bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of whole blood cytokine immunoassays for rapid, functional immune phenotyping in critically ill patients with sepsis
Authors: Bonavia Anthony S. , Samuelsen Abigail , Liang Menglu , Hanson Jodi , McKeone Daniel , Chroneos Zissis C. , Halstead E. Scott 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is characterized by highly heterogeneous immune responses associated with a spectrum of disease severity. Methods that rapidly and sensitively profile these immune responses can potentially personalize immune-adjuvant therapies for sepsis. We hypothesized that the ELLA microfluidic approach to measure cytokine production from the whole blood of septic and critically ill patients would deliver faster, more precise results than the existing optic-driven ELISpot quantification. We tested our hypothesis by measuring ex vivo-stimulated production of TNF and IFNγ in critically ill and septic patients (n = 22), critically ill and non-septic patients (n = 10), and healthy volunteers (n = 10) through both ELLA and ELISpot immunoassays. Blood samples were subjected to one of three stimulants for 4 h or 18 h durations during days 1, 7–10, and 14 of critical illness. Stimulants for lymphocytes included anti-CD3/anti-CD28 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), whereas LPS was used for monocytes. Stimulated TNF and IFNγ concentrations were then associated with 30-day mortality.

Results
Both ELISpot and ELLA immunoassays showed substantial agreement in TNF concentrations post 4 h and 18 h LPS stimulation, with concordance correlation coefficients at 0.62 and 0.60, respectively. ELLA had a broad dynamic measurement range and provided accurate TNF and IFNγ readings at both minimal and elevated cytokine concentrations (with mean coefficients of variation between triplicate readings at 2.1 ± 1.4% and 4.9 ± 7.2%, respectively). However, there was no association between the ELLA-determined cytokine concentrations on the first day of critical illness and 30-day mortality rate. In contrast, using the ELISpot for cytokine quantification revealed that non-survivors had reduced baseline TNF levels at 18 h, decreased LPS-induced TNF levels at 18 h, and diminished TNF levels post 4 h/18 h anti-CD3/28 stimulation.

Conclusions
Our study affirms the feasibility of obtaining dependable immune phenotyping data within 6 h of blood collection from critically ill patients, both septic and non-septic, using the ELLA immunoassay. Both ELLA and ELISpot can offer valuable insights into prognosis, therapeutic strategies, and the underlying mechanisms of sepsis development.
Isolation of xylose-utilizing yeasts from oil palm waste for xylitol and ethanol production
Authors: Kusumawati N. , Sumarlan S. H. , Zubaidah E. , Wardani A. K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe energy crisis triggers the use of energy sources that are renewable, such as biomass made from lignocellulosic materials, to produce various chemical compounds for food ingredients and biofuel. The efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into products with added value involves the activity of microorganisms, such as yeasts. For the conversion, microorganisms must be able to use various sugars in lignocellulosic biomass, including pentose sugars, especially xylose. This study aims to isolate xylose-utilizing yeasts and analyze their fermentation activity to produce xylitol and ethanol, as well as their ability to grow in liquid hydrolysate produced from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Nineteen yeast isolates could grow on solid and liquid media using solely xylose as a carbon source. All isolates can grow in a xylose medium with incubation at 30 °C, 37 °C, 42 °C, and 45 °C. Six isolates, namely SLI (1), SL3, SL6, SL7, R5, and OPT4B, were chosen based on their considerable growth and high xylose consumption rate in a medium with 50 g/L xylose with incubation at 30 °C for 48 h. Four isolates tested, namely SLI (1), SL6, SL7, and R5, can produce xylitol in media containing xylose carbon sources. The concentration of xylitol produced was determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the results ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 g/L. Five isolates tested, namely SLI (1), SL6, SL3, R5, and OPT4B, can produce ethanol. The ethanol content produced was determined using gas chromatography (GC), with concentrations ranging from 0.85 to 1.34 g/L. Three isolates, namely SL1(1), R5, and SL6, were able to produce xylitol and ethanol from xylose as carbon sources and were also able to grow on liquid hydrolyzate from pretreated oil palm trunk waste with the subcritical water method. The three isolates were further analyzed using the 18S rDNA sequence to identify the species and confirm their phylogenetic position. Identification based on DNA sequence analysis revealed that isolates SL1(1) and R5 were Pichia kudriavzevii, while isolate SL6 was Candida xylopsoci. The yeast strains isolated from this study could potentially be used for the bioconversion process of lignocellulosic biomass waste to produce value-added derivative products.
Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and associations of sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity in end-stage knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Liao Junyi , Chen Jie , Xu Wei , Chen Jia , Liang Xi , Cheng Qiang , Tang Yongli , Huang Wei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
To identify the prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity in end-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and analyze influences of obesity and sarcopenia in the progression of KOA.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out among end-stage KOA patients who consecutively admitted to Orthopedic Department for TKA. We suppose that the level of decreased physical activities would be influenced by unilateral or bilateral KOA. Patient information, albumin, hemoglobin, pace, step frequency, number of comorbid conditions were collected. Bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to analyze body composition. Obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity rate were analyzed with accepted diagnosis criteria. Correlations between body mass index (BMI) or age and fat mass (FM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were analyzed.

Results
138 patients (male 30, female 108) in southwest of China including 67 patients with unilateral KOA and 71 patients with bilateral KOA were analyzed. No statistic difference was found in mean albumin, prealbumin and hematocrystallin, body composition values and number of comorbid conditions. We found that BMI was positively correlated with FM (Male: R2 = 0.7177, p < 0.0001, Female: R2 = 0.8898, p < 0.0001), ASM (Male: R2 = 0.2640, p = 0.0037, Female: R2 = 0.2102, p < 0.0001), FM index (FMI) (Male: R2 = 0.6778, p < 0.0001, Female: R2 = 0.8801, p < 0.0001), and ASM index (ASMI) (Male: R2 = 0.3600, p = 0.0005, Female: R2 = 0.4208, p < 0.0001) in end-stage KOA patients. However, age was not obviously correlated with FM or FMI (Male: FM, R2 = 0.006911, p = 0.3924; FMI, R2 = 0.7554, p = 0.0009196; Female: FM, R2 = 0.001548, p = 0.8412; FMI, R2 = 0.002776, p = 0.7822). And slightly negatively correlated with ASM (Male: R2 = 0.05613, p = 0.0136, Female: R2 = 0.01327, p = 0.5433) and ASMI (Male: R2 = 0.02982, p = 0.3615; Female: R2 = 0.03696, p = 0.0462). The prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia and obesity sarcopenia differs according to different diagnosis criteria. No difference in the occurrence rate of obesity was found between bilateral KOA and unilateral KOA patients, and occurrence rates of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were statistically higher in bilateral KOA than that in unilateral KOA patients.

Conclusions
Obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are highly prevalent in end-stage KOA patients, sarcopenic obesity are more prevalent in bilateral KOA patients than that in unilateral KOA patients.
Testosterone upregulates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and promotes neuroinflammation to enhance glioma cell survival and proliferation
Authors: Kanwore Kouminin , Kanwore Konimpo , Guo Xiaoxiao , Xia Ying , Zhou Han , Zhang Lin , Adzika Gabriel Komla , Joseph Adu-Amankwaah , Abiola Ayanlaja Abdulrahman , Mu Peipei , Kambey Piniel Alphayo , Noah Marie Louis N’dzie , Gao DianShuai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Testosterone contributes to male organism development, such as bone density, muscle development, and fat repartition. Estrogen (derived from testosterone) also contributes to female reproductive system development. Here, we investigated the effect of testosterone on glioma cells and brain neuron inflammation essential for cancer development and progression.

Methods
The human astrocyte and glioma cell lines were treated with 6 ng/ml exogenous testosterone in vitro. We performed cell counting kit-8, transwell, and wound healing assays to determine the effect of testosterone on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The glioma cells were injected into the xenograft and treated with 5 µl concentrated testosterone. Transcriptional suppression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was performed to evaluate brain neuron inflammation and survival. The tumor tissues were assessed by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results
Testosterone upregulates GDNF to stimulate proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Pathologically, the augmentation of GDNF and cyclophilin A contributed to neuroprotection when treated with testosterone. Our investigation showed that testosterone contributes to brain neuron and astrocyte inflammation through the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), resulting in pro-inflammatory macrophages recruitments into the neural microenvironment. Mechanically, testosterone treatment regulates GDNF translocation from the glioma cells and astrocyte nuclei to the cytoplasm.

Conclusion
Testosterone upregulates GDNF in glioma cells and astrocytes essential for microglial proliferation, migration, and invasion. Testosterone contributes to brain tumor growth via GDNF and inflammation.

Graphical Abstract
The contribution of testosterone, macrophages, and astrocytes, in old neuron rescue, survival, and proliferation. During brain neuron inflammation, the organism activates and stimulates the neuron rescue through the enrichment of the old neuron microenvironment with growth factors such as GDNF, BDNF, SOX1/2, and MAPK secreted by the surrounding neurons and glial cells to maintain the damaged neuron by inflammation alive even if the axon is dead. The immune response also contributes to brain cell survival through the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in inflammation maintenance. The rescued old neuron interaction with infiltrated macrophages contributes to angiogenesis to supplement the old neuron with more nutrients leading to metabolism activation and surrounding cell uncontrollable cell growth.
Host phylogeny and environment shape the diversity of salamander skin bacterial communities
Authors: Ramírez-Barahona S. , González-Serrano F. M. , Martínez-Ugalde E. , Soto-Pozos A. , Parra-Olea G. , Rebollar E. A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe composition and diversity of animal-associated microbial communities are shaped by multiple ecological and evolutionary processes acting at different spatial and temporal scales. Skin microbiomes are thought to be strongly influenced by the environment due to the direct interaction of the host’s skin with the external media. As expected, the diversity of amphibian skin microbiomes is shaped by climate and host sampling habitats, whereas phylogenetic effects appear to be weak. However, the relative strength of phylogenetic and environmental effects on salamander skin microbiomes remains poorly understood. Here, we analysed sequence data from 1164 adult salamanders of 44 species to characterise and compare the diversity and composition of skin bacteria. We assessed the relative contribution of climate, host sampling habitat, and host phylogeny to the observed patterns of bacterial diversity. We found that bacterial alpha diversity was mainly associated with host sampling habitat and climate, but that bacterial beta diversity was more strongly associated with host taxonomy and phylogeny. This phylogenetic effect predominantly occurred at intermediate levels of host divergence (0–50 Mya). Our results support the importance of environmental factors shaping the diversity of salamander skin microbiota, but also support host phylogenetic history as a major factor shaping these bacterial communities.
Antiproliferative and apoptotic activities of tomato bioactive metabolite on MDA-MB-435 cell line: in silico molecular modeling and molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Elkhawas Yasmin A. , Ewida Menna A. , Ewida Heba A. , Gonaid Mariam , Khalil Noha 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
As an external organ, the skin protects the whole body against hazardous external influences. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of these influences which in high amount can cause DNA damage, and even skin cancer. Hence, it is important to promote skin protection with commercially available remedies, and with a healthy diet. Certain vegetables when applied topically or consumed orally may help minimize the effect of UV radiation. The study's goal is to isolate lycopene from tomatoes and evaluate its influence on cell cycle and viability in melanoma cell lines. The cell cycle was examined using flow cytometry, and apoptotic cells were identified using annexin/propidium iodide (PI) markers. Moreover, a molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were performed to evaluate the stability and dynamics behavior of the compound.

Results
The obtained results revealed that lycopene caused apoptosis and stopped the cell cycle in human skin carcinoma MDA-MB-435 cells with an IC50 value of 12.14 ± 3.37 uM. It demonstrated a noteworthy ability to inhibit cell growth and improve apoptosis. The effect was dose dependent leading to suppression of cell cycle progression in the G2/M phase. In silico molecular docking investigation confirmed these findings, where the tested compound showed hydrophobic binding with key amino acids. ADME/TOPKAT study along with the Swiss ADME online tool revealed that lycopene exhibits good drug-like properties.

Conclusion
According to our results, lycopene may be effective in treating human skin carcinoma.
Impact of Padma Bridge on transportation system: a case study for Barisal Division
Authors: Sourav Md. Mohaimenul Islam , Afnanin Sayma , Islam Mohammed Russedul 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study aims to identify Padma Bridge’s impact on Barisal Division’s transportation system. Through an extensive literature analysis, a total of 19 impact factors have been identified. A questionnaire was formed to evaluate public perception by rating these 19 factors using a Likert scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). A total of 614 responses were collected from the users of different transportation modes like buses, passenger ferries, and aeroplanes. A structural equation (SE) model was developed to evaluate the impact of the Padma Bridge on the transportation system. The relative importance index (RII) technique was also used to verify the SE model by establishing the weights given to each factor. According to the SEM path coefficient value, the impact factors are divided into three zones: red, yellow, and green, based on their significance. Among 19 factors, nine are in the red zone, three are in the yellow zone, and seven factors fall into the green zone. Due to the Padma Bridge, there has been a radical change in the bus sector. Destinations are being reached in less time, new buses are connected, daily bus trips have increased, and goods are transported in less time. On the contrary, passenger ferries are experiencing a sharp decline in passenger numbers, daily trips are reducing, and staff members are losing their jobs. The outcome of this study will help the authorities and stakeholders to establish a sustainable transportation system in Barisal Division.
Chatbot-supported psychoeducation in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Selaskowski Benjamin , Reiland Meike , Schulze Marcel , Aslan Behrem , Kannen Kyra , Wiebe Annika , Wallbaum Torben , Boll Susanne , Lux Silke , Philipsen Alexandra , Braun Niclas 
Published: October 2023

Background
Although psychoeducation is generally recommended for the treatment of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), participation in clinical psychoeducation groups is impeded by waiting times and the constrained number of patients who can simultaneously attend a group. Digital psychoeducation attempts are promising, but the rapidly expanding number of apps lack evidence and are mostly limited to only a few implemented interactive elements.

Aims
To determine the potential of digital, self-guided psychoeducation for adult ADHD, a newly developed interactive chatbot was compared with a previously validated, conventional psychoeducation app.

Method
Forty adults with ADHD were randomised, of whom 17 participants in each group completed self-guided psychoeducation based on either a chatbot or conventional psychoeducation app between October 2020 and July 2021. ADHD core symptoms were assessed before and after the 3-week interventions, using both the blinded observer-rated Integrated Diagnosis of ADHD in Adulthood interview and the self-rated ADHD Self-Assessment Scale (ADHS-SB).

Results
Observer- and patient-rated ADHD symptoms were significantly reduced from pre- to post-intervention (observer-rated: mean difference −6.18, 95% CI −8.06 to −4.29; patient-rated: mean difference −2.82, 95% CI −4.98 to −0.67). However, there were no group × intervention interaction effects that would indicate a stronger therapeutic benefit of one of the interventions. Likewise, administered psychoeducational knowledge quizzes did not show differences between the groups. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
Self-guided psychoeducation based on a chatbot or a conventional app appears similarly effective and safe for improving ADHD core symptoms. Future research should compare additional control interventions and examine patient-related outcomes and usability preferences in detail.
Anxiety and Depression in Metastatic Cancer: A Critical Review of Negative Impacts on Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Decision Making With Practical Recommendations
Authors: Arch Joanna J. , Bright Emma E. , Finkelstein Lauren B. , Fink Regina M. , Mitchell Jill L. , Andorsky David J. , Kutner Jean S. 
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE Providers treating adults with advanced cancer increasingly seek to engage patients and surrogates in advance care planning (ACP) and end-of-life (EOL) decision making; however, anxiety and depression may interfere with engagement. The intersection of these two key phenomena is examined among patients with metastatic cancer and their surrogates: the need to prepare for and engage in ACP and EOL decision making and the high prevalence of anxiety and depression. METHODS Using a critical review framework, we examine the specific ways that anxiety and depression are likely to affect both ACP and EOL decision making. RESULTS The review indicates that depression is associated with reduced compliance with treatment recommendations, and high anxiety may result in avoidance of difficult discussions involved in ACP and EOL decision making. Depression and anxiety are associated with increased decisional regret in the context of cancer treatment decision making, as well as a preference for passive (not active) decision making in an intensive care unit setting. Anxiety about death in patients with advanced cancer is associated with lower rates of completion of an advance directive or discussion of EOL wishes with the oncologist. Patients with advanced cancer and elevated anxiety report higher discordance between wanted versus received life-sustaining treatments, less trust in their physicians, and less comprehension of the information communicated by their physicians. CONCLUSION Anxiety and depression are commonly elevated among adults with advanced cancer and health care surrogates, and can result in less engagement and satisfaction with ACP, cancer treatment, and EOL decisions. We offer practical strategies and sample scripts for oncology care providers to use to reduce the effects of anxiety and depression in these contexts.
Early Voice and Swallowing Disturbance Incidence and Risk Factors After Revision Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using a Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach: A Retrospective Cohort Evaluation of a Prospective Database
Authors: Laskay Nicholas M. B. , Yang Lydia C. , Estevez-Ordonez Dagoberto , Warner Jeffrey D. , Trahan Duane , Stone Caitlin , Grayson Jessica W. , Withrow Kirk , Hadley Mark N 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Dysphagia and vocal cord palsy (VCP) are common otolaryngological complications after revision anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (rACDF) procedures. Our objective was to determine the early incidence and risk factors of VCP and dysphagia after rACDF using a 2-team approach.

METHODS:
Single-institution, retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing rACDF was enrolled from September 2010 to July 2021. Of 222 patients enrolled, 109 patients were included in the final analysis. All patients had prior ACDF surgery with planned revision using a single otolaryngologist and single neurosurgeon. MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were used to assess dysphagia. VCP was assessed using videolaryngostroboscopy.

RESULTS:
Seven patients (6.7%) developed new postoperative VCP after rACDF. Most cases of VCP resolved by 3 months postoperatively (mean time-to-resolution 79 ± 17.6 days). One patient maintained a permanent deficit. Forty-one patients (37.6%) reached minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in their MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory composite scores at the 2-week follow-up (MCID decline of ≥6), indicating new clinically relevant swallowing disturbance. Forty-nine patients (45.0%) had functional FEES Performance Score decline. On univariate analysis, there was an association between new VCPs and the number of cervical levels treated at revision (P = .020) with long-segment rACDF (≥4 levels) being an independent risk factor (P = .010). On linear regression, there was an association between the number of levels treated previously and at revision for FEES Performance Score decline (P = .045 and P = .002, respectively). However, on univariate analysis, sex, age, body mass index, operative time, alcohol use, smoking, and individual levels revised were not risk factors for reaching FEES Performance Score decline nor MCID at 2 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:
VCP is more likely to occur in long-segment rACDF but is often temporary. Clinically relevant and functional rates of dysphagia approach 37% and 45%, respectively, at 2 weeks postoperatively after rACDF.