bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pickering emulsions stabilized with PANI‐NP. Study of the thermoresponsive behavior under heating and radiofrequency irradiation
Authors: Bongiovanni Abel Silvestre , Molina Maria , Rivarola Claudia R. , Barbero Cesar A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicrometric Pickering emulsions in 1‐octanol or cyclohexane were stabilized with water‐dispersible electroactive polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI‐NP). The emulsions were characterized by optical and electronic microscopy as well as spectroscopic techniques. It was demonstrated that nanoparticles maintain their functional properties (e.g., pH sensitivity and electromagnetic absorption) in the emulsion. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, smart Pickering emulsions employing PANI‐NP stabilized with a thermosensitive polymer (PNIPAM) were obtained. The thermal behavior of the obtained structures was evaluated by turbidimetric techniques and an IR camera. The thermoresponsive emulsions have shown an important increment of the local temperature (>12°C) under radiofrequency (RF) irradiation. Phase transition of PNIPAM induced by heating or RF absorption provokes the breaking of the emulsions. In this context, the proposed systems herein could induce endothermal reactions carried out in organic solvents. Besides, Pickering emulsions formed by using electroactive PANI‐NP could be applied in several medical or industrial applications.
Diversity and origins of giant guitarfish and wedgefish products in Singapore
Authors: Choo Min Yi , Choy Christina Pei Pei , Ip Yin Cheong Aden , Rao Madhu , Huang Danwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Giant guitarfishes (Glaucostegidae) and wedgefishes (Rhinidae) are some of the most threatened marine taxa in the world, with 15 of the 16 known species exhibiting global population declines and categorized as Critically Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The recent inclusion of all species in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) necessitates more rigorous enforcement by regulatory authorities.
Challenges in regulating the trade of giant guitarfish and wedgefish products due to difficulties in visual identification of processed products and labelling issues impede enforcement. The aim of this study is to characterize the diversity and origins of associated traded products that were commercially available in Singapore, one of the world's top importers and re‐exporters of shark and ray products.
A total of 176 samples of elasmobranch products were obtained between June and December 2019 from fishery ports and various retailers in Singapore. By applying cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene barcoding, 31 elasmobranch species were detected, with 55% of the species considered threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable) based on the IUCN Red List and 35% of species listed in CITES Appendix II. Four species of giant guitarfishes and wedgefishes were commercially available to consumers in fresh forms of whole fish, fillet, and fin, as well as dried and cooked meats.
DNA barcoding has proven to be an effective tool for identifying elasmobranch products that are impossible to recognize visually and would aid enforcement of CITES trade regulations. This work underscores the urgent need to step up enforcement of marine wildlife regulations and draw public attention to the elasmobranch trade.
Invisible or ignored: investigating the lack of thylacine‐based material culture in the Australian archaeological record
Authors: KNIGHTS TESSA , LANGLEY MICHELLE C. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThere is a distinct lack of information regarding interactions between thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) and Aboriginal Australians. Their depiction in Australian rock art is not unusual, yet only one example of an artefact made from thylacine remains has been recovered from the archaeological record. This absence of thylacine‐based Indigenous material culture is conspicuous, especially since the raw materials such a large mammal provides would be useful and thus their depiction in art but absence from “things” appears significant. To investigate whether substantial opportunity existed for the exploitation of thylacines for the purpose of material culture production, and thus that sampling or cultural factors must instead be at play for their absence from the record, the location of known palaeontological, archaeological and rock art sites related to thylacines were mapped in time and space. Dated contexts are compared to create an overall picture of the overlap between thylacine habitat and human territories. We found that there was a significant period where interaction between this enigmatic animal and First Australians occurred, and, therefore, a lack of contact is not the reason for the near total absence of thylacine bones, teeth and other materials being missing from Indigenous material culture
Human antigen R (HuR) and Cold inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) influence intestinal mucosal barrier function in ulcerative colitis by competitive regulation on Claudin1
Authors: Xu Yan , Tian Yuxi , Wang Ying , Yang Junwen , Li Fujun , Wan Xiaoping , Ouyang Miao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo investigate the effects of RNA‐binding proteins cold‐inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) and human antigen R (HuR) on expression of Claudin1 and mucosal barrier function in ulcerative colitis (UC). The clinical specimens of UC patients and healthy volunteers were collected. In the clinical experiments, the expressions of CIRP, Claudin1, and HuR, along with their correlations in tissues of UC patients were analyzed by qRT‐PCR, Western blot and Pearson correlation coefficient, respectively. The chi‐square test was utilized to assess the relevance between CIRP/HuR/Claudin1 level and clinicopathological characteristics of UC patients. The in vitro and in vivo models of UC were established by lipopolysaccharide treatment or dextran sulfate sodium injection. For cell experiments, after loss‐ and gain‐of‐function, the roles of CIRP or HuR in the apoptosis and proliferation of enterocytes were examined by flow cytometry and CCK‐8 assay. The intestinal epithelial barrier function was inspected after determination on transepithelial electrical resistance value, horseradish peroxidase permeability and expressions of tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO‐1, and JAM‐1). The relationship between HuR, CIRP, and Claudin1 was performed by RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. For in vivo experiments, the disease activity index score, weight loss and colon length of mice were assessed to observe the effect of CIRP or HuR on the UC mouse models. Histological analysis of colon tissues was conducted by H&E staining. FITC‐dextran tracking was applied to inspect the intestinal mucosal barrier function of UC mouse models. In this study, high expression of CIRP and low expressions of HuR and Claudin1 were observed in patients, cells and mouse models of UC. The expressions of CIRP, HuR, and Claudin1 were correlated with the severity of patients with UC. There was a negative correlation between CIRP and Claudin1, and as a positive correlation between HuR and Claudin1. Claudin1 can be suppressed by CIRP, while enhanced by HuR. HuR and CIRP can competitively bind to Claudin1. HuR upregulation or CIRP downregulation promoted proliferation, suppressed apoptosis and ameliorated the damage of the barrier function in enterocytes. The in vivo experiments verified that the ameliorated damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier function in UC mice occurred with HuR overexpression or CIRP knockdown. CIRP and HuR confer pivotal effect on the intestinal mucosal barrier function of UC through competitively binding to Claudin1 mRNA.
Magnetic resonance tractography exhibiting retrograde degeneration of the corticospinal tract in a patient with a unilateral spinal cord tumor
Authors: Osaki Yusuke , Sako Wataru , Harada Masafumi , Izumi Yuishin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransection‐induced axonal retrograde degeneration, in contrast to Wallerian degeneration, has not been widely recognized in clinical practice.Aims of the StudyTo assess a potential of corticospinal tractography for detecting axonal retrograde degeneration.MethodsWe assessed the corticospinal tractography of a 74‐year‐old woman with monoplegia of the lower limb due to a unilateral thoracic spinal cord tumor.ResultsThe tractography revealed integrity reduction of the corticospinal tract in the cerebra contralateral to the spinal cord tumor.ConclusionsThe present report supports that magnetic resonance tractography has the potential for detecting this under‐recognized phenomenon.
Do chief information officers matter for sustainable development? Impact of their regulatory focus on green information technology strategies and corporate performance
Authors: Chan Ricky Y. K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study proposes and empirically tests a model delineating the relationships among a chief information officer's (CIO's) dominant regulatory focus, the corporate practice of green information technology (IT) strategies and corporate performance. It also examines the moderating role of regulatory stakeholder influence (RSI) in this model. Findings based on sampled firms operating in China have provided support for all the hypotheses. Specifically, they highlight that CIOs with a dominant promotion focus are more prone to practice green IT strategies than those with a dominant prevention focus. Moreover, RSI is found to positively moderate the impact of dominant regulatory focus on the practice of green IT strategies. This strategic practice is also found to enhance corporate performance. Last, the empirical findings reveal that a CIO's dominant promotion focus exerts a direct and positive influence on corporate performance, which suggests that this focus also serves as a direct driver for corporate performance. In sum, these findings not only enrich the extant literature on environmental management and information systems, but also provide useful insights into fine‐tuning firms' CIO selection criteria and policy makers' regulatory measures to advance corporate sustainability.
Public organizations and biodiversity disclosure: Saving face to meet a legal obligation?
Authors: Talbot David , Boiral Olivier 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe biodiversity disclosure practices of sub‐national governments remain understudied and poorly understood. The present study investigates the biodiversity disclosure practices of the 101 public organizations in Québec, Canada. The study's purpose is to better understand the internal dynamics that may explain the various shortcomings observed in official documents. To meet this objective, Goffman's dramaturgical frontstage/backstage analogy is used. In particular, the current study employs a content analysis of the sampled organizations' action plans and annual reports (N = 505) as well as interviews (N = 35). The results highlight both significant gaps in Québec's public organizations' biodiversity disclosure practices and a tendency for these organizations to make symbolic rather than substantial commitments. Also, problematic behaviors that can affect transparency were identified among the organizations—specifically, bricolage of actions and the manipulation of figures to influence stakeholder perceptions.
Mex3a promotes oncogenesis through the RAP1/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer and is inhibited by hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p
Authors: Li Haixia , Liang Jinghui , Wang Jiang , Han Jingyi , Li Shuang , Huang Kai , Liu Chuanyong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Mex3 RNA‐binding family member A (Mex3a) has demonstrated an important role in multiple cancers, its role and regulatory mechanism in CRC is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of Mex3a in CRC and to explore its underlying mechanism.MethodsWestern blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to detect the expression levels of genes. 5‐Ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EDU) and transwell assays were utilized to examine CRC cell proliferation and metastatic ability. The R software was used to do hierarchical clustering analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Overexpression and rescue experiments which included U0126, a specific mitogen activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) inhibitor, and PX‐478, a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF‐1α) inhibitor, were used to study the molecular mechanisms of Mex3a in CRC cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay was performed to detect the interaction between two proteins. Bioinformatics analysis including available public database and Starbase software (starbase.sysu.edu.cn) were used to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of genes. TargetScan (www.targetscan.org) and the miRDB (mirdb.org) website were used to predict the combination site between microRNA and target mRNA. BALB/c nude mice were used to study the function of Mex3a and hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p in vivo.ResultsClinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of 101 CRC tissues and 79 normal tissues demonstrated that Mex3a was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. Mex3a knockdown substantially inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of CRC cells. Transcriptome analysis and mechanism verification showed that Mex3a regulated the RAP1 GTPase activating protein (RAP1GAP)/MEK/ERK/HIF‐1α pathway. Furthermore, RAP1GAP was identified to interact with Mex3a in Co‐IP experiments. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter experiments revealed that hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p could bind to the 3'‐untranslated regions (3'‐UTR) of the Mex3a mRNA. hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p downregulated Mex3a expression and inhibited the tumorigenesis of CRC both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p/Mex3a/RAP1GAP signaling axis was a key regulator of CRC and Mex3a has the potential to be a new diagnostic marker and treatment target for CRC.
Determining the association between repeatedly elevated serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase levels and risk of respiratory cancer: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lee Ye Jin , Han Kyung‐Do , Kim Da Hye , Lee Chang‐Hoon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough elevated serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a known indicator of increased risk of several cancers, the clinical value of repeated measurements of GGT has not been determined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether repeatedly elevated serum GGT levels are associated with the risk of respiratory cancer incidence.MethodsWe included participants who had undergone the Korean Health screening four times during 2009–2012 and had previously undergone four consecutive examinations. Those who were diagnosed with respiratory cancer before the date of examination were excluded. The participants obtained one GGT point if their GGT levels were in the highest quartile (the quartile 4 group). We analyzed the association between GGT points and respiratory cancer incidence by Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsDuring mean follow‐up of 6.39 ± 1.2 years, 3,559,109 participants were enrolled. Of them, 8,944 (0.34%) men and 1,484 (0.14%) women were newly diagnosed with respiratory cancer. In multivariate analysis adjusted for confounding factors, male participants with 4 GGT points had a significantly higher hazards of developing respiratory cancer than those with 0 GGT points (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–1.48). Among female, participants with the highest points of GGT also had sixfold increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer. However, no significant association was observed between GGT points and lung cancer incidence among women (HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.81–1.11).ConclusionRepeatedly elevated serum levels of GGT were associated with a higher risk of respiratory cancer incidence, especially in men. This finding suggests that physicians can identify a person with a higher risk of respiratory cancer through a simple repeated measurement of GGT.
The quality of life in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients undergoing lobectomy or total thyroidectomy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lan Yu , Cao Li , Song Qing , Jin Zhuang , Xiao Jing , Yan Lin , Luo Yukun , Zhang Mingbo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivePapillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has a good prognosis and a long survival time, surgery is the common treatment including total thyroidectomy (TT) and unilateral lobectomy (LT), but recent studies showed that TT does not show an advantage over LT for PTMC in preventing cancer recurrence and reducing mortality. Given this, the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one of the important factors that physicians must consider when making treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQoL of patients between undergoing TT and LT.MethodsFrom October 2019 to December 2019, 69 PTMC patients were enrolled in our study, including 34 in the LT group and 35 in the TT group, respectively. We used three questionnaires which included the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36), thyroid cancer‐specific quality of life (THYCA‐QOL), and Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) for each patient to evaluate their scores of HRQoL.ResultsAccording to the SF‐36, the scores of the domain for the role limitation due to physical problems, emotional problems, and social function (RP, RE, and SF) as well as Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) showed a significant negative linear association between the LT group and TT group: RP (coefficient [coef]: −33.953 [confidence interval (CI) −51.187 to −16.720], p < 0.001, RE (coef: −21.633 [CI −39.500 to −3.766], p = 0.018), SF (coef: −10.169 [CI −19.586 to −0.752], p = 0.035)and PCS (coef: −10.571 [CI −17.768 to −3.373], p = 0.005), MCS (coef: −10.694 [CI −19.465 to −1.923], p = 0.018). The THYCA‐QOL showed that the scores of the TT group were higher than that of the LT group in the problem of scar (coef: 16.245 [CI 1.697 to 30.794], p = 0.029 according to the multivariate analysis), suggesting a higher level of complaint in the TT group. There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of FoP‐Q‐SF between the two groups.ConclusionsIn patients with PTMC, LT offers an advantage over TT in terms of HRQoL, which supports the role of LT as an alternative strategy to TT.
Three‐dimensional cardiac print assisted percutaneous closure of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in patient with Behçet's disease
Authors: Quimby Donald L. , Ford Jonathan , Tanner Gregory J. , Mencer Nicholas , Decker Summer , Matar Fadi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpontaneous left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are very rare and can have catastrophic consequences if unrecognized. A case of combined spontaneous left ventricular aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm in Behcet's disease (BD) has been reported. The case emphasizes advanced techniques for percutaneous closure of the defects with the use of an ex‐vivo three‐dimensional cardiac printed model as a tool to facilitate the procedure.
Foreign body esophagus in a young infant
Authors: Lone Shafkat A. , Hameed Abdul , Shiekh Farooq A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnattended children, mostly from low‐socioeconomic contexts, who present with sudden onset obstructive respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, should be at high suspicion for foreign body ingestion. Prompt diagnosis helps avoid mismanagement and can potentially avoid dire outcomes.
Bouveret syndrome in a cholecystoduodenal fistula
Authors: Cortegoso Valdivia Pablo , Le Grazie Marco , Gaiani Federica , Dalla Valle Raffaele , de'Angelis Gian Luigi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe treatment of Bouveret syndrome lacks specific guidelines and is strictly interdisciplinary. Especially, if electrohydraulic lithotripsy is not available and endoscopic removal fails, a timely surgical approach is advised.
Investigating CO2 Methanation on Ni and Ru: DFT Assisted Microkinetic Analysis
Authors: Mohan Ojus , Shambhawi Shambhawi , Xu Rong , Lapkin Alexei A. , Mushrif Samir H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA multiscale analysis combining density functional theory (DFT) and microkinetic modeling is performed to resolve the uncertainties in CO2 methanation reaction mechanism and kinetics on popular Ni and Ru catalysts. The most debated issues are the activation routes of CO2 and CO (hydrogenation or direct dissociation) and whether the reaction proceeds with or without forming a CO* intermediate. We investigated a comprehensive reaction network of 46 elementary reactions, involving multiple CO2, CO activation routes and side reactions using a benchmarked DFT functional. Our study shows that the dominant pathway at 550 K and 10 atm includes direct dissociation of CO2* to CO* on both Ni and Ru surfaces. On Ru, CO* undergoes hydrogenation to form COH* that further dissociates to C*, whereas on Ni, HCO* is formed that gives CH* upon dissociation. The rate determining steps on Ni and Ru are HCO* dissociation to CH* and O* and CH3* hydrogenation to CH4, respectively. We further find that selectivity of the reaction on Ni is higher than that on Ru, whereas activity of Ru is higher.
Pd/C Catalyzed Cascade Synthesis of 2‐Arylquinazolinones from 2‐Iodoacetanilides Employing Ammonia and CO Precursors
Authors: Shaifali  , Mehara Pushkar , Kumar Ashish , Das Pralay 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn efficient and straightforward approach has been demonstrated for 2‐aryl quinazolinones synthesis from 2‐iodoacetanilides using ammonium carbamate/ammonium carbonate and oxalic acid under heterogeneous Pd/C catalyzed conditions. Herein, we have carried out the reactions employing oxalic acid and ammonium carbamate or ammonium carbonate as two gaseous precursors i. e. CO and NH3 respectively for the synthesis of desired quinazolinones in appreciable yields. The protocol followed cascade aminocarbonylation and cyclization under optimized reaction conditions. The protocol exhibited wide functional group tolerance under set reaction conditions and delivered the respective 2‐aryl quinazolinones with great diversity. The heterogeneous Pd/C catalyst was found to be recyclable up to four consecutive runs without significant decrease in catalytic activity.