bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of red pigment production and citrinin reduction from Monascus purpureus using dairy sludge: potential health benefits and fermentation strategies
Authors: Moradi Samira , Mortazavi Seyed Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to explore the production of red pigment from Monascus purpureus and its potential health benefits. The research started with the cultivation of M. purpureus in an environment containing dairy sludge. Subsequently, the extracted pigment was purified and subjected to various analyses, including liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to verify its purity, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the citrinin levels, microbial testing, and assessment of antioxidant activity. Finally, fermentation was conducted in a batch system using a fermenter. M. purpureus was grown in a medium composed of dairy sludge, monosodium glutamate, and glucose, resulting in a biomass yield of 26.15 g/l. After extraction and purification, the optimal sample yielded 4.85 g of dry color, while the control sample produced 2.5 g. Analysis using NMR revealed similarities between the samples, while HPLC indicated low citrinin levels of less than 0.05 ppm in the optimal sample and 2.5 ppm in the control sample. LCMS analysis demonstrated a purity of 91.9% for the optimal sample, which also exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. In the fermenter, the sample obtained from optimal culture conditions displayed the highest concentration of the pigment monascorubramine, maximum specific growth rate of 0.029/1/h (µmax), a cell yield (Yx/s) of 0.29 g/g, and a production efficiency of 65% for M. purpureus. Overall, the produced pigment sample exhibited potential for use in the food industry due to its low citrinin content and high concentration of red pigment.
Exploring the Noise Resilience of Successor Features and Predecessor Features Algorithms in One and Two-Dimensional Environments
Authors: Lee Hyunsu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Based on the predictive map theory of spatial learning in animals, this study delves into the dynamics of Successor Feature (SF) and Predecessor Feature (PF) algorithms within noisy environments. Utilizing Q-learning and Q($\lambda$) learning as benchmarks for comparative analysis, our investigation yielded unexpected outcomes. Contrary to prevailing expectations and previous literature where PF demonstrated superior performance, our findings reveal that in noisy environments, PF did not surpass SF. In a one-dimensional grid world, SF exhibited superior adaptability, maintaining robust performance across varying noise levels. This trend of diminishing performance with increasing noise was consistent across all examined algorithms, indicating a linear degradation pattern.The scenario shifted in a two-dimensional grid world, where the impact of noise on algorithm performance demonstrated a non-linear relationship, influenced by the $\lambda$ parameter of the eligibility trace. This complexity suggests that the interaction between noise and algorithm efficacy is tied to the environmental dimensionality and specific algorithmic parameters.Furthermore, this research contributes to the bridging discourse between computational neuroscience and reinforcement learning (RL), exploring the neurobiological parallels of SF and PF learning in spatial navigation. Despite the unforeseen performance trends, the findings enrich our comprehension of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in RL algorithms. This knowledge is pivotal for advancing applications in robotics, gaming AI, and autonomous vehicle navigation, underscoring the imperative for continued exploration into how RL algorithms process and learn from noisy inputs.
CCDC88C, an O-GalNAc glycosylation substrate of GALNT6, drives breast cancer metastasis by promoting c-JUN-mediated CEMIP transcription
Authors: Deng Boya , Zhang Siyang , Zhou Yingying , Sun Ting , Zhu Ying , Fei Jing , Li Ailin , Miao Yuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Coiled-coil domain containing 88C (CCDC88C) is a component of non-canonical Wnt signaling, and its dysregulation causes colorectal cancer metastasis. Dysregulated expression of CCDC88C was observed in lymph node metastatic tumor tissues of breast cancer. However, the role of CCDC88C in breast cancer metastasis remains unclear. To address this, the stable BT549 and SKBR3 cell lines with CCDC88C overexpression or knockdown were developed. The loss/gain-of-function experiments suggested that CCDC88C was a driver of breast cancer cell motility. Similar potentials of CCDC88C were observed in the lung and liver metastasis of BT549 cells. We found that CCDC88C led to c-JUN transactivation. The overlapping genes were identified from the genes modulated by CCDC88C and c-JUN. CEMIP, one of these overlapping genes, has been confirmed to drive breast cancer metastasis. We found that CCDC88C regulated CEMIP mRNA levels via c-JUN and it exerted pro-metastatic capabilities in a CEMIP-dependent manner. Moreover, we identified the CCDC88C as a substrate of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 6 (GALNT6). GALNT6 was positively correlated with CCDC88C protein abundance in the normal breast and breast cancer tissues, indicating that GALNT6 might be associated with expression patterns of CCDC88C in breast cancer. Our data demonstrated that GALNT6 was critical for the maintenance of CCDC88C stability and CCDC88C could mediate the pro-metastatic potential of GALNT6 in breast cancer. Collectively, our findings uncover that CCDC88C may increase the risk of breast cancer metastasis and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Evaluation of the protective effect of cannabidiol in lead toxicity in mice
Authors: Şahin Serkan , Müderrisoğlu Ahmet , Mortaş Tülay , Türksoy Vugar Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Considering the significant toxicity caused lead (Pb), identifying substances that can prevent or alleviate the toxic effects of Pb is important. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant substance; cannabidiol (CBD) against Pb toxicity.
Methods
A total of 4 groups, each consisting 10 mice were used. Groups I and III were not exposed to Pb, while Pb exposure was induced in groups II and IV by adding 1 gr/L of Pb to the drinking water. CBD was administered daily via intragastric gavage at a 25 mg/kg dose in groups III and IV. At the end of 30 days, the mice were euthanized, and blood and liver, kidney, testis tissue samples were collected. Levels of oxidative stress markers GSH, CAT, MPO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 were measured using ELISA kits. Histological evaluation of the tissues samples was performed.
Results
Comparison between groups II and IV showed that CBD alleviated the oxidant and inflammatory damage caused by Pb as blood CAT, GSH levels increased and MPO, TNF- α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels decreased in CBD administered, Pb intoxicated mice compared to only Pb intoxicated mice. CBD also decreased the toxic effects of Pb in liver, kidney and testis tissues (p < 0.0001 for most comparisons). Comparison between groups III and IV revealed similar results as it showed that Pb reduced the beneficial effects of CBD.
Conclusion
This study showed that CBD has a protective effect against Pb toxicity. This finding indicates that CBD could be used as a food additive or supportive treatment for alleviating the toxic effects of Pb at risked population groups.
Assessing the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of NPP and the Response to Urban Expansion in the Chang–Zhu–Tan Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Ma Yimin , Lin Hui , Long Jiangping , Liu Zhaohua , Jiang Wenhan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, accelerated urbanization, accompanied by rapid economic growth, has substantially influenced the ecological environment and carbon storage. To examine the relationship between urbanization and carbon storage, the vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) of the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan urban agglomeration (CZT) over the past two decades was estimated using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach model. The multiyear spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of NPP changes and their responses to urban expansion were explored using various trend analysis methods.
Results
From 2000 to 2020, a fluctuating and moderate declining trend in the yearly average NPP was observed. In particular, after 2008, there was a noticeable acceleration in the rate of NPP decline, which was attributed to the implementation of the urban integration policy in the CZT. Furthermore, an increasing trend in NPP was noted in the core of the built-up region, which was attributed to the government's efforts toward urban greening. However, with the continuous outward expansion of the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan region, a considerable reduction in NPP was observed in the suburbs. Future variations in NPP for most parts of the CZT will be contrary to those observed in the past. The primary factors influencing NPP changes in the CZT have gradually shifted from natural factors to human activities. Although a weak negative correlation was observed between the built-up area density and NPP in 63.04% of the CZT and urban expansion predominantly negatively affected vegetation NPP, the positive contribution of human activities to NPP still outweighed the negative contributions.
Conclusion
Measures to protect the ecological environment have effectively mitigated the reduction in vegetation carbon storage within urban agglomerations. This study provides a rigorous theoretical basis for the integrated development of urban expansion and environmental protection, as well as for carbon management.
Genetic Markers and Predictive Factors Influencing the Aggressive Behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Galvão Gustavo F. , Trefilio Luisa M. , Salvio Andreza L. , Silva Elielson V. , Alves-Leon Soniza V. , Fontes-Dantas Fabrícia L. , Souza Jorge Marcondes 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Biological behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is still controversial without clear-cut signature for biological mechanistic explanation of lesion aggressiveness. There is plenty evidence implicating dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses in vascular malformation pathogenesis, including CCM. In the present study, we evaluated the predictive capacity of the SNPsVDRrs7975232,VDRrs731236,VDRrs11568820as well as expanded the analysis ofPTPN2rs72872125andFCGR2Ars1801274in relation to the aggressive behavior of CCM and its implications in biological processes. This was a single-site prospective observational cohort study with 103 patients enrolled, 42 had close follow-up visits for a period of 4 years, focused on 2 main aspects of the disease: (1) symptomatic event that composed both intracranial bleeding or epilepsy and (2) precocity of symptoms. We report a novel observation that thePTPN2rs72872125CT and theVDRrs7975232CC genotype were independently associated with an asymptomatic phenotype. Additionally,PTPN2rs72872125CC genotype and serum level of GM-CSF could predict a diagnostic association with symptomatic phenotype in CCM patients, while theFCGR2Ars1801274GG genotype could predict a symptomatic event during follow-up. The study also found a correlation betweenVDRrs731236AA andVDRrs11568820CC genotype to the time to first symptomatic event. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic markers that could potentially impact the development and advancement of CCM.
Performance Enhancement of DRX Sleep Mode Based on Signaling/Paging Traffic Arrival in 5G Communication Systems
Authors: Sallam Mustafa M. , Zaki Fayez Wanis , Ashour Mohammed M. , Nafea Hala B. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Energy consumption is one of the most important challenges in Millimeter Wave (mmWave) 5G wireless communications since higher data rate and lower latency are required. Thus, User Equipment (UE) battery suffers from its energy absorption. To investigate a green communication, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode is introduced when no traffic arrival from the Base Station (BS) to extend UE battery lifetime but delay is increased. This paper introduces an advanced DRX, which can achieve extended UE battery lifetime with a reasonable reduced delay due to a proposed sub-frame size. Generally, traffic which arrives may be data packet or paging message. This paper evaluates two proposed system models based on traffic which arrives during wake up periods of the UE. The first system model is called Signaling Based DRX and the second system model is called Enhanced Paging Monitoring (EPM). The both system models utilize two different indicators; they are Power Saving Indicator (PSI) and Paging Early Indicator (PEI), respectively. These indicators enhance power saving and delay compared to that of the traditional approach. The evaluation of the both system models performance is by measuring the power saving factor and the average delay of the UE over the same data/paging traffic arrival rate. A MATLAB simulation program is used to validate the system model and the numerical analysis. Analytical and numerical results are considered.
Dual targeting of NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways by pinoresinol attenuates IL-6-mediated inflammation in differentiated THP-1 cells
Authors: Dutta Anupam , Das Dorothy , Chakraborty Rituraj , Baruah Bhargab Jyoti , Sharma Manoj , Sharma Pushpa , Mattaparthi Venkata Satish Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Rupak 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:Dysregulated synthesis of IL-6 plays a critical role in inflammation-induced disease pathophysiology. IL-6 is known to induce NF-κB alongside canonical JAK-STAT pathway, indicating the importance of cascade proteins of these two pathways as the targets of anti-inflammatory compounds. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are acknowledged as for their anti-inflammatory efficacies. Here, we report the mechanism of downregulation of NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways by pinoresinol, a plant lignan, in IL-6-induced differentiated macrophages.Methods and Results:Bioinformatic analysis revealed Pinoresinol, among 100 dietary polyphenols, as the most potent to interact with the proteins in NF-κB and JAK-STAT cascades. In differentiated THP-1 macrophages, Pinoresinol repressed IL-6-mediated activation and nuclear translocation of both NF-κB and STAT3. It also reduced the phosphorylation of IKK and IκBα, and degradation of the latter. Expressions of downstream genes of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways, e.g. IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2 were also attenuated following pinoresinol treatment. The polyphenol reduced the IL-6-mediated macrophage adhesion and migration, which was further supported by downregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, MMP9 and MMP2 in pinoresinol-treated cells.Conclusions:Our data confirms that pinoresinol targets NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways to attenuate IL-6-induced inflammation. It inhibits expression of downstream pro-inflammatory mediators, macrophage adhesion and migration suggesting its potential in anti-inflammatory therapy.
Predictors of Treatment Outcome and Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis Patients at Yirgalem General Hospital, Sidama Region, South Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hameto Assefa , Mamo Hassen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant challenge to TB control efforts. This study assessed the prevalence of drug resistance and identified predictors among patients undergoing treatment for MDR-TB in south Ethiopia. A retrospective study spanning ten years, 2014–2023, was conducted, analyzing the records of confirmed cases of pulmonary DR-TB admitted to Yirgalem General Hospital. Out of 276 patients with confirmed multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB), 4(1.4%) cases were diagnosed with resistance to second-line drugs (SLDs) upon enrollment. The treatment success rate was 70.4%, with 53.6% cured and 16.8% completing the treatment which varied significantly (p-value?), ranging from 90% in 2021 to 4% in 2020. The proportion of deaths, lost-to-follow-up, and treatment failures were 11.2%, 15.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. Unsuccessful treatment outcomes were significantly associated with HIV positivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.200; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.206, 8.493; p = 0.018), the presence of comorbid diseases other than HIV (AOR: 2.062; 95% CI: 0.875, 4.858; p = 0.040) and baseline body-mass-index of patients below 18kg/m2 (AOR: 2.353; 95% CI: 1.404, 3.942; p = 0.001). The study revealed a concerning 1.4% prevalence of additional resistance to SLDs. The 29.6% rate of unsuccessful treatment among MDR-TB cases exceeds the target set by the WHO. A significant number of patients (15.3%) were LTFU. Enhanced strategic interventions are needed to reduce such cases, and factors associated with poor treatment outcomes should receive greater attention. Future prospective studies can further explore the factors influencing improved treatment success.
Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid Coated Quantum Dots in Alleviating Lead-Induced Oxidative Damage and Enhancing Growth Parameters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Sustainable Cultivation
Authors: Falak Aliza , Anas Muhammad , Hayat Alvina , Shaheen Zeenat , Quraishi Umar Masood 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The toxic effects of lead (Pb) on plants, animals, and humans have made it a subject of interest for environmental scientists. Recent literature has shown how Pb affects the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of rice. Therefore, it is important to mitigate Pb stress to restore rice agro-morphological traits and yield. For that purpose, current study involved growth of two cultivars of Japonica rice (JP-5) and Indica rice (Super Basmati) grown in pots under Pb stress (50 mg/kg) as lead chloride and the application of ascorbic acid coated quantum dots (AsA-QDs) in two suspensions (50 ppm and 100 ppm) to mitigate the stress. Pb stress declined T/P, GY, TKW, protein, TPC, and TAC by 11.11%, 18.22%, 18.22%, 40.19%, 59.66%, and 17.75% respectively in JP-5. These traits were recovered by 33.33% (T/P), 5.73% (GY), 2.03% (protein), and 13.19% (TPC) in Pb*QD1 treatment. Whereas in SB, Pb concentrations reduced PH, T/P, BY, GY, TKW, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, starch, proteins, and TPC by 19.76%, 21.43%, 11.01, 11.01%, 7.52%, 38.09%, 7.24%, 13.96%, 11.97%, and 40.39% respectively. These traits were recovered by 14.29% (T/P), 15.49% (GY), 9.25% (total sugars), 109.52% (reducing sugars), 8.31% (non-reducing sugars), 31.72% (starch), 25.91% (proteins), and 7.075% TPC in Pb*QD1 treatment. It is recommended that AsA-QDs can be used as potential sources to remediate Pb toxicity in crops for sustainable growth development.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between robot-assisted and open ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Jin-Myung , Kwon Hye Eun , Ko Youngmin , Jung Joo Hee , Kwon Hyunwook , Kim Young Hoon , Shin Sung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is increasingly being adopted worldwide. Despite this growing interest, there remains a notable gap in the literature, especially concerning its effectiveness in immunologically high-risk patients compared to the conventional open kidney transplantation (OKT). This study is focused on exploring the viability and success of RAKT in comparison with OKT, particularly for recipients with ABO incompatibility (ABOi). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 living-donor transplants at a single center, comprising 210 OKT and 29 RAKT cases. Perioperative outcomes, graft survival, and renal function were assessed. A composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft failure, and the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) was analyzed through univariate and multivariate models. Both RAKT and OKT groups showed comparable one and two-year BPAR-free survival rates (RAKT: 92.4%, OKT: 93.1% and 91.9% respectively) and similar mean eGFR values (RAKT: 64.41 ml/min/1.73m², OKT: 65.75 ml/min/1.73m²). OKT had a significantly shorter cold ischemic time and operative time but longer hospital stays compared to RAKT. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicate no significant difference in the composite outcome (BPAR, graft failure, de novo DSA) between the two groups. RAKT presents as a safe and effective alternative to OKT in ABOi patients, with similar perioperative outcomes, graft survival rate, and renal function.
Impact of urban morphology on land surface temperature
Authors: Evgrafova Anna , Vetrov Andrey , Shchapov Vladislav , Frick Peter 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we have analyzed the land surface temperature distribution in the territories of four medium-sized cities located in Ural and Siberia over a 10 year period along with urban morphology characteristics. The Landsat 8 data obtained in the daytime hours when the Urban Heat Island effect is more pronounced are considered. The results obtained demonstrate that specific weather conditions do not affect the spatial configuration of a temperature field, however the presence of complex topography and large differences in elevation breaks this statement. It has been found that the city temperature is better correlated with the building density. The terrain elevation and the building height almost have no effect on the temperature distribution in the cities under study.
Lateral Crossed Kirschner Wire combined with External Fixation - An Innovative Surgical Approach for Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in School-Aged Children
Authors: Zhu Huanye , Wang Mengyao , Gao Chao , Zheng Huajiang , Cao Jin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim and objective
This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an innovative surgical technique - the lateral crossed Kirschner wire fixation combined with external fixation, in treating supracondylar humeral fractures in school-aged children.
Methods Between April 2022 and April 2023, we enrolled 45 school-aged children (6-13 years) with supracondylar humeral fractures. We employed a novel surgical technique, involving lateral crossed Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation combined with external fixation, to facilitate early functional recovery without necessitating plaster cast immobilization. Postoperative follow-up included photographic documentation, assessment of elbow joint functional recovery, and patient satisfaction surveys.
Results All patients underwent a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 18 months. Among them, 5 patients developed skin infections at pin sites, successfully managed with daily pin care. There were no cases of nonunion, K-wire migration, or dislocation. According to the Flynn score, 93.3% of patients exhibited excellent elbow joint function at 3 months postoperatively, increasing to 97.8% at 6 months. There were no instances of elbow varus deformity during the follow-up, and both patients and their families reported high satisfaction levels, recommending this method for similar fractures in other children.
Conclusions Utilizing lateral crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires) fixation with external fixation for treating supracondylar humeral fractures in children yields satisfactory results, enhances early functional recovery of the elbow joint, enables a quicker resumption of school activities, and elevates patient satisfaction. This technique is therefore advocated as a preferred method for addressing supracondylar humeral fractures in school-aged children.