bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of a stable ethanologenic bacterial strain without heterologous plasmids and antibiotic resistance genes for efficient ethanol production from concentrated dairy waste
Authors: Pasotti Lorenzo , De Marchi Davide , Casanova Michela , Frusteri Chiacchiera Angelica , Cusella De Angelis Maria Gabriella , Calvio Cinzia , Magni Paolo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEngineering sustainable bioprocesses that convert abundant waste into fuels is pivotal for efficient production of renewable energy. We previously engineered an Escherichia coli strain for optimized bioethanol production from lactose-rich wastewater like concentrated whey permeate (CWP), a dairy effluent obtained from whey valorization processes. Although attractive fermentation performances were reached, significant improvements are required to eliminate recombinant plasmids, antibiotic resistances and inducible promoters, and increase ethanol tolerance. Here, we report a new strain with chromosomally integrated ethanologenic pathway under the control of a constitutive promoter, without recombinant plasmids and resistance genes. The strain showed extreme stability in 1-month subculturing, with CWP fermentation performances similar to the ethanologenic plasmid-bearing strain. We then investigated conditions enabling efficient ethanol production and sugar consumption by changing inoculum size and CWP concentration, revealing toxicity- and nutritional-related bottlenecks. The joint increase of ethanol tolerance, via adaptive evolution, and supplementation of small ammonium sulphate amounts (0.05% w/v) enabled a fermentation boost with 6.6% v/v ethanol titer, 1.2 g/L/h rate, 82.5% yield, and cell viability increased by three orders of magnitude. Our strain has attractive features for industrial settings and represents a relevant improvement in the existing ethanol production biotechnologies.
FTO-mediated m6A demethylation of pri-miR-3591 alleviates osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Liu Wengang , Jiang Tao , Zheng Wei , Zhang Jiayuan , Li Anan , Lu Chao , Lin Zhaowei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Increasing evidence have demonstrated the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays critical roles in osteoarthritis (OA) progression, but the role of m6A in OA has not been completely illuminated. Herein, we investigated the function and underlying mechanism of m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in OA progression.

Materials and methods
The FTO expression was detected in mice OA cartilage tissues and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated chondrocytes. Gain-of-function assays was used to evaluate the role of FTO in OA cartilage injury in vitro and in vivo. The miRNA-sequencing, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assay, and in vitro pri-miRNA processing assays were conducted to confirm that FTO modulated the pri-miR-3591 process in an m6A-dependent manner and then the binding sites of miR-3591-5p with PRKAA2.

Results
FTO was outstandingly downregulated in LPS-stimulated chondrocytes and OA cartilage tissues. FTO overexpression enhanced the proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and decreased degradation of extracellular matrix in LPS-induced chondrocytes, whereas FTO knockdown contributed to the opposite effects. In vivo animal experiments showed that FTO overexpression markedly alleviated OA mice cartilage injury. Mechanically, FTO-mediated m6A demethylation of pri-miR-3591 leaded to a maturation block of miR-3591-5p, which relieved the inhibitory effect of miR-3591-5p on PRKAA2 and then promoted the increase of PRKAA2, thereby alleviating OA cartilage damage.

Conclusions
Our results attested that FTO alleviated the OA cartilage damage by mediating FTO/miR-3591-5p/PRKAA2 axis, which provided fresh insights into the therapeutic strategies for OA.
Outbreak investigations after identifying carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a systematic review
Authors: Büchler Andrea C. , Shahab Selvi N. , Severin Juliëtte A. , Vos Margreet C. , Voor in ’t holt Anne F. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are a serious cause of healthcare-associated infections. Part of the infection prevention and control measures are outbreak investigations (OI) of patients, healthcare workers (HCW), and the environment after identifying a CRPA in order to identify carriers and environmental reservoirs, so that targeted actions can be taken to prevent further transmission. However, little is known on when and how to perform such OI. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize OI performed after detection of CRPA in the endemic and epidemic hospital setting.

Main text
Articles related to our research question were identified through a literature research in multiple databases (Embase, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, Scopus, Cinahl, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) until January 12, 2022 (Prospero registration number CRD42020194165). Hundred-twenty-six studies were included. In both the endemic and the epidemic setting, a median number of two out of seven predefined components of OI were identified. In the endemic setting, the most frequent component of OI was screening of the environment (28 studies, 62.2%). In the epidemic setting, screening of the environment (72 studies, 88.9%), and screening of patients during hospitalization (30 studies, 37%) were most frequently performed. Only 19 out of 126 studies (15.1%) reported screening of contact patients, and 37 studies reported screening of healthcare workers (HCW, 29.4%).

Conclusion
Due to probable underreporting of OI in the literature, the available evidence for the usefulness of the individual components of OI is scarce. This could lead to inhomogeneous performance of OI after detection of CRPA in the healthcare setting, and with this, potential under- or overscreening. While we could show evidence for the usefulness for environmental screening in order to identify the mode of transmission, evidence for HCW screening is scarce and might not lead to the identification of modes of transmission. Further studies are needed to better understand CI in different settings and, finally, develop guidance on when and how to best perform OI.
Flexible electric vehicle charging and its role in variable renewable energy integration
Authors: Xu Robert , Seatle Madeleine , Kennedy Christopher , McPherson Madeleine 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUptake of electric vehicles is accelerating as governments around the world aim to decarbonize transportation. However, swift and widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption will require some degree of controlled charging to mitigate the adverse impacts of electric vehicle adoption. Simulating the interaction between transportation and power requires new modelling tools with operational detail and spatial-temporal granularity. This analysis evaluates the potential benefits of utility-controlled charging (UCC) with the objective of reducing variable renewable energy (VRE) curtailment in decarbonized power systems using a framework that links travel and power system models using an intermediate charging model. Results show that the addition of VRE generation infrastructure shows the most impact on electricity system operating emissions and costs, but EV charging plays a significant role as well. Within EV charging strategies, UCC charging decreases emissions by 7% compared to uncontrolled charging. UCC is proven to be most effective in the summer due to higher electric vehicle fuel economy. Finally, the type of VRE generation infrastructure on the grid may have implications for siting of EV charging infrastructure due to the typical temporal peaks of wind and solar energy. These findings demonstrate how the use of distinct but linked travel and power sector models can be deployed to reduce multi-sector emissions and costs.
Upregulation of carbonic anhydrase 1 beneficial for depressive disorder
Authors: Cheng Ke , Wang Yue , He Yong , Tian Yu , Li Junjie , Chen Chong , Xu Xingzhe , Wu Zhonghao , Yu Heming , Chen Xiangyu , Wu Yili , Song Weihong , Dong Zhifang , Xu Huatai , Xie Peng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCarbonic Anhydrase 1 (CAR1) is a zinc-metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydration of carbon dioxide, and the alteration of CAR1 has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the mechanism underlying the role of CAR1 in major depressive disorder (MDD) remains largely unknown. In this study, we report the decreased level of CAR1 in MDD patients and depression-like model rodents. We found that CAR1 is expressed in hippocampal astrocytes and CAR1 regulates extracellular bicarbonate concentration and pH value in the partial hilus. Ablation of the CAR1 gene increased the activity of granule cells via decreasing their miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSC), and caused depression-like behaviors in CAR1-knockout mice. Astrocytic CAR1 expression rescued the deficits in mIPSCs of granule cells and reduced depression-like behaviors in CAR1 deficient mice. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of CAR1 and overexpression of CAR1 in the ventral hippocampus of mice improved depressive behaviors. These findings uncover a critical role of CAR1 in the MDD pathogenesis and its therapeutic potential.
Effect of vacancies and edges in promoting water chemisorption on titanium-based MXenes
Authors: Marquis Edoardo , Benini Francesca , Anasori Babak , Rosenkranz Andreas , Righi Maria Clelia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe functionality of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) in technological applications greatly depends on their wettability. For instance, MXenes’ layer stability against degradative oxidation is notably reduced when stored in aqueous solutions, leading to the transformation into oxides. In this work, we study water adsorption on Ti-based MXenes by ab initio calculations. The energy gains for the molecular adsorption on Tin+1XnT2 is evaluated as a function of the termination (T = F, O, OH, mixture), the carbon/nitrogen ratio (X = C, N), the layer thickness (n) and water coverage. MXenes’ hydrophilicity tends to increase due to the presence of defects as vacancies and flake edges. We demonstrate that physical adsorption occurs through hydrogen bonding on both defect-free layers and layers containing C/N or Ti atomic vacancies, with –OH terminations providing the strongest interactions (0.40–0.65 eV). In contrast, strong water chemisorption is observed on surfaces with a single termination vacancy (0.60–1.20 eV), edges (0.75–0.85 eV), and clusters of defects (1.00–1.80 eV). We verified that the presence of undercoordinated Ti atoms on the surface is the key factor in promoting H2O chemisorption, i.e., the degradative oxidation.
Graphical Abstract
Examining how social networks influence women and under-represented minority students’ pursuit of engineering in university: when, who, and how?
Authors: Wao Hesborn , Kersaint Gladis , Smith Chrystal A. S. , Campbell-Montalvo Rebecca , Puccia Ellen , Skvoretz John , Martin Julie P. , Lee Reginald , MacDonald George 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundWomen and under-represented minority (URM) students continue to be under-represented in STEM and earn the lowest proportion of undergraduate engineering degrees. We employed a mixed methods research approach grounded in social capital theory to investigatewhenthey first consider pursuing engineering as a college degree major,whoinfluences this decision, andhowthe influence occurs. First, we surveyed 2186 first-year undergraduate students entering engineering programs at 11 universities in the U.S. during the fall of 2014. Next, we interviewed a subsample of 55 women and URM students.ResultsSurvey findings indicated that women were more likely than men to consider pursuing engineering while in high school, before admission into college, or while in college rather than considering it earlier in their education. Black and Latinx students were more likely than white students to consider pursuing engineering after high school. In addition, Black and Latinx students were more likely than white students to identify a school counselor (rather than a family member) as having the most influence on their engineering academic and career decisions. In interviews, women and URM students provided examples of influential people who connected their aptitude and enthusiasm for mathematics, science, and problem-solving to engineering, explained the benefits of being an engineer, and provided advice about engineering academic and career pathways.ConclusionsEncouraging earlier consideration of engineering majors, such as during middle school, could allow women and URM students time to take requisite courses and take advantage of college preparatory programming. Likewise, universities can engage in intentional efforts to identify women and URM students with engineering interests and provide guidance. Such efforts should also include connecting them with other women and URM students in engineering. In addition, universities should support K-12 and university personnel in offering advice that can influence students’ decision to declare an engineering major, which could help recruit more women and URM students into engineering.
The 25‐year experience of over‐the‐top ACL reconstruction plus extra‐articular lateral tenodesis with hamstring tendon grafts: the story so far
Authors: Zaffagnini Stefano , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Macchiarola Luca , Agostinone Piero , Neri Maria Pia , Marcacci Maurilio , Grassi Alberto 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis article presents with an evidence based approach, the kinematical rationale, biological evidence and the long term results of the “Over‐The‐Top” anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with lateral plasty technique. This surgery was developed more than 25 years ago at the Rizzoli Institute by professor Marcacci and Zaffagnini and it is still widely performed in many orthopedic center worldwide.
Current trends in graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – part I: anatomy, biomechanics, graft incorporation and fixation
Authors: Runer Armin , Keeling Laura , Wagala Nyaluma , Nugraha Hans , Özbek Emre Anil , Hughes Jonathan D. , Musahl Volker 
Published: April 2023

AbstractGraft selection in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is critical, as it remains one of the most easily adjustable factors affecting graft rupture and reoperation rates. Commonly used autografts, including hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon and bone‐patellar‐tendon‐bone, are reported to be biomechanically equivalent or superior compared to the native ACL. Despite this, such grafts are unable to perfectly replicate the complex anatomical and histological characteristics of the native ACL. While there remains inconclusive evidence as to the superiority of one autograft in terms of graft incorporation and maturity, allografts appear to demonstrate slower incorporation and maturity compared to autografts. Graft fixation also affects graft properties and subsequent outcomes, with each technique having unique advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered during graft selection.
Simultaneous real-time analysis of tear film optical quality dynamics and functional visual acuity in dry eye disease
Authors: Pan An-Peng , Ma Yunjing , Hu Ruilin , Cao Xuejiao , Wu Yifen , Zhou Kaijing , Tu Ruixue , Shao Xu , Chen Shihao , Yu A-Yong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the effect of tear film instability in dry eye disease (DED) by measuring visual performance and tear film optical quality in a simultaneous real-time analysis system.MethodsThirty-seven DED participants and 20 normal controls were recruited. A simultaneous real-time analysis system was developed by adding a functional visual acuity (FVA) channel to a double-pass system. Repeated measurements of FVA and objective scatter index (OSI) were performed simultaneously with this system under blink suppression condition for 20 s. Patient-reported symptoms was evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Mean FVA, mean OSI, and visual acuity break-up time were defined. The OSI maintenance ratio was calculated as an evaluation index to assess the difference between dynamic OSI changes and baseline OSI. The visual maintenance ratio was also calculated in the same way.ResultsModerate correlations were noted between mean OSI and FVA-related parameters (mean FVA, visual maintenance ratio, visual acuity break-up time: 0.53, − 0.56, − 0.53, respectively,P < 0.01 for all). Moderate to high correlations were noted between OSI maintenance ratio and FVA-related parameters (mean FVA, visual maintenance ratio, visual acuity break-up time: − 0.62, 0.71, 0.64, respectively, allP < 0.01). The metrics derived from the simultaneous real-time analysis system were moderately correlated with the patient-reported symptoms and the visual acuity break-up time possessed the highest correlation coefficients with OSDI total, ocular symptoms, and vision-related function (− 0.64, − 0.63, − 0.62, respectively,P < 0.01). The OSI-maintenance ratio alone appeared to exhibit the best performance of the metrics for the detection of DED with sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 83.8% and the combinations of FVA parameters and OSI parameters were valid and can further improve the discriminating abilities.ConclusionsOSI-related metrics were found to be potential indicators for assessing and diagnosing DED which correlated with both subjective visual performance and patient-reported symptoms; the FVA-related metrics were quantifiable indicators for evaluating visual acuity decline in DED.Trial registration number:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100051650. Registered 29 September 2021,https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=134612
Primary observations of EVO ICL implantation for high myopia with concave iris
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Niu Lingling , Liu Tingting , Shen Yang , Shang Jianmin , Zhao Jing , Wei Ruoyan , Zhou Xingtao , Yao Peijun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the morphological changes of concave iris in myopic patients after EVO implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation.

Methods
EVO ICL candidates with posterior bowing iris were observed using ultrasound biometric microscopy (UBM) in this prospective nonrandomized observational study. Forty patients were enrolled, with 20 patients in the concave iris group and the other 20 patients in the control group. None of the patients underwent laser peripheral iridotomy. All patients received preoperative and postoperative examinations, which included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), subjective manifest refraction and intraocular pressure. UBM was used to observe iris curvature (IC), irido-corneal angle (ICA), posterior chamber angle (PCA), iris-lens contact distance (ILCD), iris-zonule distance (IZD) and ciliary process length (CPL). Anterior chamber angle pigment was observed by gonioscopy. The preoperative and postoperative data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results
The average follow-up period was 13.3 ± 5.3 months. The mean efficacy indices were 1.10 ± 0.13 and 1.07 ± 0.11 (P = 0.58), and the safety indices were 1.19 ± 0.09 and 1.18 ± 0.17 in the control group and the concave iris group (P = 0.93), respectively. The IOP postoperatively were 14.13 ± 2.02 mmHg and 14.69 ± 1.59 mmHg in control and concave iris groups (P = 0.37). Preoperatively, the concave iris group was presented with greater IC (P < 0.0001), longer ILCD (P < 0.0001), wider ICA (P = 0.004), narrower PCA (P = 0.01), and shorter IZD (P = 0.03) than the control group. In the concave iris group, IC, ILCD and ICA were significantly decreased after ICL implantation (P < 0.0001), while PCA and IZD were significantly increased (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). Postoperative IC, ILCD, ICA, PCA and IZD were not statistically different between groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in pigment deposition grades between the two groups (P = 0.37).

Conclusion
After EVO ICL implantation, the morphology of concave iris was significantly improved, which may reduce the risk of intraocular pigment dissemination caused by iris concavity. The concave iris has no impact on the safety of EVO ICL surgery during the follow-up.
Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of N-acetylcysteine in reducing adverse drug reactions among adults treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Tanzania
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G. , Mvungi Happiness C. , Mbelele Peter M. , Semvua Hadija H. , Liyoyo Alphonce A. , de Guex Kristen Petros , Sloan Derek , Kibiki Gibson S. , Boeree Martin , Phillips Patrick P. J. , Heysell Scott K. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) frequently occur in patients using second-line anti-tuberculosis medicine for treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). ADRs contribute to treatment interruptions which can compromise treatment response and risk acquired drug resistance to critical newer drugs such as bedaquiline, while severe ADRs carry considerable morbidity and mortality. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has shown promise in reducing ADRs for medications related to TB in case series or randomized controlled trials in other medical conditions, yet evidence is lacking in MDR-TB patients. TB endemic settings have limited capacity to conduct clinical trials. We designed a proof-of-concept clinical trial primarily to explore the preliminary evidence on the protective effect of NAC among people treated for MDR-TB with second-line anti-TB medications.

Methods
This is a proof-of-concept randomized open label clinical trial with 3 treatment arms including a control arm, an interventional arm of NAC 900 mg daily, and an interventional arm of NAC 900 mg twice-daily administered during the intensive phase of MDR-TB treatment. Patients initiating MDR-TB treatment will be enrolled at Kibong’oto National Center of Excellence for MDR-TB in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. The minimum anticipated sample size is 66; with 22 participants in each arm. ADR monitoring will be performed at baseline and daily follow-up over 24 weeks including blood and urine specimen collection for hepatic and renal function and electrolyte abnormalities, and electrocardiogram. Sputum will be collected at baseline and monthly thereafter and cultured for mycobacteria as well as assayed for other molecular targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Adverse drug events will be analysed over time using mixed effect models. Mean differences between arms in change of the ADRs from baseline (with 95% confidence intervals) will be derived from the fitted model.

Discussion
Given that NAC promotes synthesis of glutathione, an intracellular antioxidant that combats the impact of oxidative stress, it may protect against medication induced oxidative damage in organs such as liver, pancreas, kidney, and cells of the immune system. This randomized controlled trial will determine if NAC leads to fewer ADRs, and if this protection is dose dependent. Fewer ADRs among patients treated with MDR-TB may significantly improve treatment outcomes for multidrug regimens that necessitate prolonged treatment durations. Conduct of this trial will set the needed infrastructure for clinical trials.

Trial registration
PACTR202007736854169 Registered 03 July 2020