bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced biochemical process for purifying xylo-oligosaccharides from pre-hydrolysis liquor
Authors: Yang Guihua , Xu Feng , Ji Xingxiang , Dong Jiran , Ni Yonghao , Fatehi Pedram , Zhang Kai , Chen Jiachuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are promising biomass-derived chemicals that can be widely used in preparing medicines, food additives, and industrial chemicals. The pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) produced in the kraft-based dissolving pulp production process is rich in hemicelluloses and especially in XOS/xylan.
Results

In this study, a sustainable sequential process that included calcium hydroxide (CH), simultaneous laccase and xylanase (LX) and activated carbon (AC) treatments was proposed for more efficient recovery of XOS/xylan from PHL. Overall, the concentration of lignin, furfural and xylosugars decreased by 81.7 wt.%, 100 wt.% and 5.1 wt.%, respectively, but XOS concentration was increased by 36.6 wt.%. More importantly, the 2D-HSQC NMR and FT-IR were used in understanding the structure of sugar and lignin components in each step of the process and in the final products. The CH treatment mainly altered the chemical structure of XOS due to the release of acetyl groups, and downstream treatment steps have insignificant effect on XOS structures. Also, lignin carbohydrate complexes (LCC, i.e. PhGlc3) minimally existed in the purified XOS. The GPC and DSC results revealed that the molecular weight of the extracted lignin was 1768 ~ 2532 g/mol and it had a wide glass transition temperature (Tg) range (63 ~ 115 °C).
Conclusions

The results confirmed that a combination of sequentially treating PHL with calcium hydroxide (CH), simultaneous laccase and xylanase (LX) and activated carbon (AC) was effective in removing lignin and concentrating XOS in the PHL.
Investigating Patients’ Preferences to Inform Drug Development Decisions: Novel Insights From a Discrete Choice Experiment in Migraine
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra , Rognoni Carla , Tarricone Rosanna 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background: Chronic conditions have important long-term consequences for patients’ personal and social lives and require patient commitment to their management. In this context, the assessment of patients’ preferences for treatment characteristics would increase the current evidence on the impact of diseases to support decision-making processes in the field of public policies and research and development in pharmaceutical industries.The present study used cases of chronic migraine to assess patients’ preferences, including the analysis of gender differences, for the characteristics of an ideal migraine treatment. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was performed with 466 adults with migraine in Italy who experienced at least 4 attacks per month. We investigated the preferences of patients with respect to ﬁve treatment attributes that were identified from a systematic literature review and two focus group elicitations. The heterogeneity of preferences was investigated in a mixed logit model with normally distributed random coefﬁcients.Results: Overall, the respondents considered the presence of adverse events, duration of the treatment effect, reduction of symptom intensity, speed of the effect and the cost born by the patient as the most relevant treatment features. As expected, the patients preferred treatments with lower levels of adverse events and costs and treatments with greater speed, duration of treatment effect and effectiveness in reducing symptom intensity. There was significant preference heterogeneity only for the presence of adverse events. Compared to men, women had significantly higher preferences for quicker treatment effect and limited adverse events and reported higher preferences for costly treatments.Conclusions: The results of our survey help address research and development strategies in the pharmaceutical industry and public policy regarding treatments that are clinically effective and responsive to the needs expressed by patients.
Resistin-like Molecule β Acts as a Mitogenic Factor in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension via Ca2+ dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPKs Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tian Heshen , Liu Lei , Yin Wu , Wang Ruiwen , Jiang Yongliang , Hu Ruicheng , Zhu Liming , Li Liwei , Fang Yanyan , Yang Chunlan , Ji Lianzhi , Liu Guoyu , Dai Aiguo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells(PASMCs) proliferation plays a crucial role in Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension(HPH). Previous studies have found that Resistin-like molecule β(RELM-β) up-regulated de novo in response to hypoxia in cultured primary human PASMCs(HASMCs). RELM-β has been proved to promote PASMCs proliferation and involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling of patients with PAH. However, the expression pattern, the effects, and the mechanisms of RELM-β in HPH keep unknown. METHODS: We assessed the expression pattern, mitogenetic effect, and underlying mechanism of RELM-β in the rat HPH model and HASMCs. RESULTS: Overexpression of RELM-β alone caused the hemodynamic change in the rat model of HPH, similar to that caused by chronic hypoxia, with increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP), right ventricle hypertrophy(RVSP), and thickening of small pulmonary arterioles. Knocking down of RELM-β partially blocked the increased mPAP, RVSP, and vascular remodeling induced by hypoxia. Phosphorylated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPKs proteins were significantly up- or down-regulated by RELM-β gene overexpression or silencing. Recombinant RELM-β protein increase primary cultured human PASMCs intracellular Ca 2+ concentration and promote HASMCs proliferation. The mitogenic effect of RELM-β on HASMCs and phosphorylated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPKs was suppressed by Ca 2+ inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that RELM-β acts as a cytokine-like growth factor in the development of HPH and that this process is likely mediated by the Ca 2+ dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPKs pathway. Keywords : hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension; resistin-like molecule β; Ca 2+ ; pulmonary vascular remodeling; signaling pathway
COVID-19 Pandemic and its Implication on Hand Hygiene Status by Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers Among Healthcare Workers in Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Desta , Melaku Tsegaye , Bayisa Bodena , Alemu Sintayehu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pandemic corona virus disease (COVID-19) is a global health crisis of our time. The consistent practice of hand hygiene, especially by proper use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in health facilities and community is a cardinal step in combating it. This study was designed to assess self-reported level of knowledge, attitude and compliance to WHO recommended hand hygiene status by alcohol-based hand sanitizers among healthcare workers during a COVID-19 pandemic in Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia.Methods: Questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 with significance level at p<0.05.Results: From a total of 96 volunteer study participants (27nurses; 21pharmacists, 15academicians, 13medical laboratory technicians, 7physician, 7dental doctors, 6midwives) 61 were males. Their mean age was 28.69+4.048years. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers were used by 95.8% respondents to prevent spreading of COVID-19. The majority (93.8%) of the respondents had good knowledge; 74% had a good attitude and 76% had good hand hygiene practices by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. They got information about this technique mainly from mass media 71(74%) and training (40.6%). 84.5% respondents were facing challenges during alcohol-based hand sanitizer use due to it is unavailable 66(68.8%), expensive 50(52.1%), forgetting 11(11.5%), experiencing and/or fearing health-associated risks (skin irritation(28.1%), skin dryness(62.5%), ocular irritation(11.5%), etc).Conclusion and recommendationThe majority of respondents had good knowledge; but the attitude and adherence to standard guidelines need improvement. The hospital should catalyze behavioral change, provide emollient containing hand sanitizers and educational courses to achieve and sustain improvements.
The role of long noncoding RNA AL161431.1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ma Gang , Li Guichen , Fan Wufeng , Xu Yuanhong , Song Shaowei , Guo Kejian , Liu Zhe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is known for its notorious fast progression and poor prognosis. Various long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis processes of pancreatic cancer.Methods: We first identified lncRNA AL161431.1 through bioinformatic analysis. Then, we explored the role of lncRNA AL161431.1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by in vitro and in vivo experiments, including qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays, and flow cytometry, in BxPC-3 and SW1990 cells, as well as clinical samples. Results: We found that lncRNA AL161431.1 was highly expressed in patients with pancreatic cancer. Knock down of lncRNA AL161431.1 led to increased cancer cell death and cell cycle arrest. Xenograft growth of SW1990 cells with stable knockdown of lncRNA AL161431.1 in mice was significantly slower than that of SW1990 cells with scrambled control shRNA. Finally, we showed the involvement of lncRNA AL161431.1 in pancreatic cancer was related to its promotion of the epithelial mesenchymal transition pathway.Conclusions: LncRNA AL161431.1 is involved in the progression of pancreatic cancer through its promotion of the epithelial mesenchymal transition pathway.
SARS-CoV-2 serology increases diagnostic accuracy in CT-suspected, PCR-negative COVID-19 patients during pandemic
Authors: Schneider Jochen , Mijocevic Hrvoje , Ulm Kurt , Ulm Bernhardt , Weidlich Simon , Wuerstle Silvia , Rothe Kathrin , Treiber Matthias , Iakoubov Roman , Mayr Ulrich , Lahmer Tobias , Rasch Sebastian , Herner Alexander , Burian Egon , Lohöfer Fabian , Braren Rickmer , Makowski Marcus , Schmid Roland , Protzer Ulrike , Spinner Christoph , Geisler Fabian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In the absence of PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is challenging. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) detects pulmonary infiltrates with high sensitivity, but findings may be non-specific. This study assesses the diagnostic value of SARS-CoV-2 serology for patients with distinct CT features but negative PCR. Methods: IgM/IgG chemiluminescent immunoassay was performed for 107 patients with confirmed (group A: PCR+; CT±) and 46 patients with suspected (group B: repetitive PCR-; CT+) COVID-19, admitted to a German university hospital during the pandemic’s first wave. A standardized, in-house CT classification of radiological signs of a viral pneumonia was used to assess the probability of COVID-19. Results: Seroconversion rates (SR) determined on day 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 after symptom onset (SO) were 8%, 25%, 65%, 76% and 91% for group A, and 0%, 10%, 19%, 37% and 46% for group B, respectively; (p<0.01). Compared to hospitalized patients with a non-complicated course, seroconversion tended to occur at lower frequency and delayed in patients on intensive care units. SR of patients with CT findings classified as high certainty for COVID-19 were 9%, 26%, 65%, 77% and 92% in group A, compared with 0%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 50% in group B (p<0.01). SARS-CoV-2 serology established a definite diagnosis in 12/46 group B patients. In 88% (8/9) of patients with negative serology >14 days after symptom onset (group B), clinico-radiological consensus reassessment revealed probable diagnoses other than COVID-19. Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 serology was superior to PCR >17d after symptom onset. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of patients with distinct COVID-19 CT findings are tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR rendering correct diagnosis difficult. Implementation of SARS-CoV-2 serology testing alongside current CT/PCR-based diagnostic algorithms improves discrimination between COVID-19-related and non-related pulmonary infiltrates in PCR negative patients. However, sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 serology strongly depends on the time of testing and becomes superior to PCR after the 2 nd week following symptom onset.
Computing Simulation and Spatial difference Analysis of Resources and Environment Ecological footprint out of Control
Authors: Chen Roulin , Zhang Duanmin , Li Bo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
As a quantitative evaluation method, the ecological footprint theory analysis method (EFA) is a frontier subject in the field of sustainable development. The production activities of human beings will inevitably produce certain consumption, including the occupation of natural resources, consumption of W and the production of waste, which will have a certain impact on the ecological environment, just as one foot on the ground will leave footprints. On the other hand, the ecological environment itself will also provide a certain bearing capacity, supply human material consumption. The ecological footprint theory is to quantitatively convert the material consumption produced by human activities into the biological productive land area, and compare it with the supply area in the study area. Since Rees put forward the theory of ecological footprint, the development of ecological footprint model has gone from one-dimensional model to two-dimensional model, and from two-dimensional model to three-dimensional model. This paper reviews the evolution of ecological footprint model from four aspects: scientific problem, model connotation, interpretation ability and application direction, in order to cause new thinking on ecological footprint model.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Bloodstream Infection Caused by ESKAPEEc Pathogens Among Hospitalized Children
Authors: Peng Xiaoshan , Zhou Wei , Zhu Yu , Wan Chaomin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) resulting from the ESKAPEEc pathogens is relevant to high mortality and economic cost. Data concerning the impact of BSI due to ESKAPEEc in pediatric population was virtually scant. Our purpose was to summarize the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of ESKAPEEc BSI among hospitalized children.Methods: Inpatients diagnosed with BSI with definite etiology between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled retrospectively at the West China Second University Hospital. Data were systematically reviewed on patient’ clinical characteristics and laboratory findings to ascertain independent predictors, clinical features and outcomes.Results: Of the 228 patients with BSI, 174 (76.0%) were caused by ESKAPEEc (124 MDR-ESKAPEEc). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that premature and/ or low birth weight (odds ratio [OR] = 2.981, P=0.036), previous surgery and/or trauma (OR=5.71, P=0.029) and source of urinary tract infection (OR=10.6, P=0.004) were independently associated with ESKAPEEc BSI. The independent risk factor for MRD-ESKAPEEc BSI was nosocomial infection (OR=3.314, P=0.037). The overall mortality rate in patients with ESKAPEEc BSI was 14.0% (25/174), and no significant difference was ascertained in mortality between MRD-ESKAPEEc and non-MRD ESKAPEEc BSI groups (13.7% vs. 11.4%, P=0.692).In addition, previous surgery and/or trauma, thrombocytopenia, mechanical ventilation were significant risk factors for mortality caused by ESKAPEEc BSI. Conclusions: More than two-thirds of BSI among hospitalized children were caused by ESKAPEEc. Previous surgery and/or trauma, thrombocytopenia and mechanical ventilation increased the risk rate for mortality in ESKAPEEc BSI. The risk factors ascertained could assist physicians to early suspect ESKAPEEc and MDR ESKAPEEc.
Parasitism of Aedes Albopictus by Ascogregarina Taiwanensis Lowers Its Competitive Ability Against Aedes Triseriatus.
Authors: Stump Emma , Childs Lauren M , Walker Melody 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mosquitoes are carriers for many diseases that significantly impact the human population such as dengue, malaria and La Crosse virus. When multiple mosquito species are present, the competition between species may alter disease spread. Two mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus, both inhabit areas where La Crosse Encephalitis Virus is found. Infection of Aedes albopictus by the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis can decrease the mosquito’s fitness and impact its initial competitive advantage over Aedes triseriatus. The decrease in fitness occurs through the impact of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on female fecundity, larval development rate, and larval mortality. Methods: In this paper, we examine the effects of parasitism of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus population dynamics and competition. We build a compartmental model using parameters based on published literature, simulate the dynamics of the system, and analyze the effect of parasitism on competition between the mosquito species. Results: We show that increased levels of parasitism in Aedes albopictus will decrease the initial competitive advantage of the species over Aedes triseriatus and increase the survivorship of Aedes triseriatus. An understanding of how population dynamics are affected by this parasite can inform future mosquito control and mosquito-borne disease mitigation efforts. Conclusions: Mosquito population dynamics are affected by many factors, including abiotic factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) and competition between mosquito species. This is especially true when multiple mosquito species are vying to live in the same area. An understanding of mosquito population dynamics is vital to preventing spread of these diseases.
High Expression Level of Serpin Peptidase Inhibitor Clade E Member 2 is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dokuni Ryota , Nagano Tatsuya , Jimbo Naoe , Sato Hiroki , Kiriu Tatsunori , Yasuda Yuichiro , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Tachihara Motoko , Kobayashi Kazuyuki , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Nishimura Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have revealed that serpin peptidase inhibitor clade E member 2 (SERPINE2) is associated with tumorigenesis. However, SERPINE2 expression and its role in non-small cell lung cancer are still unknown.Methods: The expression levels of SERPINE2 in 74 consecutively resected lung adenocarcinomas were analyzed by using immunostaining. Inhibition of SERPINE2 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) was detected by quantitative PCR. Proliferation assays and cell apoptosis assays were performed to clarify the cell-autonomous function of SERPINE2 in A549 and PC9 lung cancer cells.Results: The overall survival of patients with high SERPINE2 expression was significantly worse than that of patients with low SERPINE2 expression (P=0.0172). Multivariate analysis revealed that SERPINE2 expression was an independent factor associated with poor prognosis (P=0.03237). The interference of SERPINE2 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in A549 and PC9 cellsConclusion: These results suggest that SERPINE2 can be used as a novel prognostic marker of lung adenocarcinoma.
Game-Based Meditation Therapy to Improve Posttraumatic Stress and Neurobiological Stress Systems in Traumatized Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schuurmans Angela A T , Nijhof Karin S , Scholte Ron , Popma Arne , Otten Roy 
Published: August 2020

Background
Many adolescents in residential care have been exposed to prolonged traumatic experiences such as violence, neglect, or abuse. Consequently, they suffer from posttraumatic stress. This not only negatively affects psychological and behavioral outcomes (eg, increased anxiety, depression, and aggression) but also has adverse effects on physiological outcomes, in particular on their neurobiological stress systems. Although current evidence-based treatment options are effective, they have their limitations. An alternative to traditional trauma treatment is meditation-based treatment that focuses on stress regulation and relaxation. Muse is a game-based meditation intervention that makes use of adolescents’ intrinsic motivation. The neurofeedback element reinforces relaxation abilities.

Objective
This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial in which the goal is to examine the effectiveness of Muse (InteraXon Inc) in reducing posttraumatic stress and normalizing neurobiological stress systems in a sample of traumatized adolescents in residential care.

Methods
This will be a multicenter, multi-informant, and multimethod randomized controlled trial. Participants will be adolescents (N=80), aged 10 to 18 years, with clinical levels of posttraumatic symptoms, who are randomized to receive either the Muse therapy sessions and treatment as usual (intervention) or treatment as usual alone (control). Data will be collected at 3 measurement instances: pretest (T1), posttest (T2), and at 2-month follow-up. Primary outcomes will be posttraumatic symptoms (self-report and mentor report) and stress (self-report) at posttest. Secondary outcomes will be neurobiological stress parameters under both resting and acute stress conditions, and anxiety, depression, and aggression at posttest. Secondary outcomes also include all measures at 2-month follow-up: posttraumatic symptoms, stress, anxiety, depression aggression, and neurobiological resting parameters.

Results
The medical-ethical committee Arnhem-Nijmegen (NL58674.091.16) approved the trial on November 15, 2017. The study was registered on December 2, 2017. Participant enrollment started in January 2018, and the results of the study are expected to be published in spring or summer 2021.

Conclusions
Study results will demonstrate whether game-based meditation therapy improves posttraumatic stress and neurobiological stress systems, and whether it is more effective than treatment as usual alone for traumatized adolescents.

Trial Registration
Netherlands Trial Register NL6689 (NTR6859); https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6689

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/19881
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND TOTAL PHENOL CONTENT OF DIFFERENT PLANT PARTS OF LEBANESE ANNONA SQUAMOSA LINN.
Authors: IBRAHIM FARAH , JABER ALI , IBRAHIM GHASSAN , CHEBLE EDMOND 
Published: August 2020

Objective: The aim of this work was to characterize the antioxidant properties and to evaluate the total phenol content of leaves, bark, pericarp, and pulp extracts of Lebanese Annona squamosa Linn. (A. squamosa),, as well as a total screening of secondary metabolites present in the various plant parts studied.
Methods: Two solvent systems were used for extraction: ethanol 80 % and methanol 80 %. The antioxidant activity of different extracts was investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The Total Phenol Content (TPC) of the different plant parts are determined and compared via Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results were presented as the mean of three separate experiments and error bars were used to illustrate standard deviation.
Results: The phenolic content was found to be highest in the A. squamosa leaves methanolic and ethanolic extracts (117.2 mg and 112.92 gallic acid extract/g, respectively). The results showed that A. squamosa leaves methanolic and ethanolic extracts display the highest antioxidant activities than the bark, pulp and pericarp extracts, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values 13.61 and 15.97 μg. ml-1 respectively. Ethanol 80 % and methanol 80 % were found to be efficient for the extraction of phenolic compounds.
Conclusion: Results of this study indicate the presence of promising compounds in Lebanese A. squamosa that are able to act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers.