bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agave syrup as a replacement for sucrose: An exploratory review
Authors: Yargatti Rizwan , Muley Arti 
Published: October 2022

Sucrose in its various forms has become an important part of our daily intake. Apart from sweetness, it also provides structure, and stability and plays important role in the appearance of the final product. Sucrose is widely used in the production of sweets, desserts, and beverages, however, the various effects of high consumption of sucrose, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disorders are of concern. Thus, in the present review, we have tried to summarize the usability of an alternative to sucrose. We explore the possibility of Agave, a native plant from Mexico, and its by-products (Agumiel, Agave syrup, etc) as a healthy alternative to sucrose in the food industry in this paper. This study uses Google scholar to review the history, properties, production, regulations, studies, and commercial adaptation of Agave in different food products. Chemical, physical, and biological properties are explored of the two most widely used varieties (Agave Tequilana & Agave Salmiana). The findings indicate that Agave has a long consumption history. Though the production is being regulated by the Mexican government, adulteration and fake labels are a concern. Recent animal studies have proved its safety, while long-term human benefits could be the scope of future studies. The authors conclude that Agave has good potential to replace sucrose shortly although long-term health benefits need acute exploration for it to be a suitable substitute for sucrose in order to reduce the risk of diet-related disorders.Keywords: Agave; Natural sweeteners; Sucrose replacement; commercialization; New product development.
Effectiveness of online learning relies on the dynamic between teachers and students
Authors: Chiu Yin Yung 
Published: October 2022

Since the outbreak of covid-19 pandemic, schools around the world are forced to switch from traditional face-to-face schooling to online learning. School teachers face immense stress during the process due to lack of online teaching experience and relevant training. Different research has been conducted in reviewing the effectiveness of online learning; factors such as self-efficacy and motivation of students are the two most referenced amongst research. This research argues that the delivery of knowledge online is dynamic and it relies on the efforts of both students and teachers. By integrating the typology of interactions developed by Graham (2016) and Tang (2021), this research proposes the ‘teacher-content-students dynamic’ as a tool to comprehend how teachers and students interact in an online learning environment. Using narrative analysis, the online teaching experiences during the pandemic of three secondary school teachers are reviewed. The aim of this research is to identify how the interactions between students and teachers in the virtual classroom play an important role in effective online teaching and learning. Since there lacks unified guidance regarding the implementation of online teaching, the delivery of online teaching is different in the schools where the three informants teach. Owing to this, the difficulties and challenges faced by each individual are unique, yet their narratives have coincidentally pointed to how teacher-student relationships and interactions play an extra important role in online teaching. Symbolic interactionism is used in the analysis.
Factors influencing diabetes self-management among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China
Authors: Yang Ni , Masingboon Khemaradee , Samartkit Niphawan 
Published: October 2022

Background: In China, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise, and Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) is generally suboptimal. Thus, identifying the factors influencing DSM in adults with T2DM is crucial for healthcare providers.

Objectives: This study aimed to 1) describe DSM among adults with T2DM in Wenzhou, China, 2) examine the correlations between diabetes knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, fatalism, social support, and DSM, and 3) determine how much power of the correlated independent variables could predict DSM.

Methods: This study adopted the cross-sectional design and included 108 adults with T2DM who were randomly selected from the outpatient clinic of a hospital in Wenzhou, China. Data were recruited using a demographic questionnaire, and standardized tools were utilized to determine the correlation between DSM, diabetes knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, fatalism, and social support. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Results: 62% of participants had poor blood glucose control (HbA1c ≥8.0%) and suboptimal DSM. Significant factors related to DSM were diabetes knowledge (r = 0.594, p <0.001), perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.447, p <0.001), and social support (r = 0.312, p = 0.001). The regression analysis revealed that all variables significantly explained 38.2% of the variance in DSM among adults with T2DM. However, only diabetes knowledge and perceived self-efficacy significantly predicted DSM (β = 0.468, p <0.001; β = 0.184, p = <0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: The findings indicated that increasing diabetes knowledge and perceived self-efficacy could help improve DSM in T2DM to ascertain the ultimate treatment outcomes. Nurses and healthcare providers should improve the ability of patients and their families to think critically and act autonomously.
Solvent-free synthesis of NiCo2S4 having the metallic nature
Authors: Ahmed Sardar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Yousaf Muhammad Hasnain , Haider Sumain , Imran Zahid , Batool S. S. , Ahmad Ishaq , Shahzad Muhammad Imran , Azeem Muhammad 
Published: October 2022

Nickel-cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4) is a prominent member of bimetallic transition metal sulfides. It is being widely used for a variety of applications such as electrode material, photocatalysis, and energy storage devices (like pseudo capacitors, supercapacitors, solar cells, and fuel cells) due to its better electronic conductivity, manageable morphology, and high capacitance. This work presents the one-step solventless synthesis of NiCo2S4 sheet-like nanostructures and then explores their metallic nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis show the sheet-like grown morphology. Few nanorods are also seen. Except for a recent study (Xia et al. 2015) that shows metallic behavior, most of the reports show that NiCo2S4 is a semiconductor with claimed bandgap between 1.21 and 2.4 eV. In this study, we observe from UV-Vis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) that NiCo2S4 has a specific band gap value between 2.02 and 2.17 eV. However, IV characteristics in the temperature range of 300–400 K show that NiCo2S4 is a metal with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance consistent with a recent report. Furthermore, we see the ohmic conduction mechanism. The Arrhenius plot is drawn, and the activation energy is calculated to be 3.45 meV. The metallic nature is attributed to the coupling of two metal species (nickel and cobalt), which accounts for its superior conductivity and performance in a variety of essential applications.
The application of covalent organic frameworks in Lithium-Sulfur batteries: A mini review for current research progress
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Pan Fei , Zhao Qi , Lv Menglan , Zhang Bin 
Published: October 2022

Recently, how to enhance the energy density of rechargeable batteries dramatically is becoming a driving force in the field of energy storage research. Among the current energy storage technologies, the lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the most promising candidates for achieving high-capacity and commercial batteries. The theoretical energy density of Li-S batteries reaches to 2,600 Wh kg−1 with the theoretical capacity of 1,675 mA h g−1. Therefore, Li-S batteries are considered as the great potential for developing future energy storage technology. However, some of problems such as Li dendrites growth, the shuttle effect of sulfides and the electronic insulation feature of sulfur, have brought obstacles to the development of Li-S batteries. The covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a series of porous materials with different topological structures, which show the versatile characteristics of high specific surface area, permanent pores, ordered porous channels and tunable internal structure. Potentially, their ordered channels and extended conjugated frameworks could facilitate rapid Li-ion diffusion and electron transport for the remarkable rate capability. On the basis of these merits, the COFs become the potential electrode materials to solve the above serious problems of Li-S batteries. In this mini review, we summarize the research progress of COFs utilized as electrode materials in the Li-S batteries, including the cathode, separator and anode materials. Accordingly, the outlook of COFs as electrodes for future development in Li-S batteries is also given.
Detection of abemaciclib, an anti-breast cancer agent, using a new electrochemical DNA biosensor
Authors: Lei Zimeng , Alwan Merim , Alamir Hassan Thoulfikar A. , Alkaaby Hussein Humedy Chlib , Farhan Sinan Subhi , Awadh Sura A. , Altimari Usama S. , Al-Baghdady Hawra’a Fadhel Abbas , Kadhim Athmar Ali , Qasim Maytham T. , Adhab Ali Hussein , Nekuei Abuzar 
Published: October 2022

Detection of DNA molecules and possible chemotherapy-induced changes in its structure has been the goal of researchers using rapid, sensitive and inexpensive approaches. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate a new electrochemical DNA biosensor using pencil graphite electrodes modified with polypyrrole/Ce doped hexagonal nickel oxide nanodisks or PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND composites for determination of Abemaciclib (AMC) and ds-DNA molecules. The DNA biosensor was prepared by immobilizing ds-DNA on the surface of PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND/PGE. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to electrochemically detect AMC. The results elucidate the extremely high sensitivity of the ds-DNA/PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND/PGE biosensor to AMC, with a narrow detection limit of 2.7 nM and a lengthy linear range of 0.01–600.0 μM. The admirable performance of as-fabricated biosensor could be related to the active reaction sites and the unique electrochemical response related to the nanocomposites by enhancing ds-DNA stabilization and accelerating electron transfer on the surface of electrode.
Causal relationship between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: A two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Lin Liu , Luo Pan , Yang Mingyi , Wang Jiachen , Hou Weikun , Xu Peng 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionAt present, clinical studies have confirmed that osteoporosis (OP) has an inverse relationship with osteoarthritis (OA), but it has not been proven from the point of view of genetics, so our study hopes to clarify the potential effect of OP on OA at the level of gene prediction through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsA two-sample MR was adopted to research the causal relationship of OP with OA (including total OA, knee OA and hip OA). All data come from a public shared database. Such traditional methods as simple and weighted models, inverse variance weighted, weighted median, and Mendelian Randomization (MR-Egger) regression were employed to assess the causal effect of OP on OA. We used the Pleiotrophy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) method and MR-Egger method to study sensitivity. The leave-one-out test is used to determine the influence of outliers. The heterogeneity was calculated by using Cochran Q statistics and MR-Egger regression in the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. P &gt; 0.05 indicates that there is a large heterogeneity. MR-Robust Adjustment Profile Score (RAPS) is stable to both systematic and specific multiplicity, so we used MR-RAPS as a supplementary method to verify the results of IVW.ResultsAccording to the results of IVW, we found that there was a causal relationship between OP and total OA, and OP reduced the incidence of total OA (beta=-0.285, OR=0.751, P value&lt; 0.016). The MR estimation of the causal effect of OP on knee OA suggested that the genetic prediction of OP was negatively correlated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) (IVW: beta=-6.11, OR=0.002, P value&lt; 0.016). The IVW results suggested that OP was causally related to hip OA, and OP had a protective effect on hip OA (beta=-5.48, OR=4.15e-3, P value= 3.99e-3). Except for heterogeneity in the analysis of OP and knee OA, there was no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the other analyses.ConclusionWe explored the causal relationship between OP and OA through a two-sample MR analysis and found that OP can reduce the incidence of OA (including knee OA and hip OA).
Integration of genomic analysis and transcript expression of ABCC8 and KCNJ11 in focal form of congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Wieland Ilse , Schanze Ina , Felgendreher Ina Marianti , Barthlen Winfried , Vogelgesang Silke , Mohnike Klaus , Zenker Martin 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe focal form of CHI is caused by an autosomal recessive pathogenic variant affecting the paternal homologue of genes ABCC8 or KCNJ11 and a second somatic event specifically occurring in the affected islet of Langerhans. The approach of this study was to integrate the genetic changes occurring in pancreatic focal lesions of CHI at the genomic and transcriptional level.Research Design and MethodsPatients receiving therapeutic surgery and with proven ABCC8 or KCNJ11 pathogenic variants were selected and analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), changes in copy number and uniparental disomy (UPD) on the short am of chromosome 11 by molecular microarray analysis and methylation-specific MLPA. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE).ResultsBoth genes, ABCC8 and KCNJ11, are located in proximity to the Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) imprinting control region on chromosome 11p15. Somatic paternal uniparental isodisomy (UPD) at chromosome 11p was identified as second genetic event in focal lesions resulting in LOH and monoallelic expression of the mutated ABCC8/KCNJ11 alleles. Of five patients with samples available for microarray analysis, the breakpoints of UPD on chromosome 11p were different. Samples of two patients were analyzed further for changes in gene expression. Profound downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1 and H19 was detected in focal lesions whereas growth promoting gene ASCL2 and pancreatic transcription factors of the endocrine cell lineage were upregulated.ConclusionsPaternal UPD on the short arm of chromosome 11 appears to be the major second genetic event specifically within focal lesions of CHI but no common breakpoint for UDP can be delineated. We show for the first time upregulation of growth promoting ASCL2 (achaete-scute homolog 2) suggestive of a driving factor in postnatal focal expansion in addition to downregulation of growth suppressing genes CDKN1C and H19.
Spatial-temporal changes of land use/cover change and habitat quality in Sanjiang plain from 1985 to 2017
Authors: Jin Shanhe , Liu Xin , Yang Jiajia , Lv Junchao , Gu Yuchao , Yan Jishun , Yuan Ruiyang , Shi Yudi 
Published: October 2022

Land use/Land cover (LULC) change seriously affects ecosystem services and ecosystem functions. In order to maintain ecological security and orderly social development, habitat quality assessment based on Land use/Land cover change is worth exploring. Based on multi-source land use data and Google remote sensing data from 1985 to 2017, land use transfer matrix and habitat quality index were used to study land use change, spatial-temporal evolution of habitat quality, and driving factors influencing habitat quality change in Sanjiang Plain. The results showed that Land use/Land cover changed significantly from 1985 to 2017, especially paddy land increased by 22,184.92 km2, while unutilized land decreased by 11,533.53 km2. The increase of construction land was mainly at the expense of dry land. There was a polarization in habitat quality, and the high intensity of land use utilization and development resulted in a significant decrease in habitat quality. From 1985 to 2017, the largest change in habitat quality was grassland, which decreased from 0.99 to 0.91.
Case report: Long response to PD-1 blockade after failure of trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in advanced Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer
Authors: Pan Yan , Lu Linbin , Liu Huan , Chen Di , Han Ning , Yao Ruirong , Wang Xinlin , Gao Xianchun , Yu Jun , Chen Ling , Zhou Fenli , Hao Guangjun , Lu Yuanyuan , Li Mengbin , He Guangbin , Kang Fei , Li Zengshan , Tang Yongqiang , Zhang Jinsong , Wei Lichun , Nie Yongzhan 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundTrastuzumab-containing chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer (GC) with HER2 positive. Although PD-1 inhibitors significantly improved the outcome of GC patient’s refractory to previous chemotherapy regimens, few studies explore the role of anti-PD-1 therapy overcomes resistance to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in advanced Epstein-Barr Virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) with PD-L1 and HER2 positive.Case PresentationWe report a case of advanced EBVaGC in a 45-year-old man presenting with fatigue, dysphagia, and weight loss for several months. Initial endoscopy revealed a large tumor at the gastroesophageal junction. Computed tomography revealed GC accompanied by multiple lymph nodes and hepatic and pulmonary metastases. The immunohistochemistry indicated that HER-2 and PD-L1 were overexpressed, and tumor cells were positive for EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization. Trastuzumab plus DCS was started as first-line chemotherapy with a PFS of 4 months and shifted to trastuzumab plus FOLFIRI or gemcitabine as second-/third-line therapy. After five-cycle nivolumab monotherapy, the patient received partial response and was treated with total radical gastrectomy plus sequential radiotherapy. He continued the postoperative immunotherapy over 30 cycles with a PFS of 28 months. Due to a new abdominal lymph node metastasis confirmed by PET-CT, he received toripalimab as the next-line treatment and achieved complete remission as the best objective response.SummaryWe presented an advanced HER2-positive EBVaGC patient with PD-L1 high expression, refractory to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, and had a durable clinical benefit sequence with a single dose of the PD-1 inhibitor.
Tumor metabolic and secondary lymphoid organ metabolic markers on 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography predict prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced lung cancer
Authors: Jin Peng , Bai Menglin , Liu Jie , Yu Jinming , Meng Xue 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of tumor metabolic parameters in combination with secondary lymphoid metabolic parameters on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) prognosis in advanced lung cancer.MethodsThis study retrospectively included 125 patients who underwent 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT before ICI therapy, including 41 patients who underwent a second PET/CT scan during ICI treatment. The measured PET/CT parameters included tumor metabolism parameters [maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV)] and secondary lymphoid organ metabolism parameters [spleen-to-liver SUVmax ratio (SLR) and bone marrow-to-liver SUVmax ratio (BLR)]. The correlation of PET/CT metabolic parameters with early ICI treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed.ResultsWithin a median follow-up of 28.7 months, there were 44 responders and 81 non-responders. The median PFS was 8.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.872–11.328), and the median OS was 20.4 months (95% CI: 15.526–25.274). Pretreatment tumor metabolic parameters were not associated with early treatment responses. The high bone marrow metabolism (BLR &gt;1.03) was significantly associated with a shorter PFS (p = 0.008). Patients with a high TMTV (&gt;168 mL) and high spleen metabolism (SLR &gt;1.08) had poor OS (p = 0.019 and p = 0.018, respectively). Among the 41 patients who underwent a second PET/CT scan, the ΔSUVmax was significantly lower (p = 0.01) and the SLR was significantly higher (p = 0.0086) in the responders. Populations with low-risk characteristics (low TMTV, low SLR, and ΔSLR &gt; 0) had the longest survival times.ConclusionHigh pretreatment TMTV and SLR are associated with poor OS, and increased spleen metabolism after ICI therapy predicts treatment benefit. This indicates that the combination of tumor and spleen metabolic parameters is a valuable prognostic strategy.
Establishment and validation of a novel prognostic model for lower-grade glioma based on senescence-related genes
Authors: Li Junsheng , Wang Jia , Liu Dongjing , Tao Chuming , Zhao Jizong , Wang Wen 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveIncreasing studies have indicated that senescence was associated with tumorigenesis and progression. Lower-grade glioma (LGG) presented a less invasive nature, however, its treatment efficacy and prognosis prediction remained challenging due to the intrinsic heterogeneity. Therefore, we established a senescence-related signature and investigated its prognostic role in LGGs.MethodsThe gene expression data and clinicopathologic features were from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The experimentally validated senescence genes (SnGs) from the CellAge database were obtained. Then LASSO regression has been performed to build a prognostic model. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to investigate the prognostic value of the SnG-risk score. A nomogram model has been constructed for outcome prediction. Immunological analyses were further performed. Data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), Repository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (REMBRANDT), and GSE16011 were used for validation.ResultsThe 6-SnG signature has been established. The results showed SnG-risk score could be considered as an independent predictor for LGG patients (HR=2.763, 95%CI=1.660-4.599, P&lt;0.001). The high SnG-risk score indicated a worse outcome in LGG (P&lt;0.001). Immune analysis showed a positive correlation between the SnG-risk score and immune infiltration level, and the expression of immune checkpoints. The CGGA datasets confirmed the prognostic role of the SnG-risk score. And Kaplan-Meier analyses in the additional datasets (CGGA, REMBRANDT, and GSE16011) validated the prognostic role of the SnG-signature (P&lt;0.001 for all).ConclusionThe SnG-related prognostic model could predict the survival of LGG accurately. This study proposed a novel indicator for predicting the prognosis of LGG and provided potential therapeutic targets.