bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extremophilic Bacterium Halomonas desertis G11 as a Cell Factory for Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate Copolymer’s Production
Authors: Hammami Khouloud , Souissi Yasmine , Souii Amal , Ouertani Awatef , El-Hidri Darine , Jabberi Marwa , Chouchane Habib , Mosbah Amor , Masmoudi Ahmed Slaheddine , Cherif Ameur , Neifar Mohamed 
Published: May 2022

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable and biocompatible bio-based polyesters, which are used in various applications including packaging, medical and coating materials. In this study, an extremophilic hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium, previously isolated from saline sediment in the Tunisian desert, has been investigated for PHA production. The accumulation of intracellular PHA granules in Halomonas desertis G11 was detected by Nile blue A staining of the colonies. To achieve maximum PHA yield by the strain G11, the culture conditions were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) employing a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with three independent variables, namely, substrate concentration (1–5%), inoculum size (1–5%) and incubation time (5–15 days). Under optimized conditions, G11 strain produced 1.5 g/L (68% of DCW) of PHA using glycerol as a substrate. Application of NMR (1H and 13C) and FTIR spectroscopies showed that H. desertis accumulated PHA is a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV). The genome analysis revealed the presence of typical structural genes involved in PHBV metabolism including phaA, phaB, phaC, phaP, phaZ, and phaR, coding for acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, class I polyhydroxyalkanoates synthases, phasin, polyhydroxyalkanoates depolymerase and polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesis repressor, respectively. Glycerol can be metabolized to 1) acetyl-CoA through the glycolysis pathway and subsequently converted to the 3HB monomer, and 2) to propionyl-CoA via the threonine biosynthetic pathway and subsequently converted to the 3HV monomer. In silico analysis of PhaC1 from H. desertis G11 indicated that this enzyme belongs to Class I PHA synthase family with a “lipase box”-like sequence (SYCVG). All these characteristics make the extremophilic bacterium H. desertis G11 a promising cell factory for the conversion of bio-renewable glycerol to high-value PHBV.
Differentiation Capacity of Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells to Retain Telomerase Activity
Authors: Shi Yingai , Liu Guihua , Wu Rongpei , Mack David L. , Sun Xiuzhi Susan , Maxwell Joshua , Guan Xuan , Atala Anthony , Zhang Yuanyuan 
Published: May 2022

Telomerase activity is essential for the self-renewal and potential of embryonic, induced pluripotent, and cancer stem cells, as well as a few somatic stem cells, such as human urine-derived stem cells (USCs). However, it remains unclear how telomerase activity affects the regeneration potential of somatic stem cells. The objective of this study was to determine the regenerative significance of telomerase activity, particularly to retain cell surface marker expression, multipotent differentiation capability, chromosomal stability, and in vivo tumorigenic transformation, in each clonal population of human primary USCs. In total, 117 USC specimens from 10 healthy male adults (25–57 years of age) were obtained. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a telomeric repeat was used to detect USCs with positive telomerase activity (USCsTA+). A total of 80 USCsTA+ (70.2%) were identified from 117 USC clones, but they were not detected in the paired normal bladder smooth muscle cell and bone marrow stromal cell specimens. In the 20–40 years age group, approximately 75% of USC clones displayed positive telomerase activity, whereas in the 50 years age group, 59.2% of the USC clones expressed positive telomerase activity. USCsTA+ extended to passage 16, underwent 62.0 ± 4.8 population doublings, produced more cells, and were superior for osteogenic, myogenic, and uroepithelial differentiation compared to USCsTA−. Importantly, USCs displayed normal chromosome and no oncological transformation after being implanted in vivo. Overall, as a safe cell source, telomerase-positive USCs have a robust regenerative potential in cell proliferation and multipotent differentiation capacity.
Mechanisms of Cardiorenal Protection With SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients With T2DM Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Anzhu , Li Zhendong , Zhuo Sun , Gao Feng , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Zhibo , Ren Gaocan , Ma Xiaochang 
Published: May 2022

PurposeSodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have cardiorenal protective effects regardless of whether they are combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but their specific pharmacological mechanisms remain undetermined.Materials and MethodsWe used databases to obtain information on the disease targets of “Chronic Kidney Disease,” “Heart Failure,” and “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” as well as the targets of SGLT2 inhibitors. After screening the common targets, we used Cytoscape 3.8.2 software to construct SGLT2 inhibitors' regulatory network and protein-protein interaction network. The clusterProfiler R package was used to perform gene ontology functional analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses on the target genes. Molecular docking was utilized to verify the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and core targets.ResultsSeven different SGLT2 inhibitors were found to have cardiorenal protective effects on 146 targets. The main mechanisms of action may be associated with lipid and atherosclerosis, MAPK signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, fluid shear stress, atherosclerosis, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications were related. Docking of SGLT2 inhibitors with key targets such as GAPDH, MAPK3, MMP9, MAPK1, and NRAS revealed that these compounds bind to proteins spontaneously.ConclusionBased on pharmacological networks, this study elucidates the potential mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors from a systemic and holistic perspective. These key targets and pathways will provide new ideas for future studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of cardiorenal protection by SGLT2 inhibitors.
The Conjugated Ionospheric Anomalies Preceding the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: He Liming , Wu Lixin , Heki Kosuke , Guo Cong 
Published: May 2022

We present the conjugated ionospheric total electron content (TEC) anomalies prior to the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake, Japan, observed by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations in northern Australia. The onset time of the anomaly, determined by the Akaike’s information criterion, is 41.5 min before the earthquake in Australia, which is very close to the time observed in Japan. The positive TEC anomalies in Australia emerged on the same longitude as the land area of NE Japan. This supports the model that electric fields within the ionosphere redistributed the electrons immediately before large earthquakes. However, the observed anomaly is shifted equatorward by ∼500 km reflecting the difference in physical mechanisms between the two hemispheres. We also found that the geomagnetic declination near the conjugate point simultaneously started to change ∼40 min before the earthquake, but its physical implication is yet to be explored.
The Significance of Subtlety: Contrasting Lithic Raw Materials Procurement and Use Patterns at the Oldowan Sites of Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Andalusia, Spain)
Authors: Barsky Deborah , Titton Stefania , Sala-Ramos Robert , Bargalló Amèlia , Grégoire Sophie , Saos Thibaud , Serrano-Ramos Alexia , Oms Oriol , Solano García Jose-Antonio , Toro-Moyano Isidro , Jiménez-Arenas Juan Manuel 
Published: May 2022

Situated in southern Spain’s Guadix-Baza basin, Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Andalusia, Spain) are two of the most important western European Oldowan archeological sites. After 30 years of quasi-uninterrupted excavations, these two occurrences have yielded exceptional lithic and faunal records in precisely dated stratigraphic situations, providing a wealth of information about the oldest presence of hominins outside of Africa (1.4 and 1.3 Ma, respectively). Recently, excavations and multidisciplinary research have allowed to discern new patterns of lithic raw material procurement and use patterns practiced by the Orce hominins that enable us to clearly distinguish different behavioral schemes between these two sites; in spite of their spatial proximity. This paper explores new data from the lithic collections in relation to hominin technical and economic behavior, highlighting subtle but significant differences in their exploitation of local limestone and flint clasts more than a million years ago. During this period of the late Early Pleistocene, these sites were situated on the shores of an ancient saline lake and fresh water sources were available. This favorable environmental situation, while attractive to the hominins, also supported life for an abundance of large mammals, including competitive large carnivores, underlining questions of expedience as an influence on techno-morphology in these early stone toolkits. This paper analyzes these themes, highlighting updated information from these and other key European late Early Pleistocene sites.
Thrifty-Eating Behavior Phenotype at the Food Court – Programming Goes Beyond Food Preferences
Authors: Dalle Molle Roberta , de Mendonça Filho Euclides José , Minuzzi Luciano , Machado Tania Diniz , Reis Roberta Sena , Rodrigues Danitsa Marcos , Mucellini Amanda Brondani , Franco Alexandre Rosa , Buchweitz Augusto , Toazza Rudineia , Bortoluzzi Andressa , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Boscenco Sonia , Meaney Michael J. , Levitan Robert D. , Manfro Gisele Gus , Silveira Patricia Pelufo 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionPrenatal growth impairment leads to higher preference for palatable foods in comparison to normal prenatal growth subjects, which can contribute to increased body fat mass and a higher risk for developing chronic diseases in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) individuals throughout life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SGA on feeding behavior in children and adolescents, as well as resting-state connectivity between areas related to reward, self-control, and value determination, such as orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DL-PFC), amygdala and dorsal striatum (DS).MethodsCaregivers and their offspring were recruited from two independent cohorts in Brazil (PROTAIA) and Canada (MAVAN). Both cohorts included anthropometric measurements, food choice tasks, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.ResultsIn the Brazilian sample (17 ± 0.28 years, n=70), 21.4% of adolescents were classified as SGA. They exhibited lower monetary-related expenditure to buy a snack compared to controls in the food choice test. Decreased functional connectivity (n=40) between left OFC and left DL-PFC; and between right OFC and: left amygdala, right DS, and left DS were observed in the Brazilian SGA participants. Canadian SGA participants (14.9%) had non-significant differences in comparison with controls in a food choice task at 4 years old ( ± 0.01, n=315). At a follow-up brain scan visit (10.21 ± 0.140 years, n=49), SGA participants (28.6%) exhibited higher connectivity between the left OFC and left DL-PFC, also higher connectivity between the left OFC and right DL-PFC. We did not observe significant anthropometric neither nutrients’ intake differences between groups in both samples.ConclusionsResting-state fMRI results showed that SGA individuals had altered connectivity between areas involved in encoding the subjective value for available goods and decision-making in both samples, which can pose them in disadvantage when facing food options daily. Over the years, the cumulative exposure to particular food cues together with the altered behavior towards food, such as food purchasing, as seen in the adolescent cohort, can play a role in the long-term risk for developing chronic non-communicable diseases.
The Use of a Two-Phase Online Delphi Panel Methodology to Inform the Concurrent Development of a School-Based Ovulatory Menstrual Health Literacy Intervention and Questionnaire
Authors: Roux Felicity , Burns Sharyn , Chih HuiJun , Hendriks Jacqueline 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThere are a high prevalence of ovulatory-menstrual (OM) dysfunction and low levels of menstrual health literacy in adolescents, yet few evidence-based OM health education resources for schools.MethodThis two-phase study used an online Delphi methodology to build consensus across thirty-five purposively selected professionals from the diverse professions of health and education. The panellists were tasked to inform the development of a school-based OM health literacy resources.ResultsIn Round One, 86% of panellists determined the scope of these resources using guided and open-ended questions. The study then split into two phases which ran concurrently. In the first phase informing the intervention's development, 57% of panellists participated in Round Two, and 29% reviewed selected lessons. In the second phase informing the questionnaire's development, 51% of panellists participated in Round Two, and 69% in Round Three. The overall consensus reached for the intervention phase and questionnaire phase were 82% and 84%, respectively. The Panel's recommendations included a strengths-based position to counter menstrual stigma, teaching accurate self-report of cycle biomarkers, addressing multiple menstrual dysfunctions and adopting a whole-school approach.ConclusionAlthough time-consuming and requiring a sustained interest, this two-phase Delphi methodology offered anonymity to panellists from distinct professions which facilitated their independent contribution to developing OM health literacy school resources.
Effect of Antiviral Therapy During Pregnancy on Natural Killer Cells in Pregnant Women With Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Wang Fuchuan , Xie Si , Ran Chongping , Hao Hongxiao , Jiang Tingting , Deng Wen , Bi Xiaoyue , Lin Yanjie , Yang Liu , Sun Fangfang , Zeng Zhan , Xie Yao , Li Minghui , Yi Wei 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo study the effect of antiviral therapy during pregnancy on the frequency of natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of women with HBV DNA positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodIn total 124 female subjects were divided into four groups: 11 healthy non-pregnant women (Normal group), 26 non-pregnant women in immune tolerance period of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB group), 41 pregnant CHB women without antiviral treatment during pregnancy (Untreated group), and 46 pregnant CHB women receiving antiviral treatment during pregnancy (Treated group). The frequency of NK cells in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry.ResultThe frequency of NK cells in healthy women [15.30 (12.80, 18.40)] was higher than that in women with HBV infection, but there was no significant statistical difference (p=0.436). The frequency of NK cells in CHB group [10.60 (6.00, 18.30)] was higher than those in pregnant CHB women [Untreated: 6.90 (4.89, 10.04), P=0.001; Treated: 9.42 (6.55, 14.10), P=0.047]. The frequency of NK cells in treated group was significantly higher than that in untreated group (P = 0.019). The frequencies of NK cells, CD56bright NK cells and NKp46dim NK cells at 12 and 24 weeks postpartum in the untreated group were increased significantly than those before delivery. In treated group, the frequencies of NK cells, CD56bright NK cells, NKp46+ NK cells and NKp46dim NK cells were significantly increased at 6 and 12 weeks than those before delivery. The frequencies of NK cells and CD56bright NK cells postpartum were increased significantly in treated group than those in untreated group. The frequencies of CD56dim NK cells decreased significantly after delivery in treated than those in untreated patients. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) significantly increased after delivery than those before delivery. The results showed that the postpartum ALT level was weak positive correlated with NKp46high frequency (r=0.199) and was weak negative correlated with NKp46dim frequency (r= -0.199).ConclusionAntiviral treatment during pregnancy could significantly increase the frequency of NK cells postpartum. Postpartum hepatitis may be related to the immune injury caused by change of NK cell frequency and HBV infection.
Enhanced T Cell Glucose Uptake Is Associated With Progression of Beta-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Tang Rong , Zhong Ting , Fan Li , Xie Yuting , Li Juan , Li Xia 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAbnormal intracellular glucose/fatty acid metabolism of T cells has tremendous effects on their immuno-modulatory function, which is related to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the association between the status of intracellular metabolism of T cells and type 1 diabetes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the uptake of glucose and fatty acids in T cells and its relationship with disease progression in type 1 diabetes.MethodsA total of 86 individuals with type 1 diabetes were recruited to detect the uptake of glucose and fatty acids in T cells. 2-NBDG uptake and expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1); or BODIPY uptake and expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A) were used to assess the status of glucose or fatty acid uptake in T cells. Patients with type 1 diabetes were followed up every 3-6 months for 36 months, the progression of beta-cell function was assessed using generalized estimating equations, and survival analysis was performed to determine the status of beta-cell function preservation (defined as 2-hour postprandial C-peptide &gt;200 pmol/L).ResultsPatients with type 1 diabetes demonstrated enhanced intracellular glucose uptake of T cells as indicated by higher 2NBDG uptake and GLUT1 expression, while no significant differences in fatty acid uptake were observed. The increased T cells glucose uptake is associated with lower C-peptide and higher hemoglobin A1c levels. Notably, patients with low T cell glucose uptake at onset maintained high levels of C-peptide within 36 months of the disease course [fasting C-petite and 2-hour postprandial C-peptide are 60.6 (95%CI: 21.1-99.8) pmol/L and 146.3 (95%CI: 14.1-278.5) pmol/L higher respectively], And they also have a higher proportion of beta-cell function preservation during this follow-up period (P&lt;0.001).ConclusionsIntracellular glucose uptake of T cells is abnormally enhanced in type 1 diabetes and is associated with beta-cell function and its progression.
Increased Biodiversity Associated With Abandoned Benthic Oyster Farms Highlight Ecosystem Benefits of Both Oyster Reefs and Traditional Aquaculture
Authors: Chan Sharon S. W. , Wong Ho Tin , Thomas Marine , Alleway Heidi K. , Hancock Boze , Russell Bayden D. 
Published: May 2022

Oyster reefs are structurally complex habitats which are increasingly recognized for their importance in estuarine systems. With over 85% of oyster reefs lost to human activities globally, there is increasing interest in aquaculture to not only meet the growing need for food worldwide, but also enhance ecological functions and services. Prime among these services is the provision of habitat for marine biodiversity. We assessed the biodiversity associated with an abandoned benthic oyster farm to investigate the potential ecological benefits of benthic farming techniques used in traditional oyster farms. In addition, we made note of any invasive species which may use these abandoned structures as habitat. The macrobenthic assemblage in the oyster habitat formed by the farm was different from the surrounding mudflats, containing 61 and 26 species, respectively. Density of invertebrates was similar in both habitats (~ 5,777 ± 981 indiv·m−2), but biomass in the oyster farm over ten times greater than the mudflat substrate, which had a fauna dominated by small polychaetes (&lt;5 mm long). Molluscs and crustaceans were especially abundant in the oyster habitat and contributed to 90% of the enhanced biomass associated with oyster habitat (excluding oyster biomass). Only one invasive species was documented, the musselXenostrobus secures, but at densities lower than nearby artificial substrates (e.g., concrete shorelines). Oyster development on this abandoned farm appears to be self-sustaining, provide habitat and trophic support for associated benthic macrofauna. In addition to supporting higher biodiversity and biomass of associated species, traditional oyster aquaculture could improve the restoration potential of oyster reefs by supporting broodstock of native oysters, thus maintaining larval supply.
Deep-Sea Echinoid Trails and Seafloor Nutrient Distribution: Present and Past Implications
Authors: Miguez-Salas Olmo , Vardaro Michael F. , Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco J. , Pérez-Claros Juan A. , Huffard Christine L. 
Published: May 2022

The movement patterns of deep-sea bioturbational fauna are believed to be the result of the organism’s interactive response to the perceived spatial distribution of nutritional resources on the seafloor. To address this hypothesis, we examined the movement paths of Echinocrepis rostrata -a common epibenthic bioturbator echinoid in the northeast Pacific Ocean- through fractal analysis in order to characterize how they cover the seafloor during foraging. We used an 18-yr time series photographic record from 4100-m depth at an abyssal site in the eastern North Pacific (Sta. M; 34°50′N, 123°00′W; 4100 m depth). Echinocrepis rostrata paths showed low fractal values (1.09 to 1.39). No positive correlation between particulate organic carbon (POC) flux measured from sediment traps at 600 m and 50 m above bottom and fractal dimension (FD) values was observed. The movement of echinoids was characterized by high-speed periods, followed by slower speed periods and higher turning rates. These slow-speed periods were correlated with higher sinuosity values, slightly wider turning angles, and numerous cross-cuts. Based on visual estimation of seafloor phytodetritus coverage, we hypothesize that its small-scale distribution may be the primary determinant of echinoid feeding movement patterns rather than the bulk amount of nutrients. Finally, this finding reveals new insights into the morphological studies of trace fossils, indicating that trails of past echinoid trace makers could help to evaluate nutrient availability/distribution in the ancient deep-sea and help to decipher past climate-induced changes.