bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of inulinases by bioinformatics analysis of bacterial glycoside hydrolases family 32 (GH32)
Authors: Khosravi Fatemeh , Fard Ehsan Mohseni , Hosseininezhad Marzieh , Shoorideh Hadi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe glycoside hydrolase family contains enzymes that break the glycosidic bonds of carbohydrates by hydrolysis. Inulinase is one of the most important industrial enzymes in the family of Glycoside Hydrolases 32 (GH32). In this study, to identify and classify bacterial inulinases initially, 16,002 protein sequences belonging to the GH32 family were obtained using various databases. The inulin‐effective enzymes (endoinulinase and exoinulinase) were identified. Eight endoinulinases (EC 3.2.1.7) and 4318 exoinulinases (EC 3.2.1.80) were found. Then, the localization of endoinulinase and exoinulinase enzymes in the cell was predicted. Among them, two extracellular endoinulinases and 1232 extracellular exoinulinases were found. The biochemical properties of 363 enzymes of the genus Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Streptomyces (most abundant) showed that exoinulinases have an acid isoelectric point up to the neutral range due to their amino acid length. That is, the smaller the protein (336 aa), the more acidic the pI (4.39), and the larger the protein (1207 aa), the pI is in the neutral range (8.84). Also, a negative gravitational index indicates the hydrophilicity of exoinulinases. Finally, considering the biochemical properties affecting protein stability and post‐translational changes studies, one enzyme for endoinulinase and 40 enzymes with desirable characteristics were selected to identify their enzyme production sources. To screen and isolate enzyme‐containing strains, now with the expansion of databases and the development of bioinformatics tools, it is possible to classify, review and analyze a lot of data related to different enzyme‐producing strains. Although, in laboratory studies, a maximum of 20 to 30 strains can be examined. Therefore, when more strains are examined, finally, strains with more stable and efficient enzymes were selected and introduced for laboratory activities. The findings of this study can help researchers to select the appropriate gene source from introduced strains for cloning and expression heterologous inulinase, or to extract native inulinase from introduced strains.
Possible mechanism of contribution of a secreted aspartic proteinase FpOPSB to the virulence of Fusarium proliferatum causing banana crown rot
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Yang Qiuxiao , Xie Lihong , Yin Chunxiao , Qu Hongxia , He Junxian , Jiang Yueming , Li Taotao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFusarium proliferatum is one of the pathogenic fungi causing crown rot that results in quality deterioration and commercial value loss of banana fruit during postharvest storage. Secreted proteins from pathogenic fungi can be delivered into hosts to suppress plant immunity and establish infection. We reported here a secreted aspartic proteinase OPSB (FpOPSB) that was active during F. proliferatum infection on banana peel. FpOPSB exhibited protease activity based on in vitro assay. Immunohistochemistry assay along with subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that FpOPSB can be secreted into banana peel and localized in cytoplasm. FpOPSB deletion mutant (Δopsb) showed reduced virulence on banana fruit but no obvious effect on fungal growth compared with wild‐type. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy results suggested that FpOPSB was important for conidial production and infectious growth as well as spreading of F. proliferatum in banana peel. Heterologous expression of FpOPSB in tobacco significantly enhanced plant susceptibility to F. proliferatum. Further, seven proteins were identified as potential targets of FpOPSB in banana peel using immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS, including pathogenesis‐related 10, thioredoxin H1, nonsymbiotic hemoglobin 2, fructokinase‐1, patellin‐1, leucine aminopeptidase 2, and l‐lactate dehydrogenase A. Taken together, our results confirmed that the secreted FpOPSB is a critical virulence factor of F. proliferatum when infecting banana fruit. Additionally, we postulated that FpOPSB might interfere the host immune system or neutralize the host defenses, thereby contributing to the pathogenicity of F. proliferatum. We propose aspartic proteinase as a new potential target for controlling fungal disease of postharvest fruit.
School starting age policy and students' risky health behaviors
Authors: Shin Yoosik 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA school starting age policy may generate disparities in the age at which students enter school, and in the relative age for grade among children born in similar periods. I analyze the impacts of being young‐for‐grade on students' risky health behaviors. Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design which exploits the school entry system in South Korea, I find that being younger in the class leads students to begin drinking alcohol earlier. In addition, it increases the likelihood of drinking over the past 30 days. Being young‐for‐grade also impacts the probability of having sexual intercourse during one's high school years. My main findings are driven by both girls and boys. The robustness of my results is supported by several alternative specifications.
Risk perception and avoidance of preventive behavior on the COVID‐19 among cancer patients
Authors: Khezeli Mehdi , Tavan Asghar , Narimani Sajjad , Hoseini Vahideh , Hosseinzadeh Elham Zare , Motamedi Parisa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsWillingness to engage in preventive behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends on people's risk perception. This is especially important in cancer patients who are at risk of complications from the disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate avoidance of COVID‐19 preventive behavior of in cancer patients.MethodsThis cross‐sectional analytical study was done with 200 cancer patients who were selected by convenience sampling method. The study was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ardabil, Iran from July to August 2020. A researcher‐made questionnaire was used to investigate the risk perception of cancer patients towards COVID‐19 with seven subscales according to the Extended Parallel Process Model. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation of the age of 200 participants (including 109 men and 91 women) was 48 ± 17. Results showed that the response efficacy (12.6 ± 2.2) had the highest mean and defensive avoidance (8 ± 2.8) had the lowest mean score among EPPM constructs. Linear regression results showed that fear (β = 0.242, p > 0.001), and perceived severity (β = 0.191, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of defensive avoidance.ConclusionPerceived severity and fear were significant predictors of defensive avoidance, and providing accurate and reliable news and information can be effective in reducing fear and promoting preventive behaviors.
A protocol of a systematic review on deep brain stimulation surgery and its efficacy in addressing substance abuse addiction
Authors: Dimech David Zammit , Ranjan Redoy 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic approaches are still the mainstay first line of treatment for substance use disorder. However, the path to rehabilitation and cessation of dependence often proves uncertain and laborious, with risks of relapse being considerable despite exposure to current therapeutic modalities. For cases of treatment‐refractory addiction, deep brain stimulation (DBS) interventions can prove a more effective long term therapeutic solution for the patient.ObjectivesThe aim of the study will be to systematically assess whether attempts at correcting substance use disorder via DBS neurosurgical interventions have been successful in inducing remission or ameliorating relapse rates.MethodsThe current study will analyze available literature from database inception up to 15th April 2023, reviewing all publications documenting results achieved with human patients undergoing DBS for substance use disorder in PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The electronic database search will exclude animal studies in the field and focus solely on the application of DBS for the purposes of addressing addiction disorders.ResultsThe expectation is for a reduced number of trial results to have been reported, namely due to the relatively recent application of DBS to address severe addiction. Nonetheless, numbers should be in sufficient amount to inform about the efficacy of the intervention.ConclusionThis study will attempt to demonstrate the viability of DBS as a solution for tackling treatment‐refractory substance use disorder, proposing it as a valid therapeutic option that can deliver robust results and help combat an expanding societal plague that is drug dependence.
Crosstalk between FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and obesity‐related traits among Bangladeshi population
Authors: Shill Lincon Chandra , Alam Mohammad Rahanur 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsObesity is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, which is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic variant rs9939609 of the FTO (fat mass and obesity‐associated) gene has been found to be associated with an increased risk for obesity, depending on the population studied. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study is to examine the relationship between the FTO gene polymorphism (rs9939609) and lifestyle‐related risk factors, and their impact on obesity‐related traits and biochemical parameters in the Bangladeshi population.MethodsA total of 280 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising of 140 individuals with overweight and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23.0) and 140 non‐overweight healthy individuals (18.5 ≤ BMI ≥ 22.9). Demographic information, dietary behaviors, and physical activity‐related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric assessments and measurements of biochemical parameters such as lipid profile and C‐reactive protein were performed. The amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction technique was used to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the FTO gene. Descriptive statistics, χ,2 and one‐way ANOVA were performed to evaluate the relationships between independent and dependent variables.ResultsThe presence of rs9939609 was strongly associated with the obesity risk factors of increased BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein. We also found a significant association (p < 0.05) of rs9939609 with overweight and obesity in codominant AA versus TT (odds ratio [OR] = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.129−0.695) and AA versus AT (OR = 2.273, 95% CI: 1.023−5.053), recessive TT versus AA+AT (OR = 5.154, 95% CI: 2.463−10.782), and overdominant AT versus AA+TT (OR = 0.244, 95% CI: 0.122−0.488) models.ConclusionFTO variant rs9939609 is significantly linked to obesity and an increased risk of hyperlipidemia in the Bangladeshi population. However, this association is intertwined with environmental factors such as diet and physical activity.
Patient navigation models for mental health of parents expecting or caring for an infant or young child: A systematic review
Authors: Harris Sophia A. , Harrison Michelle , Hazell‐Raine Karen , Wade Catherine , Eapen Valsamma , Kohlhoff Jane 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPatient navigation (PN) aims to improve timely access to healthcare by helping patients to “navigate” complex service provision landscapes. PN models have been applied in diverse healthcare settings including perinatal mental health (PMH). However, the practice models and implementation of PN programs vary widely, and their impact on engagement with PMH services has not been systematically investigated. This systematic narrative review study aimed to (1) identify and describe existing PMH PN models, (2) understand their effectiveness in improving service engagement and clinical outcomes, (3) review patient and provider perceptions, and (4) explore facilitators and barriers to program success. A systematic search of published articles/reports describing PMH PN programs/service delivery models targeting parents in the period from conception to 5 years postpartum was conducted. In total, 19 articles describing 13 programs were identified. The analysis yielded a number of commonalities and differences across program settings, target populations, and the scope of the navigator role. While there was promising evidence to support the clinical efficacy and impact on service utilization of PN programs for PMH, the current evidence base is sparse. Further research evaluating the efficacy of such services, and facilitators and barriers to their success, is warranted.
But it was supposed to be healthy! How expected and actual nutritional value affect the content and linguistic characteristics of online reviews for food products
Authors: Wang Yiru , Xu Xun , Kuchmaner Christina A. , Xu Ran 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConsumers are choosing to purchase food products from retailers through online channels rather than brick‐and‐mortar channels. While online reviews play a crucial role in influencing online purchases, scant work has examined how consumers write reviews for food products. We argue that the nutritional value of the food is a key aspect of product performance and apply expectation‐disconfirmation theory to examine whether pre‐purchase expectations about a food product's nutritional value and disconfirmation of these expectations have a significant effect on online review content and linguistic characteristics. Using text‐mining approaches to analyze Amazon data, we find that pre‐purchase expectations, postpurchase performance, and disconfirmation regarding nutritional value affect both review content and linguistic characteristics, including review length, diversity, readability, subjectivity, and sentiment. While research suggests that postpurchase product performance is the main influence on online review writing behavior, this research shows that the pre‐purchase phase also plays a key role.
AFM is used to study the biophysics of hypertension‐induced tachyarrhythmia
Authors: He Yin , Sun Zhifu , He Xiaonan , Mi Yuhong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPatients with long‐lasting hypertension often suffer from atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Evidence suggests that mechanical stimulation can change the refractory period and dispersion of the ventricular myocyte action potential through stretch‐activated ion channels (SACs) and influence cellular calcium transients, thus increasing susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias. However, the specific pathogenesis of hypertension‐induced arrhythmias is unknown. In this study, through clinical data, we found that a short‐term increase in blood pressure leads to a rise in tachyarrhythmias in patients with clinical hypertension. We investigated the mechanism of this phenomenon using a combined imaging system(AC) of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy. After mechanical distraction to stimulate ventricular myocytes isolated from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we synchronously monitored cardiomyocyte stiffness and intracellular calcium changes. This method can reasonably simulate cardiomyocytes' mechanics and ion changes when blood pressure rises rapidly. Our results indicated that the stiffness value of cardiomyocytes in SHR was significantly more extensive than that of normal controls, and cardiomyocytes were more sensitive to mechanical stress; In addition, intracellular calcium increased rapidly and briefly in rats with spontaneous hypertension. After intervention with streptomycin, a SAC blocker, ventricular myocytes are significantly less sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Thus, SAC is involved in developing and maintaining ventricular arrhythmias induced by hypertension. The increased stiffness of ventricular myocytes caused by hypertension leads to hypersensitivity of cellular calcium flow to mechanical stimuli is one of the mechanisms that cause arrhythmias. The AC system is a new research method to study the mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes. This study provides new techniques and ideas for developing new anti‐arrhythmic drugs.HighlightThe mechanism of hypertension‐induced tachyarrhythmia is not precise. Through this study, it is found that the biophysical properties of myocardial abnormalities, the myocardium is excessively sensitive to mechanical stimulation, and the calcium flow appears to transient explosive changes, leading to tachyarrhythmia.
Optimization of extracellular vesicle isolation and their separation from lipoproteins by size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Benayas Beatriz , Morales Joaquín , Egea Carolina , Armisén Pilar , Yáñez‐Mó María 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInterest in the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers of disease is rapidly growing. However, one main unsolved issue in the EV field is finding a technique able to eliminate non‐EV contaminants present in biofluid samples in a one‐step isolation protocol. Due to the expansion and value of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as one of the best EV isolation methods, we have tested several agarose resins with different agarose percentages, bead sizes and crosslinking features to optimize EV isolation. For this optimization of SEC, we first employed conditioned media from a melanoma cell culture, a simpler sample in comparison to biological fluids, but which also contains abundant contaminants such as soluble protein and lipoproteins (LPPs). The distinct agaroses and the combinations of resins with different agarose percentages in the same column were tested. Soluble protein, EVs and LPPs levels from the different eluted fractions were quantitated by immunodetection or absorbance measurements. Samples were also analysed by NTA and TEM to verify the yield and the LPP contamination. Different percentages of agarose resins (2%, 4% and 6%) yielded samples with increasing LPP contamination respectively, which was not improved in the columns that combined them. Crosslinking of the agarose did not affect EV isolation yield nor the LPP contamination. In contrast, reducing the bead size greatly improved EV purity. We thus selected 4% Rapid Run Fine agarose beads as the resin that more efficiently isolated EVs with almost no contamination of other particles. Using blood plasma samples, this resin also demonstrated an improved capacity in the isolation of EVs from LPPs in comparison to the agaroses most commonly used in the field and differential ultracentrifugation.
Eating in the city: Experimental effect of anthropogenic food resources on the body condition, nutritional status, and oxidative stress of an urban bioindicator passerine
Authors: Bernat‐Ponce Edgar , Gil‐Delgado José A. , Guardiola José V. , López‐Iborra Germán M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUrban areas provide a constant and predictable supply of anthropogenic processed food. The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758), a declining urban bioindicator species, has recently been reported to have a high level of oxidative stress, with urban diet or pollutants proposed as the potential cause. In this study, we aimed to experimentally determine the effects of two urban trophic resource types (bar snack food leftovers and pet food) on sparrows' physical condition, plasma biochemical nutritional parameters, and blood oxidative status in captivity. To exclude the potential previous effect of urban pollutants, 75 House Sparrows were captured from a rural area in SE Spain and kept in outdoor aviaries. Individuals were exposed to one of three diet treatments: control diet (fruit, vegetables, poultry grain mixture), bar snack diet (ultra‐processed snacks), or cat food diet (dry pellets) for 20 days. Blood samples were collected before and after diet treatments to analyze the relative change rates of 12 variables, including physical condition, nutritional status, and oxidant–antioxidant status. A principal component analysis was run to identify gradients of variables covariation, and Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to determine the effect of diets on each selected PC and on raw variables. The bar snack diet led to signs of anemia and malnutrition, and females tended to lose body condition. The cat food diet increased oxidative stress indicators and protein catabolism. Unbalanced urban diets can affect the body condition and nutritional physiology of House Sparrows and may also induce oxidative stress despite the absence of environmental pollution.
Assessment of the applicability of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations for analysing future extreme rainfall
Authors: Kim Youngkyu , Son Minwoo , Figueroa Steven M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractExtreme rainfall events are a major cause of natural disasters and have been projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios. Previous studies have used outputs of climate model simulations to evaluate changes in future extreme rainfall, but results have been uncertain due to the use of only a limited number of climate simulations. To address this issue, this study aims to evaluate the applicability of the d4PDF database (Database for Policy Decision‐Making for Future Climate Change), produced through large‐scale climate ensemble simulations, for analysing changes in extreme rainfall values between historical and future climatic conditions. A large‐scale sample size of the d4PDF allows the investigation of high‐magnitude rainfalls with long return periods. To utilize the d4PDF as a large‐scale sample for estimating extreme rainfall, the homogeneity between ensembles was assessed using the t test and Mann–Whitney U test, and the historical extreme rainfall with the d4PDF dataset was validated through comparison with observed data and using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. It was confirmed that the d4PDF ensembles could be used as a large‐scale sample, and the historical rainfall series of the d4PDF showed a similar distribution pattern to the observed rainfall series. Subsequent investigation of extreme rainfall for future ensembles during 2051–2110 indicated an increase by 20%–30% compared to historical climatic conditions in South Korea due to climate change. The results demonstrate the applicability of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations, such as d4PDF, for analysing changes in extreme rainfall and suggest that such information can be used to counter future extreme rainfall‐related disasters. Therefore, this study contributes to the knowledge gap in this area and highlights the need for further assessment and utilization of large‐scale climate ensemble simulations for future climate change research.