bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of endoscopic findings in nine cases of Helicobacter suis‐infected gastritis complicated by gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Kadota Hiroki , Yuge Ryo , Miyamoto Ryo , Otani Rina , Takigawa Hidehiko , Hayashi Ryohei , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously reported that eradication therapy was more effective against Helicobacter pylori (Hp)‐negative gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH)‐positive cases than in NHPH‐negative cases and that the infection status of NHPH could be a predictive marker for the efficacy of eradication therapy for H. pylori negative gastric MALT lymphoma. However, a diagnostic test for NHPH infection has not yet been clinically established. In this study, we investigated the endoscopic findings in cases of H. suis‐infected gastritis associated with gastric MALT lymphoma reported at our institution.Materials and MethodsParticipants were selected from cases of gastric MALT lymphoma who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Hiroshima University Hospital, who were negative for the API2‐MALT1 gene, and who received eradication therapy as a first‐line treatment. We examined the endoscopic findings in nine cases from this group in which H. suis infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsEndoscopic findings, such as cracked mucosa, spotty redness, nodular gastritis‐like appearance, and white marbled appearance, which have been reported as characteristics of NHPH gastritis, were observed in multiple cases. The most common endoscopic findings in this study were cracked mucosa (7/9 cases), followed by spotty redness (6/9 cases), nodular gastritis‐like appearance (5/9 cases), and white marbled appearance (2/9 cases).ConclusionsOur study may serve as a reference for re‐evaluation of the diagnostic criteria for H. suis infection and indications for eradication therapy, particularly for cases of H. pylori negative gastric MALT lymphoma, where endoscopic findings such as those seen in this study were observed in the background mucosa.
Validation and improvement of a multiplex PCR method to detect murine Helicobacter species in feces samples of mice
Authors: Neubert Vanessa , Sadek Ahmed , Burell Teresa , Ralser Anna , Erhard Michael , Gerhard Markus , Seidel Karin , Kalali Behnam 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMurine Helicobacter species have gained increasing awareness in mouse facilities over the last years. Infections with Helicobacter species may have an impact effect on the health of mice and might pose a zoonotic risk to researchers. To minimize the interference with experiments and hence contribute to the 3Rs, a reliable method of monitoring Helicobacter infections in animal facilities needs to be available. The aim of this study was to improve and validate the detection of the most common murine Helicobacter species.Material and MethodsA multiplex PCR assay was developed for identification of Helicobacter hepaticus, H. bilis, H. muridarum, H. rodentium, and H. typhlonius that could simultaneously detect these five strains in fecal samples. To ensure the quality of the results, the method was validated based on recommendations for in‐house developed tests.ResultsThe method established was highly sensitive and specific. All five strains were detectable with a detection limit of 102 bacteria. Eight different mouse facilities were tested with the validated assay, and the following prevalence were found: H. rodentium 57%, H. hepaticus 46%, H. typhlonius 17%, H. bilis 12%, and H. muridarum 0%.ConclusionThe multiplex PCR is a reliable, economic, and time‐saving diagnostic tool for routine health monitoring. Further prevalence studies are needed to confirm the high prevalence and hence importance of H. rodentium, as until now this agent is not yet listed in FELASA recommendations.
The effects of cold sintering parameters on the densification of Na2WO4 ceramics using Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders
Authors: Hao Jianyu , Guo Jing , Fu Changli , Si Mingming , Xue Xian , Li Xiaomeng , Wang Hong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCold sintering process (CSP) combines transient liquid phase and/or external pressure to assist the densification of ceramics, the sintering mechanism of which is typically dominated by the “dissolution–precipitation” process. In this work, Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders without liquid water have been used as the “liquid phase” to realize the densification of Na2WO4 ceramics. The effects of sintering parameters on the CSP of Na2WO4 ceramics using Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders are systematically studied, including sintering temperature, external pressure, sintering process time and the amount of Na2WO4·2H2O phase. It is found that the “liquid phase,” that is, Na2WO4·2H2O is the key factor for controlling the CSP of Na2WO4 ceramics, and Na2WO4·2H2O hydrate shows an advantage of homogeneous dispersion of liquid water. The sintering temperature affects the densification mechanism involved with plastic deformation and the “dissolution–precipitation,” external pressure accelerates the densification process, and enough sintering process time ensures the completion of CSP. Finally, the optimum cold sintering parameters of Na2WO4 ceramics by Na2WO4·2H2O powders are obtained at 150°C and 240 MPa for 60 min with a pretreatment at 150°C for 30 min.
Preparation of hollow SiC spheres by combustion synthesis
Authors: Wang Liyuan , He Gang , Sun Shaolin , Fang Shijie , Li Zhipeng , Yang Zengchao , Li Jiangtao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHollow spherical β‐SiC was successfully prepared in argon by combustion synthesis using Si powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder. The phase composition and morphology of spherical products can be controlled by adjusting the Si/C2F4 molar ratio (MSi/(C2F4)). When MSi/(C2F4) = 3, the phase content of β‐SiC is the highest (up to 85.54%), and hollow spherical products obtained; When MSi/(C2F4) ≥ 5, the Si/SiC microspheres are solid. The synthesis mechanism of hollow β‐SiC microspheres is as follows: Si particles react with PTFE releasing heat. Then unreacted Si absorbs heat to form liquid phase microspheres, which is equivalent to the core template to form β‐SiC microspheres by reaction with cracked C. Meanwhile, the silicon diffuses from the core to the shell to form the cavity. This method can synthesize the hollow spherical β‐SiC in a simple way without prearranged spherical template and long synthesis cycle.
Paramecium epigenetics in development and proliferation
Authors: Drews Franziska , Boenigk Jens , Simon Martin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe term epigenetics is used for any layer of genetic information aside from the DNA base‐sequence information. Mammalian epigenetic research increased our understanding of chromatin dynamics in terms of cytosine methylation and histone modification during differentiation, aging, and disease. Instead, ciliate epigenetics focused more on small RNA‐mediated effects. On the one hand, these do concern the transport of RNA from parental to daughter nuclei, representing a regulated transfer of epigenetic information across generations. On the other hand, studies of Paramecium, Tetrahymena, Oxytricha, and Stylonychia revealed an almost unique function of transgenerational RNA. Rather than solely controlling chromatin dynamics, they control sexual progeny's DNA content quantitatively and qualitatively. Thus epigenetics seems to control genetics, at least genetics of the vegetative macronucleus. This combination offers ciliates, in particular, an epigenetically controlled genetic variability. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to macronuclear heterogeneity and relates these to nuclear dimorphism. This system's adaptive and evolutionary possibilities raise the critical question of whether such a system is limited to unicellular organisms or binuclear cells. We discuss here the relevance of ciliate genetics and epigenetics to multicellular organisms.
Effects of electrical field stimulation on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of aged chicken meat
Authors: Al‐Hilphy Asaad R. , Al‐Asadi Majid H. , Al‐Hmedawy Noora K. , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Roobab Ume , Ranjha Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal 
Published: April 2022

AbstractVarious physical, chemical, and biological practices have been adopted in the meat industry to enhance the tenderness of aged chicken meat. Among these, electrical field stimulation is used as an innovative tool in enhancing meat quality. Purposely, the present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) on different quality attributes (chemical, physical, & sensory) of laying aged chicken (Gallus domesticus) carcasses. To assess the effect of ES on meat quality of aged chicken (1.5 years), a total of 54 birds were slaughtered and their respective carcasses were subjected to electric field strengths (EFSs) of 3.67 and 7.33 V/cm. Physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the ES‐treated groups (3.67 and 7.33 V/cm) and control group (without ES) meat were compared during the storage periods 0, 30, and 60 days. The results revealed that the electrical conductivity and specific energy consumption increased significantly with an increase in the EFS. ES significantly (p < .05) decreased peroxide number (by 12.62%), free fatty acids (FFA; by 13.46%), drip loss (by 4.25%), and cooking loss (by 50.85%), and increased pH (by 5.90%). Besides, ES‐treated samples showed significant superiorities in terms of sensory characteristics in comparison with control samples. An artificial neural network (ANN) gave a good fitting to predict the development of peroxide value and FFA during storage.Practical applicationsElectrical stimulation (ES) has been studied as a means to reduce the time required for aging to prevent meat hardness. ES improves the tenderness of meat by reducing cut values, increasing the sarcomere length, and reducing the diameter of muscle fibers. The application of ES helps in reducing the storage time, storage cost, de‐feathering force, and microbial load on a chicken carcass. Aged chicken meat carcass can be treated by ES before storage to help meat processing industries for storing meat safely. This study aimed to investigate the use of ES to improve the qualitative and sensory characteristics of aged chicken meat carcass during storage periods.
Towards a multiscale framework for modeling and improving the life cycle environmental performance of built stocks
Authors: Stephan André , Crawford Robert H. , Bunster Victor , Warren‐Myers Georgia , Moosavi Sareh 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCities are complex sociotechnical systems, of which buildings and infrastructure assets (built stocks) constitute a critical part. As the main global users of primary energy and emitters of associated greenhouse gases, there is a need for the introduction of measures capable of enhancing the environmental performance of built stocks in cities and mitigating negative externalities such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To date, most environmental modeling and assessment approaches are often fragmented across disciplines and limited in scope, failing to provide a comprehensive evaluation. These approaches tend to focus either on one scale relevant to a discipline (e.g., buildings, roads, parks) or particular environmental flows (e.g., energy, greenhouse emissions). Here, we present a framework aimed at overcoming many of these limitations. By combining life cycle assessment and dynamic modeling using a nested systems theory, this framework provides a more holistic and integrated approach for modeling and improving the environmental performance of built stocks and their occupants, including material stocks and flows, embodied, operational, and mobility‐related environmental flows, as well as cost, and carbon sequestration in materials and green infrastructure. This comprehensive approach enables a very detailed parametrization that supports testing different policy scenarios at a material, element, building, and neighborhood level, and across different environmental flows. We test parts of our modeling framework on a proof‐of‐concept case study neighborhood in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating its breadth. The proposed modeling framework can enable an advanced assessment of built stocks that enhances our capacity to improve the life cycle environmental performance of cities.
Amniotic fluid derived stem cells promote skin regeneration and alleviate scar formation through exosomal miRNA‐146a‐5p via targeting CXCR4
Authors: Wgealla Mutwakil Mub arak Mohammed Ali , Liang Hansi , Chen Ruihua , Xie Yufei , Li Fang , Qin Mingde , Zhang Xueguang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRegenerative medicine is promising in wound healing. Exosomes derived from human amniotic fluid derived stem cells (hAFS) have become an important area of research for many diseases as a key paracrine factor, but its effects in wound healing remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible role and possible mechanisms of hAFS in skin wound healing.MethodshAFS were isolated from human amniotic fluid via routine amniocentesis. The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group and hAFS group treated with 1.25 × 106 hAFS cells. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed for histological analysis and qRT‐PCR for the assessment of gene levels. Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed for the verification of target gene.ResultsOur results demonstrated that hAFS accelerated wound closure. hAFS alleviated scar formation via promoting ECM remodeling, upregulating molecular of immune response, enhancing anti‐fibrotic activity, and decreasing the secretion of inflammation‐associated cytokines through exosomal miRNA‐146a‐5p via targeting CXCR4.ConclusionsTaken together, hAFS was a promising cell source for wound healing. The findings in this study provide vital references and pave the way for future research.
Wheatgrass powder‐enriched functional pasta: Techno‐functional, phytochemical, textural, sensory, and structural characterization
Authors: Bawa Keshavdeep , Brar Jaswinder Kaur , Singh Arashdeep , Gupta Antima , Kaur Harpreet , Bains Kiran 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe influence of semolina replacement with wheatgrass powder (WGP; 3%–15%) was evaluated with reference to nutritional, techno‐functional, phytochemical, textural, and structural characteristics of functional pasta. Results showed that incorporation of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the pasting viscosity of flour blends, while it increased the water and oil absorption capacity and water solubility index. Increased levels of WGP significantly decreased the optimum cooking time from 6.00 to 4.22 min but increased the cooking loss (2.83%–4.36%). Enrichment of pasta with WGP significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the protein (12.16–17.33 g/100 g), fiber (1.21–4.60 g/100 g), antioxidant activities in terms of DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content increased from 56.20–253.90 mg GAE/100 g to 47.41–202.90 mg QE/100 g in the functional pasta. Addition of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the lightness (L*) while the greenness (−a*) of the pasta increased progressively owing to the total chlorophyll pigment. The firmness and toughness of the pasta increased up to 9% WGP level and decreased further, owing to the interaction between WGP protein and fiber with gluten protein matrix as evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the cooking of pasta results in a significant reduction in all the components in comparison to uncooked pasta. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and chlorophyll in WGP‐incorporated pasta. Overall acceptability scores of pastas with 9% WGP were found to have the highest (7.57), and with an increase in a further level of WGP, sensory scores decreased (6.55). Moreover, the principal component analysis also compliments the sensory results for 9% WGP‐incorporated pasta.
Microevolution of Pieris butterfly genes involved in host plant adaptation along a host plant community cline
Authors: Okamura Yu , Sato Ai , Kawaguchi Lina , Nagano Atsushi J. , Murakami Masashi , Vogel Heiko , Kroymann Juergen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHerbivorous insects have evolved counteradaptations to overcome the chemical defences of their host plants. Several of these counteradaptations have been elucidated at the molecular level, in particular for insects specialized on cruciferous host plants. While the importance of these counteradaptations for host plant colonization is well established, little is known about their microevolutionary dynamics in the field. In particular, it is not known whether and how host plant diversity shapes diversity in insect counteradaptations. In this study, we examine patterns of host plant use and insect counteradaptation in three Pieris butterfly species across Japan. The larvae of these butterflies express nitrile‐specifier protein (NSP) and its paralogue major allergen (MA) in their gut to overcome the highly diversified glucosinolate–myrosinase defence system of their cruciferous host plants. Pieris napi and Pieris melete colonize wild Brassicaceae whereas Pieris rapae typically uses cultivated Brassica as a host, regardless of the local composition of wild crucifers. As expected, NSP and MA diversity was independent of the local composition of wild Brassicaceae in P. rapae. In contrast, NSP diversity correlated with local host plant diversity in both species that preferred wild Brassicaceae. Both P. melete and P. napi revealed two distinct major NSP alleles, which shaped diversity among local populations, albeit with different evolutionary trajectories. In comparison, MA showed no indication for local adaptation. Altogether, MA appeared to be evolutionary more conserved than NSP, suggesting that both genes play different roles in diverting host plant chemical defence.
Legacies of invertebrate exclusion and tree secondary metabolites control fungal communities in dead wood
Authors: Lunde Lisa Fagerli , Jacobsen Rannveig , Kauserud Håvard , Boddy Lynne , Nybakken Line , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Anne , Birkemoe Tone 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDuring decomposition of organic matter, microbial communities may follow different successional trajectories depending on the initial environment and colonizers. The timing and order of the species arrival (assembly history) can lead to divergent communities through priority effects. We explored how assembly history and resource quality affected fungal communities and decay rate of decomposing wood, 1.5 and 4.5 years after tree felling. Additionally, we investigated the effect of invertebrate exclusion during the first two summers. We measured initial resource quality of bark and wood of aspen (Populus tremula) logs and surveyed the fungal communities by DNA metabarcoding at different times during succession. We found that gradients in fungal community composition were related to resource quality and we discuss how this may reflect different fungal life history strategies. As with previous studies, the initial amount of bark tannins was negatively correlated with wood decomposition rate over 4.5 years. The initial fungal community explained variation in community composition after 1.5, but not 4.5, years of succession. Although the assembly history of initial colonizers may cause alternative trajectories in successional communities, our results indicate that the communities may converge with the arrival of secondary colonizers. We also identified a strong legacy of invertebrate exclusion on fungal communities, even after 4.5 years of succession, thereby adding crucial knowledge on the importance of invertebrates in affecting fungal community development. By measuring and manipulating aspects of assembly history and resource quality that have rarely been studied, we expand our understanding of the complexity of fungal community dynamics.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa post‐translational responses to elevated c‐di‐GMP levels
Authors: Bense Sarina , Witte Julius , Preuße Matthias , Koska Michal , Pezoldt Lorena , Dröge Astrid , Hartmann Oliver , Müsken Mathias , Schulze Julia , Fiebig Timm , Bähre Heike , Felgner Sebastian , Pich Andreas , Häussler Susanne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractC‐di‐GMP signaling can directly influence bacterial behavior by affecting the functionality of c‐di‐GMP‐binding proteins. In addition, c‐di‐GMP can exert a global effect on gene transcription or translation, for example, via riboswitches or by binding to transcription factors. In this study, we investigated the effects of changes in intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels on gene expression and protein production in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We induced c‐di‐GMP production via an ectopically introduced diguanylate cyclase and recorded the transcriptional, translational as well as proteomic profile of the cells. We demonstrate that rising levels of c‐di‐GMP under growth conditions otherwise characterized by low c‐di‐GMP levels caused a switch to a non‐motile, auto‐aggregative P. aeruginosa phenotype. This phenotypic switch became apparent before any c‐di‐GMP‐dependent role on transcription, translation, or protein abundance was observed. Our results suggest that rising global c‐di‐GMP pools first affects the motility phenotype of P. aeruginosa by altering protein functionality and only then global gene transcription.
A secreted ribonuclease effector from Verticillium dahliae localizes in the plant nucleus to modulate host immunity
Authors: Yin Chun‐Mei , Li Jun‐Jiao , Wang Dan , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Song Jian , Kong Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Bao‐Li , Hu Xiao‐Ping , Klosterman Steven J. , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin , Dai Xiao‐Feng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe arms race between fungal pathogens and plant hosts involves recognition of fungal effectors to induce host immunity. Although various fungal effectors have been identified, the effector functions of ribonucleases are largely unknown. Herein, we identified a ribonuclease secreted by Verticillium dahliae (VdRTX1) that translocates into the plant nucleus to modulate immunity. The activity of VdRTX1 causes hypersensitive response (HR)‐related cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana and cotton. VdRTX1 possesses a signal peptide but is unlikely to be an apoplastic effector because its nuclear localization in the plant is necessary for cell death induction. Knockout of VdRTX1 significantly enhanced V. dahliae virulence on tobacco while V. dahliae employs the known suppressor VdCBM1 to escape the immunity induced by VdRTX1. VdRTX1 homologs are widely distributed in fungi but transient expression of 24 homologs from other fungi did not yield cell death induction, suggesting that this function is specific to the VdRTX1 in V. dahliae. Expression of site‐directed mutants of VdRTX1 in N. benthamiana leaves revealed conserved ligand‐binding sites that are important for VdRTX1 function in inducing cell death. Thus, VdRTX1 functions as a unique HR‐inducing effector in V. dahliae that contributes to the activation of plant immunity.