bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Two‐Stage Flow Cytometry Strategy to Distinguish Single Cells from Doublets in Heterogeneous Cell Mixtures and Improve Cell Cluster Identification: Application to Human Monocyte Subpopulations
Authors: Merah‐Mourah Fadila , Cohen Shannon O. , Haziot Alain 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFlow cytometry is a powerful method, widely used to identify cell types present in tissues, to describe their phenotypes, and to purify cells for functional analyses. As a single cell technique, flow cytometry relies on identifying and excluding cell doublets and aggregates present in samples in the initial gating steps. This identification is based on detection of events generating electrical pulses falling outside of linear variations of pulse height, width, and area in a singlet population with increasing cell sizes. In heterogeneous cell mixtures, however, with cell types varying extensively in size and granularity, exclusion of doublets has the risk of removing single cells that co‐localize with doublets of another cell type. This is particularly the case when doublets of a smaller cell type overlap with large cells of a distinct, larger cell type. Here, we describe a gating method to reduce this risk. In this protocol, initial gating steps aim to segregate cells according to physical characteristics (such as size and granularity) and gene expression properties in order to obtain more homogeneous cell clusters. Doublet exclusion is then performed separately in each cluster, minimizing the risk of confusion between single cells and doublets. To illustrate this protocol, human blood monocytes are separated and analyzed. By implementing this protocol, we were able to reveal the existence of a population of large monocytes previously unrecognized using conventional gating strategies. In subsequent functional assays, we have shown that this novel population exhibits unique inflammatory responses, highlighting the need and pertinence of this approach to identify and characterize infrequent—yet functionally relevant—cell populations present in complex cell mixtures. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: Distinguishing single cells from doublets in heterogeneous cell mixtures by flow cytometry
Receptor interacting protein kinase 4 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer via targeting protein kinase C delta
Authors: Jin Aihong , Zhang Longhui , Fang Guangguang , Chen Yinzi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractReceptor interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) has been reported to function as an oncogenic role in several types of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of RIPK4 in ovarian cancer (OC) cells and to elucidate the mechanism behind this effect. In this study, the GEPIA database was used to analyze the RIPK4 expressions in OC tissues and overall survival. qRT‐PCR and western blot assay were performed to detect the expressions of RIPK4 and protein kinase C delta (PRKCD) in OC cells. In addition, cell proliferation was assessed by CCK‐8 and colony formation assay while cell invasion and migration were evaluated by transwell, wound healing and western blot assay. The interaction of RIPK4 and PRKCD was analyzed by the STRING database and the bioGRID database, and verified with co‐immunoprecipitation. Herein, we describe that RIPK4 expression was upregulated in OC tissues and cells and was associated with poor overall survival. RIPK4 silencing repressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells. Mechanistically, PRKCD was highly expressed in OC cells and was combined with RIPK4. PRKCD was highly positively associated with RIPK4 in OC and was regulated by RIPK4. Moreover, PRKCD overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of RIPK4 silencing on OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RIPK4 functions as an oncogene in OC cells via at least partially binding to PRKCD, which might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for improving survival for patients with OC.
Conventional and microwave‐assisted organic synthesis of novel antimycobacterial agents bearing furan and pyridine hybrids
Authors: Desai Nisheeth C. , Bhatt Kandarp , Jadeja Dharmpalsinh J. , Mehta Harsh K. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Sarkar Dhiman 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDrug resistance in tuberculosis poses a serious threat to humanity because currently available antitubercular drugs are ineffective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). As a result, the approval of Bedaquiline and Delamanid for the treatment of drug‐resistant tuberculosis was accelerated. Still, there is an urgent need to search for new antitubercular drugs with novel mechanisms of action (MoA). Due to this, we have designed a synthetic strategy by utilizing microwave‐assisted organic synthesis. We have compared our method with the conventional procedure, and the data show that our procedure is more effective in the preparation of title compounds. A unique series of 1‐(2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐3(2H)‐yl)‐3‐(aryl)‐prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones (5a‐o) was synthesized utilizing conventional and microwave‐assisted techniques. Synthetic compounds were investigated for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium TB H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). Compound 5b was reported to be the most effective against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (97.69 percent inhibition at 30 μg/ml) and M. bovis (97.09 percent inhibition at 30 μg/ml). An in silico binding affinity study of mycobacterial enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) reveals the binding mechanism and thermodynamic interactions that determine these molecule's binding affinity. Compound 5b had a high glide score of −8.991 and low glide energy of −49.893 kcal/mol.
Use of high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe the neural circuitry of food choice in anorexia nervosa: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Muratore Alexandra F. , Bershad Mariya , Steinglass Joanna E. , Foerde Karin E. , Gianini Loren , Broft Allegra , Attia Evelyn 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is used to modulate neural systems and provides the opportunity for experimental tests of hypotheses regarding mechanisms underlying anorexia nervosa (AN). The present pilot study has investigated whether high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF‐rTMS) to a region of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) might be associated with change in food selection among adult inpatients with AN. Ten women received one session of sham and one session of HF‐rTMS targeting the right DLPFC while completing a computerized Food Choice Task. Compared to sham, HF‐rTMS was associated with changes in food ratings and food choice: inpatients reported higher healthiness ratings of low‐ and high‐fat foods and selected a significantly greater proportion of high‐fat foods over a neutrally rated reference item while receiving HF‐rTMS. Findings suggest that HF‐rTMS to the right DLPFC was associated with a reduction of fat avoidance on a food choice task among inpatients with AN and provide additional support for the possibility that this region, and related neural circuits, may underlie restrictive food choice. Research using rTMS to experimentally test neural mechanisms is needed to elucidate the underpinnings of AN and supports the development of novel treatment targets.
Association of COVID‐19 with impaired endothelial glycocalyx, vascular function and myocardial deformation 4 months after infection
Authors: Lambadiari Vaia , Mitrakou Asimina , Kountouri Aikaterini , Thymis John , Katogiannis Konstantinos , Korakas Emmanouil , Varlamos Charalampos , Andreadou Ioanna , Tsoumani Maria , Triantafyllidi Helen , Bamias Aristotelis , Thomas Konstantinos , Kazakou Pinelopi , Grigoropoulou Sotiria , Kavatha Dimitra , Antoniadou Anastasia , Dimopoulos Meletios‐Athanasios , Ikonomidis Ignatios 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimsSARS‐CoV‐2 infection may lead to endothelial and vascular dysfunction. We investigated alterations of arterial stiffness, endothelial coronary and myocardial function markers 4 months after COVID‐19 infection.Methods and resultsIn a case‐control prospective study, we included 70 patients 4 months after COVID‐19 infection, 70 age‐ and sex‐matched untreated hypertensive patients (positive control) and 70 healthy individuals. We measured (i) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (increased PBR indicates reduced endothelial glycocalyx thickness), (ii) flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), (iii) coronary flow reserve (CFR) by Doppler echocardiography, (iv) pulse wave velocity (PWV), (v) global left and right ventricular longitudinal strain (GLS), and (vi) malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor as endothelial biomarkers. COVID‐19 patients had similar CFR and FMD as hypertensives (2.48 ± 0.41 vs. 2.58 ± 0.88, P = 0.562, and 5.86 ± 2.82% vs. 5.80 ± 2.07%, P = 0.872, respectively) but lower values than controls (3.42 ± 0.65, P = 0.0135, and 9.06 ± 2.11%, P = 0.002, respectively). Compared to controls, both COVID‐19 and hypertensives had greater PBR5–25 (2.07 ± 0.15 µm and 2.07 ± 0.26 µm, P = 0.8 vs. 1.89 ± 0.17 µm, P = 0.001), higher PWV (carotid–femoral PWV 12.09 ± 2.50 vs. 11.92 ± 2.94, P = 0.7 vs. 10.04 ± 1.80 m/s, P = 0.036) and impaired left and right ventricular GLS (−19.50 ± 2.56% vs. −19.23 ± 2.67%, P = 0.864 vs. −21.98 ± 1.51%, P = 0.020 and −16.99 ± 3.17% vs. −18.63 ± 3.20%, P = 0.002 vs. −20.51 ± 2.28%, P < 0.001). MDA and thrombomodulin were higher in COVID‐19 patients than both hypertensives and controls (10.67 ± 0.32 vs 1.76 ± 0.03, P = 0.003 vs. 1.01 ± 0.05 nmol/L, P = 0.001 and 3716.63 ± 188.36 vs. 3114.46 ± 179.18 pg/mL, P = 0.017 vs. 2590.02 ± 156.51 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Residual cardiovascular symptoms at 4 months were associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction markers.ConclusionsSARS‐CoV‐2 may cause endothelial and vascular dysfunction linked to impaired cardiac performance 4 months after infection.
Impacts of in‐stream aggregate mining on the distributary channels of the alluvial fans of Tafí valley (Northwest Argentina)
Authors: Sampietro‐Vattuone María Marta , Peña‐Monné José Luis , Rodríguez Graciela , Medina Paula Lucía , Vattuone Marta Amelia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn‐stream mining is a common aggregate mining practice around the world. However, the impacts of such practice are not always taken into account when the mines are established, and the environmental cost of in‐stream aggregate mining is generally not assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of aggregate mining conducted in La Puerta River (Tafí valley, Northwest Argentina), a dry‐pit in‐stream mine, by considering the geomorphological, geoarchaeological, and human effects. Multitemporal analysis of the area using remote sensors (aerial photographs and satellite images 1970–2020), high‐resolution drone digital elevation models and orthomosaics (2018–2019), and an intensive survey demonstrated that the mining area grew exponentially between 2002 and 2020 under unregulated mining. As a result, this practice exerts great environmental impact, including channel section alterations and destabilization of riverbanks, soil loss, river profile changes, and the formation of lag deposits of discarded materials, thus increasing environmental hazard under unpredictable flows. Finally, this is a highly touristic area that has suffered substantial landscape degradation and irreversible archaeological damage.
Option prices for risk‐neutral density estimation using nonparametric methods through big data and large‐scale problems
Authors: Monteiro Ana M. , Santos António A. F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOption pricing theory determines the structure of call and put option pricing functions. In nonparametric risk‐neutral density estimation based on kernel functions, local constraints cannot induce a second derivative function that must integrate one. Convexity and monotonicity of pricing functions also cannot be enforced. A large‐scale (optimization) approach is proposed for the risk‐neutral density estimation, imposing an enlarged set of no‐arbitrage constraints. We considered simulations using Heston's model and hypergeometric functions. The method is applied to samples of intraday data from VIX and S&P500 indexes.
A review of CO2adsorbents performance for different carbon capture technology processes conditions
Authors: Lai Jia Yen , Ngu Lock Hei , Hashim Siti Salwa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe utilization of various conventional and emerging solid adsorbents is an attractive carbon capture method for post‐combustion and direct air capture (DAC). This review aims to identify adsorbents with the highest CO2adsorption performance at various CO2capture conditions inclusive of pre‐combustion, post‐combustion, and DAC to aid the selection of adsorbents. It presents the various adsorbents’ physical and chemical properties, their synthesis methods, CO2adsorption performance, and their advantages as CO2adsorbents. Findings of the review show that NaX@NaA core‐shell microspheres possess the highest CO2adsorption capacity at 5.60 mmol g−1for adsorption at DAC conditions. MOF‐177‐TEPA exhibited the highest post‐combustion condition CO2adsorption capacity at 4.60 mmol g−1given tetraethylenepentamine properties leading to low diffusion resistance for CO2and easy access to active sites. Approximation of these adsorbents’ adsorption capacity within pre‐combustion capture temperature at 1 bar for oxy‐combustion process was 0.0000026–48.71 mmol g−1. It is crucial to understand and evaluate these adsorbents’ characteristics for application in the appropriate adsorption conditions. This considers their usage limitations on pilot‐scale CO2capture because of low productivity, poor durability, and stability for prolonged cyclic adsorption–desorption, expensive adsorption system, high gas flow rate, high adsorbate accommodation requirement, longer flow switching time, and low tolerance towards water and impurities present in flue gas. This paper hence presents future enhancements in overcoming their limitations to accommodate pilot scale carbon capture. These are beneficial in providing insights for capturing CO2from flue gases emitted in industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fe3O4@C@prNHSO3H: A novel magnetically recoverable heterogeneous catalyst in green synthesis of diverse triazoles
Authors: Nasehi Niloufar , Mirza Behrooz , Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe core–shell magnetic nano‐catalyst of Fe3O4@C@PrNHSO3H was proposed, synthesized, and fully described by transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermal gravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Nontoxic texture, magnetic recovery capability, high thermal stability as well as low‐cost synthesis method were found as the unique features of the synthesized core–shell magnetic nano‐catalyst. Fe3O4@C@PrNHSO3H NPs were introduced as a modern magnetic heterogeneous catalyst in the solvent‐free synthesis of triazole derivatives through one‐pot, three‐component condensation of aldehyde, ammonium acetate, and nicotinic hydrazide. The pleasant yield of products, straightforward work‐up, mild reaction conditions, along with magnetically recoverable catalyst were enumerated as the most important advantages of the method. The Fe3O4@C@PrNHSO3H could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and reused six times with the desired catalytic activity.
Integrated process development for the efficient and industrial production of 2,3‐butanediol and bioethanol using dried cassava chips as commercial biomass
Authors: Moon Se‐Kwon , Chung Jin Ho , Min Jiho 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFor the efficient use of cassava as industrial material in the fermentation business, an integrated process was developed to produce 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO) and bioethanol (BE) by a highly efficient and economical method. After separating the liquefied cassava into a solid and a liquid part, the liquid part was used to produce 2,3‐BDO, and the solid part was then used to produce BE.RESULTSThe integrated process efficiently fermented 1000 g of dried cassava to 288 g of 2,3‐BDO (120.1 g L−1 titer and 2.39 L fermented broth) and 57 g of BE (38.4 g L−1 titer and 1.49 L fermented broth). Also, fermentable sugar of cassava was 100% available for this process, and the byproduct of BE production, condensed distillers solubles (CDS), was used as a potential nutrient source for the economical production of 2,3‐BDO.CONCLUSIONAn integrated process with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), pH shift, and rpm shift was developed to enhance 2,3‐BDO production and to reduce the production cost of 2,3‐BDO and BE. The strategy of employing cassava as a starchy biomass‐based biorefinery resource for 2,3‐BDO and BE production was successfully performed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
An enzyme immobilized microreactor for continuous‐flow biocatalysis of ginsenoside Rb1
Authors: Kazan Aslihan , Hu Xihua , Stahl Alina , Frerichs Heike , Smirnova Irina , Yesil‐Celiktas Ozlem 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDGinsenoside Rb1 is one of the major bioactive components of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), a medicinal plant that has been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years in Asian countries. The pharmaceutical activity of ginsenoside Rb1 highly depends on molecular structure and its deglycosylated metabolites are known to be more potent bioactive compounds. However, these deglycosylated ginsenosides do not exist naturally so they are usually obtained by poorly selective methods, like chemical hydrolysis.RESULTSIn this study, the development and characterization of an alginate‐based immobilized enzyme microreactor for the catalytic conversion of ginsenoside Rb1 to more bioactive metabolites have been reported. Enzyme kinetic parameters were calculated and characterization tests (such as determination of surface area of alginate matrix, long‐term use, and effect of residence time on conversion yield) were conducted. The system was operated under continuous‐flow conditions and compared with acidic and batch enzymatic hydrolysis experiments, as conventional approaches. The enzymatic microreactor showed an enhanced activity by producing 13‐fold higher amount of ginsenoside F2 than batch enzymatic hydrolysis.CONCLUSIONObtained results indicated that the newly developed enzymatic microreactor could successfully convert ginsenoside Rb1 to more active metabolites and have a potential for the biocatalysis of multiple ginsenosides, as well as pharmaceutically active compounds. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Proof of concept of a novel in tandem biofilter photobioreactor system for valorization of volatile organic compounds: mineralization of methanol vapors coupled with use of CO2 as a carbon source for Arthrospira maxima growth
Authors: Cruz‐García Blanca , Aizpuru Aitor 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDMethanol, a common air pollutant, can be converted to CO2 by biofiltration. In turn, biofilter CO2 streams, contributing to the greenhouse effect, could represent a zero‐cost carbon source for microalgal production. To assess the potential of the combination of both bioprocesses, cultivation of Arthrospira maxima, a major source of added‐value natural products, was carried out with three different carbon sources (bicarbonate mineral medium, CO2 from ambient air, and CO2 from a methanol biofilter outlet).RESULTSMethanol vapors were almost completely treated in the biofilter, achieving an elimination capacity of 148 ± 18 g m−3 h−1 for an inlet load of 157 ± 12 g m−3 h−1, while producing an average of 152 ± 42 g m−3 h−1 of CO2. Compared to cultivation in classic bicarbonate mineral medium, the resulting CO2 concentration in the biofilter outlet (0.5 ± 0.1% (v/v)) allowed for a 20% higher final production of A. maxima (1.3 g dry weight (DW) L−1 of medium). Moreover, the cultivation of A. maxima significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the biofilter, with a fixation rate of 302 mg CO2 L−1 h−1. Additionally, enriched CO2 concentrations coming from the biofilter outlet allowed for a 117% higher A. maxima productivity rate than ambient air (76.5 ± 2.9 vs. 35.3 ± 1.3 mg DW L−1 d−1).CONCLUSIONSubstantial reduction of the cost of microalgae production and treatment of gaseous contaminants can be carried out in tandem. Further optimization of hybrid bioprocesses could represent a win–win opportunity from both environmental and economic viewpoints. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein is a biomarker for diagnosis of biliary tract infection
Authors: Weng Yu‐Chieh , Chen Wei‐Ting , Lee Jung‐Chieh , Huang Yung‐Ning , Yang Chih‐Kai , Hsieh Hui‐Shan , Chang Chih‐Jung , Lu Yang‐Bor 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimBiliary tract infection (BTI) is an inflammatory disease and commonly associated with bacteremia. Delays in diagnosis or treatment of BTI cause high morbidity and mortality. However, an early diagnosis depends on appropriate clinical investigations. Appropriate biomarkers are urgently needed to improve the BTI diagnostic rate. We hypothesized that intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein (I‐FABP) might be a potential biomarker for BTI diagnosis.MethodsWe examined data from subjects aged ≥18 years diagnosed with BTI, including cholangitis and cholecystitis, whose blood samples were adequate for I‐FABP and zonulin assessment. We also collected blood samples from healthy volunteers as the control group. We excluded subjects in both groups who received steroids, antibiotics, or probiotics within 1 month before hospital admission (BTI cohort) or participation in this research (controls). The main study endpoint was to compare the diagnostic ability of I‐FABP to detect BTI in comparison with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and zonulin.ResultsThe study collected the data of 51 patients with BTI and 35 healthy subjects. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) for I‐FABP was 0.884 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.814–0.954), numerically higher than that for hs‐CRP (0.880; 0.785–0.976) and zonulin (0.570; 0.444–0.697). We estimated that the optimal cutoff value of I‐FABP was 2.1 ng/mL (sensitivity: 0.804; specificity: 0.829) for the diagnosis of BTI.ConclusionsIn summary, this study suggests that I‐FABP may be a potential alternative biomarker to hs‐CRP for diagnosing BTI. Further research should verify the use of I‐FABP as a marker for BTI diagnosis, but also for other inflammatory diseases.