bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Contaminations in Herbal Medicines: Determination, Comprehensive Risk Assessments, and Solutions
Authors: Luo Lu , Wang Bo , Jiang Jingwen , Huang Qin , Yu Zheng , Li Hui , Zhang Jiqing , Yang Chenyuyan , Zhang Hui , Dong Linlin , Chen Shilin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Heavy metal contamination in herbal medicines is a global threat to human beings especially at levels above known threshold concentrations.Methods: The concentrations of five heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) with 1773 samples. Exposure assessment, Non-carcinogenic risk assessment, and carcinogenic risk assessment were applied to measure their risks in human body.Results: According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 30.51% (541) samples were detected with at least one over-limit metal. The over-limit ratio for Pb was 5.75% (102), Cd at 4.96% (88), As at 4.17% (74), Hg at 3.78% (67), and of Cu, 1.75% (31). For exposure assessment, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg have resulted in higher than acceptable risks in 25 kinds of herbs. The maximal Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb in seven herbs, of Cd in five, of Hg in four, and As in three exceeded their corresponding Provisional Tolerable Daily Intakes (PTDI). In total 25 kinds of herbs present an unacceptable risk as assessed with the HQ (Hazard Quotient) or HI (Hazard Index). Particularly, Plantaginis herba (HI = 11.47) is more than 11 times over the limit.Conclusions: Heavy metal contamination in herbal medicines was borderline or higher than the safety level with the majority of the herbal plants were within acceptable risks. Notably, As posed the highest risk in all indicators including EDI, HI, and CR, inducing the most serious risks in all five metals. Herbal medicines Euodiae fructus, Plantaginis herba, and Desmodii styracifolii were considered the most risk-inducing herbal medicines. Therefore, it is of great advantage to establish universal standards and quality requirements for hazardous elements in herbal medicines so that this natural resource can continue and expand further, to benefit health globally.
Region Specific Amyloid-β Accumulation in Olfactory Sensory Neurons Influences Ecto-Ventral Olfactory Dysfunction in 5xFAD Mice
Authors: Son Gowoon , Yoo Seung-Jun , Kang Shinwoo , Rasheed Ameer , Jung Da Hae , Park Hyunjun , Cho Bongki , Steinbusch Harry W.M. , Chang Keun-A , Suh Yoo-Hun , Moon Cheil 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Hyposmia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a typical early symptom according to numerous previous clinical studies. Although the causes of damage have been proposed in every olfactory system including olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex, the main causes of AD- related hyposmia are largely unknown. Methods: We here focused on peripheral olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and delved deeper into the direct relationship between pathophysiological and behavioral results using odorants. We also histologically confirmed the pathological changes in three-month-old 5xFAD mouse models which recapitulates AD pathology. We introduced a numeric scale histologically to compare physiological phenomenon and local tissue lesions regardless of anatomical plane. Results: We observed the odorant group, which 5xFAD mouse could not detect, also neither did physiologically activate the OSNs that propagate to the ventral olfactory bulb. Interestingly, the amount of accumulated amyloid-β (Aβ) was high in the ecto-ventrally located OSNs that showed reduced responses to odorants. We also observed irreversible damage to the ecto-region of the olfactory epithelium by measuring impaired neuronal turnover ratio from the basal cells to the matured OSNs. Conclusions: Our results showed that partial and asymmetrical accumulation of Aβ coincided with physiologically and structurally damaged areas in the peripheral olfactory system, which evoked hyporeactivity to some odorants. Taken together, partial olfactory dysfunction closely-associated with peripheral OSN’s loss could be a leading cause of the AD-related hyposmia, a characteristic of early AD.
Retinoic Acid Sensitivity of Triple-Negative Breast-Cancer Cells Characterized by Constitutive Activation of the NOTCH1 Pathway: The Role of RARβ
Authors: Paroni Gabriela , Zanetti Adriana , Barzago Maria Monica , Kurosaki Mami , Guarrera Luca , Fratelli Maddalena , Troiani Martina , Ubezio Paolo , Bolis Marco , Vallerga Arianna , Biancardi Federica , Terao Mineko , Garattini Enrico 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background: All-trans retinoic-acid (ATRA) is a promising agent in the personalized treatment/chemo-prevention of breast-cancer. Triple-negative breast-cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-20% of all mammary tumours and share common features such as a high proliferation index and a basal-like gene expression signature. In spite of this, TNBC is very heterogeneous and lacks effective therapeutic strategies.Methods: We profile eighteen TNBC breast-cancer cell-lines for their sensitivity to the anti-proliferative action of ATRA. In addition, we perform RNA-sequencing studies in two of the most sensitive cell-lines exposed to ATRA, a γ-secretase inhibitor and combinations thereof. Results: The only three TNBC cell-lines (HCC-1599, MB-157 and MDA-MB-157) endowed with ATRA-sensitivity are characterized by constitutive activation of the NOTCH1 γ-secretase product, N1ICD and we identify the associated genetic aberrations of the NOTCH1-gene. N1ICD expression renders HCC-1599, MB-157 and MDA-MB-157 cells sensitive not only to ATRA, but also to γ-secretase inhibitors, like DAPT [N-(N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine-t-butyl-ester] and PF-03084014. The anti-proliferative action of ATRA and γ-secretase inhibitors is complementary, as combinations of ATRA and DAPT or PF-03084014 cause synergistic effects. This synergism is confirmed in mouse xenografts of HCC-1599 cells. RNA-sequencing studies performed in HCC-1599 and MB-157 cells exposed to ATRA and DAPT demonstrate that the two compounds act on common gene-sets, some of which belong to the NOTCH1 pathway. ATRA inhibits the growth of HCC-1599, MB-157 and MDA-MB-157 cells via RARα, which up-regulates several retinoid target-genes, including RARβ. RARβ induction is observed only in HCC-1599, MB-157 and MDA-MB-157 cells, as the other TNBC cell-lines lack ATRA-dependent stimulation of the retinoid-receptor. RARβ is a key determinant of ATRA anti-proliferative activity, as its silencing suppresses the effects exerted by the retinoid. Conclusions: We demonstrate that ATRA exerts a significant anti-tumor action in TNBC cells characterized by constitutive NOTCH1 activation. We show that ATRA enhances the anti-tumor activity of γ-secretase inhibitors in an additive/synergistic manner. We support the idea that ATRA anti-proliferative activity is mediated by the Retinoid-Acid-Receptor-β (RARβ). The present study represents the basis for the design of clinical trials on the efficacy of combinations between ATRA and γ-secretase inhibitors in the treatment of patients affected by a specific subtype of TNBC.
Malaria Micro-stratification Using Routine Surveillance Data in Western Kenya
Authors: Alegana Victor A , Suiyanka Laurissa , Macharia Peter M , Ikahu-Muchangi Grace , Snow Robert W 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: There is an increasing need for finer spatial resolution data on malaria risk to provide micro-stratification to guide sub-national strategic plans. Here, spatial-statistical techniques are used to exploit routine data to depict sub-national heterogeneities in test positivity rate (TPR) for malaria among patients attending health facilities in Kenya. Methods: Routine data from health facilities (n=1804) representing all ages over 24 months (2018-2019) was assembled across 8 countries (62 sub-counties) in Western Kenya. Statistical model-based approaches were used to quantify heterogeneities in TPR and uncertainty at fine spatial resolution adjusting for missingness, population distribution, spatial data structure, month, and type of the health facility.Results: The overall monthly reporting rate was 78.7% (IQR 75.0 – 100.0) and public-based health facilities were more likely than private facilities to report ≥ 12 months (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.3 – 7.5). There was marked heterogeneity in population-weighted TPR with sub-counties in the north of the lake-endemic region exhibiting the highest rates (exceedance probability >70% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.7 million (28.5%) people reside. At micro-level the lowest rates were in 14 sub-counties (exceedance probability <30% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.2 million (23.1%) people lived and indoor residual spraying had been conducted since 2017.Conclusion: The value of routine health data on TPR can be enhanced when adjusting for underlying population and spatial structures of the data, highlighting small scale heterogeneities in malaria risk often masked in broad national stratifications. Future research should aim at relating these heterogeneities in TPR with traditional community-level prevalence to improve tailoring malaria control activities at sub-national levels.
Women and Barriers to Harm Reduction Services: A Literature Review and Initial Findings From a Qualitative Study in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Shirley-Beavan Sam , Forteza Aura Roig , Burke-Shyne Naomi , Daniels Colleen , Csak Robert 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
There are an estimated 3.2 million women who inject drugs worldwide, constituting 20% of all people who inject drugs. The limited data that is available suggests that women who inject drugs are at greater risk of HIV and viral hepatitis acquisition than men who inject drugs. This increased vulnerability is a product of a range of environmental, social and individual factors affecting women, which also affect their ability to engage in health promoting services such as harm reduction.
Methods
The researchers undertook a narrative literature review examining access to harm reduction services for women who use drugs in Europe, and conducted semi-structured focus groups with women who use drugs and harm reduction and prison health workers in Barcelona, Spain.
Results
Women who use drugs face multiple barriers to accessing harm reduction services. These include: stigma, both in society in general and from health and harm reduction workers in prisons and in the community; gender-based violence and a lack of services that are equipped to address the interaction between drug use and experiences of violence; criminalisation in the form of legal barriers to access, arrest and harassment from law enforcement, and incarceration; a lack of services focused on the specific needs of women, notably sexual and reproductive health services and childcare. In Barcelona, participants reported experiencing all these barriers, and that their engagement with the Metzineres harm reduction centre had to some extent mitigated them. However, women continued to experience structural barriers to harm reduction service access.
Conclusions
Women and gender non-conforming people who use drugs face unique barriers to accessing harm reduction services. While services such as Metzineres can be life-changing and life-affirming for its members, it is incumbent on states to act to address the structural barriers to health faced by women who use drugs.
Continuum of Hepatitis C Care Cascade in Prison and Following Release in the Direct-acting Antivirals Era
Authors: Hariri Sanam , Sharafi Heidar , Sheikh Mahdi , Merat Shahin , Hashemi Farnaz , Azimian Fatemeh , Tamadoni Babak , Ramazani Rashid , Gouya Mohamad Mehdi , Abbasi Behzad , Tashakorian Mehrzad , Alasvand Ramin , Alavian Seyed Moayed , Poustchi Hossein , Malekzadeh Reza 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
People with criminal justice involvement contribute remarkably to the rising hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden; however, the continuum of care is a major barrier to prison-based programs. We aimed to evaluate a comprehensive HCV care model in an Iranian provincial prison.
Methods
Between 2017–2018, in the Karaj Central Prison, newly admitted male inmates received HCV antibody testing and venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Participants with positive RNA underwent direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir). Sustained virological response was evaluated at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12).
Results
Overall, from 3,485 participants, 182 (5.2%) and 117 (3.4%) tested positive for HCV antibody and RNA, respectively. Among 116 patients who were eligible for treatment, 24% (n = 28) were released before treatment and 72% (n = 83) initiated DAA therapy, of whom 81% (n = 67/83) completed treatment in prison and the rest were released. Of total released patients, 68% (n = 30/44) were linked to care in community, and 70% (n = 21/30) completed treatment, including 60% (n = 12/20) and 90% (n = 9/10) among those who were released before and during treatment, respectively. The overall HCV treatment uptake and completion were 89% (n = 103/116) and 85% (n = 88/103), respectively. From people who completed treatment, 43% (n = 38/88) attended for response assessment and all were cured (SVR = 100%).
Conclusions
Integrated HCV care models are highly effective and can be significantly strengthened by post-release interventions. The close collaboration of community and prison healthcare systems is crucial to promote high levels of adherence to treatment. Future studies should investigate the predictors of engagement with HCV care following release.
Immune Infiltrating Cells in Cholangiocarcinoma May Become Clinical Diagnostic Markers: Based on Bioinformatics Analysis.
Authors: Zhang Yongwei , Chen Sihan , Li Jun , Dai Wei , Qian Yeben 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant tumor originating from the secondary bile duct and its branch epithelium. Among primary liver tumors, the incidence of ICC is second only to hepatocellular carcinoma. tumor microenvironment can regulate the occurrence and development of tumors. This study is dedicated to finding more markers that can diagnose ICC by finding the differential tumor microenvironment cells between ICC and normal tissues. Methods: We wanted to study the infiltration of immune cells between the cholangiocarcinoma of the same patient and its paired non-tumor tissues, to explore the difference of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and adjacent non-tumor tissues in the same organism. So, we searched the relevant data of patients with ICC from the GEO database and found that the GSE45001 data set meets our research needs. CIBERSORT database is used to calculate immune cell composition. Finally, perform visual analysis and data statistics to find out the differentially expressed immune cells.Results: we found that the expression levels of Dendritic cells activated, Macrophages M2 and T cells regulatory (Tregs) in ICC were higher than normal tissues and the expression levels of Macrophages M1, Monocytes and T cells follicular helper in ICC were lower than normal tissues. Conclusion: These 6 types of immune cells are expected to become molecular markers for clinical diagnosis of ICC.
Understanding water demand and usage in Mandalay city, Myanmar as a basis for resetting tariffs†
Authors: Nagpal Tanvi , Rawlings Henry , Balac Maël 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Water service providers must understand the needs and consumption patterns of their customers in order to make informed decisions on new investments. The Mandalay City Development Committee is undertaking an expansion of its water supply and sewerage infrastructure with a goal of reaching every citizen. The service provider needs to revise tariffs to cover higher provision costs. To this end, a survey conducted in 2019 in Mandalay City, Myanmar revealed that 80% of users relied on more than one water source. The selection of water source depended on intended use, quality, availability, and reliability more than it did on price. Users are heavily reliant on groundwater, which is also increasingly scarce and contaminated. The findings shed light on the challenges of meeting operational costs through tariffs when municipal supplies are not the sole source of water, water quality is poor, and non-revenue water is high.
Forest riparian buffers reduce timber harvesting effects on stream temperature, but additional climate adaptation strategies are likely needed under future conditions
Authors: Yonce Hillary N. , Sarkar Saumya , Butcher Jonathan B. , Johnson Thomas E. , Julius Susan H. , LeDuc Stephen D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Stream water temperature imposes metabolic constraints on the health of cold-water fish like salmonids. Timber harvesting can reduce stream shading leading to higher water temperatures, while also altering stream hydrology. In the Pacific Northwest, riparian buffer requirements are designed to mitigate these impacts; however, anticipated future changes in air temperature and precipitation could reduce the efficacy of these practices in protecting aquatic ecosystems. Using a combined modeling approach (Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), Shade, and QUAL2K), this study examines the effectiveness of riparian buffers in reducing impacts of timber harvest on stream water temperature in Lookout Creek, Oregon across a range of potential future climates. Simulations assess changes in riparian management alone, climate alone, and combined effects. Results suggest that maximum stream water temperatures during thermal stress events are projected to increase by 3.3–7.4 °C due to hydroclimatic change alone by the end of this century. Riparian management is effective in reducing stream temperature increases from timber harvesting alone but cannot fully counteract the additional effects of a warming climate. Overall, our findings suggest that the protection of sensitive aquatic species will likely require additional adaptation strategies, such as the protection or provisioning of cool water refugia, to enhance survival during maximum thermal stress events.
Variation of economic value produced by environmental flow in water-scarce basins of Northwest China
Authors: Yue Siyu , Li Huaien , Cheng Bo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
With intensification of human activities, environmental flow is often diverted for human use, particularly in areas with water scarcity. Accurate assessment of economic value produced by environmental flow will help protect environmental flow by means of economics. Based on the concept of opportunity cost, we can estimate economic value produced by environmental flow in water-scarce basins by the maximum loss caused by reduced amounts of water and the availability of water for other purposes. In this study, we propose a method that combined results of water scarcity assessment incorporating environmental flow with an opportunity cost approach to obtain economic value produced by environmental flow on the sub-basin scale. Then, we take the Wei River Basin in Northwest China as an example to test the feasibility of this method and use scenario analysis to discuss the influence of climate factor and land-use factor on economic value produced by environmental flow. This method can better present distribution and variation characteristics of economic value produced by environmental flow more directly and provide a reference for future ecological compensation in water-scarce basins.
Drivers of future water demand in Sydney, Australia: examining the contribution from population and climate change
Authors: Barker Adrian , Pitman Andrew , Evans Jason P. , Spaninks Frank , Uthayakumaran Luther 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe examine the relative impact of population increases and climate change in affecting future water demand for Sydney, Australia. We use the Weather and Research Forecasting model, a water demand model and a stochastic weather generator to downscale four different global climate models for the present (1990–2010), near (2020–2040) and far (2060–2080) future. Projected climate change would increase median metered consumption, at 2019/2020 population levels, from around 484 GL under present climate to 484–494 GL under near future climate and 495–505 GL under far future climate. Population changes from 2014/2015 to 2024/2025 have a far larger impact, increasing median metered consumption from 457 to 508 GL under the present climate, 463 to 515 GL under near future climate and from 471 to 524 GL under far future climate. The projected changes in consumption are sensitive to the climate model used. Overall, while population growth is a far stronger driver of increasing water demand than climate change for Sydney, both act in parallel to reduce the time it would take for all storage to be exhausted. Failing to account for climate change would therefore lead to overconfidence in the reliability of Sydney's water supply.
Use of real-time sensors for compliance monitoring of nitrate in finished drinking water
Authors: Jones Christopher S. , Li Tianyi , Sukalski Alex , Thompson Darrin A. , Cwiertny David M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Across the Midwestern United States, Public Water Systems (PWSs) struggle with high levels of nitrate in source waters from intense agricultural activity. Leveraging a sensor network deployed across Iowa surface waters, we evaluated the potential of the Hach Nitratax SC Plus, which uses UV-light absorption to quantify dissolved nitrate-nitrite (NOx-N) down to 0.1 mg-N L−1, for real-time monitoring of NOx-N in drinking water. For six different PWSs over multiple years, we compare NOx-N levels in source waters (surface and groundwater under surface influence) to those measured via traditional methods (e.g., ion chromatography (IC)) for US EPA compliance monitoring. At one large PWS, we also evaluated sensor performance when applied to near-finished drinking water (filter effluent). We find good agreement between traditional analytical methods and in situ sensors. For example, for 771 filter effluent samples from 2006–2011, IC analysis averaged NOx-N of 5.8 mg L−1 while corresponding sensor measurements averaged 5.7 mg L−1 with a mean absolute error of 0.23 (5.6%). We identify several benefits of using real-time sensors in PWSs, including improved frequency to capture elevated NOx-N levels and as decision-support tools for NOx-N management.
Microwave-assisted method to degrade phenol using persulfate or hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by Cu-bearing silicon carbide
Authors: Sun Jie , Xia Guotong , Yang Wenjin , Hu Yue , Shen Weibo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The radical generation properties of hydrogen peroxide and persulfate for phenol degradation were investigated under microwave irradiation using copper-doped silicon carbide (Cu/SiC) composites as catalyst. The results showed that 90% and 70% of phenol and total organic carbon (TOC), respectively, were removed within 7 min. Microwave activation of hydrogen peroxide and sodium persulfate in terms of thermal effects and accelerated electron transfer was analyzed by degradation kinetics and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The microwave activation of Na2S2O8 demonstrated that the hot spots promote decomposition of persulfate more rapidly and the rate of persulfate decomposition was more than three times the activation rate of a normal heating method. There is a synergistic effect between Cu and microwave radiation, which is highlighted by the H2O2 activation; ·OH was generated due to the redox cycle between Cu(I)/Cu(II) and was responsible for phenol degradation using H2O2. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that hydroxylation and sulfate radicals addition of phenol were the initial oxidation reaction steps of hydrogen peroxide and persulfate, respectively, followed by further oxidation to form short-chain carboxylic acids.