bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of Lavandula distilled straws into high-quality solid fuel: effect of hydrothermal carbonization conditions on fuel characteristics
Authors: Li Xin , Baran Sumeyra Seniha , Orange François , Bonjour Erik , Jame Patrick , Mija Alice , Lomench Claire , Kuzhir Pavel , Hurel Charlotte 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Lavandin hydrochars obtained by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of Lavandula distilled straw (LDS) have been studied as an eco-friendly and economical valorization route of residual biomass from cosmetic industry into solid fuels. The critical parameters of the HTC process (temperature and retention time) were normalized to severity factor (SF). Proximate and ultimate analysis, microscopy and thermal analysis were used to characterize hydrochars surface, combustion behavior and kinetics as a function of SF, and to compare them with those of the raw lavandin sample. Results showed that preparation of lavandin hydrochars in temperature and retention time conditions providing SF close to 6 seemed to be the best compromise since under these conditions, the combustion performance of the hydrochar was close to the bituminous coal and lignite.
Ultrasensitive carbon monoxide sensor based on asilver grating coated by single layer of palladiumchloride at room temperature
Authors: Song Gang , Yang Hao , Wang Song , Duan Gaoyan , Lang Peilin , Hu Yanzhu , Zhang Xiao 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We introduce a sensitive carbon monoxide(CO) sensor based on alayer of palladium chloride dihydrate PdCl2 · 2H2O (PCD) which can work atroom temperature. The core part of the sensor is a plasmonic grating coatedwith PCD. When the CO molecules hit on PCD which will change into palladium (Pd), the reflectivity of the grating will change a lot. First-principlescalculations and finite-difference time-domain methods are employed to calculate the dielectric constant of PCD and the reflection spectra, respectively. Ourresults show that The maximum difference of the reflection spectra betweenbefore and after reactions (∆R = RPCD - RPd) reaches to 20% times as themaximum of the reflection spectrum in certain conditions. According to ourcalculations, CO can be easily detected, when the concentration of CO is aslow as 2.2×10-3ppm. Our proposed structure is quite useful and has potentialapplications in safety productions, food safeties and other fields
Copper sulfate and cupric citrate supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of broilers
Authors: Wu Xuezhuang , Zhou Yahao , Lu Zhentao , Wen Aiyou , Zhu Mingxia , Jiang Qingkui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This experiment was conducted to study the effects of copper sulfate and cupric citrate on growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 15 broilers per replicate. Broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, and animals in other four groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 2 sources (copper sulfate and cupric citrate) and 2 levels (50 and 100 mg/kg dry matter). The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that dietary cupric citrate supplementation increased the average daily gain (P = 0.0313). The average daily feed intake and feed gain ratio, however, were not affected by dietary copper sulfate or cupric citrate (P > 0.10). Additionally, dietary copper sulfate or cupric citrate supplementation increased the digestibility of crude protein (P = 0.0554) and energy (P = 0.0191). For intestinal microflora, dietary cupric citrate supplementation decreased the concentration of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) in the ileal digesta or cecal digesta. In addition, dietary Cu supplementation increased the pH in duodenum (P = 0.0008) and jejunum (P = 0.0589). The activities of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (P = 0.0899), and ceruloplasmin (P = 0.0269) were increased by Cu addition. The present study demonstrated cupric citrate fed to broilers has a positive effect on growth and nutrient utilization. Our results also show that moderately high Cu in the diet increases the pH in duodenum and jejunum, and reduced the concentration of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli in the ileal digesta or cecal digesta.
An integrated pan-cancer analysis of ALKBH5 as an immunological and prognostic biomarker Running title: ALKBH5 as a biomarker in pan-cancer
Authors: Xiang Xiaohong , Shi Doudou 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the internal chemical modification of organism mRNA and participates in various biological processes in cancers. Studies have shown that m6A can be cleared by ALKBH5 (alkB homolog 5), indicating that it may play important functions. Therefore, we intend to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ALKBH5 from a pan-cancer perspective to clarify its role in cancers. Methods: Differently expression of ALKBH5 was performed by ‘edger’ package. Cox Univariate and log-rank analysis were used to evaluate the prognosis of ALKBH5. The correlation between ALKBH5 expression and immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment, copy number variations, tumor mutational burden, neoantigen, homologous recombination deficiency and microsatellite instability, methyltransferases and stemness scores were analyzed respectively via Pearson or Spearman analysis. ESTIMATE, stromal and immune scores were evaluated through ‘ESTIMATE’ package and tumor mutational burden was calculated by ‘maftools’ package.Results: We found that ALKBH5 was differentially expressed and important for prognosis in some cancers. Also, we found that the expression of ALKBH5 had a significant correlation with immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment, copy number variations, tumor mutational burden, neoantigen, homologous recombination deficiency and microsatellite instability in various common cancers. Further, the ALKBH5 expression significantly correlated with the expression of methyltransferases and stemness scores in various cancers.Conclusions: Our research showed that ALKBH5 plays a pivotal role in several cancers and can be a novel immunological and prognostic biomarker, indicating its role as a target of immunotherapy.
Trends of healthcare utilization during COVID-19 in an Egyptian university hospital: a special emphasis on oncology patients’ services
Authors: Kandil Sahar Khalil 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has reduced healthcare utilization worldwide and no sufficient studies were published from resource-limited countries. This study aimed to quantify and characterize the changes in service utilization within years 2020–2021 in one of the Egyptian university hospitals, with special emphasis on oncology services. Methods: Data were longitudinally collected for various services and categorized as for all-hospital patients and for oncology patients. Percentage reduction was calculated compared to year 2019. Results: For all-hospital patients, the overall utilization reduced by –23.2% in 2020 and –3.6% in 2021. Also, emergency room visits were reduced (–22.7% in 2020; –17.5% in 2021). For oncology patients, greater reduction was recorded in overall services (–43.7% in 2020; –37.4% in 2021). Reduction, that showed fluctuation according to COVID-19 waves in Egypt, was larger in diagnostic (–44.8% in 2020; –45.4% in 2021) and screening services (–71.2% in 2020; –58.2% in 2021) than therapeutic (–36.2% in 2020; –31.4% in 2021). Despite its much reduction in 2020 (–31.5%), surgeries were the fastest to approach its pre-pandemic level (–1.4%) in 2021. Still lagging services were admissions, outpatient visits, radiotherapy, diagnostics, and screening. Conclusion: With marked utilization reduction, a higher disease burden, stage migration, and premature death is anticipated. Reduction of emergency visits may raise questions for redefining what constitutes an “actual” emergency; or conversely, whether late presentations and/or preventable deaths have occurred. Preparation for, and evaluation of the impact of such experience are needed from policy/decision makers and researchers as well.
Analysis of Different Protocols for Multiplication of Commercial Probiotics in Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Hoffling Flávia Banderó , Abreu Paulo Cesar Oliveira Vergne , Xavier Missileny Jesus , Monserrat José Maria , Wasielesky Wilson , Krummenauer Dariano 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Probiotics can be defined as non-pathogenic living organisms used to improve the health of the host and act against the development of pathogens. Shrimp farms have used artisanal strategies to multiply the bacteria of commercial probiotics and thus decrease the costs with the commercial product. The study was conducted at the Marine Station of Aquaculture, FURG, Brazil. The three experiments used homemade protocols of different shrimp farms. Water collections were performed at 00 h and 24 h to quantify bacteria. The experiments were (I) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 25 g of powdered milk, 50 mL of molasses, and 25 g of calcium carbonate, (II) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 50 g of rice bran, 33.33 g of crystal sugar and 12.5 g of sodium bicarbonate and (III) 25 g of Pro-W probiotic, 25 g of Bokashi Bran, 50 mL of molasses and 12.5 g of sodium bicarbonate. The protocols were based on the traditional practice of shrimp farms in Latin America. Each experiment had 6 treatments and 3 repetitions. The treatments were carried out in freshwater and saltwater. T1: Control in freshwater (only probiotic); T2: Control in saltwater (only probiotic); T3: Negative control in freshwater (only fertilizers); T4: Negative control in saltwater (only fertilizers); T5: Protocol in freshwater (probiotic + fertilizers); T6: Protocol in saltwater (probiotic + fertilizers). The three experiments showed growth of Bacillus, coccoid and filamentous bacteria in all treatments, however the results indicate that the protocols used could not contribute significantly to the replication of commercial probiotics.
N-decanoyl-homoserine Lactone Inhibits Primary Root Growth via a Cascade Involving Ca2+, ROS, MPK and NO in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Zhao Qian , Sun Yana , Yu Mingxiang , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhe , Jia Zhenhua , Song Shuishan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as quorum-sensing signals by gram-negative bacteria. It has been demonstrated that AHLs could exert impact on plant growth and disease resistance. N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL) as one type of AHLs was reported to inhibit primary root growth in Arabidopsis. However, the mechanisms underlying C10-HSL-mediated alteration of root architecture remained largely unclear. Here, we investigated the signaling components and their interplay involved in C10-HSL-mediated inhibition of primary root growth in Arabidopsis using pharmacological, physiological and genetic approaches. C10-HSL treatment triggered a transient and immediate elevation in concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 6 (MPK6) activation, nitric oxide (NO) production in Arabidopsis roots. Ca2+ channel inhibitors significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth and reduced the ROS and NO generation induced by C10-HSL. Inhibition or scavenging of ROS and NO production neutralized the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth. Respiratory burst oxidase homolog mutants and a NO synthase mutant were less sensitive to C10-HSL with respect to primary root growth. Activation of MPKs especially MPK6 were required for C10-HSL inhibiting primary root growth and mpk6 showed a reduced sensitivity to C10-HSL with respect to primary root growth, suggesting a main role for MPK6 in this process. MPK6 was shown to act downstream of ROS and upstream of NO. Our data suggested that Ca2+, ROS, MPK6 and NO are all involved and might play roles in cascade in the C10-HSL-inhibited primary root growth in Arabidopsis.
The validation of pain index extracted from electroencephalogram in chronic pain patients
Authors: Li Jun , Zhong Zhifang , Yan Xiaoyan , Zhou Ying , Feng Yi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
A non-invasive tool is needed to help objectively assess pain. We aimed to validate the pain index (PI) extracted from electroencephalograms (EEG) to detect moderate-to-severe pain.
Methods
The participants were 18- to 80-year-old outpatients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain (NRS ≥ 4) who were eligible to receive injection therapy or shockwave therapy. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and PI extracted from the EEG signals were recorded before and 30 minutes after treatments. Anxiety and depression statuses were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale before treatments. The association between NRS and PI was evaluated using Pearson's correlations and regression analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of PI were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the associations of PI with anxiety and depression.
Results
A total of 111 patients were enrolled. A positive correlation was found between PI and NRS and between the changes in NRS (ΔNRS) and the changes in PI (ΔPI) before versus after treatments. The sensitivity and specificity of PI for moderate and severe pain were 80.4% and 86.5%, respectively, and the diagnostic threshold was 10.65. The area under the ROC curves of PI was 0.912. PI appeared to be slightly affected by anxiety or depression.
Conclusion
PI extracted from EEG appears to be a feasible objective tool to assess moderate-to-severe pain.
Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs are correlated with metabolism and immune microenvironment and predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Wang Yanling , Ge Weiyu , Xue Shengbai , Cui Jiujie , Zhang Xiaofei , Shentu Daiyuan , Wang Liwei 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Cuproptosis is a novel cell death pathway, and the regulatory mechanism in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains to be explored. We determined whether cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) could predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer.Methods and results: First, we identified 30 prognostic cuproptosis-related lncRNAs by Pearson correlation and univariate Cox regression analyses. Next, we constructed the cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic model based on seven CRLs screened by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. Following this, we calculated the risk score for pancreatic cancer patients according to the formula and divided patients into high and low-risk groups. In our prognostic model, PC patients with higher risk scores had poorer outcomes. Based on several prognostic features, a predictive nomogram was established in PC. Furthermore, we investigated the tumor immune landscape using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE. The tumor microenvironment in the high-risk group was more immunosuppressive than that in the low-risk group, with lower infiltration of CD8+ T cells and higher M2 macrophages. Finally, we performed the functional enrichment analysis of 181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between risk groups. Our results revealed that endocrine and metabolic pathways were potential regulatory pathways between risk groups. Conclusion: Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can be applied to predict pancreatic cancer prognosis, which is closely correlated with the tumor metabolism and immune microenvironment.
Phenological drivers of ungulate migration in South America: Characterizing the movement and seasonal habitat use of guanacos
Authors: Candino Malena , Donadio Emiliano , Pauli Jonathan N. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMigration is a widespread strategy among ungulates to cope with seasonality. Phenology, especially on seasonally snow-covered landscapes featuring “white waves” of snow accumulation and “green waves” of plant green-up, is a phenomenon that many migratory ungulates navigate. Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are native camelids to South America and are one of the last ungulates in South America that migrates. However, a detailed description of this species’ migratory attributes, including whether guanacos surf or jump phenological waves is lacking. MethodsWe quantified the migratory movements of 21 adult guanacos over three years in Patagonia, Argentina. We analyzed annual movement patterns using net squared displacement (NSD) and home range overlap and quantified snow and vegetation phenology via remotely sensed products. ResultsWe found that 74% of the individual guanacos exhibited short altitudinal migration. Additionally, we observed fidelity of migratory ranges and residence time, but flexibility around migration propensity, timing and duration of migration. Interestingly, we found that the scarce vegetation and arid conditions within our study area prevented guanacos from surfing green waves; instead, guanacos appeared to avoid white waves. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that guanaco elevational migration is driven by a combination of vegetation availability and snow cover presence, reveals behavioral plasticity of their migration, and highlights the importance of snow phenology as a driver of ungulate migrations.
Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Yamanashi Takahiro , Miura Hirohisa , Tanaka Toshimichi , Watanabe Akiko , Yokoi Keigo , Kojo Ken , Niihara Masahiro , Yamashita Keishi , Sato Takeo , Kumamoto Yusuke , Hiki Naoki , Naitoh Takeshi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
PurposeThe benefits of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for rectal cancer remain controversial. Only a few studies have evaluated the safety and feasibility of RALS following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of RALS versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) after NCRT for rectal cancer.MethodsPropensity score matching of 111 consecutive patients who underwent RALS or CLS after NCRT for rectal adenocarcinoma between February 2014 and February 2022 was performed. Among them, 60 matched patients were enrolled and their short-term outcomes were compared.ResultsAlthough operative time, conversion rate to open laparotomy and blood loss were comparable, the incidence of postoperative complications, including anastomotic leakage, was significantly lower, urinary retention tended to be lower, and the days to soft diet intake and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the RALS than the CLS group. No postoperative mortality was observed in either group, and there were no significant differences in terms of resection margins and number of lymph nodes dissected.ConclusionsRALS after NCRT for rectal cancer is safe and technically feasible, and has acceptable short-term outcomes. Further studies are required for validation of the long-term oncological outcomes.
Hippocampal Pyramidal Neuron Size Differs Among Subfields: Implications for Subfield Parcellation
Authors: Williams Emily M. , Llamas-Rodriguez Josue , Champion Samantha , Lang-Orsini Melanie , Frosch Matthew P. , Augustinack Jean C. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The hippocampus is integral for learning and memory and is targeted by multiple diseases and disorders such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroimaging approaches frequently use hippocampal or subfield volumes as a standard measure of neurodegeneration, thus making it an essential biomarker to study. However, in vivo MRI lacks the resolution needed to accurately parcellate subfields, and histologic delineations rely on vague or outdated features. More so, several discrepancies exist in subfield segmentation among groups. The present study sought to advance the histology segmentation field by acquiring quantitative neuron width measurements of the hippocampal subfields from 18 postmortem human samples. Neuron widths were collected using Feret’s diameter on hippocampal pyramidal neurons at five distinct anterior-posterior levels. Measurements were collected from CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and subiculum and the uncinate (medial) counterparts (CA1u, CA2u, CA3u, Subu). Ten neurons were measured per subfield per level, resulting in a total of 5,430 measured neurons. Our measurements indicate the following order of neuron size: CA4 > CA3 = CA2 > CA1 = Sub > ParaSub > PreSub. We also observed that each medial (uncinate) subfield had smaller neurons than its lateral counterpart (e.g., CA1 > CA1u). Further, we found that right hemisphere hippocampi had significantly larger neurons than left hemisphere hippocampi, and that controls had larger neurons than early Braak & Braak staged cases. The findings provide quantitative ground truth histologic measures for pyramidal neurons within individual subfields and a reliable method to distinguish the subfields at differing anterior-posterior levels.
Study of the Relationship between Dietary Pattern with Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Damascus Hospital and Specialist Polyclinic Services in Syria
Authors: Hammoud Taghrid , AlKharrat Leen , AlSuleman Rima 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Dietary habits have an integral role in glycemic control. Where uncontrolled glucose levels can have an impact on almost every organ in the patients’ bodies. In this study, the target fasting blood glucose is set to be 70–180 mg/dl in accordance with the American Diabetes Association which recommends keeping this value to more than 16 hours and 48 minutes a day.
Objective
Intending to explore the food frequency consumption and its association with poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients in Syria.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, data on the dietary pattern of 104 patients with type two diabetes were collected by trained interviewers in two diabetic clinics in Damascus, Syria. Dietary information was obtained by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Overall diet quality was evaluated. Glycemic control was assessed by fasting plasma glucose.
Results
the general dietary habits demonstrate that 55.8% of the patients recorded fasting Blood Glucose of 70–180 mg/dl, 21.1% recorded 181–250 mg/dl, and 23.1% recorded above 250 mg/dl. None of the food items studied in this research recorded a statistical significance excepts for excess amounts of white sugar, and consuming fast food weekly which were associated with poor glycemic control.
Conclusion
Consuming fast food weekly, and using 6–7 tablespoons or more of sugar a day could possibly serve as an independent predictor of poor glycemic control. Furthermore, distributing the total food intake in a day into multiple meals and eating less amounts of rice and creamed cheese were recognized to record better glycemic values, however, these results were not statistically significant.