bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the promoting effect of non-catalytic protein on enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of lignocelluloses
Authors: Gong Zhenggang , Yang Guangxu , Song Junlong , Zheng Peitao , Liu Jing , Zhu Wenyuan , Huang Liulian , Chen Lihui , Luo Xiaolin , Shuai Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Lignin deposits formed on the surface of pretreated lignocellulosic substrates during acidic pretreatments can non-productively adsorb costly enzymes and thereby influence the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of cellulose. In this article, peanut protein (PP), a biocompatible non-catalytic protein, was separated from defatted peanut flour (DPF) as a lignin blocking additive to overcome this adverse effect. With the addition of 2.5 g/L PP in enzymatic hydrolysis medium, the glucose yield of the bamboo substrate pretreated by phenylsulfonic acid (PSA) significantly increased from 38 to 94% at a low cellulase loading of 5 FPU/g glucan while achieving a similar glucose yield required a cellulase loading of 17.5 FPU/g glucan without PP addition. Similar promotion effects were also observed on the n-pentanol-pretreated bamboo and PSA-pretreated eucalyptus substrates. The promoting effect of PP on enzymatic hydrolysis was ascribed to blocking lignin deposits via hydrophobic and/or hydrogen-bonding interactions, which significantly reduced the non-productive adsorption of cellulase onto PSA lignin. Meanwhile, PP extraction also facilitated the utilization of residual DPF as the adhesive for producing plywood as compared to that without protein pre-extraction. This scheme provides a sustainable and viable way to improve the value of woody and agriculture biomass.
Peanut protein, a biocompatible non-catalytic protein, can block lignin, improve enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency and thereby facilitate the economics of biorefinery.

Graphical abstract
ICS/formoterol in the management of asthma in the clinical practice of pulmonologists: an international survey on GINA strategy
Authors: Cruz Álvaro A. , Barile Sara , Nudo Elena , Brogelli Laura , Guller Patricia , Papi Alberto 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The treatment with short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA) alone is no longer recommended due to safety issues. Instead, the current Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Report recommends the use of the combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with the rapid/long-acting beta-2 agonist formoterol, although the use in steps 1 and 2 is still off-label in the EU and in many countries. It is important to understand clinicians’ knowledge and opinions on the issue with the ultimate goal to encourage the implementation of the new approach in clinical practice.

Methods
We performed an international survey, directed to pulmonologists interested in the management of patients with asthma.

Results
Most participants reported that SABA alone should not be used in GINA Step 1 asthma treatment. As-needed low-dose ICS/formoterol combination to patients in step 1, and as-needed low-dose ICS/formoterol as reliever therapy in any step were found to be of current use prescribed in their real-life settings. SABA alone was still prescribed to a proportion of patients, although the pulmonologists’ opinion was that it should no longer be used.

Conclusions
Most specialists are up to date and understand the relevance of the changes in GINA reports from 2019. Nevertheless, dissemination and implementation of GINA novel management strategy is still needed.
Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Body Composition in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)
Authors: Chou Sharon H , Murata Elle M , Yu Cindy , Danik Jacqueline , Kotler Gregory , Cook Nancy R , Bubes Vadim , Mora Samia , Chandler Paulette D , Tobias Deirdre K , Copeland Trisha , Buring Julie E , Manson JoAnn E , LeBoff Meryl S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Context
Although observational studies show inverse associations between vitamin D status and body weight/adiposity, there are few large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating this relationship.

Objective
To determine whether vitamin D3 supplementation lowers weight or improves body composition.

Design
The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT including 25 871 US adults. This ancillary study was completed in a sub-cohort that underwent body composition assessments at baseline and 2-year follow-up (89% retention).

Setting
Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center in Boston.

Participants
771 participants (men ≥ 50 and women ≥ 55 years).

Interventions
2 × 2 factorial design of supplemental vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day).

Main Outcome Measures
Endpoints were 2-year changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total and/or regional fat and lean tissue measures determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Effect modification by clinical variables and total and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels was explored.

Results
There were no effects of supplemental vitamin D3vs placebo on weight, BMI, or measures of adiposity and lean tissue. Effects did not vary by sex, race/ethnicity, fat mass index, or baseline total or free 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D3 supplementation did slightly improve body fat percentage in participants with normal BMI at baseline, but not in the overweight or obese (P for interaction = 0.04).

Conclusions
Daily vitamin D3 supplementation vs placebo in the general older population did not improve weight or body composition. Whether supplemental vitamin D3 may benefit individuals with normal BMI warrants further study.
Plasma Lipidomic Profiles and Risk of Diabetes: 2 Prospective Cohorts of HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Individuals
Authors: Zhang Eric , Chai Jin Choul , Deik Amy A , Hua Simin , Sharma Anjali , Schneider Michael F , Gustafson Deborah , Hanna David B , Lake Jordan E , Rubin Leah H , Post Wendy S , Anastos Kathryn , Brown Todd , Clish Clary B , Kaplan Robert C , Qi Qibin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesAntiretroviral therapy (ART) use is associated with disrupted lipid and glucose metabolism in people with HIV infection. We aimed to identify plasma lipid species associated with risk of diabetes in the context of HIV infection.Research Design and MethodsWe profiled 211 plasma lipid species in 491 HIV-infected and 203 HIV-uninfected participants aged 35 to 55 years from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine associations between baseline lipid species and incident diabetes (166 diabetes cases were identified during a median follow-up of 12.6 years).ResultsWe identified 11 lipid species, representing independent signals for 8 lipid classes/subclasses, associated with risk of diabetes (P &lt; 0.05 after FDR correction). After adjustment for multiple covariates, cholesteryl ester (CE) (22:4), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:2), phosphatidylcholine (PC) (36:4), phosphatidylcholine plasmalogen (34:3), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (38:2) were associated with decreased risk of diabetes (HRs = 0.70 to 0.82 per SD increment), while diacylglycerol (32:0), LPC (14:0), PC (38:3), PE (36:1), and triacylglycerol (50:1) were associated with increased risk of diabetes (HRs = 1.26 to 1.56 per SD increment). HIV serostatus did not modify any lipid-diabetes associations; however, most of these lipid species were positively associated with HIV and/or ART use, including 3 diabetes-decreased ( CE [22:4], LPC [18:2], PE [38:2]) and all 5 diabetes-increased lipid species.ConclusionsThis study identified multiple plasma lipid species associated with incident diabetes. Regardless of the directions of their associations with diabetes, most diabetes-associated lipid species were elevated in ART-treated people with HIV infection. This suggests a complex role of lipids in the link between ART and diabetes in HIV infection.
SGLT2 Inhibitor–Induced Low-Grade Ketonemia Ameliorates Retinal Hypoxia in Diabetic Retinopathy—A Novel Hypothesis
Authors: Mudaliar Sunder , Hupfeld Christopher , Chao Daniel L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-recognized microvascular complication of diabetes. Growing evidence suggests that, in addition to retinal vascular damage, there is significant damage to retinal neural tissue in DR. Studies reveal neuronal damage before clinically evident vascular lesions and DR is now classified as a neurovascular complication. Hyperglycemia causes retinal damage through complex metabolic pathways leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular damage, capillary ischemia, and retinal tissue hypoxia. Retinal hypoxia is further worsened by high oxygen consumption in the rods. Persistent hypoxia results in increases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other pro-angiogenic factors leading to proliferative DR/macular edema and progressive visual impairment. Optimal glucose control has favorable effects in DR. Other treatments for DR include laser photocoagulation, which improves retinal oxygenation by destroying the high oxygen consuming rods and their replacement by low oxygen consuming glial tissue. Hypoxia is a potent stimulator of VEGF, and intravitreal anti-VEGF antibodies are effective in regressing macular edema and in some studies, retinal neovascularization. In this review, we highlight the complex pathophysiology of DR with a focus on retinal oxygen/fuel consumption and hypoxic damage to retinal neurons. We discuss potential mechanisms through which sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve retinal hypoxia—through ketone bodies, which are energetically as efficient as glucose and yield more ATP per molecule of oxygen consumed than fat, with less oxidative stress. Retinal benefits would occur through improved fuel energetics, less hypoxia and through the anti-inflammatory/oxidative stress effects of ketone bodies. Well-designed studies are needed to explore this hypothesis.
Run length encoding based wavelet features for COVID-19 detection in X-rays
Authors: Sarhan Ahmad 
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Introduced in his paper is a novel approach for the recognition of COVID-19 cases in chest X-rays. Methods: The discrete Wavelet transform (DWT) is employed in the proposed system to obtain highly discriminative features from the input chest X-ray image. The selected features are then classified by a support vector machine (SVM) classifier as either normal or COVID-19 cases. The DWT is well-known for its energy compression power. The proposed system uses the DWT to decompose the chest X-ray image into a group of approximation coefficients that contain a small number of high-energy (high-magnitude) coefficients. The proposed system introduces a novel coefficient selection scheme that employs hard thresholding combined with run-length encoding to extract only high-magnitude Wavelet approximation coefficients. These coefficients are utilized as features symbolizing the chest X-ray input image. After applying zero-padding to unify their lengths, the feature vectors are introduced to a SVM which classifies them as either normal or COVID-19 cases. Results: The proposed system yields promising results in terms of classification accuracy, which justifies further work in this direction. Conclusion: The DWT can produce a few features that are highly discriminative. By reducing the dimensionality of the feature space, the proposed system is able to reduce the number of required training images and diminish the space and time complexities of the system. Advances in knowledge: Exploiting and reshaping the approximation coefficients can produce discriminative features representing the input image.
The use of ‘PICO for synthesis’ and methods for synthesis without meta-analysis: protocol for a survey of current practice in systematic reviews of health interventions
Authors: Cumpston Miranda S. , McKenzie Joanne E. , Thomas James , Brennan Sue E. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Systematic reviews involve synthesis of research to inform decision making by clinicians, consumers, policy makers and researchers. While guidance for synthesis often focuses on meta-analysis, synthesis begins with specifying the ’PICO for each synthesis’ (i.e. the criteria for deciding which populations, interventions, comparators and outcomes are eligible for each analysis). Synthesis may also involve the use of statistical methods other than meta-analysis (e.g. vote counting based on the direction of effect, presenting the range of effects, combining P values) augmented by visual display, tables and text-based summaries. This study examines these two aspects of synthesis. Objectives: To identify and describe current practice in systematic reviews of health interventions in relation to: (i) approaches to grouping and definition of PICO characteristics for synthesis; and (ii) methods of summary and synthesis when meta-analysis is not used. Methods: We will randomly sample 100 systematic reviews of the quantitative effects of public health and health systems interventions published in 2018 and indexed in the Health Evidence and Health Systems Evidence databases. Two authors will independently screen citations for eligibility. Two authors will confirm eligibility based on full text, then extract data for 20% of reviews on the specification and use of PICO for synthesis, and the presentation and synthesis methods used (e.g. statistical synthesis methods, tabulation, visual displays, structured summary). The remaining reviews will be confirmed as eligible and data extracted by a single author. We will use descriptive statistics to summarise the specification of methods and their use in practice. We will compare how clearly the PICO for synthesis is specified in reviews that primarily use meta-analysis and those that do not. Conclusion: This study will provide an understanding of current practice in two important aspects of the synthesis process, enabling future research to test the feasibility and impact of different approaches.
Smoldering subcutaneous polymicrobial infection concealed beneath a cast and a skin graft: Delayed wound healing due to recurring soft-tissue infections
Authors: Bharadia Deepak , Sturgeon Ashley , Baird Daniel , Aldrete Jonathan 
Published: January 2021

Injury to soft-tissues secondary to trauma is common and may require surgical intervention depending on the extent of the injury and the structures involved. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic injury and often require surgical irrigation and debridement (I&D) to remove damaged and necrotic tissue while preserving tissue integrity and function. Surgical intervention carries its own risks, however, with the introduction of pathogens to the surgical site being a potential complication. This case of an 18 yr. old woman with a chronic would due to recurring skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) highlights the complications of surgical intervention and the difficulty of dealing with recurring SSTIs. The patient suffered a left knee injury with patellar tendon laceration secondary to trauma from a motor vehicle accident. She initially underwent surgical irrigation and debridement, followed by patellar tendon repair with a rotational flap to close the open wound. Following the initial closure in December 2019, the patient underwent 6 more I&Ds and wound debridement over a 5-month period due to a chronic non-healing wound with recurring SSTIs. Wound Healing was tentatively achieved with antibiotic coverage for both Staph Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
Utility of 3D printing of left atrial appendages for closure with Watchman Devices and comparison of computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography based models
Authors: Galvan Bernardo , Ansari Mohammed , Arvandi Ali Akbar , Orozco Ronnie , Morales Carlos , Serralde Kate , Ochoa Ozman , Holder Katherine , Iskandir Marina , Shurmur Scott 
Published: January 2021

Three dimensional (3D) printed cardiac models are useful for WATCHMAN device procedural planning, sizing, and complication reduction. These models also provide accurate representation of dynamic heart anatomy, helping practitioners determine their procedural approach and select proper device sizing. While the efficacy of 3D models obtained from Computed Tomography and Transesophageal Echocardiography over 2D Transesophageal Echocardiography imaging for WATCHMAN procedural planning has been demonstrated, this project aims to directly compare 3D Computed Tomography versus 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography and determine which is more favorable. Computed Tomography and Transesophageal Echocardiography 2D imaging studies from patients that underwent LAA WATCHMAN closure device implantation we used as templates for 3D cardiac models. These 3D models were scored using a 10-point Likert questionnaire. Scoring was conducted by a diverse team that included cardiologists, research specialists, medical students, and 3D printing technicians. Three dimensional models developed using Computed Tomography demonstrated favorability over 3D models by all qualitative measures. Scoring indicates that Computed Tomography based 3D models are superior tools for WATCHMAN sizing, multi-level medical education, and physician preparedness. To our knowledge, this is the only study that compares 3D models crafted from each imaging modality, and we hope that it encourages future use of 3D modeling techniques based on Computed Tomography scans.
Degeneration grade of a femoropatellar joint and functional status of a knee joint
Authors: Olesiak Beata , Przedborska Agnieszka , Raczkowski Jan Wojciech 
Published: January 2021

Aim of the paper: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of degeneration of femoropatellar joint cartilage on selected variables related with a knee joint function
Material and methods: The studied group consisted of 50 patients that were diagnosed, through ultrasonography, changes in femoropatellar joint cartilage according to the Outerbridge classification. The data was collected with usage of a self-designed questionnaire. The study included pain assessment according to the VAS scale, Zohlen’s test, rectus femoris muscle test.
Results: There is statistically significant correlation between the grade of degenerative changes and age (p
Intense emission at ∼3.3  µm from Er3+-doped fluoroindate glass fiber
Authors: He Huiyu , Jia Zhixu , Wang Tao , Ohishi Yasutake , Qin Weiping , Qin Guanshi 
Published: January 2021

Fluoroindate glass fibers with an

E
r

3
+

doping concentration of

∼

0.5

m
o
l

%

were fabricated by using a rod-in-tube method. Pumped by a 976 nm laser diode, intense emission at

∼

3.3

µ

m

was obtained from a 40 cm long

E
r

3
+

-doped fiber, which could be attributed to the transition

4

S

3

/

2

→

4

F

9

/

2

of

E
r

3
+

ions. The calculated emission cross section at

∼

3.3

µ

m

was

∼

3

×

10

−
26

m

2

, which was

∼

1.5

times larger than that of transitions

E
r

3
+

:

4

F

9

/

2

→

4

I

9

/

2

and

D
y

3
+

:

6

H

13

/

2

→

6

H

15

/

2

. In addition, broad emissions ranging from 3.1 µm to 3.85 µm were obtained in the

E
r

3
+

-doped fiber under a 976 nm/1973 nm dual-wavelength pumping scheme. Our results indicated that

E
r

3
+

-doped fluoroindate glass fibers had the potential for constructing efficient

∼

3.3

µ

m

fiber lasers.
Regulating the expression of gene drives is key to increasing their invasive potential and the mitigation of resistance
Authors: Hammond Andrew , Karlsson Xenia , Morianou Ioanna , Kyrou Kyros , Beaghton Andrea , Gribble Matthew , Kranjc Nace , Galizi Roberto , Burt Austin , Crisanti Andrea , Nolan Tony 
Published: January 2021

Homing-based gene drives use a germline source of nuclease to copy themselves at specific target sites in a genome and bias their inheritance. Such gene drives can be designed to spread and deliberately suppress populations of malaria mosquitoes by impairing female fertility. However, strong unintended fitness costs of the drive and a propensity to generate resistant mutations can limit a gene drive’s potential to spread.Alternative germline regulatory sequences in the drive element confer improved fecundity of carrier individuals and reduced propensity for target site resistance. This is explained by reduced rates of end-joining repair of DNA breaks from parentally deposited nuclease in the embryo, which can produce heritable mutations that reduce gene drive penetrance.We tracked the generation and selection of resistant mutations over the course of a gene drive invasion of a population. Improved gene drives show faster invasion dynamics, increased suppressive effect and later onset of target site resistance. Our results show that regulation of nuclease expression is as important as the choice of target site when developing a robust homing-based gene drive for population suppression.
An open prospective study on the efficacy of Navina Smart, an electronic system for transanal irrigation, in neurogenic bowel dysfunction
Authors: Emmanuel Anton , Kurze Ines , Krogh Klaus , Ferreiro Velasco Maria Elena , Christensen Peter , Del Popolo Giuilio , Bazzocchi Gabriele , Hultling Claes , Perrouin Verbe Brigitte , Bothig Ralf , Glott Thomas , Gonzalez Viejo Miguel Angel 
Published: January 2021

Background
Transanal irrigation (TAI) has emerged as a key option when more conservative bowel management does not help spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD).

Aim
To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of an electronic TAI system (Navina Smart) in subjects with NBD.

Design
We present an open, prospective efficacy study on Navina Smart, in individuals with NBD secondary to SCI, studied at three months.

Population
Eighty-nine consecutive consenting established SCI individuals (61 male; mean age 48, range 18–77) naïve to TAI treatment were recruited from ten centres in seven countries. Subjects had confirmed NBD of at least moderate severity (NBD score ≥10).

Methods
Subjects were taught how to use the device at baseline assisted by the Navina Smart app, and treatment was tailored during phone calls until optimal TAI regime was achieved. The NBD score was measured at baseline and at three months follow up (mean 98 days). Safety analysis was performed on the complete population while per protocol (PP) analysis was performed on 52 subjects.

Results
PP analysis showed a significant decrease in mean NBD score (17.8 to 10, p<0.00001). In subjects with severe symptoms (defined as NBD score ≥14), mean NBD scores decreased (19.4 to 10.9, p<0.0001). The number of subjects with severe symptoms decreased from 41 (79%) subjects at baseline to 16 (31%) at three months follow-up. Device failure accounted for the commonest cause for loss of data. Side effects possibly related to the device developed in 11 subjects (12%). Discontinuation due to failure of therapy to relieve symptoms was reported by 5 subjects (6%).

Conclusion
Navina Smart is effective for individuals with NBD, even those with severe symptoms; long-term data will follow. Whilst there were some device problems (addressed by the later stages of subject recruitment) the treatment was generally safe.

Clinical trial
(ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02979808)