bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence that conifer biochar impacts soil functioning by serving as microbial refugia in boreal soils
Authors: Pingree Melissa R. A. , Kardol Paul , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Wardle David A. , Maaroufi Nadia I. , Gundale Michael J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIt is well established that application of biochar to soils can promote soil fertility, which ultimately may enhance plant growth. While many mechanisms have been proposed to explain this, one specific mechanism, the “microbial refugia hypothesis,” suggests that biochar may provide physical protection for soil microbe from soil microfauna that otherwise exert top‐down control on microbial biomass and activity. We tested the microbial refugia hypothesis by incubating two boreal soils with and without biochar derived from a wood mixture of boreal tree species (Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris), and with and without soil nematodes. We measured phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) as a relative measure of microbial biomass, and several variables indicative of microbial activity, including extractable nutrient concentrations (NH4+, NO3−, and PO4−), heterotrophic N2‐fixation, and soil respiration. Contrary to our expectations, we found that biochar by itself did not stimulate microbial biomass or activity. Furthermore, we found that nematode addition to soil stimulated rather than depressed the biomass of several bacterial PLFA groups. Finally, interactive effects between the nematode treatment and biochar never worked in a way that supported the microbial refugia hypothesis. Our findings suggest that a typical boreal biochar applied to boreal soils may not have the same stimulatory effect on microbial biomass and activity that has been shown in some other ecosystems, and that enhanced plant growth in response to biochar addition sometimes observed in boreal environments is likely due to other mechanisms, such as direct nutrient supply from biochar or amelioration of soil pH.
CIS and TGF‐β regulatory pathways influence immunity to bacterial infection
Authors: McCulloch Timothy R. , Rossi Gustavo R. , Schreuder Jaring , Belz Gabrielle T. , Wells Timothy J. , Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes Fernando 
Published: May 2022

AbstractImmunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapy by reactivating tumour‐resident cytotoxic lymphocytes. More recently, immunotherapy has emerged to restore immunity against infectious agents, including bacterial infections. Immunotherapy primarily targets inhibitory pathways in T cells, however interest in other effector populations, such as natural killer (NK) cells, is growing. We have previously discovered that NK cell metabolism, proliferation and activation can be neutralized through the immunosuppressive transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β pathway by inducing plasticity of NK cells and differentiation into innate lymphoid cell (ILC)1‐like subsets. NK cells are also regulated through cytokine‐inducible SH2‐containing protein (CIS), which is induced by interleukin (IL)‐15 and is a potent intracellular checkpoint suppressing NK cell survival and function. Targeting these two distinct pathways to restore NK cell function has shown promise in cancer models, but their application in bacterial infection remains unknown. Here, we investigate whether enhancement of NK cell function can improve anti‐bacterial immunity, using Salmonella Typhimurium as a model. We identified conversion of NK cells to ILC1‐like for the first time in the context of bacterial infection, where TGF‐β signalling contributed to this plasticity. Future study should focus on identifying further drivers of ILC1 plasticity and its functional implication in bacterial infection model. We further describe that CIS‐deficient mice displayed enhanced pro‐inflammatory function and dramatically enhanced anti‐bacterial immunity. Inhibition of CIS may present as a viable therapeutic option to enhance immunity towards bacterial infection.
Predictors of all‐cause mortality among patients hospitalized with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Hamilton Mackenzie A. , Liu Ying , Calzavara Andrew , Sundaram Maria E. , Djebli Mohamed , Darvin Dariya , Baral Stefan , Kustra Rafal , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Mishra Sharmistha 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundShared and divergent predictors of clinical severity across respiratory viruses may support clinical and community responses in the context of a novel respiratory pathogen.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify predictors of 30‐day all‐cause mortality following hospitalization with influenza (N = 45,749; 2010‐09 to 2019‐05), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; N = 24 345; 2010‐09 to 2019‐04), or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; N = 8988; 2020‐03 to 2020‐12; pre‐vaccine) using population‐based health administrative data from Ontario, Canada. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between potential predictors and mortality. We compared the direction, magnitude, and confidence intervals of risk ratios to identify shared and divergent predictors of mortality.ResultsA total of 3186 (7.0%), 697 (2.9%), and 1880 (20.9%) patients died within 30 days of hospital admission with influenza, RSV, and SARS‐CoV‐2, respectively. Shared predictors of increased mortality included older age, male sex, residence in a long‐term care home, and chronic kidney disease. Positive associations between age and mortality were largest for patients with SARS‐CoV‐2. Few comorbidities were associated with mortality among patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 as compared with those with influenza or RSV.ConclusionsOur findings may help identify patients at greatest risk of illness secondary to a respiratory virus, anticipate hospital resource needs, and prioritize local prevention and therapeutic strategies to communities with higher prevalence of risk factors.
Improvement in desulfurization of dibenzothiophene and dibenzothiophene sulfone by Paenibacillus strains using immobilization or nanoparticle coating
Authors: Sar Taner , Ozturk Murat , Stark Benjamin C. , Akbas Meltem Yesilcimen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
Biodesulfurization of fossil fuels is a promising technology for deep desulfurization. Previously, we have shown that Paenibacillus strains 32O-W and 32O-Y can desulfurize dibenzothiophene (DBT) and DBT sulfone (DBTS) effectively. In this work, improvements in DBT and DBTS desulfurization by these strains were investigated through immobilization and nanoparticle coating of cells.

Methods and Results
Paenibacillus strains 32O-W and 32O-Y immobilized in alginate gel beads or coated with Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles were grown at various concentrations (0.1–2 mmol l−1) of DBT or DBTS for 96 h. The production of 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP) from the 4S pathway biotransformation of DBT or DBTS was measured. The highest amounts of 2-HBP production occurred at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mmol l−1. Compared to planktonic cultures maximum 2-HBP production increased by 54% for DBT and 90% for DBTS desulfurization with immobilized strains, and 44% for DBT and 66% for DBTS desulfurization by nanoparticle-coated strains.

Conclusions
Nanoparticle-coated and immobilized cells may be of use in efforts to increase the efficiency of biodesulfurization.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Alginate immobilization or nanoparticle coating of bacterial cells may be useful approaches for the enhancement of biodesulfurization for eventual use on an industrial scale.
Hidden island endemic species and their implications for cryptic speciation within soil arthropods
Authors: Pérez‐Delgado Antonio J. , Arribas Paula , Hernando Carles , López Heriberto , Arjona Yurena , Suárez‐Ramos Daniel , Emerson Brent C. , Andújar Carmelo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimSpecialisation to the soil environment is expected to constrain the spatial scale of diversification within animal lineages. In this context, flightless arthropod lineages, adapted to soil environments, but with broad geographical ranges, represent something of an anomaly. Here we investigate the diversification process within one such ‘anomalous’ soil specialist, an eyeless and flightless beetle species strongly adapted to the endogean environment but distributed across several oceanic islands.LocationCanary Islands.TaxonGeomitopsis franzi Coiffait, 1978 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae).MethodsWe performed an integrative study, including molecular phylogenetics, population genomics and morphometry. Four DNA regions (two mitochondrial and two nuclear) were amplified and sequenced for 159 specimens from 58 localities sampled across five islands for phylogenetic analyses, and a dated phylogenetic tree was obtained using a mitogenome dataset. ddRAD‐seq data were generated to evaluate mtDNA lineages in sympatry against the biological species concept.ResultsWe found high levels of genetic differentiation (>8% COI gene divergence) among populations from different islands and among geographically coherent lineages within single islands. Lineages within Tenerife presented significant patterns of isolation by distance, with ddRAD‐seq providing evidence that lineages represent biological species. Morphometric analyses revealed limited variation.Main conclusionsGeomitopsis franzi is comprised of at least seven lineages that merit consideration as biological species, and is best considered as a complex of cryptic species. The limited morphological variation across these lineages is consistent with adaptation to the endogean environment placing strong constraints on morphological change. The evolution of cryptic species should be favoured when such constraints are coupled with limited dispersal ability, a trait that broadly characterises the soil mesofauna.
Emergency and post‐emergency care of older adults with Alzheimer's disease/Alzheimer's disease related dementias
Authors: Hill Jacob D. , Schmucker Abigail M. , Siman Nina , Goldfeld Keith S. , Cuthel Allison M. , Chodosh Joshua , Bouillon‐Minois Jean‐Baptiste , Grudzen Corita R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe emergency department (ED) is a critical juncture in the care of persons living with dementia (PLwD), as they have a high rate of hospital admission, ED revisits, and subsequent inpatient stays. We examine ED disposition of PLwD compared with older adults with non‐dementia chronic disease as well as healthcare utilization and survival.MethodsMedicare claims data were used to identify community‐dwelling older adults 66+ years old from 34 hospitals with either Alzheimer's disease/Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) or a non‐AD/ADRD chronic condition between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. We compared ED disposition at the index visit, as well as healthcare utilization and mortality in the 12 months following an index ED visit, and adjusted for age, gender, and risk of mortality.ResultsThere were 29,626 patients in the AD/ADRD sample, and 317,046 in the comparison sample. The AD/ADRD sample was older (82.4 years old [SD: 8.2] vs. 76.0 years old [SD: 7.7]) and had more female patients (59.9% vs. 54.7%). The AD/ADRD sample was more likely to experience ED disposition to acute care (OR 1.039, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.029–1.050), to have an ED revisit (OR 1.077, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.066–1.087), and an inpatient stay in the subsequent 12 months (OR 1.085, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.075–1.095). ED disposition to hospice was low in both samples (0.2%). AD/ADRD patients had a higher risk of mortality (OR 1.099, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.091–1.107) and high short‐term mortality (31.9% within 12 months) than those without AD/ADRD (15.3% within 12 months).ConclusionsPLwD who visit the ED have high short‐term mortality. Despite this, disposition to acute care, ED revisits, and inpatient stays, rather than hospice, remain the predominant mode of care delivery. Transition directly from the ED to hospice for PLwD is rare.
An update on polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Lundberg Ingrid E. , Sharma Ankita , Turesson Carl , Mohammad Aladdin J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting people older than 50 years and is 2–3 times more common in women. The most common symptoms are pain and morning stiffness in the shoulder and pelvic girdle and the onset may be acute or develop over a few days to weeks. General symptoms such as fatigue, fever and weight loss may occur, likely driven by systemic IL‐6 signalling. The pathology includes synovial and periarticular inflammation and muscular vasculopathy. A new observation is that PMR may appear as a side effect of cancer treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. The diagnosis of PMR relies mainly on symptoms and signs combined with laboratory markers of inflammation. Imaging modalities including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography with computed tomography are promising new tools in the investigation of suspected PMR. However, they are still limited by availability, high cost and unclear performance in the diagnostic workup. Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is effective in PMR, with most patients responding promptly to 15–25 mg prednisolone per day. There are challenges in the management of patients with PMR as relapses do occur and patients with PMR may need to stay on GC for extended periods. This is associated with high rates of GC‐related comorbidities, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, and there are limited data on the use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics as GC sparing agents. Finally, PMR is associated with giant cell arteritis that may complicate the disease course and require more intense and prolonged treatment.
Molecular pathways and possible therapies for head and neck vascular anomalies
Authors: Coulie Julien , Boon Laurence , Vikkula Miikka 
Published: May 2022

AbstractVascular anomalies are a heterogenous group of vascular lesions that can be divided, according to the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies Classification, into two main groups: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular malformations can be further subdivided into slow‐flow and fast‐flow malformations. This clinical and radiological classification allows for a better understanding of vascular anomalies and aims to offer a more precise final diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is essential to propose the best treatment, which traditionally consists of surgery, embolization, or sclerotherapy. Since a few years, medical treatment has become an important part of multidisciplinary treatment. Genetic and molecular knowledge of vascular anomalies are increasing rapidly and opens the door for a molecular classification of vascular anomalies according to the underlying pathways involved. The main pathways seem to be PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK. Knowing the underlying molecular cascades allows us to use targeted medical therapies. The first part of this article aims to review the vascular anomalies seen in the head and neck region and their underlying molecular causes and involved pathways. The second part will propose an overview of the available targeted therapies based on the affected molecular cascade. This article summarizes theragnostic treatments available in vascular anomalies.
A validated UPLC‐MS/MS method for quantification of glutamine in plasma and pharmacokinetic study of oral glutamine tablets in healthy Beagles
Authors: Liu Dongying , Guo Fanxi , Yu Yuanqian , Zhou Yuqing , Xu Yidan , Zou Yuanpeng , Li Chongyang , Zhang Fengyichi , Yu Zugong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the laws of glutamine tablets absorption, distribution, and metabolism in Beagles and to provide a basis for formulating dosing regimens. Twelve healthy Beagles were enrolled the absolute bioavailability study with a crossover design . Glutamine tablets (240 mg/kg b.w.) or glutamine sterile solution (60 mg/kg b.w.) were administered. A method for the determination of glutamine in Beagles' plasma by UPLC‐MS/MS was established, with high sensitivity, specificity, and simplicity. Based on the study of endogenous glutamine concentration, the mean concentration of the four time points before drug administration was selected as the background concentration of glutamine. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non‐compartment model. The Cmax of glutamine was 136.11 ± 72.51 μg/ml, Tmax was 0.85 ± 0.29 h, and t1/2λz was 0.42 ± 0.27 h after oral administration. The AUC0−t of glutamine was 116.30 ± 75.15 h·μg/ml vs. 44.55 ± 22.48 h·μg/ml following oral and IV administration, respectively, with an absolute bioavailability of 64.74% ± 19.18%. The results showed glutamine was quickly absorbed and eliminated in Beagles with high bioavailability. Therefore, glutamine is suitable to be prepared as oral tablets and recommended to shorten the dosing interval.
Medium optimization for submerged fermentative production of β-cyclodextrin glucosyltransferase by isolated novel alkalihalophilic Bacillus sp. NCIM 5799 using statistical approach
Authors: Solanki P. , Banerjee T. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
β-cyclodextrin glucosyltransferase (β-CGTase) is an essential enzyme to catalyse the biotransformation of starch into β-cyclodextrins (β-CD). β-CD has widespread applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical and food industries. The present study focused on β-CGTase production using an efficient natural microbial strain and statistical production optimization for enhanced production. The isolated organism Bacillus sp. NCIM 5799 was found to be 5 μm short bacilli under FE-SEM and alkalihalophilic in nature. The β-CGTase production was optimized using a combination of Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and Central Composite Design—Response Surface Methodology (CCD-RSM). On PBD screening Na2CO3, peptone and MgSO4.7H2O were found to be significant for optimal β-CGTase production, whereas the soluble starch and K2HPO4 concentrations were found to be nonsignificant for β-CGTase production. The significant factors obtained after PBD were further optimized using CCD-RSM design. Peptone was found to have a significant interaction effect with Na2CO3, and MgSO4·7H2O and Na2CO3 exhibited a significant effect on the production of CGTase. The production of β-CGTase was enhanced in the presence of peptone (3%) and Na2CO3 (0·8%). CGTase production obtained was 156·76 U/ml when optimized using CCD-RSM. The final optimized medium (RSM) shows 7·7- and 5·4-fold high productions as compared to un-optimized and one factor at a time production media.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of some plant essential oils and synergistic effects of cinnamon essential oil with vancomycin against Clostridioides difficile: in vitro study
Authors: Tosun M.N. , Taylan G. , Demirel Zorba N.N. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The detection of resistant strains of Clostridioides difficile against existing antibiotics and the side effects led to the investigation of alternative agents. Inhibition zones of various essential oils to four strains of C.difficile and other Clostridium species ranged from 8·32 to 44·18 mm. The highest zone was observed in cinnamon and tea tree essential oils. and The MIC values varied between 0·39–25 (%, v/v). The main components were cinnamaldehyde (85·64%) in cinnamon essential oil, 4-terpineol (83·6%) was determined in tea tree essential oil. Additive effects were found between cinnamon essential oil and vancomycin and between cinnamon and tea tree essential oils, and the FICI values were 0·512 and 0·517, respectively. Both cinnamon and tea tree essential oils showed antibiofilm activities against all tested C. difficile strains at all tested concentrations. Essential oils may be used as a supplement in addition to treatment in the control of C. difficile-related diseases.
High level of calcium carbonate precipitation achieved by mixed culture containing ureolytic and nonureolytic bacterial strains
Authors: Harnpicharnchai P. , Mayteeworakoon S. , Kitikhun S. , Chunhametha S. , Likhitrattanapisal S. , Eurwilaichitr L. , Ingsriswang S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study demonstrates a remarkably high level of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) using a mixed culture containing TBRC 1396 (Priestia megaterium), TBRC 8147 (Neobacillus drentensis) and ATCC 11859 (Sporosarcina pasteurii) bacterial strains. The mixed culture produced CaCO3 weights 1·4 times higher than those obtained from S. pasteurii, the gold standard for efficient MICP processes. The three strains were selected after characterization of various Bacillus spp. and related species for their ability to induce the MICP process, especially in an alkaline and high-temperature environment. Results showed that the TBRC 1396 and TBRC 8147 strains, as well as TBRC 5949 (Bacillus subtilis) and TBRC 8986 (Priestia aryabhattai) strains, could generate calcium carbonate at pH 9–12 and temperature 30–40°C, which is suitable for construction and consolidation purposes. The TBRC 8147 strain also exhibited CaCO3 precipitation at 45°C. The TBRC 8986 and TBRC 8147 strains are nonureolytic bacteria capable of MICP in the absence of urea, which can be used to avoid the generation of undesirable ammonia associated with the ureolytic MICP process. These findings facilitate the successful use of MICP as a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology for the development of various materials, including self-healing concrete and soil consolidation.
Acidic dileucine motifs in the cylindrical inclusion protein of turnip mosaic virus are crucial for endosomal targeting and viral replication
Authors: Wu Guanwei , Jia Zhaoxing , Rui Penghuan , Zheng Hongying , Lu Yuwen , Lin Lin , Peng Jiejun , Rao Shaofei , Wang Aiming , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPreviously we reported that the multifunctional cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is targeted to endosomes through the interaction with the medium subunit of adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2β), which is essential for viral infection. Although several functionally important regions in the CI have been identified, little is known about the determinant(s) for endosomal trafficking. The CI protein contains seven conserved acidic dileucine motifs [(D/E)XXXL(L/I)] typical of endocytic sorting signals recognized by AP2β. Here, we selected five motifs for further study and identified that they all were located in the regions of CI interacting with AP2β. Coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that alanine substitutions in the each of these acidic dileucine motifs decreased binding with AP2β. Moreover, these CI mutants also showed decreased accumulation of punctate bodies, which enter endocytic‐tracking styryl‐stained endosomes. The mutations were then introduced into a full‐length infectious clone of TuMV, and each mutant had reduced viral replication and systemic infection. The data suggest that the acidic dileucine motifs in CI are indispensable for interacting with AP2β for efficient viral replication. This study provides new insights into the role of endocytic sorting motifs in the intracellular movement of viral proteins for replication.