bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis compounds have anti-inflammatory activity in lung epithelial cells but pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages while increasing phagocytosis in vitro
Authors: Anil Seegehalli M , Shalev Nurit , Vinayaka Ajjampura C , Nadarajan Stalin , Namdar Dvory , Belausov Eduard , Shoval Irit , Mani Karthik Ananth , Mechrez Guy , Koltai Hinanit 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Cannabis sativa is widely used for medical purposes and has anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis on markers of immune responses associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inflammation. An extract fraction from C. sativa Arbel strain (FCBD) substantially reduced dose dependently interleukin (IL) 6 and 8 levels in an alveolar epithelial (A549) cell line. FCBD contained cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and multiple terpenes. Treatments with FCBD and phytocannabinoid standards that compose FCBD (FCBD:std) reduced IL-6, IL-8, C-C Motif Chemokine Ligands (CCLs) 2 and 7, and angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the A549 cell line. Treatment with FCBD induced macrophages (differentiated KG1 cell line) polarization and phagocytosis in vitro, and increased CD36 and type II receptor for the Fc region of IgG (FcγRII) expression. FCBD treatment also substantially increased IL-6 and IL-8 expression in macrophages. FCBD:std, while maintaining the anti-inflammatory activity in alveolar epithelial cells, led to reduced phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory IL secretion in macrophages in comparison to FCBD. The phytocannabinoid mixture may show superior activity versus cannabis fraction for reduction of lung inflammation, yet there is a need of caution in proposing cannabis as treatment for COVID-19.
Cerebral Palsy and Heterotaxy Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Abdullahi Abba Musa , Abdullahi Ibrahim Muhammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Cerebral palsy is not only a serious neurodevelopmental disease causing significant morbidity in children, but also a traumatic experience leading to psychosocial trauma to the parents or caregivers of the affected children. It is usually caused by prenatal or early post-natal insults to the newborn brain which may be associated with some congenital syndromes like congenital heart disease with transposition of the viscera but rarely a heterotaxy syndrome, a condition characterized with congenitally abnormal arrangement of the thoracic and abdominal viscera.Method: We present a case report of a 12 month old boy with neurodevelopmental delay, recurrent episodes of non-mucoid and non-bloody diarrhea, occasional constipation, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension and fever with associated cough and difficulty in breathing.Results: We discuss an unusual presentation of cerebral palsy and heterotaxy syndrome diagnosed clinically with supporting evidence from both laboratory and radiological tests. We also provide a brief literature review of the incidence and prevalence, causes and risk factors, classification, clinical presentation and associated co-morbidities of heterotaxy syndrome.Conclusion: Diagnosis of heterotaxy syndrome in a child with background cerebral palsy is a great challenge to both physicians and radiologists. This is more so in developing countries due to poor availability of good diagnostic apparatus, therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed. A clear understanding of the clinical features, comprehensive history taking and thorough physical examination are important in making prompt diagnosis. Timely and appropriate imaging is necessary to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment which lead to poor outcomes.
Sample pooling as a strategy for community monitoring for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sawicki Rafal , Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Boguszewska Anastazja , Stec Agnieszka , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Sample pooling strategy was intended to determine the optimal parameters for group testing of pooled specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and process them without significant loss of test usability. Standard molecular diagnostic laboratory equipment and commercially available centrifugal filters, RNA isolation kits and SARS Cov2 PCR tests were used. The basic idea was to combine and concentrate several samples to the maximal volume, which can be extracted with the single extraction column. Out of 16 tested pools 12 were positive with cycle threshold (Ct) values within 0.5 and 3.01 Ct of the original individual specimens. The analysis of 112 specimens determined that 12 pools were positive followed by identification of 6 positive individual specimens among the 112 tested. This testing was accomplished with the use of 16 extractions/PCR tests, resulting in saving of 96 reactions but adding the 40 centrifugal filters. The present study demonstrated that pool testing can detect a single positive sample with Ct value as high as 34. According to the standard protocols, reagents and equipment, this pooling method can be applied easily in current clinical testing laboratories.
Effect of initial plant density on modeling accuracy of the revised sparse Gash model: a case study of Pinus tabuliformis plantations in northern China
Authors: Li Yiran , Liu Xiaohua , Zhang Chuanjie , Li Zedong , Zhao Ye , Niu Yong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
An accurate quantitative description of interception is necessary to understand regional water circulation. The revised sparse Gash model (RSGM) is currently used to estimate interception loss. Previous studies have proven that changes in initial plant density, which are caused by thinning, affect the accuracy of RSGM; however, the direct effect of initial density on modeling accuracy remains poorly understood because few studies have collected field data of the same species with various initial densities under similar site conditions. Therefore, six Pinus tabuliformis Carr. plantations with various initial densities were assessed from May to October 2016 in northern China. In summary, RSGM performs better with higher initial densities, and it cannot be suitably applied for plantations with lower initial densities, with the relative error ranging from 18.38 to 53.03%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the predicted interception is highest sensitive to canopy structure, irrespective of initial density. The influence of climate parameters on simulated results decreased, as initial density increased. These support the notion that amending the representation of the canopy structure in the model and improving the estimation methods for determining the evaporation rate in open canopies can improve accuracy, and that the use of RSGM must first involve the consideration of initial density.
Application of monod two-substrate kinetics with an intermediate for anaerobic co-digestion of distillery wastewater and molasses/glycerol waste in batch experiments
Authors: Phayungphan K. , Rakmak N. , Promraksa A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is a highly complex process, particularly in co-digestion between poorly-defined, complex co-substrates like distillery wastewater, molasses, and crude glycerine. Thus, in this article, the authors tackled the problems by using Monod two-substrate with an intermediate (M2SI) model to represent accumulated biomethane evolution (ABE) obtained from the co-substrates, including easily degradable, slowly degradable substrates and intermediate. The M2SI model predictions were compared with the traditional Monod model's simulation results to clarify an outstanding of the present model in the aspect of modeling and control. Different behaviors of ABE curves from batch experiments were used to calibrate the M2SI model prediction with sensitivity analysis of the model parameters. It was found that the M2SI model gives a correct trend to describe the co-digestion process with multiple substrates and complex microbial activities with satisfactory fitting accuracy. At the same time, simple Monod kinetics have a good fit for dilute pure distillery wastewater, but the estimated microbial growth kinetics were counterintuitive. Therefore, the M2SI Model has a broader range of applications for co-digestion dealing with the complexity of multiple microbial activities to consume inherently complex or artificial co-substrates.
Cumulative effects of environmental factors on household childhood diarrhoea in Ghana
Authors: Afitiri Abdul-Rahaman , Armah Frederick Ato , Ekumah Bernard , Nyieku Florence Esi , Yawson David Oscar , Odoi Justice O. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Many children under five years still die from diarrhoeal diseases globally even though much progress has been made. The threat to public health posed by diarrhoeal diseases warrants the need to understand the interaction of the disease determinants from a spatio-temporal perspective to inform policy and intervention design. In this study, a pooled regression analysis was carried out using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data on 15,808 children under five years, to assess the combined effect of environmental factors on childhood diarrhoea prevalence and morbidity over a 21-year period. Childhood diarrhoea prevalence declined steadily from 20% to 16% from 1993 to 2003 but increased to 20% in 2008 and finally decreased significantly to 12% in 2014. The strength of the association between diarrhoea prevalence and each of the predictors presented in decreasing order of magnitude were as follows: current age of child, geographical region, religion, mother's highest educational level, ethnicity, source of drinking water and toilet facility, residential wellbeing, birth order, age of mother, and sex of child. Regional and temporal heterogeneities in prevalence, rate and distribution of diarrhoea were observed, indicating the need for context-specific interventions and policies.
Activated mineral adsorbent for the efficient removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution: adsorption performance and mechanism studies
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhou Xiaohui , Guo Jing , Zhong Chubin , Liu Yaochi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Activated mineral adsorbent (AMA) was prepared via double salts (Na2SO4 and CaCO3) heat treatment activation of solid-state potassium feldspar. Adsorption performance of AMA for Cd(II) and Pb(II) was investigated by batch mode and factors affecting adsorption including pH value, initial concentration of adsorbate, contact time, adsorbent dosage and temperature on adsorption performance for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were studied. The results indicated that the adsorption process was pH dependent, endothermic and spontaneous. When the adsorption process of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on AMA reached equilibrium, the maximum saturated adsorption capacities were 263.16 and 303.03 mg/g for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively, showing higher adsorption removal efficiency. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second kinetic equation could well fit the adsorption process of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by AMA. Besides, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques were also performed to further reveal the adsorption mechanism. The results indicated that ion exchange, precipitation and adsorption played an important role in adsorption process. From the investigation, it was concluded that AMA was an excellent adsorbent with the advantages of environment-friendly, inexpensive, facile preparation and higher adsorption capacity of toxic Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions.
Adsorption of nickel (II) ions from wastewater using glutaraldehyde cross-linked magnetic chitosan beads: isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics
Authors: Rani Priti , Johar Rajni , Jassal P. S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Magnetic chitosan beads (MCSB), prepared from solution by using an external magnet, and the adsorption of Ni(II) ions from wastewater by MCSB and its cross-linked derivative with glutaraldehyde (GLU-MCSB) was investigated in an adsorption system. The GLU-MCSB sorbents are insoluble in aqueous acidic solution and improve adsorption capacity. The adsorption process was carried out by considering various parameters, viz. adsorbent dose, contact time, pH and temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis of beads shows that degradation takes place in two stages. Fourier transform infra-red spectra of magnetic beads exhibit an absorption band at 606 cm−1 for Fe-O. The elemental analysis (energy dispersive X-ray analysis) and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the structure and characteristics of MCSB and GLU-MCSB. The Ni(II) removal efficiency attains a highest value of 95.12% with cross-linked GLU-MCSB in comparison to 79.5% with MCSB. Adsorption processes follow the pseudo-second-order rate kinetics model, which suggested that the rate-limiting step may be the chemical adsorption rather than the mass transport. The experimental data of adsorption fitted well with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with a high correlation coefficient (R2 &gt; 0.9), showing that monolayer adsorption took place on the surface of GLU-MCSB absorbents. The negative values of entropy change, −175.64 and −163.30 J/(mol·K), and enthalpy change, −54.75 and −49.58 kJ/mol, for MCSB and GLU-MCSB suggest that the process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Adsorption of copper ions from solution using xanthate wheat straw
Authors: Guo Qiehui , Zang Zhongyang , Ma Jie , Li Jingyi , Zhou Tong , Han Runping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
To enhance adsorption capacity of wheat straw (WS) toward copper ion from solution, carbon disulfide was used to modify WS by a facile grafting method through epichlorohydrin and ethylenediamine. So WS containing xanthate groups (XWS) was obtained. The XWS was characterized using elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and adsorption property of XWS toward copper ions. The results showed that S was introduced into the surface of WS. The solution pH was in favor of Cu2+ adsorption at pH 5, while NaCl existing in solution was slightly favorable for adsorption. The adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while the adsorption isotherm curve was well fitted using the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity was 57.5 mg·g−1 from experiment. The process was entropy-produced, endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The column adsorption was performed and Yan model was good to predict the breakthrough curve. XWS as adsorbent is promising to remove copper ions from solution, and this offers one way of effective utilization of waste byproduct from agriculture.
Circulating Meteorin-like Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Qian , Dan Yi-Lin , He Yi-Sheng , Xiang Kun , Hu Yu-Qian , Zhao Chan-Na , Zhong Xing , Wang De-Guang , Pan Hai-Feng 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is a newly identified adipokine implicated in the pathogenesis
of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet data on the circulating levels of Metrnl in patients with T2DM are controversial.
To derive a more precise estimation on circulating Metrnl levels in T2DM patients, we conducted
this meta-analysis.

Methods:
The existing studies on the circulating levels of Metrnl in patients with T2DM published up to 16 January
2020 were comprehensively retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and The Cochrane library
database. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using
random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified by Cochrane’s Q and I2
statistic. All statistical
analyses were performed using Stata 12.0 software.

Results:
Nine studies with 867 T2DM patients and 831 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls were included
in the final analysis according to the inclusion criteria. No significant difference in circulating Metrnl levels
was found between T2DM patients and NGT individuals (pooled SMD = -0.429, 95% CI = -1.077 to 0.219).
Compared to controls, circulating Metrnl levels were significantly higher in the subgroups with BMI <25
kg/m2, using plasma sample and patient sample size ≥100, while circulating Metrnl levels were significantly
lower in subgroups with age ≤50 years and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
≥4.

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis indicates no significant change in circulating Metrnl levels in T2DM patients.
However, this result may be influenced by age, BMI, sample type, HOMA-IR and patients sample size. Further
longitudinal studies are warranted to offer more insights into the relationship between Metrnl and T2DM.
Hypoxic Preconditioning Ameliorates Amyloid-β Pathology and Longterm Cognitive Decline in AβPP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Ji , Li Xiao-Jia , Xiao Jun , Ye Fang 
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective:
Hypoxic Preconditioning (HPC) has been well established to
trigger endogenous mechanisms of neuroprotection basing on models of hypoxic and ischemic diseases
in the Central Nervous System (CNS). However, its effects against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) still lack
substantial evidence and in-depth exploration. The present study aimed to investigate the impacts of
HPC on AD-related memory decline and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in AβPP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Methods:
Seven-week-old AβPP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomized into HPC and non-HPC groups.
The HPC groups were treated with early and repetitive HPC for four weeks, while the non-HPC group
was raised under normoxia condition. All the animals were then raised until the age of 28 weeks when
Morris water maze tests were conducted to examine the animals’ spatial memory. Indicators for Aβ pathology
(soluble Aβ levels and numbers of Aβ plaques) and the expression of relevant proteins were
measured to explore potential mechanisms.

Results:
The results showed that HPC ameliorated memory decline and Aβ pathology in AβPP/PS1
mice. The protein levels of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (AβPP) and β-site APP Cleaving Enzyme 1
(BACE1) were reduced while that of Hypoxic inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was elevated in HPC groups.

Conclusion:
HPC might be a promising strategy for AD intervention. Its potential protection might be
realized via downregulating the expressions of AβPP and BACE1 and hence inhibiting Aβ pathology.
Notably, HIF-1α might play a key role in mediating subsequent neuroadaptive changes following HPC.
Acute Toxicity Analysis and Antidiabetic Effect of the Moroccan Spider Flower (Cleome Arabica L.) in Normal and Sreptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Amssayef Ayoub , Eddouks Mohamed 
Published: October 2020

Aims:
The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic effect of Cleome arabica.

Background:
Cleome arabica L. or spider flower belongs to the Capparidaceae family and it is
used for treating inflammation and diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine.

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and acute toxicity of the
aqueous extract of Cleome arabica L (CAAE).

Methods:
The acute toxicity of CAAE was evaluated at doses of 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg. Parallelly,
body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed for 14 days. The effect of oral
administration of Cleome arabica aqueous extract (CAAE) at a dose of 100 mg/kg on glycemia
was performed in normal and diabetic rats. Additionally, histopathological structure of the liver,
phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity were studied.

Results:
The acute toxicity test revealed that all treated rats survived, and no change in body
weight was observed. The results demonstrated that CAAE exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic
effect in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the plant extract ameliorated the liver histology in diabetic
rats with a concomitant antioxidant activity.

Conclusion:
This study shows that Cleome arabica is partly safe, and its LD50 seems to be greater
than 5000 mg/kg. Cleome Arabica has a favorable effect against diabetes, which could be due to
the presence of numerous secondary metabolites and by the protection of hepatocytes.
How Much Vitamin D is Too Much? A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Vincentis Sara , Russo Antonino , Milazzo Marta , Lonardo Amedeo , De Santis Maria C. , Rochira Vincenzo , Simoni Manuela , Madeo Bruno 
Published: October 2020

Background:
The beneficial effects of vitamin D, together with the high prevalence of
vitamin D deficiency, have led to an expanding use of vitamin D analogues. While inappropriate
consumption is a recognized cause of harm, the determination of doses at which vitamin D becomes
toxic remains elusive.

Case presentation:
A 56-year woman was admitted to our Hospital following a 3-week history of
nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. The patient had been assuming a very high dose of cholecalciferol
for 20 months (cumulative 78,000,000UI, mean daily 130,000UI), as indicated by a non--
conventional protocol for multiple sclerosis. Before starting vitamin D integration, serum calcium
and phosphorus levels were normal, while 25OH-vitamin D levels were very low (12.25 nmol/L).
On admission, hypercalcemia (3.23 mmol/L) and acute kidney injury (eGFR 20 mL/min) were detected,
associated with high concentrations of 25OH-vitamin D (920 nmol/L), confirming the suspicion
of vitamin D intoxication. Vitamin D integration was stopped, and in a week, hypercalcemia
normalized. It took about 6 months for renal function and 18 months for vitamin D values to go
back to normal.

Conclusions:
This case confirms that vitamin D intoxication is possible, albeit with a high dose.
The doses used in clinical practice are far lower than these and, therefore, intoxication rarely occurs
even in those individuals whose baseline vitamin D serum levels have never been assessed. Repeated
measurements of vitamin D are not necessary for patients under standard integrative therapy.
However, patients and clinicians should be aware of the potential dangers of vitamin D overdose.