bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrathoracic liver herniation after pericardial fenestration – a case report
Authors: Dubovan Peter , Tomáš Miroslav , Pavlendová Jana , Aziri Ramadan , Makovník Marek , Dolník Jozef , Pinďák Daniel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Pericardial effusions with its potential life threatening progression towards cardiac tamponade have to be often managed with surgical intervention. In our case study we describe a complication after a common surgical procedure which has only scarce literature mentions.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 22-year-old male patient who underwent subxiphoidal pericardial fenestration, due to symptomatic pericardial effusion with the Chamberlain procedure and biopsy of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. The histology report confirmed classical Hodgkin lymphoma and subsequently the patient underwent oncological treatment. Later on he was admitted to the hospital with dyspnoea and chest pain. The initial examinations stated a suspicion for intrathoracic tumour arising from the pericardium or liver. Further investigation revealed symptomatic intrathoracic liver herniation for which the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery with the mobilisation of liver and placement of a perforated Parietene™ composite mesh.

Conclusion
The purpose of this case report is to describe a rare complication after pericardial fenestration with its potential clinical implications.
Bispecific T cell-engager targeting oncofetal chondroitin sulfate induces complete tumor regression and protective immune memory in mice
Authors: Skeltved Nanna , Nordmaj Mie A. , Berendtsen Nicolai T. , Dagil Robert , Stormer Emilie M. R. , Al-Nakouzi Nader , Jiang Ke , Aicher Alexandra , Heeschen Christopher , Gustavsson Tobias , Choudhary Swati , Gögenur Ismail , Christensen Jan P. , Theander Thor G. , Daugaard Mads , Salanti Ali , Nielsen Morten A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The malaria protein VAR2CSA binds oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS), a unique chondroitin sulfate, expressed on almost all mammalian cancer cells. Previously, we produced a bispecific construct targeting ofCS and human T cells based on VAR2CSA and anti-CD3 (V-aCD3Hu). V-aCD3Hu showed efficacy against xenografted tumors in immunocompromised mice injected with human immune cells at the tumor site. However, the complex effects potentially exerted by the immune system as a result of the treatment cannot occur in mice without an immune system. Here we investigate the efficacy of V-aCD3Mu as a monotherapy and combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in mice with a fully functional immune system.

Methods
We produced a bispecific construct consisting of a recombinant version of VAR2CSA coupled to an anti-murine CD3 single-chain variable fragment. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to check cell binding capabilities and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in vitro in a killing assay. The in vivo efficacy of V-aCD3Mu was then investigated in mice with a functional immune system and established or primary syngeneic tumors in the immunologically “cold” 4T1 mammary carcinoma, B16-F10 malignant melanoma, the pancreatic KPC mouse model, and in the immunologically “hot” CT26 colon carcinoma model.

Results
V-aCD3Mu had efficacy as a monotherapy, and the combined treatment of V-aCD3Mu and an immune checkpoint inhibitor showed enhanced effects resulting in the complete elimination of solid tumors in the 4T1, B16-F10, and CT26 models. This anti-tumor effect was abscopal and accompanied by a systemic increase in memory and activated cytotoxic and helper T cells. The combined treatment also led to a higher percentage of memory T cells in the tumor without an increase in regulatory T cells. In addition, we observed partial protection against re-challenge in a melanoma model and full protection in a breast cancer model.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that V-aCD3Mu combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor renders immunologically “cold” tumors “hot” and results in tumor elimination. Taken together, these data provide proof of concept for the further clinical development of V-aCD3 as a broad cancer therapy in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Genome-wide analysis reveals Hsf1 maintains high transcript abundance of target genes controlled by strong constitutive promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cui Danyao , Liu Ling , Sun Lijing , Lin Xue , Lin Liangcai , Zhang Cuiying 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn synthetic biology, the strength of promoter elements is the basis for precise regulation of target gene transcription levels, which in turn increases the yield of the target product. However, the results of many researches proved that excessive transcription levels of target genes actually reduced the yield of the target product. This phenomenon has been found in studies using different microorganisms as chassis cells, thus, it becomes a bottleneck problem to improve the yield of the target product.ResultsIn this study, promotersPGK1pandTDH3pwith different strengths were used to regulate the transcription level of alcohol acetyl transferase encoding geneATF1. The results demonstrated that the strong promoterTDH3pdecreased the production of ethyl acetate. The results of Real-time PCR proved that the transcription level ofATF1decreased rapidly under the control ofTDH3p, and the unfolded protein reaction was activated, which may be the reason for the abnormal production caused by the strong promoter. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the overexpression of differential geneHSP30increased the transcriptional abundance ofATF1gene and production of ethyl acetate. Interestingly, deletion of the heat shock protein family (e.g., Hsp26, Hsp78, Hsp82) decreased the production of ethyl acetate, suggesting that the Hsp family was also involved in the regulation ofATF1gene transcription. Furthermore, the results proved that the Hsf1, an upstream transcription factor of Hsps, had a positive effect on alleviating the unfolded protein response and that overexpression of Hsf1 reprogramed the pattern ofATF1gene transcript levels. The combined overexpression of Hsf1 and Hsps further increased the production of ethyl acetate. In addition, kinase Rim15 may be involved in this regulatory pathway. Finally, the regulation effect of Hsf1 on recombinant strains constructed by other promoters was verified, which confirmed the universality of the strategy.ConclusionsOur results elucidated the mechanism by which Rim15–Hsf1–Hsps pathway reconstructed the repression of high transcription level stress and increased the production of target products, thereby providing new insights and application strategies for the construction of recombinant strains in synthetic biology.
Mechanism of Zn2+ regulation of cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30
Authors: Li Ni , Li Jing , Chen Yumeng , Shen Yaling , Wei Dongzhi , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30 is a hypercellulolytic mutant strain that degrades abundant sources of lignocellulosic plant biomass, yielding renewable biofuels. Although Zn2+ is an activator of enzymes in almost all organisms, its effects on cellulase activity in T. reesei have yet to be reported.

Results
Although high concentrations of Zn2+ severely suppressed the extension of T. reesei mycelia, the application of 1–4 mM Zn2+ enhanced cellulase and xylanase production in the high-yielding cellulase-producing Rut-C30 strain of T. reesei. Expression of the major cellulase, xylanase, and two essential transcription activator genes (xyr1 and ace3) increased in response to Zn2+ stimulation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of plc-e encoding phospholipase C, which is involved in the calcium signaling pathway, were enhanced by Zn2+ application. The disruption of plc-e abolished the cellulase-positive influence of Zn2+ in the early phase of induction, indicating that plc-e is involved in Zn2+-induced cellulase production. Furthermore, treatment with LaCl3 (a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker) and deletion of crz1 (calcineurin-responsive zinc finger transcription factor 1) indicated that calcium signaling is partially involved in this process. Moreover, we identified the zinc-responsive transcription factor zafA, the transcriptional levels of which declined in response to Zn2+ stress. Deletion of zafA indicates that this factor plays a prominent role in mediating the Zn2+-induced excessive production of cellulase.

Conclusions
For the first time, we have demonstrated that Zn2+ is toxic to T. reesei, although promotes a marked increase in cellulase production. This positive influence of Zn2+ is facilitated by the plc-e gene and zafA transcription factor. These findings provide insights into the role of Zn2+ in T. reesei and the mechanisms underlying signal transduction in cellulase synthesis.
The influence of weather on the population dynamics of common mosquito vector species in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Baril Cole , Pilling Ben G. , Mikkelsen Milah J. , Sparrow Jessica M. , Duncan Carlyn A. M. , Koloski Cody W. , LaZerte Stefanie E. , Cassone Bryan J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundMosquito seasonal activity is largely driven by weather conditions, most notably temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. The extent by which these weather variables influence activity is intertwined with the animal’s biology and may differ by species. For mosquito vectors, changes in weather can also alter host–pathogen interactions thereby increasing or decreasing the burden of disease.MethodsIn this study, we performed weekly mosquito surveillance throughout the active season over a 2-year period in Manitoba, Canada. We then used Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to explore the relationships between weather variables over the preceding 2 weeks and mosquito trap counts for four of the most prevalent vector species in this region:Oc. dorsalis,Ae. vexans,Cx. tarsalis, andCq. perturbans.ResultsMore than 265,000 mosquitoes were collected from 17 sampling sites throughout Manitoba in 2020 and 2021, withAe. vexansthe most commonly collected species followed byCx. tarsalis.Aedes vexansfavored high humidity, intermediate degree days, and low precipitation.Coquillettidia perturbansandOc. dorsalisactivity increased with high humidity and high rainfall, respectively.Culex tarsalisfavored high degree days, with the relationship between number of mosquitoes captured and precipitation showing contrasting patterns between years. Minimum trapping temperature only impactedAe. vexansandCq. perturbanstrap counts.ConclusionsThe activity of all four mosquito vectors was affected by weather conditions recorded in the 2 weeks prior to trapping, with each species favoring different conditions. Although some research has been done to explore the relationships between temperature/precipitation andCx. tarsalisin the Canadian Prairies, to our knowledge this is the first study to investigate other commonly found vector species in this region. Overall, this study highlights how varying weather conditions can impact mosquito activity and in turn species-specific vector potential.Graphical Abstract
PDGFBB improved the biological function of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells and the anti-fibrotic properties of exosomes
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Zhang Siwen , Qi Jiarui , Zhao Fujie , Lu Yimeng , Li Shuyu , Wu Shanshan , Li Pingping , Tan Jichun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a reproductive dysfunction disease characterized by endometrial fibrosis, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Our previous studies confirmed that menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) effectively attenuated endometrial fibrosis in an animal model of IUA mainly through exosomes. This therapeutic effect can be enhanced by platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in which PDGFBB is an abundant growth factor. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of PRP and PDGFBB on the biological activities of MenSCs in vitro, and to further investigate the molecular mechanism of MenSCs-derived exosomes in alleviating endometrial fibrosis.

Methods
MenSCs were isolated for in vitro functional assays to examine the viability, migration, and stemness of MenSCs. Endometrial stromal cells (EndoSCs) were treated with 50 ug/ml of MenSCs-derived exosomes, obtained by differential ultracentrifugation extraction. The molecular mechanisms by which PDGFBB improves MenSCs and exosomes alleviate EndoSCs fibrosis were then explored using immunofluorescence, western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.

Results
Both 100 ng/ml PDGFBB and 10% activated PRP promoted the proliferation, increased the S phase of cell cycle, and inhibited apoptosis of MenSCs in vitro. Compared with PRP, PDGFBB significantly promoted MenSCs migration. All of these effects were inhibited by sorafenib, a PDGFR-β inhibitor. PRP and PDGFBB activated AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in MenSCs and increased the expression of P65 and OCT4. Moreover, pretreatment of PDGFBB did not increase the secretion of MenSCs but significantly increased the anti-fibrosis effects of MenSCs-derived exosomes on IUA-EndoSCs. MenSCs-derived exosomes attenuated SMAD3 phosphorylation and increased YAP ubiquitination, which reduced the binding of YAP/SMAD3. Pretreatment with PDGFBB amplified this effect.

Conclusions
In summary, PDGFBB could improve the biological functions of MenSCs via AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, including viability, migration, and stemness. Our results indicated that PDGFBB amplified MenSCs-derived exosomes to attenuate endometrial fibrosis by inhibiting YAP activity, revealing a novel mechanism by which PRP enhanced the ability of MenSCs to repair tissue injury and providing a potential option for improving stem cell efficacy in IUA.
The interplay of cells, polymers, and vascularization in three-dimensional lung models and their applications in COVID-19 research and therapy
Authors: Ahmed Toka A. , Eldaly Bassant , Eldosuky Shadwa , Elkhenany Hoda , El-Derby Azza M. , Elshazly Muhamed F. , El-Badri Nagwa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMillions of people have been affected ever since the emergence of the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, leading to an urgent need for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Current experimentation on traditional two-dimensional culture (2D) fails to accurately mimic the in vivo microenvironment for the disease, while in vivo animal model testing does not faithfully replicate human COVID-19 infection. Human-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models such as spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip present a promising solution to these challenges. In this report, we review the recent 3D in vitro lung models used in COVID-19 infection and drug screening studies and highlight the most common types of natural and synthetic polymers used to generate 3D lung models.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections in critically ill neutropenic patients: a French multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arrestier Romain , Chaba Anis , Mabrouki Asma , Saccheri Clément , Canet Emmanuel , Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Stoclin Annabelle , Picard Muriel , Wallet Florent , Perier François , Turpin Matthieu , Argaud Laurent , Decavèle Maxens , Issa Nahéma , Cadoz Cyril , Klouche Kada , Cohen Johana , Mokart Djamel , Grouille Julien , Urbina Tomas , Hua Camille , Chosidow Olivier , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Azoulay Elie , de Prost Nicolas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare life-threatening bacterial infections. Few data are available regarding neutropenic patients with NSTIs. Our objectives were to describe the characteristics and management of neutropenic patients with NSTIs in intensive care units (ICUs). We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study in 18 ICUs between 2011 and 2021. Patients admitted with NSTIs and concomitant neutropenia at diagnosis were included and compared to non-neutropenic patients with NSTIs. The relationship between therapeutic interventions and outcomes was assessed using Cox regression and propensity score matching.

Results
76 neutropenic patients were included and compared to 165 non-neutropenic patients. Neutropenic patients were younger (54 ± 14 vs 60 ± 13 years, p = 0.002) and had less lower limb (44.7% vs 70.9%, p < 0.001) and more abdomino-perineal NSTIs (43.4% vs 18.8%, p < 0.001). Enterobacterales and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria were the most frequently isolated microorganisms in neutropenic patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in neutropenic than in non-neutropenic patients (57.9% vs 28.5%, p < 0.001). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in univariable Cox (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.23–0.82], p = 0.010) and multivariable Cox (adjusted HR = 0.46 95% CI [0.22–0.94], p = 0.033) analyses and after overlap propensity score weighting (odds ratio = 0.25 95% CI [0.09; 0.68], p = 0.006).

Conclusions
Critically ill neutropenic patients with NSTIs present different clinical and microbiological characteristics and are associated with a higher hospital mortality than non-neutropenic patients. G-CSF administration was associated with hospital survival.
Augmenting project ECHO for opioid use disorder with data-informed quality improvement
Authors: Murray Owen B. , Doyle Marcy , McLeman Bethany M. , Marsch Lisa A. , Saunders Elizabeth C. , Cox Katherine M. , Watts Delitha , Ryer Jeanne 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
National opioid-related overdose fatalities totaled 650,000 from 1999 to 2021. Some of the highest rates occurred in New Hampshire, where 40% of the population lives rurally. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing opioid overdose and mortality. Methadone access barriers disproportionally impact rural areas and naltrexone uptake has been limited. Buprenorphine availability has increased and relaxed regulations reduces barriers in general medical settings common in rural areas. Barriers to prescribing buprenorphine include lack of confidence, inadequate training, and lack of access to experts. To address these barriers, learning collaboratives have trained clinics on best-practice performance data collection to inform quality improvement (QI). This project sought to explore the feasibility of training clinics to collect performance data and initiate QI alongside clinics’ participation in a Project ECHO virtual collaborative for buprenorphine providers.

Methods
Eighteen New Hampshire clinics participating in a Project ECHO were offered a supplemental project exploring the feasibility of performance data collection to inform QI targeting increased alignment with best practice. Feasibility was assessed descriptively, through each clinic’s participation in training sessions, data collection, and QI initiatives. An end-of-project survey was conducted to understand clinic staff perceptions of how useful and acceptable they found the program.

Results
Five of the eighteen health care clinics that participated in the Project ECHO joined the training project, four of which served rural communities in New Hampshire. All five clinics met the criteria for engagement, as each clinic attended at least one training session, submitted at least one month of performance data, and completed at least one QI initiative. Survey results showed that while clinic staff perceived the training and data collection to be useful, there were several barriers to collecting the data, including lack of staff time, and difficulty standardizing documentation within the clinic electronic health record.

Conclusions
Results suggest that training clinics to monitor their performance and base QI initiatives on data has potential to impact clinical best practice. While data collection was inconsistent, clinics completed several data-informed QI initiatives, indicating that smaller scale data collection might be more attainable.
Th17 cells sense microbiome to promote depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Medina-Rodriguez Eva M. , Watson Jowan , Reyes Juliana , Trivedi Madhukar , Beurel Eléonore 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Microbiome alterations have been associated with depression, and fecal transfer of depressed patients’ microbiomes is sufficient to enhance despair behaviors in rodents. Yet little is known about the potential mechanisms, whereby microbes modulate depressive-like behaviors.

Results
In this study, we showed that certain bacteria known to induce Th17 cells are increased in depressed patients and mice exhibiting learned helplessness. Fecal transfers of human depressed patients’ microbiomes into germ-free-like mice were sufficient to decrease sociability and increased susceptibility to the learned helplessness paradigm, confirming that the microbiome is sufficient to confer depressive-like behaviors. This microbial effect was dependent on the presence of Th17 cells in the recipient, as germ-free-like recipient mice deficient in Th17 cells were resistant to the behavioral changes induced by the microbiome of depressed patients.

Conclusion
Altogether, these findings suggest a crucial role of the microbiome/Th17 cell axis in regulating depressive-like behaviors.
Planetary-scale MLT waves diagnosed through multi-station methods: a review
Authors: He Maosheng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMost experimental investigations on planetary-scale waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region are based on single-station or -satellite spectral analysis methods, which suffer from intrinsic spectral aliasing/ambiguity. To overcome the aliasing, the author has developed and utilized dual- and multi-station spectral methods in a series of recent works. These methods were implemented on meteor radar observations and surface magnetometer observations. In the implements, a variety of waves were discovered or investigated in terms of seasonal variations and responses to sudden stratospheric warming events, such as lunar and solar tides (migrating and non-migrating), Rossby wave normal modes, ultra-fast Kelvin waves, and secondary waves of wave–wave nonlinear interactions between the previous waves. The current paper illustrates these methods using synthetic data, comparatively reviews the methods and results in plain language, and proposes a new representation, termed the adjusted Feynman diagram, to summarize the nonlinear interactions and explain their implications.Graphical Abstract