bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium nanoparticles supported on activated carbon (C) for the catalytic hexavalent chromium reduction
Authors: Gözeten İbrahim , Tunç Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Hexavalent chromium is widely used in industry and causes human health and environmental problems due to its extremely toxic properties. On the contrary, trivalent chromium is necessary for living ecosystems. Therefore, it is best idea to detoxicate hexavalent chromium by reducing hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium.. Pd(0)@C catalyst was prepared in solution under mild conditions by a simple impregnation-reduction method and was identified by XPS, XRD, TEM, TEM-EDX, HR-TEM, ICP-OES analyses. TEM results showed that very well dispersed Pd nanoparticles were formed on the C surface (mean particle sizes 3.98 ± 0.24 nm). The catalytic activity of Pd(0)NPs impregnated on C was tested in hexavalent chromium reduction in the reducing agent formic acid medium. The activated carbon supported Pd(0)@C nanoclusters were used as heterogeneous nanocatalysts in the catalytic reduction of Hexavalent chromium in formic acid medium, which is a good reducing agent under mild conditions. It was determined that the formed Pd(0) nanoclusters could successfully reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by high selectivity (~ 97%). It was observed that the Pd(0)@C catalyst retained a significant (> 75%) initial activity even after the 5th use. In addition, for the kinetic data of the catalytic reduction reaction of Cr(VI) catalyzed by Pd(0)@C, the rate equation and activation parameters were derived depending on the [Cr2O72−], [Pd(0)@C], [HCOONa], [HCOOH]concentrations and temperature.
Second near-infrared photothermal-amplified immunotherapy using photoactivatable composite nanostimulators
Authors: Sun Haitao , Yu Tianzhu , Li Xin , Lei Yangyang , Li Jianke , Wang Xiuhui , Peng Peike , Ni Dalong , Wang Xiaolin , Luo Yu
Published: September 2021

Background
The construction of a nanoimmune controlled-release system that spatiotemporally recognizes tumor lesions and stimulates the immune system response step by step is one of the most potent cancer treatment strategies for improving the sensitivity of immunotherapy response.
Results
Here, a composite nanostimulator (CNS) was constructed for the release of second near-infrared (NIR-II) photothermal-mediated immune agents, thereby achieving spatiotemporally controllable photothermal-synergized immunotherapy. CNS nanoparticles comprise thermosensitive liposomes as an outer shell and are internally loaded with an NIR-II photothermal agent, copper sulfide (CuS), toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9) agonist, cytosine-phospho-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (JQ1). Following NIR-II photoirradiation, CuS enabled the rapid elevation of localized temperature, achieving tumor ablation and induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) as well as disruption of the lipid shell, enabling the precise release of two immune-therapeutical drugs in the tumor region. Combining ICD, TLR-9 stimulation, and inhibited expression of PD-L1 allows the subsequent enhancement of dendritic cell maturation and increases infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, facilitating regional antitumor immune responses.
Conclusion
CNS nanoparticle-mediated photothermal-synergized immunotherapy efficiently suppressed the growth of primary and distant tumors in two mouse models and prevented pulmonary metastasis. This study thus provides a novel sight into photo-controllably safe and efficient immunotherapy.
Validity and Reliability of the WHOQOL-BREF in the measurement of the quality of life of Sickle Disease Patients in Bahrain
Authors: Almarabheh Amer , Ghamdi Manal Al , Elbarbary Abdulla , Alqashar Ahmed , alserdieh Faisal , Alahmed Fatema , Alhaddar Hasan , AlSada Lulwa , yosri Mohamed , Omran Mahmood , Khudhair Mina , Salih Motasem , fuad Noora , chlif sadok , Salah Afif Ben
Published: September 2021

Background

Limited attention is devoted to the improvement of the quality of life of patients suffering from the negative consequences of Sickle cell disease (SCD). Our study focuses on the evaluation of the performance of the WHOQOL-BREF as a tool to measure the quality of life of SCD Patients in Bahrain.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study that enrolled 273 SCD patients selected using a simple random sampling technique from primary health-care centers in Bahrain in 2019. A designed questionnaire including the WHOQOL-BREF was filled by the patients during face-to-face interviews in the health centers. The reliability of the WHOQOL-BREF was assessed by standardized Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the validity was measured by convergent validity, principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.
Results

The WHOQOL-BREF had good internal consistency as Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the overall scale was 0.91. The convergent validity results indicated that the correlation coefficients values for all scale domains are significantly correlated at α < 0.01. Confirmatory factor analysis found that the four-domain structure produced a robust fit to the data.
Conclusions

The WHOQOL-BREF tool has high internal consistency and validity in assessing the quality of life of Sickle Disease patients in Bahrain.
Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells (GMSC)-derived Exosomes are more Immunosuppressive than GMSC in Ameliorating Collagen-induced Arthritis
Authors: Tian Xiaohong , Wei Wumei , Cao Yue , Ao Tianrang , Huang Feng , Javed Rabia , Wang Xiaohong , Fan Jun , Zhang Yanhui , Liu Yanying , Lai Laijun , Ao Qiang
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, and inflammatory autoimmune disease, and current approaches offer no cures for it. Although gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC) have the potential to treat RA, MSC-based therapy faces many challenges such as immunogenicity and tumorigenicity. MSCs release extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes that display a therapeutic effect in inflammatory disease models. However, the role of GMSC-derived exosomes (GMSC-Exo) has never been reported in RA. We herein compare the immunomodulatory function of GMSC-Exo and GMSC in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model and explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsGMSC-Exo was isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. CIA was induced with the immunization of type II collagen (CII) and complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) in DBA/1J mice. GMSC-Exo or GMSC were injected i.v. into mice on day 21 after immunization. Immunosuppressive effects of GMSC-Exo or GMSC were investigated on CD4+ Th cell subsets in vitro and in CIA model.ResultsSystemic infusion of GMSC-Exo or GMSC significantly attenuated the severity of arthritis, resumed the balance of Th cell subsets, and reduced level of NF-κB p65/p50 in CIA mice. GMSC-Exo or GMSC significantly up-regulated CD4+Treg percentages and IL-10 level in a dose-dependent manner, while down-regulated CD4+Th1 and CD4+Th17 percentages as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17A) in vitro. Importantly, GMSC-Exo showed stronger effects than GMSC in inhibiting IL-17A and promoting IL-10, reducing incidence and bone erosion of arthritis.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates for the first time that GMSC-Exo can alleviate inflammatory responses and bone erosion in CIA mice, which might occur via regulating the ratio of CD4+ T cell subsets (Th1, Th17 and Treg) and/or inhibiting the IL-17RA-Act1-TRAF6-NF-κB signal pathway. In addition, our results suggest that GMSC-Exo has more advantages than GMSC in treating CIA, and may offer a promising new cell-free therapy strategy for RA and other autoimmune diseases.
Set-Invariance-based Interpretations for the L1 Performance of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Choi Hyung Tae , Kim Jung Hoon
Published: September 2021

This paper is concerend with tackling the L 1 performance analysis problem of continuous and piecewise continuous nonlinear systems with non-unique solutions by using the involved arguments of set-invariance principles. More precisely, this paper derives a sufficient condition for the L 1 performance of continuous nonlinear systems in terms of the invariant set. However, because this sufficient condition intrinsically involves analytical representations of solutions of the differential equations corresponding to the nonlinear systems, this paper also establishes another sufficient condition for the L 1 performance by introducing the so-called extended invariance domain, in which it is not required to directly solving the nonlinear differential equations. These arguments associated with the L 1 performance analysis is further extended to the case of piecewise continuous nonlinear systems, and we obtain parallel results based on the set-invariance principles used for the continuous nonolinear systems. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness as well as the applicability of the overall results derived in this paper.
Accurate Data Aggregation Created by Neural Network and Data Classification Processed Through Machine Learning in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: C Sudha , D Suresh , A Nagesh
Published: September 2021

Data aggregation is the process of efficiently collecting and transferring sensing data to a destination; it aids in the methodical and cautious utilization of sensor network resources. In the same way, when opening aggregated data that is free of noise and errors, the accuracy and efficiency of the data received improve. For this to happen, the data must flow to the destination in the most precise manner and in the shortest possible time by understanding the area's circumstances and addressing the immediate demands of the site where the sensors are positioned. This necessitates precise algorithms that eliminate errors and noise in the sense of data before aggregating it. The network used the ACNM technique – accurate data aggregation created by neural networks and data classification processed through machine learning in wireless sensor networks. We employ machine learning as part of artificial intelligence that learns from data. Following that, it can detect errors and noise in that Data in stages, reduce them, process them in a neural network model, and finally aggregate them to deliver the most accurate data to the destination. When data was provided using this ACNM protocol, the results showed that it arrived at its destination with the least delay.
Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: TReasure real-life data
Authors: Kalyoncu Umut , Bilgin Emre , Erden Abdulsamet , Satış Hasan , Tufan Abdurrahman , Tekgöz Emre , Ateş Aşkın , Coşkun Belkıs Nihan , Yağız Burcu , Küçükşahin Orhan , Yazısız Veli , Kimyon Gezmiş , Bes Cemal , Başıbüyük Canberk Sami , Alkan Serdar , Cesur Teoman Yusuf , Ertenli İhsan , Kiraz Sedat
Published: September 2021

Background/Aim:
Rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major concern in RA patients and events of ILD have been reported in patients treated with tofacitinib in RA clinical trials and in the post-marketing setting. The aim of this study was to assess the real-life efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with RA-ILD.
Methods
RA patients with ILD diagnosis based on the HRCT images of the lungs from eight different centers recruited to study. As a control group, RA patients without ILD under tofacitinib was included. Demographic data, patients’ characteristics, available pulmonary function tests regarding RA and RA-ILD at the visit in which tofacitinib was initiated and for the last follow-up visit under tofacitinib were recorded. Reasons of tofacitinib discontinuation were also recorded. Drug retention rates were compared by log-rank test. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 47 (42.6% male) RA patients with RA-ILD and a control group of 387 (17.8 % male) patients without RA-ILD were included in the analysis. After the median of 12 (9–19) months follow-up period, mean FEV1%; 82.1 vs. 82.8 (pre and post-treatment, respectively, p = 0.079), mean FVC%; 79.8 vs. 82.8 (pre and post-treatment, respectively, p = 0.014) were stable and worsening was observed 2/18 (11.1%) patients. Retention rates were similar (p = 0.21, log-rank). In RA-ILD group, most common cause of drug discontinuation was infections (6.3 vs 2.4 per 100 patient-years).
Conclusion
The treatment strategy of RA-ILD patients are still based on small observational studies. High rate of discontinuation due infections was observed in RA-ILD patients under tofacitinib; however, RA-ILD patients were older than RA patients without ILD.
Video game experience affects performance, cognitive load, and brain activity in laparoscopic surgery training
Authors: Keles Hasan Onur , Omurtag Ahmet
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Video games can be a valuable tool for surgery training. Individuals who interact or play video games, tend to have a better visuospatial ability when compared to non-gamers. Numerous studies suggest that video game experience is associated with faster acquisition, greater sharpening, and longer retention of laparoscopic skills. Given the neurocognitive complexity of surgery skill, multimodal approaches are required to understand how video game playing enhances laparoscopy skill.

METHODS

Data from thirteen surgeons with varying levels of laparoscopy experience and no video game experience, and 27 students with no laparoscopy experience and varying levels of video game experience performed standard laparoscopic training tasks. Their performance, subjective cognitive loading, and prefrontal cortical activity were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The surgeons performed the tasks significantly faster, had significantly lower cognitive load as well as less left prefrontal activation, relative to the non-gamer novices. In gamer novices, the task completion time decreased significantly with increasing game experience. The cognitive load decreased significantly with increasing gaming experience in gamer novices and with laparoscopy experience in surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that along the dimensions of performance, cognitive load, and brain activity, the effects of video gaming experience on novice laparoscopy trainees are similar to those of real-world laparoscopy experience on surgeons. We believe that the neural underpinnings of surgery skill and its links with gaming experience need to be investigated further using wearable functional brain imaging.
The effect of scanning strategy on intraoral scanner’s accuracy.
Authors: Gavounelis Nikolaos , Gogola Chrysoula-Maria , Halazonetis Demetrios
Published: September 2021

Background

The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of scanning strategy on trueness and precision of the impression acquired from an intraoral scanner.
Materials and methods

Fifteen complete-arch, mandibular, post orthodontic treatment casts were scanned with a laboratory scanner (Identica SE 3D, Medit) as the gold standard, and with an intraoral scanner (i500 Medit) following 3 different paths of the scanning head over the arch (scanning strategies A, B, C). The hand scans were performed twice by one examiner and repeated by a second examiner, resulting in 180 triangular mesh surfaces (digital casts). The meshes were superimposed on the gold standards using the Viewbox 4 software. The closest distances between the meshes were computed and trueness and precision were evaluated using a General Linear Model.
Results

Scanning strategy A was statistically significantly better (p < 0.05) and differed from B and C, which were similar. A positive correlation was found among examiner and strategy.
Conclusions

The accuracy of complete-arch impressions is affected by the scanning strategy. The manufacturer’s recommended strategy was statistically significantly better (p < 0.05). Average accuracy below 50 µm, which is clinically acceptable in most orthodontic procedures, was achieved with all the examined scanning strategies.
Distal radius fracture with ipsilateral elbow dislocation: a rare but challenging injury
Authors: Bäcker Henrik Constantin , Thiele Kathi , Wu Chia H. , Moroder Philipp , Stoeckle Ulrich , Braun Karl
Published: September 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
PROXIMATE AND SHELF LIFE EVALUATION OF SOYMILK YOGHURT WITH ADDED SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria., S.O. Okafor , E.A. Anyalogbu ,   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Published: September 2021

The effect of adding Saccharomyces boullardii in soya yoghurt was studied. The control was made with soya milk and traditional starter culture (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) while the other three treatments were made by adding 1%, 2%, 3% of S. boulardii with traditional yoghurt starter. Proximate composition of all yoghurt treatments were determined after fermentation time. Shelf-life evaluation of yoghurt treatment were observed during the storage time. During the proximate composition evaluation, treatment with 3% S. boulardii had highest moisture and protein content at 83.43Ã‚Â±0.03 and 92Ã‚Â±0.3 but least ash and carbohydrate content at 1.2Ã‚Â±0.18 and 4.27Ã‚Â±0.3. During shelf-life evaluation, titratable acidity and syneresis values of yoghurt with S. boulardii were slightly increased while pH and water holding capacity decreased compared with control yoghurt. After 21 days, S. boulardii counts were 5.89, 6.07 and 6.03 log.cfu/ml for yoghurt with 2% and 3% S. boulardii respectively whereas L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilius of yoghurt with 3% S. boulardii were 7.45 and 8.38 log.cfu/ml respectively. The addition of S. boulardii improved the survivability of the bacteria starter culture.
Factors of uneven progress of the European Union countries towards a circular economy
Authors: Polyakov Maxim , Khanin Igor , Bilozubenko Vladimir , Korneyev Maxim , Shevchenko Gennadij
Published: September 2021

The increased final consumption exacerbates the problem of the scarcity of natural resources and leads to environmental pollution. The concept of circular economy, which implies the formation of closed-loop chains of production and consumption with maximum regeneration and recycling of materials, is considered as an alternative to the firmly established “linear economy” (take-make-dispose). As a part of sustainable development strategy, the European Union adopted a general policy on the transition to a circular economy. However, for objective reasons, such transition is quite uneven at the level of member countries, which adversely affects the total progress. Therefore, the need arises to assess the positions of individual countries and identify major reasons for the uneven transition to support the countries that are lagging.The goal of the study is to identify the factors of uneven progress of the EU countries towards a circular economy. For that reason, a set of empirical data (20 indicators) has been compiled; cluster, classification, and parametric analyses have been conducted. As a result, three clusters of the EU countries have been obtained and six indicators, included into combinations that make all clusters different, have been identified. These indicators can be interpreted as the key factors contributing to the uneven progress of the EU countries towards a circular economy. The difference in harmonic means by clusters allowed quantitatively estimating a “circular gap”. It is of practical value for the EU policy aimed at bridging the gaps between member countries during the transition to a circular economy.
Inisiasi Gerakan Jamaah Maiyah dalam Pengurangan Potensi Konflik Sosial
Authors: Yuantomoputra Mada Marhaenesia , Damanik Janianton
Published: September 2021

Potensi konflik sosial di masyarakat diakibatkan oleh keberagaman dan perbedaan suku, agama, ras, dan golongan. Melalui sudut pandang gerakan sosial, Jamaah Maiyah di forum Mocopat Syafaat memperlihatkan adanya resolusi konflik dalam masyarakat. Peneliti bertujuan untuk melihat bentuk inisiasi dan efektifitas Jamaah Maiyah di forum Mocopat Syafaat dalam upayanya mengurangi potensi konflik tersebut. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan metode kualitatif dan pendekatan observasi partisipatif untuk melihat fenomena Jamaah Maiyah secara langsung. Data hasil wawancara diperoleh dari informan utama dan pendukung dengan menggunakan purposive sampling. Teknik analisis data menggunakan model interaktif melalui tiga tahap, yaitu reduksi data, tampilan data, dan gambaran kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa bentuk inisiasi yang dilakukan Jamaah Maiyah adalah dengan melakukan diskusi rutin dalam forum pengajian Mocopat Syafaat. Konsep ‘Sinau Bareng’ dalam Maiyah merupakan perspektif untuk saling bertukar pikiran yang berdampak terhadap perubahan perilaku individu. Keberadaan Jamaah Maiyah secara efektif mampu meresolusi konflik berdasarkan aspek tujuan, integrasi, dan adaptasinya. Hal tersebut membuktikan bahwa Jamaah Maiyah merupakan gerakan sosial alternatif. The potential of social conflict in society will always exist due to diversity and differences in ethnic, religion, race, and groups. The point of view of the social movement, Jamaah Maiyah in the Mocopat Syafaat forum shows the existence of conflict resolution in society. The purpose is to see the form of initiation and effectiveness in reducing the potential of conflict. This research uses qualitative methods and participatory observation approaches, to see the Jamaah Maiyah phenomenon. Interview data were obtained from the main and supporting informants by using purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used an interactive model through three stages; namely data reduction, data display, and conclusions. The results showed that the form of initiation carried out by Jamaah Maiyah was conducting regular discussions in the Mocopat Syafaat forum. The concept of 'Sinau Bareng' in Maiyah is a perspective for exchanging ideas that have an impact to changes individual behavior. The existence of Jamaah Maiyah was effective able to resolve conflicts based on aspects of purpose, integration and adaptation. This also proves that Jamaah Maiyah is an alternative social movement.
Optimalisasi Edukasi Wakaf Produktif dalam Mendorong Kesejahteraan Masyarakat
Authors: Makhrus M , Mukarromah Safitri , Istianah Istianah
Published: September 2021

Wakaf sebagai salah satu pranata dalam Islam, memiliki dimensi spiritual dan sosial. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini untuk mengoptimalkan pemahaman peserta secara komprehensif mengenai wakaf produktif dalam mendorong kesejahteraan masyarakat. Metode dalam kegiatan ini dilakukan secara partisipatoris dialogis dengan membagi materi dalam tiga sesi, yakni dasar-dasar hukum wakaf, urgensi wakaf produktif, dan tata kelola wakaf produktif. Hasil kegiatan ini menujukkan bahwa pentingnya wakaf produktif masih perlu disosialisasikan kepada seluruh lapisan masyarakat, dikarenakan tidak sepopuler wakaf umumnya, seperti tanah, masjid, dan kuburan. Adapun respon peserta dalam proses kegiatan menunjukkan bahwa kegiatan ini telah terlaksana secara baik, sehingga memberikan dampak interaktif, motivasi, dilaksanakan secara rutin, dan telah memenuhi kebutuhan peserta. Berkaitan terpenuhinya kebutuhan peserta tersebut ditandai dengan meningkatkan pemahaman, menambah skill, motivasi, sikap, dan perilaku tentang berwakaf secara kelembagaan. Implikasinya, bentuk literasi wakaf produktif perlu dioptimalkan dan pengelolaan wakaf produktif terus ditingkatkan ke berbagai sektor strategis yang memberikan dampak kesejahteraan kepada masyarakat.
Parenting Berbasis Desa (PAREDES) dalam Sinergitas Ekonomi Keluarga pada Masyarakat Desa Oro-Oro Ombo Kota Batu Jawa Timur
Authors: Setiawan Eko , Jannah Shofiatul
Published: September 2021

Pengabdian kepada masyarakat adalah salah satu bagian dari thridharma perguruan tinggi yang harus dilaksanakan oleh seluruh dosen dan sivitas akademika lainnya untuk terlibat dalam kegiatan tersebut. Universitas Islam Malang telah mendukung program pengabdian kepada masyarakat dengan pendanaan internal yang dilaksanakan di seluruh wilayah Indonesia pada tahun 2021. Program ini telah mengintegrasikan program parenting berbasis desa dalam sinergitas ekonomi keluarga berupa sosialisasi dan pendampingan parenting berbasis desa yang dilaksanakan secara berkelanjutan selama tiga bulan. Dengan metode RRA (Rapid Rural Appraisal) yaitu metode untuk mendapatkan data secara akurat untuk memahami kondisi pedesaan pada tingkat komunitas lokal dan juga PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) yaitu sebuah metode untuk mempelajari kondisi pedesaan dari, dengan dan oleh masyarakat desa itu sendiri. Adapun lokasi adalah desa Oro-oro Ombo Kota Batu Jawa Timur yang merupakan kota wisata. Materi yang disampaikan adalah parenting dalam meningkatkan kualitas Pendidikan keluarga. Adapun hasil yang didapatkan adalah kesadaran orang tua terhadap Pendidikan, pola asuh pengasuhan anak serta membangun minesite bahwa pendidikan merupakan investasi pembangunan nasional. Community service is one part of higher education thridharma that must be carried out by all lecturers and other academicians to be involved in these activities. The Islamic University of Malang has supported community service programs with internal funding which will be implemented throughout Indonesia in 2021. This program has integrated village-based parenting programs into family economic synergy in the form of village-based parenting socialization and assistance which is carried out continuously for three months. With the RRA (Rapid Rural Appraisal) method, which is a method for obtaining accurate data to understand rural conditions at the local community level and also PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal), which is a method for studying rural conditions from, with and by the village community itself. The location is the village of Oro-oro Ombo, Batu City, East Java, which is a tourist city. The material presented is parenting in improving the quality of family education. As for the results obtained, the parents' awareness of education, parenting, and building a minesite that education is an investment in national development.
Degradation of 17β-estradiol by UV/persulfate in different water samples
Authors: Zhu Yunjie , Shao Yanan , Wei Min , Yu Kefu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Huang Jianping , Yin Xinyue
Published: September 2021

Sulfate radical (•SO4−)-based advanced oxidation processes are widely used for wastewater treatment. This study explored the potential use of UV/persulfate (UV/PS) system for the degradation of 17β-estradiol (E2). The pH of the reaction system can affect the degradation rate of E2 by UV/PS and the optimum pH was 7.0; Br− and Cl− in water can promote the degradation rate, HCO3− has an inhibitory effect on the reaction, SO42− and cations (Na+, Mg2+, K+) have no effect on the degradation rate. The degradation of E2 by UV/PS was a mineralization process, with the mineralization rate reaching 90.97% at 8 h. E2 in the UV/PS system was mainly degraded by hydroxylation, deoxygenation, and hydrogenation. E2 reaction sites were mainly located on benzene rings, mainly carbonylation on quinary rings, and bond breakage between C10 and C5 resulted in the removal of benzene rings and carboxyl at C2 and C3 sites. In the presence of halogen ions, halogenated disinfection by-products were not formed in the degradation process of E2 by UV/PS. E2 in the UV/PS system could inhibit the formation of bromate. The results of this study suggest that UV/PS is a safe and reliable method to degrade E2.
Systematic review of the relative concentrations of noroviruses and fecal indicator bacteria in wastewater: considerations for use in quantitative microbial risk assessment
Authors: Hamadieh Zelfa , Hamilton Kerry A. , Silverman Andrea I.
Published: September 2021

Human noroviruses are a leading cause of food- and water-borne disease, which has led to an interest in quantifying norovirus health risks using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Given the limited availability of quantitative norovirus data to input to QMRA models, some studies have applied a conversion factor to estimate norovirus exposure based on measured fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations. We conducted a review of peer-reviewed publications to identify the concentrations of noroviruses and FIB in raw, secondary-treated, and disinfected wastewater. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the ratios of norovirus-FIB pairs in each wastewater matrix and the variables that significantly impact these ratios. Norovirus-to-FIB ratios were found to be significantly impacted by the norovirus genotype, month of sample collection, geographic location, and the extent of wastewater treatment. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of using a FIB-to-virus conversion factor in QMRA and found that the choice of conversion ratio has a great impact on estimated health risks. For example, the use of a conversion ratio previously used in the World Health Organization Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greywater predicted health risks that were significantly lower than those estimated with measured norovirus concentrations used as inputs. This work emphasizes the gold standard of using measured pathogen concentrations directly as inputs to exposure assessment in QMRA. While not encouraged, if one must use a FIB-to-virus conversion ratio to estimate norovirus dose, the ratio should be chosen carefully based on the target microorganisms (i.e., strain, genotype, or class), prevalence of disease, and extent of wastewater treatment.
Study on the proportion and flow path of Yangtze River water diversion into Taihu Lake
Authors: Hu Zhibing , Yong Pang , Ruichen Xu , Yuan Liu
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to quantify the proportion and flow path of the water diversion from Yangtze River (YRD) into Taihu Lake. Based on the analysis of rainfall and data of Taihu basin in the recent 30 years, a 1-D hydrodynamic model of the main inflow river network area of Taihu basin was constructed, coupled the convection-diffusion model with conservative material, the characteristics of YRD and the water inflow into Taihu Lake (WITL) in three typical years were calculated. The results show that the YRD has shown a significant upward trend in the past 30 years, accounting for 26.4, 35.6 and 42% of the total WITL in three typical years of wet, normal and dry conditions respectively. From the perspective of space, Taige River is the largest river in the western part of the lake that is affected by the river diversion (35%–72%), and Wuxi River is the smallest (1–3%). In addition, the primary flow path of YRD to Taihu Lake was through the Wuyi River and Lake Gehu from the water diversion station west of the Zao River.
Designing of a novel polyvinylidene fluoride/TiO2/UiO-66-NH2 membrane with photocatalytic antifouling properties using modified zirconium-based metal-organic framework
Authors: Li Yi-Jing , Chen Gui-E , Liu Lian-Jing , Xu Zhen-Liang , Xu Sun-Jie , Xie Huan-Yin , Chen Zhen , Wan Jia-Jun
Published: September 2021

Novel polyvinylidene fluoride/TiO2/UiO-66-NH2 (PVDF/TiUN) membranes were produced by the delay phase separation method via introducing the TiO2/UiO-66-NH2 (TiUN) nanocomposite into PVDF casting solution. Interconnection of TiO2 and UiO-66-NH2 improved photocatalysis capacity and endowed PVDF/TiUN membranes with self-cleaning capability. Quantitative measurements showed that, firstly, PVDF/TiUN membranes exhibited improved photodegradation kinetics and efficiency (up to 88.1%) to Rhodamine B (RhB). Secondly, the performances of bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection and permeation of PVDF/TiUN membranes outperformed those of other check samples, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity. Thirdly, rejection rate of BSA reached a breathtaking 98.14% and flux recovery ratio (FRR) of BSA reached a breathtaking 95.37%. Thus, given their excellent anti-contamination property and separation performance, the PVDF/TiUN membrane is very likely to be a novel water treatment membrane.
Catalytic ozonation for the removal of reactive black 5 (RB-5) dye using zeolites modified with CuMn2O4/gC3N4 in a synergic electro flocculation-catalytic ozonation process
Authors: Ikhlaq Amir , Zafar Mahrukh , Javed Farhan , Yasar Abdullah , Akram Asia , Shabbir Sidra , Qi Fei
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the decolourization efficiency of reactive black 5 (RB-5) dye by using CuMn2O4/gC3N4 coated zeolites (zeolite 4A) for the first time in a hybrid electro-flocculation-catalytic ozonation process. A comparison between various treatment options such as electro-flocculation, electro-flocculation in the presence of a catalyst, and catalytic ozonation in combination with electro-flocculation was explored. Moreover, the effect of different factors such as pH, time, catalyst dose, ozone dose, radical scavenger, and voltage has been studied in each treatment option mentioned earlier. The results indicated that the best treatment option was found to be catalytic ozonation in combination with electro-flocculation with removal efficiency (RE) of 90.31% at pH 10 after 30 min of the treatment process. The hydroxyl radical scavenger effect indicated that the synergistic catalytic process follows a radical mechanism. It is therefore concluded that CuMn2O4/gC3N4–zeolite catalysts in synergic electro-flocculation-catalytic ozonation process may be effectively used for the treatment of textile wastewaters.
Recent Advances in Theranostic Applications of Nanomaterials in Cancer
Authors: Ahmed Faraha , Khan Mohammad Ahmed , Haider Nafis , Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Ahmad Javed
Published: September 2021

:

Early detection and accurate monitoring are two critical factors affecting the outcome of anticancer
therapy. However, both these factors are affected by the limitations of conventional approaches of diagnosis
and treatment. Nanomedicine has progressively offered a scientific solution in improved delivery and better diagnosis
of various cancers, thus providing a targeted treatment approach. With the advances in the field, simultaneous
delivery and diagnosis are becoming a reality. The present manuscript discusses various drug delivery
challenges, provides the scope for theranostic nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The clinical
and translational potential of theranostic nanomedicine and the future directions for further research are also
presented in the manuscript.
Natural Inhibitors against Potential Targets of Cyclooxygenase, Lipoxygenase and Leukotrienes
Authors: Saxena Anil Kumar , Nandi Sisir , Dey Rishita , Dey Sudatta , Samadder Asmita
Published: September 2021

Background:

Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes catalyze the production of pain mediators like Prostaglandins (PGs) and Leukotrienes (LTs), respectively from arachidonic acid.

Introduction:

The COX and LOX enzyme modulators are responsible for the major PGs and LTs mediated complications like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathy and Cardiovascular Syndromes (CVS). Many synthetic Nonsteroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used in the treatment have serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, hyperacidity, gastrointestinal ulcers, CVS, etc.

Methods:

The natural inhibitors of pain mediators have great acceptance worldwide due to fewer side effects on long-term uses. The present review is an extensive study of the advantages of plantbased vs synthetic inhibitors.

Results:

These natural COX and LOX inhibitors control inflammatory response without causing side-effect-related complicacy.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the natural COX and LOX inhibitors may be used as alternative medicines for the management of pain and inflammation due to their less toxicity and resistivity.
Polyphenolic Natural Products Active In Silico Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike
Receptor Binding Domains and Non-structural Proteins - A Review
Authors: Macabeo Allan Patrick , Quimque Mark Tristan , Notarte Kin Israel , Adviento Xela Amor , Cabunoc Mikhail Harvey , de Leon Von Novi , delos Reyes Felippe Steven Louis , Lugtu Eiron John , Manzano Joe Anthony , Monton Sofia Nicole , Muñoz John Emmanuel , Ong Katherine Denise , Pilapil Delfin Yñigo , Roque Vito , Tan Sophia Morgan , Lim Justin Allen
Published: September 2021

:

The ongoing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic
has been proven to be more severe than the previous coronavirus outbreaks due to the virus’
high transmissibility. With the emergence of new variants, this global phenomenon took a more
dramatic turn, with many countries recently experiencing higher surges of confirmed cases and
deaths. On top of this, the inadequacy of effective treatment options for COVID-19 aggravated the
problem. As a way to address the unavailability of target-specific viral therapeutics, computational
strategies have been employed to hasten and systematize the search. The objective of this review is
to provide initial data highlighting the utility of polyphenols as potential prophylaxis or treatment
for COVID-19. In particular, presented here are virtually screened polyphenolic compounds which
showed potential as either antagonists to viral entry and host cell recognition through binding with
various receptor-binding regions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or as inhibitors of viral replication
and post-translational modifications through binding with essential SARS-CoV-2 non-structural
proteins.
Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Focus on NLRP1 and NLRP3 Inflammasomes
Authors: de Brito Toscano Eliana C. , Rocha Natalia P. , Lopes Beatriz N. A. , Suemoto Claudia K. , Teixeira Antonio L.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia worldwide. The
definitive diagnosis of AD is clinicopathological and based on the identification of cerebral deposition
of Amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, the link between amyloid
cascade and depositions of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) is still missing. In this scenario,
inflammasomes might play a relevant role. Experimental models of AD have suggested that Aβ
accumulation induces, through microglia, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This activation
contributes to the dissemination of Aβ and p-tau, as well as to hyperphosphorylation of tau. Also,
in experimental models, NLPR1 promoted neuronal pyroptosis. There are neither comprehensive
neuropathologic characterization nor clinicopathologic studies evaluating the NLRP1 and NLRP3
inflammasomes in subjects with AD.

Objective:

The current mini-review aims to summarize recent and promising findings on the role
of NLRP1 and NLRP3 signaling in the pathophysiology of AD. We also sought to highlight the
knowledge gap in patients with AD, mainly the lack of clinicopathologic studies on the interaction
among inflammasomes, Aβ/tau pathology, and cognitive decline.
SARS-Coronavirus 2, A Metabolic Reprogrammer: A Review in the Context
of the Possible Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Veettil M. , Gopi P. , Anju T.R. , Pillai V.S.
Published: September 2021

:

Novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is advancing at a staggering pace to devastate the
health care system and foster concerns over public health. In contrast to the past outbreaks, coronaviruses
are not clinging themselves as a strict respiratory virus. Rather, becoming a multifaceted
virus, it affects multiple organs by interrupting a number of metabolic pathways leading to significant
rates of morbidity and mortality. Following infection, they rigorously reprogram multiple
metabolic pathways of glucose, lipid, protein, nucleic acid, and their metabolites to extract adequate
energy and carbon skeletons required for their existence and further molecular constructions inside
a host cell. Although the mechanism of these alterations is yet to be known, the impact of these
reprogramming is reflected in the hyperinflammatory responses, so called cytokine storm and
the hindrance of the host immune defence system. The metabolic reprogramming during SARSCoV-
2 infection needs to be considered while devising therapeutic strategies to combat the disease
and its further complication. The inhibitors of cholesterol and phospholipids synthesis and cell
membrane lipid raft of the host cell can, to a great extent, control the viral load and further infection.
Depletion of energy sources by inhibiting the activation of glycolytic and hexosamine biosynthetic
pathways can also augment antiviral therapy. The cross talk between these pathways also necessitates
the inhibition of amino acid catabolism and tryptophan metabolism. A combinatorial
strategy that can address the cross talks between the metabolic pathways might be more effective
than a single approach, and the infection stage and timing of therapy will also influence the effectiveness
of the antiviral approach. We herein focus on the different metabolic alterations during the
course of virus infection that help exploit the cellular machinery and devise a therapeutic strategy
that promotes resistance to viral infection and can augment body’s antivirulence mechanisms. This
review may cast light on the possibilities of targeting altered metabolic pathways to defend against
virus infection in a new perspective.
Therapeutic Approaches for the Management of Autoimmune Disorders
via Gene Therapy: Prospects, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Sindhu Rakesh K. , Rahman Md. Habibur , Madaan Piyush , Chandel Parteek , Akter Rokeya , Adilakshmi Griddaluri
Published: September 2021

Background:

Autoimmune diseases are the diseases that result due to the overactive immune
response, and comprehend systemic autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA),
Sjӧgren’s Syndrome (SS), and organ-specific autoimmune diseases like type-1 diabetes mellitus
(T1DM), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Currently, there is no
long-term cure; but, several treatments exist which retard the evolution of the disease, embracing
gene therapy, which has been scrutinized to hold immense aptitude for the management of autoimmune
diseases.

Objective:

The review highlights the pathogenic mechanisms and genes liable for the development
of autoimmune diseases, namely T1DM, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), RA, SS, IBD, and MG.
Furthermore, the review focuses on investigating the outcomes of delivering the corrective genes
with their specific viral vectors in various animal models experiencing these diseases to determine
the effectiveness of gene therapy.

Methods:

Numerous review and research articles emphasizing the tremendous potential of gene
therapy in the management of autoimmune diseases were procured from PubMed, MEDLINE,
Frontier, and other databases and thoroughly studied for writing this review article.

Results:

The various animal models that experienced treatment with gene therapy have displayed
regulation in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, infiltration of lymphocytes, manifestations
associated with autoimmune diseases, and maintained equilibrium in the immune response, thereby
compete with the progression of autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion:

Gene therapy has revealed prodigious aptitude in the management of autoimmune diseases
in various animal studies, but further investigation is essential to combat the limitations associated
with it and before employing it on humans.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs): A Promising Tool for Cell-Based Angiogenic Therapy
Authors: Ulpiano Cristiana , da Silva Cláudia L. , Monteiro Gabriel A.
Published: September 2021

The Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a diverse subset of adult multipotent precursors,
known for their potential therapeutic properties in regenerative medicine mainly sustained by
paracrine effects through secretion of a variety of biologically active molecules. MSC secretome includes
a wide range of soluble protein factors, composed of growth factors and cytokines, and
vesicular components, which transfer proteins and genetic material modulating the host microenvironment.
In particular, MSC-derived secretome mediates the different steps of the angiogenic process,
inducing endothelial cell functions in vitro and promoting angiogenesis in vivo. As a result,
MSCs have been widely explored as a promising cell-based therapy in diseases caused by insufficient
angiogenesis. Numerous studies of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and critical limb ischemia
in animals have shown that human MSCs can enhance angiogenesis and accelerate tissue regeneration.
This extensive preclinical work encouraged the study of these remarkable cells for the
treatment of these disorders in human clinical settings. The present review provides a comprehensive
overview of the pro-angiogenic potential of MSCs and paracrine effectors of their secretome.
In addition, bioengineering strategies, including ex vivo preconditioning and genetic modification
approaches, to enhance MSC innate angiogenic properties, and thereby therapeutic potency, will be
presented. Finally, an update on completed preclinical and clinical studies with MSCs for the treatment
of ischemia-related diseases will be discussed.
Current Status of Novel Pyridine Fused Derivatives as Anticancer Agents: An Insight into Future Perspectives and Structure Activity Relationship (SAR)
Authors: Manaithiya Ajay , Alam Ozair , Sharma Vrinda , Naim Mohd. Javed , Mittal Shruti , Azam Faizul , Husain Asif , Sheikh Aadil Ahmad , Imran Mohd. , Khan Imran A.
Published: September 2021

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by an abnormal and uncontrolled division
of the cells leading to tumors that invade the adjacent normal tissues. After cardiovascular diseases, it
is the second most prevalent disease accounting for one in every six deaths worldwide. This alarming
rate thus, demands an urgent need to investigate more effective drugs to combat the said disease.
Oxygen and nitrogen-based heterocyclic compounds have shown remarkable therapeutic activity
towards several diseases, including cancer. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the work
done in the last decade (2009-2019), highlighting the anticancer activity of pyrido fused fivemembered
heterocyclic ring derivatives. Additionally, we have focused on seven heterocyclic pyridine
fused rings: Imidazopyridine, Triazolopyridine, Pyrrolopyridine, Pyrazolopyridines, Thienopyridine,
and Isoxazolopyridine. A total of forty-nine compounds have been studied based on their invitro
cytotoxic activity and their structure-activity relationship, underlining the anticancer activity of
their various pharmacophores and substituents. This review, therefore, aims to draw the attention of
the researchers worldwide towards the enormous scope of development of heterocyclic drug compounds,
focussing mainly on pyrido fused five-membered heterocyclic rings as anticancer drugs.