bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable Sf9 cell pools as a system for rapid HIV‐1 virus‐like particle production
Authors: Puente‐Massaguer Eduard , Grau‐Garcia Paula , Strobl Florian , Grabherr Reingard , Striedner Gerald , Lecina Martí , Gòdia Francesc 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe emergence of infectious diseases is accelerating the intensification of bioprocess strategies to support the increasing demand for the manufacture of higher quantities of vaccines in short timeframes. Here, the development of stable Sf9 cell pools producing human immunodeficiency virus serotype 1 (HIV‐1) Gag‐eGFP virus‐like particles (VLPs) is assessed.RESULTSFluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) was employed to select high producing cells, achieving an 8.1‐fold increase in fluorescence intensity compared to unsorted cell pools after three rounds of cell sorting. The transferability of this system to bioreactor scale was also successfully achieved, attaining a 1.4‐fold increase in VLP production and maintaining a higher cell viability than shake flask controls. Analysis of the metabolism of stable cell pools and parental Sf9 cells did not show significant differences regarding metabolite consumption and production, even though a better performance and more efficient metabolism were observed in bioreactor compared with shake flask cultures, highlighting the flexibility of these cells to adapt to different culture conditions and heterologous recombinant protein production.CONCLUSIONSStable Sf9 cell pools represent a suitable system for shortening bioprocess development times and accelerating vaccine production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effects of simultaneous CO2 addition and biomass recycling on growth characteristics of microalgal mixed culture
Authors: Fallahi Alireza , Hajinajaf Nima , Tavakoli Omid , Mehrabadi Abbas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aims to investigate the effect of simultaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) addition and biomass recycling on specific performance parameters (including biomass productivity and harvestability, and species abundance) of the mixed culture of two freshwater microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus in a flat‐panel photobioreactor grown semicontinuously using secondary effluent urban wastewater as the culture medium. Recycling a portion of the gravity‐harvested biomass back to the system has positive effects on biomass productivity and harvestability by letting microalgal cells utilize more of the available light energy and promoting the dominance of settleable microalgal species of S. obliquus (owing to their large cell sizes) in the mixed culture. Furthermore, CO2 addition could supply the carbon limitation of urban wastewater and boost biomass production.RESULTSThe work confirmed that simultaneous CO2 addition and biomass recycling improved the biomass productivity by 314%, promoted the dominance of the larger algae species S. obliquus in the mixed culture by 38%, and increased the gravity sedimentation by 85% compared to the control that had no recycling and CO2 addition. Concerning the secondary effluent urban wastewater, the interaction of CO2 addition and biomass recycling was insignificant regarding the improvement in nutrient removal efficiency.CONCLUSIONThe findings proved the potential benefits of simultaneous biomass recycling and CO2 addition for reaching a high cell density, and demonstrated its potential for high biomass harvest efficiency in microalgae‐based wastewater treatment systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Advances, current challenges, and future trends in bioseparation: perspective analysis of the papers published in JCTB
Authors: González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBioseparation is a crucial process for the obtention of biological products that are essential in daily life, such as medicine and food. At first, the researchers centered their efforts on the optimization of the upstream processes, conducting to high product titer. Afterwards, they turned their attention to improving the downstream processes. Since then, a revolution of technologies has been reported for the recovery, separation, and/or purification of bioproducts. Therefore, this perspective article aims to present the advances, current challenges, and future trends in bioseparation. In this context, a practical approach to summarize the published articles in the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology regarding this topic is presented; in addition, a classification of, (i) trusted old, (ii) novel, and (iii) evolved technologies is proposed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Preparation of chitooligosaccharides by α‐amylase from chitosan with oxidative pretreatment
Authors: Qian Junqing , Shi Bobo , Mo Luyan , Shu Dehai , Guo Hui 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDChitooligosaccharides possess good physiological activity and a wide range of uses. In view of the difficulty in controlling the degree of polymerization of chitooligosaccharides prepared by chemical methods and the low efficiency of enzymatic methods, the preparation process of chitooligosaccharides prepared by H2O2 oxidation pretreatment combined with α‐amylase catalysis was studied.RESULTSWater‐soluble chitosan was prepared by oxidation pretreatment of chitosan and then degradation by α‐amylase. The enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were determined as follows: pH, 6.0; temperature, 60 °C; liquid–solid ratio, 5:1. The degree of polymerization of chitooligosaccharides prepared was adjusted by the amount of enzyme and hydrolysis time. The average degree of polymerization of chitooligosaccharides obtained was 5.4 when the amount of enzyme was 20 U g−1 for a hydrolysis time of 1.5 h. The results of infrared spectroscopy showed that the oxidative pretreatment and α‐amylase degradation did not affect the molecular structure of the chitosan monomer. Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis, the degree of polymerization of the products was found to be mainly 2–8.CONCLUSIONSH2O2 oxidative pretreatment can significantly improve the degradation efficiency of α‐amylase, and the degree of polymerization of chitooligosaccharide products can be adjusted by regulating the hydrolysis conditions of the enzyme, which has ideal application prospects. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Microalgae cultivation: photobioreactors, CO2 utilization, and value‐added products of industrial importance
Authors: Shekh Ajam , Sharma Aditi , Schenk Peer M , Kumar Gulshan , Mudliar Sandeep 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIncreasing world population, industrialization, and economic development demand more energy at a global scale, and this challenge is being met with the exploitation of fossil fuels that cause CO2 and CH4 emissions and contribute towards earth's rising temperature. Microalgae are considered potential sources for CO2 abatement and for combating food insecurity by ensuring a nutritional food supply for the sustainable living of an increasing population. The CO2 utilization potential of microalgae has been continuously researched for augmentation through various photobioreactor and open raceway pond designs and developments. Apart from recognition for their nutritional importance, microalgae are finding the place in the market as ‘functional foods’ due to their bioactive components. In view of this, the present study highlights the status and current attempts being made for photobioreactor development, CO2 sequestration, and the production of industrially important microalgal metabolites. This review also explains the factors responsible for microalgal growth and provides research needs and recommendations to make microalgal CO2 sequestration and value‐added compounds production an industrially competitive process. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biodegradation of 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine in gas and liquid phase by the fungus Fusarium solani
Authors: Araya Blanca , Diaz Camilo , Martín Jessica San , Vergara‐Fernández Alberto , Aroca Germán , Scott Felipe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlkylpyrazines are odorous compounds conferring pleasant aromas to baked and roasted foods. However, they are also emitted during food processing, creating a nuisance for the operators and the community. Only a few bacterial isolates have been shown to degrade 2,5‐methylpyrazine (DMP), as a model alkylpyrazine. This work aimed to study the ability of DMP biodegradation by the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani.RESULTSEvidence of the degradation of DMP was collected in axenic cultures of F. solani in liquid mineral medium and over a saturated solid support using DMP as the sole carbon and energy source. DMP was used for growth as evidenced by the formation of an abundant aerial mycelium over a solid support, accompanied by the production of 70 ppm CO2 mg−1 dry biomass, and by its consumption in liquid media at a rate of 58.3 mg g−1 biomass h−1, a value comparable to those reported for bacteria. A non‐axenic biofilter was mounted, fed with a DMP‐laden air stream, and operated for 40 days. The maximum DMP elimination capacity achieved was 8.5 g m−3 h−1 at an inlet load of 11.3 g m−3 h−1 (an 80% relative efficiency).CONCLUSIONFusarium solani uses DMP as a carbon source, showing great potential for its abatement in a biofilter. High‐throughput DNA sequencing of biofilter samples showed that it was the most representative member of the community, with a relative abundance surpassing 97%, indicating that it played a pivotal role in the biofilter. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The social construction of professional shame for undergraduate engineering students
Authors: Secules Stephen , Sochacka Nicola W. , Huff James L. , Walther Joachim 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundShame is a deeply painful emotion people feel when they perceive that they have fallen short of socially constructed expectations. In this study,professional shamerefers to shame experiences that stem from people's perceptions that they have failed to meet expectations or standards that are relevant to their identities in a professional domain. While socially constructed expectations placed on engineering students have been implicitly addressed in the engineering education literature, they have rarely been the subject of specific inquiry.PurposeAs part of a broader study on professional shame in engineering, we investigated the co‐construction of social worlds that place expectations on engineering students.MethodWe conducted 10 ethnographic focus groups with undergraduate engineering students from two universities. These groups were either heterogeneous or homogeneous, regarding racial and gender identity, to examine multiple social realities.ResultsWe present significant findings related to engineering students' collective noticing, defining, and experiencing of social worlds. The findings give a sense of overlapping but distinct social realities among student groups and highlight how failing to meet expectations can contribute to deeply painful emotional responses. We also note when students' responses reproduce, resist, or redefine the broader cultural norms in which the students are embedded.ConclusionsThe study has implications for the theoretical exploration of shame, engineering education research on identity and diversity and inclusion, and the messaging and interactions in which the engineering education community engages.
Effect of 48‐week pemafibrate on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with hypertriglyceridemia, as evaluated by the FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase score
Authors: Hatanaka Takeshi , Kosone Takashi , Saito Naoto , Takakusagi Satoshi , Tojima Hiroki , Naganuma Atsushi , Takagi Hitoshi , Uraoka Toshio , Kakizaki Satoru 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThis retrospective study investigated the effect of 48‐week pemafibrate therapy in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with hypertriglyceridemia, as evaluated by the FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score.MethodsA total of 31 NAFLD patients who were treated with pemafibrate in Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital and Kusunoki Hospital from September 2018 to April 2020 were included in the current study. We used the FAST score, which is a novel index of steatohepatitis that can be calculated based on the AST value, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), to evaluate the effect of pemafibrate treatment.ResultsThe median age was 64.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 55.0–75.0) years and 14 patients (45.2%) were male. Median body mass index was 26.8 (IQR 23.8–28.8). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were detected in 14 (45.2%) and five (16.1%) patients, respectively. Fasting triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly improved (P < 0.001 and 0.013, respectively) and the AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase values were significantly decreased during pemafibrate treatment (P = 0.041, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). While the LSM value and CAP value did not differ to a statistically significant extent (P = 0.19 and 0.140, respectively), the FAST score was significantly improved during pemafibrate treatment (P = 0.029). The delta FAST score was found to be correlated with the variations of ALT (r = 0.504, P = 0.005), which represents the effect of pemafibrate.ConclusionsPemafibrate improved the FAST score due to the hepatic anti‐inflammatory effect, indicating that pemafibrate may prevent disease progression in NAFLD patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Initial distribution of COVID‐19 vaccines to front‐line hospital workers and community first responders—A prospective descriptive study
Authors: Stausmire Julie M. , Rohaley Deidre J. , Tita James A. , Buderer Nancy M. , Nuesmeyer Tamela , Faulkner David L. , Sapara Matthew 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAs one of the initial ten sites in Ohio designated to receive and distribute the first COVID‐19 vaccines in December 2020, we initiated a self‐reported IRB‐approved research survey to describe the demographics, side‐effects, and missed work time experienced by front‐line health care workers in an urban tertiary care center and a rural regional hospital. First responders from both the urban and rural surrounding communities were also included in the initial Tier 1A vaccine distribution. The primary outcome measure was to identify the most frequently experienced side effects from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, based on type of vaccine, first or second dose, age, gender, race and occupation. The secondary outcome measure was to document the total number of work shifts missed after receiving the vaccine. Of interest to health care risk managers, the survey identified the most common side effects and resulting missed time from work broken down by type of vaccine and first or second dose. This information will be helpful for those institutions who have not yet vaccinated a majority of their work force, employees who still need their second dose, and for strategic scheduling of employees when booster doses become available later in the year.
A diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease
Authors: Masten Margaux C. , Corre Camille , Paciorkowski Alex R. , Vierhile Amy , Adams Heather R. , Vermilion Jennifer , Zimmerman Grace A. , Augustine Erika F. , Mink Jonathan W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOver the past 20 years, diagnostic testing for genetic diseases has evolved, leading to variable diagnostic certainty for individuals included in long‐term natural history studies. Using genotype and phenotype data from an ongoing natural history study of CLN3 disease, we developed a hierarchical diagnostic confidence scheme with three major classes: Definite, Probable, or Possible CLN3 disease. An additional level, CLN3 Disease PLUS, includes individuals with CLN3 disease plus an additional disorder with a separate etiology that substantially affects the phenotype. Within the Definite and Probable CLN3 disease classes, we further divided individuals into subclasses based on phenotype. After assigning participants to classes, we performed a blinded reclassification to assess the reliability of this scheme. A total of 134 individuals with suspected CLN3 disease were classified: 100 as Definite, 21 as Probable, and 7 as Possible. Six individuals were classified as CLN3‐PLUS. Phenotypes included the classical juvenile‐onset syndromic phenotype, a “vision loss only” phenotype, and an atypical syndromic phenotype. Some individuals were too young to fully classify phenotype. Test‐retest reliability showed 96% agreement. We created a reliable diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease that has excellent face validity. This scheme has implications for clinical research in CLN3 and other rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
HILIC‐ESI‐MS analysis of phosphatidic acid methyl esters artificially generated during lipid extraction from microgreen crops
Authors: Castellaneta Andrea , Losito Ilario , Losacco Valentina , Leoni Beniamino , Santamaria Pietro , Calvano Cosima D. , Cataldi Tommaso R. I. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe uncontrolled activation of endogenous enzymes may introduce both qualitative and quantitative artefacts when lipids are extracted from vegetal matrices. In the present study, a method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled either to high‐resolution/accuracy Fourier‐transform mass spectrometry (HILIC‐ESI‐FTMS) or to linear ion trap multiple stage mass spectrometry (HILIC‐ESI‐MSn, with n = 2 and 3) with electrospray ionization was developed to unveil one of those artefacts. Specifically, the artificial generation of methyl esters of phosphatidic acids (MPA), catalysed by endogenous phospholipase D (PLD) during lipid extraction from five oleaginous microgreen crops (chia, soy, flax, sunflower and rapeseed), was studied. Phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphatidylglycerols (PG) were found to be the most relevant precursors of MPA among glycerophospholipids (GPLs), being involved in a transphosphatidylation process catalysed by PLD and having methanol as a coreactant. The combination of MS2 and MS3 measurements enabled the unambiguous recognition of MPA from their fragmentation pathways, leading to distinguish them from isobaric PA including a further CH2 group on their side chains. PLD was also found to catalyse the hydrolysis of PC and PG to phosphatidic acids (PAs). The described transformations were confirmed by the remarkable decrease of MPA abundance observed when isopropanol, known to inhibit PLD, was tentatively adopted instead of water during the homogenization of microgreens. The unequivocal identification of MPA might be exploited to assess if GPL alterations are actually triggered by endogenous PLD during lipid extractions from specific vegetal tissues.
Persistence of left atrial abnormalities despite left atrial volume normalization after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Inoue Katsuji , Nagai Takayuki , Fujii Akira , Sasaki Yasuhiro , Shikano Yukari , Sakuoka Namiko , Miyazaki Maki , Takasuka Yasunori , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeft atrial volume index (LAVI) of >34 mL/m2 is the cutoff value for identifying an enlarged left atrium. The definition of left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is undetermined. We hypothesized that patients with LA dilatation who achieve normal LA volume (LAVI<34 mL/m2) after AF ablation have better long‐term outcomes than those who do not. Furthermore, we investigated whether patients with a normal LA volume can also achieve normal LA function with AF ablation.MethodsWe enrolled 140 AF patients with baseline LAVI of ≥34 mL/m2, without AF recurrence for 1 year after the initial AF ablation. We acquired conventional and speckle‐tracking echocardiographic parameters within 24 hour and at 1 year after the procedure. To define the normal range of LA function, age‐ and sex‐matched controls without a history of AF were also enrolled.ResultsAfter restoration of sinus rhythm, LA structural and functional parameters significantly improved, and 75 patients (54%) had normal LA volume. During a median follow‐up of 44 (31‐61) months, 32 patients (23%) experienced a late recurrence of AF (AF recurrence >1 year). Patients who achieved normal LA volume after AF ablation had fewer late recurrences than those who did not (P < .01). However, LA abnormalities, especially LA dysfunction, persisted in AF patients even when the LA volume was normalized compared with controls.ConclusionPatients who achieved normal LA volume had better long‐term outcomes of AF ablation than those who did not; however, LA abnormalities persisted even after successful ablation of AF.
Anatomical evaluation of the esophagus using computed tomography to predict acute gastroparesis following atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Yakabe Daisuke , Fukuyama Yusuke , Araki Masahiro , Nakamura Toshihiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is an effective treatment; however, periesophageal vagal nerve injury is not rare and sometimes results in acute gastroparesis (AGP) after atrial fibrillation ablation (AFA). We sought to investigate the incidence and risk factors of AGP via preprocedural computed tomography (CT) analysis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 422 patients who underwent index AFA at our center. Using contrast‐enhanced CT performed before ablation, the anatomical characteristics of the esophagus were compared between patients with and without post‐ablation AGP. AGP was diagnosed by the presence of symptoms, fasting abdominal X‐ray radiography as a screening test, and additional abdominal imaging.ResultsOf the 422 patients (age, 67 ± 11 years; male, 68.5%; cryoballoon, 63.7%), AGP developed in 14 (3.3%) patients, and six of 14 patients were asymptomatic. AGP resolved in all patients within 4 weeks without invasive treatment. In the AGP group, the esophagus was frequently located on the vertebra (middle‐positioned esophagus) (AGP vs non‐AGP, 42.9% vs 11.5%; P = .01), and additional posterior wall ablation was frequently performed (50.0% vs 14.5%; P = .02). In the multivariate analysis, middle‐positioned esophagus (P = .02; odds ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5‐53.3) and additional posterior wall ablation (P = .01; odds ratio, 7.6; 95% CI, 1.5‐42.1) were independent predictors of AGP.ConclusionsAnatomical evaluation of the esophagus using CT may be simple and useful for predicting AGP after AFA. High‐risk patients who have middle‐positioned esophagus or who underwent excessive posterior wall ablation should be followed up closely.
Employee thriving at work: The long reach of family incivility and family support
Authors: Ren Shuang , Babalola Mayowa T. , Ogbonnaya Chidiebere , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Akemu Onajomo , Agyemang‐Mintah Peter 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThriving at work has been linked to a wide range of positive individual and organizational outcomes. However, research to date has primarily focused on its individual and work‐related antecedents, overlooking family‐related issues that constitute an essential part of social interactions. To advance our understanding of socio‐relational sources of employee thriving at work, we investigate the differential effects of family incivility and family support on thriving at work. Integrating the work–home resources (W‐HR) model with boundary theory, we develop and test a research model where family incivility and family support influence thriving at work via family–work conflict (FWC) and family–work enrichment (FWE), respectively. We further propose that employee segmentation boundary management preference moderates these mediating processes. Results from two survey data collected from employees working in Nigeria and the United Kingdom provide support for our hypothesized relationships. The findings contribute to a richer understanding of how and when thriving at work is influenced by social relationships in family life. We discuss implications for theory and practice, limitations, and avenues for future research.