bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of doped ZnO-based biomimicking and tumor targeted nanotheranostics to improve pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Barui Sugata , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Conte Marzia , Dumontel Bianca , Racca Luisa , Carofiglio Marco , Cauda Valentina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Despite different nanomaterials were developed so far against cancer, their potential drawbacks are still scarcely considered. The off-target delivery of a therapeutic compound, as well as the non-specific uptake of these nanomaterials by healthy tissues or organs, and their potential immunogenicity are some of the major issues that still have to be faced prior to a successful clinical translation. This work aims to develop an innovative theranostic, biocompatible, and drug-loaded nanoconstruct based on Gadolinium-doped Zinc Oxide nanocrystals (Gd-ZnO NCs), focusing on one of the most lethal diseases, i.e. pancreatic cancer. The use of ZnO is motivated by the huge potential of this nanomaterial already demonstrated for in vitro and in vivo applications, while the Gadolinium doping confers magnetic properties useful for diagnostics. Furthermore, an innovative biomimetic shell is here used to coat the NCs: it is composed of a lipid bilayer made from extracellular vesicles (EVs) combined with other synthetic lipids and a peptide targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. To complete the nanoconstruct therapeutic function, Gemcitabine, a first line drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, was adsorbed on the Gd-doped NCs prior to the coating with the above-mentioned lipidic shell. The aim of this work is thus to strongly enhance the therapeutic capability of the final nanoconstruct, providing it with high biocompatibility, colloidal stability in biological media, efficient cargo loading and release properties, as well as active targeting for site selective drug delivery. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the Gd-doped ZnO core can in future allow efficient in-situ bioimaging capabilities based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique.The obtained nanoconstructs were tested on two different pancreatic cancer cell lines, i.e. BxPC-3 and the metastatic AsPC-1, proving high cell internalization levels, mediated by the targeting peptide exposed on the nanoconstruct. Cellular cytotoxicity assay performed on both cell lines dictated ~20% increased cell killing efficacy of Gemcitabine when delivered through the nanoconstruct rather than as a free drug. Taken together, our designed theranostic nanoconstruct can have a significant impact on the standard treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding based on numerical simulation
Authors: Paes Luiz Eduardo dos Santos , Andrade João Rodrigo , Lobato Fran Sérgio , Magalhães Elisan dos Santos , Ponomarov Volodymyr , de Souza Francisco José , Vilarinho Louriel Oliveira 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In welding processes, many factors contribute in achieving a required quality of the welds. Those factors are numerous and they may interact with each other, affecting response parameters such as welding penetration and the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) size. Some factors are more important while the influence of others is negligible. To find an optimum factor combination in order to maximize penetration and minimize the HAZ is not an easy task. This contribution is aimed to evaluate the influence of welding energy ( E ) versus the influence of current ( I ) and welding speed ( V w ) on the penetration and HAZ volume in the autogenous Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process. For this purpose, phenomenological and empirical models are proposed. The first considers an in-house Finite Volume numerical model, and the second is based on Response Surface Method. A sensitivity analysis of the empirical model using two strategies is also performed. In addition, to determine the best-operating conditions, a multiobjective optimization problem is proposed and solved. The presented empirical models were found to provide good concordance in terms of coefficient of determination and p-value, indicating its significance. Each model (with one or more independent variables) represents detailed information about the physical process and can be used for optimization. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the current affects penetration and HAZ volume much stronger than the welding speed does. Physically, this is due to the fact current has linear (arc coupling) and non-linear (Joule effect and pressure gradient) influence, and the welding speed contributes linearly, modulating the heat conduction. Finally, it was demonstrated a compromise between the penetration and the HAZ volume by addressing multiobjective optimization. In this context, point C ( I = 250 A; V W = 24.8 cm/min) of the Pareto curve is the optimal option for operation since it provides a lower relative HAZ volume while maintaining the same penetration and higher productivity (welding speed).
Segregationally stabilised plasmids improve production of commodity chemicals in glucose-limited continuous fermentation.
Authors: Allen James R. , Torres-Acosta Mario A. , Mohan Naresh , Lye Gary J. , Ward John M. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe production of chemicals via bio-based routes is held back by limited easy-to-use stabilisation systems. A wide range of plasmid stabilisation mechanisms can be found in the literature, however, how these mechanisms effect genetic stability and how host strains still revert to non-productive variants is poorly understood at the single-cell level. This phenomenon can generate difficulties in production-scale bioreactors as different populations of productive and non-productive cells can arise. To understand how to prevent non-productive strains from arising, it is vital to understand strain behaviour at a single-cell level.The persistence of genes located on plasmid vectors is dependent on numerous factors but can be broadly separated into structural stability and segregational stability. While structural stability refers to the capability of a cell to resist genetic mutations that bring about a loss of gene function in a production pathway, segregational stability refers to the capability of a cell to correctly distribute plasmids into daughter cells to maintain copy number. A lack of segregational stability can rapidly generate plasmid-free variants during replication, which compromises productivity.ResultsCitramalate synthase expression was linked in an operon to the expression of a fluorescent reporter to enable rapid screening of the retention of a model chemical synthesis pathway in a continuous fermentation of E. coli. Cells without additional plasmid stabilisation started to lose productivity immediately after entering the continuous phase. Inclusion of a multimer resolution site, cer, enabled a steady-state production period of 58 hours before a drop in productivity was detected. Single-cell fluorescence measurements showed that plasmid-free variants arose rapidly without cer stabilisation and that this was likely due to unequal distribution of plasmid into daughter cells during cell division. The addition of cer increased total chemical yield by more than 50%. ConclusionsThis study shows the potential remains high for plasmids to be used as pathway vectors in industrial bio-based chemicals production, providing they are correctly stabilised. We demonstrate the need for accessible bacterial ‘toolkits’ to enable rapid production of known, stabilised bacterial production strains to enable continuous fermentation at scale for the chemicals industry.
Ten-item Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-10): instrument reduction based on Brazilian patients with lower limb dysfunction
Authors: Gomes Cid André Fidelis de Paula , Guimarães-Almeida Mariana Quixabeira , Pontes-Silva André , Protázio Jhonata Botelho , Apahaza Gabriel Henrique Santin , Souza Cesário Silva , Avila Mariana Arias , Dibai-Filho Almir Vieira 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aim
To propose a short version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), to compare our short version with the different structures proposed for the LEFS by the specialized literature, and to verify the criterion validity of the best structure of the LEFS identified in our study.
Methods
Questionnaire validation study. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), chi-square/degree of freedom (DF), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The method of reducing the number of items of the LEFS considered the modification indices and factor loadings.
Results
We included 140 patients. Body site most affected by pain was the knee (71.4%), and the most common diagnoses were knee osteoarthritis (55%) and anterior knee pain (11.4%). LEFS reduction generated a one-dimensional structure of the LEFS with 10 items (LEFS-10). When compared to other structures, the LEFS-10 presented the best fit indices (chi-square/DF = 1.88, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.079 and SRMR = 0.058) and the lowest values of AIC (3287.063) and BIC (3345.896). LEFS-10 presents a high correlation (rho = 0.911, p < 0.001) with the 20-item LEFS.
Conclusion
LEFS-10 is the proposal for a short version of the instrument with the most adequate internal structure, in addition to being satisfactorily correlated with the longer version of the instrument.
Is it because of climate change? Social-ecological system analysis of wetland protected area in Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Authors: Phan Loan Thi , Chiou Chyi-Rong , Jou Sue-Ching , Yang Ci-Jian 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Wetland protected areas (WPA) are among the most productive natural environments providing substantial socio-economic benefits to humans as well as habitat for numerous species. However, they are also highly vulnerable in the Anthropocene era due to various factors of population growth, unsustainable productions, climate change, etc. Assessing the land cover change of WPA and its driving force are necessary work for the sustainable development and management of WPA. Here, we investigated vegetation as an indicator for land cover changes in WPA because of its strong interaction with governance system and external related ecosystem of WPA, such as water resources, nutrient cycle, etc. Along with the change of vegetation, we examine how climate change contributes to WPA change and human management. With the complication of research tasks, social-ecological system (SES) approach was applied with three main elements: resource system (vegetation covers); external related ecosystems (climate change) and Governance system (wetland management) and their interactions through Ecological performance (Outcome). We contribute to the lack of temporary SES research in the coverage of External Related Ecosystems in the relation to Resource systems and Governance systems. The selected site is the first Ramsar site of Vietnam Mekong Delta - Tram Chim National Park (TCNP) which is located at the exit of the Mekong River flow into Vietnam's territory. The study used a mixed methodology with the Mann-Kendall rank test, Theil-Sen estimative method, and the Mann-Whitney-Pettit method to analyze trends of climate parameters in from 1978 to 2019. Besides, the wetland vegetation changes were detected by the analysis of Satellite images based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2002 to 2020. We also used Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) and did desk review of local reports and previous research for local disaster timeline and governance system. The results show that climate in TCNP has a significant change with an increase in both temperature and rainfall in the dry season. However, a decrease of NDVI dynamics and an extension of lowland vegetation community are dominated trends of spatio-temporal change of vegetation. With SES approach, we indicated that climate change is not a main driver but is always perceived as an increased risk for biodiversity conservation of WPA. Consequently, maladaptive actions and regulations from governance system have been implemented, which can threaten to sustainable development of WPA. Therefore, this study contributes a more comprehensive viewpoint to conservation and adaptive management of WPA.
Can we improve prediction of Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment by combining MMSE score and MRI-based imaging data?
Authors: Marcisz Anna , Polanska Joanna 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND
This work aimed to find MRI-based markers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to improve diagnosis.
METHODS
The multinomial logistic regression was used to predict diagnosis status: AD, MCI, and normal control (NC) combined with the Bayesian information criterion for model selection. Several T1-weighted MRI-based radiomic features were considered as explanatory variables in the prediction model.
RESULTS
The best radiomic predictor was the relative brain volume defined as the ratio between the volume of the brain without cerebrospinal fluid and the volume of the whole brain multiplied by 100%. The model was trained on the ADNI dataset and tested on the independent EDSD dataset. The proposed method confirmed its quality by achieving a balanced accuracy of 95.18%, AUC of 93.25%, NPV of 97.93%, and PPV of 90.48% for classifying AD vs NC for the EDSD. The comparison of two models: with the MMSE score only as an independent variable, and corrected for the relative brain value and age, shows that the addition of an MRI-based biomarker improves the quality of MCI detection (AUC: 67.04% vs 71.08%) while maintaining quality for AD (AUC: 93.35% vs 93.25%). Additionally, among MCI patients predicted as AD inconsistently with original diagnosis, 56.25% from ADNI and 54.17% from EDSD were re-diagnosed as AD within a 48-month follow-up. It shows that our model can detect AD patients a few years earlier than a standard medical diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The created method is non-invasive, inexpensive, clinically accessible, and efficiently supports the AD/MCI diagnosis.
Effects of grazing on plant diversity and productivity in a subtropical forest
Authors: WEI Pujie , Zhao Shuai , Lu Wenxiong , Xu Yaowen , Ni Longkang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Controversies exist in the relationship between plant diversity and productivity. One contributing factor to the controversies is that plant productivity is determined by different sets of factors at different scales. On a regional scale, climate, topography, soil and temperature play a major role in productivity. On a local scale, human interference, natural interference or the mechanism of plant regeneration ability after disturbance are the main factors affecting plant productivity.
Methods
To determine the effect of grazing intensity on the relationship between plant diversity and productivity, and comprehensively analyze the impact of livestock grazing on its species composition, ecosystem productivity and soil nutrient cycling. We conducted a livestock grazing category experiment based on the dry weight of livestock manure collected in a subtropical forest in Hubei Province, China.
Results
The results showed that grazing significantly reduced stand density, above-ground biomass (AGB), soil total phosphorus (STP), soil total nitrogen (STN), Shannon-Wiener index and plant productivity, but increased Berger–Parker index. Moreover, grazing altered the relationship between plant diversity index, soil nutrients and plant productivity. In light grazing areas, the general linear model showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), STP, STN and stand density were positively correlated with the Shannon-Wiener index and plant productivity. SOC, STP, STN and stand density were negatively correlated with Berger–Parker index. The Shannon–Wiener index was positively correlated with plant productivity. The Berger–Parker index was negatively correlated with plant productivity. In heavy grazing areas, however, the relationship between SOC, STP, STN, stand density and Shannon–Wiener index and plant productivity was reversed, and the correlation between SOC, STP, STN, stand density and Berger-Parker index also changed from negative to positive.
Conclusions
Our study suggested that heavy grazing altered the relationship between plant diversity and productivity. Therefore, appropriate grazing management could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between subtropical plant diversity and productivity.
Ovine Fetal Adnexa-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells exhibit Stemness and Pluripotency with Distinction in Growth Kinetics and Clonogenic Potential
Authors: Shah Aamir Amin , Sheikh Aasif Ahmad , Hasin Dilruba , Shah Fozia , Aarif Ovais , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Ahmad Sheikh Bilal , Maqbool Showkat , Pampori Z. A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Fetal adnexa derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) offer all in one solution in therapeutics. The present study was designed to isolate, cultivate, characterize and to evaluate the growth kinetics of ovine fetal adnexa-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The gravid uteri of ewes were collected from a local abattoir. The four cell lines viz. Wharton’s Jelly (oWJ), Cord Blood (oCB), Amniotic Fluid (oAF), and Amniotic Sac (oAS) were isolated and expanded in vitro and characterized for surface markers (CD73, CD90 & CD105) and pluripotency markers (SOX2 & OCT4) at 3rd passage. The growth kinetics of MSCs was investigated at 3rd and 5th passages. Similarly, the colony forming unit (CFU) Assay was performed at 3rd passage. The fetal adnexa derived Ovine MSCs showed the amplification of CD73, CD90 & CD105, whereas, negative marker CD34 was not amplified. Similarly, the MSCs also qualified for the amplification of Pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2). The MSCs in culture showed a typical growth curve with initial lag phase, an exponential phase, a plateau phase and a decline phase. The proliferation potential of MSCs was higher at P5 than P3. The overall growth rate was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in oAF, followed by oCB, oWJ and oAS. The population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in oAS (87.28 ± 3.24 hr) and least in oAF (39.75 ± 1.09 hr). The MSCs showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in their clonogenic potential. The colony number was highest in oAF (53.67 ± 4.06) and least in oAS (22.0 ± 2.08). The study reveals that in terms of growth kinetics and clonogenic potential, oAF-MSCs were superior which outperformed other MSCs indicating that oAF derived MSCs could be utilized for regenerative medicine.
Characterization of Indigenous Yeasts isolated from some Fruits collected from Fruit Vendors
Authors: Lakew Eshet 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Yeasts are the best leavening agents that principally break down sugars of the flour into carbon dioxide and ethanol. Therefore, the present study was carried out to characterize the indigenous yeast isolates recovered from fruits. The indigenous yeast isolates were retrieved from fruits following standard methods.
Results
From a total of 88 yeast isolates, three of them were selected on the basis of not producing H2S and their high sugar fermentation abilities. Based on colonial, morphological parameters and biochemical tests, the three yeast isolates were identified as members of the genus Saccharomyces. The optimum growth pH and temperature values for the three selected yeast isolates were recorded as 5 and 30oC, respectively in Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose medium. The results indicated that 30% (w/v) D-glucose and 5% (w/v) NaCl concentrations supported optimum growth of the isolates in the same medium. In all cases, the maximum biomass was achieved at 96 hrs of incubation but decreased rapidly afterwards.
Conclusion
Therefore, these three non-H2S but sufficient CO2 producers indigenous yeast isolates can be used to bread baking with and serve as a potential leavening agent for the bakery industry and can be used to produce ethanol.
Targeting regulation of VEGF by BPTF in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and its potential clinical significance
Authors: Dai Meng , Chunyu Hua , Mingqin Wang , Li Gao , Ling Jiang , Yuan Liu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
VEGF facilitates the formation of tumor angiogenesis, and bevacizumab targeting VEGF is used in anti-tumor therapy. It’s meaningful to clarify the upstream regulatory mechanism of VEGF. BPTF is important in chromosomal remodeling, and promotes the progression of tumors. However, its promotion of tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF has not been reported. This study aims to elucidate the regulation of VEGF by BPTF and its clinical significance in NSCLC.
Methods
1. Reduced the expression of BPTF by transfecting BPTF siRNA and shRNA plasmid in vivo and vitro. Examined the expressions of BPTF, VEGF and CD144 by immunofluorescence and Western Blot. 2. The expressions of BPTF, VEGF, CD144 and CD31 were detected in lung adenocarcinoma samples by immunofluorescence, Western Blot and immunohistochemical. 3. 26 lung adenocarcinoma patients treated by bevacizumab were divided into 2 groups according to the bevacizumab efficacy. BPTF and VEGF expressions were analyzed.
Results
1. BPTF knockdown can inhibit the expression of VEGF and CD144 in vivo and vitro. 2. Compared with para-cancer tissues, BPTF, VEGF, CD144 and CD31 were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma. 3. In 75 lung adenocarcinoma specimens, BPTF and VEGF overexpression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. The five-year survival rate in group of BPTF and VEGF low expression was higher, and BPTF was positively correlated with VEGF. 4. Among 26 patients treated with bevacizumab, the patients with BPTF overexpresstion are more in the sensitive group.
Conclusions
BPTF positively regulates VEGF expression and BPTF predicts a better efficacy of bevacizumab in NSCLC.
Development and usefulness of gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method
Authors: Ito Hiroe , Nakagawa Junko , Tsutsumi Kiyoaki , Akaeda Tomoyoshi , Sagawa Yasukazu , Isaka Keiichi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background:Laparoscopic myomectomy is more difficult than other laparoscopic surgeries because it requires advanced techniques such as extensive suturing and ligation, traction removal of the fibroids, and removal of the fibroids from the bodyObjective:To evaluate the usefulness of gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method developed by us.Study Design:In gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy, after lifting the abdominal wall by a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method, a 1.5-cm incision is made in the lateral abdomen, Lap Protector® is placed, and a 5-mm trocar is punctured in the fossa of the umbilicus to create a laparoscopic port under the supervision of an endoscope. The surgeon inserts multiple instruments through the Lap Protector and performs the operation, while the assistant operates the laparoscope and uterine manipulator.Results:Gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy was performed in 966 patients. The operative time (mean ± standard deviation) was 156 ± 56 min, blood loss was 157 ± 214 ml, fibroid weight was 174 ± 123 g, number of fibroids removed was 5.0 ± 4.3, and hospital stay was 5.7 ± 5.1 days. The number of complications of this method was remarkably low at 5 out of 966 cases (0.5 %), blood transfusion was 3 out of 966 cases (0.3 %), and there were no cases that were converted to laparotomy. The average number of sutures per case was 21, and the average suture time was 12 seconds, with the posterior wall taking longer to suture than the anterior wall. The average surgical wound size was 1.5 cm.Conclusion:Gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy is a suitable surgical laparoscopic myomectomy because it allows powerful grasping and traction of the fibroid and rapid and reliable suture and ligation, despite having only one port for the procedure. In addition, it is a new laparoscopic myomectomy that is economical due to the reduction of manpower and disposable products.