bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway modulates octreotide antisecretory and antiproliferative effects in pituitary somatotroph tumor cells
Authors: Picech Florencia , Sosa Liliana DV. , Perez Pablo A. , Cecenarro Laura , Oms Sergio R. , Coca Hugo A. , De Battista Juan C. , Gutiérrez Silvina , Mukdsi Jorge H. , Torres Alicia I. , Petiti Juan P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOctreotide (OCT) is used to inhibit hormone secretion and growth in somatotroph tumors, although a significant percentage of patients are resistant. It has also been tested in nonfunctioning (NF) tumors but with poor results, with these outcomes having been associated with SSTR2 levels and impaired signaling. We investigated whether OCT inhibitory effects can be improved by TGF‐β1 in functioning and nonfunctioning somatotroph tumor cells. OCT effects on hormone secretion and proliferation were analyzed in the presence of TGF‐β1 in WT and SSTR2‐overexpressing secreting GH3 and silent somatotroph tumor cells. The mechanism underlying these effects was assessed by studying SSTR and TGFβR signaling pathways mediators. In addition, we analyzed the effects of OCT/TGF‐β1 treatment on tumor growth and cell proliferation in vivo. The inhibitory effects of OCT on GH‐ and PRL‐secretion and proliferation were improved in the presence of TGF‐β1, as well as by SSTR2 overexpression. The OCT/TGF‐β1 treatment induced downregulation of pERK1/2 and pAkt, upregulation of pSmad3, and inhibition of cyclin D1. In vivo experiments showed that OCT in the presence of TGF‐β1 blocked tumor volume growth, decreased cell proliferation, and increased tumor necrosis. These results indicate that SSTR2 levels and the stimulation of TGF‐β1/TGFβR/Smad2/3 pathway are important for strengthening the antiproliferative and antisecretory effects of OCT.
Video learning strategies affecting achievement, learning approach, and lifelong learning in a flipped periodontology course
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Park Jung‐Chul , Jung Daeun , Suh Chang‐Wan , Henning Marcus A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore how video learning strategies influence students’ Flipped learning (FL) achievement, deep approach to learning (DAL) and lifelong learning (LL) orientations and how DAL and LL can be promoted.MethodsData were collected from 65 dental students enrolled in a 21‐week clinical periodontology course. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was conducted to investigate factors and pathways affecting FL achievement, DAL, and LL.ResultsFL achievement was predicted by repeated and in‐advance video learning strategies. In‐advance, meticulous, and expanded video learning strategies directly influenced DAL, and indirectly influenced LL via DAL. LL was not affected by any of the video learning strategies but by the DAL.ConclusionThis study implies that mere implementation of FL may not guarantee more developed DAL and enhanced LL. Redesigning a course with FL should entail revisiting and revising student assessment. LL is an inclusive approach that requires the long‐term cultivation of meaning, experience, insight, learning, and practice.
Cell differentiation and motion determine the Bacillus subtilis biofilm morphological evolution under the competitive growth
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Zhang Duohuai , Dong Fulin , Liu Song , Zhang Jinchang , Zhao Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe growth discrepancy of Bacillus subtilis biofilms along different directions under the competitive growth drive the formation of anisotropic biofilm morphology directly. Two biofilms growing from two inoculating positions with different distances exhibit promoting or inhibiting growth behavior. Here we develop an optical imaging technology to observe the cell differentiation and the growth dynamics when the biofilm grows. It shows that the spatiotemporal distribution of different phenotypes affects the biofilm morphological evolution. We develop a program to calculate the velocity of cell motion within the biofilm, which is based on the feature point matching approach. We find the cell differentiation ununiformity in the neighboring region and its opposite region leads to the cell velocity difference in the competitive environment, the different cell motion further influences the biofilm morphology evolution. When biofilms grow with a long inoculating distance, there is always a gap between the them; when biofilms grow with a short inoculating distance, two biofilms gradually merge into a whole. Our work establishes a relationship between microscopic cells and macroscopic biofilm morphological which enables us to study the competitive growth process of biofilms from multiple perspectives.
Utilization of soil organic phosphorus as a strategic approach for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Sulieman Saad , Mühling Karl H. 
Published: March 2021

Take home messageSoil organic phosphorus (Porg) can significantly assist in minimizing the adverse effects of chemical phosphorus fertilizers on aquatic and marine resources. Success to achieve the desired lasting transformation is primarily reliant on the drastic reduction of wasteful applications of chemical phosphorus fertilizers, thereby paving the way for proper investment of soil Porg reserves. To this end, organically‐bound phosphorus can be viewed as a cornerstone for the future development of agriculture. Thus, we consider it very timely to emphasize the suitability of soil Porg to lead the way.
Determination, dissipation dynamics, terminal residues and dietary risk assessment of thiophanate‐methyl and its metabolite carbendazim in cowpeas collected from different locations in China under field conditions
Authors: Liu Zhengyi , Chen Ye , Han Jiahua , Chen Dan , Yang Guangqian , Lan Tingting , Li Jianmin , Zhang Kankan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThiophanate‐methyl and its metabolite carbendazim are broad‐spectrum fungicides used on many crops. The residues of these chemicals could result in potential environmental and human health problems. Therefore, investigations of the dissipation and residue behaviors of thiophanate‐methyl and its metabolite carbendazim on cowpeas and associated dietary risk assessments are essential for the safety of agricultural products.RESULTSA simple analytical approach using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of thiophanate‐methyl and carbendazim concentrations in cowpeas. Good linearity (R2 > 0.998) was obtained, and the recoveries and relative standard deviations were 80.0–104.7% and 1.4–5.2%, respectively. The dissipation rates of thiophanate‐methyl, carbendazim and total carbendazim were high (half‐lives of 1.61–2.46 days) and varied in the field cowpea samples because of the different weather conditions and planting patterns. Based on the definition of thiophanate‐methyl, the terminal residues of total carbendazim in cowpea samples were below the maximum residue limits set by Japan for other legumes. The acute and chronic risk quotients of three analytes were 0.0–27.6% in cowpea samples gathered from all terminal residue treatments, which were below 100%.CONCLUSIONAn optimized approach for detecting thiophanate‐methyl and carbendazim in cowpeas was applied for the investigation of field‐trial samples. The potential acute and chronic dietary risks of thiophanate‐methyl, carbendazim and total carbendazim to the health of Chinese consumers were low. These results could guide the safe and proper use of thiophanate‐methyl in cowpeas and offer data for the dietary risk assessment of thiophanate‐methyl in cowpeas. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Metabolic regulation mechanism of fucoidan via intestinal microecology in diseases
Authors: Sun Ting , Xue Meilan , Yang Jia , Pei Zhongqian , Zhang Nan , Qin Kunpeng , Liang Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe intestinal microecology is an extremely complex ecosystem consisting of gut microbiota, intestinal mucosa and the intestinal immune system. The intestinal microecology performs several important functions and is considered to be an essential ‘organ’ because it plays an important role in regulating human metabolism. Fucoidan contains a large amount of fucose and galactose residues, as well as various other neutral and acidic monosaccharides. Fucoidan particularly effects tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity by repairing intestinal mucosal damage and improving the intestinal microecological environment. It has been proposed that fucoidan could be used as a prebiotic agent for pharmaceutical and functional foods. In this review, we elucidate the potential mechanisms of the metabolic regulation of fucoidan with respect to the intestinal microecology of diseases. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Log ODDS (LODDS) of positive lymph nodes as a predictor of overall survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Patel Keval N. , Salunke Abhijeet , Bhatt Supreet , Sharma Mohit , Jain Abhishek , Puj Ketul , Rathod Priyank , Warikoo Vikas , Pandya Shashank J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the role of logarithmic ODDS (LODDS) in the number of positive lymph nodes and the number of negative lymph nodes as a prognostic metric in the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) penis.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from 96 cases of SCC penis that underwent bilateral groin dissection between 2010 and 2015 at our institute. Lymph node density (LND) and LODDS were calculated for all the patients and classified according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pN staging. Thresholds for LND (24% and 46%) and LODDS (−0.75 and 0) were established. Multivariate analysis of various cofactors was done with overall survival (OS) as a dependent factor. Three classification systems were compared using receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that AJCC pN, LND, and LODDS were all significantly correlated with OS. However, only LODDS (HR, 11.185; p = .023) remained an independent prognostic factor through multivariate analysis. LODDS (log‐likelihood = 3832 vs. 3798; p < .001) had better prognostic performance than pN and better discriminatory ability than LND (AIC = 3902 vs. 3928). LODDS had better power of discrimination than LND and pN. LODDS could predict survival in lymph node yield (LNY) < 15 (p < .001).ConclusionLODDS is an independent predictor of OS in the SCC penis and has superior prognostic significance than the AJCC pN and LND classification systems.
In vitro human intestinal microbiota biotransformation of nobiletin using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis and background subtraction strategy
Authors: Lan Hong‐Ci , Li Shang‐Zhen , Li Kai , Liu E.‐Hu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, the in vitro biotransformation of nobiletin by human intestinal microbiota, which is a bioactive polymethoxyflavone widely presented in Citrus plants, has been investigated via utilizing an anaerobic incubation protocol. The incubation samples were detected using high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A background subtraction strategy incorporated in Microsoft Office was employed to eliminate the interferences in medium and feces. The parent and three metabolites sinensetin, 5‐hydroxy‐6,7,3′,4′‐tetramethoxyflavone, and 5‐demethylnobiletin were detected and identified based on the characteristics of their protonated molecules. The proposed metabolic pathway revealed that nobiletin went through phase I metabolism including demethylation and demethoxylation in human intestinal microbiota. The characterization of nobiletin metabolic profile transformed by human intestinal bacteria would be helpful for understanding its efficacy and action mechanism.
Comparison of tracheal resection outcomes at a university hospital vs county hospital setting
Authors: Chow Michael S. , Haller Leonard , Chambers Tamara , Reder Lindsay , O'Dell Karla 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the role of hospital setting on outcomes in open airway surgery by comparing patients who underwent surgery (cricotracheal resection [CTR] or tracheal resection [TR]) at a publicly funded county hospital vs a private university hospital.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients undergoing CTR or TR at two institutions; a private university hospital and a publicly funded county hospital from September 2014 to September 2019. Length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total time to discharge, minor and major complications were the primary endpoints. Significance was defined as a P‐value less than .05.ResultsThere were a total of 43 patients (17 county, 26 university) who had CTR or TR during the study period. Length of stay outcomes was reported as mean length of stay ± SD. There was a significant difference in ICU stay at the county hospital (7.17 (±5.36 days) compared to the university hospital (2.52 ± 1.85 days, P < .003) and a nearly significant total length of stay difference at the county hospital (12.4 ± 9.06 days) compared to the university hospital (7.84 ± 4 days, P < .072) There was overall a low incidence of complications but slightly more in the county compared to the university population.ConclusionPatients who underwent open airway surgery at the county hospital were more likely to have a longer ICU stay and slight increase in complications despite having a lower ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification and younger age. These outcomes are multifactorial and may be related to poorer access to primary care preoperatively leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment, poorly controlled or undiagnosed medical comorbidities, and differences in hospital resources.Level of EvidenceIV.
Effects of friction stir welding on microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded secondary aluminum 6061 alloy
Authors: Wang'ombe D.N. , Mose B.R. , Maranga S.M. , Mbuya T.O. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExperiments were carried out to determine the effects of friction stir welding on microstructure and properties of recycled Aluminum 6061 alloy, whose alloy content varied from that of primary alloy. The alloy was processed at tool speed and feed ranges of 530 rev/min–1320 rev/min and 40 mm/min–100 mm/min respectively. Microstructure examination; tensile test and Vickers microhardness evaluation were carried out. Microstructure of the alloy was in four zones including: base metal, heat affected zone, thermo‐mechanically affected zone and stirred zone. Average grain size of unprocessed material was 93 μm. Processing the alloy at 530 rev/min and 100 mm/min resulted in grains of average size 93 μm, 183 μm and 7 μm; in base metal, heat affected zone and stirred zone respectively. Tensile failure occurred in heat affected zone; that was exposed to high heat. The alloy hardness decreased to a minimum in heat affected zone, followed by a brief rise in thermo‐mechanically affected zone, to another maximum in stirred zone. Processed zone hardness was inversely proportional to tool speed and directly proportional to feed rate. Increase in the speed and decrease in feed, increased heat which deteriorated the properties.
Simulation of 1.2765 DIN steel billet and crack analysis during the forging process using DEFORM 3D software
Authors: Mohan Kumar A. , Parameshwaran R. , Rajasekar R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe plastic deformation behavior of 1.2765 DIN steel during forging process and the feasibility of simulation in the forging of 1.2765 DIN steel at four different temperatures has investigated by using professional plastic distorting software DEFORM 3D v11.0. Additionally, the total load, effective stress, effective strain, and total velocity at four different points of the billet material has been simulated during the upsetting process. The main finding of this study are as follows: 1) during the forging process, the coefficient of friction between the die and the specimen has been influenced more on the flow stress of the material. 2) Effective strain at side edges of the specimen has reduced due to lower recrystallization temperature. 3) Velocity of the particle at side edges has been more due to the unrestricted movement of particles during the forging process. It has also concluded that the particles located at side edges, faces, and near to the top head of the specimen were exceeding stress value compared to allowable stress.
Enhanced performance of microbial electrolysis cells using microstructured electrodes
Authors: Keil T.M. , Windisch D. , Joukov V. , Niedermeier J. , Schulz W. , Albrecht J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA microbial electrolysis cell is set up with the purpose to realize an efficient power‐to‐gas process. Both hydrogen production by electrolysis and biomethanization proceed in the same reactor cell. In particular, the formation of hydrogen bubbles is strongly governed by the surface properties of the used stainless steel electrodes. Here, we introduce surface topography modifications on the micron‐scale to enhance the electrical transport in the cell and support charge conversion into hydrogen. Furthermore, it is analyzed if hydrogen bubble detachment can be supported to form smaller bubbles that can be efficiently converted into methane. A positive influence on the electrical transport is found and explained by a surface‐controlled suppression of bio‐film passivation.
The Effect of Partly Replacing Vegetable Fat with Bovine Milk Fat in Infant Formula on Postprandial Lipid and Energy Metabolism: A Proof‐of‐principle Study in Healthy Young Male Adults
Authors: Hageman Jeske H.J. , Erdõs Balázs , Keijer Jaap , Adriaens Michiel , de Wit Britt , Stañková Barbora , Tvrzická Eva , Arts Ilja C.W. , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G. 
Published: March 2021

ScopeInfant formula (IF) uses besides vegetable fats also bovine milk fat, which differs in triacylglycerol (TAG) structure. Furthermore, it differs in fatty acid (FA) composition. Whether changing fat source in IF affects postprandial energy metabolism, lipemic response, and blood lipid profile is unknown.Methods and ResultsA proof‐of‐principle study, with a randomized controlled double‐blind cross‐over design, is conducted. Twenty healthy male adults consumed drinks with either 100% vegetable fat (VEG) or 67% bovine milk fat and 33% vegetable fat (BOV), on 2 separate days. For a detailed insight in the postprandial responses, indirect calorimetry is performed continuously, and venous blood samples are taken every 30 min, until 5 h postprandially. No differences in postprandial energy metabolism, serum lipids, lipoprotein, or chylomicron concentrations are observed between drinks. After consumption of VEG‐drink, C18:2n‐6 in serum increased. Observed differences in chylomicron FA profile reflect differences in initial FA profile of test drinks. Serum ketone bodies concentrations increase following consumption of BOV‐drink.ConclusionsThe use of bovine milk fat in IF does neither affect postprandial energy metabolism nor lipemic response in healthy adults, but alters postprandial FA profiles and ketone metabolism. Whether the exact same effects occur in infants requires experimental verification.
The Families Improving Health Together (FIT) Program: Initial evaluation of retention and research in a multispecialty clinic for children with obesity
Authors: Rosenbaum Michael , Garofano Robert , Liimatta Kalle , McArthur Kerry , Paul Erin , Starc Thomas , Sopher Aviva B. , Thaker Vidhu , Woo Baidal Jennifer 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundObesity affects ∼17% of US children, with parallel increases in multiple comorbidities, especially among African‐, Asian‐, Hispanic‐, and Native‐Americans. Barriers to patient retention in pediatric obesity programs include lack of centralized care, and frequent subspecialty MD visits which conflict with patient school attendance and parental work attendance as well as with support service utilization. Lack of integration of multispecialty clinical care with interdisciplinary research is a major barrier to fuller exploration of the treatment, prevention, and understanding of obesity in childhood.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis, a novel multispecialty/interdisciplinary clinical and research infrastructure with strong emphasis on a primary obesity care physician for children with early‐onset (<9 years) obesity (Families Improving health Together [FIT]) could promote lower patient attrition (primary goal) and foster productive research in pediatric obesity (secondary goal).ResultsData support the hypotheses. Over 15 months, FIT reported a >90% participant retention (p < 0.001 vs. expected rate based on other studies of similar programs). Though 90% of children had at least one adiposity‐related comorbidity and 70% had at least two, there was no need for additional subspecialist visits with cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, or molecular geneticists. Three abstracts were presented at national meetings, and two manuscripts were published all with junior faculty as primary authors.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that an integrated multispecialty/interdisciplinary approach to children with obesity improves patient retention and can be integrated successfully with research.
Proton therapy: A therapeutic opportunity for aggressive pediatric meningioma
Authors: Rombi Barbara , Ruggi Alessandro , Sardi Iacopo , Zucchelli Mino , Scagnet Mirko , Toni Francesco , Cammelli Silvia , Giulietti Giulia , Fabbri Viscardo Paolo , Gianno Francesca , Amichetti Maurizio , Yock Torunn Ingrid , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Pession Andrea , Melchionda Fraia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMeningiomas are an extremely rare histology among pediatric brain tumors, and there is a shortage of literature on their management. Proton therapy is currently used safely and effectively for many types of both pediatric and adult cancer, and its main advantage is the sparing of healthy tissues from radiation, which could translate in the reduction of late side effects. We review the literature on radiotherapy and proton therapy for pediatric meningiomas and report clinical outcomes for two aggressive pediatric meningiomas we treated with protons. Proton therapy might be a safe and effective therapeutic option for this rare subgroup of tumors.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene composites
Authors: Wang Ran , Meng Taotao , Zhang Bowen , Chen Chuchu , Li Dagang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis research uses physical mixing and twin‐screw extrusion process to prepare biomass activated carbon (BAC)/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite materials. The mechanical properties, micro‐morphology, and thermodynamic properties of the composite materials were explored. The experimental results show that the tensile strength of 65% activated carbon added to the composite material has changed from 22.93 to 97.65 MPa, which is an increase of 325.86%. According to the Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, a schematic diagram of the internal combination of the composite material is made, the concept of a three‐dimensional network interpenetrating three‐dimensional structure is proposed, and the mechanism of tensile properties enhancement is explained. Obviously, as the carbon content increases, the storage modulus (E′) also increases, and the loss factor (tan δ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) also change. The ability of composite materials to resist pyrolysis has also been enhanced. The above results indicate that BAC as a filler of composite materials can improve various performances.