly identified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) implicated in the prognosis and development of a few types of tumors. However, the correlations of WAC-AS1 with immune infiltration and patient prognosis in pan-cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value and immunological functions of WAC-AS1 across 33 different types of cancers.

Methods
To investigate the potential oncogenic roles of WAC-AS1, bioinformatics analyses were performed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue-Expression (GTEx) datasets. The correlations of WAC-AS1 with prognosis, clinical phenotype, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor regulation-related genes, tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and drug resistance to commonly used chemotherapy drugs in different types of tumors were explored. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were performed to explore the biological functions of WAC-AS1 in tumors. In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in tissue microarray (TMA) to confirm the expression of WAC-AS1 in multiple tumor tissues.

Results
WAC-AS1 showed aberrant expression in most cancers when compared to the normal tissues. It also has prognostic value in multiple types of cancers. Elevated WAC-AS1 expression was associated with poor prognosis and overall survival in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). A significant negative correlation between WAC-AS1 expression and overall survival was observed in brain lower-grade glioma (LGG), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). The expression of WAC-AS1 also showed a correlation with clinical stage in six types of tumors, and with tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability in several different types of cancers. The immune scores of those cancers were found to be significant. Additionally, the effectiveness of fluorouracil and four other anticancer drugs was significantly different based on the expression of WAC-AS1 in these cancers. Moreover, the ISH results showed in six types of tumors, the expression of WAC-AS1 was consistent with the Pan-cancer analysis using TCGA and GTEx database.

Conclusions
These results indicate an intensive involvement of WAC-AS1 in the regulation of immune responses, immune cell infiltration, and malignant properties in various types of cancers, suggesting that WAC-AS1 may serve as a prognostic marker across diverse types of cancers.
Fault identification scheme for protection and adaptive reclosing in a hybrid multi-terminal HVDC system
Authors: Hou Junjie , Song Guobing , Fan Yanfang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA fault identification scheme for protection and adaptive reclosing is proposed for a hybrid multi-terminal HVDC system to increase the reliability of fault isolation and reclosing. By analyzing the "zero passing" characteristic of current at the local end during the converter capacitor discharge stage, the fault identification scheme is proposed. The distributed parameter-based fault location equation, which incorporates fault distance and fault impedance, is developed with the injection signal and the distributed parameter model during the adaptive reclosing stage. The fault distance is determined using a trust region reflection algorithm to identify the permanent fault, and a fault identification scheme for adaptive reclosing is developed. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is suitable for long-distance transmission lines with strong anti-fault impedance and anti-interference performance. Also, it is less affected by communication delay and DC boundary strength than existing methods.
Evaluation of Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus species efficacy in controlling Pythium ultimum associated with apple seedlings decline in nurseries and their growth promotion effect
Authors: Mannai Sabrine , Boughalleb-M’Hamdi Naima 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Apple decline diseases, responsible for seedlings root and collar rot in nurseries, are an important disease. Different fungal and bacterial antagonists were evaluated to control Pythium ultimum associated with this serious disease using in vitro and in vivo greenhouse assays.

Results
The in vitro test of ten Aspergillus spp. and ten Trichoderma harzianum isolates showed their efficacy to reduce the radial growth of P. ultimum. The isolates, A. niger A10, A. candidus A5, T. harzianum Tr9 and Tr10, were the most effective with a high inhibition percent that exceeded 50%. The in vivo test of the four most effective antagonists and a strain of Bacillus subtilis (B) showed that the combination of the two Aspergillus isolates (A5 and A10) gave the best result with a decrease in root browning index by 55.55%. Results showed also the efficacy of all tested antagonists and their combinations on the sanitary state index of the inoculated plants except the combination between T. harzianum (Tr10) and B. subtilis (B). The two treatments, T. harzianum (Tr10) and B. subtilis (B), significantly improved the height of inoculated plants by 173.19 and 191.3%, respectively. Regarding the efficacy of antagonists on apple seedlings root weight, A. niger (A10) was the only treatment that significantly increased this parameter by 363.17%.

Conclusions
A. niger A10, A. candidus A5, T. harzianum Tr9 and Tr10 exhibited the highest value of in vitro inhibition to growth of P. ultimum. The combination of A. niger A10 and A. candidus A5 was the most effective in vivo treatment in reducing the disease severity index. However, T. harzianum (Tr10), B. subtilis (B) and A. niger (A10) revealed to be able to stimulate the apple seedlings growth.
Field evaluation of whorl application of sand mixed entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sweet corn
Authors: Ratnakala B. , Kalleshwaraswamy C. M. , Rajkumar M. , Deshmukh Sharanabasappa S. , Mallikarjuna H. B. , Narasimhaiah Lakshmi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, also called ‘whorlworm’ is a global pest threatening maize production. Larvae stay in the whorl of maize/sweet corn and efficient delivery of insecticides or bio-agents is the major issue for its successful management. Biological control of FAW through entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers promise, as EPNs are soil colonizers and commercially available in various formulations, soil or sand can ideally be exploited as natural substrate targeting FAW under field conditions.

Results
In the present study, field evaluations were carried out using the aqueous suspension of Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis indica in two cropping seasons. The Infective Juveniles (IJs) stages of EPNs mixed with sand at different doses were applied to the whorl region of sweet corn twice during cropping season, i.e. on 25th and 40th day after sowing. For comparison, a recommended insecticide, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC mixed in sand was taken as check. S. carpocapsae @ 500 IJs, significantly reduced the larval population and leaf damage score. It was statistically on par with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC whorl application. Principal component analysis revealed that there was a relationship between larval population and leaf damage score. Survival of S. carpocapsae was significantly greater than the H. indica in the three media tested. Soil was found to be the best media followed by sand and frass.

Conclusions
Field study of whorl application of sand mixed EPNs supported by laboratory studies on the persistence connoted that EPNs could be used as an eco-friendly option through whorl application for the management of FAW.
Assessment of serum level of melatonin in migraine: a case control study
Authors: Fathy Sabah E. , AbdAllah Amany M. , Helal Rania Y. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Migraine attacks are reported to be severe enough to affect daily living events and can affect different age groups including early childhood. Chronic migraine is usually associated with several comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. The existence of a bidirectional relationship between sleep and migraine is documented. This study aims at assessing the relationship between serum melatonin, sleep quality, and both migraine and migraine severity. This case–control study was executed on 70 patients and 70 healthy controls. Serum melatonin was assessed in morning and evening blood samples. Patients underwent a thorough clinical examination, assessing migraine severity using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and the sleep quality of both groups was evaluated using the sleep quality scale.

Results
Serum melatonin levels were significantly reduced among migraine patients in both morning and evening samples. Sleep quality was significantly impaired in migraine patients. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between melatonin in both samples and both of frequency of attack and migraine disability. Positive family history, presence of aura and chronic migraine had significantly lower melatonin in both samples compared to those without aura was associated with significantly lower melatonin. Sleep quality was negatively correlated with serum melatonin, and positively correlated with migraine severity and frequency.

Conclusion
Serum melatonin is significantly reduced among migraineurs, and linked to migraine severity; they also had impaired sleep quality so melatonin administration may represent a chance for improving headache characteristics.
Perioperative hyperglycemic response to single-dose dexamethasone in patients undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Joshi Kamal Nayan , Chauhan Aditya Kumar , Palaria Urmila 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid when comes to effectively preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, some studies have documented its association with hyperglycemia. In our study, we compared the effect of single-dose dexamethasone (8 mg) on blood glucose concentrations among diabetics and non-diabetic patients who received spinal anesthesia for elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries.

Results
We recruited 80 patients and divided them into two groups of 40 patients each. After dexamethasone administration, diabetic patients had an early peak rise of blood glucose levels at 3 h, (157.85 ± 12.19) compared to 6 h, (125.30 ± 14.95) in non-diabetics. In diabetic patients, blood glucose levels remained consistently over the baseline and maximum rise was seen at 12 h (188.25 ± 41.33), which obviated the need or administration of injection insulin. Hyperglycemia can lead to a variety of physiological derangements.

Conclusions
Although dexamethasone is a useful means of successful prevention and treatment of PONV, the clinician should use his clinical judgment before administering dexamethasone.

Trial registration
CTRI, CTRI/2020/06/025765, Registered 02 June 2020, prospectively registered, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.