ahmedabdelwahed/Medical_papers_title_and_abstract_NLP_dataset huggingface dataset:
Reexamining the relationships among urbanization, industrial structure, and environmental pollution in China-New evidence using the dynamic threshold panel model

Since China's reform and opening up, the urban economy has substantially developed, and the nation's urbanization process has advanced to gradually enter a "new normal" phase. In this process, China's population and industries continue to inundate its cities, and environmental pollution has become a critical problem. This study uses panel data spanning 1998 to 2015 from 29 Chinese provinces and a comprehensive framework of well-designed generalized method of moments (GMM) models to accurately examine the relationships between urbanization and per capita sulfur dioxide (PSO2), per capita industrial soot (PSOOT), and per capita industrial waste gas (PIWG). A newly developed dynamic threshold panel model that incorporates GMM characteristics is utilized to explore how urbanization affects environmental pollution under different industrial structures. This study finds evidence of a comprehensive relationship among urbanization development, the industrial structure, and environmental pollution. Urbanization has contributed to increased environmental pollution. A nonlinear relationship exists between urbanization and environmental pollution in China. Further, urbanization increasingly promotes environmental pollution with an increase in the proportion of secondary industries; however, such promotion decreases with an increase in the proportion of tertiary industries. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A Narrative Review Study on the Effects of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on Multiple Sclerosis

Obesity is a major public health concern and should be considered in autoimmune inflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In these patients, obesity leads to increasing comorbidities as well as reduced quality of life. Obesity causes an inflammatory state in the body, especially in adolescents; obesity has a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Hence, it is identified as a lifestyle modifiable risk factor for MS disease. Among various treatments for obesity, bariatric surgery has been widely used. Although few studies have been performed on bariatric surgery in MS patients, in this review, we present the existing data regarding the effects of obesity on the MS course and evaluate the outcomes of bariatric surgery among this population.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor activation in the hypothalamus recruits unique signaling pathways involved in energy homeostasis

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts pleiotropic effects on ventromedial nuclei (VMN) of the hypothalamus and its control of feeding and energy expenditure through the type I PAC1 receptor (PAC1R). However, the endogenous role of PAC1Rs in the VMN and the downstream signaling responsible for PACAP's effects on energy balance are unknown. Numerous studies have revealed that PAC1Rs are coupled to both Gαs/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A (Gαs/AC/PKA) and Gαq/phospholipase C/protein kinase C (Gαq/PLC/PKC), while also undergoing trafficking following stimulation. To determine the endogenous role of PAC1Rs and downstream signaling that may explain PACAP's pleiotropic effects, we used RNA interference to knockdown VMN PAC1Rs and pharmacologically inhibited PKA, PKC, and PAC1R trafficking. Knocking down PAC1Rs increased meal sizes, reduced total number of meals, and induced body weight gain. Inhibition of either PKA or PKC alone in awake male Sprague-Dawley rats, attenuated PACAP's hypophagic and anorectic effects during the dark phase. However, PKA or PKC inhibition potentiated PACAP's thermogenic effects during the light phase. Analysis of locomotor activity revealed that PKA inhibition augmented PACAP's locomotor effects, whereas PKC inhibition had no effect. Finally, PACAP administration in the VMN induces surface PAC1R trafficking into the cytosol which was blocked by endocytosis inhibitors. Subsequently, inhibition of PAC1R trafficking into the cytosol attenuated PACAP-induced hypophagia. These results revealed that endogenous PAC1Rs uniquely engage PKA, PKC, and receptor trafficking to mediate PACAP's pleiotropic effects in VMN control of feeding and metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Endogenous PAC1 receptors, integral to VMN management of feeding behavior and body weight regulation, uniquely engage PKA, PKC, and receptor trafficking to mediate the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei control of feeding and metabolism. PACAP appears to use different signaling mechanisms to regulate feeding behavior from its effects on metabolism.
COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts on the air quality during the partial lockdown in Sao Paulo state, Brazil

In early March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic, and in late March 2020 partial lockdown was ordered by the Sao Paulo state government. The aim of this study was to assess impacts on air quality in Sao Paulo - Brazil, during the partial lockdown implemented to provide social distancing required due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have analyzed data from four air quality stations in Sao Paulo, Brazil to assess air pollutant concentration variations during the partial lockdown. Data were compared to the five-year monthly mean and to the four-week before the partial lockdown. Overall, drastic reductions on NO (up to -77.3%), NO2 (up to -54.3%), and CO (up to -64.8%) concentrations were observed in the urban area during partial lockdown compared to the five-year monthly mean. By contrast, an increase of approximately 30% in ozone concentrations was observed in urban areas highly influenced by vehicle traffic, probably related to nitrogen monoxide decreases. Although the partial lockdown has contributed to a positive impact on air quality, it is important to take into account the negative impacts on social aspects, considering the deaths caused by COVID-19 and also the dramatic economic effects. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Functional virus-specific memory T cells survey glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers, and despite standard of care surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, is invariably fatal. GBM is marked by local and systemic immunosuppression, contributing to resistance to existing immunotherapies that have had success in other tumor types. Memory T cells specific for previous infections reside in tissues throughout the host and are capable of rapid and potent immune activation. Here, we show that virus-specific memory CD8 + T cells expressing tissue-resident markers populate the mouse and human glioblastoma microenvironment. Reactivating virus-specific memory T cells through intratumoral delivery of adjuvant-free virus-derived peptide triggered local immune activation. This delivery translated to antineoplastic effects, which improved survival in a murine glioblastoma model. Our results indicate that virus-specific memory T cells are a significant part of the glioblastoma immune microenvironment and may be leveraged to promote anti-tumoral immunity.
The Sustainable Development Goals prioritize economic growth over sustainable resource use: a critical reflection on the SDGs from a socio-ecological perspective

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015, succeeding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While the MDGs focused on improving well-being in the developing world, the 17 SDGs address all countries and aim at reconciling economic and social with ecological goals. We adopt a social ecology perspective and critically reflect on the SDGs' potential for monitoring, supporting, and bringing about a transformation towards sustainability. Starting from a literature review on the SDGs, we link empirical findings from social ecology with analyses of SDG targets and indicators. First, we find that the SDGs fail to monitor absolute trends in resource use and thus prioritize economic growth over ecological integrity. Second, we discuss the contradictions between economic growth and sustainable resource use in early and late stages of industrialization processes and show that they are responsible for important trade-offs among SDG targets. Third, we analyze the transformative potential of the SDGs with a focus on the actors and institutions addressed to bring about transformative change. We find that the SDGs rely mainly on those institutions responsible for unsustainable resource use, and partly propose measures that even reinforce current trends towards less sustainability. Despite ascertaining limited transformative potential to the SDGs from an analytical perspective, we conclude by stressing the strategic relevance of the SDGs for visions, research, and practices of statt towards transformative change towards sustainability.
Modeling the role of environmental regulations in regional green economy efficiency of China: Empirical evidence from super efficiency DEA-Tobit model

This paper used the panel data of various regions in China from 2007 to 2018 and constructs a green economic efficiency measurement index system. Following this, the super-efficient DEA model has been employed to measure the efficiency of China's green economy. Then, the Tobit model is used to verify the environmental regulation influence on efficiency of China's regional green economy extent and direction. The results show that: (1) in 2007-2018, the green economy efficiency level of China's eastern, central and western regions is on the rise, accompanied by more obvious spatial differences. The green economy efficiency basically shows the spatial differentiation characteristics of the highest in the eastern region and the lowest in the western region. (2) From the national perspective, environmental regulation influence on efficiency of green economy presents a "U" shaped curve that promotes and then suppresses. At the eastern and national levels, environmental regulation has the same characteristics for green economy efficiency, and both exhibit U-shaped curve characteristics. Whereas, in the central and western regions shows negative correlation. (3) From the perspective of control variables, there are significant differences in variables at the national and regional levels. Finally, the study concludes with some policy suggestion for future green development and the formulation of environmental regulations in China.
Energy, exergy, and economic analysis of single slope conventional solar still augmented with an ultrasonic fogger and a cotton cloth

In this experimental and theoretical study, an attempt has been made to examine and compare the techno-economic performance of a conventional solar still (CSS) and CSS augmented with ultrasonic fogger & cotton cloth. For experimentation, two identical CSS having 1 m(2) basin area were used. In one of the still, modifications were done whereas, the other still is used for comparison. For energy analysis, a simple linear regression-based heat transfer model has been used. The exergy analysis has been performed to access the actual thermodynamic performance. Moreover, the cost per liter (CPL) of both the stills were evaluated. This study aims to make the solar still more productive, efficient, and economical by eliminating the chances of over misting during low radiation hours. This is done with the help of a cotton cloth, which is mounted on the frame (like a tent). Also, it helps in reducing the characteristic dimension of still. Modified solar still (MSS) has yielded 53.12% higher in comparison to the conventional. In the evening hours, MSS yielded more in comparison to CSS. The CPL of potable water produced from MSS is 27.46% lower in comparison to CSS. The overall efficiency of MSS is 44.64% higher than CSS.
Effect of kolaviron on islet dynamics in diabetic rats

Kolaviron, a biflavonoid isolated from the edible seeds of Garcinia kola, lowers blood glucose in experimental models of diabetes; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of kolaviron on islet dynamics in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Using double immunolabeling of glucagon and insulin, we identified insulin-producing β- and glucagon-producing α-cells in the islets of diabetic and control rats and determined the fractional β-cell area, α-cell area and islet number. STZ challenged rats presented with islet hypoplasia and reduced β-cell area concomitant with an increase in α-cell area. Kolaviron restored some islet architecture in diabetic rats through the increased β-cell area. Overall, kolaviron-treated diabetic rats presented a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the number of large and very large islets compared to diabetic control but no difference in islet number and α-cell area. The β-cell replenishment potential of kolaviron and its overall positive effects on glycemic control suggest that it may be a viable target for diabetes treatment.
Exosomal microRNAs: potential targets for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition in which myocardial dysfunction is caused by diabetes mellitus, has become an epidemic disorder in the world. DCM initially presents as diastolic relaxation dysfunction and will progress to heart failure in the absence of coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of DCM are poorly understood. Recent studies reveal that exosomal miRNAs are associated with multiple DCM risk factors and may act as potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advancements to understand the role of exosomal miRNAs in DCM development and explores potential preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Impact of Pineapple Juice on Expression of CYP3A4, NAT2, SULT1A1 and OATP1B1 mRNA in HepG2 Cells

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Pineapple (&lt;i&gt;Ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) is a popular fruit worldwide with natural antioxidant properties. This study examined how pineapple modified the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, UGT1A6, NAT2 and SULT1A1) and a drug transporter (OATP1B1) in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; HepG2 cells (2.5×10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt; cells/well in a 24-well plate) were incubated with pineapple juice extract (125-1,000 μg mL&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;) for 48 hrs in phenol red-free medium. Resazurin reduction, ROS, AST and ALT assays were performed. The mRNA expression of target genes was determined by RT/qPCR. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Pineapple juice slightly reduced HepG2 cell viability to 80% of the control, while ROS, AST and ALT levels were not changed. Pineapple juice did not alter the expression of CYP1A2, CYP2C9 and UGT1A6 mRNA. All tested concentrations of pineapple juice suppressed CYP3A4, NAT2 and OATP1B1 expression, while SULT1A1 expression was induced. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Though pineapple juice slightly decreased the viability of HepG2 cells, cell morphology and cell function remained normal. Pineapple juice disturbed the expression of phase I (CYP3A4) and phase II (NAT2 and SULT1A1) metabolizing genes and the drug transporter OATP1B1. Therefore, the consumption of excessive amounts of pineapple juice poses a risk for drug interactions.
Sustainable development goal disclosures: Do they support responsible consumption and production?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the tools used to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The purpose of this paper is to examine whether CSR activities in Indonesian companies support and align to the SDGs, especially in achieving the goal of responsible consumption and production. The data was collected from 453 annual reports and 44 sustainability reports of Indonesian listed companies from 2014 until 2016. The total data observation was from 585 reports. Content analysis was applied to examine the disclosures in both the annual and sustainability reports. Firstly, the analysis targeted sustainability reports. However, due to the limited number of sustainability reports, annual reports were also analyzed for the most recent year when this study was undertaken, which was 2016. The 2016 annual report content analysis shows that Indonesian companies tend to support the achievement of (1) sustainable cities and communities, (2) good health and well-being, (3) decent work and economic growth, (4) responsible consumption and production, and (5) quality education. The content analysis results for the 2014-2016 sustainability reports were found to be similar to the annual report analysis, albeit in a different order: (1) good health and well-being, (2) quality education, (3) sustainable cities and communities, (4) decent work and economic growth, and (5) responsible consumption and production. In short, based on both the annual and sustainability reports, Indonesian companies are likely to support these five SDG priorities. SDG goals are expected to be in line with the country's commitment. However the support from the companies is not yet aligned to the SDG priorities selected in Indonesia. The results from this analysis can be used to encourage the Government to socialize and provide an understanding of SDGs and the country's commitment to Indonesian companies. In addition, this study can be used to draw useful perspectives, not only for the Indonesian Government, but also for the other 193 countries that have adopted the SDGs. The results should encourage companies to implement business activities, in particular CSR activities that incorporate the SDG priority development targets. Also, this study can be a platform to provide a comprehensive picture to support SDGs, particularly in achieving the targets for responsible consumption and production. Other countries are expected to start examining their business activities, including CSR programs, in order to support and align with the country's SDG targets. This evaluation is important, as the SDG initiative will soon be reaching the first one third of the 2030 target implementation timeframe, so time cannot be wasted. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Monitoring cropland abandonment with Landsat time series

Cropland abandonment is a widespread land-use change, but it is difficult to monitor with remote sensing because it is often spatially dispersed, easily confused with spectrally similar land-use classes such as grasslands and fallow fields, and because post-agricultural succession can take different forms in different biomes. Due to these difficulties, prior assessments of cropland abandonment have largely been limited in resolution, extent, or both. However, cropland abandonment has wide-reaching consequences for the environment, food production, and rural livelihoods, which is why new approaches to monitor long-term cropland abandonment in different biomes accurately are needed. Our goals were to 1) develop a new approach to map the extent and the timing of abandoned cropland using the entire Landsat time series, and 2) test this approach in 14 study regions across the globe that capture a wide range of environmental conditions as well as the three major causes of abandonment, i.e., social, economic, and environmental factors. Our approach was based on annual maps of active cropland and non-cropland areas using Landsat summary metrics for each year from 1987 to 2017. We streamlined per-pixel classifications by generating multi-year training data that can be used for annual classification. Based on the annual classifications, we analyzed land-use trajectories of each pixel in order to distinguish abandoned cropland, stable cropland, non-cropland, and fallow fields. In most study regions, our new approach separated abandoned cropland accurately from stable cropland and other classes. The classification accuracy for abandonment was highest in regions with industrialized agriculture (area-adjusted F1 score for Mato Grosso in Brazil: 0.8; Volgograd in Russia: 0.6), and drylands (e.g., Shaanxi in China, Nebraska in the U.S.: 0.5) where fields were large or spectrally distinct from non-cropland. Abandonment of subsistence agriculture with small field sizes (e.g., Nepal: 0.1) or highly variable climate (e.g., Sardinia in Italy: 0.2) was not accurately mapped. Cropland abandonment occurred in all study regions but was especially prominent in developing countries and formerly socialist states. In summary, we present here an approach for monitoring cropland abandonment with Landsat imagery, which can be applied across diverse biomes and may thereby improve the understanding of the drivers and consequences of this important land-use change process.
Safety of casirivimab/imdevimab administration in a SARS-CoV-2 positive maintenance dialysis patient in Japan

Controlling excessive cytokine secretion is a crucial therapeutic strategy for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients on dialysis are at a high risk of severe disease, given abnormal immune responses that can lead to prolonged inflammation. Moreover, patients undergoing dialysis have limited treatment options, as neither remdesivir nor baricitinib is available. The novel neutralizing monoclonal antibody cocktail REGEN-COV (formerly known as REGN-COV2; casirivimab/imdevimab), recently approved in Japan, is a promising drug for preventing severe diseases. However, there are few reports regarding its use in patients undergoing dialysis in Japan. Herein, we report the safe use of antibody cocktail therapy in patients with COVID-19 on hemodialysis receiving maintenance dialysis in Japan. Infusion reactions were not observed during administration. Due to the increasing number of patients with COVID-19 and the limited capacity of the healthcare system, antibody cocktail therapy needs to be enhanced. Antibody cocktail therapy for severe diseases can be safely administered to patients undergoing dialysis who do not require supplemental oxygen.
A survey on smart grid technologies and applications

The Smart Grid is an advanced digital two-way power flow power system capable of self-healing, adaptive, resilient and sustainable with foresight for prediction under different uncertainties. In this paper, a survey on various Smart Grid enabling technologies, Smart Grid metering and communication, cloud computing in Smart Grid and Smart Grid applications are explored in detail. Opportunities and future of Smart Grid is also described in this paper. For Smart grid enabling technologies Smart meters, smart sensors, vehicle to grid, plug in hybrid electric vehicle technology, sensor and actuator networks are explored. Advanced metering infrastructure, intelligent electronic devices, phasor measurement units, wide area measurement systems, local area network, home access network, neighborhood area network, wide area networks and cloud computing are explored for Smart Grid metering and communication. Home and building automation, smart substation, feeder automation is explored for smart grid applications. Associations of initial studies for the next step in smart grid applications will provide an economic benefit for the authorities in the long term, and will help to establish standards to be compatible with every application so that all smart grid applications can be coordinated under the control of the same authorities. Therefore, this study is expected to be an important guiding source for researchers and engineers studying the smart grid. It also helps transmission and distribution system operators to follow the right path as they are transforming their classical grids to smart grids. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.