bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the dead-time correction method on quantitative 177Lu-SPECT (QSPECT) and dosimetry during radiopharmaceutical therapy
Authors: Desy Alessandro , Bouvet Guillaume F. , Lafrenière Nancy , Zamanian Atefeh , Després Philippe , Beauregard Jean-Mathieu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Dead-time correction is required for accurate quantitative SPECT-based dosimetry in the context of personalised 177Lu radiopharmaceutical therapy. We aimed to evaluate the impact of applying dead-time correction on the reconstructed SPECT image vs. on the acquisition projections before reconstruction. Methods: Data from 16 SPECT/CT acquisitions of a decaying 177Lu-filled phantom (up to 20.75 GBq) and dual-timepoint SPECT/CT in 14 patients treated with personalised 177Lu peptide receptor radionuclide therapy were analysed. Dead-time was determined based on the acquisition wide-spectrum count rate for each projection and averaged for the entire acquisition. Three dead-time corrections methods (DTCMs) were used: the per-projection correction, where each projection was individually corrected before reconstruction (DTCM1, the standard of reference); and two per-volume methods using the average dead-time correction factor of the acquisition applied to all projections before reconstruction (DTCM2), or to the SPECT image after reconstruction (DTCM3). Relative differences in quantification were assessed for various VOIs on the phantom and patient SPECT images. In patients, the resulting dosimetry estimates for tissues of interest were also compared between DTCMs.Results: Both per-volume DTCMs (DTCM2 and DTCM3) were found to be equivalent, with VOI count differences not exceeding 0.8%. When comparing the per-volume post-reconstruction DTCM3 vs. the per-projection pre-reconstruction DTCM1, differences in VOI counts and absorbed dose estimates did not exceed 2%, with very few exceptions. The largest absorbed dose deviation was observed for a kidney at 3.5%. Conclusion: While per-projection dead-time correction appears ideal for QSPECT, post-reconstruction correction is an acceptable alternative that is more practical to implement in the clinics and that results in minimal deviations in quantitative accuracy and dosimetry estimates, as compared to the per-projection correction.
Development of ruthenium oxide modified polyethersulfone membranes for improvement of antifouling performance including decomposition kinetic of polymer
Authors: Yigit Basak , Ozay Yasin , Emen Fatih Mehmet , Ozsoy Emine , Ocakoglu Kasım , Dizge Nadir 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this study, RuO2-embedded PES membrane was prepared and it was used for protein separation. The antifouling properties of the fabricated composite membranes were also investigated using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as protein solution. The mean roughness increased proportionally by introducing RuO2 particles. The porosity of the composite membranes was higher than that of the pristine PES membrane. On the other hand, composite membranes has smaller average pore size after addition of RuO2 particles. The blending of RuO2 particles to the PES membrane caused to increase the hydrophilicity of the pristine membrane from 76.67° to 67.13°. The thermal studies of the PES/RuO2 membranes were performed by DTA/TG. The Activation Energy (Ea) values of the PES/RuO2 membranes were found to be 57.67-641.34 kJ/mol for Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and 55.13–659.10 kJ/mol for Kissenger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS). The pure water flux of the composite membranes decreased from the pristine PES to PES/RuO2 1.00 wt%. The pore size was calculated as 14.5 nm and pore size decreased up to 6.5 nm when blended RuO2 particles increased up to 1.00 wt.%. BSA fluxes were 84.1 ± 2.1, 86.3 ± 2.5, and 93.9 ± 3.2 L/m2/h for pristine, PES/RuO2 0.50 wt%, and PES/RuO2 0.75 wt% membranes, respectively. PES/RuO2 1.00 wt%. membrane supplied the lowest BSA flux (73.6 ± 3.1 L/m2/h). BSA rejection efficiencies increased from 45.5 ± 1.8% to 92.6 ± 1.5% when blended RuO2 particles increased from 0 to 1.00 wt%. The results depicted that Rir values decreased while Rr values increased after the blending of RuO2.
Towards the development of a conceptual framework for Complex interaction between environmental changes and rural-urban migration
Authors: Mianabadi Ameneh , Davary Kamran , Mianabadi Hojjat , Kolahi Mahdi , Mostert Erik 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Dealing with environmental migration is a complex problem that may transform into a wicked problem. To investigate the environment-migration nexus, it is necessary to develop a conceptual model that considers the complexity of environmental changes as a cause of rural-urban migration (RUM). This paper provides such a model, focusing on the decline of agricultural lands and products and relevant economic consequences. It links the three leading “push factors” of RUM—climate change, human mal-activities, and hydro-climatic disasters— and migration. Also, it incorporates the pull factors in cities and intervening factors, such as governmental plans and individuals’ characteristics. The model contributes to bridging the knowledge gap on the effects of migration policymaking on the one hand and environmental and climate change on the other hand. It increases understanding of the full range of human responses to environmental and climate change and can be used for policymaking through sustainable management plans.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, effect on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and molecular mechanism of Suc-GTS- lip which is glycyrrhetinic acid derivative receptor-mediated liver- targeting liposome
Authors: Lin Tao , Wang Xiuli , Guan Huida , Lin Jiahao , Li Geng , Wang Yurong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective To investigate the liver targeting effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B)-tanshinone IIA (TSN)-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) liposomes (GTS-lip) with the incorporation of 3-succinic-30-stearyl glycyrrhetinic acid (18-GA-Suc)and To confirm the efficacy of it in treating hepatic fibrosis at the cellular level. Method 18-GA-Suc was inserted into GTS-lip to prepare GA-derived receptor-mediated active targeting liposomes (Suc-GTS-lip). Compared the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Suc-GTS-lip with GTS-lip.The proliferative inhibition rate of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) affected by Suc-GTS-lip was determinded by MTT assay. The apoptosis rate of HSC was measured with Annexin V-FITC / PI method using flow cytometry. The expression levels of MMP-1, TIMP- 1, TIMP-2, Collagen-Ⅰ and Collagen-Ⅲ mRNA in HSC were determined by RT-PCR. Result The results of the pharmacokinetic study showed that incorporation of ligands changed the bioavailability of the three liposomal drugs in mice. Tissue distribution results showed that the AUC and Cmax of Sal B were increased in Suc-GTS-lip compared with GTS-lip. The liver targeting effect of Sal B, which was entrapped in the aqueous phase, was achieved with the help of ligands. The in vivo imaging study showed that the modified liposomes tended to accumulate in the liver, with the liver fluorescence intensity reaching its peak at 30 min. The MTT test results showed that Suc-GTS-lip could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HSC and high, medium, low dose groups of Suc-GTS-lip induced apoptosis rates of HSC, which were 75.23 ± 2.56%, 27.60 ± 0.95%, 20.77 ± 3.97%.The RT-PCR results showed that, compared with the blank control group, the Suc-GTS-lip could increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1), high-dose, medium-dose group(P < 0.001), low-dose group(P < 0.01);decrease tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), high-dose group(P < 0.001), medium-dose group(P < 0.01); and lessen synthesis of collagen-Ⅰand collagen-Ⅲ, high-dose, medium-dose group(P < 0.001), low-dose group(P < 0.05), suggesting that Suc-GTS-lip may induce the apoptosis of HSC from many ways. Conclusion Suc-GTS-lip could therefore promote the -stabilities of the drugs and enhance their liver targeting ability.The efficacy of Suc-GTS-lip in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis was confirmed from the cellular level, which provided a basis for the animal efficacy in vivo.
The Go-Lab Platform, an Inquiry-Learning Space: Investigation into Students’ Technology Acceptance, Knowledge Integration, and Learning Outcomes
Authors: Sui Chi Jung , Chen Hsin-Chueh , Cheng Ping-Han , Chang Chun-Yen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Utilizing an inquiry-learning space (ILS) via the Go-Lab platform, we investigated students’ technology acceptance, knowledge integration [KI] process, and learning outcomes of both the high-achiever KI student and low-achiever KI student. This study aimed to understand how students engage in knowledge integration tasks using an inquiry-learning space to learn Mendelian genetics and realize the relationship between student KI and domain knowledge. We conducted a pre-experimental study with 41 seventh-grade students in Taiwan. The students completed Mendelian genetics KI tasks in ILS, pre/post-testing of domain knowledge tests, and a technology acceptance questionnaire. The analysis of students’ interaction in the ILS and domain knowledge tests was conducted through descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlation, and content analysis to indicate the direction and relationship between students’ KI processes and learning outcomes. A technology acceptance questionnaire was analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to reveal whether students accepted learning on the Go-Lab platform. The study showed that i) students responded positively to the perceived usefulness of the Go-Lab platform, ii) the high-achiever KI students could gradually construct links from simple to complex and diverse among genetic ideas, and the low-achiever almost built simple links, but iii) the high-achiever and low-achiever KI students had similar learning outcomes. These findings have implications that instruction design of knowledge integration tasks promotes students’ Mendelian genetics conceptual understanding and KI progress.
Efficacy and Safety of Lenvatinib in Patients with Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bang Kyunghye , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Yoo Changhoon , Iavarone Massimo , Ryu Min-Hee , Park Sook Ryun , Kim Hyung-Don , Yoon Young-In , Jung Dong-Hwan , Park Gil-Chun , Ahn Chul-Soo , Moon Deok-Bog , Hwang Shin , Kim Ki-Hun , Song Gi-Won , Mazzarelli Chiara , Alimenti Eleonora , Chan Stephen L. , De Giorgio Massimo , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Lee Sung-Gyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Lenvatinib is approved for patients with metastatic or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its clinical outcomes in patients experiencing HCC recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in patients with recurrent HCC after LT.Methods: This multinational, multicenter, retrospective study included 45 patients with recurrent HCC after LT who received lenvatinib at six institutions in three countries (Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong) from June 2017 to October 2021.Results: At the time of lenvatinib initiation, 95.6% (n = 43) of patients were Child–Pugh A, with 35 (77.8%) and 10 (22.2%) patients classified as albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grades 1 and 2, respectively. The objective response rate was 20.0%. With a median follow-up duration of 12.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.2–14.7), median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 7.6 (95% CI: 5.3–9.8) months, and 14.5 (95% CI: 0.8–28.2) months, respectively. Patients with ALBI grade 1 showed significantly better OS (52.3 months, [95% CI: not assessable]) than patients with ALBI grade 2 (11.1 months [95% CI: 0.0–30.4 months], p = 0.003). The most common adverse events were hypertension (n = 25, 55.6%), fatigue (n = 17, 37.8%), and anorexia (n = 14, 31.1%).Conclusion: Lenvatinib showed consistent efficacy and toxicity profiles in patients with recurrent HCC after LT compared to the results of previous studies of non-LT HCC patients. The baseline ALBI grade was correlated with better OS in lenvatinib-treated patients with LT.
Microglial reprogramming by Hv1 antagonism provides protection from inflammatory neurotoxicity
Authors: Hernández-Espinosa Diego Rolando , Gale Jenna R. , Scrabis Mia G. , Aizenman Elias 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The precise mechanisms determining the neurodestructive or neuroprotective activation phenotypes in microglia remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggest, however, that metabolic changes are important for microglial phenotype determination. Metabolism, in turn, can be tightly regulated by changes in intracellular pH. The aim of this work was to establish whether pharmacological targeting of the microglial voltage gated proton channel 1 (Hv1), an important regulator of intracellular microglial pH, is critical for reducing inflammatory neurotoxicity while maintaining the neuroprotective components of activation, as well as to describe the mechanism behind this process.
Methods
We used lipopolysaccharide/gamma interferon (LPS/IFNγ) to activate a microglial cell line and primary microglia isolated from mouse and established the activation profile in the absence and presence of pharmacological Hv1 inhibition. Additionally, we utilized co-cultures of microglia and cortical rat neurons to assess the role of Hv1 in inflammatory neurotoxicity and the modulation of excitotoxic injury using a range of neuronal viability assays.
Results
Activation with LPS/IFNγ induced widespread production of proinflammatory mediators, as well as reactive species and phagocytic activity. The ensuing neurotoxicity was mainly attributable to the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), reactive oxygen species and zinc. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of Hv1 largely abrogated inflammatory neurotoxicity not only by reducing the production of cytotoxic mediators, but also by promoting neurotrophic molecule production and restraining phagocytic activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this Hv1-mediated change from a pro-inflammatory to a neuroprotective phenotype is associated with metabolic microglial reprogramming. Finally, we show that Hv1 antagonism not only reduces inflammatory neurotoxicity, but also promotes neuroprotection against excitotoxic injury.
Conclusions
We present a comprehensive characterization of the molecular components that are modulated by Hv1 activity during microglial activation in both a cell line and in primary microglial cells. Moreover, we show that Hv1 antagonism retains the beneficial aspects of microglial activation, not only by reducing inflammatory neurotoxicity, but also by providing neuroprotection in an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. Our results suggest that Hv1 blockers are likely to provide an important therapeutic tool against a wide range of inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders.
AURKA is a prognostic potential therapeutic target in skin cutaneous melanoma modulating the tumor microenvironment, apoptosis, and hypoxia
Authors: Zhang Xuan Fen , Long ShengYong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: AURKA, Aurora kinase A encoding gene, is an important signaling hub gene for mitosis. In recent years, AURKA has been implicated in the occurrence and development of several cancers. However, its relationship with the tumor microenvironment in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects are still unclear. Method：We adopted a variety of bioinformatics methods to comprehensively analyze the potential carcinogenesis of AURKA in SKCM, and constructed a prognostic nomogram model. We also dentified an inhibitor targeting AURKA and verified its therapeutic effects against SKCM using the molecular docking technology. Results: We found that abnormally high expression of AURKA was responsible for driving the occurrence and development of SKCM, and affected various pathological factors in SKCM. In addition, AURKA was established as an independent marker of poor SKCM prognosis. We also characterized the potential mechanisms by which AURKA manifests its effects in SKCM and found that AURKA inhibits the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and promotes hypoxia by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway. At the same time, the high AURKA expression group had higher tumor stemness index and promoted cell proliferation and metastasis. Finally, the small molecule compound ZNC97018978 targeting AURKA screened by molecular docking technology can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of SKCM. The possible mechanism is that ZNC97018978 induces apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. Conclusion: AURKA is the core hub gene driving the occurrence and development of SKCM, and its expression is regulated by epigenetic modifications. AURKA can regulate the infiltration level of various immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and apoptosis, and hypoxia. Thus, it is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in SKCM. ZNC97018978 is an effective and safe inhibitor of AURKA in vitro; its safety and effectiveness in vivo as a potential treatment for cutaneous melanoma should be further determined.
Mono-PEGylated Thermostable Bacillus caldovelox Arginase Mutant (BCA-M-PEG20) Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy, Cell Cycle Arrest and Growth Inhibition on Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Chung Sai-Fung , Tam Suet-Ying , Kim Chi-Fai , Chong Hiu-Chi , Lee Leo Man-Yuen , Leung Yun-Chung 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant solid tumors in the world, especially in Asia with high mortality due to a lack of effective treatment. With our newly constructed arginine-depleting enzyme - mono-PEGlyated Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M-PEG20) drug against multiple cancer cell lines such as cervical and lung cancers, we have explored the potential usage of BCA-M-PEG20 for the treatment of gastric cancer. Our results indicated that BCA-M-PEG20 significantly inhibited argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) positive gastric cancer cells, MKN-45 and BGC-823, while another arginine-depleting enzyme - arginine deiminase (ADI, currently under Phase III clinical trial), failed to suppress the growth of gastric cancer cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that our BCA-M-PEG20 inhibited MKN-45 cells by inducing autophagy and cell cycle arrest at the S phase under 0.58 U/mL (IC50 values). Significant caspase-dependent apoptosis was induced in MKN-45 after the treatment of 1.16–2.32 U/mL of BCA-M-PEG20. Our in vivo studies showed that administrations of BCA-M-PEG20 with 250 U/mouse twice per week significantly suppressed about 50% of tumor growth in the MKN-45 gastric cancer xenograft model. Taken together, BCA-M-PEG20 demonstrates a superior potential to be an anti-gastric cancer drug.
In vivo Functional Effects of Weissella confusa VP30 Exopolysaccharides on Loperamide-Induced Constipation in Rats
Authors: Park Se-Ho , Lee Mi-Ra , Young Yang Su , Yeon Lee Ju , Ha Lee Hyun , Seong Yeong-Je , Kim Bohye , Kim Hee-Jun , Jin Hui , Johnston Tony V. , Ku Seockmo , Park Myeong Soo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In our previous work, we characterized the in vitro biofunctionality and evaluated the biosafety of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Weissella confusa VP30 (VP30), newly isolated from healthy children’s feces. Since the purified EPS (pEPS) from fermented milk with VP30 (VP30-EPS) showed significant water holding capacity, it was theorized that its consumption would relieve constipation. In this work, the in vivo functionalities of VP30-EPS and pEPS were evaluated for their effect on constipation using an experimental constipated rat model. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: (i) negative control (PBS administered normal group), (ii) loperamide treated positive control (constipation group), (iii) constipation with loperamide plus VP30-EPS (1 g/kg) and (iv) constipation with loperamide plus pEPS (0.6 g/kg) groups. Loperamide treatment induced animal constipation and significantly reduced the frequency of defecation, intestinal transit ratio, and water content of feces. However, all four fecal parameters were improved in both the loperamide plus VP30-EPS and pEPS administered groups as compared to the loperamide treated positive control group. No significant changes in dietary intake or serum hepatocellular necrosis maker levels were observed in any experimental group. These results suggest that the addition of VP30-EPS or pEPS potentially improves the functional laxative effects of commercial products. No other published research relating in vivo functional effects of EPS from Weissella spp. on constipation could be identified. This study suggests the possibility that VP30-EPS and pEPS can be applied to fermented and/or functional foods to relieve constipation.
Design and Electromechanical analysis of Shunt configuration-based RF MEMS Switch for Tunable filter applications
Authors: Ganesh G. V. , Pardhasaradhi P. , Siddaiah N. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of Radio Frequency Micro Electromechanical Systems (RF MEMS) shunt switch design and electromechanical analysis. The performance, efficiency and reliability of the switch structure depends on numerous factors. The materials used in various layers of switch like beam, dielectric is varied along with the thickness and width of both beam and dielectric. The comparisons are made regarding the performance of the switch for different materials, thicknesses, and widths. The switch which is giving lower displacement for the applied voltage is selected which will result in better performance from the above combinations. The designed shunt switch's electromechanical performance like pull-in voltage, switching time, upstate and downstate capacitance are analyzed using FEM analysis
Preparation of Functionalized Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/Sodium alginate-Based Tween (80) for Potential Allocation of Linezolid as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: El-bana Afaf Adel , Abdelghany Amr Mohamed , Meikhail Mahrous Shaker 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Innovative adhesive bio-films were developed for antimicrobial wound bandages. The bio-films are prepared by blending natural polymers such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate with a surfactant as Tween(80) and loaded with Linezolid drug as antimicrobial agents. In this paper, polymeric films were prepared by casting film-forming method. Prefatory studies comprised XRD, FTIR, UV/vis spectroscopy, and SEM to specify lattice structure, interactions, optical properties, and morphology. Antibacterial analysis was also performed by agar well diffusion tests. The effect of bio-film composition on E.coli, P.aeuroginosa, S.aureus, B.subtilis standard bacteria, and C.albicans pathogenic fungus was studied and compared with biomaterial film without Linezolid drug. The in vitro antibacterial assay of bio-films formulations was assessed in bacterial and fungal strains, showing a significant activity over time rather than control bio-film. Finally, the preparation of biomaterial films loaded with Linezolid drug (antimicrobial wound dressings) is an environmentally friendly solution that may contribute to the development of wound healing.