bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Overweight and Hypertension through Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Extracurricular Sport Participation among South African Schoolchildren
Authors: Nqweniso Siphesihle , Walter Cheryl , du Randt Rosa , Aerts Ann , Adams Larissa , Degen Jan , Gall Stefanie , Gani Zaahira , Joubert Nandi , Müller Ivan , Smith Danielle , Seelig Harald , Steinmann Peter , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Utzinger Jürg , Pühse Uwe , Gerber Markus
Published: August 2020

Hypertension and overweight are growing public health concerns in school-aged children. We examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation contribute to the prevention of hypertension and overweight. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 853 children aged 8–13 years in eight primary schools in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Cardiorespiratory fitness, sport participation, body mass index, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after a physical activity intervention, which took place at two time-points (July–September 2015 and February–April 2016) for 10 weeks each. Mixed logistic regressions were employed to analyze the data. At baseline, 18.8% of the children were classified as overweight/obese and 13.5% as hypertensive. High cardiorespiratory fitness and high sport participation were negatively associated with overweight/obesity, while high sport participation was associated with lower risk for hypertension. Longitudinally, normal weight children who initially had higher cardiorespiratory fitness showed less decrease in this variable, while those who participated in the physical activity intervention were less likely to become overweight/obese. High cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation are linked with children’s weight status. Children who are fit and participate regularly in sport outside school hours are less likely to be hypertensive. Our findings highlight the importance of regular extracurricular physical activity and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness levels.
Research on the Indoor Physical Characteristic of the Ceiling of China National Aquatics Center under the Demand of Olympic Games
Authors: Lu Shiliang , Zeng Jing , Gu Meng , Zhang Chunxiao , Shen Chao
Published: August 2020

In the practice of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games in 2022 for the renovation and reuse of the 2008 Olympic legacy venues, PVC film-based clips integrated with the black coated fabric were employed as a shielding material, to reduce the influence of sunlight under the ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) air pillow ceiling system and maintain a good and stable indoor environment. Based on winter outdoor meteorological parameters, we measured the temperature; solar irradiance; and illuminance of the playing field, as well as the upper and lower surfaces of the ceiling enclosure and its internal cavity. Meanwhile, a simulation of the indoor environment before and after the shielding was carried out. The distribution and transmission mechanism of light, humidity, and heat in the venue were studied. It was found that the shielding material can block more than 98% of the sunlight and solar radiation; and after the addition of shielding material, the temperature of the playing field changes throughout the day about 1 °C. The difference between the surface temperature under the ceiling and the indoor temperature is about 3 °C, which is not easy to condense. The physical characteristics of the shielding of the roof enclosure structure are revealed, and the shading and heat insulation performance of it is verified, so that the venue meets the requirements of the Olympic Winter Games in the indoor environment.
Assessment of Groundwater Recharge in Agro-Urban Watersheds Using Integrated SWAT-MODFLOW Model
Authors: Yifru Bisrat Ayalew , Chung Il-Moon , Kim Min-Gyu , Chang Sun Woo
Published: August 2020

Numerical models are employed widely to evaluate the hydrological components of a watershed but, traditionally, watershed models simplify either surface or subsurface flow module. In this setup, as a bridge between groundwater and surface water regimes, aquifer recharge is the most affected segment of the water balance. Since the watershed processes are increasingly changed, the need for a comprehensive model with detailed conceptualizing capacity of both groundwater and surface water flow systems is growing. This work focuses on the spatiotemporal groundwater recharge assessment in gauged and ungauged agro-urban watersheds in South Korea using the updated SWAT-MODFLOW model, which integrates the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT2012) and Newton–Raphson formulation for Modular Finite Difference Groundwater Flow (MODFLOW-NWT) in a single executable code. Before coupling, the setup, calibration, and verification of each model were performed separately. After integration, irrigation pumps and drain cells mapping to SWAT auto-irrigation and subbasins were initiated. Automatic calibration techniques were used for SWAT and MODFLOW-NWT models, but a manual calibration was used for the integrated model. A physical similarity approach was applied to transfer parameters to the ungauged watershed. Statistical model performance indicators revealed that the low streamflow estimation was improved in SWAT-MODFLOW. The spatiotemporal aquifer recharge distribution from both the stream seepage and precipitation showed a substantial change, and most of the aquifer recharge occurs in July–September. The areal annual average recharge reaches about 18% of the precipitation. Low-lying areas receive higher recharge consistently throughout a year. Overall, SWAT-MODFLOW exhibited reasonable versatility in evaluating watershed processes and produced valuable results with reasonable accuracy. The results can be an important input for policymakers in the development of sustainable groundwater protection and abstraction strategies for the region.
Role of Information in Farmers’ Response to Weather and Water Related Stresses in the Lower Bengal Delta, Bangladesh
Authors: Kumar Uthpal , Werners Saskia , Roy Sharmishtha , Ashraf Sadia , Hoang Long Phi , Kumar Datta Dilip , Ludwig Fulco
Published: August 2020

Farmers in the lower Bengal Delta around the city of Khulna, Bangladesh, are particularly vulnerable to hydro-climatic variability. Phenomena such as heavy rain, drought and salt intrusion increasingly affect their crop production, with far-reaching socio-economic and environmental impacts. Reliable hydro-climatic information service received in a timely manner could help farmers improve their responses to hydro-climatic variability, thus improving their agricultural decision-making. However, significant challenges persist regarding information uptake and the role of information from the available sources. We designed an explorative research framework combining different participatory methods and analysis of climate data. Our aim was to examine three key research questions: (i) what information is currently available to farmers for agricultural practices and decision-making? (ii) what is the perceived quality of the available hydro-climatic information in response to water and weather related stresses? (iii) how does the available information influence farmers’ decision-making? We found that farmers had access to information from five main sources: informal contacts, formal contacts, education and training programs, traditional media (like television) and modern ICT tools/social media. However, informal contacts, particularly with peer farmers and private input suppliers, were the farmers’ main source, in addition to their own previous experiences. Farmers perceived hydro-climatic variability as high and the quality of available hydro-climatic information as poor. They indicated a need for more accurate, time-specific, trusted and actionable information for improving agricultural decision-making. We conclude that there is high potential and need for hydro-climatic information services tailored for farmers in the study area.
Movie Production Efficiency Moderating between Online Word-of-Mouth and Subsequent Box Office Revenue
Authors: Lee Sangjae , Choeh Joon Yeon
Published: August 2020

The studies are almost nonexistent regarding production efficiency of movies which is determined based on the relationship between movie resources powers (powers of actors, directors, distributors, and production companies) and box office. Our study attempts to examine how efficiency moderates the relationship between eWOM (online word-of-mouth) and revenue, and to show the difference in prediction performance between efficient and inefficient movies. Using data envelopment analysis to suggest efficiency of movies, movie efficiency negatively moderates the effects of review depth and volume on subsequent box office revenue compensating negative effects of smaller box office in previous period while efficiency exert a positive moderating effect on the influences of review rating and the number of positive reviews on revenue. This shows that review depth and volume are affected by the slack of movie resources powers for inefficient movies, and high rating and positive response for efficient movies to affect revenue. The results of decision trees, k-nearest-neighbors, and linear regression analysis based on ensemble methods using eWOM or movie variables indicate that the movies with the inefficient movie resources powers are providing greater prediction performance than movies with efficient movie resources powers. This show that diverse variation in the efficiency of movie resources powers contributes to prediction performance.
Supplier Selection in the Nuclear Power Industry with an Integrated ANP-TODIM Method under Z-Number Circumstances
Authors: Liu Ya-Hua , Peng Heng-Ming , Wang Tie-Li , Wang Xiao-Kang , Wang Jian-Qiang
Published: August 2020

Under the double pressure of global energy consumption and climate change, nuclear power has become a low-carbon alternative energy source that could transform the energy structure of the globe. In the nuclear power industry, selecting suitable suppliers plays a significant role in improving the overall performance of nuclear power projects. Along with this symmetrical impact, this paper aims to develop a multistage decision-support framework to determine the optimal nuclear power equipment supplier, which is constructed in the context of Z-number information. Concretely, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Tomada de Decisão Iterativa Multicritério (TODIM) are extended by Z-numbers symmetrically—namely, Z-ANP and Z-TODIM. Z-ANP is first applied to analyze the symmetrical interdependence of criteria, so as to accurately determine the criterion weights. Further, the ranking of alternatives is obtained by Z-TODIM, which sufficiently considers the risk preference and psychological states of decision-makers. Finally, a practical case of nuclear-grade cable procurement in the Karachi 2-3 international nuclear power project is performed to illustrate the practicality of the proposed method, and its robustness and superiority are proven by comparing it with current representative approaches.
Simulation of Boiling Heat Transfer at Different Reduced Temperatures with an Improved Pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Guzella Matheus dos Santos , Czelusniak Luiz Eduardo , Mapelli Vinícius Pessoa , Alvariño Pablo Fariñas , Ribatski Gherhardt , Cabezas-Gómez Luben
Published: August 2020

The pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann Method has attracted much attention in the recent years for the simulation of boiling heat transfer. Many studies have been published recently for the simulation of the bubble cycle (nucleation, growth and departure from a heated surface). This paper puts forward two-dimensional simulations of bubble nucleation, growth and departure using an improved pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann Model from the literature at different reduced temperatures, Tr=0.76 and Tr=0.86. Two different models using the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) and the Multiple-Relaxation-Time (MRT) collision operators with appropriate forcing schemes are used. The results for pool boiling show that the bubbles exhibit axial symmetry during growth and departure. Numerical results of departure diameter and release period for pool boiling are compared against empirical correlations from the literature by varying the gravitational acceleration. Reasonable agreement is observed. Nucleate boiling trends with heat flux are also captured by the simulations. Numerical results of flow boiling simulations are compared by varying the Reynolds number for both reduced temperatures with the MRT model. It was found that the departure diamenter and release period decreases with the increase of the Reynolds number. These results are a direct effect of the drag force. Proper conclusions are commented at the end of the paper.
Shortest Path Solution of Trapezoidal Fuzzy Neutrosophic Graph Based on Circle-Breaking Algorithm
Authors: Yang Lehua , Li Dongmei , Tan Ruipu
Published: August 2020

The shortest path problem is a topic of increasing interest in various scientific fields. The damage to roads and bridges caused by disasters makes traffic routes that can be accurately expressed become indeterminate. A neutrosophic set is a collection of the truth membership, indeterminacy membership, and falsity membership of the constituent elements. It has a symmetric form and indeterminacy membership is their axis of symmetry. In uncertain environments, the neutrosophic number can more effectively express the edge distance. The objectives in this study are to solve the shortest path problem of the neutrosophic graph with an edge distance expressed using trapezoidal fuzzy neutrosophic numbers (TrFNN) and resolve the edge distance according to the score and exact functions based on the TrFNN. Accordingly, the use of a circle-breaking algorithm is proposed to solve the shortest path problem and estimate the shortest distance. The feasibility of this method is verified based on two examples, and the rationality and effectiveness of the approach are evaluated by comparing it with the Dijkstra and Bellman algorithms.
Combination of the Single-Valued Neutrosophic Fuzzy Set and the Soft Set with Applications in Decision-Making
Authors: Khalil Ahmed Mostafa , Cao Dunqian , Azzam Abdelfatah , Smarandache Florentin , Alharbi Wedad R.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we propose a novel concept of the single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy soft set by combining the single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy set and the soft set. For possible applications, five kinds of operations (e.g., subset, equal, union, intersection, and complement) on single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy soft sets are presented. Then, several theoretical operations of single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy soft sets are given. In addition, the first type for the fuzzy decision-making based on single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy soft set matrix is constructed. Finally, we present the second type by using the AND operation of the single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy soft set for fuzzy decision-making and clarify its applicability with a numerical example.
Bioaccumulation and Phytotoxicity and Human Health Risk from Microcystin-LR under Various Treatments: A Pot Study
Authors: Xiang Lei , Li Yan-Wen , Wang Zhen-Ru , Liu Bai-Lin , Zhao Hai-Ming , Li Hui , Cai Quan-Ying , Mo Ce-Hui , Li Qing X.
Published: August 2020

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is prevalent in water and can be translocated into soil-crop ecosystem via irrigation, overflow (pollution accident), and cyanobacterial manure applications, threatening agricultural production and human health. However, the effects of various input pathways on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of MCs in terrestrial plants have been hardly reported so far. In the present study, pot experiments were performed to compare the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and health risk of MC-LR as well as its degradation in soils among various treatments with the same total amount of added MC-LR (150 μg/kg). The treatments included irrigation with polluted water (IPW), cultivation with polluted soil (CPS), and application of cyanobacterial manure (ACM). Three common leaf-vegetables in southern China were used in the pot experiments, including Ipomoea batatas L., Brassica juncea L., and Brassica alboglabra L. All leaf vegetables could bioaccumulate MC-LR under the three treatments, with much higher MC-LR bioaccumulation, especially root bioconcentration observed in ACM treatment than IPW and CPS treatments. An opposite trend in MC-LR degradation in soils of these treatments indicated that ACM could limit MC-LR degradation in soils and thus promote its bioaccumulation in the vegetables. MC-LR bioaccumulation could cause toxicity to the vegetables, with the highest toxic effects observed in ACM treatment. Similarly, bioaccumulation of MC-LR in the edible parts of the leaf-vegetables posed 1.1~4.8 fold higher human health risks in ACM treatment than in IPW and CPS treatments. The findings of this study highlighted a great concern on applications of cyanobacterial manure.
Viral Metagenomic Profiling of Croatian Bat Population Reveals Sample and Habitat Dependent Diversity
Authors: Šimić Ivana , Zorec Tomaž Mark , Lojkić Ivana , Krešić Nina , Poljak Mario , Cliquet Florence , Picard-Meyer Evelyne , Wasniewski Marine , Zrnčić Vida , Ćukušić Anđela , Bedeković Tomislav
Published: August 2020

To date, the microbiome, as well as the virome of the Croatian populations of bats, was unknown. Here, we present the results of the first viral metagenomic analysis of guano, feces and saliva (oral swabs) of seven bat species (Myotis myotis, Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis blythii, Myotis nattereri and Myotis emarginatus) conducted in Mediterranean and continental Croatia. Viral nucleic acids were extracted from sample pools, and analyzed using Illumina sequencing. The presence of 63 different viral families representing all seven Baltimore groups were confirmed, most commonly insect viruses likely reflecting the diet of insectivorous bats. Virome compositions of our samples were largely impacted by the sample type: invertebrate-infecting viruses were most frequently found in feces, bacterial viruses in guano, whereas vertebrate-infecting viruses were most common in swabs. Most vertebrate-infecting virus sequences were assigned to retroviruses, parvoviruses, iridoviruses, and poxviruses. We further report the complete genome sequence of a novel adeno-associated virus, densovirus and a near complete length genome sequence of a novel iflavirus. Additionally, one of the most interesting findings in this study was the difference in viromes between two contrasting habitats, the continental and Mediterranean Croatia.
Hepatitis E Virus Mediates Renal Injury via the Interaction between the Immune Cells and Renal Epithelium
Authors: El-Mokhtar Mohamed A. , Seddik Mohamed Ismail , Osman Asmaa , Adel Sara , Abdel Aziz Essam M. , Mandour Sahar A. , Mohammed Nasreldin , Zarzour Mohamed A. , Abdel-Wahid Lobna , Radwan Eman , Sayed Ibrahim M.
Published: August 2020

Renal disorders are associated with Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Progression to end-stage renal disease and acute kidney injury are complications associated with HEV infection. The mechanisms by which HEV mediates the glomerular diseases remain unclear. CD10+/CD13+ primary proximal tubular (PT) epithelial cells, isolated from healthy donors, were infected with HEV. Inflammatory markers and kidney injury markers were assessed in the presence or absence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the same donors. HEV replicated efficiently in the PT cells as shown by the increase in HEV load over time and the expression of capsid Ag. In the absence of PBMCs, HEV was not nephrotoxic, with no direct effect on the transcription of chemokines (Cxcl-9, Cxcl-10, and Cxcl-11) nor the kidney injury markers (kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and interleukin 18 (lL-18)). While higher inflammatory responses, upregulation of chemokines and kidney injury markers expression, and signs of nephrotoxicity were recorded in HEV-infected PT cells cocultured with PBMCs. Interestingly, a significantly higher level of IFN-γ was released in the PBMCs-PT coculture compared to PT alone during HEV infection. In conclusion: The crosstalk between immune cells and renal epithelium and the signal axes IFN-γ/chemokines and IL-18 could be the immune-mediated mechanisms of HEV-induced renal disorder.
Lactobacillus johnsonii L531 Ameliorates Escherichia coli-Induced Cell Damage via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and Promoting ATG5/ATG16L1-Mediated Autophagy in Porcine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zou Yun-Jing , Xu Jia-Jia , Wang Xue , Zhu Yao-Hong , Wu Qiong , Wang Jiu-Feng
Published: August 2020

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a main mastitis-causing pathogen in sows, leads to mammary tissue damage. Here, we explored the effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii L531 on attenuating E. coli-induced inflammatory damage in porcine mammary epithelial cells (PMECs). L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment reduced E. coli adhesion to PMECs by competitive exclusion and the production of inhibitory factors and decreased E. coli-induced destruction of cellular morphology and ultrastructure. E. coli induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome associated with increased expression of NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved caspase-1, however, L. johnsonii L531 inhibited E. coli-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Up-regulation of interleukin (Il)-1β, Il-6, Il-8, Il-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and chemokine Cxcl2 expression after E. coli infection was attenuated by L. johnsonii L531. E. coli infection inhibited autophagy, whereas L. johnsonii L531 reversed the inhibitory effect of E. coli on autophagy by decreasing the expression of autophagic receptor SQSTM1/p62 and increasing the expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG5, ATG16L1, and light chain 3 protein by Western blotting analysis. Our findings suggest that L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment restricts NLRP3 inflammasome activity and induces autophagy through promoting ATG5/ATG16L1-mediated autophagy, thereby protecting against E. coli-induced inflammation and cell damage in PMECs.
Analyses of Runoff and Sediment Transport and their Drivers in a Rare Earth Mine Drainage Basin of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Liu Youcun , Ding Qianqian , Chen Ming , Zhong Lirong , Labat David , Zhang Ming , Mao Yimin , Li Yongtao
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive analysis of the effects of major climate conditions such as El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and precipitation on changes in runoff and sediment transport in a basin may provide a scientific basis and technical support for regional water resource management and protection of the aquatic ecology. Taking the Taojiang River as an example, a large set of hydrogeographic data on runoff and sediment transport measured on a monthly basis from 1957 to 2015 was analyzed to study the impacts of various correlation factors on runoff and sediment transport in the river, which is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Besides the conventional Mann–Kendall (M-K) method, cross-wavelet and wavelet coherence analysis methods were also applied in the data analysis. The results showed that: (1) From the M-K mutation tests conducted for the runoff volume and the sediment transport rate from 1957 to 2015, there were no significant changes in runoff. However, a mutation occurred in the sediment transport rate in 2005 and the average annual decrease reached 88.2237 million tons. (2) Precipitation was a dominant factor that controlled the changes in runoff volume and sediment transport rate. It directly influenced the changes in runoff volume, which subsequently caused the changes in sediment transport rate in the study area. Since the year 2005, sediment transport rates have been heavily influenced by the construction of large-scale hydro-power stations (Julongtan), causing a significant rate decline. A comparison between the sediment transport volume during 2005 to 2015 and that during 1980 to 2004 revealed that the annual sediment transport decrease reached 84.4079 million tons, accounting for 95.7% of the total decrease in sediment transport volume. (3) The significant resonance cycle between the sea surface temperature (SST) and the precipitation, runoff volume and sediment transport mainly occurred with a cyclic period between 1.33 and 5.33 years. During an ENSO event, the precipitation, runoff, and sediment transport rates all decreased at the beginning, then increased and reached their maximums, followed by a decline at the end.
Aluminum-Doped Cobalt Ferrite as an Efficient Photocatalyst for the Abatement of Methylene Blue
Authors: Abbas Naseem , Rubab Nida , Sadiq Natasha , Manzoor Suryyia , Khan Muhammad Imran , Fernandez Garcia Javier , Barbosa Aragao Isaias , Tariq Muhammad , Akhtar Zeeshan , Yasmin Ghazala
Published: August 2020

The present study is aimed to access the photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue dye using CoFe2O4 and Co0.1Al0.03Fe0.17O0.4 nanoparticles. The synthesis of spinel ferrites nanoparticles was performed by a facile sol-gel method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, Nitrogen adsorption/desorption and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The XRD studies confirmed the spinel cubic structure of ferrite. It was also found that the crystallinity increases at an annealing temperature of 800 °C. The application of these nanoparticles for methylene blue’s photocatalytic degradation was explored and also the optimization of several parameters involving dye’s concentration, amount of catalyst and pH of the solution was done. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue showed that at pH 11, using 200 W visible light bulb and in 120 min; 93% methylene blue dye was degraded by using 0.1 g of Co0.1Al0.03Fe0.17O0.4.
Evaluation of Different Methods to Assess the Hydraulic Behavior in Horizontal Treatment Wetlands
Authors: Licciardello Feliciana , Sacco Alessandro , Barbagallo Salvatore , Ventura Delia , Cirelli Giuseppe Luigi
Published: August 2020

While there have been numerous studies on the rate and development of clogging in horizontal subsurface treatment wetlands (HSTWs) and, consequently, the effects on its hydraulic characteristics, research has not shown a clear understanding of the processes. The existing methods for measuring the impact of clogging provide limited information on the extension and degree of the phenomenon. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of various measurement techniques to assess the degree and variation in space and time of clogging in HSTWs. Hydraulic conductivity at saturation (Ks) measurements were conducted using a newly implemented scheme, the drainage equation method, and traditional tracer tests, which were carried out in a full-scale HSTW system, located in Sicily, Italy, during 2019. After five years of operation, the results highlighted a severe decrease in Ks (<1000 m day−1) in the inlet zone (despite the fact that the filter gravel was replaced in 2017), a very high reduction of Ks along the central path inside the bed, a nonuniform flow through the HSTW, the presence of stagnant zones, and a reduction of the porosity of the bed gravel. Nonetheless, the mean values of the physical–chemical and bacteriological parameters at the hybrid treatment wetland (hybrid TW) outlet indicated that the partial clogging had no significant effect on the quality of the discharged water. Moreover, the results obtained using the different measurement techniques (in terms of both the Ks values and the flow distribution inside the bed) were consistent with each other and with results obtained previously for the same system. Finally, the most efficient combination of methods to assess clogging in HSTWs was identified.
Association between Drinking Water Nitrate and Adverse Reproductive Outcomes: A Systematic PRISMA Review
Authors: Clausen Hannah S. , Ebdrup Ninna H. , Barsøe Ida M. , Lyngsø Julie , Schullehner Jörg , Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia H. , Bay Bjørn , Knudsen Ulla B.
Published: August 2020

One in six couples experience fertility problems. Environmental factors may affect reproductive health; however, evidence is lacking regarding drinking water nitrates and outcomes of male and female fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate if exposure to nitrates in drinking water is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in humans, and animals of fertile age. We conducted a systematic literature search and included case-control studies, cohort studies, and randomized control trials reporting on the association between drinking water nitrate exposure of men, women, or animals and adverse reproductive outcomes, specified as: Semen quality parameters, time to pregnancy (TTP), pregnancy rates, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and spontaneous abortion. Findings were reported in a narrative synthesis. A total of 12 studies were included. The only human study included reported a decrease in spontaneous abortion at any detectable nitrate level. Overall, the 11 included animal studies support a potential negative effect on semen quality parameters but report equivocal results on TTP and number of offspring produced, and higher risk of spontaneous abortion. In conclusion, animal studies indicate possible effects on semen quality parameters and spontaneous abortion. However, with a few studies, including some with methodological limitations and small sample sizes, caution must be applied when interpreting these results.
Moving beyond the Mirage: Water Scarcity and Agricultural Use Inefficiency in USA
Authors: Kehl Jenny
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this article is to examine water scarcity and food security in the United States, the world’s largest grain producer, and to provide empirical evidence that high volumes of water-intensive crops are grown in water-scarce regions. The primary methodology is to analyze data using Geographic Information System (GIS) and to visually represent the results through statistical mapping of water stress overlaid with the amount of production of different commodities. The article concludes by discussing strategies to restructure agriculture to improve water efficiency and to maintain regional agricultural economies that depend on the sustainability of water resources.
Hydrological Image Building Using Curve Number and Prediction and Evaluation of Runoff through Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Song Chul Min
Published: August 2020

This study developed a runoff model using a convolution neural network (CNN), which had previously only been used for classification problems, to get away from artificial neural networks (ANNs) that have been extensively used for the development of runoff models, and to secure diversity and demonstrate the suitability of the model. For this model’s input data, photographs typically used in the CNN model could not be used; due to the nature of the study, hydrological images reflecting effects such as watershed conditions and rainfall were required, which posed further difficulties. To address this, the method of a generating hydrological image using the curve number (CN) published by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was suggested in this study, and the hydrological images using CN were found to be sufficient as input data for the CNN model. Furthermore, this study was able to present a new application for the CN, which had been used only for estimating runoff. The model was trained and generalized stably overall, and R2, which indicates the relationship between the actual and predicted values, was relatively high at 0.82. The Pearson correlation coefficient, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and root mean square error (RMSE), were 0.87, 0.60, and 16.20 m3/s, respectively, demonstrating a good overall model prediction performance.
Ansiedade na gestação de alto risco: um reflexo da atenção básica no alto sertão da Paraíba
Authors: Paz Monique Maria Silva da , Diniz Raquel de Moura Campos , Almeida Milene de Oliveira , Cabral Nadine Oliveira , Mendes Cristina Katya Torres Teixeira , Araújo Juliana Sousa Soares de , Assis Thais Josy Castro Freire de
Published: August 2020

Introdução. Durante a gestação ocorrem diversas mudanças no organismo materno, algumas mulheres apresentam complicações durante essa fase, tornando a gestação de alto risco. A presença de risco para a mãe ou para o bebê pode elevar o nível de ansiedade materna durante a gravidez, podendo ficar presente até o puerpério. Objetivos. Avaliar o grau de ansiedade e as características ansiosas de gestantes de alto risco na atenção básica de cidades do interior da Paraíba, associado ao contexto sociodemográfico. Método. Pesquisa de caráter quantitativo e descritivo, no qual foram avaliadas 39 gestantes de alto risco, com diagnóstico médico comprovado. Foram aplicados um questionário sociodemográfico e o Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Resultados. Dentre as características sociodemográficas, a maioria era nulíparas, com predominância entre o segundo e terceiro trimestre gestacional, 74,4% possuíam renda familiar igual ou inferior a um salário mínimo, 66,6% apresentavam grau ansioso de moderado a grave, e foi observada uma associação entre os sintomas característicos da ansiedade com a história clínica e o enquadramento social. Conclusão. Notou-se que durante o período gestacional é comum que as mães desenvolvam quadro ansioso, com medo do pior acontecer e instabilidade emocional, e isso somado às características sociais e clínicas da gestante pode agravar a predisposição a esses sintomas ansiosos.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Evaluation of Schiff Bases Derived FROM 2-Chloro-3-Quinolinecarboxaldehyde
Authors: Beyzaei Hamid , Hosseini Moghadam Hadis , Bagherzade Ghodsieh , Aryan Reza , Moghaddam-Manesh Mohammadreza
Published: August 2020

Background: Design, identification, and synthesis of new antimicrobial agents along with preventive proceedings are essential to confront antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Heterocyclic Schiff bases are biologically important compounds whose antimicrobial potentials have been proven to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Objectives: In this study, some quinoline Schiff bases were synthesized from condensation of 2-chloro3-quinolinecarboxaldehyde and aniline derivatives. Their inhibitory activities were evaluated against 6 gram-positive and 2 gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Methods: Disc diffusion, broth microdilution, and time-kill tests were applied according to the CLSI guidelines to determine IZD, MIC, and MBC values. Results: 2-Chloro-3-quinolinecarboxaldehyde Schiff bases could inhibit the growth of bacteria with IZDs of 7.5-19.8 mm, MICs of 256-2048 μg mL-1, and MBCs of 512 to ≥2048 μg mL-1. Conclusion: Moderate antibacterial effects were observed with heterocyclic Schiff bases. Complexation and structural changes can improve their antimicrobial properties.
The Expression of Antioxidant Genes and Cytotoxicity of Biosynthesized Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Hepatic Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Es-haghi Ali , Javadi Fatemeh , Taghavizadeh Yazdi Mohammad Ehsan , Amiri Mohammad Sadegh
Published: August 2020

Background: Drug resistance due to genetic variations renders many therapeutic methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy unsuccessful in eradicating cancerous cells. Nowadays, application of nanoparticles (NPs) has been promising in destroying cancerous cells without side effects on normal cells. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer effects of biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 -NPs) on a hepatic carcinoma cell line. Methods: MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of CeO2 -NPs in concentrations of 0, 15.6, 31.2, 62.5, 125, and 250 μg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 hours of incubation. Moreover, the expression levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (the antioxidant genes) were investigated at different concentrations of CeO2 -NPs using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Our results showed a significant toxicity of the synthesized NPs against the cancerous liver cells. The IC50 calculated for CeO2 -NPs was 500 μg/mL at 24 hours of incubation. In addition, the expression levels of CAT and SOD significantly (P<0.05) increased upon the treatment of cells with CeO2 -NPs (500 µg /mL) compared to the untreated cells. Conclusion: Considering the minimal effects of the biosynthesized CeO2 -NPs on normal cells and on the other hand their considerable toxicity against hepatic cancer cells, these NPs could be utilized in medicine and in the development of new drugs for cancer cells.
The Induction of Apoptosis by Resveratrol Through Regulatory Effect of miR-21 on the Gene Expression of Bcl2 and Bax in HCT-116 Cells
Authors: Shabab Nooshin , Afshar Saeid , Saidijam Massoud
Published: August 2020

Background: Resveratrol (RezV) which is found in several plants including grapes and types of berries has a vital role in inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation. Although the role of Bcl-2 in the apoptosis has been known in several pathways, the role and mechanism of miR-21 in the regulation of apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are unclear. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RezV on the expression level of miR-21, Bax, and Bcl2 in colorectal tumor cells. Methods: In this study, the effect of RezV on the viability of CRC cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the expression level of miR-21 was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. For evaluating HCT-116 cells apoptosis, the expression level of Bax and Bcl2 that are involved in the apoptosis pathway was investigated by the same method. Results: RezV inhibits the viability of HCT-116 cells. MiR-21 gene expression was decreased after 24 hours of treatment with RezV. The reduction of miR-21 expression leads to the reduction of the Bcl2 gene expression level. Moreover, increasing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio enhances HCT-116 cells apoptosis. Conclusion: In summary, RezV might be used as a co-treatment agent for CRC. On the other hand, conducting the in vivo study to evaluate the effects of RezV was critical.
An Efficient Radiochemical Method for Extraction of 226Ra From the Soil Samples
Authors: Mehdizadeh Amir , Sina Sedigheh , Faghihi Reza , Sadeghi Mohammad Hosein
Published: August 2020

Background: Radium-226 is a radioactive element, with a very long half-life of 1600 years, producing radon gas. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon gas is the second most important factor causing lung cancer. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to separate 226Ra from the soil of high background radiation area by a radiochemical method for using in radon calibration chamber. Methods: 226Ra can be used in standard calibration chambers for calibration of radon detection systems. For this purpose, radiochemical method was used to extract radium from the soil with a high concentration of 226Ra. Four soil samples used in this study were selected from high background radiation areas of Ramsar, north of Iran. Equal amounts of samples were gathered from each region and ground. The specific activity of radium-226 was measured with HPGe detector. The highest specific activity of radium-226 (44.8 Bq/g) belonged to Talesh-Mahaleh. After radiochemical separation of 226Ra, the specific activity of extracted radium crystals was measured with the HPGe detector. Results: According to the results, the specific activity of 226Ra was found to be 94.97 Bq/g. Therefore, the specific activity of 226Ra was 2.12 times greater in the extracted crystals than in the original soil samples. Conclusion: The results indicate that using the radiochemical method proposed in this study, 226Ra can be extracted with an efficiency of 42%
Regenerative Medicine and Angiogenesis; Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Jahani Mozhgan , Rezazadeh Davood , Mohammadi Parisa , Abdolmaleki Amir , Norooznezhad Amir , Mansouri Kamran
Published: August 2020

Blood vessel development is one of the most prominent steps in regenerative medicine due tothe restoration of blood flow to the ischemic tissues and providing the rapid vascularizationin clinical-sized tissue-engineered grafts. However, currently tissue engineering technique isrestricted because of the inadequate in vitro/in vivo tissue vascularization. Some challenges likeas transportation in large scale, distribution of the nutrients and poor oxygen diffusion limit theprogression of vessels in smaller than clinically relevant dimensions as well in vivo integration.In this regard, the scholars attempted to promote the vascularization process relied on the stemcells (SCs), growth factors as well as exosomes and interactions of biomaterials with all of themto enable the emergence of ideal microenvironment which is needed for treatment of unhealthyorgans or tissue regeneration and formation of new blood vessels. Thus, in the present reviewwe aim to describe these approaches, advances, obstacles and opportunities as well as theirapplication in regeneration of heart as a prominent angiogenesis-dependent organ.
PCSK9: A Key Target for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Authors: Sobati Saeideh , Shakouri Amir , Edalati Mahdi , Mohammadnejad Daryoush , Parvan Reza , Masoumi Javad , Abdolalizadeh Jalal
Published: August 2020

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), as a vital modulator of low-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) , is raised in hepatocytes and released into plasma where it bindsto LDL receptors (LDLR), leading to their cleavage. PCSK9 adheres to the epidermal growthfactor-like repeat A (EGF-A) domain of the LDLR which is confirmed by crystallography. LDLRexpression is adjusted at the transcriptional level through sterol regulatory element bindingprotein 2 (SREBP-2) and at the post translational stages, specifically through PCSK9, and theinducible degrader of the LDLR PCSK9 inhibition is an appealing new method for reducing theconcentration of LDL-C. In this review the role of PCSK9 in lipid homeostasis was elucidated, theeffect of PCSK9 on atherosclerosis was highlighted, and contemporary therapeutic techniquesthat focused on PCSK9 were summarized. Several restoration methods to inhibit PCSK9 havebeen proposed which concentrate on both extracellular and intracellular PCSK9, and theyinclude blockage of PCSK9 production by using gene silencing agents and blockage of it’sbinding to LDLR through antibodies and inhibition of PCSK9 autocatalytic processes by tinymolecule inhibitors.
Magnetic Nanosystems as a Therapeutic Tool to Combat Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Abbas Heba Salah , Krishnan Akilandeswari
Published: August 2020

The overuse of antibiotics is the main reason for the expansion of multidrug-resistantmicroorganisms, especially, pathogenic fungi, such as Candida albicans and others.Nanotechnology provides an excellent therapeutic tool for pathogenic fungi. Several reportsfocused on metal oxide nanoparticles, especially, iron oxide nanoparticles due to their extensiveapplications such as targeted drug delivery. Using biological entities for iron oxide nanoparticlesynthesis attracted many concerns for being eco-friendly, and inexpensive. The fusion ofbiologically active substances reduced and stabilized nanoparticles. Recently, the advancementand challenges for surface engineered magnetic nanoparticles are reviewed for improving theirproperties and compatibility. Other metals on the surface nanoparticles can enhance theirbiological and antimicrobial activities against pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, conjugationof antifungal drugs to magnetic nanoparticulate increases their antifungal effect, antibiofilmproperties, and reduces their undesirable effects. In this review, we discuss different routes forthe synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, surface coating manipulation, their applications asantimicrobials, and their mode of action.
Lipid Drug Carriers for Cancer Therapeutics: An Insight into Lymphatic Targeting, P-gp, CYP3A4 Modulation and Bioavailability Enhancement
Authors: Chaturvedi Shashank , Verma Anurag , Saharan Vikas Anand
Published: August 2020

In the treatment of cancer, chemotherapy plays an important role though the efficacy of anticancer drug administered orally is limited, due to their poor solubility in physiological medium, inability to cross biological membrane, high Para-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated drug efflux, and pre-systemic metabolism. These all factors cumulatively reduce drug exposure at the target site leading to multidrug resistance (MDR). Lipid based carriers systems has been explored to overcome solubility and permeability related issues of anti-cancer drugs. The lipid based formulations have also been reported to circumvent the effect of P-gp and CYP3A4. Further long chain triglycerides (LCT) has shown their ability to access Lymphatic route over Medium Chain Triglycerides, as the former has been extensively used for targeting anti-cancer drugs at proliferating cells through lymphatic route. Therefore this review tries to reflect the usefulness of lipid based drug carriers systems (viz. liposome, solid lipid nanoparticle, nano-lipid carriers, self-emulsifying, lipidic pro-drugs) in targeting lymphatic system and overcoming issues related to solubility and permeability of anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, we have also tried to reflect how critically lipid based carriers are important in maximizing therapeutic safety and efficacy of anti-cancer drugs.
Poly (ε-Caprolactone)/Cellulose Nanofiber Blend Nanocomposites Containing ZrO2 Nanoparticles: A New Biocompatible Wound Dressing Bandage with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: khanmohammadi Sina , Karimian Ramin , Ghanbari Mehrabani Mojtaba , Mehramuz Bahareh , Ganbarov Khudaverdi , Ejlali Ladan , Tanomand Asghar , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Ahangarzadeh Rezaee Mohammad , Yousefi Mehdi , Sheykhsaran Elham , Samadi Kafil Hossein
Published: August 2020

Purpose
: In the present study, the poly (ε-caprolactone)/cellulose nanofiber containing ZrO2 nanoparticles (PCL/CNF/ZrO2 ) nanocomposite was synthesized for wound dressing bandage with antimicrobial activity. Methods: PCL/CNF/ZrO2 nanocomposite was synthesized in three different zirconium dioxide amount (0.5, 1, 2%). Also the prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the morphology of the samples was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Analysis of the XRD spectra showed a preserved structure for PCL semi-crystalline in nanocomposites and an increase in the concentrations of ZrO2 nanoparticles, the structure of nanocomposite was amorphous as well. The results of TGA, DTA, DSC showed thermal stability and strength properties for the nanocomposites which were more thermal stable and thermal integrate compared to PCL. The contact angles of the nanocomposites narrowed as the amount of ZrO2 in the structure increased. The evaluation of biological activities showed that the PCL/CNF/ZrO2 nanocomposite with various concentrations of ZrO2 nanoparticles exhibited moderate to good antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of the scaffolds was assessed by MTT assay and cell viability studies proved the non-toxic nature of the nanocomposites. Conclusion: The results show that the biodegradability of nanocomposite has advantages that can be used as wound dressing.