bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Genotypic Characterization of Virulence Genes and The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Biofilm Formation
Authors: ElBaradei Amira , Yakout Marwa Atef 
Published: May 2022

AbstractStenotrophomonas maltophilia is an environmental bacterium that has gained a lot of attention, as a nosocomial pathogen associated with significant mortality rates. Biofilm formation is considered the corner stone for establishing infections in many bacteria including S. maltophilia. The aim of this study was the genotypic characterization of the different virulence-associated genes and the investigation of the effect of ascorbic acid on S. maltophilia biofilm formation. A total of 20 S. maltophilia isolates from different sources were included in this study. Genes encoding different virulence factors were investigated genotypically. These included stmPr1, stmPr2, smlt3773 locus, smf-1, rpfF, rmlA and spgM. Biofilm formation was investigated phenotypically. The effect of ascorbic acid on biofilm formation was investigated using MIC as well as sub-inhibitory concentrations. Many of the isolates harbored both serine proteases genes stmPr-1 and stmPr-2. Fourteen (70%) of the 20 isolates carried stmPr-1 and 15 (75%) had stmPr-2. Most of the isolates (95%) possessed smlt-3773 locus. Genes linked to biofilm formation such as smf-1, rpfF, rmlA and spgM, were found in (90%), (45%), (85%) and (30%) of the isolates, respectively. Phenotypically, all S. maltophilia isolates (100%) were biofilm producers. Fifteen (75%) were strong biofilm producers and 5 (25%) were moderate biofilm producers. In attempts to seek a non-chemotherapeutic alternative that can hinder biofilm formation without provoking antimicrobial resistance, the results, herein, showed that ascorbic acid inhibits biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner.
No effects of acute tryptophan depletion on anxiety or mood in weight-recovered female patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Weinert Tomas , Bernardoni Fabio , King Joseph , Steding Julius , Boehm Ilka , Mannigel Merle , Ritschel Franziska , Zepf Florian , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have suggested that individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by increased serotonergic (5-HT) activity that might be related to elevated levels of anxiety. Assuming these traits to be also present in individuals at risk for AN, it was further hypothesized that restricting food intake might be a means to temporarily alleviate dysphoric affective states by reducing central nervous availability of tryptophan (TRP), the sole precursor of 5-HT. One study that supported this hypothesis found anxiolytic effects in individuals with a history of AN during an experimentally induced short-term depletion of TRP supply to the brain.

Methods
In this placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study, 22 patients weight-recovered from AN (recAN) and 25 healthy control participants (HC) completed questionnaires assessing anxiety and momentary mood during acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), a dietary intervention that lowers central 5-HT synthesis.

Results
The ATD procedure effectively reduced the ratio of TRP to competing for large neutral amino acids in the peripheral blood, indicating decreased TRP supply to the brain. Effects of ATD on anxiety and mood did not differ between recAN and HC. Bayesian null hypothesis testing confirmed these initial results.

Discussion
Our results do not support the hypothesis that short-term depletion of TRP and its impact on the brain 5-HT reduces anxiety or improves mood in AN. As the evidence for the role of 5-HT dysfunction on affective processes in patients with AN is limited, further studies are needed to assess its relevance in the pathophysiology of AN.
Allele segregation analysis of F1 hybrids between independent Brassica allohexaploid lineages
Authors: Quezada-Martinez Daniela , Zou Jun , Zhang Wenshan , Meng Jinling , Batley Jacqueline , Mason Annaliese S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn the Brassica genus, we find both diploid species (one genome) and allotetraploid species (two different genomes) but no naturally occurring hexaploid species (three different genomes, AABBCC). Although hexaploids can be produced via human intervention, these neo-polyploids have quite unstable genomes and usually suffer from severe genome reshuffling. Whether these genome rearrangements continue in later generations and whether genomic arrangements follow similar, reproducible patterns between different lineages is still unknown. We crossed Brassica hexaploids resulting from different species combinations to produce five F1 hybrids and analyzed the karyotypes of the parents and the F1 hybrids, as well as allele segregation in a resulting test-cross population via molecular karyotyping using SNP array genotyping. Although some genomic regions were found to be more likely to be duplicated, deleted, or rearranged, a consensus pattern was not shared between genotypes. Brassica hexaploids had a high tolerance for fixed structural rearrangements, but which rearrangements occur and become fixed over many generations does not seem to show either strong reproducibility or to indicate selection for stability. On average, we observed 10 de novo chromosome rearrangements contributed almost equally from both parents to the F1 hybrids. At the same time, the F1 hybrid meiosis produced on average 8.6 new rearrangements. Hence, the increased heterozygosity in the F1 hybrid did not significantly improve genome stability in our hexaploid hybrids and might have had the opposite effect. However, hybridization between lineages was readily achieved and may be exploited for future genetics and breeding purposes.
Diagnostic accuracy of calretinin and acetylcholinesterase staining of rectal suction biopsies in Hirschsprung disease examined by unexperienced pathologists
Authors: Beltman L. , Windster J. D. , Roelofs J. J. T. H. , van der Voorn J. P. , Derikx J. P. M. , Bakx R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRectal suction biopsy (RSB) is a gold standard for diagnosing Hirschsprung disease (HD). Calretinin staining of RSB is increasingly used by experienced pathologists due to non-complex examination and comparable diagnostic accuracy with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). However, the diagnostic accuracy of calretinin examined by unexperienced pathologists remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we aim to compare diagnostic accuracy of calretinin with AChE on RSB for diagnosing HD when examined by unexperienced pathologists. We prospectively analyzed sections from RSB stained with AChE + HE and calretinin. Blinded examination was done by five unexperienced pathologists (pathology residents) and three experienced pathologists (senior pediatric gastro-enterology pathologists) assessing for the presence of HD. Cases for the study included ones proven to be HD on resection specimens and cases without HD. Diagnostic accuracy was determined calculating area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and posttest probability. Fleiss’ kappa analysis was performed to assess interobserver agreement between reviewers. Eleven of 18 included patients (61%) were diagnosed with HD. Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of unexperienced pathologists, calretinin versus AChE + HE showed sensitivity of 80.0% versus 74.5% and specificity of 100% versus 65.4%, AUC of 0.87 (0.78–0.96) versus 0.59 (0.45–0.72). Unexperienced pathologists showed substantial agreement with calretinin (kappa 0.72 [0.61–0.84]) and fair agreement with AChE + HE (kappa 0.34 [0.23–0.44]). We found calretinin having higher diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing HD compared to AChE + HE when examined by unexperienced pathologists. Therefore, we recommend to use calretinin as the standard technique for staining RSB in diagnosing HD.
Endoscopic vacuum-assisted surgical closure (EVASC) of anastomotic defects after low anterior resection for rectal cancer; lessons learned
Authors: Talboom Kevin , Greijdanus Nynke G. , Ponsioen Cyriel Y. , Tanis Pieter J. , Bemelman Wilhelmus A. , Hompes Roel 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Endoscopic vacuum-assisted surgical closure (EVASC) is an emerging treatment for AL, and early initiation of treatment seems to be crucial. The objective of this study was to report on the efficacy of EVASC for anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer resection and determine factors for success.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included all rectal cancer patients treated with EVASC for a leaking primary anastomosis after LAR at a tertiary referral centre (July 2012—April 2020). Early initiation (≤ 21 days) or late initiation of the EVASC protocol was compared. Primary outcomes were healed and functional anastomosis at end of follow-up.

Results
Sixty-two patients were included, of whom 38 were referred. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR 14–38). Early initiation of EVASC (≤ 21 days) resulted in a higher rate of healed anastomosis (87% vs 59%, OR 4.43 [1.25–15.9]) and functional anastomosis (80% vs 56%, OR 3.11 [1.00–9.71]) if compared to late initiation. Median interval from AL diagnosis to initiation of EVASC was significantly shorter in the early group (11 days (IQR 6–15) vs 70 days (IQR 39–322), p < 0.001). A permanent end-colostomy was created in 7% and 28%, respectively (OR 0.18 [0.04–0.93]). In 17 patients with a non-defunctioned anastomosis, and AL diagnosis within 2 weeks, EVASC resulted in 100% healed and functional anastomosis.

Conclusion
Early initiation of EVASC for anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection yields high rates of healed and functional anastomosis. EVASC showed to be progressively more successful with the implementation of highly selective diversion and early diagnosis of the leak.

Graphical abstract
Aktuelle Konflikte in Partnerschaften vor dem Hintergrund vergangener Beziehungserfahrungen
Authors: Grilz Petra 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungDie aktuelle Forschungslage kann nicht klar beantworten, ob die frühen Eltern-Kind-Interaktionen für einen späteren Umgang mit Konflikten in Partnerschaften die Weichen stellen, oder lediglich ein Fundament bieten, auf dem man aufbauen kann. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Einfluss von vergangenen, zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen auf die aktuelle, konflikthafte Paardynamik untersucht. Hierbei wurde überprüft, ob sich zwischen der aktuellen Partnerschaft und vorherigen Beziehungserfahrungen (insbesondere aus der Herkunftsfamilie) ähnliche Interaktionsmuster hinsichtlich angewandter Bewältigungsstrategien in Konfliktsituationen erkennen lassen. Der Umgang mit Konflikten in aktuellen und vergangenen Beziehungserfahrungen wurde mittels problemzentrierten Interviews erhoben, bei welchen acht Paare getrennt voneinander in Einzelinterviews befragt wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die frühen Eltern-Kind-Interaktionen für die spätere Konfliktgestaltung in der Partnerschaft von besonderer Bedeutung sind. Entsprechend der erlernten Konfliktgestaltung wurde der Umgang mit Konflikten in der Herkunftsfamilie in ähnlicher oder gleicher Weise in der späteren Partnerschaft fortgesetzt. Demzufolge deutet in diesem Kontext vieles darauf hin, dass die vergangenen Lebensumstände, bzw. der in der Herkunftsfamilie erlernte Umgang mit Konflikten für die Konfliktgestaltung in der Partnerschaft entscheidend sind.
Atherosclerotic plaque characteristics on quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography associated with ischemia on positron emission tomography in diabetic patients
Authors: Kamperidis Vasileios , de Graaf Michiel A. , Uusitalo Valtteri , Saraste Antti , Kuneman Jurriën H. , van den Hoogen Inge J. , Knuuti Juhani , Bax Jeroen J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPatients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may show diffuse coronary artery atherosclerosis on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). The present study aimed at quantification of atherosclerotic plaque with CTA and its association with myocardial ischemia on positron emission tomography (PET) in DM patients. Of 922 symptomatic outpatients without previously known coronary artery disease who underwent CTA, 115 with DM (mean age 65 ± 8 years, 58% male) who had coronary atherosclerosis and underwent both quantified CTA (QCTA) and PET were included in the study. QCTA analysis was performed on a per-vessel basis and the most stenotic lesion of each vessel was considered. Myocardial ischemia on PET was based on absolute myocardial blood flow at stress ≤ 2.4 ml/g/min. Of the 345 vessels included in the analysis, 135 (39%) had flow-limiting stenosis and were characterized by having longer lesions, higher plaque volume, more extensive plaque burden and higher percentage of dense calcium (37 ± 22% vs 28 ± 22%, p = 0.001). On univariable analysis, QCTA parameters indicating the degree of stenosis, the plaque extent and composition were associated with presence of ischemia. The addition of the QCTA degree of stenosis parameters (x2 36.45 vs 88.18, p < 0.001) and the QCTA plaque extent parameters (x2 88.18 vs 97.44, p = 0.01) to a baseline model increased the association with ischemia. In DM patients, QCTA variables of vessel stenosis, plaque extent and composition are associated with ischemia on PET and characterize the hemodynamic significant atherosclerotic lesion.
Spatially varying trophic effects of reservoir-derived plankton on stream macroinvertebrates among heterogeneous habitats within reaches
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Takemon Yasuhiro , Omura Tatsuo , Watanabe Kozo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractUsing a stable isotope two- and three-source mixing model, we evaluated trophic contributions of reservoir-derived plankton, epilithon, and terrestrial leaves to stream macroinvertebrates at two dam upstream and four dam outlet reaches. We compared four different habitat types co-occurring within the reaches: lotic habitat, bar-head lentic habitat, bar-tail lentic habitat, and isolated pond on sandy bars. Filter-feeders, which provide the highest trophic contributions of reservoir-derived plankton, did not significantly differ among habitats, whereas collector-gatherers and predators differed significantly. Thus, the three-source model analysis for collector-gatherers and predators indicated a lower proportion of reservoir-derived plankton in lentic habitat than in lotic habitat. This difference in food source composition was reflected in the lower trophic contribution of plankton to lentic species. Macroinvertebrates in lentic habitats fed on sources less mixed with reservoir-derived plankton; therefore, the trophic impact of reservoirs was indistinctive at the community level, indicating that lentic habitats can function as trophic refugia to mitigate the trophic impact of reservoirs. Our findings demonstrate that habitat heterogeneity potentially provides a foundation for determining the trophic contribution of food webs while affecting communities when there is anthropogenic input of food resources to the habitat.
TCNQ-based organic cocrystal integrated red emission and n-type charge transport
Authors: Jiang Mengjia , Li Shuyu , Zhen Chun , Wang Lingsong , Li Fei , Zhang Yihan , Dong Weibing , Zhang Xiaotao , Hu Wenping 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSimultaneously realizing the optical and electrical properties of organic materials is always challenging. Herein, a convenient and promising strategy for designing organic materials with integrated optoelectronic properties based on cocrystal engineering has been put forward. By selecting the fluorene (Flu) and the 7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) as functional constituents, the Flu-TCNQ cocrystal prepared shows deep red emission at 702 nm, which is comparable to the commercialized red quantum dot. The highest electron mobility of organic field-effect transistor (OFET) based on Flu-TCNQ is 0.32 cm2 V−1 s−1. Spectroscopic analysis indicates that the intermolecular driving force contributing to the co-assembly of Flu-TCNQ is mainly charge transfer (CT) interaction, which leads to its different optoelectronic properties from constituents.
Graphical Abstract
Antiaging agents: safe interventions to slow aging and healthy life span extension
Authors: Liu Ji-Kai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHuman longevity has increased dramatically during the past century. More than 20% of the 9 billion population of the world will exceed the age of 60 in 2050. Since the last three decades, some interventions and many preclinical studies have been found to show slowing aging and increasing the healthy lifespan of organisms from yeast, flies, rodents to nonhuman primates. The interventions are classified into two groups: lifestyle modifications and pharmacological/genetic manipulations. Some genetic pathways have been characterized to have a specific role in controlling aging and lifespan. Thus, all genes in the pathways are potential antiaging targets. Currently, many antiaging compounds target the calorie-restriction mimetic, autophagy induction, and putative enhancement of cell regeneration, epigenetic modulation of gene activity such as inhibition of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, are under development. It appears evident that the exploration of new targets for these antiaging agents based on biogerontological research provides an incredible opportunity for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The present review focus on the properties of slow aging and healthy life span extension of natural products from various biological resources, endogenous substances, drugs, and synthetic compounds, as well as the mechanisms of targets for antiaging evaluation. These bioactive compounds that could benefit healthy aging and the potential role of life span extension are discussed.
Climate change mitigation: thermal comfort improvement in Mediterranean social dwellings through dynamic test cells modelling
Authors: Calama-González Carmen María , León-Rodríguez Ángel Luis , Suárez Rafael 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGlobal warming will lead to adverse consequences for human health and well-being. This research ought to determine whether passive low-cost strategies freely controlled by users (ventilation strategies, solar shadings or window operation) could be applied in low-income dwellings to meet acceptable thermal comfort to retrofit the Mediterranean social housing stock of southern Spain towards climate change. On-site measurements registered in some test cells (controlled environment with no users’ influence) were used to calibrate dynamic energy simulation models. The impact of several future periods, climate zones of southern Spain and orientations on thermal comfort was assessed. The results show that climate change triggers a more significant increase in outdoor temperatures in summer than in winter. Should ventilation be kept to minimum and blinds opened during daytime in winter, higher comfort would be achieved, with great differences between orientations and south reporting the best results. The higher the outdoor temperatures due to climate change, the higher the percentage of comfort hours (i.e. 23–68% in the present and 50–75% in 2080). In summer, natural night ventilation and blinds closed during daytime lead to the best comfort result, with negligible temperature differences between orientations. Future climate change scenarios worsen the percentage of comfort hours (i.e. 96–100% in the present, while up to 17% in 2080). Mechanical ventilation and blind aperture schedules were found to have the highest influence on overheating discomfort. Likewise, mechanical and natural ventilation schedules had the highest impact on undercooling discomfort.
Disordered eating in early childhood: DRD4 and DAT1 gene polymorphisms and quality of mother–child interaction
Authors: Pascale Esterina , Cimino Silvia , Cerniglia Luca , Bevilacqua Arturo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Eating disturbances are complex heritable conditions that can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors but are poorly studied in early development. The aim of this research was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms within dopaminergic pathways with early feeding problems.

Methods
We analyzed the presence of VNTR polymorphisms of DRD4 (rs1805186) and DAT1 (rs28363170) in overeating (N = 45), undereating (N = 48) and control (N = 44) young children. We also assessed presence of externalizing, internalizing and dysregulation symptoms by the Child Behavior Checklist and quality of mother–child interactions during feeding by the Italian adaptation of the Scale for the Assessment of Feeding Interaction, respectively.

Results
Both polymorphisms were associated with children’s eating behavior, psychological symptoms and quality of interaction with their mothers, suggesting that: (a) the DRD4 4-repeat allele behaves as a protective factor, the 2-repeats and 7-repeats alleles as risk factors, for undereating behavior, the general quality of mother–child interaction and internalizing, externalizing and dysregulated symptoms; and (b) the DAT1 9-repeats allele behaves as a protective factor, the 10-repeats allele as a risk factor, for overeating behavior, the general quality of mother–child interaction, internalizing, externalizing and dysregulated symptoms. Finally, a gene x gene interaction is suggested between the DAT1 9-repeat or 10-repeat allele and the DRD4 4-repeat allele.

Conclusions
Our results suggest a role for DRD4 and DAT1 in an early susceptibility to eating disturbances.

Level of evidence III
Evidence obtained from well-designed case–control analytic study.
Facilitating development of research ethics and integrity leadership competencies
Authors: Tammeleht Anu , Löfström Erika , Rodríguez-Triana ja María Jesús 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTo build a culture of integrity in a HE institution, innovative approaches are needed to enhance education of research ethics and integrity (REI). In addition to educating students, understanding is needed on how to facilitate for those who lead others. The focus is on early-career researchers (ECRs) as future REI leaders. The current study sheds light on how learning and REI leadership competencies evolve during scaffolded collaborative research ethics training for this target group. The study combines new instruments as part of holistic DBR. Data was collected from 3 groups of experienced researchers attending 3 training sessions in the form of written group reports and group discussion recordings. Qualitative deductive analysis was utilised for monitoring the learning process, scaffolding patterns, and display of REI leadership principles. Also, quantitative analysis was applied to group discussion data, displaying the nature of collaboration. Results imply that collaborative case-based role play format is effective in training future REI leaders. All groups displayed high levels of understanding. Combining ECRs and researchers with leadership experience supported knowledge building in the groups by bringing in various perspectives. Even though groups required different amounts of scaffolding, the nature was similar: maintaining goal orientation, highlighting critical features and redirecting learners. Learning analytics of collaboration indicated that the person with leadership experience was not necessarily the most active participant nor took the role of a ‘group leader’. Still, it was mostly that person who displayed leadership competencies thus supporting other group members to develop leadership aspects.