bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the fermentable sugar yields of wheat straw by high-temperature pre-hydrolysis with thermophilic enzymes of Malbranchea cinnamomea
Authors: Zhu Ning , Jin Hongmei , Kong Xiangping , Zhu Yanyun , Ye Xiaomei , Xi Yonglan , Du Jing , Li Bingqing , Lou Menghan , Shah Ghulam Mustafa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Enzymatic hydrolysis is a key step in the conversion of lignocellulosic polysaccharides to fermentable sugars for the production of biofuels and high-value chemicals. However, current enzyme preparations from mesophilic fungi are deficient in their thermostability and biomass-hydrolyzing efficiency at high temperatures. Thermophilic fungi represent promising sources of thermostable and highly active enzymes for improving the biomass-to-sugar conversion process. Here we present a comprehensive study on the lignocellulosic biomass-degrading ability and enzyme system of thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea N12 and the application of its enzymes in the synergistic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.

Results
Malbranchea cinnamomea N12 was capable of utilizing untreated wheat straw to produce high levels of xylanases and efficiently degrading lignocellulose under thermophilic conditions. Temporal analysis of the wheat straw-induced secretome revealed that M. cinnamomea N12 successively degraded the lignocellulosic polysaccharides through sequential secretion of enzymes targeting xylan and cellulose. Xylanase-enriched cocktail from M. cinnamomea N12 was more active on native and alkali‑pretreated wheat straw than the commercial xylanases from Trichoderma reesei over temperatures ranging from 40 to 75 °C. Integration of M. cinnamomea N12 enzymes with the commercial cellulase preparation increased the glucose and xylose yields of alkali‑pretreated wheat straw by 32 and 166%, respectively, with pronounced effects at elevated temperature.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the remarkable xylanase-producing ability and strategy of sequential lignocellulose breakdown of M. cinnamomea N12. A new process for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass was proposed, comprising thermophilic enzymolysis by enzymes of M. cinnamomea N12 followed with mesophilic enzymolysis by commercial cellulases. Developing M. cinnamomea N12 as platforms for thermophilic enzyme mixture production will provide new perspectives for improved conversion yields for current biomass saccharification schemes.
Aberrant methylation and microRNA-target regulation are associated with downregulated NEURL1B: a diagnostic and prognostic target in colon cancer
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Liu Zhao , Zhang Xiaozhi , Yan Yanli , Shao Shuai , Yao Demao , Gong Tuotuo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Aberrant methylation and miRNA-target-gene regulation function as important mechanisms for gene inactivation in colon carcinogenesis. Although a serious of molecular events (such as aberrant alterations of genomics and epigenetics) have been identified to be related to prognostic in colon cancer (CC) patients, beneficial biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation remain largely unknown.

Methods
In our study, the role of NEURL1B, including gene expression analysis, methylation characteristic, miRNA-target regulation, diagnostic and prognostic significance, were evaculated using multiple bioinformatic tools based on TCGA database and clinical samples.

Results
Our data showed that NEURL1B was aberrantly downregulated in CC, regardless of the mRNA level or protein level. Moreover, ROC curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that NEURL1B was a diagnostic and independent prognostic facter for CC patients. Of interest, methylation of NEURL1B was also high and closely associated with poor survival in CC. In addition, multiple NEURL1B-target miRNAs were found to be overexpressed in CC tissues. Thus, our findings suggested that NEURL1B participated in the pathological processes of CC as a tumor suppressor gene. Double management, including DNA methylation modification and miRNA-target regulation, were considered to be related to the downregulation of NEURL1B. Importantly, there existing be an significant intersection between miRNAs-target pathways and NEURL1B-target pathways, suggesting that miR-17 and miR-27a might promote tumor cell malignant property by targeting NEURL1B degradation via the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Taking together, the first investigation of NEURL1B in CC provide us a strong evidences that it might be served as a potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in CC.
Identification of prognosis-related genes and construction of multi-regulatory networks in pancreatic cancer microenvironment by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Tong , Liu Qiaofei , Zhang Ronghua , Liao Quan , Zhao Yupei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
As one of the most lethal cancers, pancreatic cancer has been characterized by abundant supportive tumor-stromal cell microenvironment. Although the advent of tumor-targeted immune checkpoint blockers has brought light to patients with other cancers, its clinical efficacy in pancreatic cancer has been greatly limited due to the protective stroma. Thus, it is urgent to find potential new targets and establish multi-regulatory networks to predict patient prognosis and improve treatment.

Methods
We followed a strategy based on mining the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and ESTIMATE algorithm to obtain the immune scores and stromal scores. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer were screened from a TCGA cohort. By comparing global gene expression with high vs. low immune scores and subsequent Kaplan–Meier analysis, DEGs that significantly correlated with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer in TCGA cohort were extracted. After constructing the protein–protein interaction network using STRING and limiting the genes within the above DEGs, we utilized RAID 2.0, TRRUST v2 database and degree and betweenness analysis to obtain non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-pivotal nodes and transcription factor (TF)-pivotal nodes. Finally, multi-regulatory networks have been constructed and pivotal drugs with potential benefit for pancreatic cancer patients were obtained by screening in the DrugBank.

Results
In this study, we obtained 246 DEGs that significantly correlated with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer in the TCGA cohort. With the advent of 38 ncRNA-pivotal nodes and 7 TF-pivotal nodes, the multi-factor regulatory networks were constructed based on the above pivotal nodes. Prognosis-related genes and factors such as HCAR3, PPY, RFWD2, WSPAR and Amcinonide were screened and investigated.

Conclusion
The multi-regulatory networks constructed in this study are not only beneficial to improve treatment and evaluate patient prognosis with pancreatic cancer, but also favorable for implementing early diagnosis and personalized treatment. It is suggested that these factors may play an essential role in the progression of pancreatic cancer.
Peer supervision experiences of drug sellers in a rural district in East-Central Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Wamani Henry , Peterson Stefan , Mårtensson Andreas , Mutto Milton , Musoke David , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Mukanga David , Gibson Linda , Awor Phyllis 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Support supervision improves performance outcomes among health workers. However, the national professional guidelines for new licenses and renewal for Class C drug shops in Uganda prescribe self-supervision of licensed private drug sellers. Without support supervision, inappropriate treatment of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea among children under 5 years of age continues unabated. This study assessed experiences of drug sellers and peer supervisors at the end of a peer supervision intervention in Luuka District in East Central Uganda.

Methods
Eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with peer supervisors while five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among registered drug sellers at the end of the peer supervision intervention. The study assessed experiences and challenges of peer supervisors and drug sellers regarding peer supervision. Transcripts were imported into Atlas.ti 7 qualitative data management software where they were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results
Initially, peer supervisors were disliked and regarded by drug sellers as another extension of drug inspectors. However, with time a good relationship was established between drug sellers and peer supervisors leading to regular, predictable and supportive peer supervision. This increased confidence of drug sellers in using respiratory timers and rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosing pneumonia symptoms and uncomplicated malaria, respectively, among children under 5 years. There was also an improvement in completing the sick child register which was used for self-assessment by drug sellers. The drug shop association was mentioned as a place where peer supervision should be anchored since it was a one-stop centre for sharing experiences and continuous professional development. Drug sellers proposed including community health workers in monthly drug shop association meetings so that they may also gain from the associated benefits. Untimely completion of the sick child registers by drug sellers and inadequate financial resources were the main peer supervision challenges mentioned.

Conclusion
Drug sellers benefitted from peer supervision by developing a good relationship with peer supervisors. This relationship guaranteed reliable and predictable supervision ultimately leading to improved treatment practices. There is need to explore the minimum resources needed for peer supervision of drug sellers to further inform practice and policy.
Age and gender specific cut-off points for body fat parameters among adults in Qatar
Authors: Bawadi H. , Hassan S. , Shanbeh Zadeh A. , Sarv H. , Kerkadi A. , Tur Josep A. , Shi Z. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Excessive body fat is the leading cause of many metabolic disorders. Therefore, assessing levels of body fat associated with risk of disease in specific populations is crucial. The present study aimed to identify optimal cut-off values of body fat composition including total body fat, body fat percentage, visceral fat, and trunk fat, in order to predict metabolic risk in the Qatari population.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was based on Qatar Biobank data of 2407 Qatari adults (1269 male and 1138 female) aged 21–70 years old. Individuals’ height, weight and body fat percentage were obtained. Blood test data including lipid profile, blood glucose and HbA1c data were also obtained. The area under the curve was calculated using ROC analysis to obtain the body fat percentage associated with risk of disease.

Results
The cut-off points for total fat for those aged < 40 were 34.0 kg, and for those aged ≥40 were 30.7 kg and 35.6 kg in men and women, respectively. The cut-off for body fat percent for those aged < 40 were 35.1 and 45.1%, and for those aged ≥40 were 34.8 and 46.3% in men and women, respectively. The cut-off points for trunk fat percent for those aged < 40 were 19.5 and 22.4%, and for those aged ≥40 were 21.6 and 23.4% in men and women, respectively. The cut-off points for visceral fat percent for those aged < 40 were 1.4 and 1.0%, and for those aged ≥40 were 1.9 and 1.4% in men and women, respectively.

Conclusion
This study established Qatari adult-specific cut-off values of body fat for different age and gender groups.
Neuron-derived exosomes-transmitted miR-124-3p protect traumatically injured spinal cord by suppressing the activation of neurotoxic microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Jiang Dongdong , Gong Fangyi , Ge Xuhui , Lv Chengtang , Huang Chenyu , Feng Shuang , Zhou Zheng , Rong Yuluo , Wang Jiaxing , Ji Chengyue , Chen Jian , Zhao Wene , Fan Jin , Liu Wei , Cai Weihua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic injury that can cause irreversible motor dysfunction with high disability. Exosomes participate in the transport of miRNAs and play an essential role in intercellular communication via transfer of genetic material. However, the miRNAs in exosomes which derived from neurons, and the underlying mechanisms by which they contribute to SCI remain unknown.

Methods
A contusive in vivo SCI model and a series of in vitro experiments were carried out to explore the therapeutic effects of exosomes. Then, a miRNA microarray analysis and rescue experiments were performed to confirm the role of neuron-derived exosomal miRNA in SCI. Western blot, luciferase activity assay, and RNA-ChIP were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Results
The results indicated that neuron-derived exosomes promoted functional behavioral recovery by suppressing the activation of M1 microglia and A1 astrocytes in vivo and in vitro. A miRNA array showed miR-124-3p to be the most enriched in neuron-derived exosomes. MYH9 was identified as the target downstream gene of miR-124-3p. A series of experiments were used to confirm the miR-124-3p/MYH9 axis. Finally, it was found that PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling cascades may be involved in the modulation of microglia by exosomal miR-124-3p.

Conclusion
A combination of miRNAs and neuron-derived exosomes may be a promising, minimally invasive approach for the treatment of SCI.
Prognostic value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis including 3338 patients
Authors: Lin Shuwen , Fang Yinghua , Mo Zhikang , Lin Ye , Ji Chenggang , Jian Zhixiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Recently, reports have classified lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) as an effective indicator for predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of LMR for pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Through meta-analysis, this work intends to evaluate the potential prognostic role of pretreatment LMR in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Methods
We reviewed and extracted eligible articles from Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. A meta-analysis was conducted using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the comparison between pretreatment LMR and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival/time to progression (DFS/RFS/TTP).

Results
In total, 11 studies (16 cohorts) including 3338 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC) were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Notably, we revealed that high pretreatment LMR predicted better overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.58–0.80, P < 0.001, I-squared = 69.3%, Ph < 0.001) and DFS/RFS/TTP (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.96, P = 0.037, I-squared = 89.9%, Ph < 0.001) in patients with pancreatic cancer. Further, through subgroup analyses, we showed that high pretreatment LMR was significantly associated with the favorable OS regardless of ethnicity, study design, treatment method, variable type, the cut-off value for LMR, and disease stages of I–IV and III–IV.

Conclusion
The findings from our study suggest that high pretreatment LMR is associated with better OS and DFS/RFS/TTP in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As such, it can potentially serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Baker Tamara L. , Sun Mujun , Semple Bridgette D. , Tyebji Shiraz , Tonkin Christopher J. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Shultz Sandy R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection.Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI andT.gondiiinfection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI andT.gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur duringT.gondiiinfection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronicT.gondiiinfection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronicT.gondiiinfection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
Robotic tests for position sense and movement discrimination in the upper limb reveal that they each are highly reproducible but not correlated in healthy individuals
Authors: Lowrey Catherine R. , Blazevski Benett , Marnet Jean-Luc , Bretzke Helen , Dukelow Sean P. , Scott Stephen H. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Robotic technologies for neurological assessment provide sensitive, objective measures of behavioural impairments associated with injuries or disease such as stroke. Previous robotic tasks to assess proprioception typically involve single limbs or in some cases both limbs. The challenge with these approaches is that they often rely on intact motor function and/or working memory to remember/reproduce limb position, both of which can be impaired following stroke. Here, we examine the feasibility of a single-arm Movement Discrimination Threshold (MDT) task to assess proprioception by quantifying thresholds for sensing passive limb movement without vision. We use a staircase method to adjust movement magnitude based on subject performance throughout the task in order to reduce assessment time. We compare MDT task performance to our previously-designed Arm Position Matching (APM) task. Critically, we determine test-retest reliability of each task in the same population of healthy controls.

Method
Healthy participants (N = 21, age = 18–22 years) completed both tasks in the End-Point Kinarm robot. In the MDT task the robot moved the dominant arm left or right and participants indicated the direction moved. Movement displacement was systematically adjusted (decreased after correct answers, increased after incorrect) until the Discrimination Threshold was found. In the APM task, the robot moved the dominant arm and participants “mirror-matched” with the non-dominant arm.

Results
Discrimination Threshold for direction of arm displacement in the MDT task ranged from 0.1–1.3 cm. Displacement Variability ranged from 0.11–0.71 cm. Test-retest reliability of Discrimination Threshold based on ICC confidence intervals was moderate to excellent (range, ICC = 0.78 [0.52–0.90]). Interestingly, ICC values for Discrimination Threshold increased to 0.90 [0.77–0.96] (good to excellent) when the number of trials was reduced to the first 50. Most APM parameters had ICC’s above 0.80, (range, ICC = [0.86–0.88]) with the exception of variability (ICC = 0.30). Importantly, no parameters were significantly correlated across tasks as Spearman rank correlations across parameter-pairings ranged from − 0.27 to 0.30.

Conclusions
The MDT task is a feasible and reliable task, assessing movement discrimination threshold in ~ 17 min. Lack of correlation between the MDT and a position-matching task (APM) indicates that these tasks assess unique aspects of proprioception that are not strongly related in young, healthy individuals.
The decisive role of molecular pathology in presumed somatic metastases of type II testicular germ cell tumors: report of 2 cases
Authors: Kranendonk Mariëtte E. G. , Hackeng Wenzel M. , Offerhaus G. Johan A. , Morsink Folkert H. M. , Jonges Geertruida N. , Groenewegen Gerard , Krijtenburg Pieter-Jaap , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , de Leng Wendy W. J. , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMolecular diagnostics can be decisive in the differential diagnosis between a somatic metastasis of type II testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) or a second primary carcinoma. This is in line with recent recommendations from the International Society of Urological Pathology, based on an international survey which showed that molecular testing is currently only performed by a minority of urological pathologists.Case presentationsThis case report illustrates the necessity of molecular testing in two patients with a history of type II TGCT and a metastatic (retro) peritoneal carcinoma years later. The genetic hallmark of type II TGCT, chromosome 12p gain, was studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization and whole genome methylation profiling in case 1, and by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array in case 2. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to further explore clonality between the primary TGCT and peritoneal metastasis in case 2. In case 1, chromosome 12p gain was found in the primary type II TGCT and in the acinar cell carcinoma of the metastatic malignancy. In case 2, SNP array showed 12p gain in the epithelial component of the primary teratomatous TGCT but not in the peritoneal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, NGS showed no mutations in the primary teratomatous TGCT but a KRAS and GNAS mutation in the peritoneal adenocarcinoma, suggestive of an appendicular origin.ConclusionsWithout the molecular data, both cases would have been regarded as a metastatic TGCT with development of somatic-type malignancy, which appeared a wrong diagnosis for case 2. These cases demonstrate the importance of molecular methods as an adjunct in today’s pathology practice.