bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs in the interaction between host–bacterial pathogens: A new perspective
Authors: Riahi Rad Zohreh , Riahi Rad Zahra , Goudarzi Hossein , Goudarzi Mehdi , Mahmoudi Mohammad , Yasbolaghi Sharahi Javad , Hashemi Ali 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGene expression regulation plays a critical role in host–pathogen interactions, and RNAs function is essential in this process. miRNAs are small noncoding, endogenous RNA fragments that affect stability and/or translation of mRNAs, act as major posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNA is involved in regulating many biological or pathological processes through targeting specific mRNAs, including development, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cytoskeleton organization, and autophagy. Deregulated microRNA expression is associated with many types of diseases, including cancers, immune disturbances, and infection. miRNAs are a vital section of the host immune response to bacterial‐made infection. Bacterial pathogens suppress host miRNA expression for their benefit, promoting survival, replication, and persistence. The role played through miRNAs in interaction with host–bacterial pathogen has been extensively studied in the past 10 years, and knowledge about these staggering molecules' function can clarify the complicated and ambiguous interactions of the host–bacterial pathogen. Here, we review how pathogens prevent the host miRNA expression. We briefly discuss emerging themes in this field, including their role as biomarkers in identifying bacterial infections, as part of the gut microbiota, on host miRNA expression.
Covalent conjugation of extracellular vesicles with peptides and nanobodies for targeted therapeutic delivery
Authors: Pham Tin Chanh , Jayasinghe Migara Kavishka , Pham Thach Tuan , Yang Yuqi , Wei Likun , Usman Waqas Muhammad , Chen Huan , Pirisinu Marco , Gong Jinhua , Kim Seongkyeol , Peng Boya , Wang Weixi , Chan Charlene , Ma Victor , Nguyen Nhung T.H. , Kappei Dennis , Nguyen Xuan‐Hung , Cho William C. , Shi Jiahai , Le Minh T.N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNatural extracellular vesicles (EVs) are ideal drug carriers due to their remarkable biocompatibility. Their delivery specificity can be achieved by the conjugation of targeting ligands. However, existing methods to engineer target‐specific EVs are tedious or inefficient, having to compromise between harsh chemical treatments and transient interactions. Here, we describe a novel method for the covalent conjugation of EVs with high copy numbers of targeting moieties using protein ligases. Conjugation of EVs with either an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeting peptide or anti‐EGFR nanobody facilitates their accumulation in EGFR‐positive cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Systemic delivery of paclitaxel by EGFR‐targeting EVs at a low dose significantly increases drug efficacy in a xenografted mouse model of EGFR‐positive lung cancer. The method is also applicable to the conjugation of EVs with peptides and nanobodies targeting other receptors, such as HER2 and SIRP alpha, and the conjugated EVs can deliver RNA in addition to small molecules, supporting the versatile application of EVs in cancer therapies. This simple, yet efficient and versatile method for the stable surface modification of EVs bypasses the need for genetic and chemical modifications, thus facilitating safe and specific delivery of therapeutic payloads to target cells.
Cross‐flow microfiltration for isolation, selective capture and release of liposarcoma extracellular vesicles
Authors: Casadei Lucia , Choudhury Adarsh , Sarchet Patricia , Mohana Sundaram Prashanth , Lopez Gonzalo , Braggio Danielle , Balakirsky Gita , Pollock Raphael , Prakash Shaurya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe present a resource‐efficient approach to fabricate and operate a micro‐nanofluidic device that uses cross‐flow filtration to isolate and capture liposarcoma derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). The isolated extracellular vesicles were captured using EV‐specific protein markers to obtain vesicle enriched media, which was then eluted for further analysis. Therefore, the micro‐nanofluidic device integrates the unit operations of size‐based separation with CD63 antibody immunoaffinity‐based capture of extracellular vesicles in the same device to evaluate EV‐cargo content for liposarcoma. The eluted media collected showed ∼76% extracellular vesicle recovery from the liposarcoma cell conditioned media and ∼32% extracellular vesicle recovery from dedifferentiated liposarcoma patient serum when compared against state‐of‐art extracellular vesicle isolation and subsequent quantification by ultracentrifugation. The results reported here also show a five‐fold increase in amount of critical liposarcoma‐relevant extracellular vesicle cargo obtained in 30 min presenting a significant advance over existing state‐of‐art.
Effect of constant and fluctuating temperature on the intrapuparial development of Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830; Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: Sert Osman , Özdemir Senem , Şabanoğlu Burcu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimes to investigate the effect of constant and fluctuating temperatures on starting times of developmental periods of insect species. For this purpose, Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830), a forensically important species has been chosen. Whether the constant (25°C) and fluctuating (25.2°C averaged over natural conditions) temperatures would make a difference on the timing of intrapuparial development of this species was investigated. First larval instars were placed in rearing cages until they reached post‐feeding third larval instar, which is considered the beginning of intrapuparial development. Relevant morphological changes were observed by hourly dissections. At fluctuating temperature treatment, the post‐feeding third instar larvae were transferred to containers under natural, open‐air conditions. Minimum and maximum starting times of 23 intrapuparial development periods were determined for both treatments. These times, medians, and standard deviations were compared by Mann–Whitney U tests. Accumulated degree hour values were also calculated for these periods. Regardless of temperature treatment, intrapuparial development periods were similar and adult emergence was observed at 289.5 ( ± 1.52) h under 25°C constant temperature and 319 ( ± 1.41) h under fluctuating temperature conditions. No statistical difference was found between the intrapuparial development of S. argyrostoma reared under constant and fluctuating temperatures, except “pupal‐adult apolysis” and “checkered pattern on the abdomen becoming distinct” periods. The use of the results obtained when determining the effect of constant and fluctuating temperatures on the starting times of developmental periods of this species in forensic entomology, is also important in transferring developmental biology data into the field of applied sciences.
Safety assessment of laparoscopic liver resection: A project study of the Endoscopic Liver Surgery Study Group of Japan
Authors: Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi , Matsumoto Takatsugu , Nitta Hiroyuki , Otsuka Yuichiro , Wakabayashi Go , Kaneko Hironori ,   the Endoscopic Liver Surgery Study Group of Japan
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground/PurposeLaparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has been expanded rapidly and has been accepted worldwide; however, the safety assessment of LLR has not been fully conducted with a large‐scale cohort. The aim of this study was to assess safety and identify clinical factors associated with postoperative major complications in LLR.MethodsThis project study retrospectively collected the data of LLRs performed before October 2015 in Japan. Patient characteristics, details of LLRs, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsA total of 4122 patients from 66 institutions were enrolled. The main indications were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases. The majority of the procedures were performed for solitary tumor‐located liver segment 2, 3, 5, and 6 and the partial resection and left‐lateral sectionectomy occupied 77.3%. The rate of conversion, accidental events were 7.1% and 2.1%, respectively. Postoperative major complication occurred in 205 cases (5.0%), and 14 in‐hospital deaths were found among HCC patients with chronically diseased liver. Occurrence of postoperative major complication was associated with operation time (≥360 minutes), intraoperative blood loss (≥250 mL), red blood cell transfusion (yes), and the difficulty score (≥6). The 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was 0.14% and 0.41%, respectively.ConclusionsLaparoscopic liver resection was performed with an acceptable rate of conversion, accidental events, morbidity, and mortality. The indications for LLR should be cautiously judged considering tumor location, planned operative procedure, and liver function.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of methylmalonic acidaemia and propionic acidaemia: First revision
Authors: Forny Patrick , Hörster Friederike , Ballhausen Diana , Chakrapani Anupam , Chapman Kimberly A. , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Dixon Marjorie , Grünert Sarah C. , Grunewald Stephanie , Haliloglu Goknur , Hochuli Michel , Honzik Tomas , Karall Daniela , Martinelli Diego , Molema Femke , Sass Jörn Oliver , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Tal Galit , Williams Monique , Huemer Martina , Baumgartner Matthias R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIsolated methylmalonic acidaemia (MMA) and propionic acidaemia (PA) are rare inherited metabolic diseases. Six years ago, a detailed evaluation of the available evidence on diagnosis and management of these disorders has been published for the first time. The article received considerable attention, illustrating the importance of an expert panel to evaluate and compile recommendations to guide rare disease patient care. Since that time, a growing body of evidence on transplant outcomes in MMA and PA patients and use of precursor free amino acid mixtures allows for updates of the guidelines. In this article, we aim to incorporate this newly published knowledge and provide a revised version of the guidelines. The analysis was performed by a panel of multidisciplinary health care experts, who followed an updated guideline development methodology (GRADE). Hence, the full body of evidence up until autumn 2019 was re‐evaluated, analysed and graded. As a result, 21 updated recommendations were compiled in a more concise paper with a focus on the existing evidence to enable well‐informed decisions in the context of MMA and PA patient care.
Texture Analysis of Native T1 Images as a Novel Method for Noninvasive Assessment of Uremic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhou Hang , An Dong‐Aolei , Ni Zhaohui , Xu Jianrong , Fang Wei , Lu Renhua , Ying Liang , Huang Jiaying , Yao Qiuying , Li Dawei , Chen Binghua , Shen Jianxiao , Jin Haijiao , Wei Yuehan , Hu Jiani , Fahmy Lara M. , Wesemann Luke , Qi Shouliang , Wu Lian‐Ming , Mou Shan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundNoncontrast cardiac T1 times are increased in dialysis patients which might indicate fibrotic alterations in uremic cardiomyopathy.PurposeTo explore the application of the texture analysis (TA) of T1 images in the assessment of myocardial alterations in dialysis patients.Study TypeCase–control study.PopulationA total of 117 subjects, including 22 on hemodialysis, 44 on peritoneal dialysis, and 51 healthy controls.Field StrengthA 3 T, steady‐state free precession (SSFP) sequence, modified Look–Locker imaging (MOLLI).AssessmentTwo independent, blinded researchers manually delineated endocardial and epicardial borders of the left ventricle (LV) on midventricular T1 maps for TA.Statistical TestsTexture feature selection was performed, incorporating reproducibility verification, machine learning, and collinearity analysis. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the independent associations between the selected texture features and left ventricular function in dialysis patients. Texture features' performance in discrimination was evaluated by sensitivity and specificity. Reproducibility was estimated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsDialysis patients had greater T1 values than normal (P < 0.05). Five texture features were filtered out through feature selection, and four showed a statistically significant difference between dialysis patients and healthy controls. Among the four features, vertical run‐length nonuniformity (VRLN) had the most remarkable difference among the control and dialysis groups (144 ± 40 vs. 257 ± 74, P < 0.05), which overlap was much smaller than Global T1 times (1268 ± 38 vs. 1308 ± 46 msec, P < 0.05). The VRLN values were notably elevated (cutoff = 170) in dialysis patients, with a specificity of 97% and a sensitivity of 88%, compared with T1 times (specificity = 76%, sensitivity = 60%). In dialysis patients, VRLN was significantly and independently associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (P < 0.05), global longitudinal strain (P < 0.05), radial strain (P < 0.05), and circumferential strain (P < 0.05); however, T1 was not.Data ConclusionThe texture features obtained by TA of T1 images and VRLN may be a better parameter for assessing myocardial alterations than T1 times.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 3
Climate‐sensitivity of sugarcane yield in the southeastern Africa lowlands
Authors: Mbhamali Thulebona W. , Jury Mark R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe have analysed the relationships between local and regional climate and sugarcane yield over the southeastern Africa lowlands (31°–23.5°S, 28.5°–32.5°E) for the period 1970–2017. The temporal associations for preceding December–May rainfall and temperature, and indices of the Pacific El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole, demonstrate the climate‐sensitivity of sugarcane yield and its proxy: the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). The composite differences revealed how the atmospheric circulation over the Mozambique Channel shifts the moisture gradient over southeastern Africa. Predictors of sugarcane yield were identified in point‐to‐field maps of global sea surface temperature, sea level air pressure, and upper winds with respect to the PDSI. It was found that four climate predictors account for half of the PDSI variance at 1 year lead time. We also investigated the long‐term change using coupled model simulations. These exhibit weak drying trends but large year‐to‐year swings in soil moisture. Our research offers a basis for mitigating climate variability for the benefit of the sugar industry in southeastern Africa, through statistical forecasts that inform crop management.
Characterization and enhanced extracellular overexpression of a new salt‐activated alginate lyase
Authors: Meng Qing , Tian Xinyu , Jiang Bo , Zhou Licheng , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Tao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlginate lyases (EC 4.4.2.3/4.4.2.11) have been applied to produce alginate oligosaccharides, which have physiological advantages such as prebiotic and antidiabetic effects, and are of benefit in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Extracellular production of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli presents advantages including simplified downstream processing and high productivity; however, the presence of certain signal peptides does not always ensure successful secretion, which make the extracellular production of alginate lyase in E. coli rarely reported but of great significance.RESULTSA PL7 family alginate lyase, Aly01, with its native signal peptide from Vibrio natriegens SK42.001, was identified, characterized, and extracellularly expressed in E. coli. The enzyme specifically released trisaccharide from alginate and was strictly NaCl activated. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused with the Aly01 signal peptide and successfully secreted in E. coli to expand the feasibility of using this signal peptide to produce other heterologous proteins extracellularly. Through a synergistic strategy of utilizing Terrific Broth (TB) medium supplemented with 120 mmol L–1 glycine and 10 mmol L–1 calcium, the lag phase of protein secretion was reduced to 3 h from 12 h; meanwhile calcium remedied glycine‐related cell growth impairment, leading to further enhancement of overall enzyme productivity, reaching a maximum of 4.55 U mL−1.CONCLUSIONA new salt‐activated alginate lyase, Aly01, was identified and characterized. E. coli employed its signal peptide and extracellularly expressed both Aly01 and a GFP, which indicated the signal peptide of Aly01 could be a powerful tool for extracellular production of other heterologous proteins in E. coli. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Green‐tea‐synthesized silver nanoparticles as a sensing platform for determination of tetracycline in honey samples
Authors: Pistonesi Denise B , Centurión María E , Springer Valeria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be easily obtained in aqueous solution by chemical reduction using appropriate reducing agents and stabilizers. The development of environmentally friendly methods using non‐toxic solvents and reagents has become an alternative for the synthesis of these particles and their future application as sensor probes for agricultural products. In this work, a straightforward method based on green tea extracts as reducing and capping agent is proposed for the synthesis of AgNPs, followed by their evaluation as a sensing platform for determination of tetracycline in honey samples.RESULTSHighly stable nanoparticles were easily obtained by combining green tea aqueous extracts and ultrasound irradiation for 2 min. The as‐synthesized AgNPs, spherical in shape and with average size of 8.5 nm, were evaluated for determination of tetracycline by following the changes on the localized surface plasmon resonance band at 450 nm induced by the presence of this antibiotic at pH 5.8. The method was successfully applied in the concentration range between 200 and 800 μg L−1 with R2 > 0.996 and limit of detection of 52.7 μg L−1. Multiple honey samples were analyzed, and the recovery values obtained ranged between 82.8% and 116%, with relative standard deviation values lower than 6.69%.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained demonstrate that the AgNPs synthesized using just green tea extracts represent a promising and sustainable alternative tool for the cost‐effective determination of tetracycline antibiotics in honey. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Mitigation of the effect of drought on growth and yield of pomegranates by foliar spraying of different sizes of selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Hosseini Marjan Sadat , Daneshvar Hakimi Meybodi Naghmeh , Peijnenburg Willie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrought is a very important environmental stressor, which has negative effects on the growth of trees, decreasing their yield. The role of different‐sized selenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) in the mitigation of environmental stresses such as drought in crops has not yet been investigated.RESULTSTrees treated with Se‐NPs displayed higher levels of photosynthetic pigments, a better nutrient status, better physical parameters (especially fruit cracking) and chemical parameters, a higher phenolic content, and higher concentrations of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and abscisic acid than untreated trees under drought stress. Foliar spraying of 10 and 50 nm Se‐NPs alleviated many of the deleterious effects of drought in pomegranate leaves and fruits and this was achieved by reducing stress‐induced lipid peroxidation and H2O2 content by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the 10 nm Se‐NPs treatment produced more noticeable effects than the treatment with 50 nm Se‐NPs.CONCLUSIONResults confirm the positive effects of nanoparticle spraying, especially the role of 10 nm Se‐NPs in the management of negative effects of drought not only for pomegranates but potentially also for other crops.© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Surgical lymph node assessment influences adjuvant therapy in clinically apparent stage I endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, meeting Mayo criteria for lymphadenectomy
Authors: Pendlebury Adam , Radeva Milena , Rose Peter G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of surgical lymph node assessment for clinically apparent, stage I endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma meeting Mayo criteria for lymphadenectomy.MethodsPatients with endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma meeting Mayo criteria for lymphadenectomy who underwent hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy were identified. Algorithms for adjuvant therapy with and without lymphadenectomy were developed utilizing NCCN guidelines, PORTEC 1, and PORTEC 2. Patients served as their own control to determine the frequency of treatment modification.ResultsA total of 357 patients were analyzed. Using our algorithms treatment modification would have occurred because of lymphadenectomy in 62.8% of patients if whole pelvic external beam radiation was used for patients meeting inclusion criteria for PORTEC 1. Treatment modification would have occurred in 16.2% of patients if vaginal brachytherapy was used for patients meeting the inclusion criteria for PORTEC 2. Of the total, 53.8% of patients meeting inclusion criteria for PORTEC 1 would have had a reduction in adjuvant therapy from whole pelvic radiotherapy to vaginal brachytherapy alone. Only 9.0% of patients would have adjuvant therapy increased to include external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy based on the presence of positive lymph nodes.ConclusionsApplying standard adjuvant treatment algorithms to real patient data, surgical lymph node assessment appears to frequently alter treatment allocation.
Immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Carpenter Eileen , Nelson Sarah , Bednar Filip , Cho Clifford , Nathan Hari , Sahai Vaibhav , di Magliano Marina Pasca , Frankel Timothy L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a lethal cancer with an urgent need for better medical therapies. Efforts have been made to investigate the efficacy of immunotherapy, particularly given the hallmarks of immune suppression and exhaustion in PDAC tumors. Here, we review the molecular components responsible for the immune‐privileged state in PDAC and provide an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies for PDAC including vaccine therapy, checkpoint blockade, myeloid‐targeted therapy, and immune agonist therapy.