bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles from biotechnologically important fungus Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Černoša Anja , Gostinčar Cene , Lavrin Teja , Kostanjšek Rok , Lenassi Metka , Gunde-Cimerman Nina 
Published: November 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as an important mechanism for cell–cell interactions. Their role in fungi is still poorly understood and they have been isolated from only a handful of species. Here, we isolated and characterized EVs from Aureobasidium pullulans, a biotechnologically important black yeast-like fungus that is increasingly used for biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. After optimization of the isolation protocol, characterization of EVs from A. pullulans by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a typical cup-shaped morphology and different subpopulations of EVs. These results were confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), which revealed that A. pullulans produced 6.1 × 108 nanoparticles per milliliter of culture medium. Proteomic analysis of EVs detected 642 proteins. A small fraction of them had signal peptides for secretion and transmembrane domains. Proteins characteristic of different synthesis pathways were found, suggesting that EVs are synthesized by multiple pathways in A. pullulans. Enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology showed that most of the proteins found in the EVs were associated with primary metabolism. When sequencing the small RNA fraction of A. pullulans EVs, we found two hypothetical novel mil-RNAs. Finally, we tested the biocontrol potential of EVs from A. pullulans. The EVs did not inhibit the germination of spores of three important phytopathogenic fungi—Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Penicillium expansum. However, exposure of grown cultures of C. acutatum and P. expansum to A. pullulans EVs resulted in visible changes in morphology of colonies. These preliminary results suggest that EVs may be part of the antagonistic activity of A. pullulans, which is so far only partially understood. Thus, the first isolation and characterization of EVs from A. pullulans provides a starting point for further studies of EVs in the biotechnologically important traits of the biocontrol black fungus A. pullulans in particular and in the biological role of fungal EVs in general.
The allogeneic shell technique for alveolar ridge augmentation: a multicenter case series and experiences of more than 300 cases
Authors: Kämmerer Peer W. , Tunkel Jochen , Götz Werner , Würdinger Robert , Kloss Frank , Pabst Andreas 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Allogeneic cortical bone plates (CP) might be used for alveolar ridge augmentation as an alternative to autogenous grafts (AG) and bone substitutes (BS). We report about a multicenter case series and our experiences of more than 300 cases using CP and the shell technique for reconstruction of the alveolar process to illustrate surgical key steps, variations, and complication management.

Methods
Different types of alveolar ridge defects were augmented using the shell technique via CP. The space between the CP and the alveolar bone was filled with either autogenous or allogeneic granules (AUG, ALG) or a mixture of both. Implants were placed after 4–6 months. Microscopic and histological assessments were performed. In addition, space filling using AUG, ALG and bovine BS was discussed.

Results
Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the compact cortical structure of CP and the porous structure of ALG allowing micro-vessel ingrowth and bone remodeling. Histological assessment demonstrated sufficient bone remodeling and graft resorption after 4–6 months. In total, 372 CP cases and 656 implants were included to data analysis. The mean follow-up period was about 3.5 years. Four implants failed, while all implant failures were caused by peri-implantitis. Next, 30 CP complications were seen, while in 26 CP complications implant placement was possible. CP rehydration, stable positioning by adjusting screws, smoothing of sharp edges, and a tension-free wound closure were identified as relevant success factors. Space filling using ALG and a mixture of AUG/ALG resulted in sufficient bone remodeling, graft resorption and stability of the augmented bone.

Conclusions
CP and the shell technique is appropriate for alveolar ridge augmentation with adequate bone remodeling and low complication rates. Allografts can prevent donor site morbidity and therefore may decrease discomfort for the patient.
Functional tooth number in the posterior region associated serum ucOC levels
Authors: Nakamura Masahiko , Kondo Yusuke , Nakamoto Tetsuji , Nakagawa Aonuma Fumiko , Nodai Tomotaka , Munemasa Takashi , Mukaibo Taro , Masaki Chihiro , Hosokawa Ryuji 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels in partially edentulous patients scheduled to receive implant treatment and determine the association between ucOC levels, vegetable intake, vitamin K, dietary fiber intake, and functional tooth number in the posterior region (p-FTN).

Methods
A total of 46 patients (20 male and 26 female, 61.9 ± 12.7 years old) were included. The association among serum ucOC levels, vegetable intake, vitamin K and dietary fiber intake was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results
In total, 35% of patients (16/46 subjects) showed an abnormally high ucOC level (≧ 4.5 ng/mL). p-FTN showed a weak positive correlation with vegetable intake, vitamin K and dietary fiber intake (r = 0.28, 0.21, and 0.14, respectively) and a significant negative correlation with ucOC levels (r = − 0.51). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that p-FTN as well as vitamin K intake showed a significant negative association with serum ucOC levels.

Conclusions
More than one-third of patients showed abnormally high ucOC levels. p-FTN showed a negative association with serum ucOC levels, which indicated the possibility that oral status affected bone quality.
Extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis and treatment of acute lung injury
Authors: Hu Qian , Zhang Shu , Yang Yue , Yao Jia-Qi , Tang Wen-Fu , Lyon Christopher J. , Hu Tony Ye , Wan Mei-Hua 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common life-threatening lung diseases associated with acute and severe inflammation. Both have high mortality rates, and despite decades of research on clinical ALI/ARDS, there are no effective therapeutic strategies. Disruption of alveolar-capillary barrier integrity or activation of inflammatory responses leads to lung inflammation and injury. Recently, studies on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in regulating normal and pathophysiologic cell activities, including inflammation and injury responses, have attracted attention. Injured and dysfunctional cells often secrete EVs into serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with altered cargoes, which can be used to diagnose and predict the development of ALI/ARDS. EVs secreted by mesenchymal stem cells can also attenuate inflammatory reactions associated with cell dysfunction and injury to preserve or restore cell function, and thereby promote cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This review focuses on the roles of EVs in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation, particularly ALI/ARDS.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and elevated levels of C-reactive protein associated with COVID-19 aggravation in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Maki Masatoshi , Takada Ryo , Taniguchi Akihiko , Nomura Naoyuki , Kuramoto Seiichiro , Chiko Yuki , Okada Toshiaki , Saito Seiji , Tamura Koji 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 has become a significant health threat and a primary healthcare concern among the most vulnerable patients with cancer. Patients with COVID-19 who have lung cancer are at great risk and need careful monitoring if they are affected. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-positive patients with lung cancer and the risks associated with anticancer medication.

Methods
This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Patients with lung cancer who presented with COVID-19 during hospitalization were divided into two groups: those who presented with respiratory failure and those who did not. The patient's background, clinical laboratory values, and anticancer drugs used for therapy were investigated to identify risk factors for respiratory failure.

Results
Thirty-one patients were included in the study; 18 (58.1%) were in the respiratory failure group and 13 (41.9%) were in the group without respiratory failure. In the respiratory failure group, there was a significant difference in using immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use within 90 days (p = 0.025) and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) level (p = 0.017). The analysis of the operating characteristic of the receiver revealed a cutoff value of 2.75 mg/dL for CRP (area under the curve = 0.744, sensitivity 0.611, specificity 0.923).

Conclusions
A history of ICI within 90 days and elevated CRP (≥ 2.75 mg/dL) levels are potential factors leading to respiratory failure in COVID-19-affected patients undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer.
Some Japanese mothers do not follow package instructions of infant formula: a web-based analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Endoh Kaori 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background:
Not following the infant formula package instruction endangers infant health. Although infant formula misuse has been reported abroad, its incidence in Japan remains unknown. Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that experience in childcare reduces the likelihood of making mistakes in using infant formula. This study aimed to examine the association between compliance with infant formula package instruction and childcare experience in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures in Japan.

Methods:
Using a web-based questionnaire, mothers with infants were analyzed cross-sectionally and surveyed regarding their infants’ nutrition and formula preparation methods in August 2021. Compliance with the infant formula package was determined according to (a) using unlabeled infant formula, (b) preparing infant formula without reading package instructions, (c) giving formula to children ≥ 2 h after preparing, and (d) adding other ingredients to the formula bottle. The association between the misuse of infant formula and childcare experience was examined by grouping the participants by infant age (< 6 months and ≥ 6 months), and by comparing first-born child status with later-born. Of the 333 mothers with infants, 3 were excluded due to out-of-scope responses, and 330 were included in the analysis.

Results:
The major sources of information on infant feeding methods among the participants were obstetric facilities (92.1%), internet (36.1%), and family (20.9%). The proportions of participants using infant formulas not labeled as “infant formula,” such as follow-up milk, not preparing at prescribed concentrations, feeding infant formulas > 2 h after preparation, and adding additional ingredients to the bottle were 7.9%, 4.1%, 23.1%, and 15.9%, respectively, which suggest the misuse of infant formula. These four answers did not differ significantly between mothers of children aged < 6 months and ≥ 6 months or between those with first-born and later-born children.

Conclusion:
This study suggested that some Japanese mothers do not follow package instructions of infant formula in Japan. The misuse of infant formula may not be related to the length of time spent in childcare or the presence or absence of childcare experience. Providing appropriate information on the correct use of infant formula to all caregivers, regardless of their parenting experience, is required.
Adherence patterns in naïve and prevalent use of infliximab and its biosimilar
Authors: Alanaeme Chibuike J. , Sarvesh Sujith , Li Cynthia Y. , Bernatsky Sasha , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Yun Huifeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Although short-term clinical trials have demonstrated that switching from infliximab (INF) bio-originator to its biosimilar is safe with no significant loss of efficacy, there are limited real-world data comparing their patterns of use and adherence.

Methods
Using 2015–2018 IBM Marketscan data, we established 4 cohorts of patients with at least one administration or pharmacy claim for INF bio-originator or biosimilar in 2017, including INF naïve biosimilar users, INF prevalent biosimilar users, INF naïve bio-originator users, and INF prevalent bio-originator users, defined according to their prior use of INF from 2015 to their first INF administration in 2017. The proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated for patients with at least 6, 12, or 18 months of follow-up time. Factors associated with optimal adherence (PDC > 80%) were evaluated using log-binomial models.

Results
We identified 96 INF naïve biosimilar users, 223 INF prevalent biosimilar users, 2,149 INF naïve bio-originator users, and 10,970 INF prevalent bio-originator users. At the end of 18 months of follow-up, 64% of INF prevalent bio-originators, 48% of INF naïve biosimilars, 41% of INF naïve bio-originators, and 36% of INF prevalent biosimilars had optimal adherence. Depression, previous hospitalization, and greater use of prior biologics were negatively associated with adherence, whereas IBD diagnoses (referent to RA) and age 55–64 (referent to < 35) were positively associated with high adherence.

Conclusion
INF prevalent users had higher adherence in our analyses than INF naïve users. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to evaluate INF biosimilar users’ adherence.
NDFuzz: a non-intrusive coverage-guided fuzzing framework for virtualized network devices
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhong Nanyu , You Wei , Zou Yanyan , Jian Kunpeng , Xu Jiahuan , Sun Jian , Liu Baoxu , Huo Wei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNetwork function virtualization provides programmable in-network middlewares by leveraging virtualization technologies and commodity hardware and has gained popularity among all mainstream network device manufacturers. Yet it is challenging to apply coverage-guided fuzzing, one of the state-of-the-art vulnerability discovery approaches, to those virtualized network devices, due to inevitable integrity protection adopted by those devices. In this paper, we propose a coverage-guided fuzzing framework NDFuzz for virtualized network devices with a novel integrity protection bypassing method, which is able to distinguish processes of virtualized network devices from hypervisors with a carefully designed non-intrusive page global directory inference technique. We implement NDFuzz atop of two black-box fuzzers and evaluate NDFuzz with three representative network protocols, SNMP , DHCP and NTP , on nine popular virtualized network devices. NDFuzz obtains an average 36% coverage improvement in comparison with its black-box counterparts. NDFuzz discovers 2 0-Day vulnerabilities and 1 1-Day vulnerability with coverage guidance while the black-box fuzzer can find only one of them. All discovered vulnerabilities are confirmed by corresponding vendors.
Impact of diastolic dysfunction in patients with preserved ejection fraction undergoing permanent cardiac pacemaker placement
Authors: Jeong Hyung Ki , Kim Hyeon Wook , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Hyun Kuk , Ki Young Jae , Choi Dong Hyun , Park Keun Ho , Lee Ki Hong , Yoon Namsik , Park Hyung Wook , Cho Jeong Gwan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic right-ventricular (RV) pacing can exacerbate heart failure in patients with a low ejection fraction (EF). There is little information on the effects of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with preserved EF undergoing permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes in these patients.

Methods
This multicenter, retrospective analysis of PPM use in Chonnam, South Korea, included all patients with preserved EF undergoing transvenous PPM implantation for atrioventricular blockage from 2017 to 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to DD, which were assessed by including mitral flow velocities (E′ velocity, E/E′ ratio), peak velocity of the tricuspid regurgitant, and left atrial maximum volume index. Composite outcomes were defined as (1) cardiovascular death, and (2) hospitalization by heart failure during the follow-up period.

Results
One hundred sixty-seven patients (66 men; overall mean age, 75.3 ± 11.9 years) were divided into two groups: 125 normal versus 42 DD. Compared with normal subjects, the DD group included older patients (mean age, 79.1 ± 9.9 vs. 74.0 ± 12.3; p = 0.016), and had longer paced QTc interval (pQTc, 168.5 ± 20.1 vs. 159.1 ± 16.3 ms; p < 0.001). Fifteen patients were hospitalized and two died. In a Cox proportional regression analysis, DD (hazard ratio [HR], 7.343; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.035–26.494; p = 0.002) and pQRSd (HR, 1.046; 95% CI, 1.004–1.091; p = 0.033) were independent predictors of composite outcomes.

Conclusion
In patients with DD, RV pacing raised the risk of pacing-induced heart failure despite preserved left-ventricular function. Thus, patients with DD should be monitored intensively.
Improvement of the shelf life of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) fish steaks using edible coatings containing chitosan, nanochitosan, and clove oil during refrigerated storage
Authors: Aref Samar , Habiba Ramadan , Morsy Noha , Abdel-Daim Mohamed , Zayet Fatma 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe effects of edible coatings made of chitosan, or chitosan nanoparticles, and their combinations with clove oil on the physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) steaks during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 24 days were evaluated. The data indicated that metrics for all of these characteristics were improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in coated fish steak samples compared to the control sample. The coated steaks texture values were higher than those of control sample through storage time with nanochitosan coating containing clove oil having best value 2.51 kg/cm2among tested samples at the end of storage period. However, pH values of coated samples were lower, a good indicator, than corresponding one of the control (6.46) with nanochitosan coatings with or without clove oil showed low mean values (6.11–6.13). Similar trend regarding chemical indices, i.e. total volatile basic-nitrogen, trimethylamine, peroxide, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values for samples coated with nanochitosan with or without clove oil giving better lower values than control or other treatments. Also, the coating delayed microbial (aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacteria, yeasts and molds, and total coliform bacteria) growth during the refrigeration storage period, and coated samples produced better results compared to the control sample. Sensory evaluations showed that the treatment enhanced the scores of fish steak samples compared to the control. The results showed that a nanochitosan coating with clove oil was the best treatment prolonged the shelf life of mullet steaks and efficiently maintained the quality attributes to an acceptable level during refrigerated storage for 24 days. Thus, these findings can be bases for producer to provide consumers with fresh fish steaks with good shelf life at refrigerated temperature for up to 24 days.Graphical Abstract
The use of neutrophil CD64 and monocyte HLA-DR sepsis index in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Alanwary Sherif , Bakir Rana , El Hawary Rabab , Hashim Mohamed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Neonatal septicemia remains one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, there are challenges hindering the early diagnosis.

Results
nCD64 percent and MFI were not of statistical significance between the confirmed sepsis, clinical sepsis, and control groups (p = 0.453 and 0.149, respectively); meanwhile, the mHLA-DR percent and MFI were both of statistical significance (p = 0.001, 0.0001, respectively) with lower values in the proven sepsis group. Calculating the sepsis index, its value was 74.1% ± 45 SD in the control, 105.5% ± 73 SD probable sepsis group, and 180.6% ± 143 SD in the proven sepsis group; this was of a high statistical significance (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion
HLA-DR expression on monocytes and nCD64/mHLA-DR sepsis index are reliable indices for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The sepsis index could be feasibly analyzed by automated flow cytometry even in developing countries. In the future, these markers should be widely assessed as their results are rapid, reliable, and of low cost.
Scalar optical hopfions
Authors: Wan Chenhao , Shen Yijie , Chong Andy , Zhan Qiwen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHopfions are three-dimensional (3D) topological states discovered in field theory, magnetics, and hydrodynamics that resemble particle-like objects in physical space. Hopfions inherit the topological features of the Hopf fibration, a homotopic mapping from unit sphere in 4D space to unit sphere in 3D space. Here we design and demonstrate dynamic scalar optical hopfions in the shape of a toroidal vortex and expressed as an approximate solution to Maxwell’s equations. Equiphase lines correspond to disjoint and interlinked loops forming complete ring tori in 3D space. The Hopf invariant, product of two winding numbers, is determined by the topological charge of the poloidal spatiotemporal vortices and toroidal spatial vortices in toroidal coordinates. Optical hopfions provide a photonic testbed for studying topological states and may be utilized as high-dimensional information carriers.
Direct comparison of echocardiography speckle tracking and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking for quantification of right ventricular strain: a prospective intermodality study in functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Johannesen Justin , Fukuda Rena , Zhang David T. , Tak Katherine , Meier Rachel , Agoglia Hannah , Horn Evelyn , Devereux Richard B. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , Kim Jiwon 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a known risk factor for right ventricular dysfunction (RVDYS). RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an emerging index of RV function; however, the magnitude of agreement between RV GLS by echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the relative utility of each modality for both the diagnosis of RVDYS and prognostication of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization remain unknown.

Results
32% of patients had RVDYS (EF < 50%) on CMR, among whom there was more advanced NYHA class and lower LV and RV ejection fraction (all p < 0.05). RV GLS was impaired in patients with RVDYS whether quantified via STE or FT-CMR, with strong correlation between modalities (r = 0.81). Both STE and FT-CMR derived GLS yielded excellent detection of RVDYS (AUC 0.94 for both), paralleling similar performance for free wall strain by both modalities (FT-CMR AUC 0.94, STE AUC 0.92) with lower accuracy demonstrated by STE derived septal strain (STE AUC 0.78 and FT-CMR AUC 0.92). RV S’ and TAPSE showed lower diagnostic accuracy (RV S’ AUC 0.77 and TAPSE AUC 0.81). During median follow up of 51 months (IQR 42, 60 months), all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization occurred in 25% (n = 25). Both STE and FT-CMR derived RV GLS stratified risk for adverse prognosis (STE p = 0.007, FT-CMR p = 0.005) whereas conventional RV indices, TAPSE and RV S’, did not (TAPSE p = 0.30, S’ p = 0.69).

Conclusion
RV GLS is a robust marker of RVDYS irrespective of modality which provides incremental diagnostic value and improves risk stratification for event free survival beyond conventional RV indices.