bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the nematicidal mechanisms and control efficiencies of oxalic acid producing Aspergillus tubingensis WF01 against root-knot nematodes
Authors: Yang Zhong-Yan , Dai Yuan-Chen , Mo Yuan-Qi , Wang Jia-Lun , Ma Li , Zhao Pei-Ji , Huang Ying , Wang Rui-Bin , Li Wei , Al-Rejaie Salim S. , Liu Jian-Jin , Cao Yi , Mo Ming-He 
Published: July 2024

Background and aimsRoot-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are among the highly prevalent and significantly detrimental pathogens that cause severe economic and yield losses in crops. Currently, control of RKN primarily relies on the application of chemical nematicides but it has environmental and public health concerns, which open new doors for alternative methods in the form of biological control.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the nematicidal and attractive activities of an endophytic strain WF01 against Meloidogyne incognita in concentration-dependent experiments. The active nematicidal metabolite was extracted in the WF01 crude extract through the Sephadex column, and its structure was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data.ResultsThe strain WF01 was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The nematicidal and attractive metabolite of A. tubingensis WF01 was identified as oxalic acid (OA), which showed solid nematicidal activity against M. incognita, having LC50 of 27.48 μg ml–1. The Nsy-1 of AWC and Odr-7 of AWA were the primary neuron genes for Caenorhabditis elegans to detect OA. Under greenhouse, WF01 broth and 200 μg ml–1 OA could effectively suppress the disease caused by M. incognita on tomatoes respectively with control efficiency (CE) of 62.5% and 70.83%, and promote plant growth. In the field, WF01-WP and 8% OA-WP formulations showed moderate CEs of 51.25%–61.47% against RKN in tomato and tobacco. The combined application of WF01 and OA resulted in excellent CEs of 66.83% and 69.34% toward RKN in tomato and tobacco, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WF01 broth or OA significantly suppressed the infection of J2s in tomatoes by upregulating the expression levels of the genes (PAL, C4H, HCT, and F5H) related to lignin synthesis, and strengthened root lignification.ConclusionAltogether, our results demonstrated that A. tubingensis WF01 exhibited multiple weapons to control RKN mediated by producing OA to lure and kill RKN in a concentration-dependent manner and strengthen root lignification. This fungus could serve as an environmental bio-nematicide for managing the diseases caused by RKN.
Relationship between dynamic changes of microorganisms in Qupi and the quality formation of Fengxiangxing Huairang Daqu
Authors: Cao Dan , Lv Jiali , Chu Jingying , Xu Shuangshuang , Jin Chengyong , Zhang Yongli , Zhang Yuhang , Zhang Wen , Kang Jie 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionFengxiangxing Huairang Daqu (FHD) is one of the major types of Daqu in China. However, the relationship between the microbial community structure at different stages, the changes in the sensory characteristics, fermentation characteristics, volatiles, the most critical process point, and the quality formation of FHD is not clear.MethodsBased on microscopic characterization, PacBio SMRT sequencing, and HS-SPME-GC-MS volatile metabolite analysis revealed the relationship between FHD quality formation and the dynamics of Qupi.ResultsThe results showed that the 12th day of the culture was the most critical process point, highlighting the most significant differences in microbial community structure, sensory characteristics, fermentation characteristics, and flavor substances. Bacillus licheniformis (43.25%), Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (35.05%), Thermoascus aurantiacus (76.51%), Aspergillus amstelodami (10.81%), and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (8.88%) were the dominant species in FHD. S. fibuligera, A. amstelodami, and T. aurantiacus were associated with the snow-white color of the FHD epidermis, the yellow color of the interior, and the gray-white color, respectively. The abundance of T. aurantiacus, A. amstelodami, B. licheniformis, and S. rectivirgula was positively associated with the esterifying power and liquefying power of FHD. The abundance of T. aurantiacus and A. amstelodami was positively correlated with the saccharifying power of FHD. The abundance of S. fibuligera was positively related to the fermenting power of FHD. A total of 248 volatiles were detected in Qupi, mainly including alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Of them, eleven volatiles had a significant effect on the flavor of Qupi, such as 1-butanol-3-methyl-, hydrazinecarboxamide, ethanol, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, 2-octanone, 1-octen-3-ol, formic acid-hexyl ester, (E)-2-octen-1-ol, ethyl hexanoate, and 2(3H)-furanone-dihydro-5-pentyl-. The abundance of B. licheniformis, S. rectivirgula, T. aurantiacus, and S. fibuligera was positively correlated with the alcohols, aromatic compounds, and phenols in FHD. The abundance of S. fibuligera was positively correlated with the acids, esters, and hydrocarbons in FHD.DiscussionThese results indicate important theoretical basis and technical support for controllable adjustment of FHD microbial community structure, stable control of FHD quality, and precise, effective, and large-scale guidance of FHD production.
Sex differences in motor learning flexibility are accompanied by sex differences in mushroom spine pruning of the mouse primary motor cortex during adolescence
Authors: Tekin Michael , Shen Hui , Smith Sheryl S. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAlthough males excel at motor tasks requiring strength, females exhibit greater motor learning flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is associated with low baseline mushroom spine densities achieved by pruning which can be triggered by α4βδ GABAA receptors (GABARs); defective synaptic pruning impairs this process.MethodsWe investigated sex differences in adolescent pruning of mushroom spine pruning of layer 5 pyramidal cells of primary motor cortex (L5M1), a site essential for motor learning, using microscopic evaluation of Golgi stained sections. We assessed α4GABAR expression using immunohistochemical and electrophysiological techniques (whole cell patch clamp responses to 100 nM gaboxadol, selective for α4βδ GABARs). We then compared performance of groups with different post-pubertal mushroom spine densities on motor learning (constant speed) and learning flexibility (accelerating speed following constant speed) rotarod tasks.ResultsMushroom spines in proximal L5M1 of female mice decreased &gt;60% from PND35 (puberty onset) to PND56 (Pubertal: 2.23 ± 0.21 spines/10 μm; post-pubertal: 0.81 ± 0.14 spines/10 μm, P &lt; 0.001); male mushroom spine density was unchanged. This was due to greater α4βδ GABAR expression in the female (P &lt; 0.0001) because α4 -/- mice did not exhibit mushroom spine pruning. Although motor learning was similar for all groups, only female wild-type mice (low mushroom spine density) learned the accelerating rotarod task after the constant speed task (P = 0.006), a measure of motor learning flexibility.ConclusionsThese results suggest that optimal motor learning flexibility of female mice is associated with low baseline levels of post-pubertal mushroom spine density in L5M1 compared to male and female α4 -/- mice.
Dietary folate intake and serum klotho levels in adults aged 40–79 years: a cross-sectional study from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007–2016
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Chunhuan , Shen Rongjun , Wang Anxian , Zhang Tingting , Cao Zhengyuan 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the relationship between dietary folate intake and serum Klotho levels in adults from aged 40 to 79 years in the United States, seeking to elucidate the intricacies of their interaction.MethodsAnalyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2016. The survey research determined folate intake through a 24-h dietary recall and nutrient density modeling, and assessed Klotho levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between folate intake and Klotho levels was evaluated using weighted linear regression, and complemented by analysis via smoothed curve models for nuanced understanding.ResultsThe study encompassed 10,278 participants, with an average age of 57.64 years, revealing a noteworthy positive correlation between dietary folate and serum Klotho levels. The regression coefficient stood at 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.05, 0.18) post-adjustment for various covariates. When dietary folate intake was categorized into quartiles, the second, third, and fourth quartiles exhibited statistically significant differences compared to the lowest quartile. This indicates that higher folate intake correlates with increased serum Klotho levels. These findings underscore the potential benefits of elevating folate intake to enhance serum Klotho levels. Stratified analysis indicated that this association was more pronounced among males aged 60 years or older and individuals with hypertension.ConclusionThe findings suggest a significant correlation between increased dietary folate intake and elevated serum Klotho levels in adults aged 40–79 years. Hinting at the potential nutritional influences on the aging process and associated health conditions. This calls for further exploration into the mechanisms and broader implications of this association.
Quantifying societal burden of radiation-induced small bowel toxicity in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Kimpe Eva , Parmentier Riet , Busschaert Sara-Lise , De Mey Johan , Barbé Kurt , De Ridder Mark , Putman Koen 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAdvancements in rectal cancer (RC) treatment not only led to an increase in lives saved but also improved quality of life (QoL). Notwithstanding these benefits, RC treatment comes at the price of gastrointestinal morbidity in many patients. Health economic modelling poses an opportunity to explore the societal burden of such side-effects. This study aims to quantify radiation-induced late small bowel (SB) toxicity in survivors of RC for Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy – Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IMRT/IGRT).Materials and methodsMaterials and A model-based health economic evaluation was performed. The theoretical cohort consists of a case-mix of survivors of RC aged 25-99 years according to Belgian age-specific incidence rates. A societal perspective was adopted. The base case analysis was complemented with one-way deterministic analyses, deterministic scenario analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (1,000 iterations). Results were presented as mean lifetime incremental cost (€) and utility (QALYs) per patient.ResultsThe analyses showed that the use of innovative radiotherapy (RT) improves lifetime QoL in survivors of RC by 0.11 QALYs and 0.05 QALYs by preferring IMRT/IGRT and IMRT over 3D-CRT, respectively. The use of IMRT/IGRT and IMRT results in an incremental cost-saving of €3,820 and €1,863 per patient, solely by radiation-induced SB toxicity, compared to 3D-CRT.Discussion and conclusionIt is important to consider late toxicity effects in decisions regarding investments and reimbursement as our analysis highlighted the potential long-term cost-savings and improved QoL of novel RT techniques in patients with rectal cancer.
Plasma lipidomics profiling in predicting the chemo-immunotherapy response in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Hui , Li Xu-Shuo , Yang Ying , Qi Rui-Xue 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAdvanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents significant treatment challenges, with chemo-immunotherapy emerging as a promising approach. This study explores the potential of lipidomic biomarkers to predict responses to chemo-immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.MethodsA prospective analysis was conducted on 68 NSCLC patients undergoing chemo-immunotherapy, divided into disease control (DC) and progressive disease (PD) groups based on treatment response. Pre-treatment serum samples were subjected to lipidomic profiling using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Key predictive lipids (biomarkers) were identified through projection to latent structures discriminant analysis. A biomarker combined model and a clinical combined model were developed to enhance the prediction accuracy. The predictive performances of the clinical combined model in different histological subtypes were also performed.ResultsSix lipids were identified as the key lipids. The expression levels of PC(16:0/18:2), PC(16:0/18:1), PC(16:0/18:0), CE(20:1), and PC(14:0/18:1) were significantly up-regulated. While the expression level of TAG56:7-FA18:2 was significantly down-regulated. The biomarker combined model demonstrated a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75–0.95) in differentiating the PD from the DC. The clinical combined model exhibited an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79–0.96) in differentiating the PD from the DC. The clinical combined model demonstrated good discriminability in DC and PD patients in different histological subtypes with the AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.62–0.96), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64–0.94), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.52–1.00) in squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma subtype, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed the metabolisms of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, glycerolipid, arachidonic acid, glycerophospholipid, and steroid were implicated in the chemo-immunotherapy response in advanced NSCLC.ConclusionLipidomic profiling presents a highly accurate method for predicting responses to chemo-immunotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC, offering a potential avenue for personalized treatment strategies.
Redox-state-regulating enzymes have prognostic value in diabetic endometrial cancer patients: impact of statin use?
Authors: Ollila Elina , Ahtikoski Anne , Puistola Ulla , Karihtala Peeter , Urpilainen Elina 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThe incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing, and oxidative stress has been suggested to play a vital role in its carcinogenesis. Statins have an impact on the cellular redox-state. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of statin use on redox-state regulating enzymes in endometrial cancer in women with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study consisted of 119 women with type 2 diabetes who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer at Oulu University Hospital in Finland between 2007 and 2014. There were 58 statin users and 61 non-users based on medication use at the time of endometrial cancer diagnosis. The expression of redox-state regulating proteins nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in the tumor samples was assessed immunohistochemically, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels were measured both immunohistochemically and from serum samples.ResultsHigh MnSOD expression predicted better progression-free survival (PFS) in statin non-users in a univariate analysis (p=0.02). There was no statistical difference in overall survival (OS) or PFS between strong and weak expression of Nrf2 and Keap1. After adjusting for stage and statin use, the results were similar.ConclusionStatin non-users with strong MnSOD expression had better PFS compared to statin users which proves that statins have impact on redox-state regulating enzymes. However, these findings are preliminary and require further research.
Improvement of accumulated dose distribution in combined cervical cancer radiotherapy with deep learning–based dose prediction
Authors: Fu Qi , Chen Xinyuan , Liu Yuxiang , Zhang Jingbo , Xu Yingjie , Yang Xi , Huang Manni , Men Kuo , Dai Jianrong 
Published: July 2024

PurposeDifficulties remain in dose optimization and evaluation of cervical cancer radiotherapy that combines external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT). This study estimates and improves the accumulated dose distribution of EBRT and BT with deep learning–based dose prediction.Materials and methodsA total of 30 patients treated with combined cervical cancer radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The dose distributions of EBRT and BT plans were accumulated using commercial deformable image registration. A ResNet-101–based deep learning model was trained to predict pixel-wise dose distributions. To test the role of the predicted accumulated dose in clinic, each EBRT plan was designed using conventional method and then redesigned referencing the predicted accumulated dose distribution. Bladder and rectum dosimetric parameters and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) values were calculated and compared between the conventional and redesigned accumulated doses.ResultsThe redesigned accumulated doses showed a decrease in mean values of V50, V60, and D2cc for the bladder (−3.02%, −1.71%, and −1.19 Gy, respectively) and rectum (−4.82%, −1.97%, and −4.13 Gy, respectively). The mean NTCP values for the bladder and rectum were also decreased by 0.02‰ and 0.98%, respectively. All values had statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.01), except for the bladder D2cc (p = 0.112).ConclusionThis study realized accumulated dose prediction for combined cervical cancer radiotherapy without knowing the BT dose. The predicted dose served as a reference for EBRT treatment planning, leading to a superior accumulated dose distribution and lower NTCP values.
Computed tomography-measured body composition can predict long-term outcomes for stage I-III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Zhou Han , Tian Lei , Wu Yiting , Liu Sibin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThere remains a pressing need to identify biomarkers capable of reliably predicting prognostic outcomes for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As several body composition parameters have recently been reported to exhibit varying levels of prognostic significance in particular cancers, the present study was devised to assess the ability of body composition to predict long-term outcomes for CRC patients with different stages of disease.MethodsIn total, this retrospective analysis enrolled 327 stage I-III CRC patients whose medical records were accessed for baseline demographic and clinical data. Primary outcomes for these patients included disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS). The prognostic performance of different musculature, visceral, and subcutaneous fat measurements from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans was assessed.ResultsOver the course of follow-up, 93 of the enrolled patients experienced recurrent disease and 39 died. Through multivariate Cox regression analyses, the visceral/subcutaneous fat area (V/S) ratio was found to be independently associated with patient DFS (HR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.24–3.01, P=0.004), and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) as an independent predictor for OS (HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.89, P=0.023). Through subgroup analyses, higher V/S ratios were found to be correlated with reduced DFS among patients with stage T3/4 (P=0.011), lymph node metastasis-positive (P=0.002), and TNM stage III (P=0.002) disease, whereas a higher SMI was associated with better OS in all T stages (P=0.034, P=0.015), lymph node metastasis-positive cases (P=0.020), and in patients with TNM stage III disease (P=0.020).ConclusionBoth the V/S ratio and SMI offer potential utility as clinical biomarkers associated with long-term CRC patient prognosis. A higher V/S ratio and a lower SMI are closely related to poorer outcomes in patients with more advanced disease.
Celsior® vs. St Thomas® cardioplegia: analysis of myocardial protection and clinical safety in neonates
Authors: Bulescu Nicolae Cristian , Mitchell Julia , Metton Olivier , El Jonhy Naoual , Amaz Camille , Perouse de Montclos Thomas , Lilot Marc , Mewton Nathan , Henaine Roland 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of Celsior® crystalloid solution to St Thomas® solution as cardioplegia in pediatric arterial switch surgery.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 180 patients who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) between 2005 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: the St Thomas group receiving St Thomas solution and the Celsior® group receiving Celsior® solution. The study aimed to assess myocardial protection while evaluating clinical outcomes of patients between groups.ResultsBaseline characteristics not different between groups. The postoperative troponin release trends and blood lactate levels were not different between groups. However, the Celsior® group had a significant lower incidence of delayed sternal closure (9.7% vs. 19.5%; p = 0.09) and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO) (4.9% vs. 24.7%; p &lt; 0.001) compared to the St Thomas group. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was significantly shorter in the Celsior® group (4.6 ± 3.36 days vs. 8.72 ± 5.08 days, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups (2.9% vs. 2.6%; p = 0.147).ConclusionThe study suggests that Celsior® solution is effective and safe for myocardial protection in pediatric arterial switch surgery. It may offer potential benefits such as reduced need for delayed sternal closure and ECMO support, as well as shorter ICU stay. However, the study has limitations including its retrospective design and the use of different cardioplegic solutions during different time periods. Further prospective randomized trials are needed for confirmation.
Clinical Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04616222.
Modeling the impact of coincidence loss on count rate statistics and noise performance in counting detectors for imaging applications
Authors: Zambon P. 
Published: July 2024

Coincidence loss can have detrimental effects on the image quality provided by pixelated counting detectors, especially in dose-sensitive applications like cryoEM where the information extracted from the recorded signal needs to be maximized. In this work, we investigate the impact of coincidence loss phenomena on the recorded statistics in counting detectors producing sparse binary images. First, we derive exact analytical expressions for the mean and the variance of the recorded counts as a function of the incoming event rate. Second, we address the problem of the mean and variance of the recorded events (i.e., pixel clusters identified as individual incoming events), which also acts as a function of the incoming event rate. In this frame, we review previous studies from different disciplines on approximated two-dimensional models, and we critically reinterpret them in our context and evaluate the suitability of their adoption in the present case. The knowledge of the first two momenta of the recorded statistics allows inferring about the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the detective quantum efficiency at zero frequency (DQE0). Analytical results are validated through comparison with numerical data obtained with a custom-made Monte Carlo code. We chose a realistic case study for cryoEM application consisting of a 25-µm-thick MAPS detector featuring a pixel size of 10 µm and illuminated with electrons of 300 keV energy over a wide range of incoming rate.