bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A water resistance magnetic graphene-anchored zeolitic imidazolate framework for efficient adsorption and removal of residual tetracyclines in wastewater
Authors: Wang Zelan , Chen XiaoYan , Meng Zhe , Zhao Mengxin , Zhan Haijuan , Liu Wanyi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Water-resistant magnetic graphene-anchored zeolite imidazolate (Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G) composite materials with the largest surface area are formed by directly growing a hydrophobic ZIF-8 skeleton onto a graphene support through self-assembly in methanol. Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G hybrid composite has water resistance and super strong adsorption capacity, and is used as an effective adsorbent for adsorption and removal of residual tetracycline in wastewater. The morphologies and structure, as well as water resistance of Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G, were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, N2 adsorption and pHPZC. The adsorption for tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and fitted the Freundlich adsorption model with the simultaneous adsorption capacity for TC (382.58 mg g−1), OTC (565.94 mg g−1) and CTC (608.06 mg g−1) at pH 5–6 for 10 h. These were much higher than previously reported results for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions. The used Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G could be effectively reused and recycled at least five times without significant loss of adsorption capacity. The hydrophobic and π-π interaction between the aromatic rings of TCs and the aromatic imidazole rings of the ZIF-8-G framework were the main adsorption mechanism on the surface of Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G. Constructing a hydrophobic surface of ZIF-8/G framework resulted in a reduction of the hydrophilic sites of the surface. This can improve stability and selective adsorption of ZIF-8-G framework. In addition, the results show no significant difference in the adsorption kinetics and adsorption capacity of Fe3O4/ZIF-8-G for TC, OTC and CTC in pure water and wastewater.
Degradation of high-concentration p-nitrophenol by Fenton oxidation
Authors: Lin Xiao Qing , Kong Wei Min , Lin Xiao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This work aimed to degrade high-concentration p-nitrophenol (PNP) by Fenton oxidation. We studied various reaction parameters during Fenton oxidation, such as the iron dosage (as Fe2+), the initial concentration and temperature of PNP, and the dosage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), especially the influence of temperature on the PNP degradation rate and degree. Under the addition of the same molar ratio of H2O2/Fe2+ and H2O2 dosage according to the theoretical stoichiometry, the PNP degradation rate and the removal rate of total organic carbon (TOC) increased significantly with the increase in the initial PNP concentration. Moreover, the oxidative degradation effect was significantly affected by temperature. The increased reaction temperature not only significantly reduced the Fe2+ dosage, but also greatly promoted the removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and TOC, and improved the utilization efficiency of H2O2. For example, when the initial concentration of PNP was 4,000 mg·L−1, and the dosage of Fe2+ was 109 mg·L−1 (H2O2/Fe2+ = 200), the removal rates of COD and TOC at 85 °C reached 95% and 71% respectively. Both were higher than the 93% COD removal rate and 44% TOC removal rate when the dosage of Fe2+ was 1,092 mg·L−1 (H2O2/Fe2+ = 20) at room temperature.
Molecular Insights into Zn2+ Inhibition of the Antibacterial Endopeptidase Lysostaphin from Staphylococcus simulans
Authors: Chen Ke , Ojha Suvash Chandra , Imtong Chompounoot , Linn Aung Khine , Li Hui-Chun , Thonabulsombat Charoensri , Angsuthanasombat Chanan 
Published: June 2020

Background:Mature lysostaphin (~28-kDa Lss) from Staphylococcus simulans proves effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is endemic in hospitals worldwide. Lss is Zn2+-dependent endopeptidase, but its bacteriolytic activity could be affected by exogenously added Zn2+.Objective:To gain greater insights into structural and functional impacts of Zn2+and Ni2+on Lss-induced bioactivity.Methods:Lss purified via immobilized metal ion-affinity chromatography was assessed for bioactivity using turbidity reduction assays. Conformational change of metal ion-treated Lss was examined by circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. Co-sedimentation assay was performed to study interactions between Zn2+-treated Lss and S. aureus peptidoglycans. Metal ionbinding prediction and intermolecular docking were used to locate an extraneous Zn2+-binding site.Results:A drastic decrease in Lss bioactivity against S. aureus and MRSA was revealed only when treated with Zn2+, but not Ni2+, albeit no negative effect of diethyldithiocarbamate—Zn2+-chelator on Lss-induced bioactivity. No severe conformational change was observed for Lss incubated with exogenous Zn2+or Ni2+. Lss pre-treated with Zn2+efficiently bound to S. aureus cell-wall peptidoglycans, suggesting non-interfering effect of exogenous metal ions on cell-wall targeting (CWT) activity. In silico analysis revealed that exogenous Zn2+, but not Ni2+, preferably interacted with a potential extraneous Zn2+-binding site (His253, Glu318 and His323) placed near the Zn2+-coordinating Lssactive site within the catalytic (CAT) domain.Conclusion:Our present data signify the adverse influence of exogenous Zn2+ions on Lss-induced staphylolytic activity through the exclusive presence within the CAT domain of an extraneous inhibitory Zn2+-binding site, without affecting the CWT activity.
Peptides from Euphausia superba Promote Longitudinal Bone Growth by Accelerating Growth Plate Chondrocyte Proliferation and Hypertrophy
Authors: Dai Yufeng , Li Zhuo , Fu Meng , Li Yanqi , Xue Changhu , Wang Jingfeng 
Published: June 2020

Background:
With the improvements in living standards, height is getting more attention.
Malnutrition is one of the main causes of children's short stature; therefore, nutritional intervention in
adolescence is the key to prevent short stature. The peptides from Antarctic Krill (AKPs), the ideal
protein model, act in bone formation and anti-osteoporosis. However, the studies on promoting longitudinal
bone growth by AKPs have not been reported.

Methods:
Three-week-old male ICR mice, to construct the adolescent mice model, randomly divided
into three groups: normal group, casein group (casein, 300 mg/kg·BW), and AKPs group (AKPs, 300
mg/kg·BW). After 21 days of drug administration, the effects of AKPs on serum biochemical indexes
and femur histomorphology of mice, and the mechanism of AKPs promoting longitudinal bone growth
was discussed.

Results:
AKPs significantly increased longitudinal bone growth and improved bone strength. In addition,
AKPs remarkably promoted proliferation and hypertrophy of chondrocytes in the growth plate.
The further mechanism revealed that AKPs increased serum Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like
Growth Factors-1(IGF-1) contents, which activated the downstream GH/IGF-1 axis signaling pathways.
Moreover, AKPs induced the secretion and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-
2) and triggered the activation of BMP2-dependent Smads signaling. AKPs also activated Wnt/
β-catenin signaling, and synergistically activated the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2
(Runx 2) and Osterix (OSX).

Conclusion:
AKPs promoted longitudinal bone growth by activating GH/IGF-1 axis, BMP-2/Smads
and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, suggesting AKPs to be a potential nutrient fortifier for longitudinal bone
growth.
Production and Evaluation of the Properties of HIV-1-Nef-MPER-V3 Fusion Protein Harboring IMT-P8 Cell Penetrating Peptide
Authors: Jahedian Shekoufa , Sadat Seyed Mehdi , Javadi Gholam Reza , Bolhassani Azam 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Finding a safe and effective vaccine for HIV-1 infection is still a major
concern.

Objective:
This study aimed to design and produce a recombinant Nef-MPER V3 protein fused with
IMT-P8 using E. coli expression system to provide a potential HIV vaccine with high cellular penetrance.

Methods:
After synthesizing the DNA sequence of the fusion protein, the construct was inserted
into the pET-28 expression vector. The recombinant protein expression was induced using 1 mM
IPTG and the product was purified through affinity chromatography. Characterization of cellular
delivery, toxicity and immunogenicity of the protein was carried out.

Results:
The recombinant protein was expressed and confirmed by the anti-Nef antibody through
western blotting. Data analyses showed that the protein possessed no considerable toxicity effect
and has improved the IMT-P8 penetration rate in comparison to a control sample. Moreover, the antigen
immunogenicity of the protein induced specific humoral response in mice.

Conclusion:
It was concluded that IMT-P8-Nef-MPER-V3 fusion protein has a high penetrance
rate in mammalian cell line and low toxicity, thus it can be potentially considered as a vaccine
against HIV-1.
Inhibitory Effect of Artemisinin on Testosterone Propionate Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Solanki Ayushi , Patel Sandip , Solanki Nilay , Shah Umang 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH] is an abnormal growth of prostate observed
commonly in elderly males. Artemisinin has been reported to reduce the levels of testosterone.

Objective:
This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of Artemisinin on testosterone propionate
[TP] induced benign prostate hyperplasia.

Materials and Methods:
Male Wistar albino rats [n=24] were separated into four groups of six rats
each. Group I served as control and distilled water using tween 80 as an emulsifying agent was
administered subcutaneously. BPH was induced by testosterone propionate 3mg/kg [Group II],
S.C. daily for 28 days. Group III was BPH + Finasteride treated group (10mg/kg orally for 28
days) and BPH + Artemisinin treated group (Group IV) (50 mg/kg orally for 28 days).

Results:
The study results showed significantly high levels of serum prostatic acid phosphatase
(PAP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and an elevation in prostate weight and prostatic index in
Group II (BPH) when compared with Group I. The histopathological examination showed an increase
in the epithelial proliferation of prostatic cells with involutions protruding into the lumen in
BPH group when compared to the normal group. Treatment with Artemisinin (50 mg/kg) reduced
the levels of PAP, LDH, prostate weight and prostatic index to a significant extent and restored the
histoarchitectural features of the cells.

Conclusion:
The present study concludes that Artemisinin is efficacious in testosterone propionate
induced BPH. This could be attributed, at least partly, to its anti-inflammatory property or its role
in testosterone level reduction or as a Vitamin D receptor modulator.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Hope and Search for Effective Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Kumar Saurabh 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), respiratory diseases and a major threat to mankind is spreading at an unstoppable
rate affecting almost every part of the world with Europe being the most affected continent. Originated from China in December
2019 with sequence homology similar to SARS having a high rate of mutation has created a global pandemic with no effective
therapy available.

Objective:
This editorial summarizes the list of potential antiviral drugs or other effective therapy that is in the clinical trial.

Methods:
The literature search is based on recent publications (year, 2020) available on PubMed and drug/therapy registered on the
ClinicalTrial.gov portal.

Results:
Hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and convalescent plasma are some of the most common
drug/therapy that has come as a hope against COVID-19.

Conclusion:
In view of the current COVID-19 situation, more rigorous efforts are needed. Drugs with better outcomes need more
exploration.
Bioactives in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Exploiting Combinatorial Effects
Authors: Gurumallu Sunil C. , Javaraiah Rajesha 
Published: June 2020

Background:Many bioactive molecules, such as lycopene, resveratrol, lignan, tannins, indoles, fatty acids, etc., found in small amounts in plants, animals, and micro-organisms have been extensively investigated for their diverse preventive, therapeutic, immune-modulating and toxicological effects. Currently, the growing interest of the consumers is shifted towards a novel bioinspired strategy of cocktailing two or more bioactives at a lower concentration to reduce both side and cost effects, and to enhance positive effects for the development of novel compounds by the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.Methods:Even though there are several regularly updated and published reports showing the importance of beneficial effects of bioactives individually, no systematic reviews are outlining how the bioactives have combinatorially acted together to provide such health benefits and disease preventive effects. Hence, various electronic scientific databases, such as Pub Med, Science Direct, Google scholar, Sci-Finder were searched to collect the data of the present review.Results:One hundred and sixty-two research and review papers collected from peer-reviewed journals are cited in the present review covering the broad spectrum of many bioactives and their importance in the field of food, feed and drug industries.Conclusion:The present systematic review discusses and highlights the current knowledge on the concept of synergistic and combinatorial effects of various bioactives from the plant, animal, micro- organism sources, and synthetic drugs in disease prevention and health promotion. These findings may pave a way for the discovery of new bioactive products and process development, which could add to economic importance.
Molecular Docking and In vitro Analysis of Fagonia Cretica and Berberis
Lyceum Extracts Against Brucella Melitensis
Authors: Muhammad Ijaz , Niaz Sadaf , Gul E Nayab  , Hussain Anwar , Ahmad Saghir , Rahman Noor , Khan Haroon , Ali Abid 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Brucellosis is an economically important zoonotic disease caused by the gram negative bacteria
belonging to the genus Brucella. Medicinal plants are well known for a wide variety of potential antimicrobial agents that
can be used as anti-microbial drugs.

Method:
In the present study, crude ethanol and methanol extracts of local plants (Berberies lyceum and Fagonia cretica)
were tested in vitro against Brucella melitensis via well diffusion method for their antibacterial activity. In in-silico study,
phytochemicals previously identified in the selected plants were docked with homology model of the cytotoxic factor malate synthase G (MSG) highly conserved among Brucella spp., in Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) to predict a potential drug against B. melitensis. Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to predict the stability of MSG through
MOE.

Result:
Ethanolic crude extracts of B. lyceum showed maximum zone of inhibition (32.5 mm) followed by methanolic extracts (30 mm), while ethanolic extracts of F. cretica showed zone of inhibition (29 mm) followed by methanolic extracts
(27.5 mm). In silico screening predicted phytic acid as the most potent inhibitor followed by jehlumine, barbamine, oxyberberine and sindamine.

Conclusion:
The synergistic utilization of phytochemicals derived from B. lyceum may potentially provide protection
against B. melitensis.
Promising Chemoprevention of Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci by Portunus segnis Muscle and Shell Extracts in Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Cancer in Rats
Authors: Sahebi Zahra , Emtyazjoo Mozhgan , Mostafavi Pargol G. , Bonakdar Shahin 
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose:
This study subjected a rat model to the extracts of muscle and shell tissues
from Portunus segnis to assess their therapeutic effects on the HT-29 colon cancer cells as well as on colonic
Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) induced by Azoxymethane (AOM).

Methods:
The cell line was exposed to the extracts to compare the cytotoxicity of hexane, butanol, ethyl acetate,
and water extract of muscle and ethanolic extract of the shell. Male rats (n=40) were assigned into control, positive,
negative, and treatment groups. The animals were injected with AOM, except the control group, and then
exposed to 250 and 500mg/kg of the crude extracts. Immunohistochemical localization of Bax and Bcl-2, as
well as ACF and antioxidant enzymes, were evaluated in the rat colon.

Results:
The butanolic muscle extract and ethanolic shell one demonstrated an IC50 of 9.02±0.19μg/ml and
20.23±0.27μg/ml towards the cell line, respectively. Dietary exposure inhibited the ACF formation and crypt
multiplicity in the colon compared to the cancer control group. The activity of SOD and CAT increased, while
that of MDA decreased. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 increased and decreased, respectively.

Conclusion:
Taken together, the results show that both extractions were suggested to be suppressive to AOMinduced
colon cancer.
Optically Controlled Superwideband to Multiband Reconfigurable Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Acharjee Juin , Mandal Kaushik , Mandal Sujit Kumar 
Published: June 2020

Aim:
Design of a reconfigurable microstrip planar antenna for wireless applications.

Objective:
To design an optically controlled microstrip planar antenna with superwideband (SWB) to
multiband reconfigurable characteristics without using any biasing network.

Methods:
The use of a photoconductive switch made of Cadmium Sulphide (CDS) based semiconductor
is conceived to realize the optically controlled reconfigurable antenna. The operating characteristics
of the proposed antenna have been changed between SWB to multiband when the CDS coating
is illuminated by the light-emitting diode.

Results:
Under the switch-off condition, SWB of 167% (1.8-20 GHz), fractional bandwidth with
higher Bandwidth to Dimension Ratio (BDR) and a bandwidth ratio of 11.11:1 are achieved. While
for the switch-on condition, triple-band (1.8-3.9 GHz, 4.3-7.3 GHz, and 8.2-15.4 GHz) operation with
the resonating frequency of 3.4GHz, and 5.5GHz and, 12GHz covering the useful WiMAX, and
WLAN wireless bands have been achieved with the realized peak gain of 2.34dBi, 4.18dBi, and
3.08dBi, respectively.

Conclusion:
An optically switchable SWB to triple-band compact planar monopole antenna has been
analyzed and presented based on the simulation results. This design is reasonably compact and provides
better BDR than the reported antennas of its class. The proposed design is flexible enough to adjust
the operating bands by varying the dimensions of the defected ground structure (DGS) and stub.
This antenna with switching ability can fulfill the requirement of the antenna society for wireless applications.
Evaluation of the Potential of Brazilian Red Propolis in the Acceleration of Healing in Surgical Wounds
Authors: de Medeiros Gerard Vicente Dantas , da Silva Teófilo Tiago , Salatino Antonio , Negri Giuseppina , Jara Carmen E.P. , Viana Geysa Almeida , Costa Wirton Peixoto , Freitas Carlos Iberê Alves , de Menezes Manuela Costa , de Morais Marcos Cesar Batista , Moura Gabriela Hémylin Ferreira , Rodrigues Victor Hugo Vieira , Batista Jael Soares 
Published: June 2020

Background :
The use of red propolis has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity
results, and provides local conditions that optimize events involved in the healing process, accelerating tissue
repair.

Objective:
To evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, cytotoxic effects, and healing potential
of Red Propolis Hydroethanolic Extract (RPHE) on the surgical wounds of cats submitted ovarisalpingohisterectomy.

Methods:
Chemical analyses of RPHE were carried out using HPLC-DADESI-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity
was evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazyl) method, and cytotoxicity was evaluated
using the MTT colorimetric method. The healing effect of the extract was evaluated in 60 domestic cats
(Felis catus) divided into three groups: GI: treated with topical application RPHE; GII: received topical
application of commercial rifamycin-based solution, and GIII: treated with topical application of 0.9%
NaCl physiological solution. Surgical wounds were evaluated for clinical, macroscopic, and histological
aspects.

Results:
The RPHE showed 26 flavonoids and high antioxidant activity. Propolis extract had no cytotoxic
effect on any of the cell lines tested. High cell viability percentages were observed, ranging from 80.0% to
94.4% for L929 fibroblasts and 78.0% to 91.5% keratinocytes (Hacat). Red propolis had a positive influence
on the healing of wounds in cats submitted to ovarisalpingohisterectomy because it promoted less intense
inflammatory response, rapid closure of the wound, early deposition of collagen and reepithelization.

Conclusion:
The RPHE presented rich in flavanoids, high antioxidant activity, did not exert cytotoxic effect and promoted the acceleration of healing of surgical wounds.
Development and Testing of a Low-Cost Water Level Sensor and a Mobile Based Real-time Flood Warning System for the Flash Flood Prone North Eastern Part of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Nova , Islam Md. Sirajul , Kalam Sifat , Islam Farzana , Chowdhury Nabila , Hafiz Raquebul Salman , Sadat Nazmus , Tabassum Rozana , Nahar Nazmun , Mamtaz Maisha , Ahmed Shoaib 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The North-Eastern part of Bangladesh suffers from frequent flash flood,
causing colossal damage to life and properties, especially the vast croplands. A distributed sensing
system can monitor the water level on a continuous basis to warn people near the riverbank beforehand
and reduce the damage largely. However, the required communication infrastructure is
not available in most of the remote rural areas in a developing country like Bangladesh.

Objective:
This study intends to develop a low-cost sensor-based warning system, customizing to
the Bangladesh context.

Method:
The system utilizes a low-cost ultrasound based sensor device, a lightweight mobile phone based server, low-cost
IoT sensing nodes, and a central server for continuous monitoring of river stage data along with the provision of storage and
long-term data analytics.

Results:
A flash flood warning system developed afterward with the sensors, mobile-based server, and appropriate webbased interfaces. The device was tested for some environmental conditions in the lab and deployed it later in the outdoor
conditions for short-term periods.

Conclusion:
Overall, the warning system performed well in the lab as well as the outdoor environment, with the ability to
detect water level at reasonable accuracy and transmit data to the server in real time. Some minor shortcomings still noted
with the scope for improvements, which are in the way to improve further.