bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheological and structural characterization of succinoglycan obtained by bioconversion of the agroindustrial residue deproteinized whey
Authors: Delani Tieles Carina de Oliveira , Sampaio Anderson Reginaldo , Palácios Raquel da Silva , Sato Francielle , Ruiz Suelen Pereira , Petkowicz Carmen Lúcia de Oliveira , Reichembach Luis Henrique , Miyoshi Juliana Harumi , Nascimento Marília Gimenez , Matioli Graciette 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Succinoglycan is a bacterial exopolysaccharide with thickening, gelling, stabilizing and emulsifying properties. In this study succinoglycan was produced from whey and its rheological and structural characteristics were elucidated. Four culture media were prepared with different ions for bioconversion of whey into succinoglycan. The formulation composed of deproteinized whey, monobasic potassium phosphate and magnesium sulfate allowed the production of 13.7 ± 0.43 g/L of succinoglycan. The rheological results showed that the apparent viscosity of the succinoglycan solutions was directly proportional to the concentration, and the solution showed pseudoplastic behavior. Dynamic frequency sweep tests identified that a concentration of 2.0% of succinoglycan is required for formation of the gel system. Temperature influenced the viscoelastic behavior of succinoglycan and revealed the melting point and reversibility of the gel. The apparent molar mass of succinoglycan was estimated to be 9.033 × 105 g/mol and the polydispersity index was 1.044, representing the homogeneity of the sample. The monosaccharide composition of glucose and galactose for the succinoglycan produced was 6.6:1.0. The 1H RMN analysis revealed the non-saccharide substituent content of 1.2%, 3.0% and 8.1% for acetyl, succinate and pyruvate, respectively. Whey was shown to be a promising carbon source for the production of succinoglycan with thickening potential and viscosity modifier.
Effects of Stem Cell Derived Exosome Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Zhu Yunpei , Jiang Tiancheng , Yao Chi , Zhang Jiawei , Zhu Zepeng , Sun Chao , Chen Ming 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Exosome is considered a potential cell-free therapy for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), which was investigated in some preclinical studies. The therapeutic efficacy has not been comprehensively evaluated. Aim: To further study the therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from stem cells on ED in preclinical studies and investigate some possible factors that influence treatment efficacy. Methods: The literature research was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Embase to retrieve studies utilizing stem cell derived exosomes to treat ED. Revman 5.3 was used to perform subgroup analysis of intracavernosal pressure/mean artery pressure (ICP/MAP) and structural changes. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test, funnel plot, and sensitivity analysis by Stata 15.0. Outcomes: The ICP/MAP and structural changes after stem cell treatment. Results: Of 146 studies retrieved, 11studies are eligible. Pooled analysis showed that stem cell derived exosomes ameliorates damaged ICP/MAP (WMD 3.68; 95% CI 2.64-4.72; P < .001) and structural changes, like the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen (SM/Collagen), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and caspase-3 protein expression. Subgroup analysis indicated that exosome type and ED model type make no difference to curative effects. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests the efficacy of stem cell derived exosome therapy for ED and the possible mechanism in erection restoration and structure renovation.
An auditory responsive interneuron descending from the cricket brain – a new element in the auditory pathway
Authors: Rogers Stephen M. , Kostarakos Konstantinos , Hedwig Berthold 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Crickets receive auditory information from their environment via ears located on the front legs. Ascending interneurons forward auditory activity to the brain, which houses a pattern recognition network for phonotaxis to conspecific calling songs and which controls negative phonotaxis to high frequency sound pulses. Descending brain neurons however, which are clearly involved in controlling these behaviours have not yet been identified. We describe a descending auditory-responsive brain neuron with an arborisation pattern that coincides with the ring-like auditory neuropil in the brain formed by the axonal arborisations of ascending and local interneurons, indicating its close link to auditory processing. Spiking activity of this interneuron occurs with a short latency to calling song patterns and the neuron copies the sound pulse pattern. The neuron preferentially responds to short sound pulses, but its activity appears to be independent of the calling song pattern recognition process. It also receives a weaker synaptic input in response to high frequency pulses, which may contribute to its short latency spiking responses. This interneuron could be a crucial part in the auditory-to-motor transformation of the nervous system and contribute to the motor control of cricket auditory behaviour.
A Novel Rough Numbers based Extended MACBETH Method Implementation in the Prioritization of the Connected Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Gokasar Ilgın , Pamucar Dragan , Deveci Muhammet , Ding Weiping 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Digital transformation can help to make better use of existing transportation networks that are congested. One solution to the road congestion problem is real-time traffic management, which focuses on enhancing traffic flow conditions. The advantages of real-time traffic management systems have developed significantly as a result of connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) innovations. CAVs can act as enforcers for managing the traffic. This study aims to propose a novel rough numbers-based extended Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) method for prioritizing the real-time traffic management systems. Furthermore, a new approach for defining rough numbers is proposed, based on an improved methodology for defining rough numbers' lower and upper limits. This allows consideration of mutual relations between a set of objects and flexible representation of rough boundary interval depending on the dynamic environmental conditions. In this study, 3 main alternatives are defined for real-time traffic management systems: real-time traffic management, real-time traffic management integrated with CAVs, and real-time traffic management by using CAVs. For these alternatives, 5 main criteria and 18 sub-criteria are defined and then prioritized using the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. The proposed method's performance is validated through scenario analysis. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and applicable to real-world conditions.
Synergistic Effects of HIF-1α Inhibition, Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonist, and Chemotherapy in Mice Model of Colon Cancer
Authors: Rostamizadeh Leila , Ramazani Mina , Monirinasab Hannaneh , Rostamizadeh Kobra , Molavi Ommoleila , Barbadian Behzad , Bahavarnia Seied Rafi , Ramazani Fatemeh 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Recently, combination therapies have become a promising option with hopeful therapeutic outcomes due to their strong antitumor effects. Among them, despite the great success of cancer chemoimmunotherapy, it has not been able to improve the outcome of patients. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as the main barrier to immunotherapy. So, it has been assumed that targeting HIF-1α as a reshaping of TME combined with chemoimmunotherapy can capably enhance the antitumor response of therapy. Herein, we have studied the therapeutic effects of HIF-1α inhibition combined with chemoimmunotherapy. We established CT26 mouse models to assess the synergistic effect of genetic silencing of HIF-1α combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) and imiquimod (IMQ) on tumor growth and TME. We showed that in comparison with dual combination therapy, mice treated with triple combination therapy exhibited a significant delay in tumor growth, which was correlated with high levels of cellular immune-related cytokines. Besides, mice without HIF-1α siRNA treatment exhibited high tumor growth and high levels of immunosuppressive factors, indicating an immunosuppressive phenotype. Briefly, we found that HIF-1α inhibition could synergize with OXA and IMQ to inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Our data suggest that targeting HIF-1α represents a promising strategy to enhance the antitumor response of chemoimmunotherapy.
Finite element modeling shows that epimuscular myofascial loads manipulate the effects of active state titin on mechanics of muscle integrated with its surroundings
Authors: Cankaya Alican O. , Yucesoy Can A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Shorter sarcomere effect was shown in recent modeling of truly isolated muscle as the characteristic mechanism determining active state titin’s contribution to muscular mechanics via manipulation of muscle fiber direction strains. For muscle with extra- and epimuscular connections to surrounding tissues, epimuscular myofascial force transmission (EMFT) leads to myofascial loads, which affects mechanical equilibrium that determines local strains. Consequently, compared to truly isolated muscle, we hypothesized that for such integrated muscle active state titin’s effects on muscular mechanics are manipulated by EMFT. The aim was to test this. Isolated vs. integrated rat extensor digitorum longus muscles were modeled at long muscle lengths (λm = 28.7-32.7mm) and three cases were studied: passive state titin (no change in titin constitutive equation in the active state), active state titin-I (constitutive equation involves a higher stiffness in the active state) and active state titin-II (constitutive equation also involves a strain shift coefficient accounting for titin’s reduced free spring length). For isolated muscle, shorter sarcomere effect i.e., limited lengthening locally along the muscle fiber direction and force enhancement (maximally 77.4%) was consistent. However, for integrated muscles, variable fiber direction strains showed even longer or shortened sarcomeres locally and consequently, force enhancement was inconsistent being even diminished (7.8%) or elevated (96.8%) at different lengths. Shift of muscle’s optimum length to a longer length in isolated muscle (λm = 29.6mm) increased (λm = 29.9mm) or vanished (λm = 28.7mm) for extra- or epimuscularly connected muscles, respectively. In conclusion, in the integrated muscle context, effects of active state titin on muscular mechanics are manipulated by EMFT.
Effects of stocking density and rearing factors on aggressive behaviour and cannibalism in the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck &amp; Schlegel) larvae
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Okada Tokihiko , Ishibashi Yasunori 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
We studied the effects of stocking density and multiple factors on the aggression and cannibalism of Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientails (Temminck & Schlegel) larvae. In feeding experiment, if the appropriate food was abundant and the fish a uniform size, the frequency of aggressive behaviour was unaffected by the increase in stocking density from low-(0.1 fish/L) to high-density (0.5 fish/L). However, high-density conditions significantly increased aggressive behaviour when food was scarce. Aggressive behaviour increased only slightly due to fish size differences, and there was no increase due to high-density conditions. However, when fish of different size were present under a restricted feeding regime, aggressive behaviour significantly increased compared to the case of restricted feeding alone and was further amplified at high-density. Cannibalistic mortality was more likely for small-size fish, which was significantly increased by high-densities. In particular, when fish size differences and feeding shortages overlapped, cannibalism increased sharply as does aggressive behaviour. Even if the fish are reared at high-density, if the shortage of appropriate food and the spread of fish size difference are prevented, the aggressive behaviour is suppressed, as the result, it is possible to rear at least 0.5 fish/L with thorough food management.
Integrated Analysis Identifies MEOX2 as a Malignant Driver and Prognostic Biomarker in Brain Glioma
Authors: Li Tengfei , Sun Kaijun , Yang Wanchun , Li Junhong , Chen Siliang , Zuo Mingrong , Yuan Qiuyun , Yuan Yunbo , Wang Zhihao , Liu Yanhui , Chen Mina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Glioma is a common type of malignant tumor in the brain, of which glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal form. Despite current progress in the clinical treatment, the prognosis of GBM is still not satisfied, mainly due to the genomic alternations and complicated gene regulatory network. MEOX2 was originally identified as a homeobox transcriptional factor, that was reported to play a role in several types of cancers. However, the expression pattern and biological functions of MEOX2 in glioma are not well elucidated. This study aims to clarify the role of MEOX2 in glioma.Methods: Bioinformatic analysis from TCGA and CGGA databases was used to investigate the correlation of MEOX2 with glioma malignancy and clinical prognosis. The expression of MEOX2 was confirmed from clinical samples by qPCR and western blot. Lentivirus-mediated MEOX2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to investigate the biological functions of MEOX2 in glioma malignant behaviors. RNA-seq and signaling investigations were performed to reveal the molecular mechanisms.Results: Bioinformatic data from public databases and our cohort showed that MEOX2 expression was highly associated with glioma malignancy and could predict the poor prognosis. MEOX2 positively regulates glioma cell proliferation, migration/invasion and chemoresistance to temozolomide. Mechanistically, MEOX2 regulates gene profiles related to PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathways and thus promotes glioma malignancy.Conclusion: Our work identifies the novel function of MEOX2 in gliomas, and provides a potential target for glioma prognosis and clinical interventions.
Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening in nasopharyngeal carcinoma for radiosensitive and radioresistant genes
Authors: Zhou Ziyan , Chen Gang , Shen Mingjun , Li Jixi , Liu Kang , Liu Ming , Shi Shuo , Yang Dong , Chen Wei , Chen Sixia , Yin Yuanxiu , Qin Yating , Su Xuejing , Chen Weimin , Kang Min 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening may provide new insights into the mechanism underlying clinical radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is remain largely unknown. Our objective was to screen the functional genes associated with radiosensitivity and radioresistance in NPC, laying a foundation for further research on its functional mechanismand. CRISPR/Cas9 library lentivirus screening in radiation-treated NPC cells was combined with second-generation sequencing technology to identify functional genes, which has been further validated in radioresistant NPC cells and patient tissues. Eleven radiosensitive and radioresistant genes were screened. Among these genes, the expression of FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81, and DNAJC17 were significantly lower and TOMM20, CDKN2AIP, SNX22, and SP1 were higher in the radioresistant NPC cells (C666-1R, 5-8FR) (p<0.05). CALD1 was highly expressed in C666-1R, but has no difference in 5-8FR. Furthermore, we found knockout of FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81 and DNAJC17 promoted the proliferation of NPC cells, while CDKN2AIP and SP1 had the opposed results (p<0.05). This result was verified in NPC patient tissues. Meanwhile, KEGG analysis showed that the Fanconi anemia pathway and the TGF-beta signaling pathway possibly contributed to radiosensitivity or radioresistance in NPC. Nine genes involved in the radiosensitivity or radioresistance of NPC: four genes for radiosensitivity (FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81, and DNAJC17), two genes for radioresistance (CDKN2AIP, SP1), two potential radioresistant genes (TOMM20, SNX22), and a potential radiosensitive gene (CALD1).
Typology and hydrogeochemistry of karst springs in the southern coast of Albania
Authors: Eftimi Romeo , Liso Isabella Serena , Parise Mario 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The southern Albania coast, about 147 km-long, represents one of the most developing areas of the country for tourism and local economy. There are, however, serious problems as concerns water supply. Due to the karst nature of the territory, groundwater is the only remaining promising resource. The aim of this research is to describe the main characteristics and influencing factors on karst groundwater quantity and quality and the drainage type in the study area. In general, the area is very rich on groundwater resources; the estimated total renewable karst water resources are about 21.5 m3/s. Based upon the different geological-structural conditions and the development of karst processes, their drainage occurs in different ways. Five main types of drainage can be distinguished along the Southern Albanian coast: a) overflowing springs, b) descending springs, c) coastal springs, d) submarine spring, and e) diffuse drainage. As regards water quality, only the overflowing springs have a good quality, due to the presence of impervious rocks isolating freshwater from the sea water. Good-quality springs represent 28% of the total discharge of karst water resources drained to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In addition, the situation become more difficult because about 83% of fresh quality karst water resources drain along a 1.5 km-long coastal strip located in the northernmost sector of the studied area. Beside this, the strong increase in population, particularly during the summer due to tourism activities, as well as construction of new urban areas, are the main sources of likely pollution for some of the good-quality springs. The high anthropic pressure on groundwater resources increases the seawater intrusion phenomena, reducing the available freshwater resource and, at specific areas, contributing to spring salinization.
A smoothness indicators free third-order weighted ENO scheme for gas-dynamic Euler equations
Authors: Tang Shujiang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
To improve the shock-capturing capability of the third-order WENO scheme and enhance its computational efficiency, in this paper, we designed a new WENO scheme independent of the local smooth factor, WENO-SIF. The weight functions of the WENO-SIF scheme are segmentation functions of the sub-stencils, which can guarantee it achieves the desired accuracy at the high-order critical points. During the calculation, WENO-SIF need not calculate the smoothing factor, which can effectively reduce the computational consumption. The new WENO-SIF is compared with WENO-JS and other WENO schemes for numerical experiments at one-and two-dimensional benchmark problems with a suitable choice of λ = 0.13. The results show the WENO scheme can further improve the resolution of WENO-JS, achieve the optimal accuracy at high-order critical points, and significantly reduce computational consumption.
Frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in the gynecologic patients of tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Kurtay Sabri , Yusuf Khadija , Hussein Ahmed Issak 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the most common cause of death in 36 countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination availability is increasing day by day, with more than 65% of girls vaccinated in 2019 were living in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical screening is a key element to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cancer screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The pathology results of cervicovaginal smear samples obtained from patients aged 25-65 years who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic between October 5 and December 5, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data.Results: Among the 497 results, 63 premalignant lesions were detected. The rate of premalignant lesions (63/497) was found to be 12,3%. Most common premalign lesion was ASC-US.Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in Somalia was found to be higher than in the literature. Vaccination, screening and early diagnosis are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer. Access to vaccination, screening and early diagnosis, which are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer for Somalia, will be possible with the cooperation of the national health system and international organizations.
Case Report: Presacral Epidermoid Cyst in a Young Girl with Sacrococcygeal Scoliosis and Anal Sinus
Authors: Ji Zhouxin , Yan Song , Gao Xucan , Lin Lifen , Li Qiang , Yao Qi , Wang Dong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Perirectal epidermoid cyst is a rare mass arising from the ectodermal germ cell layer of the hind gut, which is most often found in middle-aged women. It is difficult for us to make an accurate diagnosis and distinguish from other developmental cysts. Case Presentation: Here, we report a 19-year-old girl who had suffered from sacrococcygeal falls and burns on the left buttocks in the growth experience. There was a scar on the left buttocks, and a soft mass with sacral deformity was seen in the sacrococcygeal region. According to the results of the sacrococcygeal CT and pelvic MRI, the preoperative diagnosis included presacral epidermoid cyst, anal sinus and sacrococcygeal scoliosis. Finally, the cyst was completely resected posteriorly through sacrococcygeal approach. Pathology was verified as an epidermoid cyst. The patient stayed recurrence-free after six months of follow up.Conclusion: Perirectal epidermoid cyst is a rare mass that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pararectal cysts. It is of significant for the approach of surgery and prognosis.
Persistent bacteremia caused by Ralstonia pickettii and Microbacterium: A case report
Authors: Wang Jin-wen , Song Yu , Liu Si-qin , Jiang Xu-dong , Zhang Li-na 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Ralstonia pickettii is a low virulent, gram-negative bacillus that is rarely associated with human infections and may cause bacteremia. Microbacterium species are gram-positive coryneforms that are generally considered as a contaminant in Gram staining of blood cultures, especially when the time to positivity is longer than 48 h. Both these bacterial species are emerging opportunistic pathogens that may occasionally cause serious infections and even life-threatening health conditions. Here, we report the case of a patient with bacteremia caused by both R. pickettii and Microbacterium.