bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of kinnow (citrus reticulate) peel and its effect on the quality of muffin
Authors: Khaleel Gangavarapu , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Singh Lochan , Kumar Yogesh , Kumar Kshitiz , Kishore Anand , Saikumar Akuleti , Mani Sarvanan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractKinnow peel powder (KPP) characterization (particle size; <180 μm, 180–250 μm, and 250–500 μm) showed that the particle size under 180 μm posses higher bulk density, color value L* & b*, oil absorption capacity, water solubility, and lower water holding capacity. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant properties of KPP varied in the range of 10.1 ± 0.21 to 10.9 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g, 4.96 ± 0.59 to 6.09 ± 0.56 mg QE/g, and 77.5 ± 0.96 to 87.2% ± 0.51%, respectively. An increase in particle size increased the pasting and thermal properties. Highest pasting viscosity (1069 ± 2 cP) and pasting temperature (75.3°C ± 0.10°C) were observed for the largest particle size KPP. Valorization of KPP was achieved by the development of muffins by partial replacement (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of refine wheat flour. An increase in the concentration of KPP in muffins led to a decrease in the volume, color parameters, and increase in hardness. The highest desirability was found at 5% replacement level.Novelty impact statementThe present study was focused on valorization of kinnow peel for the development of muffins. The study will add the scientific data on kinnow peel with respect to different particle size for the development of bakery products.
Could there be an association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and demodex infestation?
Authors: Topçu Dursun Ayşe , Bayramgürler Dilek , Odyakmaz Demirsoy Evren , Şikar Aktürk Aysun , Kıran Rebiay , Sayman Nilgün 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundHuman demodex mites are parasites that live in the pilosebaceous unit and can result in the disease demodicosis. While demodicosis may occur as a primary skin disease; immunosuppression, and topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatments can cause secondary demodicosis. It is known that thyroid hormones may cause skin changes, such as xerosis, and thereby may also modulate immune responses in the skin.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate whether or not that the changes occurring in the skin of patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) predispose to demodex infestation.MethodsSeventy‐eight patients being followed for a diagnosis of HT at Kocaeli University Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic, between January 2019 and March 2020, constituted the patient group. The control group consisted of 41 patients who did not have any chronic systemic or dermatological disease and were shown to have no thyroid disease by laboratory tests. Demodex intensity in the malar regions of the patient and control groups was determined using the standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) method and compared with each other.ResultsHT patients were significantly more likely to have increased demodex density and suggestive SSSB results than the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). A significant correlation was found between demodex intensity and the findings of xerosis (p = 0.010, p = 0.011) and spiny follicular papules (p = 0.008, p = 0.008) in the patient or control groups, respectively. However, a significant correlation was identified between the demodex density and the symptoms of burning‐stinging (p = 0.028), and feelings of dryness (p = 0.018) roughness (p = 0.028) only in the control group.ConclusionXerotic skin and/or impaired immune responses as a result of autoimmune changes in patients with HT may lead to secondary demodicosis.
Enantiospecific pharmacokinetics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in beagles
Authors: Levionnois Olivier Louis , Barbarossa Andrea , Bardhi Anisa , Siegenthaler Joelle , Forss Pleyers Tekla , Guidi Monia , Spadavecchia Claudia , Raillard Mathieu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) behaviour of dexmedetomidine in dogs administered as a pure enantiomer versus as part of a racemic mixture. Eight unmedicated intact purpose‐bread beagles were included. Two intravenous treatments of either medetomidine or dexmedetomidine were administered at 10‐ to 14‐day intervals. Atipamezole or saline solution was administered intramuscularly 45 min later. Venous blood samples were collected into EDTA collection tubes, and the quantification of dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine was performed by chiral LC–MS/MS. All dogs appeared sedated after each treatment without complication. Plasma concentrations of levomedetomidine were measured only in the racemic group and were 51.4% (51.4%–56.1%) lower than dexmedetomidine. Non‐compartmental analysis (NCA) was performed for both drugs, while dexmedetomidine data were further described using a population pharmacokinetic approach. A standard two‐compartment mammillary model with linear elimination with combined additive and multiplicative error model for residual unexplained variability was established for dexmedetomidine. An exponential model was finally retained to describe inter‐individual variability on parameters of clearance (Cl1) and central and peripheral volumes of distribution (V1, V2). No effect of occurrence, levomedetomidine or atipamezole could be observed on dexmedetomidine PK parameters. Dexmedetomidine did not undergo significantly different PK when administered alone or as part of the racemic mixture in otherwise unmedicated dogs.
Recent methods for discovering novel bioactive metabolites, specifically antimicrobial agents, from marine-associated micro-organisms
Authors: Sedeek A.M. , Ismail M.M. , Elsayed T.R. , Ramadan M.A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Marine micro-organisms are a promising source for novel natural compounds with many medical and biotechnological applications. Here, we demonstrate limitations and recent strategies for investigating the marine microbial community for novel bioactive metabolites, specifically those of antimicrobial potential. These strategies include culture-dependent methods such as modifying the standard culture media, including changing the gelling agent, dissolving vehicle, media supplementation and preparation to access a broader range of bacterial diversity from marine samples. Furthermore, we discuss strategies such as in situ cultivation, dilution-to-extinction cultivation and long-term incubation. We are presenting recent applications of culture-independent methods such as genome mining, proteomics profiling and the application of metagenomics as a novel strategy for structure confirmation in the discovery of the marine micro-organism for novel antimicrobial metabolites. We present this review as a simple guide and a helpful resource for those who seek to enter the challenging field of applied marine microbiology.
Exploration of surfactin production by newly isolated Bacillus and Lysinibacillus strains from food-related sources
Authors: Akintayo S.O. , Treinen C. , Vahidinasab M. , Pfannstiel J. , Bertsche U. , Fadahunsi I. , Oellig C. , Granvogl M. , Henkel M. , Lilge L. , Hausmann R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAs a lipopeptide (LP), surfactin exhibits properties, such as emulsifying and dispersing ability, which are useful in food industry. Discovery of new LP-producing strains from food sources is an important step towards possible application of surfactin in foods. A total of 211 spore-forming, Gram-positive, and catalase-positive bacterial strains were isolated from fermented African locust beans (iru) and palm oil mill effluents in a screening process and examined for their ability to produce surfactin. This was achieved by a combination of methods, which included microbiological and molecular classification of strains, along with chemical analysis of surfactin production. Altogether, 29 isolates, positive for oil spreading and emulsification assays, were further identified with 16S rDNA analysis. The strains belonged to nine species including less commonly reported strains of Lysinibacillus, Bacillus flexus, B. tequilensis, and B. aryabhattai. The surfactin production was quantitatively and qualitatively analysed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Confirmation of surfactin by MS was achieved in all the 29 strains. Highest surfactin production capability was found in B. subtilis IRB2-A1 with a titre of 1444·1 mg L−1.
The Future of Iran's Nuclear Dossier: Possible Options
Authors: Chitsazian Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFor more than two decades, the nuclear issue has overshadowed Iran's foreign policy, becoming a major crisis in international politics. On the one hand, great powers and some regional countries are concerned about the military dimension of Iran's nuclear program; on the other hand, Iran is pursuing its nuclear rights confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The challenge has encountered ups and downs in recent years, from the nuclear deal in 2015 to the verge of war between Iran and the United States during Donald Trump's presidency. This background has obscured the future of nuclear Iran's dossier. Accordingly, this research aims to address possible scenarios facing the parties. Based on the current realities, it concludes that the best possible option is returning to the nuclear deal signed in 2015. If both sides fulfill their commitments, it will pave the way for resolving other disputes.
Functional characterization of the first lipoyl‐relay pathway from a parasitic protozoan
Authors: Scattolini Albertina , Lavatelli Antonela , Vacchina Paola , Lambruschi Daniel A. , Mansilla María C. , Uttaro Antonio D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLipoic acid (LA) is a sulfur‐containing cofactor covalently attached to key enzymes of central metabolism in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. LA can be acquired by scavenging, mediated by a lipoate ligase, or de novo synthesized by a pathway requiring an octanoyltransferase and a lipoate synthase. A more complex pathway, referred to as “lipoyl‐relay”, requires two additional proteins, GcvH, the glycine cleavage system H subunit, and an amidotransferase. This route was described so far in Bacillus subtilis and related Gram‐positive bacteria, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Using collections of S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis mutants, defective in LA metabolism, we gathered evidence that allows us to propose for the first time that lipoyl‐relay pathways are also present in parasitic protozoa. By a reverse genetic approach, we assigned octanoyltransferase and amidotransferase activity to the products of Tb927.11.9390 (TblipT) and Tb927.8.630 (TblipL) genes of Trypanosoma brucei, respectively. The B. subtilis model allowed us to identify the parasite amidotransferase as the target of lipoate analogs like 8‐bromo‐octanoic acid, explaining the complete loss of protein lipoylation and growth impairment caused by this compound in T. cruzi. This model could be instrumental for the screening of selective and more efficient chemotherapies against trypanosomiases.
Synthesis of 4‐methylvaleric acid, a precursor of pogostone, involves a 2‐isobutylmalate synthase related to 2‐isopropylmalate synthase of leucine biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Chu , Wang Ying , Chen Jing , Liu Lang , Yang Mingxia , Li Zhengguo , Wang Chengyuan , Pichersky Eran , Xu Haiyang 
Published: April 2022

SummaryWe show here that the side chain of pogostone, one of the major components of patchouli oil obtained fromPogostemon cablinand possessing a variety of pharmacological activities, is derived from 4‐methylvaleric acid.We also show that 4‐methylvaleric acid is produced through the one‐carbon α‐ketoacid elongation pathway with the involvement of the key enzyme 2‐isobutylmalate synthase (IBMS), a newly identified enzyme related to isopropylmalate synthase (IPMS) of leucine (Leu) biosynthesis.Site‐directed mutagenesis identified Met132in the N‐terminal catalytic region as affecting the substrate specificity of PcIBMS1. Even though PcIBMS1 possesses the C‐terminal domain that in IPMS serves to mediate Leu inhibition, it is insensitive to Leu.The observation of the evolution of IBMS from IPMS, as well as previously reported examples of IPMS‐related genes involved in making glucosinolates in Brassicaceae, acylsugars in Solanaceae, and flavour compounds in apple, indicate that IPMS genes represent an important pool for the independent evolution of genes for specialised metabolism.
Evaluation of halitosis parameters in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Maluf Gustavo Valerio , Caldas Rogério Jardim , Fregnani Eduardo Rodrigues , Antunes Héliton Spindola , Tobias Matheus Augusto Siscotto , da Silva Santos Paulo Sérgio 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo assess halitosis parameters using OralChroma™ and the correlation with salivary flow, oral hygiene index, radiation dose, and tongue‐coating index among irradiated head and neck cancer patients compared to patients without cancer.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study enrolled irradiated and non‐irradiated patients divided into two groups. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) levels were measured using a gas chromatograph, and sialometry was performed. The tongue‐coating index and simplified oral hygiene index were also assessed.ResultsThirty‐eight patients were allocated to each group. Volatile sulfur compound levels were above the thresholds in both groups. Non‐irradiated individuals showed higher levels of hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Patients with asialia had an inexpressive tongue‐coating index and increased dimethyl sulfide levels. A decrease in salivary flow rate was followed by a significant increase in volatile sulfur compound levels. Higher doses of radiation to the submandibular salivary glands were associated with higher concentrations of sulfide and methyl mercaptan.ConclusionsHead and neck radiotherapy may be important in the development of halitosis. Irradiated patients with asialia presented insignificant lingual biofilm. Consequently, lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds were detected in this group. Asialia, a severe radiation‐induced hyposalivation, impacted the levels of DMS (extraoral origin).
Small paraquat resistance proteins modulate paraquat and ABA responses and confer drought tolerance to overexpressing Arabidopsis plants
Authors: Faragó Dóra , Zsigmond Laura , Benyó Dániel , Alcazar Rubén , Rigó Gábor , Ayaydin Ferhan , Rabilu Sahilu Ahmad , Hunyadi‐Gulyás Éva , Szabados László 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAdaptation of higher plants to extreme environmental conditions is under complex regulation. Several small peptides have recently been described to modulate responses to stress conditions. The Small Paraquat resistance protein (SPQ) ofLepidium crassifoliumhas previously been identified due to its capacity to confer paraquat resistance to overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Here, we show that overexpression of the closely related Arabidopsis SPQ can also enhance resistance to paraquat, while the Arabidopsisspq1mutant is slightly hypersensitive to this herbicide. Besides being implicated in paraquat response, overexpression of SPQs enhanced sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), and the knockoutspq1mutant was less sensitive to ABA. Both Lepidium‐ and Arabidopsis‐derived SPQs could improve drought tolerance by reducing water loss, stabilizing photosynthetic electron transport and enhancing plant viability and survival in a water‐limited environment. Enhanced drought tolerance ofSPQ‐overexpressing plants could be confirmed by characterizing various parameters of growth, morphology and photosynthesis using an automatic plant phenotyping platform with RGB and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. Our results suggest that SPQs can be regulatory small proteins connecting ROS and ABA regulation and through that influence responses to certain stresses.
Utility of perinatal natriuretic peptide for predicting neonatal heart failure
Authors: Miyoshi Takekazu , Hosoda Hiroshi , Miyake Akira , Sakaguchi Heima , Kitano Masataka , Kurosaki Ken‐ichi , Shiraishi Isao , Nakai Michikazu , Nishimura Kunihiro , Miyazato Mikiya , Kangawa Kenji , Yoshimatsu Jun , Minamino Naoto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the significance of perinatal plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in neonates with congenital heart defects (CHDs) or arrhythmias and determined whether measurement of perinatal plasma NP levels and echocardiographic assessment in utero could predict heart failure after birth.MethodsThe study was conducted between 2012 and 2016 to evaluate the correlation of perinatal atrial NP (ANP) and brain NP (BNP) levels at birth with the modified Ross score after birth and the cardiovascular profile (CVP) score before birth.ResultsA total of 122 singletons with CHDs or arrhythmias and 27 controls were analyzed. Neonatal blood sampling was performed at a median of 0.7 h (range, 0.1–1.5) after birth. The neonatal plasma ANP and BNP levels shortly after birth were significantly higher than those in the umbilical artery (UA) plasma. The ANP and BNP levels in UA and neonatal blood were correlated with the modified Ross score. The neonatal plasma ANP and BNP levels and the modified Ross scores were inversely correlated with the CVP score in neonates with CHDs or arrhythmias. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of UA ANP levels for predicting neonatal heart failure was highest among those for the CVP score, perinatal plasma ANP and BNP levels, and their combinations.ConclusionsThe plasma ANP and BNP levels increased markedly shortly after birth. Assessment of the UA plasma ANP level at birth and the CVP score in utero may be utilized to predict neonatal heart failure.
Neural correlates of temporal integration and segregation in metacontrast masking: A phenomenological study
Authors: Kraut Alexander T. A. , Albrecht Thorsten 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTemporal integration and segregation have been investigated both in the research on the temporal mechanisms in visual perception and in the research on visual masking. Although both research lines share theoretical, methodological, and empirical similarities, there is little overlap between them and their models of temporal processing are incompatible. As a first step toward the unification of both lines of research, we investigated the electrophysiological correlates of temporal integration and segregation in a metacontrast masking paradigm. Participants reported in each trial whether they perceived the target‐mask sequence as a simultaneous or temporally segregated percept while their EEG was recorded. A comparison of both temporal report categories resulted in an ERP difference after stimulus presentation (200–450 ms) that closely resembles the contour integration negativity. Moreover, we found that phase states were shifted between perceptual report categories in the alpha (450–250 ms) and beta (225–125 ms) frequency band before stimulus presentation and induced a sinusoidal periodicity in later temporal report proportions. Thus, we show that neural correlates of temporal integration and segregation can be generalized to metacontrast masking. These findings emphasize the potential role of temporal mechanisms in the emergence of the masking phenomenon. Additionally, our findings validate our phenomenological approach by demonstrating similar neural correlates of temporal integration and segregation as in performance‐based tasks. Future research may profit from our phenomenological approach to disentangle the (neural) interplay between temporal and masking mechanisms.
Reliability Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Systems Using Recurrent Events Data from Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Min Jie , Hong Yili , King Caleb B. , Meeker William Q. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) systems have become increasingly common and the trend will continue. Examples of AI systems include autonomous vehicles (AV), computer vision, natural language processing and AI medical experts. To allow for safe and effective deployment of AI systems, the reliability of such systems needs to be assessed. Traditionally, reliability assessment is based on reliability test data and the subsequent statistical modelling and analysis. The availability of reliability data for AI systems, however, is limited because such data are typically sensitive and proprietary. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees and regulates an AV testing program, in which many AV manufacturers are conducting AV road tests. Manufacturers participating in the program are required to report recurrent disengagement events to California DMV. This information is being made available to the public. In this paper, we use recurrent disengagement events as a representation of the reliability of the AI system in AV, and propose a statistical framework for modelling and analysing the recurrent events data from AV driving tests. We use traditional parametric models in software reliability and propose a new non-parametric model based on monotonic splines to describe the event process and to estimate the cumulative baseline intensity function of the event process. We develop inference procedures for selecting the best models, quantifying uncertainty and testing heterogeneity in the event process. We then analyse the recurrent events data from four AV manufacturers, and make inferences on the reliability of the AI systems in AV. We also describe how the proposed analysis can be applied to assess the reliability of other AI systems. This paper has online supplementary materials.
Chrysin enhances antitumour immunity response through the IL‐12‐STAT4 signal pathway in the B16F10 melanoma mouse model
Authors: Lu Ran , Wang Shuang , Jiang Shasha , Li Chenglin , Wang Yashuo , Li Ling , Wang Yunyang , Ma Guixin , Qiao Hongye , Leng Zhe , Niu Junyun , Tian Zibin , Wang Bin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractChrysin (CHR) is a flavonoid with extensive pharmacological activity. The molecular formula of CHR is C15H10O4. CHR is reported to have antioxidative, antitumour and antiviral functions. To evaluate its potential function as a vaccine adjuvant, we prepared a melanoma vaccine using a soluble protein extract of B16F10 melanoma cells as antigen and CHR as an adjuvant. The melanoma model was developed after two immunizations, and it was discovered that combining B16F10 soluble protein antigen‐mixed CHR vaccine could inhibit tumour growth in the mouse model, and the overall survival rate was higher than that of the B16F10 antigen vaccine alone. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to determine whether CHR functioned as an adjuvant by activating antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). We discovered that CHR activated APCs both in vivo and in vitro and may enhance Th1 cell function by activating the IL12‐STAT4 signal pathway, thereby enhancing the antitumour response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vivo. Next, to verify the critical role of CD8+ T cells in suppressing melanoma development, we transplanted CD8+ T cells from immunized mice to B16F10 tumour‐bearing mice and discovered that the survival rate of tumour‐bearing mice was significantly prolonged. In summary, our experimental results indicate that CHR can be used as a potential adjuvant to enhance antigen immunogenicity, inhibit B16F10 tumour growth in mice and improve tumour immune response.