bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial levels and diversity in kitchen sponges and dishwashing brushes used by consumers
Authors: Møretrø Trond , Ferreira Vânia B. , Moen Birgitte , Almli Valérie L. , Teixeira Paula , Kasbo Ida M. , Langsrud Solveig 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
The purpose of the work was to investigate bacterial levels and diversity as well as survival of Salmonella in used dish washing sponges and brushes and identify consumer practices that can potentially explain bacterial status of these items.

Methods and Results
Used washing up utensils were collected from consumers. The bacterial numbers (TVC) were very variable with an extremely high median level (10.3 log cfu/item) in Portuguese sponges and lower levels in Norwegian items (7.3 and 7.0 cfu/item for sponges and brushes). No self-reported practices or household composition could explain differences found in TVC levels among the collected sponges. Lower mean TVC levels were found in unworn brushes and brushes regularly cleaned with soap, but the differences were modest (1.5 log or less). A common set of bacteria was found in brushes and sponges, dominated by Acinetobacter, Chryseobacterium, Enhydrobacter, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. There was no difference in TVC or bacterial diversity between conventional and antimicrobial sponges containing silver after 4 weeks of use. For used brushes inoculated with Salmonella and allowed to dry overnight, a significant reduction in Salmonella numbers was observed. No reduction was observed for brushes stored in humid conditions (in a plastic bag) or for sponges regardless of storing conditions.

Conclusions
Overall, lower bacterial levels were observed in used brushes than in sponges, and Salmonella died more rapidly in brushes. A common set of non-pathogenic bacteria dominated in brushes and sponges.

Significance and Impact of Study
The study demonstrates that the use of brushes may be more hygienic than the use of sponges.
Inhibition of TRPC4 channel activity in colonic myocytes by tricyclic antidepressants disrupts colonic motility causing constipation
Authors: Jeong Byeongseok , Sung Tae Sik , Jeon Dongju , Park Kyu Joo , Jun Jae Yeoul , So Insuk , Hong Chansik 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used to treat depression and were recently approved for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with severe or refractory IBS symptoms. However, the molecular mechanism of TCA action in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains poorly understood. Transient receptor potential channel canonical type 4 (TRPC4), which is a Ca2+‐permeable nonselective cation channel, is a critical regulator of GI excitability. Herein, we investigated whether TCA modulates TRPC4 channel activity and which mechanism in colonic myocytes consequently causes constipation. To prove the clinical benefit in patients with diarrhoea caused by TCA treatment, we performed mechanical tension recording of repetitive motor pattern (RMP) in segment, electric field stimulation (EFS)‐induced and spontaneous contractions in isolated muscle strips. From these recordings, we observed that all TCA compounds significantly inhibited contractions of colonic motility in human. To determine the contribution of TRPC4 to colonic motility, we measured the electrical activity of heterologous or endogenous TRPC4 by TCAs using the patch clamp technique in HEK293 cells and murine colonic myocytes. In TRPC4‐overexpressed HEK cells, we observed TCA‐evoked direct inhibition of TRPC4. Compared with TRPC4‐knockout mice, we identified that muscarinic cationic current (mIcat) was suppressed through TRPC4 inhibition by TCA in isolated murine colonic myocytes. Collectively, we suggest that TCA action is responsible for the inhibition of TRPC4 channels in colonic myocytes, ultimately causing constipation. These findings provide clinical insights into abnormal intestinal motility and medical interventions aimed at IBS therapy.
Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults in the Hunter Community Study cohort: A comparison of diet quality versus polygenic risk score
Authors: Reay William R. , Haslam Rebecca , Cairns Murray J. , Moschonis George , Clarke Erin , Attia John , Collins Clare Elizabeth 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe interplay between cardiovascular disease (CVD) genetic risk indexed by a polygenic risk score (PRS) and diet quality still requires further investigation amongst older adults or those with established or treated CVD. The present study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of diet quality, measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and PRS, with respect to explaining variation in plasma lipids CVD outcomes in the Hunter Cohort.MethodsThe study comprised a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the Hunter Cohort study. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms from previously derived polygenic scores (PGSs) for three lipid classes were obtained: low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides, as well as PRS for coronary artery disease (CAD) from the PGS catalogue. Regression modelling and odds ratios were used to determine associations between PRS, ARFS and CVD risk.ResultsIn total, 1703 participants were included: mean ± SD age 66 ± 7.4 years, 51% female, mean ± SD total ARFS 28.1 ± 8 (out of 74). Total diet quality and vegetable subscale were not significantly associated with measured lipids. By contrast, PGS for each lipid demonstrated a markedly strong, statistically significant correlation with its respective measured lipid. There was a significant association between CAD PRS and 5/6 CVD phenotypes (all except atrial fibrillation), with the largest effect size shown with coronary bypass. Adding dietary intake as a covariate did not change this relationship.ConclusionsLipid PGS explained more variance in measured lipids than diet quality. However, the poor diet quality observed in the current cohort may have limited the ability to observe any beneficial effects. Future research should investigate whether the diet quality of older adults can be improved and also the effect of these improvements on changes in polygenic risk.
A personalised diet approach study: Interaction between PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala and dietary insulin indices on metabolic markers in diabetic patients
Authors: Abaj Faezeh , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of the interaction between peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) Pro12Ala polymorphisms and dietary insulin load and insulin index (DIL and DII) on cardio‐metabolic markers among diabetic patients.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted on 393 diabetic patients. A food‐frequency questionnaire was used for DIL and DII calculation. PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala was genotyped by a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Biochemical markers, including total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, triglyceride, superoxide dismutase, C‐reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, pentraxin‐3, isoprostaneF2α, interleukin‐18, leptin and ghrelin, were measured by a standard protocol.ResultsRisk‐allele carriers (CG, GG) had higher obesity indices [body mass index (pinteraction = 0.006) and WC (pinteraction = 0.04)] compared to individuals with the CC genotype when they consumed a diet with higher DIL and DII respectively. Besides, carriers of the G‐allele who were in the highest tertile of DIL had lower high‐density lipoprotein (pinteraction = 0.04) and higher isoprostaneF2α (pinteraction = 0.03) and pentraxin‐3 (pinteraction = 0.03). Moreover, the highest tertile of the DII, showed an increase in interleukin‐18 (pinteraction = 0.01) and lower superoxide dismutase (pinteraction = 0.03) for risk‐allele carriers compared to those with CC homozygotes.ConclusionsWe revealed that the PPAR‐γ Pro12Ala polymorphism was able to intensify the effect of DIL and DII on cardiovascular disease risk factors; risk‐allele carriers who consumed a diet with high DIL and DII score were more likely to be obese and have higher inflammatory markers. Also, protective factors against cardiovascular disease risk factors were reduced significantly in this group compared to CC homozygotes.
Effect of α‐amylase and pH on the rheological properties of thickened liquids containing starch in in vitro conditions relevant to oral processing and swallowing
Authors: Lavoisier Anaïs , Boudrag Sabrina , Ramaioli Marco 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate quantitatively the impact of saliva on the rheological properties of thickened drinks (IDDSI level 3) with different pH. Oral digestion was simulated and followed using a rheometer. An insalivation ratio measured from spitted boli, was used in the in vitro oral digestion experiments, comparing unstimulated human saliva to artificial saliva. The initial viscosity of thickened water samples (pH 5.3 and 7.4) was reduced by 80% after only 5 s of in vitro oral digestion. A similar viscosity decay was observed with the artificial saliva. This decrease in viscosity was attributed to the breakdown of the starch granule structure by α‐amylase and in a lesser extent to a dilution effect. In contrast, the rheological properties of thickened lemon drink (pH = 2.7) and thickened orange juice (pH = 4.0) were not influenced significantly by human salivary amylase. These results suggest that at these pHs, starch‐based thickened drinks can maintain their initial IDDSI level, despite a strong dilution with saliva, which could help in the management of dysphagia. Clinical trials should be performed to confirm this hypothesis. Only human salivary α‐amylase should be used to study products between pH 3 and 5 to imitate the structural and rheological breakdown happening before swallowing, while α‐amylase from Bacillus sp. could also be used outside this range. The method developed in this study can be used to quantify the impact of food oral processing and evaluate rheological properties relevant for swallowing in the presence of saliva.
Antiviral effect and mechanism of metformin against grouper iridovirus infection
Authors: Zhang Qin , Huang Yaming , Ke Ke , Li Mengmeng , Huang Shuaishuai , Liao Wenyu , Li Pengfei , Tong Tong , Liu Mingzhu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSingapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) infection is associated with high mortality in mariculture, and effective treatments are urgently required. Given the wide‐ranging applications of metformin, we aimed to assess the effects of metformin against SGIV. The safe and effective concentration of metformin in grouper spleen cells was determined as 250 μg/mL. We detected the inhibitory activity of metformin against SGIV infection in grouper spleen cells using an aptamer‐based fluorescent molecular probe and reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Metformin effectively inhibited SGIV infection in a dose‐dependent manner and showed an excellent inhibitory effect against SGIV in vitro (70%). We further investigated metformin's possible antiviral mechanism and showed that metformin did not damage SGIV invading host cells, but could damage SGIV particles (59.57%) and interfere with SGIV binding (23.25%) and replication (29.48%) in host cells. Metformin mainly inhibited SGIV by damaging SGIV particles. Overall, these results suggested that metformin had direct and host‐mediated antiviral effects against SGIV and thus had great potential for the development of effective drugs to control SGIV infection in aquaculture.
Ancient mitochondrial and modern whole genomes unravel massive genetic diversity loss during near extinction of Alpine ibex
Authors: Robin Mathieu , Ferrari Giada , Akgül Gülfirde , Münger Xenia , von Seth Johanna , Schuenemann Verena J. , Dalén Love , Grossen Christine 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPopulation bottlenecks can have dramatic consequences for the health and long‐term survival of a species. Understanding of historic population size and standing genetic variation prior to a contraction allows estimating the impact of a bottleneck on the species' genetic diversity. Although historic population sizes can be modelled based on extant genomics, uncertainty is high for the last 10–20 millenia. Hence, integrating ancient genomes provides a powerful complement to retrace the evolution of genetic diversity through population fluctuations. Here, we recover 15 high‐quality mitogenomes of the once nearly extinct Alpine ibex spanning 8601 BP to 1919 CE and combine these with 60 published modern whole genomes. Coalescent demography simulations based on modern whole genomes indicate population fluctuations coinciding with the last major glaciation period. Using our ancient and historic mitogenomes, we investigate the more recent demographic history of the species and show that mitochondrial haplotype diversity was reduced to a fifth of the prebottleneck diversity with several highly differentiated mitochondrial lineages having coexisted historically. The main collapse of mitochondrial diversity coincides with elevated human population growth during the last 1–2 kya. After recovery, one lineage was spread and nearly fixed across the Alps due to recolonization efforts. Our study highlights that a combined approach integrating genomic data of ancient, historic and extant populations unravels major long‐term population fluctuations from the emergence of a species through its near extinction up to the recent past.
Du13 encodes a C2H2 zinc‐finger protein that regulates Wxb pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA biogenesis in rice endosperm
Authors: Cai Yue , Zhang Wenwei , Fu Yushuang , Shan Zhuangzhuang , Xu Jiahuan , Wang Peng , Kong Fei , Jin Jie , Yan Haigang , Ge Xinyuan , Wang Yongxiang , You Xiaoman , Chen Jie , Li Xin , Chen Weiwei , Chen Xingang , Ma Jing , Tang Xiaojie , Zhang Jie , Bao Yiqun , Jiang Ling , Wang Haiyang , Wan Jianmin 
Published: May 2022

SummaryAmylose content is a crucial physicochemical property responsible for the eating and cooking quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain and is mainly controlled by the Waxy (Wx) gene. Previous studies have identified several Dull genes that modulate the expression of the Wxb allele in japonica rice by affecting the splicing efficiency of the Wxb pre‐mRNA. Here, we uncover dual roles for a novel Dull gene in pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA processing. We isolated the dull mutant, du13, with a dull endosperm and low amylose content. Map‐based cloning showed that Du13 encodes a C2H2 zinc‐finger protein. Du13 coordinates with the nuclear cap‐binding complex to regulate the splicing of Wxb transcripts in rice endosperm. Moreover, Du13 also regulates alternative splicing of other protein‐coding transcripts and affects the biogenesis of a subset of microRNAs. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved link between pre‐mRNA splicing and microRNA biogenesis in rice endosperm. Our findings also provide new insights into the functions of Dull genes in rice and expand our knowledge of microRNA biogenesis in monocots.
PrivyTo: A privacy‐preserving location‐sharing platform
Authors: McKenzie Grant , Romm Daniel , Zhang Hongyu , Brunila Mikael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractConcern over the privacy of our personal location is at an all‐time high, yet the desire to share our lives with friends, family, and the public persists. Current methods and applications for sharing location content with the range of people in our lives are sorely lacking. Application users are often limited to sharing a single spatial resolution with all individuals, regardless of relation, and with little control over how this content is shared. Processes for sharing typically involve allowing a for‐profit company access to one’s location before it can be transmitted to the intended recipient. In this work we propose a set of design goals and a design pattern for sharing personal location information that are realized through a prototype mobile web application. Our approach is built on the novel idea of obfuscated and encrypted location views, and promotes a uniquely open method for sharing. The intention of this article is to demonstrate that location sharing need not require one to expose private location information to third parties, and that methods exist to put an individual back in control of their content.
Cost‐effectiveness of pathogen reduction technology for plasma and platelets in Québec: A focus on potential emerging pathogens
Authors: Grégoire Yves , Delage Gilles , Custer Brian , Rochette Samuel , Renaud Christian , Lewin Antoine , Germain Marc 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe last economic evaluation of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) in Canada was conducted in 2007. We reassessed the cost‐effectiveness of PRT in the province of Québec (which has its own blood supplier) and included an evaluation of the potential impact of emerging pathogens on cost‐effectiveness.Study Design and MethodsDecision analytic Markov models were developed to simulate the costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) associated with PRT as an addition to existing safety measures for plasma and platelet products (except for bacterial culture). Models accounted for several infectious and noninfectious transfusion reactions, recipients' productivity losses ensuing from these reactions, and the impact of PRT on platelet function. Scenario analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of a new highly contagious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐like or West Nile virus (WNV)‐like pathogen, assuming various epidemiological scenarios.ResultsIn the base case, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PRT was estimated at $8,088,974/QALY gained. Assuming the presence of an HIV‐like pathogen, the ICER was $265,209/QALY gained in the “average transmission” scenario, $1,274,445/QALY gained in the “rapid testing scenario,” and $123,063/QALY gained in the “highly contagious” scenario. Assuming the presence of a WNV‐like pathogen, the ICER was $7,469,167/QALY gained in the “average transmission” scenario and $6,652,769/QALY gained in the “highly contagious” scenario.ConclusionThe cost‐effectiveness of PRT may substantially improve in the event of a new, blood‐borne pathogen. Given their significant impact on cost‐effectiveness, the emergence of new pathogens should be considered when deciding whether to adopt PRT.
Accuracy of needle arthroscopy for the diagnosis of medial meniscal tears in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Evers Johanna S. , Kim Stanley E. , Johnson Matthew D. , Lazarus Matthew A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of needle arthroscopy (NA) for the diagnosis of medial meniscal tears in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR).Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty‐six client‐owned dogs.MethodsDogs with CCLR and scheduled to undergo tibial plateau leveling osteotomy were recruited for the study. Needle arthroscopy was performed by an experienced surgeon; the same dog subsequently underwent standard arthroscopy (SA) by another experienced surgeon who was blinded to the NA findings. The SA arthroscopy findings were used as the gold standard. Arthroscopy time, visibility of the menisci, ability to probe the menisci, and the presence of meniscal tears were recorded for both arthroscopies. The degree of lameness before and after NA was subjectively quantified.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity to diagnose medial meniscal tears with NA was 95% and 100%, respectively. Visibility of the menisci was lower (P < .01), probing of the lateral meniscus was harder (P = .0017), and procedure time was shorter (P = .073) with NA when compared to SA. The lameness scores did not differ before and after NA (P = .25).ConclusionNeedle arthroscopy could be performed rapidly with low morbidity, and had high accuracy for detecting medial meniscal tears in dogs with CCLR.Clinical significanceNeedle arthroscopy is a promising minimally invasive technique for diagnosing medial meniscal tears in dogs with CCLR.
Sub-Second Prediction of the Heatmap of Powder-Beds in Additive Manufacturing Using Deep Encoder–Decoder Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Sofi Ardalan R. , Ravani Bahram 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Physical modeling of the transient temperature during the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is essential for the characterization of the quality and structural integrity of the final products. The conventional numerical models used to simulate the thermal field of Additively Manufactured structures (AM structures) are time-consuming and could not be directly used to develop a real-time simulation or a process control system. This paper presents a deep learning encoder–decoder Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to predict the thermal field of AM structures. For deep learning training purposes, a time-consuming physics-based simulation was used to create a dataset including thousands of two-dimensional (2D) position-time representations of the laser head with different process parameters and their corresponding heatmap of AM structures. The deep learning model developed based on this dataset is capable of sub-second prediction of the heatmap being more than 41,000 times faster than the physics-based model. The resulting sub-second computational time of the developed deep learning model allows real-time process simulation as well as provides a basis for developing a process control system for the AM process in the future.
Assessment of the Engine Vibration and Noise Characteristics of an Unmodified Direct Injection Engine Powered With Non-Feedstock Citrullus lanatus Seed Oil
Authors: Senthil Kumar A. , Karthikeyan L. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Salmen Saleh H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The trend of using alternative fuels has been on the boom to tackle fossil fuel depletion. The overuse of fossil fuels due to the rapid population and industrialization as well has led to the deficiency in fossil fuels. As a result, many alternative fuels have been found and have been in use as an effective replacement in terms of combustion and emission performance characteristics. However, the noise and vibration characteristics also have to be tested for ensuring the comfortability. This research paper discusses the importance and characteristics of noise and vibration of the taken test fuels. The test fuel was prepared from watermelon seeds that come under the category of biodiesel. Three biodiesel blends were prepared by mixing them with pure diesel such as WMB10% (90% of diesel + 10% of watermelon seeds biodiesel), WMB20% (80% of diesel +20% of watermelon seeds biodiesel), WMB30% (70% of diesel +30% of watermelon seeds biodiesel), and WMB0% (100% of pure diesel). The experimental tests were carried out in a single-cylinder, four strokes, naturally aspirated, water-cooled and direct injection (DI) diesel engine. Using different engines of 1000 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 3000 rpm, noise and vibration characteristics were measured. The load was maintained at 100% for all experimental tests. From the results, it was clearly found that the noise and vibration of higher proportioned biodiesel were lower, and the reduction was achieved at a significant level.