bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthetic mutualism in engineered E. coli mutant strains as functional basis for microbial production consortia
Authors: Müller Tobias , Schick Simon , Beck Jonathan , Sprenger Georg , Takors Ralf 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn nature, microorganisms often reside in symbiotic co‐existence providing nutrition, stability, and protection for each partner by applying “division of labor.” This principle may also be used for the overproduction of targeted compounds in bioprocesses. It requires the engineering of a synthetic co‐culture with distributed tasks for each partner. Thereby, the competition on precursors, redox cofactors, and energy—which occurs in a single host—is prevented. Current applications often focus on unidirectional interactions, that is, the product of partner A is used for the completion of biosynthesis by partner B. Here, we present a synthetically engineered Escherichia coli co‐culture of two engineered mutant strains marked by the essential interaction of the partners which is achieved by implemented auxotrophies. The tryptophan auxotrophic strain E. coli ANT‐3, only requiring small amounts of the aromatic amino acid, provides the auxotrophic anthranilate for the tryptophan producer E. coli TRP‐3. The latter produces a surplus of tryptophan which is used to showcase the suitability of the co‐culture to access related products in future applications. Co‐culture characterization revealed that the microbial consortium is remarkably functionally stable for a broad range of inoculation ratios. The range of robust and functional interaction may even be extended by proper glucose feeding which was shown in a two‐compartment bioreactor setting with filtrate exchange. This system even enables the use of the co‐culture in a parallel two‐level temperature setting which opens the door to access temperature sensitive products via heterologous production in E. coli in a continuous manner.
Parameter optimization for Pivot hysteresis model for reinforced concrete columns with different failure modes
Authors: Ling Yu‐Che , Mogili Srinivas , Hwang Shyh‐Jiann 
Published: May 2022

AbstractReliable hysteretic modeling is essential for the evaluation of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Also, tall buildings and other structures of high importance require reasonably accurate seismic nonlinear time‐domain analysis for design, which includes load–displacement behavior and hysteretic modeling. However, the hysteretic behavior of RC members is very complex and challenging to predict. Currently, the Pivot hysteresis model is used to predict the hysteretic response of members with parameters α and β representing the unloading stiffness and pinching, respectively, determined using the geometric and reinforcement details in column members. However, the hysteretic response is fairly different for flexure and shear failure modes and must be accounted for to derive accurate hysteretic predictions. In this paper, an effort has been made to improve the existing approach for columns by deriving α and β separately for flexure and shear modes of failure. The chosen variables to control α and β are axial load ratio (ALR), longitudinal and transverse reinforcement indices. Equations for α and β were calibrated through optimization of energy dissipation from 113 column specimens subjected to cyclic loading, using an advanced optimization algorithm known as Simulated Annealing. The proposed formulations can improve the accuracy of the Pivot hysteresis model for column members by capturing pinching and stiffness degradation more reasonably under different failure modes. The proposed approach can aid design engineers in performing a more reliable and accurate analysis of complex structures.
Evolution of blowouts in artificial foredunes on Pingtan Island, China
Authors: Zhang Shaoyun , Qiu Xing , Fu Shuyi , Fu Jingjing , Chen Shouxu , Tian Wei , Huang Dequan , Dong Yuxiang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe appearance of a blowout can be an obvious sign of accelerated coastline retreat or dune erosion and in response to serious coastal erosion, an increasing number of artificial foredunes are being built. However, over time, numerous blowouts have also developed on artificial foredunes. To our knowledge, no studies have been reported on the evolution of blowouts in artificial foredunes, and in response we explore the aerodynamics and morphodynamics of artificial blowouts at different stages, by conducting field experiments on the Changjiang Ao coast of Pingtan Island, China. Where a foredune was built on an artificial clay structure, with topography and wind fields around three blowouts in different developmental stages measured, preliminary results revealed that: (1) the blowout morphology and airflow patterns show distinct seasonal changes; (2) the development of blowouts in artificial foredunes involves five stages, in contrast to the four stages observed in natural foredunes; and (3) blowout development is controlled by a two‐way feedback between aeolian processes and blowout morphological development, and the artificial structure can interfere with this feedback mechanism by altering the path of blowout development. The findings enhance our understanding of geomorphic process–response systems in artificial foredunes and provide a reference for coastal management and dune stabilization policy and practice.
Identification of differential metabolites using untargeted metabolomics between gestational diabetes and normal pregnant women
Authors: Peng Mei Lin , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Minqi , He Chao , Xiao Lin , Yin Heng , Zhao Kai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo study the metabonomics differences between pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the third trimester and those in a group without GDM by screening a group of highly efficient and sensitive markers for GDM and validating previously published early metabolic markers of GDM.MethodsA cross‐sectional cohort study based on ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum samples collected from 59 pregnant women with GDM and 59 pregnant women without GDM.ResultsA total of 121 metabolites were detected, and 27 were identified as differential metabolites between GDM and control. The combination of 27 metabolic peaks had area under curve (AUC) values of 0.90, 0.92, and 0.93 in the prediction models using support vector machine, partial least squares, and random forest, respectively. Finally, five metabolite biomarkers were selected to construct logistic regression models: L‐valine, hypoxanthine, eicosapentaenoic acid, 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐octadecanotriol, and choline. The AUC value of these metabolites was 0.769 between the GDM group and the control group.ConclusionsThe discovery of a group of differential metabolites in pregnant women with GDM in the third trimester and in pregnant women without GDM may facilitate the study of the pathologic mechanism of GDM; it may be possible to find an efficient and sensitive alternative GDM detection method.
HIV and malaria prevalence among pregnant women with and without pre‐eclampsia at the Atua Government Hospital in Ghana’s eastern region
Authors: Orish Verner N. , Ansong‐Boateng Jude , Puplampu Prince N. , Ibine Bolade , Azanu Wisdom , Amoh Michael Y. , Lokpo Sylvester Y. , Afeke Innocent , Alalbila Thelma Mpoku , Agordoh Percival D. , Marinkovic Aleksandra , Sanyaolu Adekunle 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association of malaria and HIV with pre‐eclampsia by evaluating their prevalence among pregnant women.MethodsUsing a case–control study design, we randomly sampled the antenatal records of 125 pregnant women with clinician‐diagnosed pre‐eclampsia (cases) and 125 others without pre‐eclampsia (controls) who visited Atua Government Hospital in the eastern region of Ghana between June 2014 and January 2017. All selected records had available routine HIV and malaria test results and were analyzed statistically.ResultsIn all 250 records, 122 (48.8%) were HIV positive and 35 (14.0%) had malaria. Of the 122 HIV‐positive pregnant women, 29 (23.8%) were cases and 93 (76.2%) were controls; of the 35 women with malaria, one was in the case group (1/35, 2.9%) and the other 34 (97.1%) were in the control. Group. Pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.19: adjusted AOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.04–0.13, P < 0.001). Similarly, pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of having malaria infection (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00–0.17, P = 0.025; adjusted OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–0.01, P < 0.001).ConclusionsWomen with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of HIV and malaria infection in pregnancy.
Ferulic acid ameliorates acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury by promoting AMPK‐mediated protective autophagy
Authors: Wu Jianzhi , Zhou Fei , Fan Guifang , Liu Jia , Wang Yao , Xue Xiaoyong , Lyu Xiangjun , Lin Sheng , Li Xiaojiaoyang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAcetaminophen (APAP), one of the most widely used antipyretics and analgesics, principally results in acute liver injury (ALI) in developed countries when taken overdose. Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural polyphenol compound existing in many plants that has free radical scavenging, anti‐inflammatory, and liver‐protective properties. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of FA in treating APAP‐induced ALI have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we established a mouse model of APAP‐induced ALI and used APAP‐stimulated MPHs for biochemical assessment of molecular parameters. After constructing networks and obtaining predicted targets from public databases, we further verified the putative pathways using immune‐blotting assays both in vivo and in vitro. The reign of liver necrosis, serum levels of ALT and AST, and oxidative stress in livers significantly elevated after APAP treatment, which were almost recovered back to normal levels by FA administration. In addition, FA significantly upregulated the APAP‐induced downregulation of hepatic specific markers, including HNF4a, Foxa2, and ALB. Then, the results of functional enrichment indicated the possible signaling pathways of FA against APAP challenge, mainly including AMPK, autophagy, apoptosis, and other metabolic process. Furthermore, FA markedly reversed the APAP‐induced decline of mitochondria membrane potential, increased ratio of BAX/BCL2 and CASPASE 3 expression, and promoted autophagy flux of hepatocytes by upregulating AMPK phosphorylation, which were abrogated by a specific AMPK inhibitor, compound C. Overall, the hepatoprotective effect of FA on APAP‐induced ALI might be associated with anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptosis, which were at least partly attributed to AMPK‐mediated protective autophagy.
Dual‐mode color‐changing pH sensor based on fluorescent MOF embedded photonic crystal hydrogel
Authors: Yu Tong , Wang Bin , Yu Li‐Ping 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this work, a novel pH‐responsive hybrid hydrogel namely MOF/PC hydrogel was prepared by incorporating metal–organic framework CDs@UiO‐66(OH)2 into the matrix of photonic crystal hydrogel. MOF/PC hydrogel could display colorful structure colors under visible light and emit blue fluorescence under UV light owing to the stop‐bond effect of photonic crystal and fluorescence emission capacity of CDs@UiO‐66(OH)2, respectively. Benefiting from these two optical phenomena, MOF/PC hydrogel could work as a dual‐mode color‐changing sensor, in structure color mode and fluorescence mode, for the sensing of pH. When incubating in aqueous solutions with different pH values, MOF/PC hydrogel could adjust its structure color to the corresponding one ranging from green to pink in 10 s, and this visible color‐changing can be used to determine the approximate pH values of the sample by naked eyes without any assistance of instruments. As for the fluorescence mode, the fluorescence intensity of MOF/PC hydrogel showed a good linear relationship with pH value in the range of 3.0~7.0, and it can be used to determine the pH value of aqueous solutions quantitatively. Moreover, the as‐prepared sensor is reusable and can be applied to the pH sensing of real water samples.
Virus–virus interactions of febrile respiratory syndrome among patients in China based on surveillance data from February 2011 to December 2020
Authors: Dai Yucen , Zhong Jiao , Lan Yajia , Zhao Xing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe burden of acute respiratory infections is still considerable, and virus‐virus interactions may affect their epidemics, but previous evidence is inconclusive. To quantitatively investigate the interactions among respiratory viruses at both the population and individual levels, we use data from the pathogen surveillance for febrile respiratory syndrome (FRS) in China from February 2011 to December 2020. Cases tested for influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus (PIV), human Adenovirus (AdV), human coronavirus (CoV), human bocavirus (BoV), and rhinovirus (RV) were collected. We used spearman's rank correlation coefficients and binary logistic regression models to analyze the interactions between any two of the viruses at the population and individual levels, respectively. Among 120 237 cases, 4.5% were coinfected with two or more viruses. Correlation coefficients showed seven virus pairs were positively correlated, namely: IV and RSV, PIV and AdV, PIV and CoV, PIV and BoV, PIV and RV, AdV and BoV, and CoV and RV. Regression models showed positive interactions for all virus pairs, except for the negative interaction between IV and RV (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.81). Most of the respiratory viruses interact positively, while IV and RV interact negatively.
Au@ZrO2 core‐shell nanoparticles as a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate for organophosphorus compounds detection
Authors: Li Tong‐Jiang , Wen Bao‐Ying , Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Zhang Lin , Li Jian‐Feng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOrganophosphorus (OPs) compounds have received enormous attention due to high neurotoxicity. However, the complex detection environment makes it very difficult to detect the OPs compounds at extremely low‐concentration. Therefore, it is vital to develop a high sensitive analytical method for the detection of low‐concentration OPs compounds at complex environment. Here, we proposed a novel surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on the core‐shell structure Au@ZrO2 for the detection of extremely low‐concentration OPs compounds. By using above SERS substrate, we tested different kinds of OPs compounds and obtained excellent detection results. The detection limit of methyl parathion and triazophos can reach 0.01 mg/kg. Meanwhile, under the actual system (orange peel), the detection limit of the methyl parathion and triazophos also can reach 0.5 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the above substrate is also very effective for the detection of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant for the chemical warfare agent (sarin), and the detection limit can reach 100 mg/kg. Besides, we also verified the reproducibility and stability of Au@ZrO2, which showed excellent properties. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the SERS signal intensity for 20 tests was 6.38% and the enhancement ability of Au@ZrO2 can remain stable within 30 days. These results show that the proposed Au@ZrO2 SERS substrate has great potential in the detection of OPs compounds at extremely low‐concentration in the complex detection environment.
Using electronic medical record diagnostic codes to identify veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Moshier Samantha J. , Harper Kelly , Keane Terence M. , Marx Brian P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractResearchers studying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often use diagnostic codes within electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify individuals with the disorder. This study evaluated the performance of algorithms for defining PTSD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code use within EMR data. We used data from a registry of U.S. veterans for whom both structured interview data and Veterans Health Administration EMR data were available. Using interview‐diagnosed PTSD as the reference criterion, we calculated diagnostic accuracy statistics for algorithms that required the presence of at least one and up to seven encounters in which a PTSD diagnosis was present in EMR data within any clinical source, mental health clinic, or specialty PTSD clinic. We evaluated algorithm accuracy in the total sample (N = 1,343; 64.1% with PTSD), within a subsample constrained to lower PTSD prevalence (n = 712; 32.3% with PTSD), and as a function of demographic characteristics. Algorithm accuracy was influenced by PTSD prevalence. Results indicated that higher thresholds for the operationalization of PTSD may be justified among samples in which PTSD prevalence is lower. Requiring three PTSD diagnoses from a mental health clinic or four diagnoses from any clinical source may be a suitable minimum standard for identifying individuals with PTSD in EMRs; however, accuracy may be optimized by requiring additional diagnoses. The performance of many algorithms differed as a function of educational attainment and age, suggesting that samples of individuals with PTSD developed based on EMR ICD codes may skew toward including older, less‐educated veterans.
Application of a vertical ‘electric sieve’ to mitigate and prevent salinization in coastal soil
Authors: Li Yue Hua , Zhao Lin , Huang Meng Lu , Chen Liang , Jin Song 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study explored the applications of a vertical electrokinetic system (V‐EK), which consists of multilayer electrodes positioned in shallow soil to form an ‘electric sieve’ to mitigate and prevent soil salinization caused by salts rising from saline groundwater in coastal areas. The experiments were conducted in column reactors in the laboratory. Compared to the control column, the level of ions in the surface soil was significantly reduced after the V‐EK treatment, particularly for the column with voltages at 10 V and 20 V. At a voltage of 20 V, Na+ was detected at a range of 0.06–0.08 mg g−1 in the surface soil; this is a >99% reduction compared to the controls. Similar efficacy was observed for Cl− in the V‐EK column. The concentrations of Cl− were detected with a range of 0.01–0.02 mg g−1 and 0.02–0.06 mg g−1 at the surface soil with a voltage of 20 V and 10 V, respectively, compared to the Cl− concentrations at 0.84–2.70 mg g−1 in the control. After the application of the vertical ‘electric sieve’, the total salt content of surface soil could be controlled at a low value (<0.25‰) at voltages of 10 V and 20 V, compared to that in the control column (4.86‰). Finally, rising of salts from the artificial saline groundwater was effectively mitigated under voltages of 10 V and 20 V. Results from this work have demonstrated that the ‘electric sieve’ can effectively mitigate and prevent salts from rising in shallow groundwater to surface soil and reduce soil salinity.
Definitive local therapy to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with distant metastasis
Authors: Borson Steven , Shuai Yongli , Branstetter Barton F. , Nilsen Marci Lee , Hughes Marion A. , Fenton Moon , Kubik Mark , Sridharan Shaum , Clump David A. , Skinner Heath D. , Johnson Jonas T. , Chiosea Simion I. , Ohr James , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Kim Seungwon , Traylor Katie S. , Ferris Robert , Zandberg Dan P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesData on the efficacy of including definitive local therapy to the primary site for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with synchronous distant metastasis are lacking. In multiple different solid tumor types, there has been benefit when using systemic therapy followed by local consolidative therapy (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or surgery) directed at metastases. We proposed to retrospectively evaluate patients at our institution that received definitive treatment to the primary.MethodsSingle institution retrospective study evaluating 40 patients with metastatic HNSCC treated with definitive surgery (55%) or chemoradiation (45%) to the primary site from 2000 to 2020. The major endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) for the total population and multiple sub‐groups. Some variables were evaluated with multiple covariates Cox model.ResultsThe median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 6.4–11.6), and OS was 14.2 months (95% CI, 10.9–27.5). In 28% of patients that received induction therapy, there was a twofold increase in median overall survival to 27.5 months. In the 33% of patients that received anti‐PD‐1 mAb as part of their treatment course, the median OS was significantly increased to 41.7 months (95% CI, 8.7‐NR) versus 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.4–14.4) with a 5‐year OS of 39%. Multivariate analysis for OS showed significance for age at diagnosis, use of IO, and number of metastatic sites.ConclusionWe observed impressive survival outcomes in metastatic HNSCC patients treated with definitive local therapy to the primary site in addition to induction and/or immunotherapy. Further study is warranted.Level of Evidence: 3.
Blockade of mIL‐6R alleviated lipopolysaccharide‐induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome by suppressing NF‐κB‐mediated Ccl2 expression and inflammasome activation
Authors: Dai Ji‐Min , Zhang Xue‐Qin , Zhang Jia‐Jia , Yang Wei‐Jie , Yang Xiang‐Min , Bian Huijie , Chen Zhi‐Nan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSystemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is characterized by dysregulated cytokine release, immune responses and is associated with organ dysfunction. IL‐6R blockade indicates promising therapeutic effects in cytokine release storm but still remains unknown in SIRS. To address the issue, we generated the human il‐6r knock‐in mice and a defined epitope murine anti‐human membrane‐bound IL‐6R (mIL‐6R) mAb named h‐mIL‐6R mAb. We found that the h‐mIL‐6R and the commercial IL‐6R mAb Tocilizumab significantly improved the survival rate, reduced the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, transaminases and blood urea nitrogen of LPS‐induced SIRS mice. Besides, the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could also dramatically reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐treated THP‐1 cells in vitro. RNA‐seq analysis indicated that the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could regulate LPS‐induced activation of NF‐κB/Ccl2 and NOD‐like receptor signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could forwardly inhibit Ccl2 expression and NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis by suppressing NF‐κB in combination with the NF‐κB inhibitor. Collectively, mIL‐6R mAbs suppressed NF‐κB/Ccl2 signaling and inflammasome activation. IL‐6R mAbs are potential alternative therapeutics for suppressing excessive cytokine release, over‐activated inflammatory responses and alleviating organ injuries in SIRS.