bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced cercosporin production by co-culturing Cercospora sp. JNU001 with leaf-spot-disease-related endophytic bacteria
Authors: Zhou Tingan , Yu Shiyu , Hu Yifan , Zhang Yan , Song Yuechen , Chu Jieyu , Liu Changmei , Rao Yijian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Owing to the excellent properties of photosensitization, cercosporin, one of naturally occurring perylenequinonoid pigments, has been widely used in photodynamic therapy, or as an antimicrobial agent and an organophotocatalyst. However, because of low efficiency of total chemical synthesis and low yield of current microbial fermentation, the limited production restricts its broad applications. Thus, the strategies to improve the production of cercosporin were highly desired. Besides traditional optimization methods, here we screened leaf-spot-disease-related endophytic bacteria to co-culture with our previous identified Cercospora sp. JNU001 to increase cercosporin production.

Results
Bacillus velezensis B04 and Lysinibacillus sp. B15 isolated from leaves with leaf spot diseases were found to facilitate cercosporin secretion into the broth and then enhance the production of cercosporin. After 4 days of co-culture, Bacillus velezensis B04 allowed to increase the production of cercosporin from 128.2 mg/L to 984.4 mg/L, which was 7.68-fold of the previously reported one. Lysinibacillus sp. B15 could also enhance the production of cercosporin with a yield of 626.3 mg/L, which was 4.89-fold higher than the starting condition. More importantly, we found that bacteria B04 and B15 employed two different mechanisms to improve the production of cercosporin, in which B04 facilitated cercosporin secretion into the broth by loosening and damaging the hyphae surface of Cercospora sp. JNU001 while B15 could adsorb cercosporin to improve its secretion.

Conclusions
We here established a novel and effective co-culture method to improve the production of cercosporin by increasing its secretion ability from Cercospora sp. JNU001, allowing to develop more potential applications of cercosporin.
Clinical outcomes associated with long-term exposure to airborne particulate pollution in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kim Yong Chul , Kim Ejin , Jung Jiyun , Park Jae Yoon , Lee Hajeong , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Yon Su , Lim Chun Soo , Lee Jung Pyo , Kim Ho 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Researchers have yet to investigate the specific association between 10-μm particulate matter (PM10) levels and the risk of graft failure, kidney disease, or the functional decline of transplanted kidneys, in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Furthermore, we know very little about the association between PM10 levels and the development of allograft rejection in transplanted kidneys. Identification of air pollution as a potential contributor to kidney disease could help reduce future disease burden, stimulate policy discussions on the importance of reducing air pollution with respect to health and disease, and increase public awareness of the hazards of air pollution. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of PM10 with the risk of graft failure, mortality, and decline of graft function in KTRs.

Methods
Air pollutant data were obtained from the Korean National Institute of Environmental Research. We then investigated potential associations between these data and the clinical outcomes of 1532 KTRs who underwent kidney transplantation in a tertiary hospital between 2001 and 2015. Survival models were used to evaluate the association between PM10 concentrations and the risk of death-censored graft failure (DCGF), all-cause mortality, and biopsy-proven rejection (BPR), over a median follow-up period of 6.31 years.

Results
The annual mean PM10 exposure after kidney transplantation was 27.1 ± 8.0 μg/m3. Based on 1-year baseline exposure, 1 μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentration was associated with an increased risk of DCGF (hazard ratio (HR): 1.049; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.014–1.084) and BPR (HR: 1.053; 95% CI: 1.042–1.063). Fully adjusted models showed that all-cause mortality was significantly associated with 1-year average PM10 concentrations (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.043 to 1.140).

Conclusions
Long-term PM10 exposure is significantly associated with BPR, DCGF, and all-cause mortality in KTRs.
Epithelial apical glycosylation changes associated with thin endometrium in women with infertility - a pilot observational study
Authors: Ziganshina Marina M. , Dolgushina Nataliya V. , Kulikova Galina V. , Fayzullina Nafisa M. , Yarotskaya Ekaterina L. , Khasbiullina Nailia R. , Abdurakhmanova Nigora F. , Asaturova Aleksandra V. , Shchegolev Alexander I. , Dovgan Alina A. , Sukhikh Gennady T. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Low endometrial receptivity is one of the major factors affecting successful implantation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Infertile patients with thin endometrium have a significantly lower cumulative clinical pregnancy rate than patients with normal endometrium. Molecular pathophysiology of low receptivity of thin endometrium remains understudied. We have investigated composition of glycocalyx of the apical surface of luminal and glandular epithelial cells in thin endometrium of infertile women.

Methods
Thirty-two patients with tubal-peritoneal infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were included in the study. Endometrial samples were obtained in a natural menstrual cycle. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with normal endometrium (≥8 mm) and with thin endometrium (< 8 mm). Histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded endometrial samples was performed using six biotinylated lectins (UEA-I, MAL-II, SNA, VVL, ECL, Con A) and anti-LeY and MECA-79 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).

Results
Complex glycans analysis taking into account the adjusted specificity of glycan-binding MAbs revealed 1.3 times less expression of MECA-79 glycans on the apical surface of the luminal epithelial cells of thin endometrium compared to normal endometrium; this deficiency may adversely affect implantation, since MECA-79 glycans are a ligand of L-selectin and mediate intercellular interactions. The glycans containing a type-2 unit Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ (LacNAc) but lacking sulfo-residues at 6-OH of GlcNAcβ, and binding to MECA-79 MAbs were found; they can be considered as potential markers of endometrium receptivity.
Expression of the lectins-stained glycans on the apical surfaces of the luminal and glandular epithelial cells did not differ significantly. Correlation between the expression of difucosylated oligosaccharide LeY on the apical surfaces of the luminal and glandular epithelial cells was found in patients with thin endometrium and recurrent implantation failure. A similar relationship was shown for mannose-rich glycans.

Conclusions
Specific features of key glycans expression in epithelial compartments of thin endometrium may be essential for morphogenesis of the endometrial functional layer and explain its low receptivity.
Extracellular microRNAs: key players to explore the outcomes of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Khan Haroon Latif , Bhatti Shahzad , Abbas Sana , Kaloglu Celal , Isa Ahmed M. , Younas Hooria , Ziders Rachel , Khan Yousaf Latif , Hassan Zahira , Turhan Bilgün Oztürk , Yildiz Aysegul , Aydin Hikmet Hakan , Kalyan Ender Yalcinkaya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that modulate post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are often used as promising non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancer. However, their roles in assisted reproduction are still unknown.

Methods
This prospective study was designed to evaluate the expression profiles of seven extracellular miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-202-5p, miR-378-3p, miR-224, miR-320a, miR-212-3p, and miR-21-5p) in human follicular fluid (FF) to explore the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Of 255 women, 145 were without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their ovarian assets were normal (NOR), while 110 were with normo-androgenic PCOS.

Results
The combination of six FF miRNAs expression profile discriminated between PCOS and NOR women with a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 87.32% (AUC = 0.881 [0.61; 0.92], p = 0.001). MiR-202-5p significantly had a lower abundance level, and miR-378-3p had a high abundance level in pooled FF samples from patients treated with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) than those treated with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) (p < 0.001). Our results showed that miRNA-320a was significantly different in top-quality embryos versus non-top-quality embryos on day 3 in NOR patients with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 71%, (AUC = [0.753 (0.651; 0.855)], p = 0.001). For clinical pregnancy outcome prediction, FF miRNA-21 exhibited high sensitivity (74.8%) and specificity (83.7%) with the AUC value of 0.774 (0.682; 0.865).

Conclusion
Conclusively, our results provide evidence that miR-7-5p, miR-378-3p, miR-224, miR-212-3p were a differentially high expression in normo-androgenic PCOS patients than NOR patients. While miRNA-320a was significantly different in top-quality embryos versus non-top-quality embryos on day 3 (p = 0.001). The expression level of FF miR-212-3p was significantly related to the probability of embryos to develop into a high-quality blastocyst in patients with normal ovarian reserve.
Splicing factor SRSF1 promotes breast cancer progression via oncogenic splice switching of PTPMT1
Authors: Du Jun-Xian , Luo Yi-Hong , Zhang Si-Jia , Wang Biao , Chen Cong , Zhu Gui-Qi , Zhu Ping , Cai Cheng-Zhe , Wan Jing-Lei , Cai Jia-Liang , Chen Shi-Ping , Dai Zhi , Zhu Wei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Intensive evidence has highlighted the effect of aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events on cancer progression when triggered by dysregulation of the SR protein family. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism in breast cancer (BRCA) remains elusive. Here we sought to explore the molecular function of SRSF1 and identify the key AS events regulated by SRSF1 in BRCA.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the expression and clinical correlation of SRSF1 in BRCA based on the TCGA dataset, Metabric database and clinical tissue samples. Functional analysis of SRSF1 in BRCA was conducted in vitro and in vivo. SRSF1-mediated AS events and their binding motifs were identified by RNA-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR (RIP-PCR) and in vivo crosslinking followed by immunoprecipitation (CLIP), which was further validated by the minigene reporter assay. PTPMT1 exon 3 (E3) AS was identified to partially mediate the oncogenic role of SRSF1 by the P-AKT/C-MYC axis. Finally, the expression and clinical significance of these AS events were validated in clinical samples and using the TCGA database.

Results
SRSF1 expression was consistently upregulated in BRCA samples, positively associated with tumor grade and the Ki-67 index, and correlated with poor prognosis in a hormone receptor-positive (HR+) cohort, which facilitated proliferation, cell migration and inhibited apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. We identified SRSF1-mediated AS events and discovered the SRSF1 binding motif in the regulation of splice switching of PTPMT1. Furthermore, PTPMT1 splice switching was regulated by SRSF1 by binding directly to its motif in E3 which partially mediated the oncogenic role of SRSF1 by the AKT/C-MYC axis. Additionally, PTPMT1 splice switching was validated in tissue samples of BRCA patients and using the TCGA database. The high-risk group, identified by AS of PTPMT1 and expression of SRSF1, possessed poorer prognosis in the stage I/II TCGA BRCA cohort.

Conclusions
SRSF1 exerts oncogenic roles in BRCA partially by regulating the AS of PTPMT1, which could be a therapeutic target candidate in BRCA and a prognostic factor in HR+ BRCA patient.
PEPPRO: quality control and processing of nascent RNA profiling data
Authors: Smith Jason P. , Dutta Arun B. , Sathyan Kizhakke Mattada , Guertin Michael J. , Sheffield Nathan C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNascent RNA profiling is growing in popularity; however, there is no standard analysis pipeline to uniformly process the data and assess quality. Here, we introduce PEPPRO, a comprehensive, scalable workflow for GRO-seq, PRO-seq, and ChRO-seq data. PEPPRO produces uniformly processed output files for downstream analysis and assesses adapter abundance, RNA integrity, library complexity, nascent RNA purity, and run-on efficiency. PEPPRO is restartable and fault-tolerant, records copious logs, and provides a web-based project report. PEPPRO can be run locally or using a cluster, providing a portable first step for genomic nascent RNA analysis.
The oleaginous astaxanthin-producing alga Chromochloris zofingiensis: potential from production to an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ye Ying , Bai Fan , Liu Jin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe algal lipids-based biodiesel, albeit having advantages over plant oils, still remains high in the production cost. Co-production of value-added products with lipids has the potential to add benefits and is thus believed to be a promising strategy to improve the production economics of algal biodiesel. Chromochloris zofingiensis, a unicellular green alga, has been considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production because of its robust growth and ability of accumulating high levels of triacylglycerol under multiple trophic conditions. This alga is also able to synthesize high-value keto-carotenoids and has been cited as a candidate producer of astaxanthin, the strongest antioxidant found in nature. The concurrent accumulation of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin enables C. zofingiensis an ideal cell factory for integrated production of the two compounds and has potential to improve algae-based production economics. Furthermore, with the advent of chromosome-level whole genome sequence and genetic tools, C. zofingiensis becomes an emerging model for studying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the production of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin by C. zofingiensis. We also update our understanding in the distinctive molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and carotenogenesis, with an emphasis on triacylglycerol and astaxanthin biosynthesis and crosstalk between the two pathways. Furthermore, strategies for trait improvements are discussed regarding triacylglycerol and astaxanthin synthesis in C. zofingiensis.
Auditory exostosis in Australian warm water surfers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Simas Vini , Hing Wayne , Rathbone Evelyne , Pope Rodney , Climstein Mike 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Surfing is a popular sport in Australia, accounting for nearly 10% of the population. External auditory exostosis (EAE), also referred to as surfer’s ear, is recognized as a potentially serious complication of surfing. Cold water (water temperature below 19 °C) is a commonly cited risk factor, with prevalence of EAE in cold water surfers ranging from 61 to 80%.
However, there is a paucity of studies reporting the prevalence of EAE in surfers exposed to water temperatures above 19 °C. With mean water temperature ranging from 19 °C to 28 °C, the Gold Coast region of Australia provides the ideal environment to assess the main goal of this study: to assess the prevalence and severity of EAE in warm water surfers.

Methods
Eligible participants were surfers living and surfing on the Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia). Currently active surfers over 18 years of age, surfing year-round, with a minimum of five consecutive years of surfing experience were recruited to participate. Included individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire and underwent bilateral otoscopy.

Results
A total of 85 surfers were included, with mean age 52.1 years (standard deviation [SD] ±12.6 years) and mean surfing experience of 35.5 years (SD ±14.7 years). Nearly two-thirds of participants (65.9%) had regular otological symptoms, most commonly water trapping (66%), hearing loss (48.2%), and cerumen impaction (35.7%). Less than one-fifth of the surfers (17.7%) reported regular use of protective equipment for EAE. The overall prevalence of exostosis was 71.8%, with most of the individuals having bilateral lesions (59%) and a mild grade (grade 1, 47.5%). There was insufficient evidence for any significant associations between the main outcomes (presence and severity of EAE) and factors related to age, surfing experience, winter exposure, surfing ability, symptoms, and use of protective equipment.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assessing EAE in surfers exposed to warm waters (above 19 °C). The prevalence of 71.8% highlights the high prevalence of the condition in the surfing population, regardless of water temperature. Future research should focus on ways to prevent EAE.
Evaluation of the inter and intraobserver reproducibility of the GRASP method: a goniometric method to measure the isolated glenohumeral range of motion in the shoulder joint
Authors: Ruiz Ibán Miguel Angel , Alonso Güemes Susana , Ruiz Díaz Raquel , Asenjo Gismero Cristina Victoria , Lorente Gomez Alejandro , Diaz Heredia Jorge 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the intra and interobserver reproducibility of a new goniometric method for evaluating the isolated passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint in an outpatient setting.

Methods
This is a prospective observational study on healthy subjects. The Glenohumeral ROM Assessment with Scapular Pinch (GRASP) method is a new method for assessing the isolated range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint (GH) by a single examiner with a clinical goniometer. It measures the isolated glenohumeral passive abduction (GH-AB), passive external rotation (GH-ER) and internal rotation (GH-IR) with the arm at 45º of abduction.
These three GH ROM parameters were measured in both shoulders of 30 healthy volunteers (15 males/15 females, mean age:41.6[SD = 10.3] years). The full shoulder passive abduction, passive external rotation and internal rotation 45º of abduction were measured by the same examiners with a goniometer for comparison. One examiner made two evaluations and a second examiner made a third one. The primary outcome was the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the measurements assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot.

Results
The intra-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.84 ± 0.07 for GH-ABD, 0.63 ± 0.09 for GH-ER, and 0.61 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. The inter-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.86 ± 0.06 for GH-ABD, 0.68 ± 0.12 for GH-ER, and 0.62 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. These results were similar to those obtained for full shoulder ROM assessment with a goniometer.

Conclusion
The GRASP method is reproducible for quick assessment of isolated glenohumeral ROM.

Level of evidence
III
Severe hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a report of two cases
Authors: Affinati Alison H. , Wallia Amisha , Gianchandani Roma Y. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Severe insulin resistance is an uncommon finding in patients with type 2 diabetes but is often associated with difficult to managing blood glucose. While severe insulin resistance is most frequently seen in the setting of medication side effects or rare genetic conditions, this report of two cases highlights the presence of severe insulin resistance in the setting of severe COVID-19 and explores how this may contribute to the poor prognosis of patients with diabetes who become infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Case presentation
Here we present the cases of two African-American women with pre-existing type 2 diabetes who developed severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and concurrent severe insulin resistance with total daily insulin dose requirements of greater than 5 unit/kg. Both patients received aggressive insulin infusion and subcutaneous insulin therapy to obtain adequate glucose management. As their COVID-19 clinical course improved, their severe insulin resistance improved as well.

Conclusions
The association between critical illness and hyperglycemia is well documented in the literature, however severe insulin resistance is not commonly identified and may represent a unique clinical feature of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and type 2 diabetes.
Microscopic study of potential toxic effects of monosodium glutamate on liver of chicken embryos aged 16 days
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Fawzyah A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
This experimental study aimed to determine the changes caused by monosodium glutamate (MSG) on morphology and histology of liver of chicken embryos aged 16 days of incubation. In this research, 50 fertilized eggs were used. They were divided into two equal groups, one group was used as control with normal liver structure, while the other group (MSG) was treated with MSG in 0 day of incubation (0.1ml/egg).

Results
The results showed many harmful effects on hepatic cells, blood sinusoids, and bile ducts in MSG group. These changes included alterations in nuclei conformation and nuclear envelope. Chromatin distribution was associated with increased electronic intensity. Also, there were rupture in smooth endoplasm systems and malfunction of mitochondria and Golgi apparatus, with increased lysosomes and lipid droplets.

Conclusions
This study concluded that MSG had severe toxic effects on liver structure if it was given in pre-conception period as this period is considered critical for liver growth (organogenesis).
Spine Bone Texture Assessed by Trabecular Bone Score in Active and Controlled Acromegaly: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sala E , Malchiodi E , Carosi G , Verrua E , Cairoli E , Ferrante E , Filopanti M , Eller-Vainicher C , Ulivieri F M , Spada A , Arosio M , Chiodini I , Mantovani G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Acromegalic patients have an increased vertebral fracture (VFx) risk due to bone quality reduction, independently of bone mineral density (BMD).

Objective
The aim of the study is to describe bone quality in acromegaly, measured by trabecular bone score (TBS), a noninvasive index for assessing bone microarchitecture.

Methods
We collected data from 18 patients (13 female, age 56.2 ± 15 years) newly diagnosed with acromegaly. Thirty-six age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also recruited. Pituitary function, bone and calcium-phosphorous metabolism, and BMD at spine and femur and TBS (by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were assessed in acromegalic patients at diagnosis and 12 months after the achievement of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) normalization.

Results
At diagnosis, BMD and the VFx prevalence were comparable between patients and controls (28.3 ± 5.9 vs 27.6 ± 3.7 and 11% vs 8.3%), whereas TBS was significantly lower in acromegalic patients (1.20 ± 0.13 vs 1.30 ± 0.06; P &lt; .001) and carboxyterminal telopeptide (CTX) and osteocalcin were significantly higher compared to controls (707 ± 365.7 vs 371 ± 104.1 pg/mL; P = .001 and 31.6 ± 15.4 vs 17.0 ± 5.7 ng/mL; P = .001, respectively). One year after IGF-1 normalization, a significant reduction of bone turnover indexes was observed in the group of acromegalic patients surgically cured (osteocalcin decrease of 61.2%, CTX decrease of 60.3%) compared to the ones controlled by medical therapy (osteocalcin decrease of 39%, CTX decrease of 40.7%; P = .01 and P = .001, respectively). Despite these findings, no TBS or BMD variations were observed.

Conclusion
Acromegalic patients have impaired bone quality despite normal density. Achieving normal growth hormone secretion rapidly leads to the normalization of bone turnover.