bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HPAC Pretreatment Facilitates Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Softwood
Authors: Lee Dae-Seok , Lee Yoon-Gyo , Cho Eun Jin , Song Younho , Bae Hyeun-Jong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Woody plants with high glucose content are alternative bioresources for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. Various pretreatment methods may be used to reduce the effects of retardation factors such as lignin interference and cellulose structural recalcitrance on the degradation of the lignocellulose material of woody plants. Results: Here, a hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAC) pretreatment was used to reduce the lignin content of several types of woody plants, and the effect of the cellulose structural recalcitrance on the enzymatic hydrolysis was analyzed. The cellulose structural recalcitrance and the degradation patterns of the wood fibers in the xylem tissues of Quercus acutissima (hardwood) resulted in greater retardation in the enzymatic saccharification than those in the tracheids of Pinus densiflora (softwood). In addition to the HPAC pretreatment, application of supplementary enzymes (7.5 FPU cellulose for 24 hours) further increased the hydrolysis rate of P. densiflora from 61.42% to 91.94% whereas the same effect was not observed for Q. acutissima. Also, it was observed that endoxylanase synergism significantly affects the hydrolysis of P. densiflora. However, this synergistic effect was lower for other supplementary enzymes. The maximum concentration of the reducing sugars produced from 10% softwood was 89.17 g L-1 in 36 hours of hydrolysis with 15 FPU cellulase and other supplementary enzymes. Approximately 80 mg mL-1 of reducing sugars was produced with the addition of 7.5 FPU cellulase and other supplementary enzymes after 36hours, achieving rapid saccharification. Conclusion: HPAC pretreatment thus removed the interference of lignin, reduced structural recalcitrance of cellulose in the P. densiflora, and thereby enabled rapid saccharification of the woody plants including a high concentration of insoluble substrates with only low amounts of cellulase. HPAC pretreatment may thus be a viable as an alternative for the cost-efficient production of biofuels or biochemicals from softwood plant tissues.
COVID-19 and Radiation Oncology: a 2-phase planning in a mono-institutional experience in Central Italy
Authors: Caravatta Luciana , Rosa Consuelo , Sciascio Maria Bernadette Di , Scaringi Andrea Tavella , Pilla Angelo Di , Ursini Lucia Anna , Taraborrelli Maria , Vinciguerra Annamaria , Augurio Antonietta , Tommaso Monica Di , Trignani Marianna , Nuzzo Marianna , Falco Maria Daniela , Nicola Andrea De , Adorante Nico , Patani Fabiola , Centofanti Giuseppe , Gasparini Lucrezia , Fasciolo David , Guglielmo Fiorella Cristina Di , Bonfiglio Cecilia , Borgia Marzia , Caravaggio Gabriella , Marcucci Stefano , Turchi Consalvo , Mancinelli Domenico , Sartori Stephanie , Schael Thomas , Muraglia Angelo , Caputi Sergio , D’Amario Claudio , Verì Nicoletta , Genovesi Domenico 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 in Italy has led to a reorganization of hospital activities with risks of cancer treatments discontinuity. We report a management model in the two phases of the COVID-19 emergency, lockdown phase I and post-lockdown phase II.Methods: Actions were planned in the two phases: workloads of the visits and radiotherapy planning, dedicated routes, measures for triage areas, management of suspected and positive COVID-19 cases, personal protective equipment, environments andintra-institutional meetings and tumor boards management.Results: Comparing our radiotherapy activity in the period March 9- May 4, 2019 with the same period of 2020 in full phase I of the COVID-19 emergency, no changes were observed.First radiotherapy visits, Simulation Computed Tomography and Linear Accelerators treatments were 123, 137 and 151 in 2019 respect to 121, 135 and 170 in 2020.There were no cases of COVID-19 positivity recorded either in patients or in healthcare professionals who were all negative to the buffers performed.Conclusions: The model planned in our experience in both phases has guaranteed continuity of radiotherapy treatments without workload reduction nor treatment interruption ensuring safety of cancer patients, environments and staff.
Modeling and Spatialization of Biomass and Carbon Stock Using Lidar Metrics in Tropical Dry Forest, Brazil: Preliminary Results
Authors: Lima Robson Borges de , Oliveira Cinthia Pereira de , Ferreira Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo , Silva José Antônio Aleixo da , Silva Emanuel Araújo , Silva Anderson Francisco da , Lucena Josias Divino Silva de , Santos Nattan Adler Tavares dos , Lopes Iran Jorge Corrêa , Pessoa Mayara Maria de Lima , Melo Cybelle Laís Souto-Maior Sales de 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, with the growing environmental concern regarding climate change, there has been a search for efficient alternatives in indirect methods for studies on the quantification of biomass and forest carbon stock. In this article, we seek to obtain pioneering and preliminary results of estimates of biomass and carbon using data from conventional forest inventory and LiDAR technology in a dry tropical forest in Brazil. We used data from conventional forest inventory in two areas together with data from the LiDAR overflight, generating local biomass estimates from a developed local equation and the carbon levels obtained from local species. With data from LiDAR technology, we extracted the metrics from the point cloud and were used as an independent variable. For the construction of the biomass and carbon allometric models per hectare, we approach three types of models for data analysis: Multiple linear regression with Principal Components - PCA, Conventional multiple linear regression and Multiple linear regression with Stepwise, the generated equations were analyzed by comparisons of statistical criteria (R²aj and RMSE). After selecting the best equation, we generate the carbon estimates by area by assessing the plot level.Results: The best fit TAGB and TAGC model was the multiple linear regression with Stepwise, concluding, then, that LiDAR data can be used to estimate biomass and total carbon in dry tropical forest, proven by an adjustment considered in the models employed, with a significant correlation between the LiDAR metrics.Conclusions: Our preliminary results provide important information about the spatial distribution of TAGB and TAGC in the study area, which can be used to manage the reserve for optimal carbon sequestration.
Effective Elimination of Lymphoma Cells in Stromal Microenvironment by Double Impact on ROS and ATP Metabolism Using Auranofin
Authors: Yang Mengqi , Liu Panpan , Chen Huanting , Yang Jing , Wen Shijun , Hu Yumin , Lu Wenhua , Chen Ping , Hou Guoxin , Jiang Weiye , Jiang Wenqi , Liu Jinyun , Huang Peng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Protection of cancer cells by the stromal microenvironment is an important drug-resistant mechanism in vivo, and poses a major challenge in cancer treatment. Based on our recent findings that auranofin (AF), an anti-rheumatic drug known to inhibit thioredoxin reductases (TrxR), was effective against several cancer models in vivo, this study tested the ability of AF to eliminate cancer cells in the tumor stromal microenvironment and investigated the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

Cytotoxic effect of AF on 33 cancer cell lines in vitro was determined by MTS assay to identify AF- sensitive cancer cells. Further cytotoxic effect of AF on the identified cancer cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis in stromal co-culture system. Mitochondrial bioenergetics assays using the Seahorse XF24 analyzer, mass spectrometry analyses, and enzyme activity assays were used in the mechanistic study. For in vivo study, lymphoma xenograft models were utilized to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic activity of AF in mice.
Results

We unexpectedly found that AF exhibited higher therapeutic activity against lymphoma cells in stromal microenvironment compared to lymphoma cell treated with AF without stromal cells. Mechanistic study showed that AF impacted energy metabolism by inhibiting the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH and suppressing mitochondrial electron transport complex II, leading to ATP depletion. Surprisingly, inhibition of TrxR seemed not critical for its anticancer activity, as genetic silencing of TrxR1 and TrxR2 did not significantly affect cell viability. Co-culture of lymphoma cells with stromal cells enhanced the expression of TrxR1, which became an ROS-generating molecule when interacting with AF. The AF-induced ATP depletion plus ROS generation together effectively killed the cancer cells in stromal microenvironment, and significantly suppressed tumor growth in mice bearing mantle cell lymphoma xenografts.
Conclusions

Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which AF eliminates cancer cells in tumor microenvironment by impacting cancer metabolism and promoting ROS generation, and suggests a possibility to repurpose this anti-rheumatic drug for treatment of lymphoma and overcome drug resistance in stromal microenvironment.
Hsa_circ_0004831 Serves as a Blood-Based Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer and its Potentially circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network Construction
Authors: Xing Linlin , Xia Mengyan , Jiao Xin , Fan Ling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with unsatisfactory overall prognosis. CircRNAs could be promosing prognostic biomarkers in cancers, and play important role in the process of tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we explored the role of hsa_circ_0004831 in blood extracellular vesicles and its prognostic value in CRC. Methods: The circRNA and mRNA expression level matrix in extracellular vesicles of CRC and normal samples were obtained from the exoRBase database. The corresponding miRNA expression level matrix in extracellular vesicles was downloaded from the BBCancer database. Differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were identified using the limma package of R software at the cut-off criteria of fold change (FC) > 2 and adj. p < 0.05. RT-qPCR assay was conducted to measure hsa_circ_0004831 expression level in CRC blood samples. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of hsa_circ_0004831 was constructed based on competitive endogenous RNA mechanism and differentially expressed genes. The mRNAs co-expressed with hsa_circ_0004831 were screened at the cut-off criteria of pearson |R| > 0.3 and p < 0.05. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) based on co-expressed mRNAs was used to explore the potential molecular function of hsa_circ_0004831. Results: Differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were identified and hsa_circ_0004831 had a FC value of 3.92 in CRC blood extracellular vesicles. The RT-qPCR assay showed that the hsa_circ_0004831 was up-regulated in CRC blood samples. The overall survival analysis found that high expression of hsa_circ_0004831 was linked with poorer prognosis. Finally, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of hsa_circ_0004831 was constructed based on down-regulated miR-4326 and 12 up-regulated mRNAs. GSEA indicated that mRNAs co-expressed with hsa_circ_0004831 were involved in EMT, WNT and p53 signaling pathways.Conclusions: The study confirmed the up-regulation of hsa_circ_0004831 in CRC, and it may act as a vital prognostic biomarker. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of hsa_circ_0004831 could be used to uncover the tumorigenesis and progression of CRC.
SFRP1 Decline in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and its Importance in Prognoses
Authors: Zhao Yue , Kong Xiangjun , Wang Hongbing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In the present study, we sought to detect the expression of secreted fizzled-related protein-1 (SFRP1) and investigate its role in the progression and prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The expression of SFRP1 at both mRNA and protein level were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. The relationship between SFRP1 expression and clinical factors of patients with NSCLC was analyzed by chi-square test. Transwell assay was conducted to determine the influences of SFRP1 on migratory and invasive of NSCLC cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe the overall survival of NSCLC patients. Cox regression analysis was conducted to estimate the prognostic value of SFRP1 in NSCLC.Results: The expression of SFRP1 was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues compared to that in adjacent normal controls both at mRNA and protein level (P<0.05). And the low SFRP1 expression was related to the distant metastasis, vascular invasion and TNM stage. The overexpression of SFRP1 in vitro significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. The overall survival of patients with high SFRP1 expression was was proved to be longer than those with low expression (log rank test, P<0.001). In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that SFRP1 was an independent prognostic molecule marker for NSCLC patients. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings indicated that the decreased of SFRP1 could influence the cell migration and invasion as well as be regarded as an independent prognostic marker in NSCLC.
Development an Immune-Associated LncRNA Prognostic Index for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Mao Min , Huang Rong-zhi , Yu Zhu , Zheng Jie , Liang Hai-qi , Li Cheng , Zeng Rong-zhi , Li Jie-hua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common pathological type of thyroid cancer and its incidence is still on the rise worldwide. Our study aimed to provide an understanding of papillary thyroid cancer in immunological aspects and prompt its clinical diagnosis and treatment.METHODS: We obtained RNA-FPKM data and clinical data of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) samples from the TCGA data portal. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were selected from Molecular Signatures Database v7.0. The immune-related lncRNAs were identified by constructing DELs-IRGs co-expression networks. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to construct immune-related lncRNAs prognosis index (IRLPI) and analyze the impact of IRLPI on overall survival. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed by clusterProfiler R package to explore the potential molecular mechanism in TCGA dataset. The relationship between immune cell types and IRLPI were explored by using Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS: A total of 478 primary PTC samples were collected for the analysis. 162 immune-related lncRNAs were identified in immune-lncRNAs co-expression network. And 7 lncRNAs were extracted to develop the IRLPI. Patients with high-IRLPI showed poor survival probability (P =0.00052) and IRLPI was identified as an independent prognostic factor (HR: 2.329, 95%CI: 1.481-2.664, p =2.54e-4). ROC curve declared a promising prognosis ability of IRLPI. PCA proved that IRLPI reflected different immune environment and biological processes. GSEA indicated that immune system development is the main different biological process between high- and low-IRLPI group. Furthermore, IRLPI was proved that it related with multiple immune cells and immune responses by Pearson correlation analysis.CONCLUSION: Our results showed that immune-related lncRNAs prognosis index (IRLPI) could serve as a potential prognostic model in papillary thyroid cancer and play an important role in the immunotherapies and surveillance of PTC.
β-Lactamase-Mediated Resistance in MDR-Pseudomonas Aeruginosa&nbsp;from Qatar
Authors: Ahmed Mazen A. Sid , Khan Faisal Ahmad , Sultan Ali A. , Söderquist Bo , Ibrahim Emad Bashir , Jass Jana , Omrani Ali S. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Anti-pseudomonal b-lactam antibiotics are of paramount importance in the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The distribution of b-lactam resistance genes in P. aeruginosa is often closely related to the distribution of certain high-risk international clones. In the present study whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify the predominant sequence types (STs) and b-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR)-P. aeruginosa from QatarMethods: Microbiological identification and susceptibility tests were performed by automated BD PhoenixTM system and manual Liofilchem MIC Test Strips. Seventy-five MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates were subsequently processed for WGS. Results: Among 75 MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates; the largest proportions of susceptibility were to ceftazidime-avibactam (n=36, 48%), followed by ceftolozane-tazobactam (30, 40%), ceftazidime (n=21, 28%) and aztreonam (n=16, 21.33%). Almost all isolates possessed Class C and Class D b-lactamases (n=72, 96% each), while metallo-β-lactamases were detected in 20 (26.67%) isolates. Eight (40%) metallo-β-lactamases producers were susceptible to aztreonam and did not produce any concomitant extended-spectrum b-lactamases. The most frequent sequence types identified were ST235 (n=16, 21.33%), ST357 (n=8, 10.67%), ST389 and ST1284 (6, 8% each). Nearly all ST235 (15/16; 93.75%) were resistant to all tested b-lactams.Conclusion: MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates from Qatar are highly resistant to antipseudomonal b-lactams. Global high-risk STs are predominant in Qatar and their associated multi-resistant phenotypes are a cause for considerable concern. The molecular epidemiology trends of P. aeruginosa should be surveillance at national levels to track their trends and institute the appropriate control strategies.
Understanding Patient Outcomes to Develop a Multimobidity Adapted Patient-reported Outcomes Measure: A Qualitative Description of Patient and Provider Perspectives.
Authors: Sasseville Maxime , Chouinard Maud-Chrisitne , Fortin Martin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding the outcomes of multimorbidity-adapted interventions from the perspective of patients and providers is essential to research and practice in this population, but is currently lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of patient-centred interventions for people with multimorbidity from the patients’ and providers’ perspectives.Methods: This study followed a qualitative descriptive design. Nine patients with multimorbidity and 18 healthcare professionals (nurses, general practitioners, nutritionists, and physical and respiratory therapists), participating in a multimorbidity-adapted intervention in primary care were recruited. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 12 open-ended questions. Triangulation of disciplines among interviewers, research team debriefing, data saturation assessment and iterative data collection and analysis ensured a rigorous research process.Results: Outcome constructs described by participants covered a wide range of themes and were grouped into seven outcome domains: Health Management, Functional Status, Physical Symptoms, Psychosocial Health, Health-oriented Behaviours, General Health and Health Services. The description of constructs by stakeholders provides valuable insight on how outcomes are experienced and worded by patients in that context.Conclusion: Stakeholders described a wide range of outcome constructs, which were relevant to and observable by patients and were in line with the clinical reality. The description provides a portrait of multimorbidity-adapted intervention outcomes that are significant for the selection and development of clinical research outcome measures.
Femoral artery cannulation combined with axillary artery cannulation is safe for Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Huang Ling-chen , Xu Qi-chen , Chen Dao-zhong , Dai Xiao-fu , Chen Liang-wan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The optimal cannulation strategy in surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection is critical to the patients’ survival, but remains controversial. Different cannulation strategies have their own advantages and drawbacks during cardiopulmonary bypass. Our center used femoral and axillary artery cannulation for Stanford type A aortic dissection. The purpose of this study was to review and clarify the clinic outcome of femoral artery cannulation combined with axillary artery cannulation for the treatment of type A aortic dissection.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study that included 327 patients who were surgically treated for type A aortic dissection in our institution from January 2017 to June 2019.Using femoral and axillary artery cannulation to establish cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with type A aortic dissection. The demographics data and surgical data, clinical results of the patients were calculated.
Results
Femoral artery combined with axillary artery cannulation was technically successful in 327 patients. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 141.60 ± 34.89 minutes, and the selective antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 14.94 ± 2.76 minutes. The early mortality was 3.06%. The incidence of permanent neurologic dysfunction was 0.92%. Sixteen patients had post-operative renal insufficiency and five patients with liver failure. Two patients ended up with paraplegia.
Conclusion
Femoral artery combined with axillary artery cannulation for type A aortic dissection can significantly reduce the occurrence of malperfusion syndrome and nervous system complications, especially for cerebral protection.
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Have Immediate Impacts on Japanese Children? Evidence of the Socio-Emotional Behavior and Digital Skills
Authors: Moriguchi Yusuke , Sakata Chifumi , Meng Xianwei , Todo Naoya 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread widely throughout the world. To reduce the spread of infection, children are prevented from going to school and have fewer opportunities for in-person communication. Although the pandemic has affected the everyday lives of children, its impact on their development is unknown. This cross-sectional study compared Japanese children’s socio-emotional behaviors and skills for operating digital devices before and during the pandemic.Methods: Parents completed a web-based questionnaire before and during the pandemic for children aged 0-9. Children’s socio-emotional development in the context of everyday life was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children’s basic touch interaction skills to operate digital devices and skills to use functions of digital devices were also measured.Results: The results indicated that during the pandemic, children were more prosocial, experienced more problems in their peer relationships, and had better digital skills, but no differences were found in emotional symptoms; conduct problems; and hyperactivity between, before, and during the pandemic. The differences in digital skills were explained by the duration of children’s media use.Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that the pandemic may have an immediate impact on children’s socio-emotional behaviors and digital skills.Trial registration: Registration type: OSF Preregistration.Date registered: April 27, 2020.Registration from osf.io/tfh4k.(https://osf.io/c7p6b)