bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced production of neoagarobiose from agar with Corynebacterium glutamicum producing exo‐type and endo‐type β‐agarases
Authors: Jeon Eun Jung , Choi Jae Woong , Cho Min Soo , Jeong Ki Jun 
Published: July 2021

SummaryNeoagarobiose (NA2) derived from agar marine biomass is a rare reagent that acts as an anti‐melanogenesis reagent and moisturizer. Here, for the economical manufacturing of NA2, we developed the co‐secretory production system of endo‐type β‐agarases (DagA) and exo‐type β‐agarases (EXB3) in Corynebacterium glutamicum. For this purpose, we first developed a secretory system of DagA via Tat pathway. To improve the secretion efficiency, we coexpressed two Tat pathway components (TatA and TatC), and to improve the purity of secreted DagA in the culture supernatant, two endogenous protein genes (Cg2052 and Cg1514) were removed. Using the engineered strain (C. glutamicum SP002), we confirmed that DagA as high as 1.53 g l‐1 was successfully produced in the culture media with high purity (72.7% in the supernatant protein fraction). Next, we constructed the expression system (pHCP‐CgR‐DagA‐EXB3) for the simultaneous secretion of EXB3 via Sec‐pathway together with DagA, and it was clearly confirmed that DagA and EXB3 were successfully secreted as high as 54% and 24.5%, respectively. Finally, using culture medium containing DagA and EXB3, we successfully demonstrated the conversion of high‐concentration agar (40 g l‐1) into NA2 via a two‐stage hydrolysis process.
Transcriptome‐wide SNPs for Botrychium lunaria ferns enable fine‐grained analysis of ploidy and population structure
Authors: Mossion Vinciane , Dauphin Benjamin , Grant Jason , Kessler Michael , Zemp Niklaus , Croll Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFerns are the second most diverse group of land plants after angiosperms. Extant species occupy a wide range of habitats and contribute significantly to ecosystem functioning. Despite the importance of ferns, most taxa are poorly covered by genomic resources and within‐species studies based on high‐resolution markers are entirely lacking. The genus Botrychium belongs to the family Ophioglossaceae, which includes species with very large genomes and chromosome numbers (e.g., Ophioglossum reticulatum 2n = 1520). The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with 35 species, half of which are polyploids. Here, we establish a transcriptome for Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., a diploid species with an extremely large genome of about ~19.0–23.7 Gb. We assembled 25,677 high‐quality transcripts with an average length of 1,333 bp based on deep RNA‐sequencing of a single individual. We sequenced 11 additional transcriptomes of individuals from two populations in Switzerland, including the population of the reference individual. Based on read mapping to reference transcript sequences, we identified 374,463 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) segregating among individuals for an average density of 14 SNPs per kilobase. We found that all 12 transcriptomes were most likely from diploid individuals. The transcriptome‐wide markers provided unprecedented resolution of the population genetic structure, revealing substantial variation in heterozygosity among individuals. We also constructed a phylogenomic tree of 92 taxa representing all fern orders to ascertain the placement of the genus Botrychium. High‐quality transcriptomic resources and SNP sets constitute powerful population genomic resources to investigate the ecology, and evolution of fern populations.
Alternative polyadenylation events differ dramatically between Tongcheng and Large White pigs in response to PRRSV infection
Authors: Meng X. , Kuang K. , Zhang Y. , Guan K. , Liu B. , Zhou X. 
Published: July 2021

SummaryAlternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread post‐transcriptional regulation mechanism that increases the biological complexity of transcriptome and proteome. However, it is unclear whether APA regulation plays a role in genetic resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Here, we reported genome‐wide APA regulation of porcine alveolar macrophages in PRRSV‐resistant Tongcheng (TC) pigs and PRRSV‐susceptible Large White (LW) pigs upon PRRSV infection. Using 3′ mRNA sequencing strategy, we detected 75 981 high‐quality APA sites in porcine alveolar macrophages of TC and LW pigs. Furthermore, 1202 and 1089 differentially expressed APA sites, as well as 79 and 117 untranslated region‐APA switching genes were identified in TC pigs and LW pigs upon PRRSV infection respectively. The APA events in TC pigs and LW pigs were involved in different biological pathways, while APA events in TC pigs are directly associated with the immune response to PRRSV infection. In addition, we identified genetic variations affecting polyadenylation signal between TC pigs and LW pigs. These findings would provide helpful information on APA regulation for further understanding of genetic resistance to PRRSV.
The influence of contract length on the performance of sequential conservation auctions
Authors: Glebe Thilo W. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present article explores the extent to which the performance of a sequential conservation auction can be improved by changing the duration of conservation contracts. Optimal bidding in the context of a sequential conservation auction is modeled as a dynamic optimization problem and solved through backward induction. We show that a longer duration of conservation contracts increases not only the privately optimal bid of a risk‐neutral bidder but also the probability that a land plot is included in a conservation program. Whether a longer duration of conservation contracts increases or decreases the budgetary cost effectiveness and economic efficiency of a sequential auction depends on the scale of variation for the cutoff bid.
Metal stents are safe and cost‐effective for preoperative biliary drainage in resectable pancreaticobiliary tumours
Authors: Roberts Andrew T. , Jaya Joseph , Ha Phil , Thakur Udit , Aldridge Oscar , Pilgrim Charles H. C. , Tan Eren , Wong Enoch , Fox Adrian , Choi Julian , Liew Danny , Le Suong T. T. , Croagh Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundsTo compare the complication rates and overall costs of self‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (PS) in clinically indicated preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to a pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsWe conducted an Australian multicentre retrospective cohort study using the databases of four tertiary hospitals. Adult patients who underwent clinically indicated endoscopic PBD prior to PD from 2010 to 2019 were included. Rates of complications attributable to PBD, surgical complications and pre‐operative endoscopic re‐intervention were calculated. Costing data were retrieved from our Financial department.ResultsAmong the 157 included patients (mean age 66.6 ± 9.8 years, 45.2% male), 49 (31.2%) received SEMS and 108 received PS (68.8%). Baseline bilirubin was 187.5 ± 122.6 μmol/L. Resection histopathology showed mainly adenocarcinoma (93.0%). Overall SEMS was associated less complications (12.2% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.02) and a lower pre‐operative endoscopic re‐intervention rate (4.3 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.03) compared with PS. There was no difference in post‐PD complication rates. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, stent type was an independent risk factor of PBD complication (OR of SEMS compared to PS 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.79, p = 0.02) but not for any secondary outcome measures. Upfront material costs were $56USD for PS and $1991USD for SEMS. Accounting for rates of complications, average costs were similar ($3110USD for PS and $3026USD for SEMS).ConclusionIn resectable pancreaticobiliary tumours, SEMS for PBD was associated with reduced risk of overall PBD‐related complications and pre‐surgical endoscopic reintervention rates and was comparable to PS in terms of overall cost.
Decellularized tracheal prelamination implant: A proposed bilateral double organ technique
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Néstor J. , Díaz‐Cuevas Ana , Milián‐Medina Lara , Sancho‐Tello María , Roselló‐Ferrando Joan , Morcillo‐Aixelá Alfonso , Campo‐Cañaveral José Luis , Roig‐Bataller Amparo , Mata‐Roig Manuel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn tracheal replacement transplantation, prelamination is a critical stage. Nowadays, the most widely used prelamination technique is the prethoracic fascia flap with lateral thoracic artery. We propose a flap based on the internal thoracic artery, which allows a relatively non‐aggressive double organ implant, and we have tested its efficacy in decellularized tracheas. Tracheas of albino New Zealand rabbits were decellularized following a protocol that uses detergents and cryogenization, sterilized with 1kGy gamma radiation, and tutorized with a stent. Bilateral pedicled flaps made of pectoral fascia and a muscular component were harvested through a longitudinal 3‐cm central thoracic incision, wrapping the tracheas with them in 16 rabbits, remaining them implanted for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The tracheas were then studied histologically using standard stainings plus immunohistochemistry (CD31). The models were adjusted with Bayesian statistics using ordinal regression; results as odds ratios and credibility intervals. All analysis were performed using R software. Acute inflammatory cell invasion was observed at 2 weeks, which almost disappeared at week 8 after implant. Only macrophages and giant cells increased between Weeks 8 and 12 (OR 10.487, CI [1.603‐97.327]). The cartilage maintained its structure, with slight signs of ischemia in a few cases. New CD31‐positive vessels were observed from Week 2 and increasing thereafter, reaching a maximum peak at Week 8. We propose a bilateral implant technique that is viable and effective as a prelamination option for two concurrent tracheas, achieving perfect vascularization and integration of the organ with hardly any inflammatory response in the medium or long term.
Impact of vision disorders and vision impairment on motor vehicle crash risk and on‐road driving performance: A systematic review
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Black Alex A. , Dingle Kaeleen , Rutter Cameron , DiStefano Marilyn , Koppel Sjaan , Charlton Judith L. , Bentley Sharon A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractVision is important for safe driving, but there is limited understanding regarding the impact of vision disorders on driving ability and safety. This systematic review evaluated and summarized evidence on the impact of vision disorders and impairment on motor vehicle crash (MVC) risk and on‐road driving performance across seven databases, was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020180135), and study quality rated using a standard tool. Forty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria for MVC risk (N = 36), on‐road performance (N = 9), and both MVC risk and on‐road performance (N = 3). Of these studies, less than half were rated as ‘good’ quality. Due to the small number of studies and often conflicting findings, it was not possible to draw firm conclusions for most vision disorders. However, evidence from several ‘good’ and ‘fair’ quality studies suggested increased MVC risk with binocular visual field impairment. There was mixed evidence regarding the impact of cataract, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration and homonymous field loss on MVC risk and no evidence of increased MVC risk with mild VA impairment. This review highlights the need for well‐designed future studies to further explore the impact of vision disorders and impairment on driving outcomes to inform evidence‐based policy and fitness to drive guidelines.
Diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography in the detection of neovasculature in age‐related macular degeneration: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Maesa José‐María , Baños‐Álvarez Elena , Rosario‐Lozano María‐Piedad , Blasco‐Amaro Juan‐Antonio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis work is a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the identification of choroidal neovascularization due to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in comparison with fluorescein angiography (FA). A systematic search of the literature was carried out on Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Center for Reviews and Dissemination. Studies comparing OCTA with FA for the diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization due to AMD that included data on the diagnostic validity of the test or the data necessary for its calculation were selected. The QUADAS‐2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in selected studies. The quantitative analysis of the results was performed by meta‐analysis. Seven primary studies were included. The quality of the evidence was good. The total population included in the meta‐analysis comprised 553 eyes, with a cumulative sensitivity and specificity of 85.9% (95% CI 81.9–89.3%) and 89% (95% CI 83.5–93.2%), respectively, cumulative positive and negative likelihood ratios of 8.36 and 0.15, respectively (95% CI of 3.05–22.890 and 0.09–0.24, respectively), and a cumulative diagnostic odds ratio of 67.21 (95% CI 22.58–200.05). The evidence obtained does not demonstrate the superiority of OCTA over FA. Its use as a support technique could improve patient flow and reduce the number of FA.
Effects of femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination on donor tissue in liquid interface as compared to applanated interface
Authors: Donner Ruth , Schmidinger Gerald 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeTo evaluate the effects of femtosecond laser‐assisted keratoplasty using a liquid patient interface (L‐PI) as opposed to an applanated interface (A‐PI) on graft quality and functionality markers.MethodsPressure measurements during femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination were performed using two groups of 10 porcine eyes. Trephination was performed either in an L‐PI or in an A‐PI setting. Pressure sensor needles placed intravitreally continuously recorded intraocular pressure during trephination. Twenty paired human donor eyes were used to test the morphological quality of donor tissue after trephination in L‐PI and A‐PI settings. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed before and after trephination. Images were processed using ImageJ and pixel2.ResultsDuring trephination, pressure measurements with an L‐PI were significantly lower than with an A‐PI (p = 0.0121). Mean pressure during trephination was 78.1 mmHg ± 37.6 mmHg with L‐PI and 188.6 mmHg ± 17.7 mmHg with A‐PI. Trephination in A‐PI produced a significantly larger increase (p < 0.00001) in donor pachymetry than trephination in L‐PI. Significantly lower areas of Descemet folds were achieved in L‐PI trephination than in A‐PI trephination (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in circularity between A‐PI and L‐PI (p = 0.27). Total time required for trephination was comparable between L‐PI and A‐PI (p = 0.45). Time taken to reach working vacuum was achieved significantly more quickly in L‐PI (p < 0.05).ConclusionFemtosecond laser‐assisted L‐PI keratoplasty appears to be a promising method to decrease stress to donor and recipient tissue during femtosecond laser‐assisted trephination. Results showed favourable donor tissue morphology markers after L‐PI trephination.
Effect of vitrification at different meiotic stages on epigenetic characteristics of bovine oocytes and subsequently developing embryos
Authors: Yodrug Thatawat , Parnpai Rangsun , Hirao Yuji , Somfai Tamas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractVitrification by the Cryotop method is frequently used for bovine oocyte cryopreservation. Nevertheless, vitrified oocytes still have reduced developmental competency compared with fresh counterparts. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of vitrification either at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage or at the metaphase II (MII) stage on epigenetic characteristics of bovine oocytes and subsequently developing embryos. Our results demonstrated that vitrification of oocytes at each meiotic stage significantly reduced blastocyst development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, vitrification at the GV stage resulted in higher blastocyst development than did vitrification at the MII stage. Irrespective of the meiotic stage, oocyte vitrification did not affect 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) immunostaining intensity in oocyte DNA. However, at both stages, it caused a similar reduction of 5mC levels in DNA of subsequently developing blastocysts. Oocyte vitrification had no effect on the intensity of H3K9me3 and acH3K9 immunostaining in oocytes and subsequent blastocysts. The results suggest that irrespective of meiotic stage, oocyte vitrification alters global methylation in resultant embryos although such alteration in the oocytes was not detected. Oocyte vitrification might not influence histone acetylation and methylation in oocytes and resultant embryos. Vitrification at the immature stage was more advantageous for blastocyst development than at the mature stage.
Resilience and stress in frontline social workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Singapore
Authors: Seng Boon Kheng , Subramaniam Mythily , Chung You Jin , Syed Ahmad Syed Ahmad Mahdi , Chong Siow Ann 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAs social work under normal circumstances is already a stress‐laden helping profession, this study intended to examine the level of psychological distress among the frontline social workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic and whether resilience and organizational support played a part in mitigating their psychological distress. Frontline social workers from various social service sectors across Singapore were surveyed using two standardized measurements to assess resilience (Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale 25) and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21). A self‐designed questionnaire comprising 10 items measured “personal” and “work‐related” support at the organization. Sociodemographic data were captured using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the frontline social workers, although resilient, were psychologically distressed in all the three areas of depression, anxiety and stress. The results indicated that those working in the Family Service Centers (FSC) were the most affected. Significant correlations were observed between psychological distress, resilience, and organizational support. Organizations must be mindful that support can help frontline staff who are usually younger and less experienced during challenging times such as the pandemic. Building the resilience of social workers will prepare them for their daily challenges and those that accompany unexpected situations.
The modified International Society of Urological Pathology system improves concordance between biopsy and prostatectomy tumour grade
Authors: Hennes David M.Z.B. , Sewell James , Kerger Michael , Hovens Christopher M. , Peters Justin S. , Costello Anthony J. , Ryan Andrew , Corcoran Niall M. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the concordance between biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens using the 2005 Gleason score (GS) and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2014/World Health Organization 2016 modified system, accounting for the introduction of transperineal biopsy and pre‐biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).Patients and MethodsBetween 2002 and 2019, we identified 2431 patients with paired biopsy and RP histopathology from a prospectively recorded and maintained prostate cancer database. Biopsy specimens were graded according to the 2005 GS or ISUP 2014 modified system, according to the year of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to retrospectively assess the impact of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, age, pre‐biopsy mpMRI, and biopsy method, on the rate of upgraded disease. The kappa coefficient was used to establish the degree of change in concordance between groups.ResultsOverall, 24% of patients had upgraded disease and 8% of patients had downgraded disease when using the modified ISUP 2014 criteria. Agreement in the updated ISUP 2014 cohort was 68%, compared with 55% in the 2005 GS group, which was validated by a kappa coefficient that was good (k = 0.5 ± 0.4) and poor (k = 0.3 ± 0.1), respectively. In multivariable models, a change in grading system independently improved overall disease concordance (P = 0.02), and there were no other co‐segregated patient or pathological factors such as PSA, total number of cores, maximum cancer length, biopsy route or the use of mpMRI that impacted this finding.ConclusionThe 2014 ISUP modifed system improves overall concordance between biopsy and surgical specimens, and thus allows more accurate prognostication and management in high‐grade disease, independent of more extensive prostate sampling and the use of mpMRI.
Transitions from school to sheltered employment in Norway – Experiences of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wass Sofie , Safari Mugula Chris , Haugland Silje , Omland Hans Olav 
Published: July 2021

Accessible summary

We interviewed people with intellectual disabilities about their experiences of finding a job.

Some of the people we interviewed made decisions about their future job, while others were not part of meetings, planning and decision‐making.

Parents and teachers were important in the planning process.

The people we interviewed advise students to be bold and take chances when searching for a job.

It is important that people with intellectual disabilities are in charge when they go from school to work.

AbstractBackgroundNordic welfare models are characterised by emphasising both social security and labour market participation. Nevertheless, most people with intellectual disability either receive a disability pension or work in sheltered workshops. While transitions into integrated employment have been studied, transitions from school to sheltered employment have received less attention. We therefore explore the views of people with intellectual disabilities, transitioning from school to a sheltered employment programme.MethodsWe interviewed nine adults with intellectual disabilities that had made the transition into a service centre that provides both competitive employment with support, and employment in sheltered workshops. The interviews were analysed thematically.FindingsThe thematic analysis revealed two main themes: involvement during the transition and adapting to a new role. Most participants described transitions where they had been involved, in varying degrees, in identifying their work preferences, participated in transition activities and made personal choices. Some participants, however, shared experiences where they had not participated in activities, where personal choices were restricted to predefined options, or decisions were made by someone else. The participants further shared experiences of navigating into new contexts, characterised by new situations and new interactions. To navigate successfully in such environment, the support network was important. The participants advised future “transitioners” to be brave and utilise opportunities to find suitable employment even in challenging situations.ConclusionsOur study emphasises the importance of tailoring the transition to individual preferences and perspectives rather than aiming for a uniform, one size fits all type of transition. It is important to build on the positive aspects of sheltered employment as well as to further develop innovative ways of transitioning into integrated employment.