bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visceral adiposity index is associated with lung function impairment: A population-based study
Authors: He Sunyue , Yang Jie , Li Xiaoyong , Gu Hongxia , Su Qing , qin li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The effects of visceral adiposity on decreased lung function have drawn much attention. Recently, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been proposed as a visceral fat distribution and dysfunction marker. However, the relationship between the VAI and lung function has not been investigated. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between the VAI and lung function and evaluate the potential of VAI as a predictor of lung function. Methods: We collected data from a population-based study of 1786 subjects aged 40 years or older. All subjects completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Linear and logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between the VAI and lung function. Results: The VAI was inversely related to FVC%predicted in men and negatively associated with both FVC%predicted and FEV1%predicted in women. In the linear regression analysis, the decrease in FVC%predicted associated with each 10% increase in the VAI was 1.127% in men and 1.943% in women; the decrease in FEV1%predicted associated with each 10% increase in the VAI was 0.663% in men and 1.738% in women. Further regression analysis revealed that the VAI was positively correlated with FVC and FEV1 impairment in women. Conclusions: We were the first to show a clear correlation between the VAI and lung function impairment in the Chinese population. The VAI could be a simple and reliable approach in daily practice, and individuals, especially women with a high VAI, should receive additional screening and preventive interventions for respiratory disease.
Role of ATF3 as a prognostic biomarker and correlation of ATF3 expression with macrophage infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Lijuan , Song Shaohua , Fang Xuailin , Cao Donglin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The abnormal expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a member of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, is associated with carcinogenesis. However, the expression pattern and exact role of ATF3 in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Methods: We used UALCAN, ONCOMINE, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and cBioPortal databases to investigate the prognostic value of ATF3 expression in HCC. Results: ATF3 was found to be expressed at low levels in multiple HCC tumor tissues. Moreover, low ATF3 expression was significantly associated with clinical cancer stage and pathological tumor grade in patients with HCC. Therefore, low expression of ATF3 was significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with HCC. Functional network analysis showed that ATF3 regulates cytokine receptors and signaling pathways via various cancer-related kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factors. ATF3 expression was found to be correlated with macrophage infiltration levels and with macrophage immune marker sets in HCC patients. Conclusions: Using data mining methods, we clarified the role of ATF3 expression and related regulatory networks in HCC, laying a foundation for further functional research. Future research will validate our findings and establish clinical applications of ATF3 in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in a high-density informal settlement in Kenya is associated with environmental risk-factors
Authors: Omulo Sylvia , Lofgren Eric T , Lockwood Svetlana , Mwangi Samuel T , Bigogo Godfrey , Ouma Alice , Verani Jennifer R. , Juma Bonventure , Njenga Kariuki M , Kariuki Samuel , McElwain Terry F , Palmer Guy H , Call Douglas R 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. The relationship between antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance varies with cultural, socio-economic, and environmental factors. We examined these relationships in Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi - Kenya, characterized by high population density, high burden of respiratory disease and diarrhea. Methods. Two-hundred households were enrolled in a 5-month longitudinal study. One adult (≥18 years) and one child (≤5 years) participated per household. Biweekly interviews (n=1,516) that included questions on water, sanitation, hygiene, and antibiotic use in the previous two weeks were conducted, and 2,341 stool, 2,843 hand swabs and 1,490 drinking water samples collected. Presumptive E. coli (n=34,042) were isolated and tested for susceptibility to nine antibiotics.Results. Eighty percent of presumptive E. coli were resistant to ≥3 antibiotic classes. Stool isolates were resistant to trimethoprim (mean: 81%), sulfamethoxazole (80%), ampicillin (68%), streptomycin (60%) and tetracycline (55%). Ninety-seven households reported using an antibiotic in at least one visit over the study period for a total of 144 episodes and 190 antibiotic doses. Enrolled children had five times the number of episodes reported by enrolled adults (96 vs. 19). Multivariable linear mixed-effects models indicated that children eating soil from the household yard and the presence of informal hand-washing stations were associated with increased numbers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (counts increasing by 0·27−0·80 log10 and 0·22−0·51 log10 respectively, depending on the antibiotic tested). Rainy conditions were associated with reduced carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (1·19 to 3·26 log10 depending on the antibiotic tested).Conclusions. Antibiotic use provided little explanatory power for the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Transmission of resistant bacteria in this setting through unsanitary living conditions likely overwhelms incremental changes in antibiotic use. Under such circumstances, sanitation, hygiene, and disease transmission are the limiting factors for reducing the prevalence of resistant bacteria.
The Effective Screening Tools for Detecting Hearing Loss in Elderly Population: HHIE-ST Versus TSQ
Authors: Chayaopas Nichtima , Kasemsiri Pornthep , Thanawirattananit Panida , Piromchai Patorn , Yimtae Kwanchanok 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally increasing number of elders is concerned. Hearing loss process in elderly cannot be avoided. An effective screening tool for hearing loss is essential for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation, which can improve QOL in elderly individuals. Methods: This prospective-diagnostic test study evaluates the diagnostic value of Thai version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-ST) and the Thai Single Question (TSQ) surveys in screening hearing disability in 1109 Thai elderly participants aged 60 years and older in communities in four provinces in Thailand. The HHIE-ST consisted of 10 selected questions from the validated HHIE-Thai version. A TSQ survey was developed to have the same meaning as an English Single Question survey. The participants answered both questionnaires, and a standard audiometry test assessed with air conduction from 250 to 8000 Hz was included as a gold standard. Results: The prevalence of hearing disability was 38.34%. The HHIE-ST achieved a sensitivity of 88.96% (95% CI 85.77-91.64) and specificity of 52.19% (95% CI 48.24-56.13) for diagnosis hearing disability in Thai elderly subjects, whereas the TSQ yielded a sensitivity of 88.73% and a specificity of 55.93%. A combined test including the HHIE-ST and TSQ achieved better performance with sensitivity of 85.29% and specificity of 60.13%. Conclusions: Either the HHIE-ST or the TSQ is a sensitive and useful tool for screening hearing disability in Thai elderly subjects. Using the HHIE-ST together with the TSQ resulted in a better screening tool for detecting moderate hearing loss elderly individuals who will benefit and recommended for hearing rehabilitation.Trial Registration: The study is registered with the following number in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20151015003. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=1562
Electrical conductive fluid-rich zones and their influence on the earthquake initiation, growth, and arrest processes: Observations from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, Kyushu Island, Japan
Authors: Aizawa Koki , Takakura Shinichi , Asaue Hisafumi , Koike Katsuaki , Yoshimura Ryokei , Yamazaki Ken'ichi , Komatsu Shintaro , Utsugi Mitsuru , Inoue Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Kaori , Uyeshima Makoto , Koyama Takao , Kanda Wataru , Yoshinaga Tohru , Matsushima Nobuo , Uchida Kazunari , Tsukashima Yuko , Matsushima Takeshi , Ichihara Hiroshi , Muramatsu Dan , Teguri Yoshiko , Shito Azusa , Matsumoto Satoshi , Shimizu Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Crustal earthquake ruptures tend to initiate near fluid-rich zones. However, it is relatively unknown whether fluid-rich zones can further promote or arrest these ruptures. We image the electrical resistivity structure around the focal area of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence by using 200 sites broad-band magnetotelluric data, and discuss its quantitative relationship to earthquake initiation, growth, and arrest processes. The ruptures that initiated along the outer edge of the low-resistivity fluid-rich zones (<30 Ωm) tended to become large earthquakes, whereas those that initiated either distal to or within the fluid-rich zones did not. The ruptures were arrested by high-temperature (>400°C) fluid-rich zones, whereas shallower low-temperature (200–400°C) fluid-rich zones either promoted or arrested the ruptures. These results suggest that the distribution of mid-crustal fluids contributes to the initiation, growth, and arrest of crustal earthquakes. The pre-failure pressure/temperature gradient (spatial difference) of the pore fluids may contribute to the rupture initiation, propagation, and arrest.
Hybrid Semantic Recommender System for Chemical Compounds in Large-Scale Datasets
Authors: Barros Márcia , Moitinho André , Couto Francisco M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The large, and increasing, number of chemical compounds poses challenges to the exploration of such datasets. In this work, we propose the usage of Recommender Systems to identify compounds of interest to scientific researchers. Our approach consists of a hybrid recommender model suitable for implicit feedback datasets and focused on retrieving a ranked list according to the relevance of the items. The model integrates collaborative-filtering algorithms for implicit feedback (Alternating Least Squares and Bayesian Personalized Ranking) and a new content-based algorithm, using the semantic similarity between the chemical compounds in the ChEBI ontology. The algorithms were assessed on an implicit dataset of chemical compounds, CheRM-20, with more than 16.000 items (chemical compounds). The hybrid model was able to improve the results of the collaborative-filtering algorithms, by more than ten percentage points in most of the assessed evaluation metrics.
Envisioning a sustainable future for water
Authors: Strang Veronica 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The water sector has a major leadership role to play in addressing the global water crisis. How can it make the radical shifts in approach that are needed? This paper highlights the reality that the management of water, and the ways in which water flows are directed, reflects social relations of power, not just between human groups, but also between humankind and the non-human world. Drawing on in-depth ethnographic research with indigenous communities and other water users in river catchments around the world, it considers alternate cultural worldviews that encourage more sustainable beliefs and practices, and asks how larger societies might make imaginative use of these in contemporary and future engagements with water. In a thought experiment intended to reposition human–non-human relations, it proposes a concept of ‘re-imagined communities’ advocating more collaborative forms of conviviality – living together – with other species. Opening the door to ideas about pan-species democracy, it calls for decision-making processes in which a wide range of expertise is brought together to exchange knowledge, with an explicit and practical remit to ‘speak for’ and promote the needs and interests of the non-human inhabitants of the ecosystems on which all living kinds depend.
Data pre-processing and artificial neural networks for tidal level prediction at the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Liang Bing-Xian , Hu Jin-Peng , Liu Cheng , Hong Bo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Traditionally, tidal level is predicted by harmonic analysis (HA). In this paper, three hybrid models that couple varied pre-processing methods, which are empirical mode decomposition (EMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and empirical wavelet transform (EWT), with the nonlinear autoregressive networks with exogenous inputs (NARX) were applied to forecast tidal level. The models were, namely, EMD-NARX, EEMD-NARX, and EWT-NARX. The sub-series obtained by using EMD or EEMD or EWT were then used as the input vectors to the NARX with the original data as targets. Notably, the EWT-NARX model was employed to predict the tidal level for the first time. Simulations were based on the measurements from four tidal stations at the Pearl River Estuary, China. The results showed that the EWT-NARX, EEMD-NARX, and EMD-NARX outperformed the HA model. Specifically, EWT-NARX was optimal among the four. Moreover, from the Hilbert energy spectra we can see the EWT solved the mode-mixing problem that EMD and EEMD suffered from, thus enabling precise tidal level prediction. Simulations and experimental results confirmed that the EWT-NARX model can achieve prediction of the tidal level with high accuracy.
Microbial contamination of drinking water from vending machines of Eastern Coachella Valley
Authors: Hile Thomas D. , Dunbar Stephen G. , Sinclair Ryan G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Drinking water quality from sources other than tap water is increasingly becoming a source of concern in many communities. Communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV), Riverside County, California, USA have raised concerns regarding bulk drinking water from water vending machines (WVMs) found in public vendors. To address concerns, we conducted microbiological contamination assessments of drinking water from WVMs in the ECV using heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), the presence of total coliforms using IDEXX technology, and real-time PCR (qPCR). We also measured temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and free chlorine concentration. Twenty-five WVMs were sampled by using positively charged NanoCeram® filters in the field. Results indicated 32% of WVMs had total coliforms, and 21% had HPC above Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Through qPCR, we found 81% of WVMs had Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni, 76% had Enterococcus faecalis, and 90% had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results indicated most WVM samples we collected contained genetic material of pathogenic microorganisms and therefore, did not meet EPA drinking water standards. There is an urgency to enforce WVM maintenance through drain flushing, spigot cleaning, rust removal, filter replacement, and limits to physico-chemical parameters.
Water quality index and spatio-temporal perspective of a large Brazilian water reservoir
Authors: de Oliveira Karla Lorrane , Ramos Ramatisa Ladeia , Oliveira Sílvia Corrêa , Christofaro Cristiano 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The water spatio-temporal variability of the Irapé Hydroelectric Power Plant reservoir and its main tributaries was evaluated by analysing the temporal trend of the main parameters and applying the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), using data from 2008 to 2018. This reservoir is in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and covers an area of approximately 143 km2 across seven municipalities. The dissolved iron (DFe) presented the highest percentage of standards violations (31.7% to 80.5%), most frequently in the reservoir tributaries. The Mann–Kendall tests indicated that the monitoring stations showed an increasing trend of 78.5% N–NH4+ and 64.1% DFe. During the evaluated period, the reservoir waters were classified as excellent (1.2%), good (61.3%), acceptable (29.5%), and poor (8.0%) according to the WQI for the proposed use. The poorest quality classes were more frequent in the tributaries, especially in the year 2009. The WQI seasonal assessment indicated a worsening during the rainy season in 57% of the stations, as a result of external material transport to the water bodies. The CCME WQI, in conjunction with temporal statistical analysis, contributed to the interpretation of the monitoring data, generating important information for reservoir water quality management.
Polynomials of Degree-Based Indices of Metal-Organic Networks
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Asim Muhammad Ahsan , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal 
Published: December 2020

Aim and Objective:
Metal-organic network (MON) is a special class of molecular compounds comprising of
groups or metal ion and carbon-based ligand. These chemical compounds are examined employing one, two- or threedimensional formation of porous ore and subfamilies of polymers. Metal-organic networks are frequently utilized in
catalysis for the parting & distillation of different gases and by means of conducting solid or super-capacitor. In various
scenarios, the compounds are observed balanced in the procedure of deletion or diluter of the molecule and can be rebuilt
with another molecular compound. The physical solidity and mechanical characteristics of the metal-organic network have
attained great attention due to the mention properties. This study was undertaken to find the polynomials of MON.

Methods:
Topological descriptor is a numerical number that is utilized to predict the natural correlation amongst the
physico-chemical properties of the molecular structures in their elementary networks.

Results:
After partitioning the vertices based on their degrees, we calculate different degree-based topological polynomials
for two distinct metal-organic networks with an escalating number of layers containing both metals and carbon-based ligand
vertices.

Conclusion:
In the analysis of the metal-organic network, topological descriptors and their polynomials play an important
part in modern chemistry. An analysis between the calculated various forms of the polynomials and topological descriptors
through the numeric values and their graphs is also comprised.
Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine: A Compassionate Use in Covid-19
Authors: Kaur Amritpal , Chaudhary Gaurav , Singh Pargat , Arora Sandeep , Kaur Rajwinder 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
Early in December 2019, mass sufferers due to Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia
(SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan (China) roused worldwide concern. Hardly any drugs showed the
light of hope concerning the depletion in the period of treatment, and virological suppression became
ineffective. Furthermore, numerous sufferers have undergone off-label use or compassionate
use treatments as well as antiretroviral, antiparasitic agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and convalescent
plasma in either oral/parenteral route. This study aims to compile and analyze the effectiveness
of Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine and give an insight into their drug profile in the
treatment and management of COVID-19 patients.

Method:
Relevant literature was searched from PubMed, Crossref, Springer, Bentham Sciences,
Google Scholar, DOAJ, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE by using keywords like COVID-19, SARS--
COV-2, Remdesivir, and Hydroxychloroquine. Appropriate peer-reviewed articles were studied
and compiled for this review paper. The figures were prepared by using ChemOffice 2016 (Chem-
Draw Professional 2016) and Microsoft Office.

Results:
This study indicates that 5 out of 10 works of literature find that Remdesivir leads to a reduction
in recovery time, and the remaining 5 pieces of literature found Remdesivir to have no
variance and have limitations. However, 6 out of 12 articles presented an increased chance of survival
or reduction in recovery time due to hydroxychloroquine, while the remaining 6 presented hydroxychloroquine
having no effect.

Conclusion:
There is a need to assess more pharmacokinetics and randomized controlled trials (RCT) for both remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine. Furthermore, studies should be conducted in different combinations along with hydroxychloro-quine and remdesivir to get efficient results.
miR-375 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting XPR1
Authors: Wu Wenbin , Zhang Yangmei , Li Xiaowu , Wang Xiang , Yuan Yuan 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of the miR-375/XPR1
axis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and provide a new idea for targeted therapy
of ESCC.

Methods:
Differentially expressed genes in GEO and TCGA databases were analyzed by bioinformatics.
The expression levels of miR-375 and XPR1 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein
expression of XPR1 was detected by western blot. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase assay
were conducted to confirm the target relationship between miR-375 and XPR1. The viability,
proliferation, migration and invasion of cells in each treatment group were detected by CCK-8,
colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays.

Results:
Significantly down-regulated miR-375 and remarkably up-regulated XPR1 were observed
in ESCC tissue and cells. Overexpression of miR-375 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration
of ESCC cells, and greatly reduced the promoting effect of XPR1 overexpression on cell proliferation,
migration and invasion. Dual luciferase assay confirmed that miR-375 targeted and inhibited
XPR1 expression in ESCC.

Conclusion:
These results demonstrate the regulatory role of the miR-375/XPR1 axis in ESCC
cells and provide a new potential target for the precise treatment of patients with ESCC.
One-Pot Green Synthesis of Acridine Alkaloid Derivatives and Screening of in vitro Anti-cancer Activity Against Cdc25b and SHP1
Authors: Li Hao , Song Buer , Mahmut Mamtimin , Imerhasan Mukhtar 
Published: December 2020

Aims:
To develop anti-cancer active pharmaceutical intermediates.

Background:
Acridone derivatives possess a wide range of pharmacological activities: 1) they intercalate DNA
and 2) form a covalent bond with DNA.

Objective:
To screen in vitro anti-cancer activity against Cdc25b and SHP1 of new acridone derivatives and preliminary
study on the structure-activity relationship.

Materials and Methods:
The synthesis of new acridone derivatives and in vitro evaluation of their anti-cancer
activity on Cdc25b and SHP1 was achieved. Natural products that contain acridine structures, such as cystodytin
A and acronycine, are isolated from certain marine (tunicates & ascidians, sponges, sea anemones) and plant
(bark of Australian scrub ash tree) species. Herein, we report the efficient one-pot green synthesis of twelve novel
3,4-dihydro-1 (2H) acridone derivatives, using montmorillonite K10 as the catalyst and iron/citric acid in water.
Also, their inhibitory activity against Cdc25B and SHP1 is examined, in which specific derivatives show enhanced
inhibitory activity compared to others.

Results and Discussion:
Twelve new acridone derivatives were prepared, starting from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde derivatives
and 1, 3-cyclohexanedione derivatives, which exhibited substantial anti-cancer activity against Cdc25b
and SHP1 cells.

Conclusion:
Preliminary studies on the structure-activity relationship have shown the influence of the structural
parameters and, in particular, the nature of the substituent on aromatic ring structure and cyclohexanone.

Other:
Further study on the structure-activity relationship is required.