bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Packed Bed Column Adsorption of Phenol Onto Corn Cob Activated Carbon: Linear and Nonlinear Kinetics Modeling
Authors: Obi Christopher Chiedozie , Iheanacho Chamberlain Ositadinma , Nwabanne Joseph Tagbo , Onu Chijioke Elijah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the present study, linear and nonlinear regression analysis for packed bed column adsorption of phenol onto corn cob activated carbon was investigated. The activation of the corn cob provided the activated carbon with enhanced surface area and micropore volume of 903.7m2/g and 0.389 cm3/g respectively. The analysis of the physical properties of the corn cob activated carbon (CCAC) revealed that it contained 33.47% of fixed carbon. SEM images indicated the presence of interspatial pores within the matrix of the adsorbent, while the FTIR analysis revealed that the major functional groups in CCAC were alkanol, alkanes, alkyls, carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, and nitro compounds. The effect of the process parameters influencing the dynamic adsorption process was investigated at flow rates (9 – 18mg/min), initial phenol concentration (100-300mg/l), bed height (5 – 10cm), and particle size (300-800µm). Breakthrough time and adsorption capacity increased with an increase in bed height but decreased with an increase in flow rate, initial phenol concentration, and particle size. At 9mg/min flow rate, 100mg/l initial phenol concentration, 10 cm bed height, and 300µm, the breakthrough and saturation points adsorption capacities were 2.143 and 8.570 mg/g respectively, the volume of effluent treated at saturation point was 12.96L, the length of mass transfer zone (MTZ) was 7.50cm, while 66.13% phenol removal efficiency was achieved. The linear and nonlinear regression analysis of the dynamic column adsorption models viz. Thomas, Adam Bohart, and Wolborska fitted better with the experimental data as compared to Yoon–Nelson. Generally, the nonlinear regression analysis proved to be a better tool for dynamic adsorption model analysis because the model parameters it predicted are in higher proximity to the experimental data when compared to those obtained via linear regression analysis. Conclusively, this study has shown that CCAC can successfully be used for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions. It also provided experimental evidence that for a more accurate analysis of dynamic adsorption models nonlinear regression tool should be considered.
Specifically Designed Amine Functional Group Doped Sludge Biochar for Inorganic and Organic Arsenic Removal
Authors: Chen Chih-Kuei , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Le Thuy-Trang , Duong Cong-Chinh , Duong Thi-Thanh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Usages of hospital sludge as a biochar adsorbent for wastewater treatment plants were investigated. Microwave carbonization was used to carbonize the sludge and then chemically activated with ZnCl 2 to increase surface area and porosity. A newly designed amine functional group’s (DETA) doped sludge biochar carbon (SBC) presents effective inorganic arsenic (As(III), As 2 O 3 ) and organic arsenic (p-ASA, C 2 H 7 AsO 2 ) adsorption in water. The pore volume, pore size distribution and specific surface area were determined by performing nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements (BET). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) of the SBC was recorded to study the functional groups at room temperature. The composition of SBC was further determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In order to understand the effect of amine functional complexes on arsenic adsorption, the adsorption mechanism of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surfaces modified with amine functional complexes was studied using density functional theory (DFT). Results showed that both physical and chemical adsorption of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surfaces occurred. The participation of amine functional complexes greatly promoted the surface activity of SBC surface and its adsorption capacity on arsenic. The physical adsorption energies of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were -38.4 and -32.8 KJ mol -1 , respectively. Other hand, the chemical adsorption energies of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were -92.9 KJ mol -1 and -98.5 KJ mol -1 , respectively.
Prevalence and Socioeconomic Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in South Korean Adults: A Population-Based Study using Administrative Data
Authors: Oh Sung-Hee , Ku Hyemin , Park KangSeo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes leads to severe complications and imposes health and financial burdens on the society. However, currently existing domestic public health studies of diabetes in South Korea mainly focus on prevalence, and data on the nationwide burden of diabetes in South Korea are lacking. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and economic burden of diabetes imposed on the South Korean society.Methods: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness study was conducted using the Korean national claims database. Adult diabetic patients were defined as those aged ≥20 years with claim records containing diagnostic codes for diabetes (E10-E14) during at least two outpatient visits or one hospitalization. Direct costs included medical costs for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and transportation costs. Indirect costs include productivity loss costs due to morbidity and premature death and caregivers’ costs. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the type of diabetes, age (<65 vs. ≥65), diabetes medication, experience of hospitalization, and presence of diabetic complications or related comorbidities.Results: A total of 4,472,133 patients were diagnosed with diabetes in Korea in 2017. The average annual prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 10.7%. The diabetes-related economic burden was USD 18,293 million, with an average per capita cost of USD 4,090 in 2019. Medical costs accounted for the biggest portion of the total cost (69.5%), followed by productivity loss costs (17.9%), caregivers’ costs (10.2%), and transportation costs (2.4%). According to subgroup analyses, type 2 diabetes, presence of diabetic complications or related comorbidities, diabetes medication, and hospitalization represented the biggest portion of the economic burden for diabetes. As the number of complications increased from one to three or more, the per capita cost increased from USD 3,991 to USD 11,965. In inpatient settings, the per capita cost was ~10.8 times that of outpatient settings.Conclusions: South Korea exist a slightly higher prevalence and economic burden of diabetes. These findings highlight the need for effective strategies to manage diabetic patients and suggest that policy makers allocate more health care resources to diabetes. This is the first study on this topic, conducted using a nationally representative claims database in South Korea.
Prevalence of Treponema species in the Gut Microbiome is Linked to Bifidobacterium sp. and Bacteroides sp.
Authors: BELKACEMI Souad , ALOU MARYAM TIDJANI , MILLION Matthieu , LEVASSEUR Anthony , KHELAIFIA Saber , RAOULT Didier 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTreponema species as commensals of the human microbiome have a prevalence and function depending on the studied niche. In the oral cavity, treponemes are ubiquitous while they have been strictly linked to rural and ancestral populations in the gastro-intestinal tract and are undetected in urban populations. In this study, an in silico analysis of 1481 metagenomes, selected based on the previous detection of treponemes in such sample types, was conducted to predict putative bacterial antagonists of treponemes, i.e. bacteria present when treponemes are lacking and vice versa. Predicted antagonists were subsequently tested in-vitro against Treponema denticola CSUR P7640.ResultsMost frequent predicted antagonists included members of the Bifidobacteriaceae family (23.3%) among which Bifidobacterium longum was the most significant (63.3% in T- group, p <0.0000001) as well as members of the Bacteroides (6.7%) and Streptococcus (13.3%) genera. The relative abundance of the aforementioned taxa was also anticorrelated with that of the Treponema genus in the metagenomes analyzed in this study. B. longum CSUR P7400, Bifidobacterium bifidum CSUR P1194, Bifidobacterium breve CSUR P7882, Bacteroides ovatus CSUR P4577, Bacteroides uniformis CSUR P2248 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron CSUR P7324 were able to inhibit the growth of T. denticola with B. longum being the most efficient.ConclusionsThese results highlight an antagonism between Bifidobacterium species, known probiotics and bio-preservatives, and Treponema spp. This may help to explain the variation of Treponema prevalence in high-income countries and middle- and low-income countries which might linked to the differential consumption of fermented dairy foodstuff and processed food and therefore to the phenomenon of nutrition transition.
Estimating an Achievable Target Price to Regenerate Bio-Oils Post Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
Authors: Brace Emma C. , Engelberth Abigail S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Bio-oils offer valuable use as bio-solvents for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas. Preceding bench-scale studies indicate that greater than 90% of H2S can be removed from a gas stream; economic analysis of such a process is necessary to determine solvent regenerative power required and price limits on a to-be-determined solvent regeneration scheme. With a processing goal 1000 kmol/h of sour gas and removing 99.9% of H2S from gas streams at variable feed concentration, design of an absorption unit to process natural gas using bio-oils was carried out through equilibrium stage analysis. Comparison to conventional amine gas treating was used as a cost threshold for gas treatment. The economic viability of using bio-oils as gas sweetening agents depends on capability of regenerating and recycling more than 98% of the soybean oil bio-solvent to compete with amine gas treating, the most popular industrial method.
Elevated 4R-tau&nbsp;in Astrocytes From Asymptomatic Carriers of the MAPT 10+16&nbsp;Mutation
Authors: Seto-Salvia Nuria , Esteras Noemi , de Silva Rohan , de Pablo-Fernandez Eduardo , Arber Charles , Toomey Christina E , Polke James M , Morris Huw R , Rohrer Jonathan D , Patani Rickie , Wray Selina , Warner Thomas T 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The MAPT 10+16 intronic mutation causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) by increasing expression of four-repeat (4R)-tau isoforms. We investigated the potential role for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of FTLD by studying the expression of 4R-tau. We derived astrocytes and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from two asymptomatic 10+16 carriers and, compared to controls, showed persistently increased 4R:3R-tau transcript and protein ratios in both cell types. However, beyond 300 days culture, 10+16 neurons showed less marked increase of this 4R:3R-tau transcript ratio compared to astrocytes. Interestingly, throughout maturation, both 10+16 carriers consistently displayed different 4R:3R-tau ratios at transcript and protein levels. Our study shows elevated levels of 4R-tau in astrocytes implicating glial cells in the pathogenic process and also suggests a cell-type-specific regulation and may inform and help on treatment of preclinical tauopathies.
Risk of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Related Hepatitis in MP Pneumonia Pediatric Patients: A Predictive Model Construction and Assessment
Authors: Bi Yuna , Ma Yan , Zhuo Jinhua , Zhang Lili , Yin Liyan , Sheng Hongling , Luan Jie , Li Tao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA predictive model for risk of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-related hepatitis in MP pneumonia pediatric patients can improve treatment selection and therapeutic effect. However, currently, no predictive model is available. Methods374 pneumoniae pediatric patients with/without serologically-confirmed MP infection and 93 health controls were enrolled. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the determinant variables and develop predictive model. Predictive performance and optimal diagnostic threshold were evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Stratification analysis by age and MP-IgM titer was used to optimize model’s clinical utility. An external validation set, including 84 MP pneumoniae pediatric patients, was used to verify the predictive efficiency. After univariate analysis to screen significant variables, monocyte count (MO), erythrocyte distribution width (RDW) and platelet count (PLT) were identified as independent predictors in multivariate analysis. ResultsWe constructed MRP model: MO[^109/L]×4+RDW[%]-PLT[^109/L]×0.01. MRP achieved an AUROC of 0.754 and the sensitivity and specificity at cut-off value 10.44 were 71.72% and 61.00%, respectively in predicting MP-related hepatitis from MP pneumonia. These results were verified by the external validation set, whereas it merely achieved an AUROC of 0.540 in pneumonia without MP infection. The AUROC of MRP was 0.812 and 0.787 in infants and toddlers (0-36 months) and low MP-IgM titer subgroup (1:160-1:320), respectively. It can achieve an AUROC of 0.804 in infants and toddler with low MP-IgM titer subgroup. ConclusionsMRP is an effective predictive model for risk of MP-related hepatitis in MP pneumonia pediatric patients, especially infants and toddlers with low MP-IgMtiter.
A Positive Feedback Loop of lncRNA-RMRP/ZNRF3 axis and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Regulates Temozolomide Resistance in Glioma
Authors: Liu Tie , Hu Jie , Han Bo , Tan Shishan , Jia Wenqing , Xin Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Drug resistance strikingly limits the therapeutic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) (a common drug for glioma). Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RMRP was found to be implicated in glioma progression. However, the effects of RMRP on TMZ resistance along with related molecular mechanisms are poor defined in glioma. Methods: RMRP, ZNRF3, and IGF2BP3 were screened out by bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs were measured by RT-qPCR assay. Protein levels of genes were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. ZNRF3 mRNA stability was analyzed using Actinomycin D assay. Cell proliferative ability and survival rate were determined by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptotic patterns were estimated by flow cytometry. The effects of RMRP knockdown on the growth of TMZ-treated glioma xenograft tumors were explored in vivo. The relationships among IGF2BP3, RMRP and ZNRF3 were explored by bioinformatics prediction analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. Results: RMRP was highly expressed in glioma. RMRP knockdown curbed cell proliferation, facilitated cell apoptosis and reduced TMZ resistance in glioma cells and hindered the growth of TMZ-treated glioma xenograft tumors. RMRP exerted its functions by down-regulating ZNRF3 in glioma cells. IGF2BP3 interacted with RMRP and ZNRF3 mRNA. RMRP reduced ZNRF3 expression and mRNA stability by IGF2BP3. RMRP knockdown inhibited β-catenin expression by up-regulating ZNRF3 and β-catenin promoted RMRP expression in glioma cells. Conclusion: RMRP/ZNRF3 axis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling formed a positive feedback loop to regulate TMZ resistance in glioma. The sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by RMRP contributes the better management of cancers.
Dose Estimates of Occupational Radiation Exposure During Radioguided Surgery of&nbsp;[99mTc]Tc-PSMA-labeled Lymph Nodes in Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Grosse Jirka , Moosbauer Jutta , Mayr Roman , Burger Maximilian , Hellwig Dirk 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and objective[99mTc]Tc-PSMA-based radioguided surgery (TPRS) represents a curative approach for localized relapse of prostate cancer. For its simplified regulatory permission, the radiation protection authorities require a 99mTc activity below the exemption limit of 10 MBq at the time of surgery. Our aim was to determine the optimal amount of radioactivity (OAR) to comply with that limit and to estimate the maximum number of TPRS procedures per year and surgeon without triggering the full monitoring obligations.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a dose rate meter was calibrated using measurements on phantoms and from recently injected (1 min p.i.) patients to determine the activity in the patient from measured dose rates. The effective half-life of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S in patients was determined from repeated dose rate measurements up to 27 h p.i. to estimate dose parameters of relevance for radiation protection. External exposures of the surgeons were measured with personal dosimeters calibrated in Hp(10). ResultsFrom the first 6 subsequent patients, an effective half-life of 4.15 h was observed. Assuming an operation time 24 h p.i., the OAR was 550 MBq. Operations lasting in average 2 h in a distance of 0.25 m to the patient imply a body dose for surgeons of 4,16 µSv per procedure. Based on these estimates, the surgeon’s Hp(10) is less than 1 mSv per year with up to 241 operations per year. The effective dose for surgeons during the procedure determined with an electronic dosimeter is 4±1 µSv. SummaryAll radiation protection regulations are met with adherence to OAR recommended here without triggering the full monitoring obligations from radiation protection regulations.
The Awareness and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and its Prevention: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Han A lum 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The accurate documentation of a patient’s prior medication use by dentists, and their knowledge of the side effects associated with anti-osteoporotic agents can prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. This study investigated the awareness of dentists regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws, with the aim of determining the need for targeted educational interventions for this medical condition within the dental profession.Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among 1000 dentists registered in an online community in Korea. Results: Dentists who documented the use of anti-osteoporotic medications by patients were more likely to have no prior experience of encountering previous cases of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; this was evident among dentists who documented the names of these medications (97.5% having no experience versus 95.6% having experience; P = 0.116), and those who recorded both medication names and duration of use (67.5% having no experience versus 59.0% having experience; P = 0.007). In terms of dentists who advised drug holidays for ≥6 months, the proportion with no prior experience of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was also higher than the proportion with prior experience (42.1% versus 32.8%, respectively; P < 0.001).Conclusions: These results suggest that dentists do not respond consistently to the patient's drug history prior to performing dental procedures. This implies the need for mutual cooperation between dentists and physicians, and the development of targeted educational interventions for the dental profession.Trial registration: Not applicable.
The OHIP-EDENT B&amp;H Questionnaire: Translation and Psychometric Properties in Treatment of Acrylic Complete Denture Wearers
Authors: Postic Srdjan Dusan , Kučević Esad , Halilović-Asotić Ajdina , Asotić Amina , Asotić Bakir , Džanan Damir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives. The OHIP-EDENT (the OHIP-EDENT B&H) translated from the original English language version was assessed in complete denture wearers before and after new denture manufacture and adjustments.Materials and Methods. A total of 117 acrylic complete denture wearers participated. The convergent validity was assessed by calculating point bi-serial correlations between the OHIP-EDENT Summary scores and the quality old dentures. Responsiveness was assessed by comparison of Summary score before (old dentures) and after adjustments of new dentures. Results. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.80 in the patients with their old dentures and 0.76 in same patients after receiving new dentures and all adjustments provided. Convergent validity coefficients varied between 0.491 and 0.548. Responsiveness was confirmed by signiﬁcantly lower scores of the OHIP-EDENT B&H after new denture delivery and adjustments, both for Summary scores (p=0.027), as well as for the domains of functional limitation (p=0.02), psychological discomfort (p=0.01), physical pain (p=0.003), and handicap (p=0.04). Conclusions. The translated version of the OHIP-EDENT B&H showed good psychometric properties. Clinical Relevance. Clinical significance of the application of the OHIP-EDENT B&H questionnaire is in the reflection of the achieved success in the therapy by acrylic complete dentures after corrections of teeth and denture surfaces at recalls.
Blockchain as a Middleware for Iot Sensing and Authentication Within Smart Cities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alasbali Nada , Azzuhri Saaidal Razali , Salleh Rosli , Kiah Miss Laiha Mat 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Previous research in Smart City technologies has been narrow and system-specific in both their orientation and focus. Specificity creates the homogeneity of systems architecture that, while beneficial from an experimental position, is entirely incompatible with the broader needs of a system standard. The current review seeks to examine existing research and their outcomes and summarize research milestones in the intersection of three domains of blockchain technologies, IoT capabilities, and smart city solutions. Based on the inclusion criteria, eighteen studies extracted from 6 academic journals contained some form of experimental or model-oriented solution and offered a distinct advantage over other proprietary research in this field. The SLR has divided the central concepts and structural solutions illuminated in the blockchain-IoT-related, smart city research conducted in the past four years into its core components: a structural solution of issues of security and authentication in the IoT, a tangible application of smart contract technologies for decentralized smart negotiation and a means of permissions-based performative oversight and administration. Heterogeneity and proprietary technologies will revise IoT's scope and capabilities and capabilities. However, this intermediary role of the Blockchain has been proven in many experimental and exploratory works and offers a significant advantage over prior structural limitations.