bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foxes at your front door? Habitat selection and home range of urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Kobryn Halina Teresa , Swinhoe Edward J. , Bateman Philip W. , Adams Peter J. , Shephard Jill M. , Fleming Patricia A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most adaptable carnivorans, thriving in cities across the globe. Understanding movement patterns and habitat use by urban foxes will assist with their management to address wildlife conservation and public health concerns. Here we tracked five foxes across the suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. Three females had a core home range (50% kernel density estimate; KDE) averaging 37 ± 20 ha (range 22–60 ha) or a 95% KDE averaging 174 ± 130 ha (range 92–324 ha). One male had a core home range of 95 ha or a 95% KDE covering 352 ha. The other male covered an area of ~ 4 or ~ 6 times this: having a core home range of 371 ha or 95% KDE of 2,062 ha. All five foxes showed statistically significant avoidance of residential locations and significant preference for parkland. Bushland reserves, golf courses, and water reserves were especially preferred locations. Foxes moved quickest (i.e. commuting) when they were in close proximity to roads and slowest (i.e. foraging) when they were further from roads. We compare these findings with a review of the literature for urban fox home ranges. The movement patterns we describe are likely to be common for urban foxes, with half of the published home range estimates for urban foxes (principally based on VHF data) excluding data for ‘lost’ individuals or animals that showed ‘excursions’. It is likely that the home range estimates for these urban exploiters have therefore been grossly underestimated to date. Further application of GPS trackers that allow remote download will vastly improve our understanding of the space use of urban foxes.
Emerging synergies on the co-treatment of spent coffee grounds and brewer's spent grains for ethanol production
Authors: Grammatikos Christos , Stoumpou Vassileia , Barampouti Elli Maria , Mai Sofia , Malamis Dimitris , Loizidou Maria 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Given that the depletion of fossil fuels is an important issue that should be tackled urgently, alternative routes are being sought for biofuels production. This paper, under this context, studied the potential synergies of co-treatment of two kinds of agro-waste (brewers’ spent grains, BSG and spent coffee grounds, SCG) towards the direction of biodiesel and bioethanol production, alleviating at the same time their treatment and management issues.Methods: The technical feasibility of oil extraction and ethanol production was studied and optimized in both laboratory and bench scale. A treatment train including alkaline pretreatment of SCG and dilute acid pretreatment of BSG, neutralization of the solutions by mixing them, enzymatic saccharification and ethanolic fermentation led to the production of bioethanol. Results: The co-treatment of BSG and SCG proved beneficial and optimum experimental conditions were defined by setting the bioethanol production cost as optimization parameter. The lowest ethanol production cost (3.9€/kg) was observed for scenario 4 (SCG/BSG mixture, chemical pretreatment (0.5N, 5h), enzymatic hydrolysis (400 μL/g cellulose, 16h)) and scenario 5 (SCG/BSG mixture, chemical pretreatment (0.5N, 5h), enzymatic hydrolysis (800 μL/g cellulose, 5h)). Further upscaling of the process verified the technical feasibility of process units leading to a further increase of ethanol yield and thus a decrease in the production cost. Conclusion: Conclusively, it was demonstrated that the recovery and extraction of the oil content of BSG and SCG and the achievement of high ethanol yields is technically feasible. Within this context, an integrated biorefinery was presented, making evident that these substrates could reverse the eminent energy crisis via biofuels production.
Spatiotemporal variations of DOM in a typical multi-source watershed in northern China: A fluorescent evidence
Authors: Jin Baichuan , Lin Zuhong , Liu Weiyi , Xiao Yong , Meng Yuan , Yao Xiaolong , Zhang Tingting 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the multi-source watershed is of guiding significance for the comprehensive management and the assessment of sustainable safety of the watershed. We investigated the components and spectral characteristics of DOM in North Canal River as a typical multi-source watershed in northern China for the first time, using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The relationship between DOM composition and water quality was also discussed. Results showed that the DOM in the North Canal River watershed was mainly composed of two similar humic acid-like components (230, 335/400nm and 260, 360/450nm) and a tryptophan-like component (280/290 ~ 350nm). The intensity of DOM shows obvious seasonal spatiotemporal variations. In terms of time, the relative concentration of DOM in winter is significantly higher than that in other seasons due to the influence of water volume, temperature, and photochemical degradation factors. As for the aspect of space, under the combined effect of land use and multiple sources of pollution, the relative concentration of tryptophan-like in the mainstream was significantly higher than tributaries, while the relative concentration of humic-like components in the tributaries was higher than that in the mainstream. In the North Canal River watershed, the primary sources of DOM are human-derived point sources and agricultural non-point sources in the mainstream, and terrestrial and microbial sources in the tributaries. Moreover, the composition of DOM is significantly related to water quality indicators, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which shows that DOM can have an indicative impact on the trophic status in the North Canal River. The result of this study may provide an indicative effect and scientific basis for water quality monitoring and pollution controlling in the North Canal River watershed.
Comparison of tumor mutation burden of 300 various non-Hodgkin lymphomas using panel based massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Cho Junhun , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Seok Jin , Ko Young Hyeh , Kim Won Seog 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Tumor mutation burden is an emerging biomarker for immunotherapy. Although several clinical trials for immunotherapy in lymphoma have been carried out, the mutation burden of various lymphomas is not well known yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare tumor mutation burden of various non-Hodgkin lymphomas using panel based massively parallel sequencing. Methods: We conducted 405 gene panel based massively parallel sequencing of 300 non-Hodgkin lymphomas and investigate the number of SNV/Indel in each lymphoma. Results: The number of SNV/Indel was higher in mature B-cell lymphoma than in mature T- and NK-cell lymphoma.(P < 0.001) The number of SNV/Indel in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system was the highest, which was significantly higher than that in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS).(P = 0.030 and P = 0.008, respectively) The SNV/Indel number in EBV-positive DLBCL NOS was significantly lower than that in DLBLC NOS.(P = 0.048) Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, NOS showed no significant difference in the number of SNV/Indel from extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (P = 0.942) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (P = 0.739). The number of SNV/Indel in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive was significantly lower than that in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative (P = 0.049). It showed the lowest SNV/Indel number among all lymphomas.Conclusion: Various lymphomas have different mutation burdens. Thus, tumor mutation burden could be used as a promising biomarker for immunotherapy in lymphomas.
The impact of COVID-19 on clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific region and future implications
Authors: Lui Lucas N.Q. , Tan Aaron C. , Ng Matthew C.H. , Chow Pierce K.H. , Tan Daniel S.W. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the conduct of clinical trials in an unparalleled manner due to multiple levels of restrictions imposed to control the spread of SARS-CoV2. These restrictions have presented major challenges for clinicians, sponsors, contract research organizations and patients participating in ongoing clinical trials and have necessitated alternative solutions to ensure study and patient care continuity. In this review, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on key metrics of the commencement and continuation of clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific region and the efforts made to mitigate these challenges. Overall, newly initiated studies in 2020, outside of those directly related to COVID-19, were reduced. Access to sites and recruitment were also impacted significantly although recovery has begun in the latter half of 2020. Clinical trials consist of complex workflows across study procedures and site-patient engagements. Based on clinician and industry surveys, the impact of COVID-19 may drive an increase in interest and adoption of virtual, digital technologies and tools to help alleviate the numerous challenges for clinical trial stakeholders. We discuss these new approaches and debate their readiness and appropriateness for widespread use. With ongoing acceleration of the pandemic and the maturation of technology, we expect increasing near-term adoption of virtual and digital methodologies in clinical trials. As a silver lining of the pandemic, these approaches may make studies more patient centric, improve clinical trial efficiency and enhance the experience and care of the patients enrolled on trials.
Assessment of biosafety and toxicity of hydrophilic gel for implantation in experimental in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Bezdieniezhnykh Natalia , Lykhova Alexandra , Kozak Tamara , Zadvornyi Taras , Voronina Olena , Lukyanova Natalia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The assessment of biosafety of pharmacologically active substances is crucial for determining the feasibility of their medical use. There are controversial issues regarding the use of substances of different origins as implants. Methods: We have conducted the comprehensive studies to determine the in vivo toxicity and in vitro genotoxicity of new generation of hydrophilic gel for implantation (production name of the substance "Activegel") to detail its characteristics and assess its biosafety. Results: In vivo studies have shown the absence of clinical manifestations of intoxication in animals and no abnormalities in their physiological condition, general and biochemical blood tests. Evaluation of the site of the gel application showed no inflammatory reaction and evidenced on normal state of tissues of animal skin. The results of the genotoxicity test indicated that the gel did not affect the parameters of DNA comets and, accordingly, had no genotoxic effect on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. When studying the effect of the gel on malignantly transformed cells in vitro, it was found that the gel for implantation did not change the proliferative activity and viability of human breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study using various experimental model systems showed that the hydrophilic gel for implantation "Activegel" is non-toxic.
OCT- A characteristics of neovascular membranes in wet AMD- possible correlation to the prognosis.
Authors: Vidinova Christina Nicolaeva , Antonova Dafina , Guguchkova Pravoslava , Vidinov Kalin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
OCT-A i a new imaging modality that provides the opportunity for noninvasive characterization and quantification of the microvasculature in wet AMD.Purpose: The purpose of our study is to outline the different OCT- A characteristics of neovascular membranes in AMD in regard to their correlation with the effect of treatment and prognosis.Methods: In our prospective study 42 patients with wet AMD were enrolled. They were divided in 3 groups: 25 with Type 1 membranes (under RPE), 11 patients with Type 2 membranes and 6 with Type 3 – RAP lesions. They all underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including VA, fundus photography, structural OCT (Rtvue, Optovue) and OCT-A (Angiophlex, Zeiss). All of the patients were treated with aflibercept (Eylea) - 3 injections. They all were evaluated after the third injection.Results: In the group of patients with type 1 CNV usually a medusa shaped neovascular complex with afferent vessel, originating in the choroid was observed on the OCT-A. In 9 cases the vessels were very rough and larger than in the general group.The type 2 CNV we visualized a neovascular network that grows from the choroid vasculature traverses the RPE- Bruch’s membrane complex into the subretinal space. These structures usually had glomeruli like shape.Type 3 CNV is seen on OCT-A as retinal-choroid anastomoses originating in the deep capillary plexus of the retina. The majority of patients improved VA and retinal thickness after the application of Eylea. Only in 9 cases no change was seen. Those were mainly cases with Type 1 CNV and with larger caliber of the vessels.Conclusion: OCT angiography is a new imaging modality capable of revealing the morphological structure of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 neovascularization in exudative AMD. Visualizing the microarchitecture of the CNV membrane offers the prospect to evaluate the possible responses to therapy. Our results indicate that type 1 lesions, composed of a greater proportion of larger, mature vessels are less responsive to anti- VEGF therapy and are with poor prognosis.
The Affects of Genital Myiasis on the Diversity of Vaginal Flora in Female Bactrian Camels
Authors: Zhi Likang , Ai Dongdong , Yong Ming , Bao Huar , Han Baoxiang , Sun Bo , Tu Ya , Er Demtu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: One of the most important diseases that affect the reproductive organs of Bactrian camels is called Genital Myiasis. It can cause serious mechanical damage to the vaginal tissue of female Bactrian camels. The accumulation of bacteria in the vagina of female camels can affect their health and reproductive ability. The effect of this damage is commonly found in the vaginal flora and vaginal mucosal immune system. Therefore, this research is a study of the diversity of the vaginal flora and the differences between healthy Bactrian camels and those suffering from Genital Myiasis.Results: Vaginal microbiota samples were collected from two groups of female Bactrian camels of the same age. Illumina Miseq was used to sequence V3-V4 hypervariable genes of 16S rRNA in the samples, and the results showed that the vaginal microflora of the infected camel had a significantly greater OTU value. According to the Alpha diversity index and the level of vaginal pH, the diversity index of the infected camel flora were higher than that of the normal camel flora, and the pH were lower than that of the normal camel flora (P=0.006). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the abundance of dominant genera of Bactrian camel vaginal (P＞0.05), indicating that the structure of dominant flora of Bactrian camel vagina had a certain stability.Conclusions: Overall this comparison revealed the differences and similarities between vaginal flora Bactrian camels in various health states. In addition, this data provides a reference point for understanding the types of bacteria that cause genital myiasis that damages healthy development of Bactrian camels.
Single Session of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Decompensated Cirrhosis: An open-label randomized control trial
Authors: Roy Akash , Premkumar Madhumita , Sharma Anima , Verma Nipun , Singh Surender , De Arka , Chopra Madhu , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Dhiman Radha Krishan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Modulation of gut dysbiosis with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a novel modality and has shown promising results in decompensated cirrhosis (DC). We explored the impact of FMT on prognostic scores, complications, ammonia levels, inflammatory markers [(Interleukin -1 (IL-1) and 6 (IL-6)], and 180-day mortality in DC.Methods: Consecutive patients with DC (MELD12-21) were assigned to either FMT (FMT group) delivered as 30gm freshly prepared stool (from a related stool donor) homogenized in 100 ml of normal saline through a nasojejunal tube or standard of care therapy (SOC group). Outcomes were assessed on days 7, 28, 90, and 180.Results: Eighteen patients each with comparable baseline characteristics (88.8% males; mean age, 46.12±6.23 vs. 47.0±4.54; mean CTP, 9.5±0.71 vs. 9.6±0.80; mean MELD, 16.1±1.71 vs. 1.62±1.81) were allocated to FMT or SOC. Although significant differences were noted in the CTP score on day 7 (P=0.02) and day 90 (P=0.01), MELD and MELD-Na scores were similar at all time points. A non-significant reduction in ammonia levels was seen on day 7 and day 28 (P=0.21 and P=0.17; respectively). IL-1 (P=0.01) and IL 6 (P=0.005) levels reduced significantly on day 28. New-onset variceal bleed (P=0.70), breakthrough hepatic encephalopathy events (P=0.61) and 180-day survival (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 0.37-11.05; P=0.41). were similar. Although transient gastrointestinal side-effects were common (56.2%), no serious adverse events were noted.Conclusion: Single session FMT in DC is safe and leads to selective improvement of CTP scores and systemic inflammatory markers but offers no survival benefit. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04842539)
Exploring the connection between transdisciplinary co-production and urban stream sustainability solutions: A case study at an urban stream management symposium
Authors: Bixler R. Patrick , Belaire Amy , Faust Kasey , Scoggins Mateo , Gonzalez Ana 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Urban sustainability challenges are complex, impacting a wide range of stakeholders. In seeking solutions to sustainability problems, we ask in this case study: does team formation–specifically, single-, multi- or trans-disciplinary teams– impact the process and perceived efficacy of outcomes? It is commonly accepted that sustainable solutions must integrate scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines, coupled with community stakeholder ideas, norms, and practices in ways that link knowledge generation to decision-making and action. However, professionals often express barriers in meaningfully co-producing solutions across disciplinary or departmental boundaries and urban community engagement has traditionally informed, rather than empowered, local citizens. Because of these and other barriers, little empirical work has been conducted in ways that link insights from team science and community engagement to the co-production of knowledge for urban sustainability. Using case study data collected at the 5th Symposium for Urbanization and Stream Ecology (SUSE5), held in February 2020, we explored the impact of bringing different types of teams together to generate solutions to real-world “wicked problems” surrounding urban streams in Austin, Texas. We found that the solutions generated by trans-disciplinary teams–i.e., teams which include multiple disciplines and community members–were on average rated higher by their peers than solutions from single- or multi-disciplinary teams. However, the self-ratings of intra-team interactions of transdisciplinary teams had the highest variability. The findings from this limited, but novel and unique case study highlight the link between diverse actors working to solve complex problems in the service of community and policy change but also the challenges of transdisciplinary teams co-producing knowledge. A better understanding of these challenges can inform institutions and agencies employing a community-engaged process to solve urban sustainability challenges.
Spectral and Physiochemical Studying for Some 8-HQ Complexes
Authors: Mahmood Atheer A. , Ibraheem Kais R. , Hammadi Oday A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this work, some organometallic complexes with featured characteristics were prepared by linking metallic ions such as Al3+, Zn2+ and Ba2+ to the 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand. Two different solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), were used to form the solutions of the prepared complexes. The spectral characteristics in the UV, visible and IR regions, and physiochemical characteristics such as melting point, electrical conductivity, solubility and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, of the prepared complexes were studied. Also, the effect of solvent type on the spectral characteristics of these complexes were determined. The prepared complexes and their spectral and physiochemical characteristics were assessed to be used as laser dyes.
Increasing endogenous PPARγ ligands improves insulin sensitivity and protects against diet-induced obesity without side effects of thiazolidinediones
Authors: Tseng Yu-Hua , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chang Yi-Cheng , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Tsou Lun , Chen Shih-Yi , Ke Yi-Yu , Hung Ming-Shiu , Hee Siow-Wey , Lee Hsiao-Lin , Nong Jiun-Yi , Hung Fu-Hsin , Huang Jing-Yong , Kao Fang-Chi , Yang Wei-Shun , Chiu Chu-Hsuan , Lin Shih-Yao , Liu Bi-Yu , Tai Chi-Ming , Li Fu-An , Chen Yet-Ran , Chou Ya-Wen , Cheng Jamie , Shih Yvonne , Hsu Chih-Neng , Hwang Juey-Jen , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Cheng Ting-Jen , Chen Tzu-Yu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Insulin resistance and obesity are pivotal features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a master transcriptional regulator of systemic insulin sensitivity and energy balance. The anti-diabetic drug thiazolidinediones are potent synthetic PPARγ ligands and insulin sensitizers with undesirable side effects including increased adiposity, fluid retention, and osteoporosis, which limit their clinical use.
We and others have proved that 15-keto-PGE2 is an endogenous natural PPARγ ligand. 15-keto-PGE2 is catalyzed by prostaglandin reductase 2 (PTGR2) to become inactive metabolites. We found that 15-keto-PGE2 level is increased in Ptgr2 knockout mice. Ptgr2 knockout mice were protected from diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis without fluid retention nor reduced bone mineral density.
Diet-induced obese mice have drastically reduced 15-keto-PGE2 levels compared to lean mice. Administration of 15-keto-PGE2 markedly improved insulin sensitivity and prevented diet-induced obesity in mice. We demonstrated that 15-keto-PGE2 activates PPARγ through covalent binding to its cysteine 285 residue at helix 3, which restrained its binding pocket between helix 3 and β-sheets of the PPARγ ligand binding domain. This binding mode differs from the helix12-dependent binding mode of thiazolidinediones.
We further identified a small-molecule PTGR2 inhibitor BPRPT245, which interferes the interaction between the substrate-binding sites of PTGR2 and 15-keto-PGE2. BPRPT245 increased 15-keto-PGE2 concentration, activated PPARγ, and promoted glucose uptake in adipocytes. BPRPT245 also prevented diet-induced obesity, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, lowers fasting glucose without fluid retention and osteoporosis.
In humans, reduced serum 15-keto-PGE2 levels were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with controls. Furthermore, serum 15-keto-PGE2 levels correlate inversely with insulin resistance and fasting glucose in non-diabetic humans.
In conclusion, we identified a new therapeutic approach to improve insulin sensitivity and protect diet-induced obesity through increasing endogenous natural PPARγ ligands without side effects of thiazolidinediones.