bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Genes, and The Induction of Antioxidant Genes Under The Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress in Air-Breathing Magur Catfish (Clarias Magur)
Authors: Koner Debaprasad , Banerjee Bodhisattwa , Kumari Annu , Lanong Aquisha S. , Snaitang Revelbornstar , Saha Nirmalendu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The deduced amino acid sequences from the complete cDNA coding sequences of three antioxidant enzyme genes (cm sod1 , cm sod2, and cm cat ) demonstrated that phylogenetically the magur catfish ( Clarias magur ) is very much close to other bony fishes with complete conservation of active site residues among piscine, amphibian and mammalian species. The three-dimensional structures of three antioxidant enzyme proteins are very much similar to mammalian counterparts, thereby suggesting the functional similarities of these enzymes. Exposure to ZnO NPs resulted in an oxidative stress as evidenced by an initial sharp rise of intracellular concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but decreased gradually at later stages. The level of glutathione (GSH) also increased gradually in all the tissues examined after an initial decrease. Biochemical and gene expression analyses indicated that the magur catfish has the ability to defend the ZnO NP-induced oxidative stress by inducing the SOD/CAT enzyme system and also the GSH-related enzymes that are mediated through the activation of various antioxidant-related genes both at the transcriptional and translational levels in various tissues. Furthermore, it appeared that the stimulation of NO, as a consequence of induction nos2 gene, under NP-induced oxidative stress serves as a modulator to induce the SOD/CAT system in various tissues of magur catfish as an antioxidant strategy. Thus, it can be contemplated that the magur catfish possesses a very efficient antioxidant defensive mechanisms to defend against the oxidative stress during exposure to ZnO NPs into their natural environment, and also from related cellular damages.
NT-pro BNP in AECOPD-PH: Old Biomarker, New Insights-Based on a Large Retrospective Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Tian Fengming , Song Wen , Wang Liang , Zeng Qiang , Zhao Zhenyu , Feng Ning , Fan Jiahui , Wang Yue , Wang Jing , Ma Xiumin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the common complications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aimed to evaluate the predicting ability of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) in patients with AECOPD-PH and its relationship with the severity of PH. A large retrospective case-controlled study (n=1072) was performed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020, and patients were divided into stable COPD (n=178), AECOPD (n=688) and AECOPD-PH group (n=206). In unadjusted analysis and PSM (model 1, 2, 3), red cell distribution width (RDW), total bilirubin (TBIL), and NT-pro BNP were higher in patients with AECOPD-PH than those in AECOPD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that RDW had no statistic difference. When the range of NT-proBNP was 271-1165 pg/mL (OR: 0.293; 95%CI: 0.184-0.467; P<0.001) and NT-proBNP > 1165pg/mL (OR: 0.559; 95%CI: 0.338-0.926; P=0.024), the morbidity risk of PH in AECOPD patients was increased, so did TBIL. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, at the cut-off value of NT-proBNP was 175.14 pg/mL, AUC was 0.651 (P<0.001), which was better than TBIL (AUC: 0.590, P<0.001). As for the results of rank correlation analysis, TBIL had no significant difference, and NT-proBNP had a weak correlation with severity of PH with AECOPD (r=0.299, P=0.001).Our findings suggest that NT-proBNP has a diagnostic efficacy in AECOPD-PH and NT-proBNP has a weak correlation with severity of PH with AECOPD.
Elucidation of New Xylose Metabolizing Pathway in Pseudomonas Gessardii VXlt-16 and its Correlation with Xylitol Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate
Authors: Ahuja Vishal , Mehta Sanjeev , Rathour Ranju Kumari , Sharma Vaishali , Rana Nidhi , Bhatt Arvind Kumar , Kieliszek Marek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Scientific interventions have identified lignocellulosic biomass as potential raw material for various industrial processes. However toxic byproducts released during the process result in deterioration of environment to a greater extent. Microbes can utilize these wastes for production of products of commercial value like bio-fuels, protein, organic acids and xylitol. However, high production cost and astringent operating conditions have been the major bottlenecks for its commercial production. In microbes, xylose is metabolized by xylose isomerase (XI) and xylose reductase-xylitol dehydrogenase (XR-XDH) pathways, with later having ability to transform pure xylose as well as xylose rich lignocelluloses. Efforts to find hyper producer isolates for xylitol production resulted in identification of one such isolate Pseudomonas gessardii VXlt-16 (MG770460) by 16s rDNA sequencing. Statistical optimization resulted in 7.28 folds’ increase in xylitol yield with 64.76% xylose bioconversion. Conversion of xylose to xylitol even at large scale suggests the possible application of bacterial isolate for the production of this useful product at industrial scale.
Guidance on Review Type Selection for Health Technology Assessments: Key Factors and Considerations for Deciding When to Conduct a De Novo Systematic Review, an Update of a Systematic Review, or an Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Kim Joanne Soo Min , Pollock Michelle , Kaunelis David , Weeks Laura 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA systematic review (SR) helps us make sense of a body of research while minimizing bias and is routinely conducted to evaluate intervention effects in a health technology assessment (HTA). In addition to the traditional de novo SR, which combines the results of multiple primary studies, there are alternative review types that use systematic methods and leverage existing SRs, namely updates of SRs and overviews of SRs. This paper shares guidance that can be used to select the most appropriate review type to conduct when evaluating intervention effects in an HTA, with a goal to leverage existing SRs and reduce research waste where possible. MethodsWe identified key factors and considerations that can inform the process of deciding to conduct one review type over the others to answer a research question and organized them into guidance comprising a summary and a corresponding flowchart. This work consisted of three steps. First, a guidance document was drafted by methodologists from two Canadian HTA agencies based on their experience. Next, the draft guidance was supplemented with a literature review. Lastly, broader feedback from HTA researchers across Canada was sought and incorporated into the final guidance. ResultsNine key factors and six considerations were identified to help reviewers select the most appropriate review type to conduct. These fell into one of two categories: the evidentiary needs of the planned review (i.e., to understand the scope, objective, and analytic approach required for the review) and the state of the existing literature (i.e., to know the available literature in terms of its relevance, quality, comprehensiveness, currency, and findings). The accompanying flowchart, which can be used as a decision tool, demonstrates the interdependency between many of the key factors and considerations and aims to balance the potential benefits and challenges of leveraging existing SRs instead of primary study reports. ConclusionsSelecting the most appropriate review type to conduct when evaluating intervention effects in an HTA requires a myriad of factors to be considered. We hope this guidance adds clarity to the many competing considerations when deciding which review type to conduct and facilitates that decision-making process.
Prediction and Detection of COVID-19 from Chest X-Rays using Transfer Learning based Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Misra Priyavrat , Panigrahi Niranjan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
With the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the research community still struggles to develop early and reliable prediction and detection mechanisms for this infectious disease. The commonly used RT-PCR test is not readily available in areas with limited testing facilities, and it lags in performance and timeliness. This paper proposes a deep transfer learning-based approach to predict and detect COVID-19 from digital chest radiographs. In this study, three pre-trained convolutional neural network-based models (VGG16, ResNet18, and DenseNet121) have been fine tuned to detect COVID-19 infected patients from chest X-rays (CXRs). The most efficient model is further used to identify the affected regions using an unsupervised gradient-based localization technique. The proposed system uses a classification approach (normal vs. COVID-19 vs. pneumonia vs. lung opacity) using three supervised classification algorithms followed by gradient-based localization. The training, validation and testing of the system are performed using 21165 CXR images (10192 normal, 1345 pneumonia, 3616 COVID-19, and 6012 lung opacity). Simulation and evaluation results are presented using standard performance metrics, viz, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Simple Linear Ionic Polysiloxane Showing Unexpected Nanostructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hara Mitsuo , Iijima Yuta , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Polysiloxanes are ubiquitous materials in industry and daily life derived from silicates, an abundant resource. They exhibit various properties, which depend on the main-chain network structure. Linear (1D backbone) polysiloxanes provide amorphous materials. They are recognized as fluid materials in the form of grease or oil with a low glass transition temperature. Herein we report that a simple linear polysiloxane, poly(3-aminopropylmethylsiloxane) hydrochloride, shows an elastic modulus comparable to that of stiff resins such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene). By introducing an ammonium salt at all the units of this polysiloxane, inter- and intramolecular ionic aggregates form, immensely enhancing the elastic modulus. This polysiloxane is highly hygroscopic, and its modulus can be altered reversibly 100 million times between moist and dry atmospheres. In addition, it works as a good adhesive for glass substrates with a shear strength of more than 1 MPa in the dry state. Despite its simple structure with a flexible backbone, this polymer unexpectedly self-assembles to form an ordered lamellar nanostructure in dry conditions. Consequently, this work reveals new functions and possibilities for polysiloxanes materials by densely introducing ionic groups.
Using Machine Learning to Predict the Requirement for Revascularization in Patients with Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Zheng Zhichang , Wang Nian , Jiang Bo , Ma Chunpeng , Ai Hui , Wang Xiao , Nie Shaoping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The study aimed to use machine learning algorithms to predict the need for revascularization in patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department.Methods: We obtained data from 581 patients with chest pain, 264 who underwent revascularization, and the other 317 were treated with medication alone at 3 months. Using standard algorithms, linear discriminant analysis, and standard algorithms, we analyzed 41 features relevant to coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: We identified seven robust predictive features. The combination of these predictors gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.830 to predict the need for revascularization. By contrast, the GRACE score gave an AUC of 0.68.Conclusions: This machine learning-based approach predicts the need for revascularization in patients with CAD.
Objective Understanding of Front of Pack Warning Labels Among Mexican Children of Public Elementary Schools. A Randomized Experiment
Authors: Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Jauregui Alejandra , Vargas Jorge , Nieto Claudia , Granich Adriana , Escobar María de Lourdes Alemán , Olvera Armando , Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , Munguía-Serrano Ana , Simón Barquera 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background. Warning Labels (WL) are a new approach which highlight excessive amounts of critical nutrients in processed foods or beverages in order to discourage consumption of unhealthful products. This study aimed to evaluate among Mexican school children, the objective understanding of traditional and numeric WL considered by the Mexican regulation. To identify the impact of cartoon characters in the objective understanding of the WL and, to test some communication strategies to facilitate the correct use of the WL.Methods. We carried out a randomized experiment in July of 2019 in public elementary schools Morelos, Mexico. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) Nutrient Facts Panel (NF), 2) Nutrient Facts Panel with cartoon characters (NF+C), 3) Warning Labels (WL), and 4) Warning Labels with cartoon characters (WL+C). After allocation, children assigned to both WL groups (WL or WL+C), were randomly required to watch simultaneously two posters or a video explaining how to correctly interpret WLs. Logistic regression models adjusted by sex, age and cluster (school) were fitted.Results. The proportion of children correctly choosing the healthiest or the least healthy option was higher for WL groups (56.8%, 95%CI; 40.8-72.8) compared to all NF groups (24.3%, 95%CI; 20.4-28.3, p<0.05). The objective understanding of traditional WL was higher (28.7%, 95%CI: 22.8-35.4) than the numeric WL (19%, 95%CI: 14.2-25.0, p<0.05). For choosing the unhealthiest products, WL group responded correctly in a higher proportion when using traditional WL (58.7%, 95%CI: 36.4-81.1) in comparison to WL+C group (48.8%, 95%CI: 25.4-64.2, p<0.05). By tool of communication, the video was 2.23 times more helpful than the posters to the correct interpretation of the WL (p<0.05), being 2.41 times more helpful for choosing the healthiest item (p<0.05) and 1.57 for choosing the unhealthiest choice (p<0.05).Conclusions. In scholar Mexican children, WL were useful to identify easily and quickly healthier and unhealthier packaged products in comparison to NF. Importantly, numeric WL seemed to be as effective as WL to help children identify healthy and unhealthy products. Cartoons displayed on the packages reduced the objective understanding of the WL, especially for breakfast cereals and milks for which cartoons where perceived as the unhealthiest ones.
Prehabilitation Programs for Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review of Randomized-controlled Trials
Authors: Meneses-Echavez Jose F , Loaiza-Betancur Andrés F. , Díaz-López Víctor , Echavarría-Rodríguez Andrés M. , Triana-R Hector R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Prehabilitation programs focusing on exercise training as the main component are known as a promising alternative for improving patients’ outcomes before surgical treatment of different cancers. This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of prehabilitation programs compared with usual care for cancer patients.Methods/design: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE from inception to 2020, and hand-searched clinical trial registries. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults, survivors of any type of cancer, that compared prehabilitation programs focusing on exercise training as the major component with usual care or other active interventions. Outcome measures were health-related quality of life (HRQL), muscular strength, postoperative complications, average length of stay (ALOS), handgrip strength, and physical activity levels. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias and the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.Results: 14 RCTs published between 2010-2020 met our inclusion criteria (n=1044 participants). Colorectal and lung cancers were the most common diagnoses with 5 studies (36%) each. The studies showed concerns regarding outcome measurement, selective reporting, and attrition. Four comparisons were identified: combined training vs rehabilitation/usual care; high-intensity interval training vs usual care; respiratory muscle training plus aerobic training vs usual care, and pelvic floor training vs usual care. The studies provided no clear evidence of an effect between groups. We assessed the certainty of the body of evidence as very low, downgraded due to serious study limitations and imprecision.Conclusion: It is uncertain whether prehabilitation programs compared with usual care have an effect in cancer patients. We have very little confidence in the results and the true effect is likely to be substantially different from these. Further research is needed before we could draw a more certain conclusion.Systematic review registration: CRD42019125658
Diagnostic performance of [18F]FDG PET in staging grade 1-2, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Iqbal Ramsha , Mammatas Lemonitsa H , Aras Tuba , Vogel Wouter V , de Brug Tim van , Oprea-Lager Daniela E , Verheul Henk M.W. , Hoekstra Otto S , Boellaard Ronald , Oordt Catharina W Menke-van der Houven van 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

BackgroundAccurate staging of early breast cancer (BC) patients is essential for tailored treatment. Currently, the preferred imaging modality for staging is positron emission tomography with [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET) combined with a diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax/abdomen. However, FDG PET might be insufficient for detection of malignant lesions in grade 1–2, estrogen receptor positive (ER+) BC, due to its low metabolic activity. The main aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET in this patient population.Methods74 patients diagnosed with grade 1–2, ER + clinical stage IIB/III or locoregional recurrent BC were included. Suspect tumor lesions detected on conventional imaging (mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic CT, bone scintigraphy) and FDG PET were confirmed with pathology or follow-up. FDG PET-positive lesions were (semi)quantified with standardized uptake values (SUV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and these FDG PET parameters were correlated with pathological features such as histological subtype, grade, ER, PR and HER2 expression and mitotic activity index.ResultsPre-operative imaging identified 155 lesions that were pathologically verified. Based on pathology, 115/155 (74.2%) lesions identified on FDG PET were classified as true positive, i.e. malignant (in 67 patients) and 17/155 (10.8%) lesions as false positive, i.e. benign (in 9 patients); 7/155 (4.5%) as false negative (in 7 patients) and 16/155 (10.3%) as true negative (in 14 patients). FDG PET incorrectly staged 16/70 (22.9%) patients: 3/70 (4.3%) were downstaged whereas 13/70 (18.6%) were upstaged. SUV did not help to discriminate between true- and false positive lesions (median SUVmax 4.23, IQR: 2.54–6.37 vs. 3.07, IQR: 2.14–5.58, P = 0.44 respectively). For true positive lesions, FDG uptake correlated with histological subtype, showing higher uptake in ductal carcinoma compared to lobular carcinoma (P < 0.05).ConclusionWithin this study FDG PET inadequately staged 22.9% of grade 1–2, ER + BC cases. Incorrect staging can lead to inappropriate treatment choices, potentially affecting survival and quality of life. Prospective studies investigating novel radiotracers are urgently needed.Trial registrationretrospectively registered.
Polystyrene Sulfonate with Well-Defined Structure as Lignosulfonate Analogue for Promoting Lignocellulose Enzymatic Saccharification
Authors: liu tian , Wang Peipei , Tian Jing , Guo Jiaqi , Zhu Wenyuan , Jin Yongcan , Xiao Huining , song junlong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Water-soluble lignin (particularly lignosulfonate, LS) has been well documented for its positive impact on enzymatic saccharification for lignocellulose. Even though, the promotion mechanism of LS hasn’t been fully understood. All researches paid all attentions on the natural lignin or its derivatives. Whereas the structure of natural lignin is too complex and not easily to be tailored functional groups. To further our understanding on the promotion mechanism of water-soluble lignin to enzymatic saccharification for lignocellulose and also to pursue better alternatives with different skeleton structure other than natural lignin or its derivatives, therein we reported a synthetic soluble linear aromatic polymer- sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) with well-defined structure to mimic LS for enhancing the enzymatic saccharification efficiency. Results: At the cellulase loading of 10 FPU/g-glucan, the glucose yield of green liquor pretreated poplar increased from 39.8% for the control to 60.3% with PSS addition of 0.1 g/g-substrate. It outperformed LS with addition of 0.2 g/g-substrate by 4.6%. The underlying mechanism was unveiled using Quartz Crystal Microbalance and the results confirmed that the as-formed complexes of cellulase-PSS, which effectively reduced non-productive binding and eventually improving the saccharification efficiency, were only half thickness and with much lower shear moduli than those of LS. Conclusions: The synthetic lignin mimics with controllable structures offer us more opportunities to understand the promotion mechanism of soluble lignins on lignocellulose enzymatic saccharification.
Key Drivers of Consumption-Based Carbon Emissions: Empirical Evidence from SAARC countries
Authors: Shekhawat Komal Kanwar , Yadav Arvind Kumar , Sanu Md Sahnewaz , Kumar Pushp 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To devise an appropriate climate policy dealing with environmental degradation, reliable measurement of CO2 emissions is essential. In the recent past, most researchers have utilized production-based emissions in their studies, ignoring the important role of consumption-based emissions in environmental degradation. Therefore, the present research examines the drivers of consumption-based CO2 emissions in SAARC nations over the period 1990 to 2018. By employing traditional and second-generation panel cointegration methodologies, the study, more specifically, explores the link between consumption-based CO2 emissions and its four macroeconomic determinates, namely, GDP growth, energy consumption, FDI, and trade openness (measured by Composite Trade Share Index). The study also applies the FMLOS and DOLS techniques for calculating the long-run elasticities of regressors with respect to the explained variable. The results establish a cointegration relationship between the variables and validate the “EKC hypothesis” for the SAARC region. It is also found that in the long run, as expected, energy consumption enhances the consumption-based CO2 emissions while FDI and trade openness improve the environmental quality by plummeting emissions. Most importantly, the study rejects the “pollution-haven hypothesis” for the SAARC region based on the negative and statistically significant coefficient of FDI. Lastly, based on the results, some policies are recommended for the abatement of environmental degradation in SAARC countries. As the SAARC nations rely heavily on fossil-based energy, it is suggestive for these economies to enhance the level of energy efficiency and augment the share of renewable energy sources in the energy-mix. Furthermore, the policy-designers in this region should encourage trade openness and liberalize inward FDI for containing consumption-based emissions.