bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of biosurfactants using Egyptian soil fungi
Authors: Hamed Shimaa R. , Al-Wasify Raed S. , Ragab Samar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Soil fungi have unique physiological and metabolic features, and are considered as an important source of biomolecules. The present research aims to study the ability of local soil fungal isolates for the production of biosurfactants and to study the stability of these biosurfactants under different temperatures (50, 70, 90, 110, and 121 ºC), different pH values (2, 3, 6, 10, 12, and 15), and different salinity concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% NaCl) depending on the formation of clear zone using oil displacement area (ODA) test. The research also aims to study the enhancement effect of four vegetable oils including sunflower oil, waste frying oil, olive oil, and corn oil on the activity of the produced biosurfactants. The obtained results showed that Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus wentii and Fusarium sp. had the maximum biosurfactants production. The stability of biosurfactants occurred at alkaline pH, wide range of temperatures, and under high salinity (15%). Sunflower oil had the maximum enhancement effect on the activity of the produced biosurfactants, while corn oil showed lower enhancement effect. Depending on the obtained results, it can be concluded that local soil fungal isolates are considered as a promising source for production of biosurfactants.
Eradication of Cervical Canal Colonization In Treatment Associated With Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage: The LOOK FURTHER Study
Authors: Sroka-Ostrow Natalia , Pietrzak Radosław , Pykało-Gawińska Dominika , Zaręba-Szczudlik Julia , Czajkowski Krzysztof , Romejko-Wolniewicz Ewa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The perioperative management of the cervical cerclage procedure is not unified. Controlling microbiome cervical status does not affect obstetric outcomes in general population, but it can be beneficial in cervical insufficiency. Eliminating cervical pathogens in those patients may increase the effectiveness, resulting in prevention of miscarriage or preterm labor and delivery of a baby capable of normal development.METHODS: Thirty five patients undergoing cervical cerclage at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, were included in the study. The procedure was performed only after receiving a negative culture from the cervical canal.RESULTS: Thirty one (88.5%) patients delivered after the 34th and 28 (80%) after the 37th week of gestation. The colonization of genital tract was found in 31% of patients prior to the procedure, 42% in the subsequent course of pregnancy and 48% before delivery. Eighty five percent of patients who had miscarriage or delivered prematurely had abnormal cervical cultures. In patients with normal cervical cultures 91.67% women delivered at term. There were no abnormalities in children’s development.CONCLUSIONS: Controlling microbiological status of the cervical canal results in better or similar outcomes to those reported by other authors in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Active eradication of the reproductive tract colonization potentially increases the effectiveness of the cervical cerclage placement.
Exploration of a Modified Stage for pN0 Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Yunxiao , Zhang Hao , Wang Yuliuming , Zheng Mingyu , Wang Chunlin , Hu Hanqing , Tang Qingchao , Wang Guiyu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Exploring a modified stage (mStage) for pN0 colon cancer patients.Methods: 39637 pN0 colon cancer patients were collected from the SEER database (2010-2015) (development cohort) and 455 pN0 colon cancer patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (2011-2015) (validation cohort). The optimal lymph nodes examined (LNE) stratification for cancer-specific survival (CSS) was obtained by X-tile software. LNE is combined with conventional T stage to form the mStage.Results: The novel N stage was built based on the LNE (N0a: LNE ≥ 26, N0b: LNE = 10-25 and N0c: LNE < 10). The mStage include mStageA (T1N0a, T1N0b, T1N0c and T2N0a), mStageB (T2N0b, T2N0c and T3N0a), mStageC (T3N0b), mStageD (T3N0c, T4aN0a and T4bN0a), mStageE (T4aN0b and T4bN0b) and mStageF (T4aN0c and T4bN0c). Cox regression model showed that mStage was an independent prognostic factor. AUC showed that the predictive accuracy of mStage was better than the conventional T stage for 5-year CSS in the development (0.700 vs 0.678, P < 0.001) and validation cohort (0.649 vs 0.603, P = 0.018). The C-index also showed that mStage had a superior model-fitting.Conclusions: For pN0 colon cancer patients, mStage might be superior to conventional T stage in predicting the prognosis.
Caffeine Prevalence, Daily Consumption, and Factors Associated with Use among Active Duty United States Military Personnel
Authors: Knapik Joseph J , Steelman Ryan A , Trone Daniel W. , Farina Emily K. , Lieberman Harris R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Although representative data on caffeine intake in Americans are available these data do not include US service members (SMs). The few previous investigations in military personnel largely involve convenience samples. This cross-sectional study examined prevalence of caffeine use, daily consumption, and factors associated with use among United States active duty military service members (SMs). Methods: A stratified random sample of 200,000 SMs were asked to complete a questionnaire on their personal characteristics and consumption of caffeinated products. Eighteen percent (n=26,680) of successfully contacted SMs (n=146,365) completed the questionnaire. Results: Overall, 87% reported consuming caffeinated products ≥1 time/week. Mean ± standard error per-capita consumption (all participants) was 218±2 and 167±3 mg/day for men and women, respectively. Caffeine consumers ingested 243±2 mg/day (251±2 mg/day men, 195±3 mg/day women). On a body-weight basis, men and women consumed respectively similar caffeine amounts (2.93 vs 2.85 mg/day/kg; p=0.12). Among individual caffeinated products, coffee had the highest prevalence (68%), followed by sodas (42%), teas (29%), energy drinks (29%) and gums/candy/medications (4%). In multivariable logistic regression, characteristics independently associated with higher use prevalence (≥1 time/week) included female gender, older age, white race/ethnicity, higher body mass index, tobacco use or former use, greater alcohol intake, and higher enlisted or officer rank. Conclusion: Compared to National Health and Nutrition Survey Examination data, daily consumption (mg/day) by SMs was higher, perhaps reflecting higher mental and physical occupational demands on SMs.
Head-Down Tilt Bed Rest Improves Executive Function Amongst Younger Adults: A Pilot Project
Authors: Mekari Said , Murphy René , MacKinnon Andrew , Hollohan Quinn , Macdougall Samantha , Courish Molly , Kimmerly Derek , Neyedli Heather 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Microgravity has been shown to be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system and the brain due to the redistribution of fluids that occurs in the absence of gravitational force, but there is scarce literature surrounding the effects of microgravity on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. Understanding the early effects that simulated gravity has on cognitive function is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective cognitive/decisions making while astronauts prepare for the initial launch or when they arrive in a microgravity environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine how an acute simulation of microgravity would alter cerebral oxygenation and executive functions.
Methods

Sixty-five young healthy participants (22±6 years, 21 females) completed a thirty (30) minute horizontal (00 tilt) followed by a 90-min -6° head-down-tilt (HDT) protocol. Cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex was monitored throughout the testing session using near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognition was also measured using a computerized Stroop Task.
Results

Our results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation was higher during HDT compared to the horizontal supine position (9.11±1.3 vs 7.51±1.8, p=0.02). For the cognitive results, the non-executive performance of the Stroop task remained stable during HDT (652.46± 19.3 vs. 632.49±14.5, p=0.09). However, reaction time during the executive task performance was improved after the HDT (1058±195 msec to 950±158 msec, p<0.01).
Conclusion

Our results suggest that an acute bout of simulated microgravity can enhance executive functioning.
Mapping the Deformability of Natural and Designed Cellulosomes in solution
Authors: Dorival Jonathan , Moraïs Sarah , Labourel Aurore , Rozycki Bartosz , Cazade Pierre A , Dabin Jérôme , Setter-Lamed Eva , Mizrahi Itzhak , Thompson Damien , Thureau Aurélien , Bayer Edward A , Czjzek Mirjam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background : Natural cellulosome multi-enzyme complexes, their components, and engineered ‘designer cellulosomes’ (DCs) promise an efficient means of breaking down cellulosic substrates into valuable biofuel products. Their broad uptake in biotechnology relies on boosting proximity-based synergy among the resident enzymes but the modular architecture challenges structure determination and rational design.Results: We used small angle X-ray scattering combined with molecular modeling to study the solution structure of cellulosomal components. These include three dockerin-bearing cellulases with distinct substrate specificities, original scaffoldins from the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus champanellensis (ScaA, ScaH and ScaK) and a trivalent cohesin-bearing designer scaffoldin (Scaf20L), followed by cellulosomal complexes comprising these components, and the nonavalent fully loaded Clostridium thermocellum CipA in complex with Cel8A from the same bacterium. The size analysis of Rg and Dmax values deduced from the scattering curves and corresponding molecular models highlight their variable aspects, depending on composition, size and spatial organization of the objects in solution.Conclusion: Our data quantifies variability of form and compactness of cellulosomal components in water and confirms that this native plasticity may well be related to speciation with respect to the substrate that is targeted. By showing that scaffoldins or components display enhanced compactness compared to the free objects, we provide new routes to rationally enhance their stability and performance in their environment of action.
Absence of Consistent Pattern Between Seasons or Among Species in Effects of Leaf Size on Insect Herbivory
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Feng Li , Lu Zhiyun , Wang Bo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Insect herbivory on plant leaves is a major determinant of plant fitness, especially the growth and survival of tree seedlings in forests. Leaf size is believed to significantly affect the intensity of herbivory. Studies often assume the relationship between leaf size and herbivory to be monotonic; however, it is influenced by many factors—the magnitude and direction of whose effects are different—indicating a complex non-monotonic pattern. In this study, we investigated the herbivory of 5754 leaves of 422 seedlings belonging to 43 subtropical tree species over two seasons in southwest China. The effects of leaf size on herbivory differed among seasons; a hump-shaped pattern was detected in December, while a pattern of monotonic increase was detected in September. A variety of patterns including complex non-monotonic patterns presenting U-shaped and hump-shaped patterns, as well as patterns indicating monotonic decrease and increase existed, although most species displayed a leaf-size-independent pattern. The relationship between leaf size and insect herbivory does not follow a constant rule, but differs across species and seasons, indicating that the effects of leaf size on the foraging preferences of insect herbivores may be contingent on both external (e.g., temperature) and intrinsic (e.g., other leaf traits) factors. Therefore, a one-off survey focusing a few species may provide misleading understanding on the overall pattern of the effect of leaf size on herbivory. Similar variations may also exist in other ecological processes, which should be given due consideration in future studies on biotic interactions.
Methodological Quality and Risk of Bias of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Liu Aifeng , Yu Weijie , Chen Jixin , Guo Tianci , Niu Puyu , Feng Huichuan , Jia Yizhen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Clinical guidelines need high-quality studies to support clinical decision-making, in which the evidence often was collected from systematic reviews (SRs) and/or meta-analyses (MAs). At present, the methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of SRs/MAs on stem cell therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has been poorly investigated. This study aims to strictly evaluate the methodological quality and RoB in SRs/MAs of stem cell therapy for KOA.Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases) were searched, from inception to October 5th, 2021. SRs/MAs involving RCTs or cohort studies on stem cell therapy for the treatment of KOA were included. The methodological quality and RoB were assessed using AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tool respectively. Results: In total, 22 SRs/MAs were included. According to the results obtained by AMSTAR 2 tool, all SRs/MAs were rated as “Critically low”. Main methodological weaknesses were as follows: eight items accounted for more than 50% of “No”, including Items 2 Protocol registration (81.82%), Item 7 Study exclusion and justification (86.36%) and Item 15 Investigation and discussion of publication bias (63.64%) were critical items. ROBIS-based RoB assessment showed that all the SRs/MAs were rated as “High”.Conclusions: The overall methodological quality of the SRs/MAs concerning the application of stem cell therapy in treating KOA is “Critically low”, while the RoB is high. It is difficult to provide effective evidence for the formulation of guidelines for KOA treatment. We suggest that the relevant methodological quality assessment should be carried out in the future before the SRs/MAs are used as clinical evidence.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021246924
Turning C1-gases to Isobutanol Towards a Great Environmental and Economic Sustainability via Innovative Biological Routes: Two Birds With One Stone
Authors: Liang Bobo , Fu Rongzhan , Ma Yingqun , Hu Lizhen , Fei Qiang , Xing Xinhui 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe dramatic increase in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has led to an irreversible effect on the ecosystem, which in turn caused significant harm to human beings and other species. Exploring innovative and effective approaches to neutralizing GHGs is urgently needed. Considering the advancement of synthetic biology and the bioconversion process, C1-utilizing cell factories (CUCFs) have been modified to be able to effectively convert C1-gases includes biogas, natural gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) into chemicals or fuels via biological routes, which greatly facilitates the inedible carbon sources used in biomanufacturing, increases the potential value of GHGs and meanwhile reduces the GHG emissions. Process design and resultsEven though the current experimental results are satisfactory in lab-scale research, the evaluation of economic feasibility as well as applications of CUCFs in industrial-scale still need to be analyzed. This study designed three scenarios of CUCFs-based conversion of biogas, natural gas, and CO2 into isobutanol, the detailed techno-economic analyses of these scenarios were conducted with the comparisons of capital cost, operating cost, and minimum isobutanol selling price (MISP). Results revealed that direct bio-conversion of CO2 by CUCFs into isobutanol exhibited the best economic performance with a MISP of $1.38/kg isobutanol. The single sensitivity analysis showed that the gas utilization rate, flow rate, and CO2 cost are the three most significant economic-driving forces on MISP of CO2-derived biological isobutanol. Multiple-point sensitivity analysis presented that the MISP for the long-term case can be as low as 0.99 $/kg with using ideal targets. ConclusionsOur findings provide a comprehensive assessment of bio-conversion of C1-gases via CUCFs to isobutanol in terms of the bioprocess design, mass/energy calculation, capital investment, operating expense, sensitivity analysis, and environmental impact. It is expected that this study may lead to the paradigm shift in isobutanol synthesis with C1-gases as substrates.
Optimizing Acquisition Times for Total-Body Positron-Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography with Half-Dose 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in Oncology Patients
Authors: He Yibo , Gu Yushen , Yu Haojun , Wu Bing , Wang Siyang , Tan Hui , Cao Yanyan , Chen Shuguang , Sui Xiuli , Zhang Yiqiu , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The present study aimed to explore the boundary of acquisition time and propose an optimized acquisition time for total-body positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) oncological imaging using half-dose 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity based on clinical diagnostic needs.
Methods
In this retrospective study, an exploration cohort (October 2019 to December 2019) of 46 oncology patients was first studied. The acquisition time for all patients was 15 min and the acquired images were reconstructed and further split into 15-, 8-, 5-, 3-, 2, 1-min duration groups (abbreviated as G15, G8, G5, G3, G2, and G1). The image quality and lesion detectability of reconstructed PET images with different acquisition times were evaluated subjectively (5-point scale, lesion-detection rate) and objectively (standardized uptake values, target-to-background ratio). In the same way, the filtered protocols were further validated in a cohort of 147 oncology patients (December 2019 to June 2021).
Results
In the exploration dataset, the subjective scores for G1, G2, G3, G5, and G8 were 2.0 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.3, 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 4.1 ± 0.2, respectively. Two cases in G1 were rated as 1 point. No significant difference in scores was observed between G5 and G8 (p = 0.89). In general, groups with a longer acquisition time showed lower background uptake and lesion conspicuity. Compared with G15, lesion-detection rate significantly reduced to 85.3% in G1. In the validation dataset, the subjective score was 2.9 ± 0.2 for G2, 3.0 ± 0.0 for G3, 3.5 ± 0.4 for G5, 4.0 ± 0.2 for G8, and 4.5 ± 0.4 for Gs. Only the scores between G2 and G3 were not significantly different (p > 0.99). The detection rates (204 lesions) significantly reduced to 94.1-89.7% in G3 and G2 (all p < 0.001).
Conclusion
A 2-min acquisition protocol provided acceptable performance in certain groups and specific medical situations. And protocols with acquisition times ≥ 5 min could provide comparable lesion detectability as regular protocols, showing better compatibility and feasibility with clinical practice.
Evaluating Agripreneurs’ Satisfaction: Exploring the Effect of Demographics and Emporographics
Authors: YOGANANDAN G. , Rahman Abdul Aziz Abdul , Vasan M. , Meero Abdelrhman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper attempts to gauge the satisfaction of agripreneurs and seeks to explore the effect of demographics and emporographics on the agripreneurs’ satisfaction. This study proposes a seven-dimension survey instrument, called AprenSAT, for measuring agripreneurs’ satisfaction. Responses from 784 agripreneurs are analyzed by applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression. The extraction of seven factors confirms that agripreneurs’ satisfaction is influenced by material availability, government support, farm growth, farm income, market performance, cultivation & production and perceived farm image. The linear regression result delineates that demographic factors such as age, education level and farming experience significantly influence the agripreneurs’ satisfaction. Similarly, variables of emporographics such as farm age, farm size, annual income, land ownership, sources of funds, and intercropping have a substantial influence on agripreneurs’ satisfaction. We recommend information dissemination, hands-on training, the creation of adequate infrastructure and technology adoption to enhance agripreneurs’ satisfaction and rural development.
Low Molecular Weight Sulfated Chitosan Efficiently Reduces Infection Capacity of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) In PK15 Cells
Authors: Jiménez-Arriagada Daniela , Hidalgo Alejandro A. , Neira Victor , Neira-Carrillo Andrónico , Bucarey Sergio A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated diseases are a major problem for the swine industry worldwide. In addition to vaccines, the availability of antiviral polymers provides an efficient and safe option for reducing the impact of these diseases. By virtue of their molecular weight and repetitious structure, polymers possess properties not found in small-molecule drugs. In this perspective, we focus on chitosan, a ubiquitous biopolymer, that adjusts the molecular weight and sulfated-mediated functionality could act as a efficient antiviral polymer by mimicking PCV2-cell receptor interactions.
Methods
Sulfated chitosan (Chi-S) polymers of two molecular weights were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDS and elemental analysis. The Chi-S solutions were tested against PCV2 infection in PK15 cells in vitro and antiviral activity was evaluated by measuring the PCV2 copy number upon application different molecular weights, sulfate functionalization, and concentration of polymer. In addition, to explore the mode of action of the Chi-S against PCV2 infection, experiments were designed to clarify whether the antiviral activity of the Chi-S would be influenced by when it was added to the cells, relative to the time and stage of viral infection.
Results
Chi-S significantly reduced genomic copies of PCV2, showing specific antiviral effects depending on its molecular weight, concentration, and chemical functionalization. Assays designed to explore the mode of action of Chi-S revealed that exerted antiviral activity through impeding viral attachment and penetration into cells.
Conclusions
These findings help better understanding PCV2-porcine cells interaction and reinforce the idea that sulfated polymers, such as Chi-S, represent a promising candidate for uses in antiviral therapies against PCV2-associated diseases.