bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of polyphenols on activated sludge biomass during the treatment of highly diluted olive mill wastewaters: biomass dynamics and purifying performances
Authors: Elmansour T. E. , Mandi L. , Ahmali A. , Elghadraoui A. , Aziz F. , Hejjaj A. , Del Bubba M. , Ouazzani N. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the feasibility of treating olive mill waste water (OMWW) by activated sludge pilot (AS) after its high dilution (1%) by urban waste water (UWW) and to study the effect of polyphenol compounds on the biomass during the treatment. Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total polyphenols, were followed up over 100 days. In spite of the polyphenols' high concentration (up to 128 mg·L−1), successful biomass growth of 7.12 g MLVSS.L −1 and activity were achieved. Most of the bacteria (Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter fereundii, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp.) and fungi (Trichoderma sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria) identified in the aerobic basin during the stabilization stage were known to be resistant to OMWW and showed effective adaptation of the biomass to polyphenols in high concentration. COD and polyphenols were highly eliminated (90%, 92% respectively). The sludge volume index in the pilot settling tank was almost constant at around 120 mL.g −1. This suggests the possibility of managing OMWW by simple injection at a given percentage in already functioning conventional AS treating UWW.
Tablet Formulation of a Synthesized Celecoxib Potassium Salt and Development of a Validated Method for Its Analysis
Authors: Abualhasan Murad , Zatar Nidal , Shehab Kefah Abu , Shraim Nasr 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and acute
pain. Celecoxib has low systemic bioavailability due to its low water solubility. This study aimed to improve
water solubility and dissolution profile by synthesizing a suitable celecoxib potassium salt (celecoxib–K salt).

Methods:
Four celecoxib salts were synthesized, and the solubility of these four salts was determined. Celecoxib–
K monohydrate salt was chosen for tablet formulation. A simple and feasible reversed-phase high-performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the analysis of the formulated tablet and then
validated according to international guidelines. The dissolution profile, shelf life, and accelerated stability
studies on the formulated tablet were conducted.

Results:
Celecoxib–K monohydrate salt exhibited increased water solubility by more than 140-folds (0.464
mg/ml) compared with celecoxib. The in vitro dissolution profile of the formulated celecoxib–K salt tablet was
totally dissolved after 10 min. The developed analytical HPLC method was a reliable and valid method with
good linearity, accuracy, and precision. Moreover, it was sensitive, and the limit of detection and quantification
(LOD and LOQ) were 0.001 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. The formulated celecoxib–K monohydrate salt tablet
was stable under room temperature and accelerated condition for 60 days.

Conclusion:
The potassium salt of celecoxib was highly increased, and the formulated tablet of celecoxib–K
salt exhibited a good dissolution profile in the water. In addition, the developed HPLC method was valid and reliable
for the analysis and quantification of the formulated tablet. The formulated tablet was stable both at room
temperature and under stress conditions.
Assessment of the Physicochemical Properties and Stability for Pharmacokinetic Prediction of Pyrazinoic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Franchin Taísa Busaranho , Ulian Silva Bruna Cristina , DeGrandis Rone Aparecido , Corrêa Michelle Fidelis , de Queiroz Aranha Cecília Maria Simões , Fernandes Joáo Paulo S. , Campos Michel Leandro , Peccinini Rosângela Gonçalves 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
which still has high prevalence worldwide. In addition, cases of drug resistance are frequently observed. In the
search for new anti-TB drugs, compounds with antimycobacterial activity have been developed, such as derivatives
of pyrazinoic acid, which is the main pyrazinamide metabolite. In a previous study, the compounds were
evaluated and showed moderate antimycobacterial activity and no important cytotoxic profile; however, information
about their pharmacokinetic profile is lacking.

Objective:
The aim of this work was to perform physicochemical, permeability, and metabolic properties of
four pyrazinoic acid esters.

Methods:
The compounds were analyzed for their chemical stability, n-octanol:water partition coefficient (logP)
and apparent permeability (Papp) in monolayer of Caco-2 cells. The stability of the compounds in rat and human
microsomes and in rat plasma was also evaluated.

Results:
The compounds I, II and IV were found to be hydrophilic, while compound III was the most lipophilic
(logP 1.59) compound. All compounds showed stability at the three evaluated pHs (1.2, 7.4 and 8.8). The apparent
permeability measured suggests good intestinal absorption of the compounds. Additionally, the compounds
showed metabolic stability under action of human and rat microsomal enzymes and stability in rat plasma for at
least 6 hours.

Conclusion:
The results bring favorable perspectives for the future development of the evaluated compounds
and other pyrazinoic acid derivatives.
Modeling Microbial Community Networks: Methods and Tools
Authors: Cappellato Marco , Baruzzo Giacomo , Patuzzi Ilaria , Di Camillo Barbara 
Published: September 2020

:
In the current research landscape, microbiota composition studies are of extreme interest,
since it has been widely shown that resident microorganisms affect and shape the ecological niche
they inhabit. This complex micro-world is characterized by different types of interactions. Understanding
these relationships provides a useful tool for decoding the causes and effects of communities’
organizations. Next-Generation Sequencing technologies allow to reconstruct the internal composition
of the whole microbial community present in a sample. Sequencing data can then be investigated
through statistical and computational method coming from network theory to infer the network of interactions
among microbial species.

:
Since there are several network inference approaches in the literature, in this paper we tried to shed
light on their main characteristics and challenges, providing a useful tool not only to those interested
in using the methods, but also to those who want to develop new ones. In addition, we focused on the
frameworks used to produce synthetic data, starting from the simulation of network structures up to
their integration with abundance models, with the aim of clarifying the key points of the entire generative
process.
A Quantitative Proteomic Analysis to Reveal Effects of N-acetylcysteine on H2O2-induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Park Jong-Moon , Duong Van-An , Mok Jeong-Hun , Choi Doo-Jin , Lee Hookeun 
Published: September 2020

Aims:
This study aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of the proteomic changes in
neural cells under H2O2 exposure and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment.

Background:
NAC is a potent antioxidant and an effective free radical scavenger that has been
used as a potential treatment of several neurological disorders. Although the molecular mechanisms
of neuroprotective action by NAC have been studied, more efforts are still needed for the
elucidation of the mechanisms through a quantitative proteomic analysis.

Objective:
This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins among control, H2O2-treated
group, and NAC+H2O2-treated group as well as reveal proteins involved in the protection of neural
cells from H2O2-induced toxicity.

Methods:
SK-N-MC cells were untreated (control), treated with H2O2 (disease group), pretreated
with NAC, and then treated with H2O2 (NAC group). Proteins were digested to peptides and analyzed
using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with the data-independent acquisition.
Skyline was used to quantify peptides and proteins. MSstats was used for statistical analysis.
Gene ontology and protein-protein interactions were performed using the Differentially Expressed
Proteins (DEPs).

Results:
Cytoprotective effects of NAC on the cell against H2O2-induced toxicity were first proven
using a cell viability study and lactate dehydrogenase assay. The proteomic analysis found 93
DEPs in three comparisons. Among them, 37 proteins were differentially expressed under H2O2 exposure.
Only 10 DEPs were rescued in the case of NAC pretreatment. Aspartate aminotransferase
and L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain were two DEPs involved in the cysteine and methionine
metabolism pathway, which might relate to the mechanisms of NAC protective effects.

Conclusion:
The findings of cell studies and proteomic analysis were in agreement with previous
results, confirming the cytoprotective effects of NAC on neural cells against oxidative stress.
Berberine Inhibits the Gene Expression and Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Mononuclear Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Ghorbani Niloofar , Sahebari Maryam , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Rastin Maryam , Zamani Shahrzad , Zamani Marjan 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent autoimmune arthritis. Berberine
is an alkaloid isolated from Berberis vulgaris, and its anti-inflammatory effect has been identified.

Methods::
: Twenty newly diagnosed RA patients and 20 healthy controls participated. Peripheral
mononuclear cells were prepared and stimulated with bacterial lipopolysachharide (LPS,1 μg/ml),
exposed to different concentrations of berberine (10 and 50μM) and dexamethasone (10-7 M) as a
reference. The toxicity of compounds was evaluated by WST-1 assay. The expression of TNF-α
and IL-1β was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein level of secreted TNF-α and
IL-1β was measured by using ELISA.

Results:
Berberine did not have any toxic effect on cells, whereas Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation
caused a noticeable rise in TNF-α and IL-1β production. Berberine markedly downregulated
the expression of both TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibited TNF-α and IL-1β secretion from LPS-stimulated
PBMCs.

Discussion:
This study provided a molecular basis for anti-inflammatory effect of berberine on human
mononuclear cells through the suppression of TNF-a and IL-1secretion. Our findings highlighted
the significant inhibitory effect of berberine on proinflammatory responses of mononuclear
cells from rheumatoid arthritis individuals, which may be responsible for antiinflammatory property
of Barberry. We observed that berberine at high concentration exhibited anti-inflammatory effect
in PBMCs of both healthy and patient groups by suppression of TNF-a and IL-1cytokines at
both mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions:
Berberine may inhibit the gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
by mononuclear cells in rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals without affecting cell
viability. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to prove the idea.
Role of Serum β-HCG Doubling in Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy and its Management Strategy
Authors: Mirji Divya , Rao Shubha , Vasudeva Akhila , Roopa P.S. 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) is defined as the absence of intrauterine
or extrauterine sac and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin levels (β-HCG) above the discriminatory
zone of 1500 mIU/ml. It should be noted that PUL is not always an ectopic; however,
by measuring the trends of serum β-HCG, we can determine the outcome of a PUL.

Objective:
This study aims to identify the various trends of β-HCG levels in early pregnancy and
evaluate the role of β-HCG in the management strategy.

Methods:
We conducted a prospective observational study of pregnant women suspected of early
pregnancy. Cases were classified as having a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) by transvaginal
ultrasound and ß -HCG greater than 1000 mIU/ml. Expectant management was done until there was
a definite outcome. All the collected data were analyzed by employing the chi-square test using
SPSS version 20.

Results:
Among the 1200 women who had early first trimester scans, 70 women who fulfilled our
criteria of PUL and ß -HCG > 1000 mIU/ml were recruited in this study. In our study, the mean age
of the participants was 30±5.6yrs, and the overall mean serum ß -HCG was 3030±522 mIU/ml. The
most common outcome observed was an ectopic pregnancy, 47% in our study. We also found that
the rate of failing pregnancy was 27%, and that of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) was 25%. Overall,
in PUL patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 9% behaved like IUP, and 4% had an atypical
trend in their ß -HCG. Those who had an IUP, 11% had a suboptimal increase in ß-HCG.

Conclusion:
PUL rate in our unit was 6%. The majority of the outcome of PUL was ectopic in our
study. Every case of PUL should be managed based on the initial ß -HCG values, clinical assessments
and upon the consent of the patient.
Protein Interaction Studies for Understanding the Tremor Pathway in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Dogra Nitu , Mani Ruchi Jakhmola , Katare Deepshikha Pande 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Tremor is one of the most noticeable features, which occurs during the early
stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). It is one of the major pathological hallmarks and does not
have any interpreted mechanism. In this study, we have framed a hypothesis and deciphered protein-
protein interactions between the proteins involved in impairment in sodium and calcium ion
channels and thus cause synaptic plasticity leading to a tremor.

Methods:
Literature mining for retrieval of proteins was done using Science Direct, PubMed Central,
SciELO and JSTOR databases. A well-thought approach was used, and a list of differentially
expressed proteins in PD was collected from different sources. A total of 71 proteins were retrieved,
and a protein interaction network was constructed between them by using Cytoscape.v.3.7.
The network was further analysed using the BiNGO plugin for retrieval of overrepresented biological
processes in Tremor-PD datasets. Hub nodes were also generated in the network.

Results:
The Tremor-PD pathway was deciphered, which demonstrates the cascade of protein interactions
that might lead to tremors in PD. Major proteins involved were LRRK2, TUBA1A,
TRAF6, HSPA5, ADORA2A, DRD1, DRD2, SNCA, ADCY5, TH, etc.

Conclusion:
In the current study, it is predicted that ADORA2A and DRD1/DRD2 are equally contributing
to the progression of the disease by inhibiting the activity of adenylyl cyclase and thereby
increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, causing an influx of neurotransmitters and together
they alter the level of dopamine in the brain which eventually leads to tremor.
Macrovascular Protecting Effects of Berberine through Anti-inflammation and Intervention of BKCa in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Authors: Wu Zhigui , Gu Li , Si Yuankai , Yin Wenxian , Zhao Meng , Zhang Ting , Chen Meijuan 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of berberine on diabetes mellitus
in vivo and in vitro, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:
Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were established and were treated with
berberine. Pathological changes in the thoracic aorta, and inflammatory factor and adiponectin levels
were investigated. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the thoracic aorta were cultured
and treated with berberine. Cellular proliferation, migration, and inflammatory factor levels were
investigated. Responses of vascular rings to phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) after
berberine intervention and the changes of relaxation responses to SNP after adding Iberiotoxin
(IbTX) were investigated.

Results:
Berberine ameliorated the pathological status of the thoracic aorta in the T2DM rats. Berberine
significantly inhibited the C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis
factor-α (TNF-α) production, and increased the adiponectin level compared with the model group.
Compared with the model group, berberine inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in
vitro, and reduced tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Furthermore, the contraction
of thoracic aorta to PE was reduced, while the relaxation response of thoracic aorta to SNP
was increased, after the berberine intervention in the T2DM rats. The relaxation response of thoracic
aorta to SNP in the model and berberine groups decreased after the IbTX treatment.

Conclusions:
Protective effects of berberine against macrovascular complications induced by diabetes
mellitus may be attributed to inhibiting of the inflammation and intervening of the calcium-
activated potassium (BKCa).
Psychological and Medico-Legal Perspectives on Electroconvulsive Therapy and Patient-Centered Care: A Short Review of Cross-Cutting Issues
Authors: Tullio Valeria , Zerbo Stefania , Lanzarone Antonietta , Procaccianti Salvatore , Argo Antonina 
Published: September 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment that, since its first administration, has been a major topic for debate within the scientific world. In recent years, the debate has become increasingly focused on the short- and/or long-term efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy, its appropriateness in clinical settings, its mechanism of action, the impact evaluation of transient and/or persistent adverse effects, and the drafting of international guidelines,etc.From the authors’ point of view, these themes are inevitably crossed by three other fundamental issues of significant psychological, relational, ethical, and medico-legal impact. Still, they are less studied than purely biomedical issues in recent times. Therefore, the aim of this article is to focus on the following cross-cutting issues: the therapist-patient relationship, the patient’s perspective, the attitude on electroconvulsive therapy, and informed consent.This short review refers to the international literature on ECT published since 2000. Analyses of the three previously listed topics are, in part, made within the context of Italian medical settings.
Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Nystatin-loaded Albumin Microparticles for the Treatment of Leishmaniosis
Authors: Fawaz Walaa , Othman Mohammad 
Published: September 2020

Background:
The current treatments of leishmaniosis are far from ideal since they require
the administration of toxic and poorly tolerated drugs that still fail to treat the intracellular infection.
Micro-particles are very promising drug carriers for leishmaniosis treatment, considering the involved
parasites’ life cycle and the pharmacokinetics of micro-particles.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to develop a novel formulation of Nystatin (Nys) that could be administered
systemically and might be used for therapy of Leishmaniosis.

Methods:
Nys microspheres were formulated using albumin as a carrier by spray drying for the preparation
of microspheres for intravenous administration. Nys microspheres were characterized morphologically
and evaluated for particle size, product yield, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-polymer interaction.
Anti-Leishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica was tested and the microspheres’ phagocytosis
by murine macrophages was investigated. An in vitro hemolysis study was carried out for the
novel formulation and for the free Nys.

Results:
The average size of microspheres was found to be less than 5 μm. Differential Scanning Calorimetry
(DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed no significant interactions
between albumin and Nys. The anti-leishmanial activity of Nys microspheres was higher than that
for free Nys with an IC50 value of (18.1 μg/mL). Uptake study in murine macrophage confirmed the
targetability of the prepared microspheres. The in vitro hemolysis study indicated reduced hemolysis
and suitability of the microspheres for parenteral administration.

Conclusion :
Spray drying was used successfully to prepare highly loaded Nys microspheres with high
anti-leishmanial activity and less hemolysis effect.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Capsicum annuum L. Extract
Authors: Dong Chunfa , Tao Jing , Fu Zhengwei 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
A facile, effectively and environmentally friendly method for preparation of
well dispersed silver nanoparticles was reported.

Methods:
In the method, Capsicum annuum L. extract was used as both reducing and stabilizing
agent without addition of any other reducing and capping agent. The generation of silver nanoparticles
was found by alteration of color from light yellow to red and the UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.
The effect of extract and silver nitrate amounts on the formation of silver nanoparticles
was investigated.

Results:
The shape of the as obtained silver nanoparticles was determined by using TEM and
SEM, which illustrated that the silver nanoparticles are global in shape with a narrowly distribution
from 5 nm to 25 nm.

Conclusion:
The crystalline structure of the silver nanoparticles was examined by XRD and FT-IR
analysis, which showed that the silver nanoparticles were highly crystalline of nature and coated
with biomolecule.
Iron-Sulfur-Nitrosyl Complex Increases the Resistance of Pea Seedling to Water Deficiency
Authors: Zhigacheva Irina , Binyukov Vladimir , Mil Elena , Krikunova Natalya , Generozova Inna , Rasulov Maksud 
Published: September 2020

Background:
The binding of free iron ions in the composition of nitrosyl complexes
is probably one of the mechanisms of the antioxidant action of nitric oxide. The study
of the protective properties of nitric oxide is often carried out using exogenous NO donors.
In our work, we used nitric oxide donor - sodium μ2-dithiosulfate-tetranitosyldiferrate tetrahydrate
(TNIC-thio).

Objective:
The aim of our work was to investigate the possibility of using TNIC-thio to increase
the resistance of plants to stress factors. Since the implementation of anti-stress programs
requires a lot of energy expenditure, we studied the functional state of the mitochondria
of pea seedlings under conditions of water deficiency and treatment with TNIC-thio.

Materials and Methods:
The functional state of the mitochondria was studied as per the
level of lipid peroxidation by the spectrofluorimetry, by a fatty acid composition of mitochondrial
membranes with the chromatography technique and by the morphology of mitochondria
with the atomic force microscopy.

Results:
Water deficiency has caused changes in the Fatty Acid (FA) composition, which
manifested themselves in increasing the content of saturated FAs and decreasing the content
of unsaturated FAs containing 18 and 20 carbon atoms. Treatment of pea seeds with 10–8 M
TNIC-thio under these conditions led to the prevention of LPO, prevention of changes in the
FA composition of mitochondrial membranes and reduction in the number of swollen organelles.

Conclusion:
It can be assumed that the protective effect of TNIC-thio is due to the preservation
of the functional state of the mitochondria.