bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the degradation pattern of a new cold-tolerant pectate lyase used for efficient preparation of pectin oligosaccharides
Authors: Zheng Ling , Guo Zilong , Cao Shengsheng , Zhu Benwei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe cold-active pectate lyases have drawn increasing attention in food and biotechnological applications due to their ability to retain high catalytic efficiency under lower temperatures, which could be helpful for energy saving, cost reduction and flavor preservation. Herein, a new cold-tolerant pectate lyase (ErPelPL1) gene from Echinicola rosea was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Interestingly, ErPelPL1 retained high catalytic activity even at a low temperature (4 °C). ErPelPL1 exhibited optimal activity at 35 ℃, pH 8.0 with 1 mM of Ca2+. It showed high specific activity towards polygalacturonic acid (34.7 U/mg) and sodium polygalacturonate (59.3 U/mg). The combined thin-layer chromatography (TLC), fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) results indicated that ErPelPL1 endolytically degraded pectic substances into the oligosaccharides with degrees of depolymerization (Dps) of 1–6. In conclusion, this study mainly conducted biochemical characterization and product analysis of a cold-tolerant pectate lyase. Therefore, it provides a promising enzyme candidate for food and biotechnological applications.
Graphical Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics signature for preoperative prediction of Ki67 expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Zheng Zongtai , Gu Zhuoran , Xu Feijia , Maskey Niraj , He Yanyan , Yan Yang , Xu Tianyuan , Liu Shenghua , Yao Xudong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The Ki67 expression is associated with the advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in bladder cancer (BCa). We aimed to develop and validate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics signatures to preoperatively predict the Ki67 expression status in BCa.

Methods and materials
We retrospectively collected 179 BCa patients with Ki67 expression and preoperative MRI. Radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted (T2WI) and dynamic contrast-enhancement (DCE) images. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) was used to balance the minority group (low Ki67 expression group) in the training set. Minimum redundancy maximum relevance was used to identify the best features associated with Ki67 expression. Support vector machine and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator algorithms (LASSO) were used to construct radiomics signatures in training and SMOTE-training sets, and diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy. The decision curve analyses (DCA) and calibration curve and were used to investigate the clinical usefulness and calibration of radiomics signatures, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier test was performed to investigate the prognostic value of radiomics-predicted Ki67 expression status.

Results
1218 radiomics features were extracted from T2WI and DCE images, respectively. The SMOTE-LASSO model based on nine features achieved the best predictive performance in the SMOTE-training (AUC, 0.859; accuracy, 80.3%) and validation sets (AUC, 0.819; accuracy, 81.5%) with a good calibration performance and clinical usefulness. Immunohistochemistry-based high Ki67 expression and radiomics-predicted high Ki67 expression based on the SMOTE-LASSO model were significantly associated with poor disease-free survival in training and validation sets (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The SMOTE-LASSO model could predict the Ki67 expression status and was associated with survival outcomes of the BCa patients, thereby may aid in clinical decision-making.
Mechanical characteristics of bacterial cellulose-reinforced mycelium composite materials
Authors: Elsacker Elise , Vandelook Simon , Damsin Bastien , Van Wylick Aurélie , Peeters Eveline , De Laet Lars 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
While mycelium is considered a promising alternative for fossil-based resins in lignocellulosic materials, the mechanical properties of mycelium composite materials remain suboptimal, among other reasons due to the weak internal bonds between the hyphae and the natural fibres. A solution could be provided by the hybridisation of mycelium materials with organic additives. More specifically, bacterial cellulose seems to be a promising additive that could result in reinforcing mycelium composites; however, this strategy is underreported in scientific literature.

Results
In this study, we set out to investigate the mechanical properties of mycelium composites, produced with the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor, and supplemented with bacterial cellulose as an organic additive. A methodological framework is developed for the facile production of bacterial cellulose and subsequent fabrication of mycelium composite particle boards based on a hybrid substrate consisting of bacterial cellulose and hemp in combination with a heat-pressing approach. We found that, upon adding bacterial cellulose, the internal bond of the composite particle boards significantly improved.

Conclusions
The addition of bacterial cellulose to mycelium composite materials not only results in a strengthening of internal bonding of mycelium material, but also renders tuneable mechanical properties to the material. As such, this study contributes to the ongoing development of fully biological hybrid materials with performant mechanical characteristics.
Analysing the determinants of Italian university student mobility pathways
Authors: Columbu Silvia , Porcu Mariano , Primerano Ilaria , Sulis Isabella , Vitale Maria Prosperina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we study the mobility choices of Italian students in their transition from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree level with an added emphasis on their overall mobility pathways. We consider individual data from the Italian National Student Archive on two cohorts of students who were enrolled in the academic years 2011–2012 and 2014–2015. We followed both cohorts in Italian universities for six academic years. This allowed us to depict five different profiles of students, categorise them as stayers vs. movers, and work at two different levels. Logit models were then adopted to study the probability to be in mobility at a master’s level, given that a student had been a stayer at bachelor’s degree, and to assess the effect of the field of study. Apart from individual characteristics, network centrality measures were encompassed in the model to assess the university attractiveness in influencing mobility choices.
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: a human enhancement story
Authors: Döbler Niklas Alexander , Carbon Claus-Christian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundVaccination is an essential strategy for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides its significance as a public health measure, vaccination is a sophisticated example of modern biotechnology. Since vaccination gives the human body an ability that it does not naturally possess, the question arises as to its classification as Human Enhancement.Main BodyExemplified on a selection of different definitions, we conclude that vaccinations may indeed be classified and treated as a form of Human Enhancement. This raises some ethical issues that are notorious in the broad field of Human Enhancement. A study withN= 67 participants revealed that vaccinations are perceived neither as a clear nor poor example of Human Enhancement.Conclusion We argue that qualifying vaccination technology as Human Enhancement does not provide convincing arguments to reject vaccination. By examining the Human Enhancement debate and the similarities to the issue of vaccination shown here, policymakers can learn valuable lessons regarding mass vaccination programs’ current and future handling.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Major environmental factors and traits of invasive alien plants determining their spatial distribution
Authors: Oh Minwoo , Heo Yoonjeong , Lee Eun Ju , Lee Hyohyemi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
As trade increases, the influx of various alien species and their spread to new regions are prevalent and no longer a special problem. Anthropogenic activities and climate changes have made the distribution of alien species out of their native range common. As a result, alien species can be easily found anywhere, and they have nothing but only a few differences in intensity. The prevalent distribution of alien species adversely affects the ecosystem, and a strategic management plan must be established to control them effectively. To this end, hot spots and cold spots were analyzed according to the degree of distribution of invasive alien plants, and major environmental factors related to hot spots were found. We analyzed the 10,287 distribution points of 126 species of alien plants collected through the national survey of alien species by the hierarchical model of species communities (HMSC) framework.

Results
The explanatory and fourfold cross-validation predictive power of the model were 0.91 and 0.75 as AUC values, respectively. The hot spots of invasive plants were found in the Seoul metropolitan area, Daegu metropolitan city, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, southwest shore, and Jeju island. Generally, the hot spots were found where the higher maximum temperature of summer, precipitation of winter, and road density are observed, but temperature seasonality, annual temperature range, precipitation of the summer, and distance to river and sea were negatively related to the hot spots. According to the model, the functional traits accounted for 55% of the variance explained by the environmental factors. The species with higher specific leaf areas were more found where temperature seasonality was low. Taller species preferred the bigger annual temperature range. The heavier seed mass was only preferred when the max temperature of summer exceeded 29 °C.

Conclusions
In this study, hot spots were places where 2.1 times more alien plants were distributed on average than non-hot spots (33.5 vs 15.7 species). The hot spots of invasive plants were expected to appear in less stressful climate conditions, such as low fluctuation of temperature and precipitation. Also, the disturbance by anthropogenic factors or water flow had positive influences on the hot spots. These results were consistent with the previous reports about the ruderal or competitive strategies of invasive plants instead of the stress-tolerant strategy. The functional traits are closely related to the ecological strategies of plants by shaping the response of species to various environmental filters, and our result confirmed this. Therefore, in order to effectively control alien plants, it is judged that the occurrence of disturbed sites in which alien plants can grow in large quantities is minimized, and the river management of waterfronts is required.
Immobilized enzymes: a comprehensive review
Authors: Khan Mohammad Rafiq 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis article is a comprehensive review of the events recorded in the history of enzymology from twentieth century to the recent work of author’s groups on different biochemical aspects of the immobilized enzymes. The review differs from those presented before on the basis that it is not limited to one or few aspects. It extends its spectrum to a large number of aspects from the definition to biomedical applications of immobilized enzymes.Main bodyThe author and his associates have proposed modification of classification of immobilized enzymes by Enzyme Engineering Conference 1971. His groups have worked on cell bound proteases of medicinal seeds and have given them the name of “naturally immobilized enzymes”. Thus, the author proposes that the enzymes may be basically classified into “naturally immobilized enzymes” and “artificially immobilized enzymes”. The artificially immobilized enzymes may be further sub-classified as done in 1971.ConclusionThe classification suggested above sounds logical and thus acceptable to the author and his associates. The author and his associates also suggest some applications on the basis of their results on naturally immobilized enzymes.
Food and medicinal relevance of Cucurbitaceae species in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Olarewaju Olaoluwa Omoniyi , Fajinmi Olufunke Omowumi , Arthur Georgina Dede , Coopoosamy Roger Murugas , Naidoo Kubendran Kista 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The traditional use of medicinal plants is an integral part of African culture and plays a major role in African societies. For centuries, plants have been used to cure diseases and till date, a vast majority of the African people especially in rural communities depend on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments.

Main body
The Cucurbitaceae family has a diversity of medicinally relevant species which also play significant roles in food security in Africa. While some are underutilised and are sourced from the wild, others are domesticated and cultivated for food. This review therefore highlights the significance of Cucurbitaceae species in Eastern and Southern African countries. The use of various species in the traditional food and medicine systems of these countries is documented. The review further discusses some poisonous species with close resemblance to edible plants. The fatal effect of consuming any part of such plant species like young or old leaves and unripe fruit is highlighted.

Conclusion
This review is thus a documentation of the crucial role of Cucurbitaceae species in food security, treatment of a variety of diseases and its negative effect on humanity and livestock.
Short-term results of a novel management of supracondylar fracture with coexisting osteoarthritis with bifold fixation and total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Antao Nicholas A. , Londhe Sanjay , Toor Rajan , Shirishkar Rajesh , Aiyer Siddharth 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Presence of supracondylar and periarticular femoral fracture with associated arthritis of knee poses a challenging situation to the orthopaedic surgeon. The results of fixation of fracture in osteoporosis are not very satisfactory and have complications. With fixation alone, they still cannot bear weight on affected leg due to severe disability of osteoarthritis. To make patient walk, conventionally three surgeries in the form of fracture fixation, removal of implant and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) needs to be done in staged manner. We propose a novel management in form of bifold fixation and simultaneous TKA.

Methods
Eight cases (6 females, 2 males) of supracondylar femoral fractures with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and osteoporosis were primarily fixed with bifold fixation using SIGN nail (www.signfracturecare.org) and locking plate together with simultaneous total knee arthroplasty. There were five cases (2 males and 3 females) of grade 4 (Kellgren-Lawrence grading) osteoarthritis (OA) and three cases (all females) of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results
The mean age was 68 years and average time for full weight bearing was 6 days. Radiographic evidence of fracture union was achieved in 16.25 weeks. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 26 months was 83.13 and 22.13 respectively.

Conclusions
Single stage combined bifold osteosynthesis with interlocking nail and locking plate together with total knee arthroplasty helps in one time management of these difficult injuries. It is a cost-effective and economically sound option and gives excellent results with good patient satisfaction.
The use of imageless navigation to quantify cutting error in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Schwarzkopf Ran , Meftah Morteza , Marwin Scott E. , Zabat Michelle A. , Muir Jeffrey M. , Lamb Iain R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves implant alignment by providing feedback on resection parameters based on femoral and tibial cutting guide positions. However, saw blade thickness, deflection, and cutting guide motion may lead to final bone cuts differing from planned resections, potentially contributing to suboptimal component alignment. We used an imageless navigation device to intraoperatively quantify the magnitude of error between planned and actual resections, hypothesizing final bone cuts will differ from planned alignment.

Materials and methods
A retrospective study including 60 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA using a novel imageless navigation device was conducted. Device measurements of resection parameters were obtained via attachment of optical trackers to femoral and tibial cutting guides prior to resection. Following resection, optical trackers were placed directly on the bone cut surface and measurements were recorded. Cutting guide and bone resection measurements of both femoral and tibial varus/valgus, femoral flexion, tibial slope angles, and both femoral and tibial medial and lateral resection depths were compared using a Student's t-test.

Results
Femoral cutting guide position differed from the actual cut by an average 0.6 ± 0.5° (p = 0.85) in the varus/valgus angle and 1.0 ± 1.0° (p = 0.003) in the flexion/extension angle. The difference between planned and actual cut measurements for medial and lateral femoral resection depth was 1.1 ± 1.1 mm (p = 0.32) and 1.2 ± 1.0 mm (p = 0.067), respectively. Planned cut measurements based on tibial guide position differed from the actual cut by an average of 0.9 ± 0.8° (p = 0.63) in the varus/valgus angle and 1.1 ± 1.0° (p = 0.95) in slope angle. Measurement of medial and lateral tibial resection depth differed by an average of 0.1 ± 1.8 mm (p = 0.78) and 0.2 ± 2.1 mm (p = 0.85), respectively.

Conclusions
Significant discrepancies between planned and actual femoral bone resection were demonstrated for flexion/extension angle, likely the result of cutting error. Our data highlights the importance of cut verification postresection to confirm planned resections are achieved, and suggests imageless navigation may be a source of feedback that would allow surgeons to intraoperatively adjust resections to achieve optimal implant alignment.
A theory-based exploration of antibiotic use in primary healthcare in Gezira state, Sudan
Authors: Lohiniva Anna-Leena , Elwali Einas , Abuobaida Duha , Abdulrahim Ashwag , Bukuluki Paul , Talaat Maha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major contributing factor to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance globally, including in Sudan.

Objectives
The project aimed to develop a theory-driven behaviour change strategy addressing both prescribers and patients based on factors that are driving antibiotic use in primary healthcare settings in Gezira state in Sudan.

Methods
The strategy was designed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify behavioural domains and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to select appropriate intervention functions. The process included (1) a formative qualitative research study and (2) a knowledge co-production workshop that utilized the results of the qualitative study to design a salient, appropriate, and credible behaviour change strategy.

Results
The TDF domains related to prescribers that emerged from the study included knowledge, skills, and intention. The selected BCW intervention functions included education, training, modelling, and persuasion. The main TDF domains related to patients included social influences and intention. The selected BCW intervention functions included enablement and education.

Conclusion
Using the TDF and BCW intervention functions, the study identified behavioural domains that influence antibiotic prescription and consumption in rural primary healthcare settings in Gezira state in Sudan and appropriate intervention functions to modify these behaviours. Knowledge co-production ensured that the evidence-based strategy was acceptable and practical in the local context.
Moving beyond Aim Three: a need for a transdisciplinary approach to build capacity for economic evaluations in implementation science
Authors: Barnett Miya L. , Stadnick Nicole A. , Proctor Enola K. , Dopp Alex R. , Saldana Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding the costs and economic benefits of implementation has been identified by policymakers and researchers as critical to increase the uptake and sustainment of evidence-based practices, but this topic remains relatively understudied. Conducting team science with health economists has been proposed as a solution to increase economic evaluation in implementation science; however, these recommendations ignore the differences in goals and perspectives in these two fields. Our recent qualitative research identified that implementation researchers predominantly approach health economists to examine costs, whereas the majority of health economists expressed limited interest in conducting economic evaluations and a desire to be more integrated within implementation science initiatives. These interviews pointed to challenges in establishing fruitful partnerships when health economists are relegated to the “Third Aim” (i.e., lowest-priority research objective) in implementation science projects by their research partners.

Discussion
In this debate paper, we argue that implementation researchers and health economists need to focus on team science research principles to expand capacity to address pressing research questions that cut across the two fields. Specifically, we use the four-phase model of transdisciplinary research to outline the goals and processes needed to build capacity in this area (Hall et al., Transl Behav Med 2:415–30, 2012). The first phase focuses on the development of transdisciplinary research teams, including identifying appropriate partners (e.g., considering policy or public health researchers in addition to health economists) and building trust. The conceptual phase focuses on strategies to consider when developing joint research questions and methodology across fields. In the implementation phase, we outline the effective processes for conducting research projects, such as team learning. Finally, in the translation phase, we highlight how a transdisciplinary approach between health economists and implementation researchers can impact real-world practice and policy.

Summary
The importance of investigating the economic impact of evidence-based practice implementation is widely recognized, but efforts have been limited due to the challenges in conducting team science across disciplines. Training in team science can help advance transdisciplinary efforts, which has the potential to increase the rigor and impact of economic evaluations in implementation science while expanding the roles taken by health economists.