bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why does Papilio bianor pupa Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging show similar results in T1Weight image and T2Weight image?
Authors: Nakatsuka Kaito , Ikegami Shôto , Sagae Masaki , Yoshida Masafumi , Niihara Kinuko , Honda Kei-ichi , Oda Yoshiki , Kuroda Kagayaki , INOUE Takashi , Fukuda Tatsuya 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
To establish a noninvasive technique for visualizing Papilio bianor pupae, we devised parameters for Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 9.4 T. We attempted five imaging modes: T1-weighted without fat suppression, T1-weighted with fat suppression, T2-weighted without fat suppression, T2-weighted with fat suppression, and T2-weighted with water-signal suppression. Among these, only T2-weighted imaging with water signal suppression mode was useful for detecting fat bodies located in the brain, abdominal fluid, and wing margins of the pupae. We believe that this method is useful for detecting fat bodies in butterfly pupae. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between these imaging methods, except for T2-weighted images with water signal suppression. We believe that further improvements are required to accommodate insect observations.
The role of biofeedback in patellofemoral pain conservative treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Ferlito Rosario , De Salvo Sara , Managò Giovanni , Ilardo Martina , Sapienza Marco , Pavone Vito , Testa Gianluca 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Biofeedback techniques are gaining popularity in physiatry. The number of papers regarding this topic is rising. However, no previous systematic reviews exist on biofeedback techniques for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of the association between different types of biofeedback techniques and therapeutic exercises in the conservative treatment of PFP.
METHODS
The present study is a systematic review. We used the PRISMA statement guidelines and followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Between April and June 2022, the following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIOMED Central, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar e PEDro. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The bias risk evaluation of these studies was done using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by Cochrane Collaboration.
RESULTS
Following the search, we underlined 414 records, and after using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrieved 12 RCTs to include in this systematic review, assessing 513 patients. We evaluated the treatment effectiveness by dividing the results based on the protocols used (multimodal, visual feedback and therapeutic exercise, auditory feedback and therapeutic exercise, and somesthetic feedback and therapeutic exercise).
CONCLUSIONS
The association between biofeedback and therapeutic exercise may be beneficial for pain, function (AKPS), extensor muscle strength, reduction of the dynamic knee valgus and vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) (EMG) optimization. All these results were valued in the short term. Regarding the intervention type, it was possible to correlate the EMG-biofeedback with the benefits of the knee extensors strength and the EMG activity of VM and VL. Conversely, using mirror, verbal, and somesthetic (hands and band) feedback seems to be linked to the reduction of the knee dynamic valgus. To conclude, these findings are preliminary since this topic's number of studies is still low. More studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of these treatments.
Immobilization of rough morphotype Mycolicibacterium neoaurum R for androstadienedione production
Authors: Zhao Anqi , Li Yamei , Wu Lixia , Wang Zhi , Lv Yongkun , Xiong Wenlong , Alam Mohammed Asraful , Liu Guohua , Xu Jingliang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Enhance androstadienedione (Androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) production of rough-type morphotype Mycolicibacterium neoaurum variant by repeated-batch fermentation of immobilized cells.
Results
M. neoaurum R was a rough colony morphotype variant, obtained from routine plating of smooth M. neoaurum strain CICC 21097. M. neoaurum R showed rougher cell surface and aggregated in broth. The ADD production of M. neoaurum R was notably lower than that of M. neoaurum CICC 21097 during the free cell fermentation, but the yield gap could be erased after proper cell immobilization. Subsequently, repeated-batch fermentation by immobilized M. neoaurum R was performed to shorten the production cycle and enhance the bio-production efficiency of ADD. Through the optimization of the immobilization carriers and the solvents for phytosterols, the ADD productivity of M. neoaurum R immobilized by semi-expanded perlite reached 0.075 g/L/h during the repeated-batch fermentation for 40 days.
Conclusions
Although smooth strains that could homogenously suspended in broth seemed to be preferred in the steroid bioconversion, the rough-type strain M. neoaurum R might be able to find their place by proper cell immobilization.
WITHDRAWN: Production of Acarbose From Actinoplanes Species Isolated From Termite Mound for Treatment of Type Two Diabetes
Authors: Ekundayo Fatuyi Olanipekun , Olabanji Bukola Olayinka , Adedayo Bukola Christiana , Akindele Adeola Matilda , Efe Isunu Lucky 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background: This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of acarbose produced by Actinoplanes species isolated from selected soils in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acarbose produced by Actinoplanes utahensis was purified consecutively with dialysis, gel filtration, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The test isolate can be exploited for large-scale production of acarbose.
Results: Seven Actinoplanes species (Actinoplanes missouriensis, Actinoplanes utahensis, Actinoplanes aureus, Actinoplanes ramoplaninifer, Actinoplanes rhizophilus, Actinoplanes auranticolor, and Actinoplanes teichomyceticus) isolated from termitary soils were screened based on colonial morphology, microscopic ability to assimilate carbon from various sugars, and their ability to produce acarbose. The isolates were able to produce acarbose, but Actinoplanes utahensis had a higher acarbose activity. The blood glucose level of the experimental rats was reduced significantly from >250 mg/dL before treatment to 115 mg/dL after treatment. The haematology results also showed a deviation in the red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocyte counts, and platelet counts. The red blood cell values reduced during the experiment, the white blood cells and neutrophils increased, and the lymphocytes decreased in the diabetic group during the experiment, but there was a significant improvement to normalcy after treatment.
Conclusions: Actinoplanes utahensis has the highest ability to produce acarbose, which can act as an antidiabetic drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
BPA exposure decreases sperm production and male fertility through inhibition PCBP2 expression
Authors: Cao Yuming , Xu Jinfeng , Liu jie , Liang Yan , Ao Fei , Wang Shengnan , Wei Zexiao , Wang Li 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that exposure of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor that commonly presence in the environment, can impair reproduction. However, conflicting results have been reported and the underling mechanism have not been fully understood. In this study, 3 weeks old male mice were exposed to 50mg/kg/d BPA or equivalent corn oil for 28 days. Their testis and epididymis were then collected for morphology examination by HE stains. The number of sperm were counted, and the morphology was analyzed by PNA and pap staining. Fertilization capacity and successful rate was analyzed after mating with wide type females. Spermatid DNA damage and apoptosis were evaluated by DFI, γH2AX stain and TUNEL assay. RNA-seq analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in testicular tissue of mice exposed to BPA. RNA interference was used to verify the regulatory mechanism of BPA exposure on gene expression in GC-2 cells. Our data showed that total number of sperm was decreased and the morphology was impaired in BPA-exposed mice. In addition, the serum testosterone level and fertilization efficiency were also reduced. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the expression of PCBP2, a key regulatory gene in spermatid development, by activating the EZH2/H3K27me3. In conclusion, we found that BPA exposure can impair spermatid development via affecting key gene expression that at least partially due to epigenetic modification.
Enhanced Therapeutic Effects of Apoptotic Cell Conditioned Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Huang Saisai , Liu Weilin , Chen Chen , Feng Xuebing , Wang Dandan , Sun Lingyun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background: Our previous study showed that apoptotic cell conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (AC-MSCs) obtained stronger T cell suppressive ability via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but whether AC-MSCs exhibit enhanced therapeutic effect on systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) remains unknown. In this study, we aim to explore the efficacy and possible mechanism of AC-MSCs in ameliorating SLE.
Methods: Splenocytes from MRL/MPJ-Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mice were co-cultured with AC-MSCs and the proportions of plasma cells (PCs) were detected by flow cytometry. MSCs and AC-MSCs, COX2 knock-down MSCs and COX2 knock-down AC-MSCs were infused into MRL/lpr mice respectively. Survival rates and lupus symptoms including proteinuria, kidney injury, renal immune complex deposition and autoantibody production were assessed. Besides, the numbers of PCs and serum inflammatory cytokines were measured.
Results: We found that AC-MSCs possessed stronger ability on PC inhibition via PGE2 in vitro. AC-MSC treatment led to significantly higher survival rate. Moreover, AC-MSC infusion decreased proteinuria levels as early as one week after infusion. Both of MSC and AC-MSC administration reduced renal immunoglobulin (Ig)G and complement C3 deposition, whereas COX2 knock-down MSCs and COX2 knock-down AC-MSCs could not. Serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels in AC-MSCs treated mice significantly decreased, as well as the number of PCs in both spleen and renal draining lymph node. In addition, AC-MSCs inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1.
Conclusions: AC-MSCs exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects on lupus mice, which was partially mediated by COX2/PGE2. Our findings indicate that AC precondition may be a new strategy for MSC transplantation in treating SLE.
Can Foliar Application of Natural Biostimulants Reduce Nitrate and Fiber Content in Fresh Green Bean under Soil Nutrient Deficiency?
Authors: Fawzy Zakaria Fouad , El-Ramady Hassan , Azab Mohamed AbdAllah , Mahdy Hayam A. A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of natural biostimulants in the agricultural productivity. This potential can play an important role in addressing the issue of cultivation of sandy soil, which is well-known with soil nutrient deficiency stress. In the current study, the selected biostimulants (i.e., chitosan, amino acids, yeast extract, and humic acid) were foliar applied on green bean in the open field of alkaline sandy soils.
Results
The main results that obtained after harvesting the fresh green bean pods were confirmed that all studied biostimulants improved the quantity and quality of green bean production compared to the control. Chitosan was the best applied biostimulants for producing green bean in a lower fiber and nitrate content in pods, a higher crude protein content in pods, and higher NPK content in leaves.
Conclusion
The role of studies biostimulants in promoting green bean productivity under nutrient deficiency stress may back to increase the uptake of nutrients (NPK), plant physiological (higher dry matter) and biochemical attributes (higher crude protein). More studies are needed using different applied doses and more different kinds of natural biostimulants.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein invasion: systemic therapy alone or in combination with local transarterial chemoembolization treatment
Authors: Song Ze , Jiang Dai-Rong , Wu De-Di , Du Jia-Hang , Zhang Hao , Zhu Hao-Tu , Zhang Ying-Qiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurpose To compare the safety and efficacy of systemic therapy alone or in combination with local transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and main portal vein (MPV) invasion. Patients and Methods: Between May 2019 and December 2021, 73 consecutive patients with advanced HCC and MPV invasion either received systemic medical therapy alone (i.e., molecular targeted therapy plus immunotherapy, S group, n = 34) or in combination with TACE treatment (S-T group, n = 39). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment response. Adverse events (AEs) related to treatment were also recorded. Survival curves were constructed with the Kaplan‒Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean number of TACE sessions per patient was 2.6 (range 1–4). Although no TACE-related deaths occurred, 13 AEs of grade 3–4 occurred in the S-T group. The median OS was 10.0 months and 8.0 months in the S-T group and S group, respectively (P = 0.254). The median PFS between the two groups was similar (4.0 months vs. 4.0 months,P = 0.404). The disease control rate between the S-T and S group was comparable (64.1% vs. 67.6%,P = 0.750). Conclusions The results demonstrated that additional TACE treatment did not yield survival benefits compared to systemic medical therapy alone for patients with advanced HCC and MPV invasion. Considering the complications related to TACE, systemic medical therapy seems appropriate for managing those patients.
Kinetic studies of the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by biochar derived from jackfruit peel
Authors: Ton-That Loc , Huynh Thi-Ngoc-Linh , Duong Bich-Ngoc , Nguyen Duy-Khoi , Nguyen Ngoc-An , Phạm Van-Hien , Ho Thien-Hoang , Dinh Van-Phuc 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Kinetic studies play an instrumental role in determining the most appropriate reaction rate model for industrial-scale applications. This study focuses on the kinetics methylene blue (MB) adsorption from aqueous solutions by biochar derived from jackfruit peel. Various kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), intra-diffusion, and Elovich models, were applied to study MB adsorption kinetics of jackfruit peel biochar. The experiments were performed with two initial concentrations of MB (24.23 mg/L and 41.42 mg/L) over a span of 240 min. Our findings emphasized that the Elovich model provided the best fit of the experimental data for MB adsorption. When compared to other materials, biochar from jackfruit peel emerges as an eco-friendly adsorbent for dye decolorization, with potential applications in the treatment of environmental pollution.
Antiproliferative activity of extracts containing flavonoids from in vitro callus cultures of Astragalus onobrychis L.
Authors: Enchev Preslav , Zarev Yancho , Marinov Lyubomir , Rivera-Mondragón Andrés , Ionkova Iliana 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Astragalus onobrychis (Fabaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a strong taproot and reaches a height of 10–60 cm. The stems have a woody base and grow first spreading and then ascending. The phytochemical composition of the plant has not been fully studied. So far, mainly metabolites from the flavonoid and saponin group have been found. Species of the genus Astragalus have been studied and shown a range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. In traditional medicine, A. onobrychis is used as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent and as a remedy for rheumatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to obtain valuable information on secondary metabolites related to flavonoids in in vitro callus and shoot cultures of A. onobrychis. Five fractions were obtained from the methanolic extracts (70% MeOH) of callus and shoot cultures of A. onobrychis after column chromatography, each of which was subjected to ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-HR-MS). The antiproliferative capacity of each fraction was also evaluated. Based on the mass spectral fragmentation data, use of standards, and comparison with literature sources, 15 flavonoid derivatives were characterized.
The Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Directs Macrophage Differentiation in an Oxygen-Dependent Manner
Authors: Shephard Matthew T , Merkhan Marwan M , Dale Tina P , Forsyth Nicholas R 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic disease states can share inflammation as an underlying pathology. Macrophages are associated with chronic inflammation; in general, M1 phenotype macrophage activity inhibits cell proliferation and causes tissue damage whilst M2 macrophages promote proliferation and tissue repair. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) are of particular interest for immunoregulatory diseases, through their ability to suppress T cell proliferation.
Methods
The application of a physiological oxygen environment to hMSC cultures modulates their gene expression and results in an altered secretome. Consequently, physiological, 2% O2 hMSC SFCM was assessed in comparison to air oxygen (21% O2) produced SFCM and applied to activated THP-1 cells in 10% and 21% O2 to assess changes in macrophage differentiation.
Results
SFCM significantly suppressed proliferation and metabolic activity whilst promoting cell adherence compared to serum-free media (SFM) controls (p < 0.001). Terminal differentiation phenotype varied in an oxygen-dependent manner, with 21% air oxygen SFCM leading to an increased M1:M2 macrophage differentiation ratio, with cells displaying distinct pancake-like morphology, increased TNFa secretion (21% O2 = 922 ± 5 pg/mL, and 10% O2 = 373 ± 2 pg/mL) and CD197 expression (21% = 69.1%±6.4, and 10% = 18.6 ± 0.4%). In contrast, physiological oxygen SFCM led to the production of a greater M2:M1 macrophage differentiation ratio; displaying an elongated spindle shape, increased IL-10 secretion (21% O2 = 3780 ± 560 pg/mL, and 10% O2 = 9115 ± 889), and CD3 and CD14 expression. SFCM collected under 2% O2 suppressed pro-inflammatory transcriptional profiles through downregulation of TNFa, IL-1B, and IL-12B compared to 21% O2 collected SFCM.
Conclusion
Collectively, SFCM induced terminal macrophage differentiation in an oxygen-dependent manner. This effect was not completely replicated by the application of isolated candidate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 or TGFb) or a combinational cytomix, highlighting the complex effects of conditioned media products and further work needed to determine mechanism of action.
Modeling and simulation of Samarium and Neodymium separation by a solvent extraction process
Authors: Dourado Marcelo De Luccas , de Carvalho Davi Gomes , Vera Ysrael Marrero 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The demand for permanent magnets is expected to increase in the 2021–2030 decade, which will require a commensurate increase in the production of samarium (Sm) and neodymium (Nd). Since these metals are considered critical and due to their abundance in Brazilian territory, the Brazilian government and mining companies must master the refining of these metals through autochthonous technologies. Thus, we developed a process to separate the light (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) from the medium (Sm, Eu and Gd) and heavy (Tb-Lu and Y) rare earth elements (REE) with D2EHPA by empirical modeling of solvent extraction (SX) processes. The experimental methodology included three phases: equilibrium data acquisition from batch experiments, solvent extraction simulation, and continuous process trials to validate the model on a mini-pilot scale. Our simulation predicted 99.5% Sm organic recovery and 80% Nd aqueous recovery in a seven-stage process and 0.30 A/O ratio, validated in the continuous trial. This work paves the way for establishing Brazilian technology to obtain the constituent elements of permanent magnets.
ASAPA: a bioinformatic pipeline based on Iso-Seq that identifies the links among alternative splicing, alternative transcription initiation and alternative polyadenylation
Authors: Wang Fei , Jin Zhongxin , Wang Shengnan , Yang Longcheng , Fan Zongbao , Yao Yuxin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:Although the events associated with alternative splicing (AS), alternative polyadenylation (APA) and alternative transcription initiation (ATI) can be identified by many approaches based on isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq), these analyses are generally independent of each other and the links between these events are still rarely mentioned. However, an interdependency analysis can be achieved because the transcriptional start site, splice sites and polyA site could be simultaneously included in a long, full-length read from Iso-Seq.Results:We create ASAPA pipeline that enables streamlined analysis for a robust detection of potential links among AS, ATI and APA using Iso-Seq data. We tested this pipeline using Arabidopsis data and found some interesting results: some adjacent introns tend to be simultaneously spliced or retained; coupling between AS and ATI or APA is limited to the initial or terminal intron; and ATI and APA are potentially linked in some special cases.Conclusion:Our pipeline enables streamlined analysis for a robust detection of potential links among AS, ATI and APA using Iso-Seq data, which is conducive to a better understanding of transcription landscape generation. The corresponding scripts are available at https://github.com/JZXBio/asapa.
Effects of Important Characteristics of Earthquake Ground Motions on Probabilistic Seismic Demand Assessment of Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Chen Liang , Zuo Rui , Hu Zhangliang , Xia Wei , Hao Zhiming , Hu Yuqing , Zhang Yingao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The uncertainties of earthquake ground motions have the most important effects on seismic responses of bridge structures, especially long-span bridges because of complex and special dynamic properties. The nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis is conducted for a two-pylon long-span cable-stayed highway bridge by using real earthquake ground motions rationally selected. The correlation between the important characteristics of earthquake ground motions and the probabilistic seismic demand assessment of the cable-stayed bridge reveals that the geometric means and dispersions of response spectra from selected ground motions have very significant effects on mean values, dispersions and probabilistic distributions of seismic demands of long-span bridges. The spectral shape of geometric mean spectra in the period ranges with large cumulative modal mass participation factors should be well matched to the target spectrum for improving the precision and computational efficiency of probabilistic seismic demand assessment. If earthquake ground motions are rationally selected, response spectral values at the periods with comparatively large modal participation mass ratios or PGA can be used as intensity measures and even provide more precise probabilistic seismic demand assessment than response spectral values at the fundamental periods.