bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of endophytic fungi in turfgrasses: Difficulties in delivery to the market
Authors: Stewart Alan V. , Barcellos Guilherme , Brilman Leah 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe agronomic benefits of endophytic Epichloë fungi for the performance of ryegrass (Lolium spp.) and fescue (Festuca spp.) species were first reported in the 1980s. Various Epichloë endophyte species and strains have been shown to produce a series of different alkaloids with considerable impact on insect pests and grazing animals, some effects on nematodes and diseases, and improvements in plant stress tolerance. However, the impact of these alkaloids on plant performance and turf resilience varies across environments, and often relates to specific insect pressures and stressful summer conditions. Over 40 insect pests and diseases have been documented as responding to endophyte infection.As many Epichloë fungi are seed transmitted, endophyte transmission to the seed is controlled by the levels found in the parent plants and how well the endophyte is maintained during seed production. Endophyte viability in seed lots can drop during storage and transport, especially when stored under high temperatures and humidity. Endophyte growth into seed during seed production can be influenced by the weather, use of fungicides and growth regulators, and the timing of combining after swathing. In the United States, the endophyte infection levels in breeders’ seed of the cultivars used in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials have been reported but currently, no standards exist for labeling cultivars delivered with high endophyte levels. Without suitable protocols and standards, challenges exist in delivering high endophyte infection levels to tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), ryegrass, and fine fescues.
Organic liquid crystals in optoelectronic device applications: Field‐effect transistors, nonvolatile memory, and photovoltaics
Authors: Lin Yan‐Cheng , Li Guan‐Syuan , Yu Ping‐Jui , Ercan Ender , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the growing demands in flexible electronics, the development of plastic and organic materials has gained increased interest. In this focus review, the design concepts and recent advances of organic liquid crystalline materials in optoelectronic devices were introduced. Thermotropic liquid crystalline materials are categorized into three types: calamitic, discotic, and cholesteric types according to the structures of rod‐like, disk‐like, and chiral rod‐like molecules, respectively. Numerous liquid crystalline materials have been successfully incorporated in organic electronic devices. Notably, smectic liquid crystals hold great promise as semiconducting channel, floating gate electret, and charge transporting interlayer in field‐effect transistors, nonvolatile memory, and photovoltaics, respectively. This review sheds light on the great potential and importance of the organic liquid crystalline material for optoelectronic device applications.
Association of platelet count with all‐cause mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome: A cohort study
Authors: Wang Rennv , Dai Haiwen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether platelet count was associated with mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.MethodsWe analyzed patients with ARDS from Multi‐parameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care Database III (MIMIC‐III). Platelet count was measured at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The cox proportional hazard model and subgroup analysis were used to determine the relationship between the platelet count and mortality of ARDS, as well as the consistency of its association. The primary outcome of this study was 365‐day mortality from the date of ICU admission.ResultThis study enrolled a total of 395 critically ill patients with ARDS. After adjustment for age, gender and ethnicity, the multivariate cox regression model showed that the hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of platelet count <192 × 109/L and >296 × 109/L were 2.08 (1.43, 3.04) and 1.35 (0.91, 2.01), respectively, compared with the reference (192–296 ×109/L). After adjusting for confounding factors, lower platelet count (<192 × 109/L) was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR, 1.71; 95% CI 1.06–2.76, p = 0.0284). However, there was no similar trend in the 30‐day (adjusted HR,1.02; 95% CI 0.54–1.94) or 90‐day (adjusted HR, 1.65; 95% CI 0.94–2.89) mortality. In the subgroup analysis, lower platelet count showed significant interactions with specific populations (p interaction = 0.0413), especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.ConclusionTaken together, our analysis showed that platelet count is an independent predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with ARDS.
Prognostic value of glucose‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Shuo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is need to identify biomarkers for prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ADRS). This may allow early and accurate identification of patients with high‐risk ARDS to guide adjustment of clinical treatment and nursing intervention, which would ultimately improve prognosis of patients with ARDS. Biomarkers based on a combination of fasting glucose and lymphocyte counts to predict prognosis in critically ill patients with ARDS remain undefined. In this study, we investigated the association between glucose‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (GLR) and in‐hospital mortality.MethodsThe study obtained data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care‐IV (MIMIC‐IV Version 1.0) database. We defined the GLR as fasting glucose/lymphocyte count and the patient in‐hospital mortality was considered as the outcome. In addition, we employed linear and logistic regression models for analysis.ResultsIn total, 1,085 patients with ARDS were included in this study. The eligible participants included 498 female and 587 males, with a mean age of 64.2 ± 17.5 years. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher GLR was an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality (OR =1.67, 95% CI: 1.26–2.22) after adjusting for age, sex, anion gap, white blood cell count, congestive heart failure, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), SBP, DBP, and respiratory rate in both the dichotomized group and subgroups. We also analyzed the in‐hospital mortality to ROC curves by comparing the value between SOFA + GLR and SOFA. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.6991 for the SOFA + GLR (95% CI: 0.6634–0.7348), and 0.6613 for the SOFA (95% CI: 0.6238–0.6988).ConclusionOur data showed that the GLR was an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality for patients with ARDS. The GLR is an integrated, readily available clinical biomarker for mortality in patients with ARDS.
Design of a separation process for natural 2‐phenylethanol with solvent selection based on safety criteria
Authors: Chacón‐Izquierdo Alejandro , Magdaleno‐Cruz Ana E , López‐Molina Antíoco , Conde‐Baéz Laura , Mas‐Hernández Elizabeth , Conde‐Mejía Carolina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the past, process safety has improved safety issues in chemical plants; today, it is essential to consider safety aspects in any process plant. Furthermore, the production of value‐added products through biotechnological methods has increased, and safety is usually not considered in this kind of process design. The biotechnological production of 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PE) has been studied at a laboratory scale. However, before considering industrial‐scale production, it is necessary to design an efficient and safe purification process to maintain the quality characteristics of 2‐PE. This work proposes a separation process for natural 2‐PE (which was obtained from whey fermentation) and evaluates its safety and economic aspects.RESULTSThis process is based on liquid–liquid extraction. The feed stream consists of an aqueous mixture with 0.095 wt% of 2‐PE and 1.54 wt% of ethanol. The conceptual design was implemented in the simulator Aspen Plus V.10. The bioprocess safety index (BPSI) was used to find the hazardous process streams for the safety evaluation.CONCLUSIONThe 2‐PE separation showed an overall recovery of 99.54% and a purity of 99.67 wt% in the product stream. The process streams identified as hazardous are the extract and solvent recycling streams. The utility and operating cost per separated kilogram of 2‐PE are USD 0.658 kg−1 and USD 14.48 kg−1, respectively. The industrial‐scale implementation of 2‐PE bioproduction shows positive potential. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Prenatal diagnosis of hepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos/hemiazygos continuation without structural heart defects: A case series
Authors: Babaoğlu Kadir , Doğan Yasemin , Başar Eviç Zeynep , Usta Emre 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo describe fetal spectrum and echocardiographic characteristics of interrupted inferior vena cava (IIVC) with azygos/hemiazygous continuation without other structural heart defects and to evaluate its association with visceral heterotaxy and isomerism, extracardiac and genetic anomalies, and to review neonatal outcome.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 14 fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of IIVC with normal intracardiac anatomy. The following variables were collected; indication for referral, gestational age at diagnosis; associated isomerism and visceral heterotaxy, heart rhythm, genetic and extracardiac abnormalities, and fetal/neonatal outcome.ResultsAmong 36 fetuses with IIVC, 14 cases (38.8%) had normal intracardiac anatomy. These IIVC cases correspond to 0.19% (14/7250) of all fetal cardiac examinations, and to 1.5% (14/922) of all cardiac abnormalities. Six patients had visceral abnormalities. Atrial appendage morphology was clearly depicted in three fetuses, both appendages were left. One fetus had bradyarrhythmia revealing atrial ectopic rhythm. Six fetuses did not have any concomitant cardiac or visceral abnormalities, therefore regarded as isolated. All babies were delivered at term with a good prognosis.ConclusionOur study has shown that almost half of the IIVC cases without intracardiac structural anomalies displayed other findings of isomerism while the other half was isolated benign vascular variant. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of IIVC should prompt a comprehensive evaluation for cardiac, situs, and visceral anomalies. The outcome is favorable.
Response of nitrous oxide emissions to individual rain events and future changes in precipitation
Authors: Miller Lee T. , Griffis Timothy John , Erickson Matthew Dean , Turner Peter August , Deventer Malte Julian , Chen Zichong , Yu Zhongjie , Venterea Rodney T. , Baker John M. , Frie Alexander L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractChanging precipitation has the potential to alter nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural regions. In this study, we applied the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 end‐of‐century RCP 8.5 (business as usual) precipitation projections for the U.S. Upper Midwest and examined the effects of mean precipitation changes, characterized by increased early‐season rainfall and decreased mid‐ to late‐season rainfall, on N2O emissions from a conventionally managed corn (Zea mays L.) cropping system grown in an indoor mesocosm facility over four growing seasons. We also assessed the response of N2O emissions to over 1,000 individual rain events. Nitrous oxide emissions were most strongly correlated with water‐filled pore space (WFPS) and soil nitrogen (N) status. After rain events, the change in N2O emissions, relative to pre‐rain emissions, was more likely to be positive when soil NO3– was >40 mg N kg–1 soil and soil NH4+ was >10 mg N kg–1 soil and was more likely to be negative when soil NO3– was >40 mg N kg–1 soil and soil NH4+ was <10 mg N kg–1 soil. Similarly, hourly N2O emissions remained <5 nmol m–2 s–1 when combined NH4+ + NO3– was <20 mg N kg–1 soil or NH4+ and NO3– were <5 and 20 mg N kg–1 soil, respectively. Rain event magnitude did not substantially affect the change in N2O flux. Finally, growing‐season N2O emissions, soil moisture, and inorganic N content were not affected by the future precipitation pattern. Near‐optimal soil WFPS combined with soil N concentrations above the identified thresholds favor higher N2O emissions.
Circ_0008717 promotes renal cell carcinoma progression by upregulating FBXO17 via targeting miR‐217
Authors: Shen Siyao , Jiang Ming , Deng Wen , Liu Xiaoqiang , Xiong Junhui , Zeng Zhigang , Zhao Hong , Zeng Xiaochun , Fu Bin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common lethal urological malignancy. Circular RNAs are assumed to play important roles in cancer development. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role and action mechanism of circ_0008717 in RCC.MethodsThe expression of circ_0008717, miR‐217 and F‐box protein 17 (FBXO17) mRNA was detected by a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was examined using a cell counting kit‐8 assay and an 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by a flow cytometry assay. Cell migration and cell invasion were investigated using a transwell assay. Glycolysis progression was assessed according to the levels of glucose uptake and lactate production. The expression of glycolysis‐related proteins and FBXO17 protein was quantified by western blotting. The targets were analyzed by the bioinformatics tools (starBase and circinteractome) and validated by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. A xenograft model was established to monitor the role of circ_0008717 in vivo.ResultsCirc_0008717 was upregulated in RCC tissues and cells. Silencing circ_0008717 suppressed RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis but promoted cell apoptosis. MiR‐217 was a target of circ_0008717 and bound to the FBXO17 3′ untranslated region. The expression of FBXO17 was positively regulated by circ_0008717 but impaired by miR‐217 reintroduction. The inhibitory effects of circ_0008717 knockdown on RCC cell malignant behaviors were reversed by miR‐217 inhibition or FBXO17 overexpression. Circ_0008717 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo by regulating miR‐217 and FBXO17.ConclusionsCirc_0008717 aggravated the progression of RCC by activating FBXO17 through targeting miR‐217, which provided a novel mechanism for circ_0008717 to participate in RCC progression.
The SC cell line as an in vitro model of human monocytes
Authors: Duweb Amira , Gaiser Ann-Kathrin , Stiltz Isabel , El Gaafary Menna , Simmet Thomas , Syrovets Tatiana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn vitro analysis of human macrophages is generally hampered by the necessity to differentiate them from peripheral blood monocytes. We have analyzed to which extent noncancerous SC monocytes could be used as an in vitro macrophage model. Macrophages differentiated from peripheral monocytes using standard CSF1 and CSF2 protocols for M2 and M1 precursors, respectively, were compared with THP-1-derived macrophages treated with PMA and with SC-derived macrophages differentiated either by CSF1, CSF2, or PMA according to different protocols. The optimal condition for generation of SC macrophages was treatment with PMA for 3 days, followed by 5-days culture without PMA and 24-h polarization with LPS/IFN-γ or IL-4/IL-13. Similar to THP-1, SC cells do not express the monocyte marker CD14 and differentiation to macrophages results neither in CD68 nor in CD14 expression, both of which were expressed by monocyte-derived macrophages. Similar to THP-1-macrophages, a proportion of SC macrophages can be polarized to the M1-like subtype that is characterized by higher expression of CD38, CD86, CD80, TNF-α, and IL-1ra, whereas treatment with IL4/IL13 did not lead to expression of the M2-associated receptors CD163, CD206, and only slightly increased the CD200R expression. Still, SC-M1 express much lower levels of the M1-associated markers compared with monocyte-derived M1 and no IL-1β. The data demonstrate that SC-derived macrophages differ from monocyte-derived macrophages in respect of their morphology, expression of important macrophage markers, phagocytosis. Yet, polarized SC-M1-like cells may with restrictions serve as a model for M1 macrophages, though this model does not provide significant advantages over already well-described THP-1-M1-like cells.
Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in leucocytes as post-COVID-19 sequelae
Authors: Díaz-Resendiz Karina Janice Guadalupe , Benitez-Trinidad Alma Betsaida , Covantes-Rosales Carlos Eduardo , Toledo-Ibarra Gladys Alejandra , Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo Cesar , Girón-Pérez Daniel Alberto , Bueno-Durán Adela Yolanda , Pérez-Díaz Daniela Alejandra , Barcelos-García Rocío Guadalupe , Girón-Pérez Manuel Iván 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is a parameter often used to determine mitochondrial function; therefore, it can be used to determine the integrity and functionality of cells. A decrement of ΔΨm is implicated in several inflammatory-related pathologies, such phenomena can be related to COVID-19 infection. The present work aimed to compare the ΔΨm in leucocytes (human PBMCs; HPBMC) isolated from healthy control (HC) subjects, patients with COVID-19 (C-19), recovered subjects at 40 ± 13 (R1) and 335 ± 20 (R2) days after infection (dai). Obtained data showed that ΔΨm decreased in HPBMC of subjects with C-19, R1, and R2 compared with HC. When analyzing the ΔΨm data by sex, in females, a significant decrease was observed in R1 and R2 groups versus HC. Regarding men, a significant decrease of ΔΨm was observed in R1, with respect to HC, contrary to R2 group, who reestablished this parameter. Obtained results suggest that the loss of ΔΨm could be related to the long-COVID.
Mechanisms of HIV-1 cell-to-cell transfer to myeloid cells
Authors: Han Mingyu , Woottum Marie , Mascarau Rémi , Vahlas Zoï , Verollet Christel , Benichou Serge 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn addition to CD4+ T lymphocytes, cells of the myeloid lineage such as macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and osteoclasts (OCs) are emerging as important target cells for HIV-1, as they likely participate in all steps of pathogenesis, including sexual transmission and early virus dissemination in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues where they can constitute persistent virus reservoirs. At least in vitro, these myeloid cells are poorly infected by cell-free viral particles. In contrast, intercellular virus transmission through direct cell-to-cell contacts may be a predominant mode of virus propagation in vivo leading to productive infection of these myeloid target cells. HIV-1 cell-to-cell transfer between CD4+ T cells mainly through the formation of the virologic synapse, or from infected macrophages or dendritic cells to CD4+ T cell targets, have been extensively described in vitro. Recent reports demonstrate that myeloid cells can be also productively infected through virus homotypic or heterotypic cell-to-cell transfer between macrophages or from virus-donor-infected CD4+ T cells, respectively. These modes of infection of myeloid target cells lead to very efficient spreading in these poorly susceptible cell types. Thus, the goal of this review is to give an overview of the different mechanisms reported in the literature for cell-to-cell transfer and spreading of HIV-1 in myeloid cells.
Cycle threshold values and SARS‐CoV‐2: Relationship to demographic characteristics and disease severity
Authors: Penney Jessica , Jung Amanda , Koethe Benjamin , Doron Shira 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCycle threshold (Ct), or the number of cycles required to amplify viral RNA to a detectable level, provides an estimate of viral load. Previous studies have demonstrated mixed results in regard to the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 Ct from real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT‐PCR) testing to patient outcomes, and there is less data on the relationship between Ct and patient characteristics. This was a retrospective study of 256 patients tested at a tertiary care emergency department from March to July 2020 via nasopharyngeal rRT‐PCR testing utilizing the Abbott M2000 SARS‐CoV‐2 assay. Kruskal–Wallis, univariable, and multivariable logistic regression were used where appropriate for analysis. There were no significant differences in Ct value by demographic characteristics including age, sex, race, or ethnicity. Ct increased with time since symptom onset (p < 0.001), and increasing Ct was associated with increased odds of severe disease (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.11). Ct was not found to be associated with patient demographic characteristics and increasing Ct was found to be associated with increased odds of severe disease. Continued study will allow us to better comprehend the complex factors that contribute to the risk for severe outcomes due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Early versus delayed antiretroviral therapy based on genotypic resistance test: Results from a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bavaro Davide F. , De Vito Andrea , Pasculli Giuseppe , Bouba Yagai , Magnasco Laura , Pincino Rachele , Saladini Francesco , Lattanzio Rossana , Corsini Romina , Arima Serena , Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Rossetti Barbara , Bezenchek Antonia , Vanni Borghi , Di Biagio Antonio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRapid start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) pending genotypic resistance test (GRT) has been recently proposed, but the effectiveness of this strategy is still debated. The rate of virological success (VS), defined as HIV‐RNA < 50 copies/ml, with and without GRT was compared in drug‐naïve individuals enrolled in the Italian ARCA cohort who started ART between 2015 and 2018. 521 individuals started ART: 397 without GRT (pre‐GRT group) and 124 following GRT (post‐GRT group). Overall, 398 (76%) were males and 30 (6%) were diagnosed with AIDS. In the pre‐GRT group, baseline CD4+ cell counts were lower (p < 0.001), and viral load was higher (p < 0.001) than in the post‐GRT group. The estimated probability of VS in pre‐GRT versus post‐GRT group was 72.54% (CI95: 67.78–76.60) versus 66.94% (CI95: 57.53–74.26) at Week 24 and 92.40% (CI95: 89.26–94.62) versus 92.92% (CI95: 86.35–96.33) at Week 48, respectively (p = 0.434). At Week 48, VS was less frequent among individuals with baseline CD4+ cell counts <200 versus >500 (90.33% vs. 97.33%), log viral load <5.00 versus >5.70 log10 cps/ml (97.17% vs 78.16%; p < 0.001), and those treated with protease inhibitors or non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors versus those treated with integrase strand transfer inhibitors (p < 0.001). The rate of VS does not seem to be affected by an early ART initiation pending GRT results, but it could be influenced by the composition of the ART regimen, as well as immuno‐virological parameters.