bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Priming with biocides: A pathway to antibiotic resistance?
Authors: Adkin Pat , Hitchcock Andrew , Smith Laura J. , Walsh Susannah E. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the priming effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of biocides on antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Methods and results
Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of biocides via a gradient plate method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiotic susceptibility were determined, and efflux pump inhibitors (thioridazine and chlorpromazine) were used to investigate antibiotic resistance mechanism(s). Escherichia coli displayed a twofold increase in MIC (32–64 mg l−1) to H2O2 which was stable after 15 passages, but lost after 6 weeks, and P. aeruginosa displayed a twofold increase in MIC (64–128 mg l−1) to BZK which was also stable for 15 passages. There were no other tolerances observed to biocides in E. coli, P. aeruginosa or S. aureus; however, stable cross-resistance to antibiotics was observed in the absence of a stable increased tolerance to biocides. Sixfold increases in MIC to cephalothin and fourfold to ceftriaxone and ampicillin were observed in hydrogen peroxide primed E. coli. Chlorhexidine primed S. aureus showed a fourfold increase in MIC to oxacillin, and glutaraldehyde-primed P. aeruginosa showed fourfold (sulphatriad) and eightfold (ciprofloxacin) increases in MIC. Thioridazine increased the susceptibility of E. coli to cephalothin and cefoxitin by fourfold and twofold, respectively, and both thioridazine and chlorpromazine increased the susceptibility S. aureus to oxacillin by eightfold and fourfold, respectively.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that sub-inhibitory concentrations of biocides can prime bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics even in the absence of stable biocide tolerance and suggests activation of efflux mechanisms may be a contributory factor.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This study demonstrates the effects of low-level exposure of biocides (priming) on antibiotic resistance even in the absence of obvious increased biocidal tolerance.
Perillaldehyde mitigates virulence factors and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, by acting on the quorum sensing mechanism in vitro
Authors: Benny Anjitha Theres , Rathinam Prasanth , Dev Sanal , Mathew Bijo , Radhakrishnan Ethiraj K. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe incidence of biofilm linked catheter-associated urinary tract infections is increasing worldwide and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major causes. Perillaldehyde (PLD): as a natural, widely used flavouring agent, has been reported to possess various pharmacological properties. We hypothesized that PLD can inhibit biofilm formation and virulence factor (VF) production by P. aeruginosa by hampering the quorum sensing (QS) system(s).Methods and ResultsMinimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PLD was assessed for standard strain and two multi-drug resistant catheter isolates of P. aeruginosa utilizing the microdilution method. Microtiter plate assay, crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the biofilm inhibition property. CFU was utilized to assess the antifouling property of PLD. Detection of VFs and expression analysis of virulence determinants were applied to investigate the anti-virulence activity. Gene expression and molecular docking studies were also executed to explore the QS inhibition and binding of PLD with QS receptors. In the present study, PLD has significantly inhibited biofilm formation and antivirulence activity at sub-MIC levels (2.5 and 3.5 mM) in all the tested strains. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed a significant affinity towards QS receptors.DiscussionsPerillaldehyde, being a non-toxic food flavouring agent, significantly inhibited biofilm formation and exhibited antifouling property. PLD exhibited significantly reduced levels of VFs (p &lt; 0.001) and their respective genetic determinants (p &lt; 0.001). Gene expression analysis and molecular docking studies confirmed the interactions of PLD to the QS receptors, indicating the plausible mechanism for the anti-virulence property.Significance and Impact of StudyThis study identified the anti-virulence potential of PLD and provided mechanistic insights. PLD can be a suitable, non-toxic candidate for countering biofilms and associated pathogens, contributing to the prevention of biofilm-associated nosocomial infections.
The Power and Performance of ‘Association Bodies’ under the EU's Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
Authors: Tyushka Andriy 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe growing number of EU bilateral agreements with non‐member states has led to a proliferation of transversal joint institutional frameworks governing them. The importance of joint bodies with their powers to oversee, facilitate and sometimes even enforce the implementation of agreements should not be underestimated. This particularly applies in cases where joint bodies are endowed with considerable decision‐making powers (for example, amendments to the agreement, binding decisions on furthering integration), as is the case with the ‘association bodies’ established in the 2010s under the EU's new‐generation association agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. However, to date, the roles and performance of such joint bodies have been largely neglected. This article addresses this gap in the literature by providing a comparative law‐and‐politics account of institutional design, legal aspects of power conferral, and functional and performative aspects of authority exercised by these association bodies.
Intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A for weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yen Yi‐An , Wang Chi‐Chih , Sung Wen‐Wei , Fang Kuan‐Chieh , Huang Shih‐Ming , Lin Chun‐Che , Tsai Ming‐Chang , Yang Tzu‐Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimIntragastric botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection is a potential treatment for weight reduction in obese patients. Current studies yielded conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy of intragastric BTA injection for weight management.MethodsWe searched several databases to identify RCTs evaluating intragastric BTA injections for obesity. We applied random‐effects models for all meta‐analyses due to heterogeneity in the included studies. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes.ResultsA total of 6 RCTs including 192 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were included for the meta‐analysis. Although the pooled data from six studies showed no difference in the absolute weight loss between intragastric BTA injection and control, subgroup analysis showed a significantly decreased absolute weight after a BTA injection dose ≥ 200 U (MD, −2.04 kg; 95% CI, −3.96 to −0.12) and after multiple injection regions in the stomach combined with diet control (MD, −4.44 kg; 95% CI, −6.54 to −2.33 kg) compared with the control. Regarding absolute weight loss, the impact of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided injection and follow‐up duration showed no difference. Intragastric BTA injection had a significant change in body mass index (MD, −1.25 kg/m2; 95% CI, −2.18 to −0.32 kg/m2) and prolonged gastric half‐emptying time (MD, 11.37 min; 95% CI, −3.69 to 19.06 min).ConclusionIntragastric BTA injection is effective for obesity treatment, and adequate doses (≥ 200 U), multiple gastric injection regions, and combined diet control are crucial. However, given the small sample size and limited power, caution should be exercised.
Immunogenetics of gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review and retrospective survey of inborn errors of immunity in humans
Authors: Zheng Beishi , Artin Michael G , Chung Howard , Chen Bing , Sun Siming , May Benjamin L , Hur Chin , Green Peter H R , Wang Timothy C , Park Jiheum , Kong Xiao‐Fei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimHumans with inborn errors of immunity (IEI), or primary immunodeficiencies, may be associated with a potential risk factor for early‐onset gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.MethodsWe systematically reviewed all cases with clinical diagnoses of both an IEI and a GI cancer in three databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and EMBASE). In total, 76 publications satisfying our inclusion criteria were identified, and data for 149 cases were analyzed. We also searched our institutional cancer registry for such cases.ResultsWe identified 149 patients with both an IEI and a GI cancer, 95 presented gastric cancer, 13 small bowel cancer, 35 colorectal cancer, and 6 had an unspecified cancer or cancer at another site. Gastric and colon adenocarcinomas were the most common. For both gastric and colorectal cancers, age at onset was significantly earlier in patients with IEIs than in the general population, based on the SEER database. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) was the most common IEI associated with gastrointestinal cancer. About 12% of patients had molecular genetic diagnoses, the three most frequently implicated genes being ATM, CARMIL2, and CTLA4. Impaired humoral immunity and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection were frequently reported as factors potentially underlying early‐onset GI cancers in patients with IEIs. We identified one patient with CVID and early‐onset gastric adenocarcinoma, recurrent diarrhea, and gastrointestinal CMV infection from a retrospective survey.ConclusionPatients with IEIs should be considered at risk of early‐onset GI cancers and should therefore undergo cancer screening at an earlier age.
Localized delivery of curcumin by thermosensitive hydrogels for promoting wound healing
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Chen Huiya , Shen Wanlu , Deng Juqing , Bai Chunling , Xiao Yun , Lyu Lechun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurcumin can promote wound healing, but its drug delivery medium needs to be improved further.ObjectivesA curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogel was prepared, its characterization was evaluated, and its promoting effect on wound healing was observed.MethodsCurcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared with different percentages of poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407. A small tube inversion assay was used to observe the sol‐gel transition temperature, and a rotational rheometer was used to detect the sol viscosity, sol‐gel phase transition temperature, and phase transition time. The microstructure of the gel was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate whether curcumin was successfully loaded. Finally, its promoting effect on wound healing was observed in vivo and in vitro.ResultsPoloxamer 407 24% and poloxamer 188 1% were selected to prepare curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels. After 60 ± 15 s at 32°C, the sol‐gel transition process was completed, with certain elastic behavior and solid‐like rheological properties. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the pores of the curcumin‐P407/P188 thermosensitive hydrogel were interconnected, with an average pore size ranging from 5 to 10 μm. Hydrogels showed a higher swelling ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that curcumin had been incorporated into the hydrogel. Live/dead cell assays suggested that the hydrogel was not toxic to fibroblasts. Curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels can promote an increase in S‐phase fibroblasts and improve wound healing.ConclusionsCurcumin‐loaded P407/P188 thermosensitive hydrogel improves wound healing. More in‐depth research is needed in the future.
Etiology distribution of abnormal uterine bleeding according to FIGO classification system: A combined study of ultrasound and histopathology
Authors: Ni Pingjuan , Wu Mei , Guan Hui , Yuan Yuqi , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Feixue , Wei Xiuliang , Li Ya 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimTo classify the FIGO's PALM‐COEIN etiology for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) patients according to the ultrasound and histopathology and to evaluate the etiology prevalence distribution for AUB patients.MethodsA total of 1065 women with AUB in the Second Hospital of Shandong University between January 2019 and March 2021. The intrauterine histopathological and ultrasound results were reviewed retrospectively.PALM‐COEIN etiology classification was performed according to histopathology and ultrasound. The classification system was stratified into nine basic categories: Polyp (AUB‐P), adenomyosis (AUB‐A), leiomyoma (AUB‐L), malignancy and hyperplasia (AUB‐M), coagulopathy (AUB‐C), ovulatory disorders (AUB‐O), endometrium (AUB‐E), Iatrogenic(AUB‐I), and not classified (AUB‐N). The number of cases and composition ratio were also calculated.ResultsAccording to the FIGO's classification system, the PALM group (656,61.60%), which were defined as structural entities that can be measured visually with ultrasound and/or histopathology. 176 (16.53%) patients were classified as AUB‐P,102 (9.58%) patients were classified as AUB‐A, 487(45.73%) patients were classified as AUB‐L, 31 (2.91%) patients were classified as AUB‐M. The COEIN group (409,38.40%), which were defined as nonstructural entities that cannot be measured by ultrasound and/or histopathology. Nobody were classified as AUB‐C in our group, and 383 (35.96%) patients were classified as AUB‐O, 4 (0.38%) patients were classified as AUB‐E,14 (1.31%) patients were classified as AUB‐I,8 (0.75%) patients were classified as AUB‐N.ConclusionIn our study, AUB‐L was the most common cause, followed by AUB‐O, AUB‐P, AUB‐A, AUB‐M, AUB‐I, AUB‐N, and AUB‐E.PALM‐COEIN etiology classification system played an important role in the epidemic and management standardization of AUB patients, provided an effective communication between physicians and researchers also. Ultrasonography was the preferred examination for AUB patients, especially with structural abnormalities.
Colonic volume in patients with functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome determined by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Klinge Mette Winther , Krogh Klaus , Mark Esben Bolvig , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Brix Lau , Isaksen Christin , Dedelaite Milda , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Fynne Lotte Vinskov 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundFunctional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome constipation type (IBS‐C) share many similarities, and it remains unknown whether they are distinct entities or part of the same spectrum of disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows quantification of intraluminal fecal volume. We hypothesized that colonic volumes of patients with FC would be larger than those of patients with IBS‐C, and that both patient groups would have larger colonic volumes than healthy controls (HC).MethodsBased on validated questionnaires, three groups of participants were classified into FC (n = 13), IBS‐C (n = 10), and HC (n = 19). The colonic volume of each subject was determined by MRI. Stool consistency was described by the Bristol stool scale and colonic transit times were assessed with radiopaque makers.Key ResultsOverall, total colonic volumes were different in the three groups, HC (median 629 ml, interquartile range (IQR)(562–868)), FC (864 ml, IQR(742–940)), and IBS‐C (520 ml IQR(489–593)) (p = 0.001). Patients with IBS‐C had lower colonic volumes than patients with FC (p = 0.001) and HC (p = 0.019), but there was no difference between FC and HC (p = 0.10). Stool consistency was similar in the two patient groups, but patients with FC had longer colonic transit time than those with IBS‐C (117.6 h versus 43.2 h,p = 0.019).ConclusionPatients with IBS‐C have lower total colonic volumes and shorter colonic transit times than patients with FC. Future studies are needed to confirm that colonic volume allows objective distinction between the two conditions.
LATERAL BRANCHING OXIDOREDUCTASE, one novel target gene of Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein‐like 2, regulates tillering in switchgrass
Authors: Yang Ruijuan , Liu Wenwen , Sun Ying , Sun Zhichao , Wu Zhenying , Wang Yamei , Wang Mengqi , Wang Honglun , Bai Shiqie , Fu Chunxiang 
Published: April 2022

Summary

Strigolactones (SLs) play a critical role in regulating plant tiller number. LATERAL BRANCHING OXIDOREDUCTASE (LBO) encodes an important late‐acting enzyme for SL biosynthesis and regulates shoot branching in Arabidopsis. However, little is known about the function of LBO in monocots including switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a dual‐purpose fodder and biofuel crop.

We studied the function of PvLBO via the genetic manipulation of its expression levels in both the wild‐type and miR156 overexpressing (miR156OE) switchgrass. Co‐expression analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), transient dual luciferase assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation‐qPCR were all used to determine the activation of PvLBO by miR156‐targeted Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein‐like 2 (PvSPL2) in regulating tillering of switchgrass.

PvLBOtranscripts dramatically declined in miR156OE transgenic switchgrass, and the overexpression of PvLBO in the miR156OE transgenic line produce fewer tillers than the control. Furthermore, we found that PvSPL2 can directly bind to the promoter of PvLBO and activate its transcription, suggesting that PvLBO is a novel downstream gene of PvSPL2.

We propose that PvLBO functions as an SL biosynthetic gene to mediate tillering and acts as an important downstream factor in the crosstalk between the SL biosynthetic pathway and the miR156‐SPL module in switchgrass.
Comparative genomics reveals a dynamic genome evolution in the ectomycorrhizal milk‐cap (Lactarius) mushrooms
Authors: Lebreton Annie , Tang Nianwu , Kuo Alan , LaButti Kurt , Andreopoulos William , Drula Elodie , Miyauchi Shingo , Barry Kerrie , Clum Alicia , Lipzen Anna , Mousain Daniel , Ng Vivian , Wang Ran , Dai Yucheng , Henrissat Bernard , Grigoriev Igor V. , Guerin‐Laguette Alexis , Yu Fuqiang , Martin Francis M. 
Published: April 2022

Summary

Ectomycorrhizal fungi play a key role in forests by establishing mutualistic symbioses with woody plants. Genome analyses have identified conserved symbiosis‐related traits among ectomycorrhizal fungal species, but the molecular mechanisms underlying host specificity remain poorly known.

We sequenced and compared the genomes of seven species of milk‐cap fungi (Lactarius, Russulales) with contrasting host specificity. We also compared these genomes with those of symbiotic and saprotrophic Russulales species, aiming to identify genes involved in their ecology and host specificity.

The size of Lactarius genomes is significantly larger than other Russulales species, owing to a massive accumulation of transposable elements and duplication of dispensable genes. As expected, their repertoire of genes coding for plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes is restricted, but they retained a substantial set of genes involved in microbial cell wall degradation. Notably, Lactarius species showed a striking expansion of genes encoding proteases, such as secreted ectomycorrhiza‐induced sedolisins. A high copy number of genes coding for small secreted LysM proteins and Lactarius‐specific lectins were detected, which may be linked to host specificity.

This study revealed a large diversity in the genome landscapes and gene repertoires within Russulaceae. The known host specificity of Lactarius symbionts may be related to mycorrhiza‐induced species‐specific genes, including secreted sedolisins.
Risk assessment based on a STPA–FMEA method: A case study of a sweeping robot
Authors: Zhang Yanxi , Liu Tiezhong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDespite rapid developments in the quality and safety of consumer products, the rise of intelligent household appliances, such as sweeping robots, has introduced new safety concerns. Considering “person–product–environment” elements and the complex systems of emerging consumer products, this study presents a new method of risk assessment for consumer products: systems theoretic process analysis (STPA)–failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). As a case study, this method is applied to the safety control of a sweeping robot. The results suggest that this method can identify all the possible failure modes and injury scenarios among the product components, and the safety constraints in the hierarchical control structure of the interactive system. Moreover, the STPA–FMEA method combines user and environmental factors with the value of product risk events, based on the risk priority number (RPN). This provides an accurate and orderly system to reduce or eliminate the root causes of accidents and injuries. Finally, analysis of unsafe control behavior and its causes can be used to suggest improved safety constraints, which can effectively reduce the risk of some injury scenarios. This paper presents a new method of risk assessment for consumer products and a general five‐level complex index system.
Permeability heterogeneity of sandstone intrusion fluid‐escape systems, Panoche Hills, California: Implications for sedimentary basins globally
Authors: Callow Ben , Falcon‐Suarez Ismael Himar , Bull Jonathan M. , Gernon Thomas M. , Ruffell Sean , Grippa Antonio , Hurst Andrew 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNatural surface gas seeps provide a significant input of greenhouse gas emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere. The gas flux is controlled by the properties of underlying fluid‐escape conduits, which are present within sedimentary basins globally. These conduits permit pressure‐driven fluid flow, hydraulically connecting deeper strata with the Earth’s surface; however they can only be fully resolved at sub‐seismic scale. Here, a novel ‘minus cement and matrix permeability’ method using three‐dimensional X‐ray micro‐computed tomography imaging enables the improved petrophysical linkage of outcrop and sub‐surface data. The methodology is applied to the largest known outcrop of an inactive fluid‐escape system, the Panoche Giant Intrusion Complex in Central California, where samples were collected along transects of the 600 to 800 m stratigraphic depth range to constrain porosity and permeability spatial heterogeneity. The presence of silica cement and clay matrix within the intergranular pores of sand intrusions are the primary control of porosity (17 to 27%) and permeability (≤1 to ca 500 mD) spatial heterogeneity within the outcrop analogue system. Following the digital removal of clay matrix and silica (opal‐CT and quartz) cement derived from the mudstone host strata, the sand intrusions have porosity−permeability ranges of ca 30 to 40% and 103 to 104 mD. These calculations are closely comparable to active sub‐surface systems in sedimentary basins. Field observations revealed that, at decreasing depth, the connected sand intrusion network reduces in thickness and becomes carbonate cemented, terminating at carbonate mounds formed from methane escape at the seafloor. A new conceptual model integrates the pore‐scale calculations and field‐scale observations to highlight the key processes that control sand intrusion permeability, spatially and temporally. The study demonstrates the control of matrix and cement addition on the physical properties of fluid‐escape conduits, which has significance for hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and modelling, as well as subsurface CO2 and energy storage containment assessment.