bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined effect of Drypetes gossweileri essential oil and organic acids on the inhibition of Bacillus spore germination using response surface methodology
Authors: Dinica Rodica-Mihaela , Voundi Stève Olugu , Lazar Iuliana , Nzufo Francine Tankeu , Raducanu Dumitra , Rati Ioan Viorel , Nyegue Maximilienne , Etoa François-Xavier 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This work assessed the combined effect of Drypetes gossweileri essential oil (EO) and three organic acids (Na+ benzoate, Na+ lactate and Sorbic acid) on the inhibition of germination and growth of Bacillus spores. The test consisted of inoculating activated spores of each Bacillus species in 4 ml of nutrient broth under the combined effect of D. gossweileri EO (0.62, 5.31 and 10 µg/ml), each organic acid (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 %) at different pH levels (4.5, 5.75 and 7.0) taken as independent variable. After incubating for 48 hours, the inhibition percentages of spores germination were used to generate the polynomial model: Y (%) = β0 - β1 X1 + β2 X2 + β3 X3 + β1,1 X12 + β1,2 X1X2 + β1,3 X1X3 + β2,2 X22 + β2,3 X2X3 + β2,3 X32 . The ANOVA test was used to determine how significant (p ˂ 0.05) of each factor, their interactions and the validity of the final models. The results showed that the determination coefficient (R2) and the adjusted coefficients (R2adj) were generally close. For each bacterial species, all the models were significant (p ˂ 0.05). For each organic acids, the interaction effect with D. gossweileri EO (X1X2) was positive and significant (p ˂ 0.05) in at least one bacterial species out of the four tested. Na+ lactate showed a more positive and significant (p ˂ 0.05) interactions with EO, as observed on B. megaterium, B. subtilis and G. stearothermophilus spores with regression coefficients of 23.54; 15.83 and 7.41 respectively. Decreasing the pH increases the sensitivity of the spores to D. gossweileri EO and organic acids. Indeed at pH 7.0, no total inhibition of spore germination was obtained while at 5.75, total inhibition of spore germination (100% inhibition) was observed for B. cereus and G. stearothermophilus for Na+ benzoate; G. stearothermophilus for Na + lactate and B. cereus, B. megaterium and B. subtilis for Sorbic acid. From these results, it was concluded that D. gossweileri EO combined with organic acid might be a valuable tool for bacterial spores control in the food industries.
New aspects of the role of Fas receptor and Fas Ligand in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Lindrova Irena , Kolackova Martina , Svadlakova Tereza , Vankova Radka , Chmelarova Marcela , Rosecka Michaela , Sembera Martin , Krejsek Jan , Slezak Radovan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Sjögren’s syndrome patients, like other patients with autoimmune disorders, display dysregulation in the function of their immune system. Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) belong among dysregulated proteins. Although they have been long studied, there are still several unknown aspects of biological importance of Fas and FasL. Methods: In patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and age-matched healthy individuals, we studied Fas and FasL on IL-2Rα+ cells and in serum using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also measured the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and percentage of apoptotic and dead cells using Annexin V and 7-AAD staining in lymphocytes. Results: FasL was increased in patients’ T and B cells and serum while Fas was increased in patients’ monocytes, T and B cells. No signs of increased apoptosis were found. We suspect an effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy on the percentage of Fas+ B cells which decreased with the therapy in our patients. In the healthy individuals, there was a noticeable pattern in the expression of Fas which was mutually correlated between populations of mononuclear cells; this correlation was absent in the patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Conclusions: The increased expression of Fas in IL-2Rα+ lymphocytes does not increase the apoptosis of lymphocytes. These lymphocytes increase the expression of FasL and may induce apoptosis in other cells. The lack of correlation for the expression of FasL in Sjögren’s syndrome patients may suggest a loss of regulation.
A 3-Year Retrospective Study of Unintended Pregnancy in a Developed Multi-Ethnic Asian Community: A Call for Better Healthcare System for Family Planning
Authors: Quak Xin En Stephanie , Sultana Rehena , Aau Wai Keong , Goh Chin Chin , Tan Ngiap Chuan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Termination of pregnancy poses avoidable risk to women. Women who seek referrals from primary care professionals (PCP) to gynaecologists to manage their unintended pregnancy (UP) are potentially at-risk. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, demographic profiles and associated factors in a developed community requesting for referrals from PCPs for UP. Methods: The sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical records of pregnant multi-ethnic Asian women at eight Singapore public primary care clinics from July 2017 to June 2020. Their variables were computed and compared among women of different age bands using appropriate statistical tests. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with UP referrals. Results: Among 9794 gravid women, 974 of them requested gynaecologist referrals to terminate UP over the 3-year period, constituting a prevalence of 9.94%. The mean age of women requesting such referrals was 29.7±7 years. 10.7% of them had more than one prior UP and 15.7% were foreigners. Majority of women were married, did not require social assistance nor had comorbidities. Low proportion of them (2.9%) were prescribed contraceptives. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that women of Indian ethnicity, single, aged <20 years and >40 years, were more likely to request referrals for UP. Conclusions: One in ten gravid women sought referrals for UP, especially the adolescents and older women, and Indian ethnicity. An accessible, community-based healthcare service to educate and counsel women on family planning is urgently needed to mitigate unnecessary risk from UP and maintain their reproductive health.
Draft Genome of the Medicinal Tea Tree Melaleuca Alternifolia (Maiden &amp; Betche) Cheel (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Chen Silin , Zhang Ye , Xiao Yufei , Qin Yufeng , Li Qing , Liu Li , Liu Buming , Chai Ling , Yang Hong , Liu Hailong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel is a commercially important medicinal tea tree native to Australia. Tea tree oil (TTO), the essential oil distilled from its branches and leaves, has broad-spectrum germicidal activity and is highly valued in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Genome size is a key biology index, the study of which provides reference for genome engineering and sequencing work; besides, it also provides direct data for evolution biology and so on. Methods and results In the present study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate the whole genome of Melaleuca alternifolia. 114 Gb high quality sequence data were obtained and assembled into 1,838,159 scafolds with an N50 length of 1021 bp. The assembled genome size is about 595 Mb, twice of that predicted by flow cytometer (300 Mb) and k-mer analysis (345 Mb). Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs analyses indicated that only 11.3% of the conserved single-copy genes were miss. Repetitive regions cover over 40.43% of the genome. M. alternifolia maybe a diploid with highly heterozygous (heterozygosity is 0.8%). A total of 44,369 protein-coding genes were predicted in the assembled genome and 32,909 genes of these were functionally annotated, of which 8,436 genes were annotated in KEGG. Additionally, 457,661 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 1,109 transcription factors (TFs) form 67 TF families were identified in the assembled genome. Conclusion This draft genome may provide a reference for the deep sequencing strategies and be useful for future functional or comparative genomics analyses.
Mechanochemical synthesis of inverse vulcanized polymers
Authors: Yan Peiyao , Zhao Wei , McBride Fiona , Cai Diana , Dale Joseph , Hasell Tom 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Inverse vulcanization, a sustainable platform, can transform an industrial by-product, sulfur, into polymers with broad green applications such as heavy metal capture and recyclable materials. However, the process usually requires high temperatures (≥159°C), and the crosslinkers needed to stabilise the sulfur are therefore limited to high-boiling-point monomers only. Here, we report an alternative route for inverse vulcanization — mechanochemical synthesis (MS), with advantages of mild conditions (room temperature), short reaction time (3 h), high atom economy, less H2S, and broader monomer range. Successful generation of polymers using crosslinkers ranging from aromatic, aliphatic to volatile, including renewable monomers, demonstrates this method is powerful and versatile. Compared with thermal synthesis, the MS products show enhanced mercury capture. The resulting polymers show thermal and light induced recycling. The speed, ease, versatility, safety, and green nature of this process offers a more sustainable future for inverse vulcanisation, and enables further unexpected discoveries.
Mutualism Enhances Wolbachia Infection Rates in Ant-attended Tuberculatus Aphid Species (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Yao Izumi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria, the infection of which alters host reproductive characteristics. Wolbachia are estimated to infect more than half of arthropod species and some species of nematodes, and Wolbachia major genotypes are classified into 17 supergroups (A to S except G and R). It has been documented that the distribution and infection rate of Wolbachia on insects in the wild varies intra- or inter-species through competitions between infected and uninfected hosts. Aphid species within the genus Tuberculatus feed on Fagaceae leaves and exhibit two contrasting ecological characteristics, ant-attendance and non-attendance. This study compared Wolbachia infection rates between 11 ant-attended and 12 non-attended Tuberculatus aphid species, which were collected throughout Japan and around Mt. Kariwangsan in South Korea. Mean infection rates of Wolbachia were 30.3% in ant-attended species and 3.1% in non-attended species. Wolbachia haplotypes detected were classified into supergroups B, M, N, and O. Phylogenetic trees of Tuberculatus aphids constructed from a mitochondrion gene of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear gene of 18S rRNA showed that mutualistic interactions between Tuberculatus aphids and ants have evolved at least five times. The phylogenetic comparative method showed that Wolbachia infection rates were significantly higher in ant-attended species. Possible Wolbachia infection routes were discussed in terms of the differences in the ecological characteristics between ant-attended and non-attended aphid species. Based on the phylogenetic comparative method, this study first revealed that the spread of microorganisms was affected by species interactions of hosts, and would contribute a profound understanding of the evolution of mutualistic interactions.
Prone positioning for patients with SARS-CoV-2-related respiratory failure in non-intensive care unit
Authors: Graziani Mara , Barbieri Greta , Maraziti Giorgio , Falcone Marco , Fiaccadori Anna , Corradi Francesco , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Satula Katarzyna , Noumi Ghislain , Becattini Cecilia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Prone positioning (PP) is an established and commonly used lung recruitment method for intubated patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, with potential benefits in clinical outcome. The role of PP outside the intensive care unit (ICU) setting is debated. We aimed at describing the use and potential benefits of PP in non-intubated patients with acute respiratory failure related to COronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19)-pneumonia. Methods Consecutive adult patients with COVID-19-related respiratory failure were included in a prospective collaborative cohort and classified based on the severity of respiratory failure by the partial arterial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2) and on clinical severity by the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score. Primary study outcome was the composite of in-hospital death or ICU admission within 30 days from hospitalization. Results PP was used in 114 of 536 study patients (21.8%), more commonly in patients with lower PaO2/FiO2 or receiving non-invasive ventilation and less commonly in patients with known comorbidities. A primary study outcome event occurred in 163 patients (30.4%) and was in-hospital death in 129 (24.1%). PP was not associated with death or ICU admission (HR 1.15, CI 95% 0.78-1.72) and not with death (HR 1.03, CI 95% 0.62-1.69); PP was an independent predictor of ICU admission (HR 2.55, 95%CI 1.50-4.32). The severity of respiratory failure and non-invasive ventilation were independent predictors of death or ICU admission at 30 days. The lack of association between PP and death or ICU admission was confirmed at propensity score matching analysis.Conclusion PP is used in a not negligible proportion of non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related severe respiratory failure and is not associated with death but with ICU admission. The role of PP in this setting requires evaluation in randomized studies.
Uridine, a Sustainable Insulin Secretagogue, Inhibits UDP-Glucose and Cereblon Dependent Proinsulin Degradation
Authors: Imai Takeshi , Cho Jaeyong , Tsugawa Yoji , Miyajima Atsushi , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Abe Wakana , Yamamura Hatsuo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Insulin secretion is regulated in multiple steps, and one of the main steps is in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we show that UDP-glucose induces proinsulin ubiquitination by cereblon (CRBN), and uridine binds and competes for proinsulin degradation and behaves as sustainable insulin secretagogue. Using insulin mutagenesis of neonatal diabetes variant-C43G and maturity-onset diabetes of the young 10 (MODY10) variant-R46Q, UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 1 (UGGT1) protects CRBN-dependent proinsulin ubiquitination in the ER. CRBN is a ligand-inducible E3 ubiquitin ligase, and we found that UDP-glucose is the first identified endogenous proinsulin protein degrader. Uridine-containing compounds, such as uridine, UMP, UTP, and UDP-galactose, inhibit CRBN-dependent proinsulin degradation and stimulate insulin secretion from 3 to 24 h after administration in β-cell lines as well as mice. This late and long-term insulin secretion stimulation is designated a day sustainable insulin secretion stimulation. Uridine-containing compounds are designated sustainable insulin secretagogues.
Machine learning for comprehensive prediction of high risk for Alzheimer’s Disease based on chromatic pupilloperimetry
Authors: Lustig-Barzelay Yael , Sher Ifat , Sharvit-Ginon Inbal , Feldman Yael , Mrejen Michael , Livny Abigail , Schnaider-Beeri Michal , Weller Aron , Ravona-Springer Ramit , Rotenstreich Ygal 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Currently there are no reliable biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the preclinical stage. This study assessed the pupil light reflex (PLR) for focal red and blue stimuli in central and peripheral retina in 125 cognitively normal middle age subjects (45-71 YO) at high risk for AD due to a family history of the disease, and 61 age-similar subjects with no family history of AD using Chromatic Pupilloperimetry coupled with Machine Learning (ML). All subjects had normal ophthalmic assessment, and normal retinal and optic nerve thickness by optical coherence tomography. No significant differences were observed between groups in cognitive function and volumetric brain MRI. Chromatic pupilloperimetry-based ML models were highly discriminative in differentiating subjects with and without AD family history, using transient PLR for focal red (primarily cone-mediated), and dim blue (primarily rod-mediated) light stimuli. Features associated with transient PLR latency achieved Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve of 0.90 ± 0.051 (left-eye) and 0.87 ± 0.048 (right-eye). Parameters associated with the contraction arm of the rod and cone-mediated PLR were more discriminative compared to parameters associated with the relaxation arm and melanopsin-mediated PLR. Taken together our study suggests that subtle focal changes in pupil contraction latency may be detected decades before the onset of AD clinical symptoms. The dendrites of melanopsin containing retinal ganglion cells may be affected very early at the preclinical stages of AD.
Type 2 Deiodinase p.Thr92Ala polymorphism does not affect the severity of obesity and weight loss after bariatric surgery
Authors: Benenati Nicoletta , Bufano Annalisa , Cantara Silvia , Ricci Claudia , Marzocchi Carlotta , Ciuoli Cristina , Sannino Ida , Tirone Andrea , Voglino Costantino , Vuolo Giuseppe , Castagna Maria Grazia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction:
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the Type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) gene (p.Thr92Ala) was found to be associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, and body mass index (BMI). We retrospectively evaluated 182 patients to assess whether the DIO2 p.Thr92Ala was associated with severe obesity and response to bariatric surgery.
Methods
Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes before surgery. Glycemic control parameters, liver function, cardiometabolic biomarkers and hormonal parameters were assessed at baseline and after surgery.
Results
Based on genotype evaluation, 78/182 (42.9%) patients were homozygous wild-type (Thr/Thr), 83/182 (45.6%) heterozygous (Thr/Ala), and 21/182 (11.5%) rare homozygous (Ala/Ala). Age at diagnosis was significantly lower in patients with DIO2 p.Thr92Ala. No significant association was observed between DIO2 p.Thr92Ala and BMI, excess weight, waist circumference, homa index and prevalence of comorbidities. After bariatric surgery, excess weight loss (EWL) % and remission from comorbidities occurred without differences according to genotypes.
Conclusions
DIO2 p.Thr92Ala does not affect the severity of obesity and its complications, but it seems to determine an earlier onset of morbid obesity. The presence of polymorphism seems not to impact on the response to bariatric surgery, both in terms of weight loss and remission of comorbidities.
Synthesis, characterization, size and shape-dependent antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity profile of ZnO nano- and microparticles
Authors: Babayevska Nataliya , Przysiecka Łucja , Iatsunskyi Igor , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Jarek Marcin , Janiszewska Ewa , Jurga Stefan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The aim of our work was the synthesis of ZnO nano- and microparticles and to study the effect of shapes and sizes on cytotoxicity towards normal and cancer cells and antibacterial activity toward two kinds of bacteria. We fabricated ZnO nano- and microparticles through facile chemical and physical routes. The crystal structure, morphology, textural properties, photoluminescent properties were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopies, nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The obtained ZnO structures were highly crystalline and monodispersed with intensive green emission. ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared to microparticles due to their high surface area. However, the ZnO hierarchical particles at higher concentrations also strongly inhibited bacterial growth. S. aureus strain was more sensitive to ZnO particles than the E. coli. Nanoparticles and nanorods were more harmful to cancer cell lines than to normal ones at the same concentration.
Evaluation of Thiol Disulfide Balance in Adolescents With Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet Semih , Erdal Huseyin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundVitamin B12 is an important vitamin for metabolism and affects many mechanisms in the body, such as neuronal migration, DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, brain and cognitive development. Increasing oxidative stress in the body leads damage to the growth and development process of childhood, but also plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases encountered in the pediatric period. Our aim is to investigate whether B12 deficiency is associated with dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in adolescent patients. MethodsThe study was conducted with 90 patients, including 45 patients in the case and control groups. Patients between the ages of 11-18 were selected who applied to the outpatient clinic for the first time with one of the complaints of headache, decreased school performance, dizziness, and fatigue. Hemogram, vitamin B12, homocysteine levels and oxidative stress parameters such as native and total thiol, disulfide levels and ratios of disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, native thiol/total thiol were measured from the patients.ResultsVitamin B12 level was found to be significantly lower in vitamin B12 deficiency. group (p<0.001). The serum disulfide level was found to be 27.5 ± 8.38 in the case group and 20.5 ± 8.36 in the control group (p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, it was determined that the independent variables of native thiol, homocysteine and disulfide had effects on vitamin B12 levels (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.005 respectively; R2=0.62).ConclusionThese findings are remarkable in that vitamin B12 deficiency has an effect on oxidative stress in adolescents. The increase in oxidative stress parameters in the patient group may suggest that oxidative stress plays a vital role in vitamin B12 deficiency in adolescence.