bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of statistical designs strategy to improve cellulase production using agro-waste residue by a novel isolate Bacillus licheniformis strain-MA1 and assessing the enzyme effect on apple juice quality
Authors: Abdella Mohamed A. A. , Ibrahim Gamil E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Cellulose is the major part of lignocellulosic biomass. It can be hydrolyzed into glucose units via specific enzymes called cellulases that have been applied in many commercial fields. There are several studies illustrate the influence of enzymes on apple juice clarification. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of microbial cellulase on volatile compounds of apple juice is not well known. The present study aimed to assess the effect of cellulase from a new bacterial isolate on the physicochemical properties of apple juice as well as volatile compounds. The hydrolysis of some polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin) and polyphenols during apple juice production is necessary to reduce cloud sedimentation or color deterioration and increase the yield of juice. So, enzymes from new microbial isolates serve as processing aids to obtain clear juice with a high yield.

Results
Cellulase-producing bacterium was isolated, characterized and molecularly identified as Bacillus licheniformis strain-MA1 with an accession number of ON840115. Optimization of medium parameters was implemented using Plackett–Burman design (PBd) followed by Box-Behnken design (BBd) of response surface methodology (RSM). The PBd revealed the three most important (significant) variables including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), corn cob, and peptone that had positive impact on cellulase production. Additionally, using the agricultural residue (corn cob) by the bacterial strain as a carbon source helps in reducing the costs of enzyme production, recycling the by-products, and preserving the environment. The optimized medium using PBd and BBd enhanced cellulase production from B. licheniformis strain-MA1 by 6.8-fold. A remarkable increase was observed in juice yield in enzyme treated-juice sample (88.2 ± 0.15%) in comparison with control juice (75.4 ± 0.09%). The total phenolic contents in cloudy and clarified apple juices were 0.957 ± 0.09 and 0.412 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. Also, DPPH and FRAP assays showed a remarkable increase in antioxidant activity (Low IC50) in the control sample compared to enzyme treatment. Twenty-seven volatile compounds were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas and analysis was performed by GC–MS. The identified volatile constituents belonged to several chemical classes: 15 esters; 6 alcohols; 4 aldehydes and 2 acids. The predominant class in apple juice volatile fraction was esters with a sweet and fruity odor.

Conclusion
The crude cellulase obtained from the novel bacterial isolate B. licheniformis strain-MA1 was successfully applied as a clarifying agent in apple juice.
The effect of smart glasses combined with ultrasound on radial arterial catheterization: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Mingjing , Zou Ting , Weng Yan , Mao Wenjie , Zhong Qing , Song Haibo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The integration of smart glasses with ultrasound technology offers a novel approach to improve the efficiency of radial arterial catheterization. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of smart glasses in enhancing procedural outcomes in a clinical setting. This study aims to assess whether smart glasses combined with ultrasound can improve the initial success rate of radial artery catheterization compared to traditional ultrasound-guided methods in adults.

Methods
This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients aged 18–70 with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III, who required radial artery catheterization as part of their procedure under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized 1:1 into the ultrasound group and the smart glasses group. Radial arterial catheterization was carried out by one of six anesthesiologists before general anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the first puncture success rate. Secondary endpoints included hand-eye coordination (measured by head rotations, probe repositioning and needle redirections), operator’s satisfaction.

Results
A total of 222 patients were analyzed, with the smart glasses group demonstrating a higher rate of first puncture success compared to the control group (88.3% [98/111] vs. 72.1% [80/111]; P = 0.002; relative risk [RR], 1.23; 95% CI (1.07, 1.40)). Hand-eye coordination improved significantly in the smart glasses group than the control group, including: fewer number of head rotations (0 [0, 0] vs. 3 [2, 6]; P < 0.001); fewer number of ultrasound probe repositioning (0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 1]; P < 0.001); fewer number of needle redirections (0 [0, 1] vs. 1 [0, 3]; P < 0.001). The proportion of positive satisfaction (81 to 100 points) in the smart glasses group was higher (89.2% [99/111] vs. 69.4% [77/111]; P <  0.001; RR, 1.29; 95% CI (1.12, 1.48)).

Conclusions
The use of smart glasses significantly improved the first puncture success rate, hand-eye coordination ability and operators’ satisfaction in radial arterial catheterization.

Trial registration
The study was registered at Chictr.org.cn with the number ChiCTR2400081399 on 29/02/2024.
Detailed analysis of the histology-specific impact of ascites volume on the outcome of epithelial ovarian cancer: a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iyoshi Shohei , Kimura Mariko , Yoshihara Masato , Kunishima Atsushi , Miyamoto Emiri , Fujimoto Hiroki , Kitami Kazuhisa , Mogi Kazumasa , Uno Kaname , Tano Sho , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Emoto Ryo , Matsui Shigeyuki , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The accumulation of ascites is a major symptom of ovarian cancer. The volume of ascites is a pathophysiological indicator of the peritoneal environment, such as inflammation and fibrosis; however, the relationship between the volume of ascites and oncological outcomes remains unclear. We herein retrospectively examined the effects of the volume of ascites on the prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer in a multi-institutional large cohort using the stratification of clinical characteristics and statistical adjustment methods.

Methods
Of 5,268 patients with ovarian tumors in the Tokai Ovarian Tumor Study Group between 1986 and 2020, we included 1,966 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer and examined the relationship between the volume of ascites at the initial surgery and the prognosis of patients. We performed a multivariate analysis and propensity score weighting for covariate adjustments to precisely estimate the prognostic impact of ascites accumulation. A subgroup analysis was also performed to examine differences in the prognostic implications of ascites accumulation among histotypes.

Results
A reservoir of 100 mL of ascites was confirmed as the cut-off value in our cohort. A Kaplan-Meyer analysis with propensity score adjustments indicated that the accumulation of more than 100 mL of ascites shortened overall survival. The multivariate analysis revealed that the increased accumulation of 100 mL of ascites was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR 1.242; 95% CI 1.050–1.470; P = 0.012). The subgroup analysis showed the prognostic significance of ascites accumulation in mucinous and endometrioid histologies.

Conclusions
The accumulation of even a low to intermediate volume of ascites (≥ 100 mL) was confirmed to be an independent poor prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer. Furthermore, its prognostic impact differed among histotypes.
Toll-like receptor activation induces airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs
Authors: Xiang Yujiao , Liu Jielu , Nie Mu , Nilsson Gunnar , Säfholm Jesper , Adner Mikael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Microbial infections, particularly those caused by rhinovirus (RV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are major triggers for asthma exacerbations. These viruses activate toll-like receptors (TLRs), initiating an innate immune response. To better understand microbial-induced asthma exacerbations, animal models that closely mimic human lung characteristics are essential. This study aimed to assess airway responses in guinea pigs exposed to TLR agonists, simulating microbial infections.

Methods
The agonists poly(I: C) (TLR3), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR4) and imiquimod (TLR7), or the combination of poly(I: C) and imiquimod (P/I) were administered intranasally once a day over four consecutive days. The latter group received daily intraperitoneal injections of dexamethasone starting one day before the TLR agonists challenge. Respiratory functions were measured by whole-body plethysmography and forced oscillatory technique. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells and lungs were collected for analysis.

Results
The intranasal exposure of LPS and P/I caused an increase in enhanced pause (Penh) after challenge, whereas neither poly(I: C) nor imiquimod alone showed any effect. After the challenges of LPS, poly(I: C) or P/I, but not imiquimod alone, induced an increase of both Rrs (resistance of the respiratory system) and Ers (elastance of the respiratory system). LPS exposure caused an increase of neutrophils in BALF, whereas none of the other exposures affected the composition of cells in BALF. Exposure to LPS, poly (I: C), imiquimod, and P/I all caused a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells and an increase of mast cells around the small airways. For the expression of inflammatory mediators, LPS increased CXCL8, poly(I: C) and imiquimod decreased IL-4 and IL-5, and increased IFNγ. Imiquimod increased CXCL8 and IL-6, whereas P/I decreased IL-5, and increased IL-6 and IFNγ. The increases in Rrs, Ers, and airway inflammation, but not the altered expression of inflammatory cytokines, were attenuated by dexamethasone.

Conclusions
TLR agonists promote acute airway inflammation and induce airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs. The severity of these effects varies depending on the specific agonists used. Notably, dexamethasone reversed pulmonary functional changes and mitigated bronchial inflammation caused by the combined treatment of P/I. However, it had no impact on the expression of inflammatory mediators.
Transcatheter bicuspid venous valve prostheses: fluid mechanical performance testing of artificial nonwoven leaflets
Authors: Götz Andreas , Illner Sabine , Fiedler Nicklas , Schubert Julia , Oldenburg Jan , Müller Heinz , Schmidt Wolfram , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Grabow Niels , Lebahn Kerstin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disease with a high prevalence. Incompetent venous valves are considered as one of the main causes. Besides compression therapy, various surgical therapies are practiced, whereby the reconstruction of valves is of central importance. There is an unmet clinical need, no valve prosthesis is commercially available to date. This work introduces two versions of a patented prosthetic bicuspid valve design made of electrospun thermoplastic silicone polycarbonate polyurethane (TSPCU) nanofiber leaflets attached in a nitinol stent, and their performance in static and pulsatile operation.

Results
The valves mainly fulfill the requirements widely accepted in literature. Valves of both versions were functional in the physiological pressure range up to 50 mmHg with design specific differences.

Conclusions
The here introduced design versions act as a platform technology and can be tailored for an intended implantation site. Evaluation of the original and modified valve concept demonstrated efficacy, with limitations at higher loads for original design. At the current state, the modification is preferable for fabrication, as one processing step is eliminated. Moreover, specific design recommendations could be drawn for valves of similar basic structure. Future work will focus on long-term performance and biocompatibility prior to the initiation of preclinical in vivo studies.
Detection of HHV-5 HHV-6a HHV-6b and HHV-7 in the urine: potential use as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for immune profiling
Authors: Govind Shelia , Lang Pierre Olivier , Bürkle Alexander , Moreno-Villanueva María , Franceschi Claudio , Capri Miriam , Bernard Jurgen , Weinberger Birgit , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix , Fiegl Simone , Gonos Efstathios S. , Sikora Ewa , Jansen Eugène , Dollé Martijn E. T. , Grune Tilman , Breusing Nicolle , Aspinall Richard 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDecline in immune function with age has been studied extensively, but approaches to immune restoration have been hampered by the lack of simple methods of identifying individuals whose immune system is in decline. Our approach has been to identify individuals whose immune decline has led to a loss of control of common latent viral infections and their consequent reactivation. Viruses excreted in urine were detected and quantified and we believe this approach could provide a 'surrogate marker' for identifying immune compromised individuals. Here we report the detection of human herpes virus (HHV) 5, 6a, 6b and 7 in the urine of healthy individuals over a wide age range and their correlation with T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) data. The results did not show a clear correlation between TREC values and the detection of individual specific viruses or viral load values when measured singly. However, a correlation was found between low TREC values and the detection of several different human herpes viruses in the urine in males. We present evidence suggesting that for males, the detection of three or more different human herpes viruses in the urine could identify individuals with declining immune function as evidenced by their significantly lower TREC levels.
Machine learning-based radiomics prognostic model for patients with proximal esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Linrui , Qin Zhihui , Bo Juan , Hu Jiaru , Zhang Yu , Qian Liting , Dong Jiangning 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To explore the role of radiomics in predicting the prognosis of proximal esophageal cancer and to investigate the biological underpinning of radiomics in identifying different prognoses.

Methods
A total of 170 patients with pathologically and endoscopically confirmed proximal esophageal cancer from two centers were enrolled. Radiomics models were established by five machine learning approaches. The optimal radiomics model was selected using receiver operating curve analysis. Bioinformatics methods were applied to explore the potential biological mechanisms. Nomograms based on radiomics and clinical–radiomics features were constructed and assessed by receiver operating characteristics, calibration, and decision curve analyses net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement evaluations.

Results
The peritumoral models performed well with the majority of classifiers in the training and validation sets, with the dual-region radiomics model showing the highest integrated area under the curve values of 0.9763 and 0.9471, respectively, and outperforming the single-region models. The clinical–radiomics nomogram showed better predictive performance than the clinical nomogram, with a net reclassification improvement of 34.4% (p = 0.02) and integrated discrimination improvement of 10% (p = 0.007). Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that lipid metabolism-related functions are potentially crucial in the process by which the radiomics score could stratify patients.

Conclusions
A combination of peritumoral radiomics features could improve the predictive performance of intratumoral radiomics to estimate overall survival after definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with proximal esophageal cancer. Radiomics features could provide insights into the lipid metabolism associated with radioresistance and hold great potential to guide personalized care.

Critical relevance statement
This study demonstrates that incorporating peritumoral radiomics features enhances the predictive accuracy of overall survival in proximal esophageal cancer patients after chemoradiotherapy, and suggests a link between radiomics and lipid metabolism in radioresistance, highlighting its potential for personalized treatment strategies.

Key Points

Peritumoral region radiomics features could predict the prognosis of proximal esophageal cancer.

Dual-region radiomics features showed significantly better predictive performance.

Radiomics features can provide insights into the lipid metabolism associated with radioresistance.

Graphical Abstract
Imaging tumor and ascites-associated macrophages in a mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer
Authors: Foss Catherine A. , Wildes Flonné , Mezzanzanica Delia , Podo Franca , Hung Chien-Fu , Yadav Santosh , Vidaver Marie-France Penet 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer, a lethal gynecologic malignancy. [124I]iodo-DPA-713 is a PET radiotracer that is selectively trapped within reactive macrophages. We have employed this radioligand here as well as a fluorescent analog to image TAMs associated with primary tumors, secondary pulmonary metastases and gastrointestinal tract-associated macrophages, associated with ascites accumulation in a syngeneic mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer. Intact female C57BL/6 mice were engrafted with ID8-Defb29-VEGF tumor pieces. One month after engraftment, the mice were selected for positive bioluminescence to show primary and secondary tumor burden and were then scanned by PET/MRI with [124I]iodo-DPA-713, observing a 24 h uptake time. PET data were overlayed with T2-weighted MRI data to facilitate PET uptake tissue identity. Additionally, mice were imaged ex vivo using Near IR Fluorescence (NIRF), capturing the uptake and sequestration of DPA-713-IRDye800CW, a fluorescent analog of the radioligand used here. Additionally, cell culture uptake of DPA-713-IRDye680LT in ID8-DEFb29-VEGF, IOSE hTERT and RAW264.7 cells was conducted to measure tracer uptake in ovarian cancer cells, ovarian epithelial cells and macrophage.

Results
PET/MRI data show an intense ring of radiotracer uptake surrounding primary tumors. PET uptake is also associated with lung metastases, but not healthy lung. Mice displaying ascites also display PET uptake along the gastrointestinal tract while sham-operated mice show minimal gastrointestinal uptake. All mice show specific kidney uptake. Mice imaged by NIRF confirmed TAMs uptake mostly at the rim of primary tumors while 1 mm secondary tumors in the lungs displayed robust, homogeneous uptake of the radio- and fluorescent analog. Ex vivo biodistribution of [124I]iodo-DPA-713 showed that contralateral ovaries in middle-stage disease had the highest probe uptake with tissues sampled in mid- and late-stage disease showing increasing uptake.

Conclusion
[124I]iodo-DPA-713 and DPA-713-IRDye800CW sensitively identify and locate TAMs in a syngeneic mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer.
A systematic review of economic evaluation of healthcare associated infection prevention and control interventions in long term care facilities
Authors: Tchouaket Eric Nguemeleu , El-Mousawi Fatima , Robins Stephanie , Kruglova Katya , Séguin Catherine , Kilpatrick Kelley , Jubinville Maripier , Leroux Suzanne , Beogo Idrissa , Sia Drissa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) are common in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and cause significant burden. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures include the clinical best practices (CBP) of hand hygiene, hygiene and sanitation, screening, and basic and additional precautions. Few studies demonstrate their cost-effectiveness in LTCF, and those that do, largely focus on one CBP. An overarching synthesis of IPC economic analyses in this context is warranted. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of economic evaluations of CBP applied in LTCF.

Methods
We twice queried CINAHL, Cochrane, EconLit, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for studies published in the last three decades of economic evaluations of CBP in LTCF. We included controlled and randomized clinical trials, cohort, longitudinal, follow-up, prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional, and simulations studies, as well as those based on mathematical or statistical modelling. Two reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies. We applied discounting rates of 3%, 5% and 8%, and presented all costs in 2022 Canadian dollars. The protocol of this review was registered with Research Registry (reviewregistry1210) and published in BMC Systematic Reviews.

Findings
We found 3,331 records and then 822 records; ten studies were retained. The economic analyses described were cost-minimization (n = 1), cost-benefit (n = 1), cost-savings (n = 2), cost-utility (n = 2) and cost-effectiveness which included cost-utility and cost-benefit analyses (n = 4). Four studies were high quality, three were moderate, and three were low quality. Inter-rater agreement for quality assessment was 91⋅7%. All studies (n = 10) demonstrated that CBP associated with IPC are clinically effective in LTCF and many (n = 6) demonstrated their cost effectiveness.

Interpretation
Ongoing economic evaluation research of IPC remains essential to underpin healthcare policy choices guided by empirical evidence for LTCF residents and staff.
Perceptions of home hospitalization among the public and physicians in Israel: findings from surveys conducted for the Dead Sea Health Policy Conference of 2022
Authors: Laron Michal , Nissanholtz-Gannot Rachel , Fialco Sharvit , Halevi Hochwald Inbal , Green Gizell , Offer Itamar , Lavie Gil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Hospital at Home (HaH) is an alternative care model that provides acute hospital-level services to patients at their homes. Despite its proven advantages and global experience, HaH did not gain significant traction in Israel until the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue was highlighted at the 2022 Dead Sea Conference on Health Policy. This study compares perceptions of HaH among the Israeli public and physicians, Jewish and Arab, identifying facilitators and barriers to its expansion in Israel.

Methods
Two online surveys were conducted, one with 342 physicians and another with 424 members of the public aged 35+. Respondents were sampled based on age, gender, district of residence, and population group. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests explored perceptions, and logistic regression analyzed multivariate relationships.

Results
Results showed 39% of the public believed HaH care quality is as good as or better than hospitals, compared to 65% of physicians. 44% of the public felt HaH safety is as good or better, while 75% of physicians agreed. 58% of the public saw communication between patients/families and the healthcare professionals in HaH as good or better, contrasted with 91% of physicians. 78% of the public and 97% of physicians viewed HaH as a good alternative to hospitalization and would consider using it personally. Arab and lower-income respondents were less positive about HaH than Jewish and higher-income respondents. Community-based physicians preferred HaH more than hospital-based ones. Barriers to HaH expansion included lack of specialized manpower, resources, and awareness.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that both the public and physicians show confidence in HaH, and it is gaining popularity among both. Policymakers could use these insights to expand HaH, focusing on increasing awareness, reducing family burden, tailoring services for diverse populations, involving hospital staff, and investing in resources and training.