bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of sugar beet residues into lipids by Lipomyces starkeyi for biodiesel production
Authors: Martani Francesca , Maestroni Letizia , Torchio Mattia , Ami Diletta , Natalello Antonino , Lotti Marina , Porro Danilo , Branduardi Paola 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Lipids from oleaginous yeasts emerged as sustainable alternative to vegetable oils and animal fat to produce biodiesel, the biodegradable and environmentally friendly counterpart of diesel fuel. To develop economically viable microbial processes, the use of residual feedstocks as growth substrates is required.Results: In this work, we investigated sugar beet pulp (SBP) and molasses, the main residues of sugar beet processing, as sustainable substrates for the growth and lipid accumulation by the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi. Initially, we observed that in hydrolyzed SBP the yeast cultures reached a limited biomass, cellular lipid content, lipid production and yield (2.5 g/L, 19.2 %, 0.5 g/L and 0.08 g/g, respectively). Secondly, to increase the initial sugar availability, cells were grown in SBP blended with molasses. Under batch cultivation, the cellular lipid content was more than doubled (47.2 %) in the presence of 6 % molasses. Under pulsed-feeding cultivation, final biomass, cellular lipid content, lipid production and lipid yield were further improved, reaching respectively 20.5 g/L, 49.2 %, 9.7 g/L and 0.178 g/g. Finally, we observed that SBP can be used instead of ammonium sulfate to fulfill yeasts nitrogen requirement in molasses-based media for microbial oil production. Conclusions: This study demonstrated for the first time that SBP and molasses can be blended to create a feedstock for the sustainable production of lipids by L. starkeyi. The data obtained pave the way to further improve lipid production by designing a fed-batch cultivation mode in bioreactor.
Serum Lipids Profiling Perturbances in Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Lin , Wang Liang , Deng Yangyang , Sun Lizhe , Low Bowen , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue , Zhou Bo , Liu Junhui , She Jianqing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ischemic heart disease(IHD) is a common cardiovascular disorder associated with inadequate blood supply to the myocardium. Chronic coronary ischemia leads to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Despite their rising prevalence and morbidity, few studies have discussed the lipids alterations in these patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed serum lipids profile in IHD and ICM patients using a lipidomics approach. Consecutive patients admitted to the hospital for stable IHD and ICM were enrolled. Serum samples were obtained after overnight fasting. Nontargeted metabolomics was applied to demonstrate lipids metabolic profile in control, stable IHD and ICM patients. Results: A total of 63 and 62 lipids were detected in negative and positive ion mode respectively. Among them, 16:0 Lyso PI, 18:1 Lyso PI in negative ion mode, and 19:0 Lyso PC, 12:0 SM d18:1/12:0, 15:0 Lyso PC, 17:0 PC, 18:1-18:0 PC in positive ion mode were significantly altered both in IHD and ICM as compared to control. 13:0 Lyso PI, 18:0 Lyso PI, 16:0 PE, 14:0 PC DMPC, 16:0 ceramide, 18:0 ceramide in negative ion mode, and 17:0 PE, 19:0 PC, 14:0 Lyso PC, 20:0 Lyso PC, 18:0 PC DSPC, 18:0-22:6 PC in positive ion mode were significantly altered only in ICM as compared to IHD and control. Conclusion: Using non-targeted metabolomic profiling, we have successfully identified a group of circulating lipids that were significantly altered in stable IHD and ICM. The lipids metabolic signatures shed light on potential new biomarkers and therapeutics for preventing and treating ICM.
U-shaped association between plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate levels and mortality in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: A prospective cohort study.
Authors: Xue Yanbo , Wei Jiang , Qiong Ma , Xiqiang Wang , Pu Jia , Qiang Li , Shuping Chen , Bingxue Song , Ya Wang , Jingwen Zhang , Jing Liu , Guodong Yang , Yuyao Lin , Jing Liu , Linyan Wei , Caijuan Dong , Haiquan Li , Zhonglei Xie , Ling Bai , Ma Aiqun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The endogenous lipid molecule sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has received attention in the cardiovascular field due to its significant cardioprotective effects, as revealed in animal studies. The purpose of our study was to identify the distribution characteristics of S1P in systolic heart failure patients and the prognostic value of S1P for long-term prognosis. Methods: We recruited 210 chronic systolic heart failure patients from June 2014 to December 2015. Meanwhile 54 healthy people in the same area were selected as controls. Plasma S1P was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Patients were grouped according to the baseline S1P level quartiles, and restricted cubic spline plots described the association between S1P and all cause death. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine the relationship between category of S1P and all-cause death. Results: Compared with the control group, the plasma S1P in chronic heart failure patients demonstrated a higher mean level (1.269 μmol/L vs 1.122 μmol/L, P=0.006) and a larger standard deviation (0.441 vs 0.316, P=0.022). After a follow-up period of 31.7 ± 10.3 months, the second quartile (0.967-1.192μml/L) with largely normal S1P levels had the lowest all-cause mortality and either an increase (HR=3.87, 95%CI 1.504-9.960, P=0.005) or a decrease (HR=3.271, 95%CI 1.277-8.381, P=0.014) predicted a worse prognosis. Being grouped into the quartile4 group after correction of other variables with prognostic values for all-cause mortality (adjusted HR=3.685 [1.391-9.763], p=0.009) still predicted a worse prognosis. The survival curves showed that S1P levels in the quartile1 and quartile4 groups significantly reduced the patient survival rate. Conclusions: Plasma S1P levels in systolic heart failure patients are related to the long-term all-cause mortality with a U-shaped correlation.
A practice improvement package at scale to improve management of birth asphyxia in Rwanda: A before-after mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Umunyana Jacqueline , Sayinzoga Felix , Ricca Jim , Favero Rachel , Manariyo Marcel , Kayinamura Assumpta , Tayebwa Edwin , Khadka Neena , Molla Yordanos , Kim Young-Mi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a competency-based educational method for an evidence-based protocol to manage birth asphyxia in low resource settings. HBB has been shown to improve health worker skills and neonatal outcomes, but studies have documented problems with skills retention and little evidence of effectiveness at large scale in routine practice. This study examined the effect of complementing provider training with clinical mentorship and quality improvement as outlined in the second edition HBB materials.This “system-oriented” approach was implemented in all public health facilities (n=172) in ten districts in Rwanda from 2015 to 2018. Methods: A before-after mixed methods study assessed changes in provider skills and neonatal outcomes related to birth asphyxia. Mentee knowledge and skills were assessed with HBB objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) B pre and post training and during mentorship visits up to one year afterward. The study team extracted health outcome data across the entirety of intervention districts and conducted interviews to gather perspectives of providers and managers on the approach. Results: Nearly forty percent (n= 772) of the health workers in maternity units directly received mentorship. Of the mentees who received two or more visits (n=456), sixty percent demonstrated competence (received > 80% score on OSCE B) on the first mentorship visit, and 100% by the sixth. In a subset of 220 health workers followed for an average of five months after demonstrating competence, 98% maintained or improved their score. Three of the tracked neonatal health outcomes improved across the ten districts and the fourth just missed statistical significance: neonatal admissions due to asphyxia (37% reduction); fresh stillbirths (27% reduction); neonatal deaths due to asphyxia (13% reduction); and death within 30 minutes of birth (19% reduction, p=0.06). Health workers expressed satisfaction with the clinical mentorship approach, noting improvements in confidence, patient flow within the maternity, and data use for decision-making. Conclusions: Framing management of birth asphyxia within a larger quality improvement approach appears to contribute to success at scale. Clinical mentorship emerged as a critical element. The specific effect of individual components of the approach on provider skills and health outcomes requires further investigation.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Post-Partum Haemorrhage in Africa: A systematic review.
Authors: Bestman Prince Leornad , Pan Xiongfeng , Luo Jiayou 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Postpartum Haemorrhage is the loss of blood that is 500 ml or greater than 500ml following a vaginal delivery or blood loss that is more than or equivalent to 1000 ml post-caesarean section. Post-partum Haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality, and to our knowledge, there is less evidence of a systematic review being published on the prevalence and associated risk factors of PPH in Africa. Additionally, findings from previous studies about the prevalence and risk factors of PPH in Africa are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of PPH in Africa, so as to provide scientific evidence base findings that might be used to ensure maternal safety. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the prevalence and risk factors of Postpartum haemorrhage in Africa. Four electronic databases were searched for published observational and cross-sectional studies that reported on the prevalence and risk factors of PPH in Africa. Simple manual arithmetic calculation and descriptive critical reasoning were used to analyse pooled data on PPH prevalence and its associated risk factors in Africa. Results: A total of 2005 publications were retrieved from our search, out of which 162 articles were selected for full-text review. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. All the included studies reported relatively different prevalence rates of PPH in Africa, ranging from 1.13% in Nigeria to 23.63% in Cameroon. This Review found the overall prevalence rate of PPH in Africa to be 3.51%. Nearly all the studies provided similar associated risk factors of PPH in Africa, but these risk factors vary relatively in the magnitude of association from one country to another. Notwithstanding, this review found: spontaneous vaginal delivery, older maternal age, and multiparty to be associated with increased risk of PPH in Africa. Conclusion: We found that the PPH prevalence rate is lower than 4% in Africa and that its risk factors vary relatively in the strength of association from one geographical region to another. We suggest that future research focus on PPH prevention and control to ensure maternal and child safety.
Assessing capacity of health facilities to provide routine maternal and newborn care in low-income settings: what proportions are ready to provide good-quality care, and what proportions of women receive it?
Authors: Tomlin Keith , Berhanu Della , Gautham Meenakshi , Umar Nasir , Schellenberg Joanna , Wickremasinghe Deepthi , Marchant Tanya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Good quality maternal and newborn care at primary health facilities is essential for both mothers and infants, but in settings with high maternal and newborn mortality the evidence for the protective effect of facility delivery is inconsistent. We surveyed samples of health facilities in three settings with high maternal mortality, to assess the quality of routine maternal and newborn care and the proportion of women delivering in facilities with a good standard of care. Surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2015 to assess changes in the quality of care over time. Methods Surveys were conducted in Ethiopia, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and Gombe State in North-Eastern Nigeria. 166 and 305 primary care facilities were sampled in 2012 and 2015 respectively. In each year we assessed whether each facility could provide four “signal” functions of routine maternal and newborn care. From facility registers we counted the number of deliveries in the previous six months and calculated the proportion of women giving birth in facilities which could offer good quality routine care. Results In Ethiopia the proportion of deliveries in facilities which provided all four signal functions rose from 40% (95% CI 26-57) in 2012 to 43% (95% CI 31-56) in 2015. In Uttar Pradesh in 2012 an estimated 4% (95% CI 1-24) of facility deliveries occurred in facilities which provided all four signal functions, rising to 39% (95% CI 25-55) in 2015. In Nigeria these estimates were 25% (95% CI 6-66) and zero for 2012 and 2015 respectively. Improvements in signal functions in Ethiopia and Uttar Pradesh were led by improved supplies of commodities while Nigeria experienced declines in supplies of commodities and the number of Skilled Birth Attendants employed. Conclusions This study quantifies how health facilities can provide sub-optimal maternal and newborn care, and may help explain inconsistent outcomes of health facility care in some settings. Signal function methodology can provide a rapid and inexpensive measure of the capacity of facilities to provide such care. Incorporating data on facility deliveries and repeating the analyses highlights the adjustments that could have greatest impact upon maternal and newborn care.
Application of MNPs-IHSPN nanoparticles in really stabilization of biomolecules bio drugs In-vitro environment
Authors: Binandeh Mansour , Rostamnia Sadegh , Karimi Farrokh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
All scientists are working on biomedicine and Nano-biotechnology. So, one of the most important issues is the study of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-IHSPN). The purpose of this project is to examine the approach of using a common buffer to determine the degree of stabilization and release of two molecules of drugs that have been analyzed In-vitro. The structures as a SEM and FT-IR instruments and were used in the amount of 25 mg. After the reaction with biomolecules, the absorption rate was about 60-80%. The release of biomolecules was done by a buffer PBS by spectrophotometer analysis. It is noteworthy that these biomolecules was tested in two forms of covalent and electrostatic bonding. EDX analysis and electrophoresis were used to stabilize the absorption rate in the electrostatic transplant and FT-IR analysis for fixation of covalent bonding. The overall result of this project is to use the common characteristics of some biomolecules for important drug exchange in the living environment of cells.
Irradiation pretreatment enhances the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-membrane- camouflaged antitumor nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yin , Shen Xue , Han Songling , Wang Tao , Zhao Jianqi , He Yongwu , Chen Shilei , Deng Shengqi , Wang Cheng , Wang Junping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Backgroud: Cell membrane-based nanocarriers are promising candidates for delivering antitumor agents. The employment of a simple and feasible method to improve the tumor-targeting abilities of these systems is appealing for further application. Herein, we prepared a platelet membrane (PM)-camouflaged antitumor nanoparticle. The effects of irradiation pretreatment on tumor targeting of the nanomaterial and on its antitumor action were evaluated.Results: The biomimetic nanomaterial constructed by indocyanine green, poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide), and PM is termed PINPs@PM. A 4-Gy X-ray irradiation enabled the endocytic enhancement of PINPs@PM by 4T1 breast cancer cells. PINPs@PM produced hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species upon excitation by near-infrared irradiation, which were detrimental to the cytoplasmic lysosome and resulted in cell death. Irradiation pretreatment thus strengthened the antitumor activity of PINPs@PM in vitro. Mice experiments revealed that irradiation enhanced the tumor targeting capability of PINPs@PM in vivo. When the same dose of PINPs@PM was intravenously administered, irradiated mice had a better outcome than did mice without X-ray pretreatment. Conclusion: The study demonstrates an effective strategy combining irradiation pretreatment and PM camouflage to deliver antitumor nanoparticles, which may be instrumental for targeted tumor therapy.
Elastin-like polypeptide and γ-zein fusions significantly increase recombinant protein accumulation in soybean seeds
Authors: Yang Jing , Niu Lu , He Hongli , Cheng Yunqing , Zhong Xiaofang , Zhao Qianqian , Xing Guojie , Liu Jianfeng , Yang Xiangdong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundSoybean seeds are an ideal host for the production of recombinant proteins because of their high content of proteins, long-term stability of seed proteins under ambient conditions, and easy establishment of efficient purification protocols. ResultsIn this study, a polypeptide fusion strategy was applied to explore the capacity of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and γ-zein fusions in increasing the accumulation of the recombinant protein in soybean seeds. Transgenic soybean plants were generated to express the γ-zein- or ELP-fused green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the soybean seed-specific promoter BCSP. Significant differences were observed in the accumulation of zein-GFP and GFP-ELP from that of the unfused GFP in transgenic soybean seeds based on the total soluble protein (TSP), despite the low-copy of T-DNA insertions and similar expression at the mRNA levels in selected transgenic lines. The average levels of zein-GFP and GFP-ELP accumulated in immature seeds of these transgenic lines were 0.99% and 0.29% TSP, respectively, compared with 0.07% TSP of the unfused GFP. In mature soybean seeds, the accumulation of zein-GFP and GFP-ELP proteins was 1.8% and 0.84% TSP, an increase of 3.91- and 1.82-fold, respectively, in comparison with that of the unfused GFP (0.46% TSP). Confocal laser scanning analysis showed that both zein-GFP and GFP-ELP were deposited in the protein storage vacuoles of transgenic seeds, while the unfused GFP was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Despite increased recombinant protein accumulation, there were no significant changes in the total protein and oil content in seeds between the transgenic and non-transformed plants, suggesting the possible presence of threshold limits of total protein accumulation in transgenic soybean seeds. ConclusionsOverall, our results indicate that γ-zein and ELP fusions significantly increased the accumulation of the recombinant protein, but exhibited no significant influence on the total protein and oil content in soybean seeds.
Improving early recognition and intervention in people at increased risk for the development of bipolar disorder - Study protocol of a prospective-longitudinal, naturalistic cohort study (Early-BipoLife)
Authors: Pfennig Andrea , Leopold Karolina , Martini Julia , Boehme Anne , Lambert Martin , Stamm Thomas , Bermpohl Felix , Reif Andreas , Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Juckel Georg , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Kircher Tilo , Jansen Andreas , Pfeiffer Steffi , Berndt Christina , Rottmann-Wolf Maren , Sauer Cathrin , Ritter Philipp , Correll Christoph U. , Bechdolf Andreas , Falkenberg Irina , Bauer Michael 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Bipolar disorders (BD) belong to the most severe mental disorders, characterized by an early onset, predominantly recurrent/chronic course and poor psychosocial functioning. Many patients with BD experience substantial symptomatology months or even years before full BD manifestation. Adequate diagnosis and treatment is often delayed, which is associated with a worse outcome. This study aims to prospectively evaluate and improve early recognition and intervention strategies for persons at-risk for BD. Methods and Results Early-BipoLife is a prospective-longitudinal cohort study of 1419 participants (aged 15-35 years) with at least five waves of assessment over a period of at least 2 years (baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). A research consortium of ten university and teaching hospitals across Germany conducts this study. The following risk groups (RGs) were recruited: RG I: help-seeking youth & young adults consulting early recognition centres/facilities presenting ≥1 of the proposed risk factors for BD, RG II: in-/outpatients with unipolar depressive syndrome, and RG III: in-/ outpatients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reference cohort was selected from the German representative IMAGEN cohort. Over the study period, the natural course of risk and resilience factors, early symptoms of BD and changes of symptom severity (including conversion to manifest BD) are observed. Psychometric properties of recently developed, structured instruments on potential risk factors for conversion to BD and subsyndromal symptomatology (Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale, Bipolar at-risk criteria, EPI bipolar ) and biomarkers that potentially improve prediction are investigated. Moreover, actual treatment recommendations are monitored in the participating specialized services and compared to recently postulated clinical categorization and treatment guidance in the field of early BD. Conclusion Findings from this study will contribute to an improved knowledge about the natural course of BD, from the onset of first noticeable symptoms (precursors) to fully developed BD, and about mechanisms of conversion from subthreshold to manifest BD. Moreover, these generated data will provide information for the development of evidence-based guidelines for early-targeted detection and preventive intervention for people at risk for BD.
The time course of acute Percheron artery ischemic coma on imaging: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tong Dao-Ming , Zhou Ye-Ting , Liu Guo-Hong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background We investigated the time course of lesions for awakening in acute Percheron artery ischemic coma (PAIC), which was previously unknown. Methods Patients who had newly identified acute PAIC events in 2011–2014 and had not received thrombolytic therapy were enrolled retrospectively. The time course of lesions in PAIC was investigated by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Results Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 63 and 30 had transient PAIC and persistent PAIC, respectively. The time course of awakening events in persistent PAIC decreased over time, with large lesions in the bilateral paramedian thalamus/ rostral midbrain on DWI almost in all patients who was either plus or minus a “top of basilar artery” strokes. Whereas awakening events in transient PAIC increased over time, with small or lacunar lesions in the unilateral or bilateral thalamus/rostral midbrain about in 30.2% cases, and the rest in naturally recanalization of infarcts or TIA. Lesion volumes were larger for persistent PAIC than for transient PAIC (median, 2.4 cm 3 vs. 0.03 cm 3 , P <0.0001). In Cox hazards ratio (HR) analysis, a lower GCS score was associated with mortality (HR, 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.427–21.45). Multivaliate analysis shown that the predictors of higher risk of persistent PAIC were only increased NIHSS scores (HR,1.3; 95% CI,1.109-1.640) and large lesions in bilateral thalamus/rostral midbrain (HR,15.0; 95% CI,1.440-58.13). Conclusions The only two forms of acute PAIC events were transient and persistent. Most persistent PAIC was associated with large lesions in bilateral paramedian thalamus/rostral midbrain, and with high mortality.