bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Assessment of Lipiodol-Related Artifact Reduction for Dual-Energy Computed Tomography After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: A Phantom Study Evaluating the Use of Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithms
Authors: Ting Yun-Lung , Lin Hsiang-Yi , Huang Tzu-Ting , Hwang Yi-Shuan , Chui Chen-Shou , Li Mei-Rung , Wu Tung-Hsin 
Published: May 2023

Objective
This study used metal artifact reduction (MAR) software to examine the computed tomography (CT) number of dual-energy CT (DECT) of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Methods
Hollow columnar acrylic phantoms were filled with lipiodol and inserts of 2 sizes (large and small) were used to simulate liver tumors on a Revolution GSI CT scanner. The CT numbers of a single test object were collected twice: once with and once without the MAR algorithm. Lipiodol beam-hardening artifacts were quantified by measuring CT numbers in a region of interest around the tumor-simulating insert.

Results
The virtual monochromatic CT numbers of large and small tumors were closely related to energy. For small tumors, CT numbers increased with energy. For large tumors, CT numbers increased with energy at 1 cm from the margin but decreased with an increase in energy at 5 cm. Regardless of the size, distance, or location of the tumor, the CT numbers fluctuated more at low energy levels.

Conclusions
At 1 cm from the margin, the CT numbers with MAR were significantly different from those without MAR. Low-energy CT numbers with MAR were near reference values. Metal artifact reduction exhibited superior performance for small tumors. Tumor margin images are affected by artifacts caused by Lipiodol. However, with MAR, CT numbers can be effectively calibrated, thus enabling clinicians to more accurately evaluate hepatocellular carcinoma development and identify residual tumors and recurrent or metastatic lesions.
Implementation of a Multispecialty Geriatric Surgery Pathway Reduces Inpatient Cost for Frail Patients
Authors: Ehrlich April L. , Owodunni Oluwafemi P. , Mostales Joshua C. , Efron Jonthan , Hundt John , Magnuson Tom , Gearhart Susan L. 
Published: May 2023

Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of geriatric surgical pathway (GSP) implementation on inpatient cost of care.

Background:
Achieving high-value care for older patients is the goal of the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Verification Program (ACS-GSV). We have previously shown that implementation of our geriatric surgery pathway, which aligns with the ACS-GSV standards, resulted in a reduction in loss of independence and complications.

Methods:
Patients ≥65 years who underwent an inpatient elective surgical procedure included in the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) registry from July 2016 through December 2017 were compared with those patients from February 2018 to December 2019 who were cared for on our GSP. An amalgamation of Clinformatics DataMart, the electronic health record, and the ACS NSQIP registry produced the analytical dataset. We compared mean total and direct costs of care for the entire cohort as well as through propensity matching of frail surgical patients to account for differences in clinical characteristics.

Results:
The total mean cost of health care services during hospitalization was significantly lower in the cohort on our GSP ($23,361±$1110) as compared with the precohort ($25,452±$1723), P<0.001. On propensity-matched analysis, cost savings was more evident in our frail geriatric surgery patients.

Conclusions:
This study shows that high-value care can be achieved with the implementation of a GSP that aligns with the ACS-GSV program.
Microbial Contamination During Long-term Ex Vivo Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Human Livers
Authors: Lau Ngee-Soon , Ly Mark , Dennis Claude , Toomath Shamus , Huang Joanna Lou , Huang Joanna , Ly Hayden , Chanda Sumon , Marinelli Tina , Davis Rebecca , Liu Ken , McCaughan Geoff , Crawford Michael , Pulitano Carlo 
Published: May 2023

Background.
Normothermic machine perfusion permits the ex vivo preservation of human livers before transplantation. Long-term perfusion for days-to-weeks provides the opportunity for enhanced pretransplant assessment and potential regeneration of organs. However, this risks microbial contamination and infection of the recipient if the organ is transplanted. An understanding of perfusate microbial contamination is required to inform infection control procedures and antimicrobial prophylaxis for this technology.

Methods.
We modified a liver perfusion machine for long-term use by adding long-term oxygenators and a dialysis filter. Human livers that were not suitable for transplantation were perfused using a red-cell-based perfusate under aseptic and normothermic conditions (36 °C) with a goal of 14 d. Cephazolin was added to the perfusate for antimicrobial prophylaxis. Perfusate and bile were sampled every 72 h for microbial culture.

Results.
Eighteen partial human livers (9 left lateral segment grafts and 9 extended right grafts) were perfused using our perfusion system. The median survival was 7.2 d. All organs surviving longer than 7 d (9/18) had negative perfusate cultures at 24 and 48 h. Half of the grafts (9/18) became culture-positive by the end of perfusion. Microbial contaminants included Gram-negative (Pseudomonas species, Proteus mirabilis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus species) as well as yeast (Candida albicans).

Conclusions.
Microbial contamination of perfusate is common during long-term perfusion of human livers with both exogenous and endogenous sources. Enhanced infection control practices and review of targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis are likely to be necessary for translation into the clinical arena.
Online Personal Training in Patients with Marfan Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study of its Impact on Quality of Life and Physical Capacity
Authors: Jouini Steeve , Milleron Olivier , Eliahou Ludivine , Jondeau Guillaume , Vitiello Damien 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundMarfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the vascular and musculoskeletal systems. Exercise is classically contraindicated and there are no data on the limitations associated with the syndrome and the benefits of training in this population. This study aimed to characterise the quality of life (QoL) and physical capacity of patients with MFS and to evaluate the benefits of a 3-month online personal training program.MethodsMFS patients were compared with healthy subjects (H-S) at baseline. They were then randomized 1:1 into a training group (MFS-T) and a control group (MFS-C). The training consisted of 2 supervised online training sessions per week at home for 3 months, and the session program was selected based on the initial assessment. The main outcome measure was QoL as assessed by the MOS SF-36. The evolution of parameters during training was compared between MFS-T and MFS-C.ResultsAt baseline, QoL in all dimensions was lower in MFS. Peak oxygen uptake (VDO2peak) was also 25% lower, as was muscle elasticity. Training significantly improved 1) QoL (+20.2±14.3 MFS-Tvs.0.7±0.5 MFS-C), 2) VDO2peak (+34% MFS-Tvs.14% MFS-C), 3) muscle elasticity index (11.5±8.2 MFS-Tvs.+1.2±1. 7 MFS-C), reduced blood pressures during isometric squat (systolic −19±30 MFS-Tvs.0±6 MFS-C; diastolic −27±39 MFS-Tvs.+2±15 MFS-C), reduced pulse wave velocity (PWV) at rest (-1.20±1.89 MFS-Tvs.−0.40±1.61 MFS-C) and after peak exercise (-0.42±0.45 MFS-Tvs.0.08±0.48 MFS-C). Aorta diameter remained stable in both groups (MFS-T −0.19±1.1vs.0.11±0.78 MFS-C). After training, QoL remained lower in MFS-T than in H-S, but peak VDO2, PWV at rest and after exercise were similar to those of H-S.ConclusionsA 3-month online training program had a beneficial effect on QoL, cardiovascular and muscular parameters in MFS without affecting aortic root diameter.
Molecular Determinants of Calcitriol Signaling and Sensitivity in Glioma Stem-like Cells
Authors: Rehbein Sarah , Possmayer Anna-Lena , Bozkurt Süleyman , Lotsch Catharina , Gerstmeier Julia , Burger Michael , Momma Stefan , Maletzki Claudia , Classen Carl-Friedrich , Freiman Thomas M. , Dubinski Daniel , Lamszus Katrin , Day Bryan W. , Stringer Brett W. , Herold-Mende Christel , Münch Christian , Kögel Donat , Linder Benedikt 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGlioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer in adults and represents one of the worst cancer diagnosis for the patients. Suffering from a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, tumor recurrences are virtually inevitable. Additionally, treatment resistance is very common for this disease and worsens the prognosis. These and others factors are hypothesized to be largely due to the fact that glioblastoma cells are known to be able to obtain stem-like traits and thereby driving these phenotypes. Recently, we could show that the in vitro and ex vivo treatment of glioblastoma stem-like cells with the hormonally active form of Vitamin D3, Calcitriol (1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3) can block stemness in a subset of cell lines and reduce tumor growth. Here, we expanded our cell panel to over 40 different cultures and can show that, while half of the tested cell lines are sensitive, a quarter can be classified as high-responders. Using genetic and proteomic analysis, we further determined that treatment success can be partially explained by specific polymorphism of the Vitamin D3 receptor and that high-responders display a proteome suggestive of blockade of stemness, as well as migratory potential.
Acidification-dependent suppression ofC. difficileby enterococci in vitro
Authors: Smith Holly R. , Wood Alicia K. , Johnson Angus , Stern Avi Z. , Sikander Zainab , Gutierrez Lesly-Hannah , Agosto Addelis A. , McKenney Peter T. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractClostridioides difficileand Vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faecium(VRE) are commonly co-isolated from hospitalized patients. We sought to developin vitroco-culture systems to identify interactions and study biofilm formation by these two opportunistic pathogens. We found that VRE quickly acidifies media containing glucose, fructose and trehalose to a pH that is not compatible with growth ofC. difficile. Acidification was necessary and sufficient for VRE-mediated suppression ofC. difficileand this mechanism is conserved among a panel of enterococci andClostridia. Robust co-culture conditions and biofilm formation were achieved by managing the available carbon source.ImportanceThe steady state pH of the colon in humans and mice is below the growth limiting pH forC. difficilefound in this study and others. Following treatment with antibiotics, pH of the colon rises to neutral or slightly alkaline, which correlates with the loss of colonization resistance toC. difficile. These data suggest that manipulation of pH by managing the available carbon source may affect colonization by pathogenic and commensalClostridioides.
SPHINGOLIPIDS AND Δ8-SPHINGOLIPID DESATURASE FROM THE PICOALGAOSTREOCOCCUS TAURIAND INVOLVEMENT IN TEMPERATURE ACCLIMATION
Authors: Ishikawa Toshiki , Domergue Frédéric , Amato Alberto , Corellou Florence 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYSphingolipids are crucial components of cell membranes. Sphingolipid Δ8-unsaturation is more specific to plants and is involved in the regulation of stress responses. The structure and functions of sphingolipids in microalgae are still poorly understood.Ostreococus tauriis a minimal microalga at the base of the green lineage, and is therefore a key organism for understanding lipid evolution. The present work reports the characterisation as well as the temperature regulation of sphingolipids and Δ8-sphingolipid desaturase fromO. tauri. Complex sphingolipids are glycosylceramides with unique glycosyl moieties encompassing hexuronic acid residues, reminiscent of bacterial glucuronosylceramides, with up to three additional hexose residues. In contrast, the ceramide backbones show limited variety, with dihydroxylated C18/C18:1EΔ8sphingoid bases and C16:0 fatty-acyl chain being the main compounds.The sphingolipid Δ8-desaturase fromO. tauri, although phylogenetically related to plant homologues has a substrate preference similar to the diatom homologue. Both sphingolipid Δ8-desaturase transcripts and sphingolipid Δ8-unsaturation are regulated in a temperature- dependent manner being higher at 14°C than 24°C. Overexpressing the sphingolipid Δ8- desaturase inO. tauriat 24°C results in higher sphingolipid unsaturation and impairs the increase in cell size, structure and chlorophyll. In particular, the cell-size defect is not detected in cells acclimated to 14°C and is furthermore suppressed upon transfer from 24°C to 14°C. Our work provides the first functional evidence for the involvement of sphingolipid Δ8-unsaturation for temperature acclimation in microalgae, suggesting that this function is an ancestral feature in the green lineage.
The 3’ UTR ofvigRis required for virulence inStaphylococcus aureusand has expanded through STAR sequence repeat insertions
Authors: Mediati Daniel G. , Dan William , Lalaouna David , Dinh Hue , Pokhrel Alaska , Stinear Timothy P. , Cain Amy K. , Tree Jai J. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureusis an adaptable human pathogen causing life-threatening endocarditis and bacteraemia. Methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) is alarmingly common, and treatment is confined to last-line antibiotics. Vancomycin is the treatment of choice for MRSA bacteraemia and vancomycin treatment failure is often associated with vancomycin-intermediateS. aureusstrains termed VISA. The regulatory 3’ UTR ofvigRmRNA contributes to vancomycin tolerance in the clinical VISA isolate JKD6008 and upregulates the lytic transglycosylase IsaA. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing (MAPS), we find that thevigR3’ UTR also interacts with mRNAs involved in carbon metabolism, amino acid biogenesis, cell wall biogenesis, and virulence. ThevigR3’ UTR was found to repressdapE, a succinyl-diaminopimelate desuccinylase required for lysine and cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, suggesting a broader role in controlling cell wall metabolism and vancomycin tolerance. Deletion of thevigR3’ UTR increased VISA virulence in a wax moth larvae model, and we find that anisaAmutant is completely attenuated in the larvae model. Sequence and structural analysis of thevigR3’ UTR indicates that the UTR has expanded through the acquisition ofStaphylococcus aureusrepeat insertions (STAR repeats) that partly contribute sequence for theisaAinteraction seed and may functionalise the 3’ UTR. Our findings reveal an extended regulatory network forvigR, uncovering a novel mechanism of regulation of cell wall metabolism and virulence in a clinicalS. aureusisolate.
Microsecond dynamics control the HIV-1 envelope conformation
Authors: Bennett Ashley L. , Edwards R.J. , Kosheleva Irina , Saunders Carrie , Bililign Yishak , Williams Ashliegh , Manosouri Katayoun , Saunders Kevin O. , Haynes Barton F. , Acharya Priyamvada , Henderson Rory 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe HIV-1 Envelope (Env) glycoprotein facilitates host cell fusion through a complex series of receptor-induced structural changes. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the structures of various Env conformations and transition intermediates that occur within the millisecond timescale, faster transitions in the microsecond timescale have not yet been observed. In this study, we employed time-resolved, temperature-jump small angle X- ray scattering to monitor structural rearrangements in an HIV-1 Env ectodomain construct with microsecond precision. We detected a transition correlated with Env opening that occurs in the hundreds of microseconds range and another more rapid transition that preceded this opening. Model fitting indicated that the early rapid transition involved an order-to-disorder transition in the trimer apex loop contacts, suggesting that conventional conformation-locking design strategies that target the allosteric machinery may be ineffective in preventing this movement. Utilizing this information, we engineered an envelope that locks the apex loop contacts to the adjacent protomer. This modification resulted in significant angle-of-approach shifts in the interaction of a neutralizing antibody. Our findings imply that blocking the intermediate state could be crucial for inducing antibodies with the appropriate bound state orientation through vaccination.
NAC61 regulates late-and post-ripening associated processes in grapes involving a NAC60-dependent regulatory network
Authors: Foresti Chiara , Orduña Luis , Matus José Tomás , Vandelle Elodie , Danzi Davide , Bellon Oscar , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Amato Alessandra , Zenoni Sara 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTDuring late-and post-ripening stages, grape berry undergoes profound biochemical and physiological changes whose molecular control is poorly understood. Here, we report the role of NAC61, a grapevine NAC transcription factor, in regulating different processes featuring the berry ripening progression.NAC61 is highly expressed during post-harvest berry dehydration and its expression pattern is closely related to sugar concentration. The ectopic expression ofNAC61inNicotiana benthamianaleaves determines low stomatal conductance, high leaf temperature, tissue collapse and a higher relative water content. Transcriptome analysis of grapevine leaves transiently overexpressingNAC61,and DNA affinity purification and sequencing analyses allowed us to narrow down a list of NAC61-regulated genes. Direct regulation of the stilbene synthase regulatorMYB14, the osmotic stress-related geneDHN1b, theBotrytis cinereasusceptibility geneWRKY52and theNAC61itself, is validated. We also demonstrate that NAC61 interacts with NAC60, a proposed master regulator of grapevine organ maturation, in the activation ofMYB14andNAC61expression. Overall, our findings establish NAC61 as a key player in a regulative network that governs stilbenoid metabolism and osmotic, oxidative and biotic stress responses in grape berry during late-and post-ripening.HighlightsNAC61 regulates stilbene biosynthesis and abiotic/biotic stress responses that hallmark late-and post-ripening developmental stages in grapevine berry. NAC61 participates in a NAC60-dependent regulatory network, also triggering its self-activation.
Leveraging longitudinal diffusion MRI data to quantify differences in white matter microstructural decline in normal and abnormal aging
Authors: Archer Derek B. , Schilling Kurt , Shashikumar Niranjana , Jasodanand Varuna , Moore Elizabeth E. , Pechman Kimberly R. , Bilgel Murat , Beason-Held Lori L. , An Yang , Shafer Andrea , Ferrucci Luigi , Risacher Shannon L. , Gifford Katherine A. , Landman Bennett A. , Jefferson Angela L. , Saykin Andrew J. , Resnick Susan M. , Hohman Timothy J. ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIt is unclear how rates of white matter microstructural decline differ between normal aging and abnormal aging.METHODSDiffusion MRI data from several well-established longitudinal cohorts of aging [Alzheimer’s Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project (VMAP)] was free-water corrected and harmonized. This dataset included 1,723 participants (age at baseline: 72.8±8.87 years, 49.5% male) and 4,605 imaging sessions (follow-up time: 2.97±2.09 years, follow-up range: 1–13 years, mean number of visits: 4.42±1.98). Differences in white matter microstructural decline in normal and abnormal agers was assessed.RESULTSWhile we found global decline in white matter in normal/abnormal aging, we found that several white matter tracts (e.g., cingulum bundle) were vulnerable to abnormal aging.CONCLUSIONSThere is a prevalent role of white matter microstructural decline in aging, and future large-scale studies in this area may further refine our understanding of the underlying neurodegenerative processes.HIGHLIGHTSLongitudinal data was free-water corrected and harmonizedGlobal effects of white matter decline were seen in normal and abnormal agingThe free-water metric was most vulnerable to abnormal agingCingulum free-water was the most vulnerable to abnormal aging
Rapid, efficient auxin-inducible protein degradation inCandidapathogens
Authors: Milholland Kedric L. , Gregor Justin B. , Hoda Smriti , Píriz-Antúnez Soledad , Dueñas-Santero Encarnación , Vu Bao Gia , Patel Krishna P. , Moye-Rowley W. Scott , Vázquez de Aldana Carlos R. , Correa-Bordes Jaime , Briggs Scott D. , Hall Mark C. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTA variety of inducible protein degradation (IPD) systems have been developed as powerful tools for protein functional characterization. IPD systems provide a convenient mechanism for rapid inactivation of almost any target protein of interest. Auxin-inducible degradation (AID) is one of the most common IPD systems and has been established in diverse eukaryotic research model organisms. Thus far, IPD tools have not been developed for use in pathogenic fungal species. Here, we demonstrate that the original AID and the second generation AID2 systems work efficiently and rapidly in the human pathogenic yeastsCandida albicansandCandida glabrata. We developed a collection of plasmids that support AID system use in laboratory strains of these pathogens. These systems can induce >95% degradation of target proteins within minutes. In the case of AID2, maximal degradation was achieved at low nanomolar concentrations of the synthetic auxin analog 5-adamantyl-indole-3-acetic acid (5-Ad-IAA). Auxin-induced target degradation successfully phenocopied gene deletions in both species. The system should be readily adaptable to other fungal species and to clinical pathogen strains. Our results define the AID system as a powerful and convenient functional genomics tool for protein characterization in fungal pathogens.
Differential modulation on neural activity related to flankers during face processing: a visual crowding study
Authors: Qiu Zeguo , Wu Dihua , Muehlebach Benjamin J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe modulations of visual awareness on the processing of emotional faces have been mainly investigated in masking experiments where stimuli were presented for different durations as an integral process to the masking technique. In this visual crowding study, we manipulated the perceivability of a central crowded face (either a fearful or a neutral face) by varying the similarity between the central face and the surrounding flanker stimuli. We presented participants with pairs of visual clutters and recorded their electroencephalography during an emotion judgement task. In an upright flanker condition where both the target face and flanker faces were upright faces (high similarity), participants were less likely to report seeing the central target face, and their P300 was weakened, compared to a scrambled flanker condition where scrambled face images were used as flankers (low similarity). Additionally, at around 120ms post-stimulus, a posterior negativity was found for the upright flanker condition, compared to the scrambled flanker condition, however only for fearful face targets. We concluded that early neural responses seem to be affected by the perceptual characteristics of both target and flanker stimuli whereas neural activity at a later stage is associated with post-perceptual evaluation of the stimuli in this visual crowding paradigm.