bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining Whether Tai Chi Chuan is Related to the Updating Function in Older Adults: Differences Between Experts and Novices
Authors: Yang Yuan , Chen Tingting , Yuan Xiaoxia , Zhong Xiaoke , Yan Shoufu , Jiang Changhao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is one effective method used to delay cognitive decline in older adults. However, the relationship between the long-term practice of TCC and the crucial working memory updating function of the brain in the elderly has not been comprehensively researched.Objective: This cross-sectional study explores how behavioral performance in a laboratory setting is related to long term practice of TCC on the updating function in older people using reaction times (RTs) of N-back tasks. Methods: 26 healthy elderly people participated in this experiment. According to the length of time TCC was practiced, 13 subjects in the TCC group had more than 5 years’ experience of TCC exercise, and 13 elderly subjects who had not been systematically exposed to mind-body exercise were assigned to the novice group. The N-back task was administered to every participant to evaluate the updating function. Results: The TCC group had faster RTs compared to the novice group (p<0.05); For the 1-back task, the TCC group showed faster RTs than the novice group. For the 2-back task, the novice group exhibited faster RTs than the TCC group. Conclusions: TCC experts exhibit greater updating function as compared to TCC novices. Long-term TCC appears to be positive associated with the updating function of older adults, making it an effective exercise to maintain cognitive function in the elderly.
Nitrogen Deficiency in Culture Affects the Metabolic Pathways in Amphora Coffeaeformis for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Wang Kang , Cui Yulin , Meng Chunxiao , Gao Zhengquan , Qin Song 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAmphora coffeaeformis, a unicellular diatom, can accumulate large amounts of lipids under nitrogen (N) limitation, because of which it can act as a promising raw material for biodiesel production. However, the molecular mechanism underlying lipid accumulation in A. coffeaeformis remains unknown. ResultsIn this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying lipid accumulation under N deprivation conditions in A. coffeaeformis using RNA-seq. The results showed that the total lipid (TL) content of A. coffeaeformis in normal f/2 medium was 28.22% (TL/DW), which increased to 44.05% after 5 days of N deprivation, while the neutral lipid triacylglycerol (TAG) content increased from 10.41% (TAG/DW) to 25.21%. The transcriptional profile showed that 591 genes were up-regulated, with false discovery rate cutoff of 0.1%, and 1,021 genes were down-regulated, indicating that N deprivation induced wide-ranging reprogramming of regulation, and that most physiological activities were repressed. In addition, ribosome biogenesis, carbon fixation, and photosynthesis in A. coffeaeformis were considerably affected by N deprivation. ConclusionsIn summary, the findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of neutral lipid accumulation and revealed the key genes involved in lipid metabolism in A. coffeaeformis, which will be useful in designing strategies for improving microalgal biodiesel production.
Cropland Displacement Drives Carbon Emission of Grain Transport in China
Authors: Zuo Chengchao , Wen Cheng , Clarke Graham , Turner Andy , Ke Xinli , Tang Lanping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cropland displacement is a worldwide land-use phenomenon that involves replacing cropland occupied by urbanization with newly developed cropland in remote areas. Large-scale cropland displacement to some extent helps secure food supply to the growing urban population but also drives a great need for grain transport, which leads to rising energy consumption and carbon emission. Here we show a systematic evaluation of the carbon emission associated with grain transport at the prefecture-level in China in 1990 and 2015. We found that the total emission of grain transport in China more than doubled from 4.46 million-ton to 10.73 million-ton during this period. Cropland displacement contributed more than 60% of the increased carbon emission, while dietary change and population growth contributed 31.7% and 16.6%, respectively. In contrast, improvement of transport infrastructures offset 0.54 million-ton of the increased emission. Based on the research results, we provide policy suggestions on reducing grain transport carbon emission in China in terms of land use planning, grain-based value chain, as well as transport development.
Snail Mucus Induces Cytotoxicity and Chemosensitivity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells via Activation of Fas Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ho Chien-Yi , Hu Dai-Wei , Chen Bo-Rong , Yang Chun-Chun , Yao Chun-Hsu , Ni Tien , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Tu Chih-Yen , Chang Wei-Chao , Wu Yang-Chang , Tang Chih-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chi , Huang Wei-Chien , Li Tzong-Shiun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) patients showed poor survival outcomes due to chemoresistance, and the development of new therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. The development of cancer is mainly related to chronic inflammation. Therefore, the pharmacological reduction of inflammation by natural extract components may promote anti-cancer activity and increase chemosensitivity. Snail mucus has been reported to possess the ability against inflammation, a process closely related to tumorigenesis, suggesting a potential anti-cancer function. The direct cytotoxic activity of snail mucus in cancer cells was investigated in this study.Methods The effect of snail mucus on cell viability in breast cancer cells and normal epithelial cells were measured by MTT and IncuCyte Live-cell analysis. The active fractions of snail mucus were isolation by performing MPLC and the anti-cancer ingredients were identified by NMR spectrometer analysis.Results Snail mucus significantly decreased the proliferation and viability of TNBC cells with relatively lower cytotoxicity to normal breast epithelial cells and enhanced their response to chemotherapy. Mechanistically, snail mucus induces an extrinsic apoptotic pathway through activation of Fas signaling by suppressing nucleolin. Two possible peptide fractions have also been identified as the anti-cancer ingredients of the snail mucus.ConclusionsIn summary, snail mucus can induce programmed cell death via the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and might have therapeutic potential with chemo-sensitizing effect for TNBCs.
Habitat and Client Diversity Influence the Skin Microbiome of the Caribbean Cleaner Goby Elacatinus Evelynae
Authors: Pereira Ana , Soares Marta C. , Santos Teresa , Poças Ana , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Apprill Amy , Sikkel Paul C. , Xavier Raquel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Fish associated microorganisms are known to be affected by the environment and other external factors, such as microbial transfer between interacting partners. One of the most iconic mutualistic interactions on coral reefs are the cleaning interactions between cleanerfishes and their clients, during which direct physical contact occurs. Here, we characterized the skin bacteria of the Caribbean cleaner sharknose goby, Elacatinus evelynae, in four coral reefs of the US Virgin Islands using sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. We specifically tested the relationship between gobies’ level of interaction with clients and skin microbiota diversity and composition. Our results showed differences in microbial alpha- and beta-diversity in the skin of gobies from different reef habitats and high inter-individual variation in microbiota diversity and structure. Overall, the results showed that fish-to-fish direct contact and specifically, access to a diverse clientele, influences the bacterial diversity and structure of cleaner gobies’ skin. Because of their frequent contact with clients, and therefore, high potential for microbial exchange, cleanerfish may serve as models in future studies aiming to understand the role of social microbial transfer in reef fish communities.
A case series of 13 patients with COVID-19 associated respiratory symptoms treated with Nebulized OTR4120 (Cacipliq20®)
Authors: Husseini Ali El , Barritault Denis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We report a series of 13 patients with COVID-19 treated with Cacipliq20®, an heparan sulfate mimetic approved for the treatment of hard to heal cutaneous ulcers. Heparan sulfates play important roles in tissue repair and possess antiviral activity. Cacipliq20® was administered through nebulization at a dose of 45 mg twice a day for 5.5 consecutive days. All patients presented respiratory symptoms with some dyspnea and in most cases pulmonary abnormalities on chest CT-Scan. Eight patients presented with a moderate form of the disease, three patients with a severe form, one with a mild form, and one with a critical form. In all patients the treatment was added to the standard of care. Ten patients were treated during the acute stage of the disease (<4 weeks from symptoms onset) while 3 patients were in the post-acute stage (>4 weeks from symptoms onset). A second treatment was administered for another 5.5 days in 6 patients. All patients showed clinically improvement after treatment. The time to first improvement ranged from 2 to 4 days after first treatment onset with a median of 3 days. Time to full clinical recovery ranged between 6 to 27 days from treatment onset with a median of 6 days. Lung CT scans followed clinical impression and showed a clear improvement of the lesions in most cases. The treatment was well tolerated in all patients. These preliminary observations should justify further evaluation through a well-designed placebo-controlled therapeutic trial.
se-atlas: Mapping of Health Care Providers for People With Rare Diseases - a Cross-sectional Survey From the User Perspective
Authors: Schaaf Jannik , Neff Michaela , Till Manuela , Tegtbauer Niels , Storf Holger 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn rare diseases, only a low number of regionally distributed experts are available in medical care. The health service platform for rare diseases (www.se-atlas.de) provides a search for health care providers and patient organisations in Germany for specific rare diseases and presents the results to patients or physicians. The objective of this study was to examine the background and purpose, user satisfaction and usability when using se-atlas and to receive suggestions on improvements for implementation in the next release of se-atlas. MethodsWe conducted an online survey over a total period of five weeks between December 2020 and January 2021. Participants were members of patient organisations of rare diseases and experts of rare diseases centres in Germany. The questionnaire addressed the objectives of this study in 10 questions. We used Likert scales (4 to 6 points), as well as the System Usability Scale to measure usability (range: 0 to 100). The data obtained from the survey was analysed descriptively. ResultsIn total, 55 participants completed the survey (16 experts and 39 members of patient organisations). The results demonstrate that users know se-atlas mainly through patient organisations and the German National Action League for People with Rare Diseases. Furthermore, the experts use se-atlas more frequently than members of patient organisations do. Regarding to user satisfaction, participants were satisfied when using se-atlas (scale 1-6, mean = 4.31, SD = 1.18). They rated se-atlas functions with an average between 3.82 and 4.4 (scale 1-6). Additionally, se-atlas functions were considered as important with an average between 3.11 and 3.75 (scale 1-4). With regard to usability, the website was rated with an overall SUS score of 67.1, whereas the results differ between the participants group (experts = 76.1, patient organisations = 63.1). Moreover, participants made suggestions, e.g. that more disease entries should be available and usability can be improved. ConclusionsThis study involved experts and members of patient organisations to assess the background and purpose, user satisfaction and usability when using se-atlas. Despite the promising results and first new implementations, further optimisations of the platform in terms of usability and various functionalities are necessary.
Variations and Sensitivity Analysis of Reference Evapotranspiration During 2010-2019 in the Zhangye Farmland Oasis, Northwest China
Authors: Fang Miao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important parameter for agricultural water management in the arid Zhangye farmland oasis. However, the ET0 variations in this oasis over the last decade and meteorological forcings of these variations are unknown. This study investigated the ET0 variations during 2010-2019 in this oasis using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM) and Hargreaves equations. Results showed that the ET0 features daily and monthly variations with peak values in mid-July and an annual cycle. Although the estimated ET0 series based on the two equations have high correlations in the time domain, the Hargreaves equation always underestimates the ET0 compared to the PM equation. The yearly ET0 showed statistically significant increasing trends (90% significance level) during 2010-2019, while statistically significant increasing trends in monthly ET0 are found only in March and November. Increasing trends reflected in monthly and yearly ET0 are mainly attributed to the increasing maximum temperature and sunshine duration and decreasing relative humidity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the meteorological factor to which the ET0 is most sensitive varies with time scale and equation. Moreover, regression equations used to correct the underestimation associated with the Hargreaves equation for estimating ET0 in the Zhangye farmland oasis also were constructed.
Comparison of Simultaneous Integrated Boost and Late-course Boost Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Yu , Du Guobo , Hu Jianping , Wu Tingting , Meng Xue , Tan Bangxian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper aimed to analyze and compare the outcomes of esophageal carcinoma treated with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) and late-course boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy (LCB-IMRT). The retrospective study was designed to analyze the clinical data of 274 esophageal cancer patients who received radical radiotherapy in the Oncology Department of our hospital, from January 2014 to December 2017. Propensity score matching analysis was used to balance the variable differences in the two groups. Survival, toxicities, and target dose were observed and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software. P<0.05 judged to be statistically significant. 200 patients were finally included after propensity scores matching , The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and local control rates of the entire group were 80.5% vs. 67.6%, 38.2% vs. 31.3%，and 22.2% vs. 20.4%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 85.0% vs. 76.0%, 41.8% vs. 34.5%, and 25.5% vs. 21.3%, respectively (P＞0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5- year local control rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 77.3% vs. 58.0%, 31.4% vs. 30.1%, and 20.0% vs. 20.7%, respectively (P＞0.05). The recent total effective rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 96.0% vs. 92.0% (P＞0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of ≥2 grade acute radiation esophagitis and pneumonia between the two groups (P＜0.05). The does of lung V5, lung V10, lung Dmean, and spinal cord Dmax in the SIB-IMRT group were significantly lower than those in LCB-IMRT group (P＜0.05). Patients age, tumor location, tumor length, gross tumor target volume, N stage were independent prognostic factors of overall survival and local control. Compared with the LCB-IMRT group, the survival prognosis of the SIB-IMRT group has benefit trend, patients in the SIB-IMRT group received less radiation dose to the normal organs around the target area, and the toxicities effects of radiotherapy were lighter, which is more conducive to the protection of normal tissues around the target area.
Astragaloside IV Promotes the Angiogenic Capacity of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Hindlimb Ischemia Model by FAK Phosphorylation via CXCR2
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Shen Zekun , Tang Yanan , Chen Bingyi , Chen Jinxing , Hou Jiaxuan , Li Jiayan , Zhang Mengzhao , Liu Shuang , Mei Yifan , Zhang Liwei , Lu Shaoying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTherapeutic a­ngiogenesis by transplantation of autologous/allogeneic adipose stem cells (ADSCs) is a potential method for the treatment of severe limb ischemia (CLI). However, the therapeutic efficiency is limited by poor viability, adhesion, migration and differentiation after cell transplantation into the target area. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the main active components of Astragalus, has been widely used in the treatment of ischemic diseases and can promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis.MethodsADSCs were obtained and pretreated with the different concentration of AS-IV. In vitro, we analyzed the influence of AS-IV on ADSC proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and recruitment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and analyzed the relevant molecular mechanism. In vivo, we injected drug-pretreated ADSCs into a Matrigel or hindlimb ischemia model and evaluated the therapeutic effect by the laser Doppler perfusion index, immunofluorescence and histopathology. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that AS-IV improved ADSC migration, angiogenesis and endothelial recruitment. The molecular mechanism may be related to the upregulation of CXCR2 to promote the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). In vivo, Matrigel plug assay showed that ADSCs pretreated with AS-IV have stronger angiogenic potential. The laser Doppler perfusion index of the hindlimbs of mice in the ADSC/AS-IV group was significantly higher than the laser Doppler perfusion index of the hindlimbs of mice of the ADSC group and the control group, and the microvessel density was significantly increased.ConclusionAS-IV pretreatment can improve the migration, angiogenesis and endothelial cell recruitment of ADSCs by FAK phosphorylation via CXCR2, as well as the therapeutic effect on ischemic hindlimb model, which will bring new insights into the treatment of severe limb ischemia.
Micro-particle entrainment under stirred energy from liquid carrier system
Authors: Shovon S M Naser , Alam Adeeb , Khoda Bashir 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Controlled delivery of inorganic microparticles by the dipping process can open up 3D near-net-shape production techniques through sintering, robocasting or additive manufacturing, and material joining. However, micro-scale inorganic particles (d>1 µm) have reduced surface area and higher density, making them negatively buoyant in dip-coating mixtures and challenging for high yield solid transfer through entrainment due to the density mismatch. In this work, the physical phenomenon of the particle transfer process under stirring energy with negatively buoyant, non-Brownian micro-particles from density mismatching mixture is investigated. Liquid carrier system (LCS) solution is prepared by the combination of a binder polymer and an evaporating solvent. Inorganic micro-particles are dispersed with the assistance of a magnetic stirrer to maintain the suspension characteristics of the mixture. The effect of solid loading and the binder volume fraction on solid transfer has been reported. Two coating regime is observed (i) heterogeneous coating where particles clusters are formed at a low capillary number and (ii) effective viscous regime, where full coverage can be observed on the cylindrical substrate. In our experiment, we have not observed ‘zero’ particle entrainment even at the low capillary number of the mixture, which can be attributed to the presence of binder and hydrodynamic flow of the particles due to the stirring of the mixture. The critical film thickness for particle entrainment is found as ℎ * = 0.16a for 6.5% binder and ℎ * = 0.26a for 10.5% binder, which are smaller than previously reported. Furthermore, the transferred particle matrices are compared with the analytical expression of density matching suspension. The finding of this research will help to understand the high-volume solid transfer technique and develop a novel manufacturing process.
Predictive factors of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis induced by durvalumab following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mayahara Hiroshi , Uehara Kazuyuki , Harada Aya , Kitatani Keiji , Yabuuchi Tomonori , Miyazaki Shuichirou , Ishihara Takeaki , Kawaguchi Hiroki , Kubota Hikaru , Okada Hideaki , Ninomaru Taira , Shindo Chihiro , Hata Akito 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by durvalumab is the standard of care for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell cancer (LA-NSCLC). However, a major concern about the administration of durvalumab after CCRT is whether the incidence of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) increases. In the present analysis, we report the initial results of CCRT followed by durvalumab in patients with LA-NSCLC in a real-world setting with a focus on predictive factors for symptomatic RP. MethodsPatients who were pathologically diagnosed with NSCLC and initiated treatment with CCRT followed by durvalumab between July 2018 and December 2019 were eligible for this study. Patients were included if they completed the planned CRT course and were administered at least one course of durvalumab. We retrospectively investigated the preliminary survival outcome and incidence and predictive factors for symptomatic RP. ResultsOf the 67 patients who were scheduled to receive CCRT, 63 completed the entire CCRT course. Of these patients, 56 proceeded to consolidation with durvalumab. The median time to eternal discontinuation of durvalumab was 9.7 months. The cumulative proportions of patients who exhibited symptomatic RP were 30, 40 and 44% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the pulmonary fibrosis score and lung V40 were significant predictive factors for symptomatic RP (p < 0.001, HR: 7.83, 95% CI: 3.38-18.13, and p = 0.034, HR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.09-9.19, respectively). ConclusionsThe pulmonary fibrosis sore and lung V40 are significant predictive factors for symptomatic RP. We should be cautious about the administration of durvalumab for patients with subclinical pulmonary fibrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first reports showing the predictive value of high dose volumes to the lung in patients with LA-NSCLC who receive CCRT followed by durvalumab.