bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy production features of Miscanthus pellets blended with Pine sawdust
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Anukam Anthony Ike , Ojemaye Mike , Nyamukamba Pardon , Yamada Toshihiko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The energy production features of pine sawdust-blended miscanthus pellets were investigated in this study in accordance with physicochemical, combustion and morphological characteristics. The aim was to determine the conditions in which blended biofuel pellets made from a mix of miscanthus and wood residues can meet energy production requirements and other desired features of a biofuel source. Thus, milled samples of each material were blended in various proportions of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% represented as M0, M25, M50, M75, and M100 where ‘M’ denotes miscanthus. About 6% of water was added to each blend to achieve a final moisture content of 10% on wet basis. Thereafter, the pure and blended materials were subjected to pressure agglomeration from a single pellet press to obtain homogeneously sized fuel pellets. The pellets were subsequently analyzed to determine compositional changes and characteristics relevant to their use as a source of green energy. The results indicated that the miscanthus pellet blended with up to 75% pine sawdust (M25) generally showed superiority in properties, exhibiting better thermal stability, reactivity and lower ash content in comparison to other blends. Although, as expected, pure miscanthus pellet displayed the highest ash percentage (5%), which was attributed to its biogenic nature, its content of ash was substantially reduced by blending with pine sawdust whose ash content was much lower (1%). Based on these findings, we can confirm that pine sawdust is an interesting material for blending with miscanthus for the manufacture of miscanthus pellets with enhanced properties.
Parkinsonism is a new pattern onset of CADASIL patients carrying with R544C Mutation: a case report
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Ke Man , Fan Pin , Ding Yuting , Zhang Yu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease of cerebral small vessels. It is the most frequent heritable disease that causes stroke and vascular dementia. In China, patients carrying c.1630C>T (p.Arg544Cys) accounted for large proportion, typical symptoms including migraine with aura, transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbance. Parkinsonism, as an advanced non-rare symptom of CADASIL, is rarely found in clinical CADASIL patients with it onset.
Case presentation: This essay details a case of parkinsonism, which finally be identified as CADASIL with c.1630C > T (p. Arg544cys) mutation in the exon 11 of NOTCH3 gene. The patient, a 65-year-old male, presented with progressive gait instability, rigidity and mild emotional disorder. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed white matter (hyperintensity) signal in the bilateral periventricular and semiovale center. 3,4-Dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine (FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) revealed bilateral striatal FDOPA uptake was normal.
Conclusions: Parkinsonism may be a new form of onset of CADASIL patients with c.1630C >T (p. Arg544cys) variants. Clinicians should systematically explore the possible cause of disease for patients with parkinsonism, and considering the potential diagnosis of CADASIL.
Telephone-based evaluation of cognitive impairment and mood disorders among out-of- hospital cardiac arrest survivors with good neurologic outcome: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Ahn Shin , Kim Won Young 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study determined the incidence of the cognitive impairments and mood disorders by telephone-based evaluation using previously mentioned scoring systems in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival with good neurologic outcome. Retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was performed, and a total of 97 patients were analyzed. Telephone version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Alzheimer’s disease-8 were used for evaluating cognitive dysfunctions, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used for assessing mood disorders. Quality of life was measured with the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Levels questionnaire. About one fourth patients experienced cognitive impairments (n = 23, 23.7%) or mood disorders (n = 28, 28.9%). Combined mood disorders (adjusted OR 21.36, 95% CI 5.14–88.84) and hospital length of stay (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08) were independent risk factors. In case of mood disorders, combined cognitive impairments (adjusted OR 9.94, 95% CI 2.83–35.97) and non-cardiac cause of cardiac arrest (adjusted OR 11.51, 95% CI 3.15–42.15) were risk factors. Furthermore, the quality of life was significantly low in the group with both cognitive impairments and mood disorders. Cognitive impairments and mood disorders were common among patients with good neurologic recovery.
Evaluating the effect of body mass index and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D level on basal cell carcinoma: a Mendelian randomization research
Authors: Chen Xuezhao , Song Shan , Wang Xiaobing , Shi Jinyu , Wang Zhiyao , Song Wenyu , Wang Jiaxin , Wang Guoyan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the independent causal effect of body mass index (BMI) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) level on basal cell carcinoma(BCC), we performed univariable and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
We used overlapping genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) for BMI and 25(OH)D as instrumental variables and selected effective SNPs to applied a series of MR methods including inverse variance weighted (IVW),MR Egger,and Weighted median. After that, we employed sensitivity analysis to make sure the results were reliable and robust.
Results
In the univariable two-sample MR analysis, higher BMI was related to lower risk for BCC (Odds ratio(OR)=0.90; 95%confidence interval (CI),[0.81,0.99]; p = 0.02). In the multivariable MR, the causal effect of BMI on BCC after adjusting for 25(OH)D level still remained(OR=0.88; 95% CI,[−0.22; −0.03], p-value=0.008).However,our results suggest that 25(OH)D level was not associated with BCC(OR=1.02; 95%CI,[0.94,1.09],p-value=0.67).
Conclusion
Similar to the conclusions of previous observational studies, the MR results suggest that BMI is an independent protective factor for BCC. While, vitamin D levels may not be causally associated with the risk of basal cell carcinoma and increasing vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to reduce the risk.
Probiotics Supplementation in Reduction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Quazi Sameer 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Probiotic supplementations have become a recent area of interest among the many treatment options for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Therefore, the systematic review sought to answer the question; in very low birth weight infants (VLBW), how can probiotic supplementation reduce necrotizing enterocolitis?
Methodology: This is a systematic analysis conducted using trials obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Randomized trials from the last decade were considered for inclusion in the study. A literal, systematic analysis of the included studies was performed to investigate outcomes such as feeding tolerance and resumption to full enteral feeding, weight gain, length of hospitalization, and increase in gut colonization and microbiota count.
Results: A total of 10 studies investigating 2480 VLBW infant participants were randomized as follows; 1217 VLBW infants receiving probiotics and 1263 VLBW infants as control. Four outcome measures were used to indicate a reduction of NEC in the patients; feeding tolerance and resumption to full enteral feeding, weight gain, length of hospitalization, and increase in gut colonization and microbiota count. Each outcome was significantly positive in favour of supplemental probiotics.
Conclusions: There is evidence from a systematic analysis of 10 studies that supplementing the feeds of VLBW infants with probiotics increases their chances of surviving NEC. In the future, randomized trials should concentrate on elucidating this niche by conducting direct comparisons of probiotics to determine the most effective among the available.
Within Group Earnings Inequality in Pakistan: The Role of Education
Authors: Wu Guoyong , Riaz Noman , Sarwar Ghulam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Income distribution plays a significant role in economic development of a country. Income equality help in improving socioeconomic condition of a country. In Pakistan, earning inequality increase due to increase in the level of education. Also, Pakistani income controlled by only 20% families of Pakistan. The aim of this paper is to provide evidence and some explanations for within-group earning inequality in three broadly defined educational groups in Pakistan during 1998–2018. Based on six surveys data sets, study indicates that growth in within groups’ inequality is mainly due to an increase in the earnings gap at the upper half of distribution for primary and secondary group. One surprising finding is a decline of inequality at the lower as well as upper half of earnings distribution within tertiary group. Using quantile regressions, we discovered that within-group inequality is lowest in the primary group and highest in the tertiary group in all years. Furthermore, earnings inequalities within all educational groups have increased, while episodes of within-group inequality differ across periods and groups. The main explanatory factors are capital-skills complementarity, technological change, and labour market flexibility.
JEL classification: J23, J31
Evidence of Zelkova carpinifolia as a potential host of Tuber uncinatum in Hyrcanian temperate forests
Authors: Azar Saeed Mirzavash , Riahi Hossein 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Tuber uncinatum (Tuberaceae, Pezizales) is a commercially important ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal species that associates with many deciduous EcM host species belonging to Fagales lineage. Because of its host multiplicity among deciduous species, we hypothesized that it may associate with other plant lineages including Rosids which is the most recent common ancestral of the ectomycorrhizae (MRCA-EcM) of Ulmaceae radiated prior to Fagaceae. The host plant specimens, ascomata and soil were collected from homogeneous Caucasian elm populationsof Hyrcanian temperate forests of Iran. Caucasian elm species diagnosis was performed using available botanical sources. The EcM symbiosis evidences and EcMF identity was illustrated by surveying gleba, spore shape and EcM root anatomy using SEM, light and stereo-microscopy, followed by molecular analysis. The micrographs obtained from root examination demonstrated the Hartig net penetration among cortical and epidermal cells and the presence of mantle as the EcM sheath. This study supports the EcM symbiosis of T. uncinatum with Zelkova carpinifolia.
Online grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic ﹣ a national survey of adolescents and young adults
Authors: Brandt Eric , Hadler Nicole , Locher Ione , Hoffs Charlie T , Waselewski Marika E , Chang Tammy 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We sought to understand online grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among youth, rural residents, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. We completed a national text-messaging poll of youth (14-24 years-old) (n=867). We found that during the pandemic online grocery shopping was used frequently (46.7%). Safety and convenience were the primary reasons for preferring a shopping mode (in-person or online). Most online shoppers had positive experiences (59.4%), primarily due to convenience; negative experiences (28.3%) were from inaccuracies, inconveniences of the process, and delivery costs. Rural and suburban residence was associated with higher pickup (OR 2.02 and 1.51, respectively, p=.03) and lower delivery use (OR 0.33 and 0.72, respectively, p=.003) compared to urban residence. SNAP participation was not associated with any type of online grocery shopping. In conclusion, online grocery shopping is common among youth and their families regardless of rurality or SNAP participation, but there are several youth-identified areas for improvement.
Otolith biogeochemistry reveals impact of extreme climate events on population connectivity of a highly migratory fish
Authors: Pan Xindong , Chen Yong , Yang Jian , Tian Yongjun 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Climate change, particularly extreme climate events, is likely to alter the population connectivity in diverse taxa. While the population connectivity for highly migratory species is expected to be vulnerable to climate change, the complex migration patterns has made the measurement difficult and studies rare. However, otolith biogeochemistry provides the possibility to evaluate these climate-induced impacts. Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius is a highly migratory fish that is widely distributed in the northwest Pacific. Otoliths biogeochemistry of age-1 spawning or spent individuals from three consecutive years (2016–2018), during which a very strong El Niño was experienced (2015–2016), were analyzed to evaluate the temporal variation of connectivity for S. niphonius population along the coast of China. The elemental concentrations of the whole otolith showed that Ba:Ca and Mg:Ca values were found to significantly increase in the El Niño year. The random forest classification and clustering analysis indicated a large-scale connectivity between East China Sea and the Yellow Sea in the El Niño year while the local mackerel assemblages in different spawning areas were more self-sustaining after the El Niño year. These findings lead to the hypothesis that environmental conditions associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events in the Northern Pacific Ocean would likely influence the population connectivity of S. niphonius. If so, extreme climate events can result in profound changes in the extent, pattern and connectivity of migratory fish populations. Our study demonstrates that otolith biogeochemistry could provide insight towards revealing how fish population response to extreme climate events.
Knockdown of TFRC suppressed the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Feng Guofei , Arima Yasushi , Midorikawa Kaoru , Kobayashi Hatasu , Oikawa Shinji , Zhao Weilin , Zhang Zhe , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Murata Mariko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The transferrin receptor (TfR) encoded by TFRC gene is the main cellular iron importer. TfR is highly expressed in many cancers and is expected to be a promising new target for cancer therapy; however, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown.
Methods
The TfR levels were investigated in NPC tissues and cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Knockdown of TFRC using two siRNA to investigate the effects on intracellular iron level and biological functions, including proliferation by CKK-8 assay, colony formation, cell apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry, migration and invasion, and tumor growth in vivo by nude mouse xenografts. RNA sequencing was performed to find possible mechanism after TFRC knockdown on NPC cells and further verify by western blotting.
Results
TfR is overexpressed in NPC cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of TFRC inhibited cell proliferation concomitant with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and decreased intracellular iron, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition in HK1-EBV cells. Western blotting showed that TFRC knockdown suppressed the levels of the iron storage protein FTH1, anti-apoptotic marker BCL-xL, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. We confirmed in vivo that TFRC knockdown also inhibited NPC tumor growth and decreased Ki67 expression in tumor tissues of nude mouse xenografts. RNA sequencing and western blotting revealed that TFRC silencing inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Conclusions
These results indicated that TfR was overexpressed in NPC, and TFRC knockdown inhibited NPC progression by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, TfR may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for NPC.
Cervical cancer patient with deep venous thrombosis developing fatal ischemic stroke within 24 hours after surgery：a case report
Authors: Wang Xue , Liang Huo , Deng Xuhui , Cen Gengyu , Chen Shijian , Chen Xiaoling , Liu Yayuan , Liu Liuyu , Zhang Jian , Liang Zhijian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) including limber and pulmonary embolism is a common complication of cancer. DVT and ischemic stroke may independently or jointly lead to poor prognosis in cancer patients. Case presentation: A 36-year-old female patient, received insertion of inferior vena cava filter and oral rivaroxaban for deep venous thrombosis in limbers and pulmonary artery, was suspected of cervical cancer for a three-month history of vaginal discharge and was transferred to our hospital for further treatment. After cervical tissue biopsy and pelvic cavity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, she was diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma (stage Ⅱ A). She discontinued taking oral rivaroxaban two days before surgery. Within 24 hours after ovariohysterectomy, she suffered from ischemic stroke following by pulmonary embolism，and was transferred to the intensive care unit（ICU）and received therapies including mechanical ventilation, mannitol and nadroparin calcium. Nevertheless, she worsened for cerebral hernia. Eventually, her family refused further treatment for her.
Conclusions: It was still a challenge for clinicians to prevent arterial and venous thrombosis in cancer patients, especially in perioperative period with elevated risk for ischemic vascular events.
“One more chance to survive”The experiences of patients with advanced melanoma and their partners with Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy: a qualitative study and recommendations for future care
Authors: Egeler Mees , Boomstra Eva , Rohaan Maartje , Heuvel Noelle Van den , Fraterman Itske , Delfos Marjolein , de Poll-Franse Lonneke van , Borch Troels Holz , Svane Inge Marie , Haanen John , Retèl Valesca , Boekhout Annelies 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose Patients with advanced melanoma refractory to first-line treatment have a need for effective second-line treatment options. A recent phase 3 trial showed promising results for adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as second-line therapy in patients with advanced melanoma. However, it remains unknown how patients and their partners experience TIL therapy, which is key to evaluate and improve the quality of care.
Methods Semi-structured interviews about the experience of TIL therapy were conducted with patients with advanced melanoma and their partners 2-4 weeks post-treatment (short-term) and >6 months after treatment (long-term).
Results In total, 25 interviews were conducted with advanced melanoma patients treated with TIL (n=13) and their partners (n=12), with the majority being short-term interviews (n=17). Overall, patients and partners experienced TIL therapy as intense (uncertainty of successful TIL culture, multiple treatment-related toxicities, and extensive hospitalization). Patients and partners with young children or other caregiving responsibilities encountered the most challenges during TIL therapy. All patients, however, reported a recovery of all treatment-related toxicities within 2-4 weeks (except fatigue).
Conclusion Clinical data justify the role of TIL therapy in the treatment of advanced melanoma. With the distinct nature of TIL therapy compared to the current standard of care, we have provided patient-centered recommendations that will further enhance the quality of TIL therapy. Implications for Cancer Survivors As more patients with advanced melanoma are expected to receive TIL therapy in the future, our findings could be incorporated into survivorship care plans for this novel group of advanced melanoma survivors treated with TIL.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
As more patients with advanced melanoma are expected to receive TIL therapy in the future, our findings could be incorporated into survivorship care plans for this novel group of advanced melanoma survivors treated with TIL.
Optimization of a rapid and sensitive nucleic acid lateral flow biosensor for hepatitis B virus detection
Authors: Husseini Abbas Ali , Baydar Serap Yeşilkır 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background and Objective
Rapid on-site testing with low sample volume and point-of-care diagnostics are very useful for preventive measures against hepatitis B virus. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective lateral flow biosensor for convenient HBV nucleic acid detection at the point-of-care.
Methods
Clinical serum samples with HBV-positive real-time PCR assays were used for the experiments. Spin column nucleic acid purification and serum heat treatment were used for sample preparation. A 250 bp fragment of the HBV polymerase gene was amplified with 3 pairs of specific biotin- and FITC-labeled LAMP primers. Different incubation temperatures (64-68° C) and times (30 min, 45 min, and 1 h) were explored for optimal LAMP assay, and results were assessed by fluorometric analysis, white turbidity, and lateral flow assay. Ready-to-use Milenia HybriDetect1 strips were used to visualize the LAMP amplicons. Subsequently, 10-fold serial dilutions of a secondary standard containing 108 IU/ml viral load were used to evaluate lateral flow biosensor performance.
Results
The LAMP reaction was optimized at 67 ◦C, and appreciable turbidity was achieved after 30 minutes of incubation. Templates from 108 IU/ml to 101 IU/ml exhibited distinct test bands when spin column approach was used as the purification method. However, the minimum viral load detectable by lateral flow was 103 IU/ml when serum samples were treated with heat and the supernatant was directly used for LAMP. The result shows that the developed LAMP-LF assay was able to detect a viral load of 101 IU/ml only in 66.6% of cases.
Conclusion
The LAMP-LF assay is a potential solution for HBV testing in resource-limited settings. Overall, our study demonstrated that the integration of LAMP - LF assay can be a plausible approach for point-of-care application with high sensitivity and accuracy. However, direct amplification without DNA purification is excluded and may lead to poor performance of the approach.