bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and Thermal Properties of Edible Coatings for Application in Solar Drying
Authors: López-Ortiz ANABEL , Pineda Itzel Pacheco , Méndez-Lagunas Lilia , Ortega Argelia Balbuena , Martínez Laura Guerrero , Pérez-Orozco Juan , Río Jesús del , Nair P 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Solar drying is a sustainable process, that may impact the quality of dried food. This is because, pigments contained in food are sensitive to sunlight, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation can affect them. We applied biopolymer-based coatings on strawberry, from hydro-colloidal solutions of nopal-mucilage, fenugreek, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, and guar gum to evaluate their potential use as UV filters for solar drying of food. Thermal properties and the optical transmittance, absorbance and reflectance of the coatings were measured to assess their influence on food-sunlight interaction. During the drying experiments, the moisture content, total anthocyanins (TA), and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were measured. Optical and thermal properties are influenced by the biopolymer-based coatings. also, the optical properties are influenced by the coating thickness. The differences in optical and thermal properties influence the drying process. Differences exist in the drying rate for strawberry slices with coating compared with those without the coatings. In general, the TA and TPC content in the product are better preserved under solar drying than in control experiments done in a drying oven. A partial transmittance of solar UV radiation is recommended to obtain an increased TA and TPC contents.
In Vivo Exposure to Bisphenol-A Altered the Reproductive Functionality in Male Coturnix Coturnix Japonica
Authors: PERMUAL SUTHAN , KOLLURI GAUTHAM , MOHAN JAG , SINGH RAM , TYAGI JAGBIR 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Bisphenol-A, is one of the most characterized endocrine disruptors on the reproductive functions in humans and animals. We have previously reported in vitro and in vivo effects of bisphenol-A on functional role of sperm in chicken. Here, the effects of 1 and 5 mg/kg bisphenol-A daily administered by gavage for 3 wk to adult male Japanese quails on reproductive functionality was investigated. Cloacal index and foam frequency were greatly reduced at high dose. Sperm quality attributes were affected at both doses. Sperm quality attributes were affected at both doses. Alkaline phosphatase showed most significant reduction among seminal enzymes. Dose dependent response (P < 0.01) of bisphenol-A was noticed with modulating testosterone concentrations at low and high doses. Disturbances regarding fertility and hatchability traits were prominent in high and low dose groups. The current study confirms the compromising actions of bisphenol-A on reproductive success in male Japanese quails at lower doses that are considered to be safe (50 mg/kg BW/d) under in vivo exposure module. These results indicate higher sensitivity of quails to bisphenol-A toxicity and explores the possibility of using quail subjects as an accurate toxic indicators.
Advancing Internal Medicine Training: Experience of a Bedside Procedure Service as A Resident Elective
Authors: Swartz Sheila , Reguero Adrian Umpierrez De , Puetz Joseph , Voigt Lara , Cuzovic Nikola , Bielecki Matthew , Sadud Ricardo Franco 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2007, the American Board of Internal Medicine eliminated numeric procedure requirements for licensing. The level of exposure to procedures during residency, and subsequent competence of graduating residents, is variable. In 2015, our institution developed a bedside procedure service (BPS) with the intent to teach ultrasound guidance and procedural training to internal medicine residents with direct supervision of technique by Hospital Medicine faculty to optimize learning, increase confidence, and improve patient safety. Objective: In this study, we review the number and complication rates of resident procedures on a dedicated internal medicine bedside procedure service (BPS) as a resident elective.Methods: In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, we reviewed internally collected data from BPS procedures performed from 2015-2019. The BPS offers a variety of procedures done with ultrasound guidance at an adult tertiary care referral center. BPS services are available to all inpatient hospital services. A rotation with the BPS was offered as a stand-alone resident elective for the first time in 2015. Results: 69 residents performed a total of 2700 ultrasound-guided/assisted procedures and 146 diagnostic ultrasound scans from 2015-2019. Residents performed an average of 40 procedures during their elective month. There were 5 resident performed procedural complications with an overall complication rate of 0.19%.Conclusions: Our BPS increased procedural opportunities for residents and allowed for real-time feedback by an experienced faculty member in a one-on-one setting. A dedicated rotation allows the time to focus on becoming proficient in invasive procedures with expert supervision.
miR-146a regulates TLR1/2 and 4 induced inflammation and links it with proliferation in human SZ95 sebocytes
Authors: Dull Katalin , Deák Dávid , Fazekas Fruzsina , Kovács Dóra , Póliska Szilárd , Szegedi Andrea , Zouboulis Christos , Törőcsik Dániel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 1/2 and 4 are central in inducing inflammation in sebocytes and in the pathogenesis of acne by regulating the expression of protein coding mRNAs, however the microRNA (miRNA) profile in response to TLR activation and thus the possible role of miRNAs in regulating sebocyte functions has not been elucidated. In this work therefore, we aimed to identify the miRNA with the most abundant induction and to reveal its role in TLR1/2- and 4-activated SZ95 sebocytes. We found that miR-146a, detected with increased expression also in sebaceous glands of acne samples, showed the highest induction levels in the activated sebocytes. When exploring its role, we found that the increased levels of miR-146a led to the down-regulation of IL-8 secretion, decreased the chemoattractant potential and stimulated the proliferation of sebocytes, whereas the latter may be affected by GNG7 down-regulation. According to our results miR-146a may be a potential player in acne pathogenesis by regulating inflammation and by providing a link between inflammation and sebocyte proliferation.
An Initial Survey on the Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) among Yemeni Pregnant Women.
Authors: AL-Subol Ibrahim Hasan , Abdul-Aziz Maha , Almikhlafy Abdullah A. , Alqahtani Talal Y 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Neonatal infection with group B Streptococcus (GBS) is still a threat to the life of fetus and mother, especially in developing countries that do not adopt a prenatal screening test policy. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of group B Streptococcus in pregnant Yemeni women between the 35th and 39th weeks of gestation and also to assess group B Streptococcus sensitivity pattern to several antibiotics. Methods: The fieldwork was performed in a primary health centre and a private modern medical laboratory at Sana'a city, Yemen. The study was limited to taking one vaginal swab from each participant of 210 pregnant women, and it relied on the cultural characteristics and biochemical tests for identifying the bacteria as group B Streptococcus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer test. Results: Among the 210 pregnant women who were participating in this study, 23 (10.95%) were vaginally colonized with group B Streptococcus. Beta-lactam antibiotics and vancomycin were completely effective against group B Streptococcus. Conclusion: Based on this study results, at least one out of every ten Ymenei pregenant women is GBS vaginally colonized therefore we recommend routine prenatal GBS screening among pregnant women in the third trimester in Yemen and conducting extensive epidemiological studies in other Yemeni cities to detect the extent prevalence of GBS among pregnant mothers in Yemen in order to develop an appropriate preventive strategy.
Immune Checkpoint Molecules B7-H6 and PD-L1 Co-Pattern The Tumor Inflammatory Microenvironment: Associations and Clinical Significance in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Cherif Boutheina , Triki Hana , Charfi Slim , Bouzidi Lobna , Kridis Wala Ben , Khanfir Afef , Chaabane Kais , Sellami-Boudawara Tahya , Rebai Ahmed 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
B7-H6 and PD-L1 belong to the B7 family co-stimulatory molecules fine-tuning the immune response. This report exposes for the first time the clinical implication of B7-H6 protein expression in relation with PD-L1 status and Natural Killer Cells infiltration as potential biomarkers in tumor inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, we explore the expression levels of B7-H6 protein by cancer cells and immune infiltrating cells in human breast cancer tissues and evaluate their associations with PD-L1 expression, NK cell status and clinical pathological features as well as the prognosis. Immunohistochemistry labeling method was used to assess B7-H6 and PD-L1 proteins expression by cancer and immune cells. Associations between immune checkpoint, major clinicopathological variables and survival rates were analyzed. B7-H6 protein was revealed in both breast and immune cells. Tumor B7-H6 expression is highly associated with Her2 over expression. B7-H6 + immune cells are highly related to SBR grade and associated with PD-L1 and NK cells status. Survival analysis showed that patients with low expression of B7-H6 by cancer cells had better prognosis. Conversely, B7-H6 + immune cells were significantly associated with longer survival. Our result strongly suggests an interaction between B7 molecules that contributes to a particular design of the inflammatory microenvironment. This may influence the efficiency of therapies based on antibodies blocking the PD-L1/PD1 pathway and can explain why the clinical benefits are seen only in a fraction of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Radiomics in Predicting Recurrence for Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer using Quantitative Ultrasound
Authors: Dasgupta Archya , Bhardwaj Divya , DiCenzo Daniel , Fatima Kashuf , Osapoetra Laurentiusoscar , Quaioit Karina , Saifuddin Murtuza , Brade Stephen , Trudeau Maureen , Gandhi Sonal , Eisen Andrea , Wright Frances , Look-Hong Nicole , Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Tran William , Curpen Belinda , Kolios Michael , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Czarnota Gregory 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of pre-treatment quantitative ultrasound (QUS)-radiomics in predicting recurrence for patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Methods A prospective study was conducted with patients with LABC (n=83). Primary tumours were scanned using a clinical ultrasound device before starting treatment. Ninety-five imaging features were extracted-spectral features, texture, and texture-derivatives. Patients were determined to have recurrence or no recurrence based on clinical outcomes. Machine learning classifiers with k-nearest neighbour (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM) were evaluated for model development using a maximum of 3 features and leave-one-out cross-validation.Results With a median follow up of 69 months (range 7-118 months), 28 patients had disease recurrence (local or distant). The best classification results were obtained using an SVM classifier with a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under curve of 71%, 87%, 82%, and 0.76, respectively. Using the SVM model for the predicted non-recurrence and recurrence groups, the estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival was 83% and 54% (p=0.003), and the predicted 5-year overall survival was 85% and 74% (p=0.083), respectively.Conclusion A QUS-radiomics model using higher-order texture derivatives can predict patients with LABC at higher risk of disease recurrence before starting treatment.
Profiling of CYP4Z1 and CYP1B1 Expression in Bladder Cancers
Authors: Al-saraireh Yousef , Alshammari Fatemah , Youssef Ahmed , Al-Sarayreh Sameeh , Almuhaisen Ghadeer , Alnawaiseh Nedal , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh , Al-Shuneigat Jehad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer worldwide, where its burden remains a challenge and needs new novel therapies. Several reports indicate expression of CYP4Z1 and CYP1B1 in many tumours. Their expressions are associated with a poor prognosis, and therefore proposed as promising biomarkers or targets for anticancer therapy. By using immunohistochemistry, expression of CYP4Z1 and CYP1B1 was evaluated in a panel of different types of bladder cancer, and the enzymes’ relation to histopathological features were assessed. Results showed an increased expression of CYP4Z1 (54.3%) and CYP1B1 (76.9%) in the majority of bladder cancers compared to weak or lack of expression of both enzymes in normal tissues. Their expressions were significantly associated with tumour grade and stage where the expressions were markedly increased in a high grade and advanced stage of the disease ( p < 0.05). Additionally, CYP1B1 expression was also associated with TNM staging ( p < 0.05) and its expression was increased in patients with lymph node metastasis. The expression profiles of CYP4Z1 and CYP1B1 suggest that both enzymes have the potential to be biomarkers or targets for novel anticancer therapy for bladder cancer. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to better delineate whether these enzymes are druggable targets.
Proton-Pump Inhibitor vs. H2-Receptor Blocker Use and Overall Risk of CKD Progression
Authors: Cholin Liza , Ashour Tarek , Mehdi Ali , Taliercio Jonathan , Daou Remy , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse , Thomas George , Nally Joseph , Nakhoul Nazih , Nakhoul Georges 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The relationship between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression remains controversial. Specifically, there is a lack of data evaluating renal outcomes in established CKD patients. The aim of our study is to determine the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or death amongst CKD patients on PPI, histamine-2 receptor blocker (H2B), or no anti-acid therapy. Methods: Using our CKD registry, we evaluated the relationship between PPI and H2B use and outcomes amongst patients with CKD (eGFR <60), with at least 2 PCP visits in the year prior. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between medication groups and overall mortality, while competing risks regression models were used to determine the risk of ESKD with death as a competing risk.Results: 25,455 patients met inclusion criteria and were stratified according to medication group: no antacid therapy (15,961), PPI use (8,646), or H2B use (848). At 4 years, the cumulative incidence of ESKD with death as a competing risk was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7, 2.4), 1.5% (0.8, 2.8), and 1.6%(1.4, 1.9) among PPI, H2B, and no medication respectively (P=0.22). The cumulative incidence of death with ESKD as a competing risk was 17.6% (95% CI: 16.6, 18.6), 16.7% (13.7, 19.8), and 17.3% (16.6, 18.0) (P=0.71).Conclusions: Use of PPI in a CKD population was not associated with increased mortality or progression to ESKD when compared to H2 blocker and to no acid suppressing therapy.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Soil Moisture in Red Beds Area and the Associated Driving Factors
Authors: Yan Ping , Lin Kairong , Yu Chenxi , Yan Luobin , Tu Xinjun , Zhuang Luwen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Soil moisture is one of key factors which influence crop growth and ecological environment construction. Knowledge on the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture and the associate driving factors is of great importance for water resources allocation and ecological environment management. The present study investigated the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture under four land-use types (cropland, forestland, grassland and bare land) in the ecologically degraded of a red beds area which located in the Nanxiong basin, China. Geostatistical and classic statistical methods were used to analyze the spatial variance of soil moisture. In addition, the driving factors which affect the spatial variance were discussed. The geostatistical analysis showed that the Gaussian model is the optimal regression model of semi-variance functions for all these four land-use types, among which the model of cropland and forestland had better fitting results comparing with other land-use types. Moreover, the soil moisture in bare land exhibited intermediate spatial autocorrelation, which was affected by structural and random factors. Using a cross validation method, we found that the precision of the ordinary kriging interpolation (OK) method was better than the inverse distance weighting interpolation (IDW) method, and the OK method more accurately reflected the spatial distribution of soil moisture in all these four land-use types. Furthermore, the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture was mainly affected by the natural and anthropogenic factors such as structural characteristics of the soil, soil texture, vegetation covered on the surface of the land, local climate, land-use types, and human intervention, among which human intervention is the most important factor.
Identification of Genes Targeted in South African Merino and Afrino Sheep Populations Under Long-Term Selection for Reproduction and Body Weight
Authors: Snyman Margaretha , Süllwald Sunika , Olivier Willem , Visser Carina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Reproductive performance and body weight are of the utmost economic importance in determining the efficiency of sheep production. Simultaneous selection for increased reproductive performance and early growth traits is a common strategy in many flocks, but ambiguous results regarding the relationship between reproduction and body weight have been reported. The objective of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in two South African Merino flocks and an Afrino sheep flock that were selected for both reproduction and body weight over decades. The GWAS aimed to identify SNPs associated with genes affecting the traits number of lambs born (NLB), number of lambs weaned (NLW), total weight of lamb weaned (TWW) and body weight (BW) and thus to ascertain which genes were targeted through directional selection.Results: In the GWAS, 16 SNP markers associated with reproductive traits were identified among the three populations, while 15 SNPs were associated with body weight. These SNPs were linked respectively to 26 and 21 documented genes in the sheep genome. Most of these genes were previously associated in literature with reproduction related, as well as with growth related traits in various farm animal species. This study, supported by results from previous studies performed on sheep and cattle, identified the following genes that warrant further investigation as to their functions and processes relating to growth and reproduction in sheep: MAP7D1, TRAPPC3, THRAP3, TRMP8, SPP2, HDAC9, ZFHX3, SIX6, C14orf39, TAF4B, TRSP1 EYA2, RBMS3, STL38L, BSPH1, LIG1, CABP5 and ELSPBP1. Conclusions: Long-term selection in the flocks for both body weight and reproductive traits, and especially on the composite trait TWW, have favoured genes with pleiotropic effects influencing both groups of traits. SNPs associated with these pleiotropic genes were detected in the association analyses for the various traits.
Serum and Urine ANGPTL8 Expression Levels are Associated with Hyperlipidemia and Proteinuria in Primary Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Gao Xia , Liu Qingju , Kang Chengdong , Cui Weijing , Xu Zichuan , Zhong Fu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the expression characteristics of ANGPTL8 in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome and its possible correlationwith hyperlipidemia and proteinuria.Methods: ANGPTL8 levels were determined using Enzyme‑linked immunosorbentassay in 133 subjects with PNS, and 60 subjects with healthy controls.Results: Subjects with primary nephrotic syndrome had higher levels of serum andurine ANGPTL8 than healthy controls subjects (P < 0.001). In primary nephroticsyndrome patients, serum ANGPTL8 was positively correlated with cholesterol (r =0.209, P < 0.05) and triglycerides (r = 0.412, P < 0.001), while no correlation with24hUTP. Urine ANGPTL8 was positively correlated with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = 0.181, P < 0.05), while urine ANGPTL8 was significantly negativelycorrelated with creatinine (r = -0.323, P<0.001) and 24hUTP (r = -0.268, P = 0.002).Interestingly, urine ANGPTL8 concentrations were different between membranousnephropathy and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis pathological types.Conclusions: Serum and urine ANGPTL8 levels in primary nephrotic syndromepatients were correlated with blood lipid levels and proteinuria, respectively, suggestingthat ANGPTL8 may play a role in the development of primary nephrotic syndromehyperlipidemia and proteinuria.
The Effect of WKYMVm Peptide on Promoting mBMSCs Secrete Exosomes to Make M2 Macrophages Polarization Through FPR2 Pathway
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Hu Junxian , He QingYi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: When the multicystic vesicles (precursor of exosomes) are formed in cells, there are two results. One is to be decomposed by lysosomes and the other one is to become exosomes which are transported out through transmembrane. On the other hand, M2 macrophages can promote the formation of local vascularization and provide necessary support for the repair of bone defects. In order to provide a new idea for the treatment of bone defects, the purpose of our study is to investigate the effect of WKYMVm peptide on the secretion of exosomes from murine bone marrow-derived MSCs （mBMSCs） and the effect of exosomes on the polarization of M2 macrophages. Methods: WKYMVm peptide was used to activate the Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 (FPR2) pathway in mBMSCs. At first, we used CCK-8 kit to detect the cytotoxic effect of WKYMVm Peptide on mBMSCs. Secondly, we used western blotting and Quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction （Qrt-PCR） to detect the expression of Interferon Stimulated Gene 15 （ISG15） and Transcription Factor EB （TFEB） in mBMSCs. Thirdly, we used exosomes extraction kit and western blotting to detect the content of exosomes secreted by mBMSCs. Finally, we used the immunofluorescence and western blotting to count the number of M2 macrophages polarization.Results: We firstly found that WKYMVm peptide had no toxic effect on mBMSCs at the concentration of 1μmol/L. Secondly, we found that when the FPR2 pathway was activated by WKYMVm peptide in mBMSCs, the expression of ISG15 and TFEB were decreased, leaded to the secretion of exosomes increased. Finally, we proved that the exosomes secreted by mBMSCs could promote the polarization of M2 macrophages. Moreover, all these effects can be blocked by WRWWWW (WRW4) peptide, an inhibitor of FPR2 pathway.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the potential value of WKYMVm peptide in promoting the secretion of exosomes by mBMSCs and eventually leading to M2 macrophages polarization. We believed that our study could provide a research basis for the clinical treatment of bone defects.