bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of newly isolated fungal cultures for the selective delignification of bamboo culms
Authors: Zhao Bo , Liu Rui , Guo Qi , Xu Gang , Zhang Li , Sun Peng , Cao Ying , Hu Shanglian 
Published: September 2023

The screening of ligninolytic enzyme-producing fungal species in samples led to the identification of Paracremonium sp. LCB1, Clonostachys compactiuscula LCD1 and C. compactiuscula LCN1. Both these strains produced high levels of hemicellulase and ligninolytic enzyme production over a relatively short fermentation period of 3–5 days while exhibiting very low levels of cellulase activity. The results of the tests indicated that co-culturing LCB1 and LCN1 enhanced the ability to degrade lignin, and the ideal degrading circumstances and internal degrading mechanism of combined fungi were examined. The results showed that under conditions of temperature (30°C), pH (5), culture time (40 d), solid-liquid ratio (1:2.5), the pretreatment of bamboo culms with a co-culture of LCB1 and LCN1 resulted in a pronounced 76.37% drop in lignin weight and a high lignin/cellulose loss ratio (&gt;10). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of these bio-pretreated bamboo culms, further confirming that LCB1 and LCN1 co-culture represents an effective approach to bamboo delignification.
Detailed characterisation of invasive aspergillosis in a murine model of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease shows new insights in infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus versus Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: King Jill , Dambuza Ivy M. , Reid Delyth M. , Yuecel Raif , Brown Gordon D. , Warris Adilia 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most prevalent infectious complication in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Yet, understanding of fungal pathogenesis in the CGD host remains limited, particularly with regards to A. nidulans infection.MethodsWe have used a murine model of X-linked CGD to investigate how the pathogenesis of IA varies between A. fumigatus and A. nidulans, comparing infection in both X-linked CGD (gp91-/-) mice and their parent C57BL/6 (WT) mice. A 14-colour flow cytometry panel was used to assess the cell dynamics over the course of infection, with parallel assessment of pulmonary cytokine production and lung histology.ResultsWe observed a lack of association between pulmonary pathology and infection outcome in gp91-/- mice, with no significant mortality in A. nidulans infected mice. An overwhelming and persistent neutrophil recruitment and IL-1 release in gp91-/- mice following both A. fumigatus and A. nidulans infection was observed, with divergent macrophage, dendritic cell and eosinophil responses and distinct cytokine profiles between the two infections.ConclusionWe have provided an in-depth characterisation of the immune response to pulmonary aspergillosis in an X-linked CGD murine model. This provides the first description of distinct pulmonary inflammatory environments in A. fumigatus and A. nidulans infection in X-linked CGD and identifies several new avenues for further research.
Left atrial appendage sizing for percutaneous closure in virtual reality—a feasibility study
Authors: Heidari Houtan , Kanschik Dominika , Erkens Ralf , Maier Oliver , Wolff Georg , Bruno Raphael Romano , Werner Nikos , Daniel Reinartz Sebastian , Antoch Gerald , Kelm Malte , Zeus Tobias , Jung Christian , Afzal Shazia 
Published: September 2023

Background and aimsThe complex and highly variable three-dimensional anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA) makes planning and device sizing for interventional occlusion procedures (LAAC) challenging. Several imaging modalities [e.g. echocardiography, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT)] are used for this purpose. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging imaging technique to immerse into a three-dimensional left atrium and appendage, offering unprecedented options of visualization and measurement. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of visualizing the LAA in VR for preprocedural planning of LAAC.Methods and resultsTwenty-one patients (79 ± 7 years, 62% male) who underwent LAAC at University Hospital Düsseldorf were included in our study. A dedicated software generated three-dimensional VR models from preprocedural MSCT imaging data. Conventional measurements of LAA dimensions (ostium, landing zone and depth) using a commercially available software were compared to measurements in VR: MSCT and VR ostium min. (r = 0.93), max. (r = 0.80) and mean (r = 0.88, all p &lt; 0.001) diameters as well as landing zone (LZ) min. (r = 0.84), max. (r = 0.86) and mean diameters (r = 0.90, all p &lt; 0.001) showed strong correlations. Three-dimensional orientation was judged superior by physicians in VR compared to MSCT (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionVirtual reality visualization of the left atrium and appendage based on MSCT data is feasible and allows precise and reproducible measurements in planning of LAA occlusion procedures with enhanced 3D orientation. Further studies need to explore additional benefits of three-dimensional visualization for operators in preprocedural planning.
The association between early menarche and higher-risk cardiometabolic profile: a dose–response analysis of the Tabari cohort at enrollment phase
Authors: Kheradmand Motahareh , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Shahhosseini Zohreh , Mirjalili Razie , Moosazadeh Mahmood 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThe association between age at menarche and higher-risk cardiometabolic factors is controversial and more strands of evidence are required. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of early menarche on cardiometabolic profile in a large-scale cohort population.Study designData collected in the enrollment phase of the Tabari cohort study were utilized for the present study. We analyzed data from 6,103 women aged 35–70 years. Logistic regression and dose–response (trend) analyses were used to investigate the effect of early menarche on prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, high waist circumference (WC), high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).ResultsThe results of the adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that women who experienced early menarche had significantly higher odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.36–1.99, P for trend &lt;0.001), high WC (odds ratio: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07–1.67, P for trend = 0.035), high WHR (odds ratio: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.66, P for trend = 0.057), and high WHtR (odds ratio: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.22–2.74, P for trend = 0.006) compared to those aged ≥14 at menarche. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was also higher among women who experienced early menarche than in women aged ≥14 at menarche (79.9% vs. 76.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.098). Additionally, each year of earlier menarche was significantly associated with an increase in the chance of diabetes (by 5%), obesity (10%), high WC (5%), and high WHtR (13%).ConclusionThe present study showed that early menarche is a strong predictor for later development of obesity and diabetes, and for high WC, WHR, and WHtR. Among all factors examined, age at menarche had the greatest predictive power for WHtR. As an age-dependent anthropometric index for central obesity, WHtR is more suitable as an index for identification of individuals with increased cardiometabolic risk.
Prediction of postoperative health-related quality of life among patients with metastatic spinal cord compression secondary to lung cancer
Authors: Fu Yufang , Shi Weiqing , Zhao Jing , Cao Xuyong , Cao Yuncen , Lei Mingxing , Su Xiuyun , Cui Qiu , Liu Yaosheng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a critical aspect of overall well-being for patients with lung cancer, particularly those with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). However, there is currently a lack of universal evaluation of HRQoL in this specific patient population. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram that can accurately predict HRQoL outcomes in patients with lung cancer-related MSCC.MethodsA total of 119 patients diagnosed with MSCC secondary to lung cancer were prospectively collected for analysis in the study. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, along with 10-fold cross-validation, was employed to select the most significant variables for inclusion in the nomogram. Discriminative and calibration abilities were assessed using the concordance index (C-index), discrimination slope, calibration plots, and goodness-of-fit tests. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses were conducted to compare the nomogram’s performance with and without the consideration of comorbidities.ResultsFour variables were selected to construct the final nomogram, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, targeted therapy, anxiety scale, and number of comorbidities. The C-index was 0.87, with a discrimination slope of 0.47, indicating a favorable discriminative ability. Calibration plots and goodness-of-fit tests revealed a high level of consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities of poor HRQoL. The NRI (0.404, 95% CI: 0.074–0.734, p = 0.016) and the IDI (0.035, 95% CI: 0.004–0.066, p = 0.027) confirmed the superior performance of the nomogram with the consideration of comorbidities.ConclusionsThis study develops a prediction nomogram that can assist clinicians in evaluating postoperative HRQoL in patients with lung cancer-related MSCC. This nomogram provides a valuable tool for risk stratification and personalized treatment planning in this specific patient population.
Extraction of farmland shelterbelts from remote sensing imagery based on a belt-oriented method
Authors: Deng Rongxin , Guo Qunzuo , Jia Menghao , Wu Yuzong , Zhou Qiwen , Xu Zhengran 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionFarmland shelterbelts play a positive role in ensuring food security and ecological safety. The absence or degradation of shelterbelt structures can lead to fragmentation of the remotely extracted results. Conversely, shelterbelt maintenance and management system considers these shelterbelts as entire units, even if they are divided into several parts by the gaps in them. It is essential to propose a remote extraction method to fill in fragmented results and accurately represent the distribution of farmland shelterbelts.MethodsIn this study, random forest algorithm was employed to classify land cover from ZY-3 (ZiYuan-3 satellite from China) imagery. Then, a thinning algorithm of mathematical morphology was applied to extract farmland shelterbelts, and the straight-line connection algorithm was used to connect central lines belonging to the same belt. Finally, the result was validated using nine uniformly distributed training sample areas across the entire region.Results and discussionThis method achieved a correct identification rate of 94.9% within the training areas. Among the different regions, the highest identification accuracy recorded was 98.4% and the lowest was 87.7%. In conjunction with cropland information and the shape index of forest patches, it was possible to remove information for non-farmland shelterbelts without introducing external information. This approach achieved a more refined extraction of forestland information. The combination of the thinning algorithm and straight-line connection algorithm addressed the issue of fragmented results in farmland shelterbelt extraction, compensating for the limitations of relying solely on mathematical morphology for belt connectivity. The research method can provide technical support for the monitoring and management of farmland shelterbelts.
Association of serum vitamin D concentration with the final course of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Konikowska Klaudia , Kiliś-Pstrusińska Katarzyna , Matera-Witkiewicz Agnieszka , Kujawa Krzysztof , Adamik Barbara , Doroszko Adrian , Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Pomorski Michał , Protasiewicz Marcin , Sokołowski Janusz , Madziarska Katarzyna , Jankowska Ewa Anita 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is a substantial public health problem. The present study evaluated the association between vitamin D concentration and hospitalization and mortality risk in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).MethodsThis study used the COronavirus in LOwer Silesia (COLOS) dataset collected between February 2020 and June 2021. The medical records of 474 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and whose vitamin D concentration was measured, were analyzed.ResultsWe determined a significant difference in vitamin D concentration between discharged patients and those who died during hospitalization (p = 0.0096). We also found an effect of vitamin D concentration on the risk of death in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. As vitamin D concentration increased, the odds ratio (OR) for death slightly decreased (OR = 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.540-0.669). The vitamin D concentration cutoff point was 15.40 ng/ml. In addition, patients with COVID-19 and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations &lt; 30 ng/ml had a lower survival rate than those with serum 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/ml (log-rank test p = 0.0018). Moreover, a Cox regression model showed that patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and higher vitamin D concentrations had a 2.8% reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio HR = 0.972; CI = 0.95-0,99; p = 0.0097).ConclusionsThe results indicate an association between 25(OH)D levels in patients with COVID-19 and the final course of hospitalization and risk of death.
Influenza virus decreases albumin uptake and megalin expression in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Alberro-Brage Andrés , Kryvenko Vitalii , Malainou Christina , Günther Stefan , Morty Rory E. , Seeger Werner , Herold Susanne , Samakovlis Christos , Vadász István 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of influenza virus (IV) infection. During ARDS, alveolar protein concentrations often reach 40-90% of plasma levels, causing severe impairment of gas exchange and promoting deleterious alveolar remodeling. Protein clearance from the alveolar space is at least in part facilitated by the multi-ligand receptor megalin through clathrin-mediated endocytosis.MethodsTo investigate whether IV infection impairs alveolar protein clearance, we examined albumin uptake and megalin expression in MLE-12 cells and alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) from murine precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) and in vivo, under IV infection conditions by flow cytometry and western blot. Transcriptional levels from AEC and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) cells were analyzed in an in-vivo mouse model by RNAseq.ResultsIV significantly downregulated albumin uptake, independently of activation of the TGF-β1/GSK3β axis that has been previously implicated in the regulation of megalin function. Decreased plasma membrane abundance, total protein levels, and mRNA expression of megalin were associated with this phenotype. In IV-infected mice, we identified a significant upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 in BAL fluid cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of this protease partially recovered total megalin levels and albumin uptake.DiscussionOur results suggest that the previously described MMP-driven shedding mechanisms are potentially involved in downregulation of megalin cell surface abundance and clearance of excess alveolar protein. As lower alveolar edema protein concentrations are associated with better outcomes in respiratory failure, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of a timely MMP inhibition in the treatment of IV-induced ARDS.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 as a potential marker for patients with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Li Chenwei , Yu Jian 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) as a biomarker for adult patients with sepsis.MethodsRelated studies on the diagnostic value of MCP-1 in adult patients with sepsis were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, CBM, Web of Science, Scopus, and Wanfang Data databases (published to February 20, 2023) was performed if studies assessed the diagnostic accuracy of MCP-1 in adult patients with sepsis and provided appropriate information sufficient to construct a 2 × 2 linked table, studies were included.ResultsData from 8 studies with a total of 805 patients were included. The combined sensitivity was 0.84 (95% CI 0.70–0.92), the specificity was 0.82 (95% CI 0.67–0.91), the combined positive likelihood ratio was 3.711 (2.119–6.500), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.287 (0.198–0.415), and the area under the working characteristic curve for combined subjects was 0.88. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 16.508 (7.632–35.706). Meta-regression analysis showed that the results were not significant. Deeks’ funnel plot showed that there was no publication bias.ConclusionAccording to our meta-analysis, MCP-1 is a valuable biomarker and may provide evidence for the diagnosis of sepsis in adults.
Serum uric acid and prognosis in acute ischemic stroke: a dose–response meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Wenyuan , Cheng Zicheng , Fu Fangwang , Zhan Zhenxiang 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThere have been contradictory findings regarding the relationship between serum uric acid levels and prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. Whether this association is nonlinear due to uric acid’s paradoxical properties (antioxidant and prooxidant) is unclear.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases until December 2022. Cohort studies reporting serum uric acid levels and functional outcome, mortality, or neurological complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Summary effect estimates were calculated using a random-effect model. Moreover, dose–response relationships were assessed by the generalized least squares trend estimation.ResultsAltogether, 13 cohort studies were identified in this study. Compared to the lowest baseline serum uric acid levels, the highest levels were associated with decreased risk of poor functional outcome (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.91, I2 = 29%), hemorrhagic transformation (OR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.42, I2 = 79%), and post-stroke depression (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.00–0.95, I2 = 89%), but not associated with mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. A nonlinear relationship was observed in poor functional outcome (U-shaped, P for nonlinearity = 0.042), hemorrhagic transformation (inverse, P for nonlinearity = 0.001), and post-stroke depression (inverse, P for nonlinearity = 0.002). In addition, there was a single study reporting a U-shaped association in post-stroke epilepsy (P for nonlinearity &lt;0.001). Furthermore, another study reported a positive curvilinear association in stroke recurrence (P for nonlinearity &lt;0.05). The insufficient number of original articles for some prognostic indicators should be considered when interpreting the results of this meta-analysis.ConclusionIn patients with acute ischemic stroke, serum uric acid levels are nonlinearly associated with the risk of poor functional outcome (U-shaped). More evidence is needed to confirm the association between serum uric acid levels and neurological complications following acute ischemic stroke.
Red and golden tomato administration improves fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in rats by modulating HNF4α, Lepr, and GK expression
Authors: Pipitone Rosaria Maria , Zito Rossella , Gambino Giuditta , Di Maria Gabriele , Javed Ayesha , Lupo Giulia , Giglia Giuseppe , Sardo Pierangelo , Ferraro Giuseppe , Rappa Francesca , Carlisi Daniela , Di Majo Danila , Grimaudo Stefania 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by lipid accumulation within hepatocytes exceeding 5% of liver weight, is strongly related to metabolic disorders, obesity, and diabetes and represents a health emergency worldwide. There is no standard therapy available for NAFLD. Lifestyle intervention, including phytonutrient intake, is key in preventing NAFLD development and progression.MethodsWe used a rat model of NAFLD to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with red tomato (RT) and golden tomato (GT)—a patented mix of fruit with varying degrees of ripeness and particularly rich in naringenin and chlorogenic acid—after steatosis development. We assessed the effects on body weight, metabolic profile, and hepatic steatosis.Results and discussionWe found a correlation between the amelioration of all the parameters and the liver gene expression. Our results showed that, together with the reversion of steatosis, the consumption of RT and GT can cause a significant reduction in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment index. Meanwhile, we observed an increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol according to the amelioration of the general lipidic profile. Regarding hepatic gene expression, we found the upregulation of Gk and Hnf4α involved in metabolic homeostasis, Lepr involved in adipokine signaling, and Il6 and Tnf involved in inflammatory response. Taken together, our results suggest that dietary intake of red and golden tomatoes, as a nutraceutical approach, has potential in preventing and therapeutics of NAFLD.
Targeting gut microbiota and immune crosstalk: potential mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of atherosclerosis
Authors: Jing Jinpeng , Guo Jing , Dai Rui , Zhu Chaojun , Zhang Zhaohui 
Published: September 2023

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory reaction that primarily affects large and medium-sized arteries. It is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The pathogenesis of AS involves specific structural and functional alterations in various populations of vascular cells at different stages of the disease. The immune response is involved throughout the entire developmental stage of AS, and targeting immune cells presents a promising avenue for its treatment. Over the past 2 decades, studies have shown that gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, have a significant impact on the progression of AS. Interestingly, it has also been reported that there are complex mechanisms of action between GM and their metabolites, immune responses, and natural products that can have an impact on AS. GM and its metabolites regulate the functional expression of immune cells and have potential impacts on AS. Natural products have a wide range of health properties, and researchers are increasingly focusing on their role in AS. Now, there is compelling evidence that natural products provide an alternative approach to improving immune function in the AS microenvironment by modulating the GM. Natural product metabolites such as resveratrol, berberine, curcumin, and quercetin may improve the intestinal microenvironment by modulating the relative abundance of GM, which in turn influences the accumulation of GM metabolites. Natural products can delay the progression of AS by regulating the metabolism of GM, inhibiting the migration of monocytes and macrophages, promoting the polarization of the M2 phenotype of macrophages, down-regulating the level of inflammatory factors, regulating the balance of Treg/Th17, and inhibiting the formation of foam cells. Based on the above, we describe recent advances in the use of natural products that target GM and immune cells crosstalk to treat AS, which may bring some insights to guide the treatment of AS.