bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellulose Nanofibers and Reducing Sugars from Soybean Straw: An Investigation of the Enzymatic Activity and the Biomass Concentration Effect by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Silva Natalia Cristina da , Esposto Bruno Stefani , Maniglia Bianca Chieregato , Tapia-Blácido Delia Rita , Tosi Milena Martelli 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the effect of different conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis on the production of nanofibers and reducing sugars from soybean straw. The milled and sieved lignocellulosic biomass underwent two an alkaline pretreatment using NaOH 5% (PT1) or 17.5% (PT2), bleaching (H2O2 4%) and enzymatic (Optimash VR™; Dupont, USA) treatments. The effects of the enzymatic activity and the pretreated soybean straw concentration were evaluated using a Rotational Compound Central Design (DCCR) 22. An increase in the enzymatic activity and a decrease in the concentration of soybean in the suspension enhanced the production of sugars. This effect was due to the higher ratio of enzymatic activity/soybean straw pretreated concentration. Enzymatic activity disfavoured the nanofiber production for PT1, but favoured for PT2, probably due to the higher defibrillation when higher alkaline concentration is used. For both materials (PT1 and PT2), the lower soybean straw concentration furnished more stable suspensions. The optimal condition for the simultaneous production of reducing sugars and nanofibers was 4.0 g of biomass and enzymatic activity of 600 CMCU. This study shows that soybean straw has great potential for the industrial production of cellulose nanofibers and reducing sugars due to processing efficiency and low raw material cost.
Mitral Regurgitation Severity Dynamic During Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Treatment.
Authors: Bugała Kamil , Rubiś Paweł , Hołda Mateusz K , Konieczyńska Małgorzata , Bijak Piotr , Płazak Wojciech 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) treatment leads to significant hemodynamic changes. The aim of our study was to quantitatively analyze the dynamics of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity (evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography) which occur during the treatment of ADHF and to correlate these changes with the clinical condition of patients as well as heart failure biochemical markers. Methods: The study included 27 consecutive adult patients (40.7% females, mean age 71.19±11.2 years) who required hospitalization due to signs of acute HF. Echocardiographic assessment was performed upon admission and discharge together with clinical and laboratory evaluation. Results: Significant reduction in dyspnea intensity [0-100 scale] (81.48±9.07 vs. 45.00±11.04 pts, p<0.001), body weight (84.98±18.52 vs. 79.77±17.49 kg, p<0,001), and NT-proBNP level (7520.56±5288.62 vs. 4949.88±3687.86 pg/ml, p=0.001) was found. The severity of MR parameters decreased significantly (MR volume 44.92±22.83 vs. 30.88±18.77 ml, p<0.001; EROA 0.37±0.17 vs. 0.25±0.16 cm2, p<0.001; VC 6.21±1.48 vs. 5.26±1.61 mm, p<0.001). Left atrial area (35.86±9.11 vs. 32.47±9.37, p<0.001) and mitral annular diameter (42.33±6.63 vs. 39.72±5.05. p<0.001) also underwent statistically significant reductions. An increase in LVEF was observed (34.73±13.88 vs. 40.24±13.19 %, p<0.001). In 40.7% of patients, a change in MR severity class (transition from a higher class to a lower one) was observed: 6/8 (75%) patients transitioned from severe to moderate and 6/18 (33.3%) patients transitioned from moderate to mild class.Conclusions: Treatment of ADHF leads to a significant reduction in MR severity, together with significant reductions in left atrial and mitral annular dimensions. Quantitative measurement of MR dynamics offer valuable assistance for ADHF management.
Ferroptosis-Related lncRNAs Signature is a Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study Based on TCGA Data
Authors: Hu Xiangjin , Wang Sailun , Guo Jia , Xiong Fang , Lv Jun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent programmed cell death, and is characterized by intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as valuable prognostic factors for HCC patients, play a vital role in regulating ferroptosis. Methods RNA-sequencing datasets and ferroptosis-related genes were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Molecular Signature Database. we performed Pearson correlation analysis between the lncRNAs and ferroptosis-related genes, and subsequently used regression analysis (univariate Cox analysis, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and Lasso regression analysis) to screen the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs with prognostic value in HCC, the prognostic ferroptosis-related lncRNAs signature (FRLS) was finally constructed. In addition, we reevaluated the model in terms of survival, clinical characteristics, and immune microenvironment. Results Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed 34 differently expressed ferroptosis-related lncRNAs related to the prognosis of HCC. Among them, 12 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (LUCAT1, LINC01224, THUMPD3-AS1, AC116025.2, LINC00942, SNHG10, AC131009.1, POLH-AS1, MKLN1-AS, LINC01138, LNCSRLR, AL031985.3) were regarded as independent prognosis predictors of HCC, and were incorporated into the construction of the prognostic FRLS. Patients were divided into two groups based on the prognostic FRLS. Kaplan–Meier survival plot showed that patients in the high-risk groups exhibited shorter overall survival (OS) than those in low-risk groups (P < 0.001). Compared with clinical data, the area under curve (AUC) values of the risk factors, decision curve analysis (DCA), the AUC values of different years and multivariate Cox regression suggested that the signature had better predictive power. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the potential pathways of 12 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs, including sphingolipid-metabolism, mTOR signaling pathway, notch signaling pathway, homologous recombination, endocytosis, cell cycle, etc. Immune microenvironment including tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immune-related functions, checkpoint-related genes and N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related mRNA were also significantly different between the two risk groups. Conclusions This study constructed 12 FRLS for HCC patients to predict survival, which may provide promising targets for the therapy of HCC.
Comparing The Effectiveness of Blended Learning and Traditional Learning in An Orthopedics Course.
Authors: Suwannaphisit Sitthiphong , Anusitviwat Chirathit , Tuntarattanapong Pakjai , Chuaychoosakoon Chaiwat 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is driving medical schools to replace substantial parts of the traditional lecture method with online formats to maintain social distancing guidelines, and reduce face-to-face contact in the classroom. To our knowledge, there were a few studies comparing the effectiveness of traditional teaching and blended teaching based on the students’ final grades which the efficacy of online learning is still controversy. This study aims to compare the efficacy of blended teaching and conventional teaching in an orthopedics course.
Methods
This study was a retrospective cohort study which collected from fifth-year medical students between April 2019 and March 2021. The students were divided into two groups which based on years of education. The summative assessment was based on summing the MCQs plus KFs, the MEQ plus oral exam, OSCE, simulated-chart of patients, and OPD. All students were subjected to the same end of course quizzes with no difference between the groups regarding the kinds of knowledge tested. The results of these quizzes were used to compare the effectiveness of the conventional teaching in 2019 and the blended teaching in 2020. The paired t-test was used to analyze the data.
Results
A total of 252 students were enrolled in this study, of whom 128 and 124 patients were in traditional teaching group or blended teaching, respectively. The grade point averages of the students were 3.2 ± 0.4 and 3.3 ± 0.4 in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, respectively, without significant difference (p = 0.06). The scores in blended learning group were higher than in the traditional learning group in all assessment tools (MCQ, KF, Oral, and OSCE scores) except the MEQ.
Conclusions
Blended learning was as effective as traditional learning for teaching medical students. However, well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed to further analyze the educational structure and investigate the factors related to the effectiveness of this type of learning.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Among Detergent Powder Factory Workers-A Cross Sectional Study in Semnan, Iran
Authors: Malek Farhad , Ranjbari Elham , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Pahlevan Daryoush 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Occupational respiratory diseases are the most prevalent occurring work-related diseases that contribute to global health concerns. The present study aimed to assess pulmonary function among detergent powder factory workers. In a cross-sectional study, 305 employees working at a detergent powder company in Semnan, Iran were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, health- and job-related information were recorded using a checklist. Subsequently, spirometer was used at baseline, before and after shift-working for recording respiratory ailments and pulmonary function tests (PFT). According to the results, the mean percentage of all spirometric indices significantly reduced after shift-work including forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < 0.01), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (P < 0.01), FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.038), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P = 0.13) and forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF (25–75)) (P < 0.01). Although the mean percentage of FEV1 significantly improved upon wearing the protective mask (P = 0.014). Moreover, FVC and FEV1 indices were significantly loss in smoking workers than in non-smoking participants (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively). This study revealed that using effective preventive measures such as masks would be helpful to promote health conditions. However, despite the occupational health programs for preventing and reducing work-related respiratory diseases, these can be considered as a serious threat for detergent powder factory workers that need to apply more control strategies and health assessment.
Fus2Net: A Novel Convolutional Neural Network for Classification of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumor in Ultrasound Images
Authors: Ma He , Tian Ronghui , Li Hong , Sun Hang , Lu Guoxiu , Liu Ruibo , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology has improved the capability of automatic breast cancer diagnosis, compared to traditional machine learning methods. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) can automatically select high-efficiency features, which helps to improve the level of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). It can improve the performance of distinguishing benign and malignant breast ultrasound (BUS) tumor images and makes rapid breast tumor screening possible. Results: The classification model was evaluated by using BUS tumor images without training. Evaluation indicators include accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under Curve (AUC) value. The results in the Fus2Net model had an accuracy of 92%, the sensitivity reached 95.65%, the specificity reached 88.89%, and the AUC value reached 0.97 for classifying BUS tumor images. Conclusions: The experiment compared the existing CNN categorized architecture, and the Fus2Net architecture we customed has more advantages in a comprehensive performance. The obtained results demonstrated that the Fus2Net classification method we proposed can better assist radiologists in the diagnosis of benign and malignant BUS tumor images. Methods: The existing public datasets are small and the amount of data suffer from the balance issue. In this paper, we provide a relatively larger dataset with a total of 1052 ultrasound images, including 696 benign images and 356 malignant images, which were collected from a local hospital. We proposed a novel CNN named Fus2Net for the benign and malignant classification of BUS tumor images and it contains two self-designed feature extraction modules. To evaluate how the classifier generalizes on the experimental dataset, 10-fold cross validation was employed. Meanwhile, to solve the balance of the dataset, the training data was augmented before being fed into the Fus2Net. In the experiment, we used hyperparameter fine-tuning and regularization technology to make the Fus2Net convergence.
A Feasible Molecular Diagnostic Strategy for Rare Genetic Disorders Within Resource- Constrained Environments
Authors: Mudau Maria Mabyalwa , Seymour Heather , Nevondwe Patracia , Kerr Robyn , Spencer Careni , Feben Candice , Lombard Zané , Krause Amanda , Carstens Nadia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe timeous and accurate diagnosis of rare genetic disorders is critical, as it enables a better understanding of patient management, prognosis and more personalized treatment. A confirmed genetic diagnosis also enables accurate genetic counselling for affected individuals and their relatives by offering options for prenatal and cascade testing. In a resource-constrained environment such as the South African State healthcare system, the challenge is to design appropriate and cost-effective assays that will enable accurate genetic diagnostic services in patients of African ancestry across a broad disease spectrum. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed testing approaches for many Mendelian disorders, but this technology is still relatively expensive to implement. The paucity of baseline genetic data on African populations adds to the complexity of implementing an appropriate NGS-based service and interpretation of results.ResultIn the current study, the approach taken aimed at balancing NGS cost, efficiency, data quality as well as diagnostic utility of results. As a proof of concept, we describe a feasible diagnostic strategy for genetic disorders frequently seen in our genetics clinics (RASopathies, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, CHARGE syndrome and other phenotypically overlapping syndromes. The custom-designed targeted NGS gene panel enabled mutation screening for these disorders that range in incidence from 1 in 1000 to 1 in 100 000 newborns. Samples were batched during sequencing and analyzed selectively based on the clinical phenotype. This study had an overall diagnostic yield of 54.5%. ConclusionThe strategy employed is cost-effective as it allows batching of samples from patients with different diseases in a single run, an approach that can be utilized with rare and less frequently ordered molecular diagnostic tests. The subsequent selective analysis pipeline allowed for timeous reporting back of patients results. This is feasible and can be employed for the molecular diagnosis of a wide range of rare monogenic disorders in resource-constrained environment.
Assessing Stigma Towards Chronic Insomnia: The Role of Health Status and Life Quality
Authors: He Shuo , Ke Xue-Jia , Wu Yan , Kong Xiao-Yi , Zhang Ping , Wang Yun , Xia Deng-Zhi , Sun Hui-Qin , Chen Gui-Hai 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

The objective of this study was to explore the stigma and related influencing factors in patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID).
Methods

A total of 70 CID patients and 70 healthy controls (CON) were enrolled in the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) were used to assess sleep quality and depressive symptoms, respectively. The Chinese-Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA-C) was used to assess cognitive function. Stigma and life quality were measured using the Chronic Stigma Scale and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).
Results

The ratio of individuals with stigma was significantly different between CID and CON groups (C2 = 35.6, p < 0.001). Compared with the CON group, the CID group had higher scores for total stigma (U = 662.0, p < 0.001), internalized stigma (U = 593.0, p < 0.001), enacted stigma (U = 1568.0, p < 0.001), PSQI (U = 2485.0, p < 0.001) and HAMD-17 (U = 69.5, p < 0.001) as well as lower scores for MoCA-C (U = 3997.5, p < 0.001) and SF-36 for the items of physical role (U = 1560.5, p < 0.001), body pain (U = 1633.5, p < 0.001), general health (U = 1194.0, p < 0.001), vitality (U = 1169.5, p < 0.001), social function (U = 1703.0, p = 0.001), emotional role (U = 1451.5, p < 0.001), mental health (U = 1147.0, p < 0.001) and health transition (U = 1341.0, p < 0.001). Partial correlation analysis showed that different items of the Chronic Stigma Scale were positively correlated with illness duration, PSQI and HAMD-17 scores, while negatively correlated with one or more items of the SF-36. Multivariate regression analysis showed that illness duration and the mental health domain of the SF-36 were independent risk factors for one or more items of stigma in CID patients.
Conclusion

Patients with CID have an increased risk of stigma. Moreover, illness duration and mental health may be primary factors related to stigma.
Influence of Biobased Polyol Type On The Properties of Polyurethane Hotmelt Adhesives For Footwear Joints
Authors: Carbonell-Blasco M.P. , Pérez-Limiñana M.A. , Ruzafa-Silvestre C. , Arán-Ais F. , Orgilés-Calpena E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The implementation of a Circular Economy model, promoted by the increasingly stricter European policies, demands a comprehensive approach to resource efficiency. In this sense, polyurethanes, one of the most used polymers worldwide, are strongly dependent of non-renewable fossil resources. Thus, boosting the production of new polyurethanes / a new polyurethane based on more sustainable raw materials is crucial to move towards the footwear industry decarbonisation. INESCOP, aware of the footwear industry’s environmental impact, focuses on reducing or removing fossil-based raw materials and opts for eco-friendly ones. These sustainable raw materials provide polyurethane adhesives with additional beneficial non-toxicity and sustainable characteristics, without harming their properties during their useful life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to synthesise and characterise reactive hotmelt polyurethanes from biomass and CO2-based polyols as bioadhesives for the footwear industry. The influence of biobased polyols on the polyurethane structure, and therefore, on their final properties was analysed by different experimental techniques in order to assess their viability for the upper to sole bonding process.
CTPS1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer With Transcriptional Activation By YBX1
Authors: Lin Yuxiang , Zhang Jie , Li Yan , Guo Wenhui , Chen Lili , Chen Minyan , Chen Xiaobin , Zhang Wenzhe , Jin Xuan , Jiang Meichen , Xiao Han , Wang Chuan , Song Chuangui , Fu Fangmeng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Cytidine nucleotide triphosphate synthase 1 (CTPS1) is a CTP synthase which play critical roles in DNA synthesis. However, its biological regulation and mechanism in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has never been reported yet.Methods: The expression of CTPS1 in TNBC tissues was determined by GEO, TCGA databases and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effect of CTPS1 on TNBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and tumorigenesis were explored in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the transcription factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) was identifed by bioinformatics methods, dual luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assays. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess the association between YBX1 and CTPS1 expression. Results: CTPS1 expression was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Higher CTPS1 expression was correlated with a poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in TNBC patients. Silencing of CTPS1 dramatically inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion ability and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 cells. Xenograft tumor model also indicated that CTPS1 knockdown remarkably reduced tumor growth in mice. Mechanically, YBX1 could bind to the promoter of CTPS1 to promote its transcription. Furthermore, the expression of YBX1 was positively correlated with CTPS1 in TNBC tissues. Rescue experiments confirmed that the enhanced cell proliferation and invasion ability induced by YBX1 overexpression could be reversed by CTPS1 knockdown. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that YBX1/CTPS1 axis plays an important role in the progression of TNBC. CTPS1 might be a promising prognosis biomarker and potential therapeutic target for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Spectrofluorimetric Approach For Quantification of Cyclizine In The Presence of Its Toxic Impurities In Human Plasma; In Silico Study And ADMET Calculations
Authors: Fares Michel , Abdelwahab Nada S. , Sayed Ghada M. EL , Hegazy Maha A. , Abdelrahman Maha M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Cyclizine (CYZ); an antiemetic compound; is widely misused for its euphoric or hallucinatory effects, either by oral or intravenous routes. The concomitant abuse of CYZ among addicted adolescents contributes to neuromuscular disorders that are life-threatening. Consequently, with the company of 1-Methylpiperazine (MPZ) and diphenylmethanol (DPM, Benzhydrol) as pharmacopoeia-reported CYZ impurities, a novel spectrofluorimetric assay for the detection of CYZ, has been established either in human plasma samples or in its parenteral formulation. The native fluorescence of CYZ has been investigated under various conditions. Different parameters affecting relative fluorescence intensity of CYZ including diluting solvent, surfactant, plasma protein solvent, and pH were studied and optimized. The linearity obtained between the fluorescence intensity at emission wavelength 350 nm after excitation at 244 nm and the corresponding CYZ concentrations was in the range 10–1000 ng/mL for measurement of CYZ either in pure form or in human plasma samples, with a appropriate correlation coefficient (r = 0.9999) and 3.10 ng/mL as the limit of detection and 9.41 ng/mL as the limit of quantitation. The suggested procedure was created and validated in accordance with ICH guidelines for quantification of CYZ either in its pure form or its dosage form, and FDA guidelines for the assay of CYZ in human plasma. Finally, in silico study and ADMET predictions were conducted for the studied drug impurities to estimate their pharmacokinetic behaviors. The results showed that both CYZ impurities have higher cellular permeability and maximum tolerated doses, DPM has higher BBB and CNS permeability than MPZ, while MPZ exceeds DPM in total clearance and volume of distribution.