bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of sludge retention time and organic loading rate on performance and membrane fouling in membrane bioreactor
Authors: Oghyanous Farid Alizad , Etemadi Habib , Yegani Reza 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMembrane bioreactor (MBR) is commonly considered a promising technology for wastewater treatment due to its outstanding effluent quality, low sludge production, and smaller environmental footprint. However, membrane biofouling is regarded as the bottleneck of MBR processes preventing their universal application. Optimizing operating conditions and improving the antifouling properties of membranes have a substantial impact on the rate and characteristics of membrane fouling in MBR systems.RESULTSIn this study, a two‐step process was performed to mitigate membrane fouling by optimizing sludge retention time (SRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) and improving membrane characteristics in an MBR system developed for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. At first, pure membrane fouling and sludge characteristics were examined in three identical MBRs at different OLRs (40, 100, and 160 mg chemical oxygen demand(COD)/L.d) under various SRTs (7.5, 22.5, and 37.5 days). The investigation indicated that high protein concentration in loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB‐EPS) caused more irreversible fouling at the OLR and SRT of 40 mgCOD/L.d and 7.5 days, respectively. In the second stage, a modified anti‐biofouling membrane was installed into the optimized submerged MBR at OLR = 100 mgCOD/L.d and SRT of 22.5 days for further mitigation of membrane fouling. Membrane fouling significantly reduced as the protein and gram negative bacteria on the surface of the modified membrane decreased.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that the reversible and irreversible membrane fouling were controlled successfully through the proposed optimization of operational conditions and by improving the membrane characteristics in MBR. Finally, the protein of LB‐EPS is a vitally important factor affecting the irreversible membrane fouling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of an extraskeletal intranasal osteoma in a Gir cow
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Asodiya Foram A. , Singh Vivek K. , Gajera Harsukh P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis is probably the first report characterizing an extraskeletal intranasal osteoma in a Gir cow through scanning electron microscopy and various spectroscopic techniques. Nasal obstruction in a 10‐year‐old Gir cow is investigated in this study. Skull radiograph demonstrated 174.12 mm × 81.97 mm sized well‐circumscribed radiodense mass within the left nasal passage. The intranasal mass was excised completely through a rhinotomy incision. Grossly, intranasal mass was nonhyperemic, rock‐hard, and calcified, 174.12 mm × 81.97 mm in size, and 650 g of weight. Excised intranasal mass was investigated through histopathologic, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopic, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic, microwave plasma‐atomic energy spectroscopic (MPAES), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. A native bone of age‐matched Gir cow, collected from a cadaver, was taken as a control. Microscopically, structures similar to cortical bone randomly coexisted with trabecular bone were observed. The EDX analysis of the intranasal mass indicated mean Ca/P weight ratio of 1.88, close to Ca/P weight ratio of the control. The XRF analysis revealed the presence of Ca, P, Sr, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ni in the intranasal mass. Additionally, Mn was noted by MPAES analysis. Hence, the XRF and MPAES analyses confirmed a similar elemental composition of the intranasal mass and control. FTIR spectroscopic study confirmed the presence of inorganic ν1, ν3 PO43−, OH− in addition to organic collagen amide A, amide B, amide I, amide II, and amide III chemical functional groups in the intranasal mass. These findings of the intranasal mass were consistent with an osteoma having similar elemental and molecular compositions with the native bone.
Ecoimmune reallocation in a native lizard in response to the presence of invasive, venomous fire ants in their shared environment
Authors: Tylan Catherine , Horvat‐Gordon Maria , Bartell Paul A. , Langkilde Tracy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractExposure to stressors over prolonged periods can have fitness‐relevant consequences, including suppression of immune function. We tested for effects of presence of an invasive species threat on a broad panel of immune functions of a coexisting lizard. Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have been exposed to invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) for over 80 years. Fire ants sting and envenomate lizards, causing physiological stress, but we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the broad immune consequences of lizard exposure to fire ant presence. We conducted a suite of immune measures on fence lizards caught from areas with long histories of fire ant invasion and lizards from areas not yet invaded by fire ants. The effect of fire ant presence on immunity varied depending on the immune component measured: within fire ant invaded areas, some portions of immunity were suppressed (lymphocytic cell‐mediated immunity, complement), some were unaffected (phagocytic respiratory burst, natural antibodies), and some were enhanced (anti‐fire ant immunoglobulin M, basophils) compared to within uninvaded areas. Rather than fire ants being broadly immunosuppressing, as generally assumed, the immune response appears to be tailored to this specific stressor: the immune measures that were enhanced are important to the lizards' ability to handle envenomation, whereas those that were unaffected or suppressed are less critical to surviving fire ant encounters. Several immune measures were suppressed in reproductive females when actively producing follicles, which may make them more susceptible to immunosuppressive costs of stressors such as interactions with fire ants.
YY1‐mediated up‐regulation of lncRNA LINC00466 facilitates glioma progression via miR‐508/CHEK1
Authors: Li Fei , Shen Zheng‐Ze , Xiao Chao‐Ming , Sha Qian‐Kun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe abnormal expression of lncRNA LINC00466 (LINC00466) has been demonstrated in several tumor types. However, the expression pattern and functions of LINC00466 in glioma remain uninvestigated.MethodsA reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was utilized to analyze LINC00466 in human glioma tissues and cell lines. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore whether YY1 could bind to the promoter region of LINC00466. Cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, colony‐formation, transwell migration and invasion assays were carried out to determine the involvement of INC00466 in glioma. Luciferase assays and pulldown assays were conducted to verify the binding sites.ResultsWe report that LINC00466 expression is increased in glioma cells and tissues. YY1 transcription factor (YY1) can bind directly to the LINC00466 promoter region. Clinical studies revealed that the elevated expression of LINC00466 is closely correlated with an advanced World Health Organization grade (p = 0.008), Karnofsky Performance Status score (p = 0.004) and a short overall survival (p = 0.0035) of glioma patients. Functional assays revealed that LINC00466 knockdown distinctly suppresses glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal progress, and also promotes apoptosis. Moreover, dual‐luciferase reporter assays indicated that LINC00466 acts as an endogenous sponge via binding to miR‐508 and decreasing its expression. Luciferase assays and RT‐PCR assays demonstrated that checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1) is a target of miR‐508, and LINC00466 modulates CHEK1 levels by competing for miR‐508. LINC00466 may exhibit its anti‐oncogenic roles through targeting the miR‐508/CHEK1 axis.ConclusionsOur findings identified a novel glioma‐related long non‐coding RNA, LINC00466, which may provide a potential novel prognostic and therapeutic target for glioma.
Novel synthesis of 2‐Aminothiazoles via Fe(III)‐Iodine‐catalyzed Hantzsch‐type condensation
Authors: Ujwaldev Sankuviruthiyil M. , Harry Nissy Ann , Neetha Mohan , Anilkumar Gopinathan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA novel iron‐iodine catalyzed one pot synthesis of 2‐aminothiazoles from methyl aryl ketones and thiourea is demonstrated. This protocol can be considered as a catalyzed version of the classical Hantzsch aminothiazole synthesis as it enables the in situ generation of α‐iodoketones in the reaction medium using catalytic amount of iodine leading to Hantzsch condensation with thiourea. The supply of iodine for multiple catalytic cycles is ensured by using catalytic amounts of iron as it enables iodide to iodine oxidation. The generality of this protocol is also well established in this manuscript by synthesizing a variety of 2‐aminothiazoles from different ketones and thiourea.
Utilizing Latinx Cultural Wealth to Create a College‐Going Culture in High School
Authors: Martinez Robert R. , Akos Patrick , Kurz Maureen 
Published: October 2020

Capitalizing on Latinx students’ aspirational, linguistic, social, navigational, familial, resistant, perseverant, and spiritual community cultural wealth (CCW) can help school counselors empower Latinx students. We outline and integrate critical race theory and CCW and demonstrate how communities of color bring assets and protective factors with them to their educational settings. We also examine how school counselors can utilize these eight forms of CCW to promote postsecondary opportunities for Latinx youth.Aprovechar las ventajas que ofrece la riqueza cultural de la comunidad (CCW, por sus siglas en inglés) de estudiantes latinxs y su capital aspiracional, lingüístico, social, familiar, espiritual, de navegación, de resistencia y de perseverancia puede ayudar a los consejeros escolares a empoderar a estudiantes latinxs. Perfilamos e integramos la teoría crítica de la raza y el modelo de CCW y demostramos cómo las comunidades de color aportan recursos y factores de protección a sus entornos educativos. También examinamos cómo los consejeros escolares pueden utilizar estas ocho formas de CCW para potenciar las oportunidades disponibles para jóvenes latinxs después de su educación secundaria.
Not a Problem to Be Fixed: Successful First‐Generation Graduates and Implications for College Counselors
Authors: Brown Eric M. , Ramrakhiani Sonia , Tate Kevin A. 
Published: October 2020

This article describes a qualitative study with seven first‐generation college graduates who went on to complete graduate school and are now working in colleges and universities as counselors and counselor educators. The findings highlight the resources that these participants possessed that contributed to their college success stories. Relational‐cultural theory is proposed as a fitting developmental model for college counselors working with this student demographic.Este artículo describe un estudio cualitativo con siete graduados universitarios de primera generación que completaron programas de posgrado y actualmente trabajan como consejeros y educadores de consejeros en universidades y otros centros de estudios superiores. Los resultados resaltan los recursos que poseían los participantes y que contribuyeron a sus historias de éxito en la educación superior. Se propone la teoría relacional‐cultural como un modelo de desarrollo apropiado para consejeros de educación superior que trabajan con este grupo demográfico de estudiantes.
Three‐dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of the humerus: Comparative postweaning ontogeny between fossorial and semiaquatic water voles (Arvicola)
Authors: Dura˜o Ana Filipa , Muñoz‐Muñoz Francesc , Ventura Jacint 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDifferent types of locomotion in phylogenetically close rodent species can lead to significantly different growth patterns of certain skeletal structures. In the present study, we compared the allometric and phenotypic trajectories of the humerus in semiaquatic (Arvicola sapidus) and fossorial (Arvicola scherman) water vole taxa, using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics, to investigate the relationships between functional and ontogenetic differences. Results revealed shared humerus traits between A. sapidus and A. scherman, specifically an expansion of the epicondylar and deltopectoral crests along postnatal ontogeny. In both species, the humerus of young specimens is more robust than in adults, possibly as a compensatory response for lower bone stiffness. However, significant interspecific differences were detected in all components of allometric and phenotypic trajectories. Noticeably divergent allometric trajectories were observed, probably as a result of different functional pressures exerted on this bone. Important differences in the form of the adult humerus between taxa were also found, particularly in features located in muscle insertion zones. Furthermore, the allometric regression revealed certain shape variation not associated with size in A. scherman, suggesting mechanical stress produced by the persistent digging activity during adulthood. A. scherman is a chisel‐tooth digger that shares several traits in the humerus morphology with scratch‐digger rodent species. Nevertheless, these shared characteristics are less pronounced in fossorial water voles, which is congruent with the different implications of the forelimb in the digging activity in these two types of diggers.
Associations Between Carotid Plaque Characteristics and Improvement of Cerebral Blood Perfusion in Patients With Moderate to Severe Carotid Stenosis Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Huo Ran , Xu Huimin , Yang Dandan , Qiao Huiyu , Li Jin , Han Hualu , Liu Ying , Wang Tao , Yuan Huishu , Zhao Xihai 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between plaque characteristics and their predictive value for perioperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) are unknown.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between carotid plaque characteristics and perioperative CBF utilizing MRI.Study TypeProspective.PopulationIn all, 131 patients with carotid moderate‐to‐severe stenosis referred for carotid endarterectomy (CEA).Field Strength/Sequence3T, black‐blood T1‐ and T2‐weighted, 3D time‐of‐flight, and simultaneous noncontrast angiography intraplaque hemorrhage.AssessmentThe relative CBF (rCBF = CBFindex‐hemisphere/CBFcontralateral‐hemisphere) and the CBF difference ratio (DRCBF = [CBFpost‐CEA – CBFpre‐CEA]/CBFpre‐CEA) in the middle cerebral artery territory were measured. The pre‐ and post‐CEA CTP data were used as the assessment standard for CBF change. Carotid lipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage, calcification, fibrous cap rupture, maximum wall thickness, normalized wall index (NWI), and stenosis were determined.Statistical TestsPearson or Spearman correlation, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and linear regression.ResultsPatients with LRNC had higher rCBFpre‐CEA than those without (1.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). NWI was weakly correlated with rCBFpre‐CEA (r = −0.213, P < 0.05) and DRCBF (r = 0.185, P < 0.05) and marginally correlated with rCBFpost‐CEA (r = 0.166, P = 0.057). LRNC was weakly correlated with rCBFpre‐CEA (r = 0.179, P < 0.05). NWI was associated with rCBFpre‐CEA (β = −0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.064, −0.006]; P < 0.05), rCBFpost‐CEA (β = 0.042; 95% CI [0.002, 0.081]; P < 0.05) and DRCBF (β = 0.105; 95% CI [0.026, 0.185]; P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, associations of NWI with rCBFpost‐CEA (β = 0.059; 95% CI [0.016, 0.103]; P < 0.05) and DRCBF (β = 0.110; 95% CI [0.021, 0.199]; P < 0.05) remained statistically significant, while the association between NWI and rCBFpre‐CEA was no longer significant (β = −0.026; 95% CI [−0.058, 0.006]; P = 0.112).The associations of LRNC with rCBFpre‐CEA (β = 0.057; 95% CI [−0.0006, 0.114]; P = 0.052) and DRCBF (β = −0.157; 95% CI [−0.314, 0.001]; P = 0.051) were close to statistical significance. After adjusting for confounding factors, these associations were statistically significant (of LRNC vs. rCBFpre‐CEA: β = 0.060; 95% CI [0.003, 0.118]; P < 0.05; LRNC vs. DRCBF: β = −0.205; 95% CI [−0.375, −0.036]; P < 0.05).Data ConclusionCarotid plaque burden and components, particularly LRNC, might be effective indicators for CBF change following CEA.Level of Evidence 1Technical Efficacy Stage 5
Reliability and Reproducibility of Neuromelanin‐Sensitive Imaging of the Substantia Nigra: A Comparison of Three Different Sequences
Authors: van der Pluijm Marieke , Cassidy Clifford , Zandstra Melissa , Wallert Elon , de Bruin Kora , Booij Jan , de Haan Lieuwe , Horga Guillermo , van de Giessen Elsmarieke 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNeuromelanin‐sensitive MRI (NM‐MRI) of the substantia nigra provides a noninvasive way to acquire an indirect measure of dopamine functioning. Despite the potential of NM‐MRI as a candidate biomarker for dopaminergic pathology, studies about its reproducibility are sparse.PurposeTo assess the test–retest reproducibility of three commonly used NM‐MRI sequences and evaluate three analysis methods.Study TypeProspective study.PopulationA total of 11 healthy participants age between 20–27 years.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T; NM‐MRI gradient recalled echo (GRE) with magnetization transfer (MT) pulse; NM‐MRI turbo spin echo (TSE) with MT pulse; NM‐MRI TSE without MT pulse.AssessmentParticipants were scanned twice with a 3‐week interval. Manual analysis, threshold analysis, and voxelwise analysis were performed for volume and contrast ratio (CR) measurements.Statistical TestsIntraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for test–retest and inter‐ and intrarater variability.ResultsThe GRE sequence achieved the highest contrast and lowest variability (4.9–5.7%) and showed substantial to almost perfect test–retest ICC (0.72–0.90) for CR measurements. For volume measurements, the manual analysis showed a higher variability (10.7–17.9%) and scored lower test–retest ICCs (–0.13–0.73) than the other analysis methods. The threshold analysis showed higher test–retest ICC (0.77) than the manual analysis for the volume measurements.Data ConclusionNM‐MRI is a highly reproducible measure, especially when using the GRE sequence and CR measurements. Volume measurements appear to be more sensitive to inter/intrarater variability and variability in placement and orientation of the NM‐MRI slab. The threshold analysis appears to be the best alternative for volume analysis.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage1
Association of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors with mortality and testing positive of COVID‐19: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Yokoyama Yujiro , Aikawa Tadao , Takagi Hisato , Briasoulis Alexandros , Kuno Toshiki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSome have hypothesized that the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARB) may modify susceptibility to coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in humans. Thus, we conducted two meta‐analyses to investigate the effect of ACEI and ARB on mortality and susceptibility to COVID‐19. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched through June 2020 to identify clinical trials that investigated the testing positive and in‐hospital mortality rates for COVID‐19 for those who were treated with ACEI and/or ARB and for those who were not treated with ACEI or ARB. The first analysis investigated the testing positive rate of COVID‐19. The second analysis investigated the in‐hospital mortality rate for patients with COVID‐19. Three eligible studies for the first analysis and 14 eligible studies for the second analysis were identified. The first analysis demonstrated that the use of ACEI or ARB did not affect the testing positive rates (odds ratio [OR] [confidence interval [CI]] = 0.96 [0.88–1.04]; p = .69, OR [CI] = 0.99 [0.91–1.08]; p = 0.35, respectively). The second analysis showed that the use of ACEI and/or ARB did not affect in‐hospital mortality (risk ratio [RR] 95% [CI]] = 0.88 [0.64–1.20], p = 0.42). The subgroup analysis by limiting studies of patients with hypertension showed ACEI and/or ARB use was associated with a significant reduction of in‐hospital mortality compared with no ACEI or ARB use (RR [CI] = 0.66 [0.49‐0.89], p = 0.004). Our analysis demonstrated that ACEI and/or ARB use was associated neither with testing positive rates of COVID‐19 nor with mortality of COVID‐19 patients.
Evaluation of alpha defensin, IL‐1 receptor antagonist, and IL‐18 levels in COVID‐19 patients with macrophage activation syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kerget Buğra , Kerget Ferhan , Aksakal Alperen , Aşkın Seda , Sağlam Leyla , Akgün Metin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany laboratory parameters have been associated with morbidity and mortality in SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19), which emerged in an animal market in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has infected over 20 million people. This study investigated the relationship between serum interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), and alpha defensin levels and the clinical course and prognosis of COVID‐19.Materials and MethodsThis study included 100 patients who were admitted to the chest diseases department and intensive care unit of our hospital and diagnosed with COVID‐19 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab samples between March 24 and May 31, 2020. The control group consisted of 50 nonsymptomatic health workers with negative real‐time PCR results in routine COVID‐19 screening in our hospital.ResultsSerum alpha defensin, IL‐1Ra, and IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared to patients who did not (p < .001 for all). Alpha defensin, IL‐1Ra, and IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in COVID‐19 patients with and without MAS or ARDS when compared to the control group (p < .001 for all). When the 9 patients who died were compared with the 91 surviving patients, IL‐1Ra and IL‐18 levels were found to be significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (p < .001).ConclusionOur findings of correlations between alpha defensin and levels of IL‐1Ra and IL‐18, which were previously shown to be useful in COVID‐19 treatment and follow‐up, indicates that it may also be promising in treatment.