bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased accuracy and precision of hydrometric soil texture measurements (“Pario classic method”) with semi‐empiric correction functions#
Authors: Mátra Zoltán Soma , Heil Bálint , Kovács Gábor , Lang Friederike , Schack‐Kirchner Helmer 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThough soil texture is one of the most basic soil characteristics its quantification needs still laborious procedures. A commercially available, efficient approach has been introduced as Pario classic method where silt and clay fractions are calculated by inverse fitting of transducer‐measured suspension pressure curves to modeled Stokes’ law of sedimentation. However, comparison of Pario‐measured textures of 64 samples with Köhn method revealed unsatisfactory bias and random error of fractions except for medium silt.AimsThe goal of our study was to improve precision and accuracy of Pario classic measurements by multiple linear regression models using regressors that were anyway available in the measurement procedure.MethodsFor the model we included two groups of regressors: (1) Pario‐estimated clay, fine, medium, and coarse silt fractions to cover measurement data and dependencies between fractions; (2) parameters assessed during sample preparation including residual moisture of the air‐dried sample (ϴres), soil‐organic carbon (SOC), and pH‐value. The choice of regressors has been optimized according to the Aikaike Information Criterion (AIC).ResultsThe final models yielded unbiased estimations and strongly reduced root‐mean square errors below 5 mass‐%. In case of clay and coarse silt, the intrinsic Pario estimated clay and coarse silt contributed strongest to the prediction, but all fractions of the Pario method have been included in the models. The most important external regressor was the residual moisture. It contributed positively to the clay model and negatively to the silt models as expected because it is a known proxy of clay content.ConclusionsThe suggested semi‐empirical correction allows to benefit from the efficient Pario classic method without loss of data quality. We suggest considering ϴres as a standard parameter in soil analysis to improve the quality of texture estimations.
Comparative nutritional and antimicrobial analysis of Himalayan black and yellow soybean and their okara
Authors: Anjum Sofiya , Rana Smita , Dasila Khashti , Agnihotri Vasudha , Pandey Anita , Pande Veena 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean is believed to have good nutraceutical potential which is important for human health. Yellow soybean (YS) is generally used for the production of soymilk and other products, while black soybean (BS) is less explored. During the production of soymilk, residue, called okara is generated which is reported to have a good amount of nutrient content. Studies are generally performed with YS while BS is less explored. The present work is a comparison of the nutraceutical potential of BS and YS and their okara, mainly in terms of proximate, minerals, antinutrients, and isoflavone content and bioactivity of all types of samples in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.RESULTSCompared to raw soybean, protein content decreased significantly in both types of okara. Phytochemicals like ascorbic acid, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid were significantly (P < 0.05) high in BS residue in comparison to respective raw soybean. Among isoflavones, daidzin and genistin were found significantly varying among all the samples, and glycitin and glycitein were not present in YS.CONCLUSIONThe nutraceutical potential and antimicrobial activity were comparative for both the raw beans and their okara, while the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity were higher in the case of BS and its okara. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating readmission rates for patients undergoing oncologic resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction for primary sarcomas and tumors involving bone
Authors: Lazarides Alexander L. , Flamant Etienne M. , Cullen Mark M. , Ferlauto Harrison R. , Cochrane Niall , Gao Junheng , Jung Sin‐Ho , Visgauss Julia D. , Brigman Brian E. , Eward William C. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the drivers of readmission in patients undergoing Orthopaedic oncologic resection. The goal of this study was to identify factors independently associated with 90‐day readmission for patients undergoing oncologic resection and subsequent prosthetic reconstruction for primary tumors involving bone.MethodsThis was a retrospective comparative cohort study of patients treated from 2008 to 2019 who underwent endoprosthetic reconstruction for a primary bone tumor or soft tissue tumor involving bone, as well as those who underwent a revision endoprosthetic reconstruction if the primary endoprosthetic reconstruction was performed for an oncologic resection. The primary outcome measure was unplanned 90‐day readmission.ResultsA total of 149 patients were identified who underwent 191 surgeries were for a primary bone or soft tissue tumor. The 90‐day readmission rate was 28.3%. Female gender, depression, higher tumor grade, vascular reconstruction, longer procedure duration, longer length of stay (LOS), multiple surgeries during an admission and disposition to a Skilled Nursing Facility were associated with readmission (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, female sex, higher tumor grade and longer procedure duration were independently associated with risk of readmission (p < 0.05).ConclusionsReadmission rates are high following endoprosthetic reconstruction for Orthopaedic oncologic resections. Further work is necessary to help minimize unplanned readmissions.
Photo‐mediated ultrasound therapy for the treatment of retinal neovascularization in rabbit eyes
Authors: Qin Yu , Yu Yixin , Fu Julia , Wang Mingyang , Yang Xinmai , Wang Xueding , Paulus Yannis M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesRetinal neovascularization (RNV) is the growth of abnormal microvessels on the retinal surface and into the vitreous, which can lead to severe vision loss. By combining relatively low‐intensity ultrasound and nanosecond‐pulse‐duration laser, we developed a novel treatment method, namely photo‐mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT), which holds a potential to remove RNV with minimal or no damage to the adjacent tissues.MethodsRNV was created in both albino and pigmented rabbits (n = 10) through a single intravitreal injection with DL‐α‐aminoadipic acid. RNV was treated with PUT 8 weeks postinjection. After PUT treatment, animals were evaluated longitudinally for up to 6 weeks. Treatment outcomes were evaluated through fundus photography, red‐free fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and histopathology.ResultsIn both albino and pigmented rabbits, there were no leakage in the treatment area immediately after PUT treatment as demonstrated by FA, indicating the cessation of blood perfusion of the RNV in the treated area. The fluorescence leakage did not recover in albino rabbits during the 6‐week posttreatment monitoring period, and only 9.9 ± 9.8% of the neovascularization remained at the end of 6 weeks. In the pigmented rabbits, the fluorescence leakage partially returned, but the level of leakage decreased over time during the 6‐week posttreatment monitoring period, and only 10.8 ± 9.8% of the neovascularization remained at the end of 6 weeks. Histology demonstrated removal of vasculature without damage to the surrounding neurosensory retina.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that PUT could precisely remove RNV without damage to the surrounding neurosensory retina in both rabbit strains.
Transglutaminase 2 enhances hepatocyte growth factor signaling to drive the mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype
Authors: Naselsky Warren , Adhikary Gautam , Shrestha Suruchi , Chen Xi , Ezeka Geraldine , Xu Wen , Friedberg Joseph S , Eckert Richard L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTransglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important mesothelioma cancer cell survival protein. However, the mechanism whereby TG2 maintains mesothelioma cell survival is not well understood. We present studies showing that TG2 drives hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)‐dependent MET receptor signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype. TG2 increases HGF and MET messenger RNA and protein levels to enhance MET signaling. TG2 inactivation reduces MET tyrosine kinase activity to reduce cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion and migration. We also confirm that HGF/MET signaling is a biologically important mediator of TG2 action. Reducing MET level using genetic methods or treatment with MET inhibitors reduces spheroid formation, invasion and migration and this is associated with reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors suppress the cancer phenotype. Moreover, MET knockout mesothelioma cells form 10‐fold smaller tumors compared to wild‐type cells and these tumors display reduced MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 activity. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF and MET levels in cultured mesothelioma cells and tumors to drive HGF/MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype.
The pancreatic cancer immune tumor microenvironment is negatively remodeled by gemcitabine while TGF‐β receptor plus dual checkpoint inhibition maintains antitumor immune cells
Authors: Rana Manjul , Kansal Rita , Chaib Mehdi , Teng Bin , Morrrison Michelle , Hayes David Neil , Stanfill Ansley G. , Shibata David , Carson James A. , Makowski Liza , Glazer Evan S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) tumors have a highly immunosuppressive desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) where immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy has been exceptionally ineffective. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) receptor activation leads to cancer and immune cell proliferation and phenotype, and cytokine production leading to tumor progression and worse overall survival in PDA patients. We hypothesized that TGF‐β receptor inhibition may alter PDA progression and antitumor immunity in the TME. Here, we used a syngeneic preclinical murine model of PDA to explore the impact of TGF‐β pathway inhibitor galunisertib (GAL), dual checkpoint immunotherapy (anti‐PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4), the chemotherapy gemcitabine (GEM), and their combinations on antitumor immune responses. Blockade of TGF‐β and ICI in immune‐competent mice bearing orthotopically injected murine PDA cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and was accompanied by antitumor M1 macrophage infiltration. In contrast, GEM treatment resulted in increased PDA tumor growth, decreased antitumor M1 macrophages, and decreased cytotoxic CD8+ T cell subpopulation compared to control mice. Together, these findings demonstrate the ability of TGF‐β inhibition with GAL to prime antitumor immunity in the TME and the curative potential of combining GAL with dual ICI. These preclinical results indicate that targeted inhibition of TGF‐β may enhance the efficacy of dual immunotherapy in PDA. Optimal manipulation of the immune TME with non‐ICI therapy may enhance therapeutic efficacy.
STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future
Authors: Wang Han‐Qi , Man Qi‐Wen , Huo Fang‐Yi , Gao Xin , Lin Hao , Li Su‐Ran , Wang Jing , Su Fu‐Chuan , Cai, Lulu , Shi Yi , Liu, Bing , Bu Lin‐Lin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.
A Longitudinal Study of Plasma pTau181 in Mild Cognitive Impairment with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Thomas Alan J. , Hamilton Calum A. , Heslegrave Amanda , Barker Sally , Durcan Rory , Lawley Sarah , Barnett Nicola , Lett Debbie , Firbank Michael , Roberts Gemma , Taylor John‐Paul , Donaghy Paul C. , Zetterberg Henrik , O'Brien John 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) co‐pathology is common in dementia with Lewy bodies and is associated with increased decline. Plasma pTau181 is a blood‐based biomarker that can detect AD co‐pathology.ObjectivesWe investigated whether pTau181 was associated with cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB) and MCI with AD (MCI‐AD).MethodsWe assessed plasma pTau181 using a single‐molecule array (Simoa) immunoassay at baseline and follow‐up in a longitudinal cohort of MCI‐LB, MCI‐AD, and controls.ResultsOne hundred forty‐six subjects (56 probable MCI‐LB, 22 possible MCI‐LB, 44 MCI‐AD, and 24 controls) were reviewed for up to 5.7 years. Probable MCI‐LB had significantly higher pTau181 (22.2% mean increase) compared with controls and significantly lower (24.4% mean decrease) levels compared with MCI‐AD. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of pTau181 in discriminating probable MCI‐LB from controls showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (83% specificity, 57% sensitivity); for discriminating MCI‐AD from healthy controls, AUC was 0.8 (83.3% specificity, 72.7% sensitivity). pTau181 concentration was less useful in discriminating between probable MCI‐LB and MCI‐AD: AUC of 0.64 (71.4% specificity, 52.3% sensitivity).There was an association between pTau181 and cognitive decline in MCI‐AD but not in MCI‐LB. In a subset with repeat samples there was a nonsignificant 3% increase per follow‐up year in plasma pTau181. The rate of change in pTau181 was not significantly different in different diagnostic subgroups.ConclusionspTau181 was not associated with an increased decline assessed using either baseline or repeat pTau181. pTau181 partially discriminated probable MCI‐LB from controls and MCI‐AD from controls but was not useful in distinguishing probable MCI‐LB from MCI‐AD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A novel fusion between CDC42BPB and ALK in a patient with quadruple wild‐type gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Huang Wen , Yuan Wei , Ren Lei , Xu Chen , Luo Rongkui , Zhou Yuhong , Lu Weiqi , Hao Qing , Xu Mian , Hou Yingyong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common type of mesenchymal tumor in gastrointestinal tract, with striking features of morphology and immunohistochemistry. But GISTs in pregnancy could seldom be found. Pathogenic activating mutations of the proto‐oncogene KIT and PDGFRA are detected in majority GISTs, and adjuvant imatinib therapy targeting KIT and PDGFRA mutations is recommended for patients with high‐risk GIST. However, some rare subgroups with distinct molecular features remain uncovered and more therapeutic targets need to be revealed.MethodsThe DNA/RNA samples were detected using the NGS‐based YuanSu450 gene panel. After identifying the CDC42BPB‐ALK fusion by NGS, this novel fusion was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, FISH analysis was performed using the Vysis ALK Break Apart FISH Probe kit to testify the ALK status. ALK protein expression was confirmed by IHC (D5F3 and 5A4).ResultsHerein, we reported the first case of quadruple wild‐type (WT) GIST with ALK‐CDC42BPB fusion and ALK (D5F3) overexpression. In this study, we described a 33‐year‐old pregnant patient in lactation who had a massive space occupying lesion (with the maximum diameter of 22 cm) in the stomach and was eventually diagnosed as quadruple WT GIST (KITWT/PDGFRAWT/SDHWT/RAS‐PWT).ConclusionWe unexpectedly found that this GIST patient showed ALK (D5F3) overexpression and harbored a novel fusion CDC42BPB exon 24‐ALK in exon 20.
The effects of unexpected changes to content delivery on student learning outcomes: A psychological contract perspective during the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Gazica Michele W. , Leto Grace D. , Irish Andrea L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMeta‐analyses suggest that student learning outcomes (SLOs) are comparable across modalities of instruction. None of these studies examined how unmet student expectations (here, unexpected changes in course delivery) might increase perceptions of student–instructor‐university psychological contract breaches (PCBs) and, ultimately, perceived SLOs within and across modalities. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided an opportunity to study these potential relationships because many residential institutions of higher education opted into, or were required to, offer distance and/or blended learning to accommodate COVID‐19 safety mandates. This study sampled undergraduate students (n = 155) from a university, which, before the pandemic, offered exclusively face‐to‐face classroom instruction. During the Fall 2020 semester, however, this university offered three modalities of instruction: (1) face‐to‐face; (2) blended learning; and (3) distance education. The results of this study suggest that perceived PCBs by instructors and universities negatively influence underling indices of student achievement in terms of motivation, engagement, and learning within and across modalities of instruction. Given this and near universal decrements in student enrollment and retention in institutions of higher education, it is important for universities and instructors to understand, explicitly and transparently negotiate, and meet student expectations to improve student progression to graduation and maintain competitiveness among similar institutions.
Social media and politics on the local level
Authors: Datts Mario , Schultze Martin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe local level is highly important for political engagement, as political issues that are relevant to citizens' daily lives are discussed at this level. Therefore, political parties are especially interested in organizing a strong local basis. Yet, empirical research on the local party units is rather scarce, particularly with respect to their social media activities. We do not know whether the local units of political parties are nowadays active players in the most important communication sphere, and nor do we know anything about potential driving forces of their activities on social media. Using big data, we are able to demonstrate that local party units in Germany are especially active on Facebook during a heated election campaign. Interestingly, we also confirm this observation with regard to user activities. Furthermore, our results reveal that the local basis of the German right‐wing populist party Alternative for Germany has an insurmountable lead on Facebook—in terms of both published posts and user response. This finding supports the thesis that a right‐wing ecosystem on Facebook has been established in Germany. Besides election and party effects, we find that urbanized areas provide better opportunities for the social media usage of political parties and citizens.
Caffeine and bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Clinical benefits and the mechanisms involved
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yang Yang , Lei Xiaoping , Dong Wenbin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that occurs during the neonatal period and is commonly associated with prematurity. This condition results in a severe economic burden on society and the families involved. Caffeine is used not only for the treatment of apnea in prematurity, but also for the prevention of BPD. There are multiple clinical benefits of caffeine treatment, including improved extubation success, a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, improved lung function, and a reduction of patent ductus arteriosus requiring treatment. These clinical benefits of caffeine for the treatment of BPD are supported by both clinical trials and evidence from animal models. However, the mechanism by which caffeine protects against BPD remains unclear. Here, we review the clinical value of caffeine in the prevention of BPD and its potential mechanisms of action, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic properties, the regulation of angiogenesis, and diuretic effects. Our aim is to provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of BPD.
Using tank‐mix adjuvant improves the physicochemical properties and dosage delivery to reduce the use of pesticides in unmanned aerial vehicles for plant protection in wheat
Authors: Zhao Rui , Yu Meng , Sun Zhe , Li Lin‐jie , Shang Hong‐Yi , Xi Wan‐jiang , Li Biao , Li Yang‐yang , Xu Yong , Wu Xue‐Min 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used to improve the efficiency of pesticide applications. Low‐volume spraying operations require more efficient deposition of droplets on the target surface. Therefore, pesticide deposition and retention on plant surfaces is a serious challenge for modern precision agriculture. Tank‐mix adjuvants have been used to improve spray dilutions performance; however, their effects on the physicochemical properties of spray dilutions, dosage delivery, and pesticide dosage are unclear.RESULTSTank‐mix adjuvant 8860 significantly improved the physicochemical properties of spray dilutions, inhibited spray droplets rebound, improved the wetting and spreading performance of spray dilutions on wheat leaves, and increased the effective deposition of tebuconazole on wheat leaves. Even when its dosage was reduced by one‐third, the spray solution still showed excellent disease control and effective deposition of the active ingredient on wheat leaves.CONCLUSIONThe use of appropriate tank‐mix adjuvants in UAV‐based plant protection for wheat can significantly improve the performance of spray dilutions, increase the efficiency of pesticide dosage delivery, and improve disease control. These adjuvants can also help reduce the pesticide use while ensuring their effectiveness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.