bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fargesin ameliorates osteoarthritis via macrophage reprogramming by downregulating MAPK and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Lu Jiansen , Zhang Hongbo , Pan Jianying , Hu Zhiqiang , Liu Liangliang , Liu Yanli , Yu Xiao , Bai Xiaochun , Cai Daozhang , Zhang Haiyan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Synovial macrophage polarization and interactions between chondrocytes and macrophages are essential for osteoarthritis (OA) development. The present study determined the role and regulatory mechanisms of fargesin, one of the main components of Magnolia fargesii, in macrophage reprogramming and crosstalk across cartilage and synovium. 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to sham-operated, collagenase-induced OA (CIOA)-operated, or CIOA-operated with intraarticular fargesin treatment groups. Fargesin attenuated articular cartilage degeneration and synovitis, resulting in substantially lower Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) and synovitis scores. In particular, significantly increased M2 polarization and decreased M1 polarization in synovial macrophages were found in fargesin-treated CIOA mice compared to controls. This was accompanied by down-regulation of IL-6 and IL-1β and upregulation of IL-10 in serum. Although conditioned medium (CM) from the M1 macrophage treated with fargesin reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13, RUNX2, and type X collagen X in OA cartilage, it had no direct effect on chondrocyte metabolism in an in vitro study. Moreover, fargesin exerted protective effects by suppressing p38/ERK MAPK and p65/NF-κB signaling. This study showed that fargesin switched the polarized phenotypes of macrophages from M1 to M2 subtypes and prevented cartilage degeneration partially by down-regulating p38/ERK MAPK and p65/NF-κB signaling. Targeting macrophage reprogramming or blocking the crosstalk between macrophages and chondrocytes in early OA may be an effective preventive strategy.
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 IgG provides limited protection for their infants
Authors: Wang Xia , Yang Pu , Zheng Junwen , Liu Pin , Wei Cong , Guo Juanjuan , Zhang Yuanzhen , Zhao Dongchi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
At present, there are still many ambiguous reports about the perinatal infection of infants born to mothers infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)1-3. The dynamic characteristics of infantile serum antibodies born to mother with SARS-CoV-2 has not been well described4-6. In this study, we analyzed the seroconversion of 27 newborns born to 26 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive rate of parturients was 80.8%, and half of their infants obtained maternal IgG. IgG transfer rates were 18.8% and 81.8% in those infants whose mother infected less and more than 2 weeks before delivery respectively. In the first two months of life, the IgG level of infants dropped sharply to one tenth of that at birth. The IgM was confirmed positive in 53.8% of mothers and negative in all infants. These results suggest that maternal IgG has limited protection for infants, which may help us to improve vaccination strategies in future.
Ionic conductivity and optical properties of self-activated phosphor CsYP2O7
Authors: karray mayssa , OUESLETI A. , KHIROUNI K. , GARGOURI M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Pyrophosphates are interesting compounds as optical materials, ionic conductors, solid electrolytes, battery electrodes, solid-state lasers and active layer for sensors. In this context, the compound CsYP 2 O 7 has been synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature confirmed the phase formation of the synthesized compound in the monoclinic phase. The composition and morphology were performed by energy dispersive spectroscopy coupled with scanning electron microscope . The optical properties of the compound were studied by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. By direct investigation of the UV absorption measurements and using the Tauc model, we have found that the direct optical band gap is equal to 3.7eV. Two of the relaxation mechanisms were clearly identified from Nyquist plots and modulus analysis, which can be discerned to both grain and grain boundary contributions effect. The obtained results were analyzed by fitting the experimental data to an equivalent circuit model.Bulk resistance and grain boundary resistance decreased with the increase of temperature, which confirmed negative temperature coefficient of resistance behavior. The same values of activation energies obtained from the impedance (0.43 eV ) and hopping frequency (0.42 eV),prove that the transport happens through an ion hopping mechanism dominated by the motion of the Cs + cations in the structure of the CsYP 2 O 7 material. The results confirm tha the synthesized compound is suitable for catalysis and optoelectronic applications.
Evaluación de la concentración de PM10 y sus posibles implicaciones a nivel salud en dos puntos de Bogotá D.C.
Authors: Cuitiva Vallejo Ana Isabel , Castro Chaves Catalina , Orbegozo Mahecha Ashley Paola , Fajardo Montaña Oscar Arnulfo , Altamar Consuegra Astrid Del Socorro , Mejia Hoy Sandra Milena , Torres Torres Juan David 
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se determinaron in situ las concentraciones de material particulado (PM10) en dos puntos de la ciudad de Bogotá, uno en la zona centro y el otro en la zona occidental de la misma durante un periodo de muestreo realizado en el segundo semestre del 2018 (30 días válidos de muestreo). Igualmente se evaluó la correlación de las variables meteorológicas y la variable concentración de PM10, de ambos puntos en cuestión mediante el software libre MiniTab. Contrario a la preconcepción que se tenía debido a la presencia del alto desarrollo urbanístico en el punto de la zona centro y a una amplia zona verde en el punto de la zona occidental las concentraciones del contaminante fueron constantemente superiores al occidente de la ciudad. La dirección del viento predominante en la zona centro que genera un arrastre del contaminante hacia la zona occidental de la ciudad y la peatonalización de corredores viales fueron argumentados como las causas plausibles de las diferencias. Un total de 112 y 14 muertes prematuras anuales por cada 100.000 habitantes por causa de la exposición a la concentración del contaminante determinada que fueron estimadas para la zona centro y occidental correspondientemente.
Going to scale with rural water supply: a reflection on experiences from sustaining community managed piped water schemes in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Dhoba L. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Access to safely managed water is a basic human right, yet rural water supply still remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. This study sought to assess sustainability of community managed piped water schemes developed under the rural WASH program as a model for rural water supply. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the collection of data. The program developed 33 schemes out of which 36.4% have since broken down. System failure is high amongst diesel and electricity powered schemes compared to solar powered. Alarmingly, all the schemes have water point committees set up and trained with support from the project. The current status-quo therefore reflects a capacity gap amongst the set water point committees. In many cases they have failed to operationalize the water fund, institute water demand management, support and retain pump operatives. Moving forward, the sector therefore needs to adopt a demand responsive approach when targeting schemes for rehabilitation. This will help address structural issues in the management of the schemes like social capital, ownership of the investment and cost recovery. Government should also consider going to scale with the solar powered schemes which are seemingly resilient and compatible with the community based management system.
Maintenance practices and water quality from rainwater harvesting in south-west Uganda
Authors: O'Hanlon Francesca , Lantagne Daniele S. , Morgan David , William Nkamuhebwa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) provides household water supply to rural and peri-urban populations that do not have access to centralised water services. The climate in south-west Uganda is particularly well suited to RWH due to bi-annual rainy seasons, which allows for the collection of rainwater to occur over two periods throughout the year. Water quality from RWH, however, depends on how well risk of contamination (ROC), from catchment to consumption, is managed. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed the maintenance practices and water quality of 20 RWH installations in Uganda in the dry and rainy seasons. Both domestic and institutional RWH systems were assessed. Sanitary surveys, site inspections, key informant interviews and physiochemical and bacteriological tests were conducted to identify the factors that have an impact on water quality. Water quality test results were compared to guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We looked at measures that can reduce the ROC across the RWH system. We found that water quality at 75% of the sites met WHO standards. At these sites, end-users reported that they cleaned systems at least twice a year. Where training on system maintenance had been carried out, end-users reported more regular cleaning and maintenance of systems. Sanitary surveys highlighted an absence of first-flush or pre-filtration as the most prevalent ROC. Overall, we found that both access to technical specialists and capacity-building activities led to well-maintained RWH systems that provide acceptable water quality at both a household and community level.
Evaluation of River Chenab water quality with respect to its users, using different classification schemes
Authors: Kausar Firdaus , Qadir Abdul , Ahmad Sajid Rashid , Baqar Mujtaba , Sardar Fozia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Chenab River has always offered a cradle for civilizations in Punjab province of Pakistan; however, in recent times, the quality of this river has been gradually degraded due to several point and non-point pollution sources being introduced in its water. The riverine water quality was evaluated to check the suitability of water for drinking, livestock and irrigation purposes. Water samples (n = 54) were collected across the river, over a period of three years (2012–2014) and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Water quality index rating revealed that the water of River Chenab fell under the marginal category for drinking and livestock watering, due to the presence of heavy metals pollution above safe limits. Irrigation suitability parameters, such as the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Na (%), Kelley's ratio (KR), magnesium hazard (MH) and the permeability index (PI) were measured, and most of the samples were within the safe limit. The piper classification of hydro-chemical parameters revealed that the alkaline-earth metals and strong acids exceed the alkali metals and weak acids, respectively. A Wilcox diagram indicated the alkali hazard was low while salinity hazard has an increasing trend. Spatiotemporal distribution of the pollutants highlighted minimal pollution until Qadirabad site (S4) which gradually keeps worsening at the downstream sites. Two factors of water quality deterioration were identified as pollution addition from the point and nonpoint sources, and diversion of the water through canals. It is inevitable to manage water quality of the Chenab River by reducing point sources pollution, through law enforcement.
Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the adsorption of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution by using agricultural waste-derived biochars
Authors: Kaya Nihan , Arslan Ferhat , Yıldız Uzun Zeynep , Ceylan Selim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, it was aimed to investigate the adsorption properties of the biochars obtained by pyrolysis of hazelnut and walnut shells for removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions. The characterization of raw biomasses and also biochars were performed using TGA-DTG, FT-IR, BET, SEM, partial and elemental analysis techniques. The optimum conditions were determined by investigating the effect of adsorption parameters (initial concentration, temperature, adsorbent amount, pH, contact time and mixing speed) for efficient removal of copper ions from aqueous solution by batch adsorption experiments carried out under different conditions. The highest adsorption efficiencies were recorded as 82 and 86% respectively for hazelnut and walnut shell biochars at pH 4, Co = 15 ppm, adsorbent dosage = 3 g/L and mixing speed = 600 rpm. Experimental results showed that the adsorption efficiency for copper ions increased with the increase of temperature (T = 45 °C) in studies only using biochar obtained from hazelnut shell. While the time of equilibrium in the aqueous solution containing copper ions was determined to be 75 min for walnut shell char, this duration was 30 min for hazelnut shell char. The experimental results were investigated in terms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. Together with the calculated thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption mechanism was explained. In order to determine the kinetic model of the adsorption process, the experimental data were applied to pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, and the model constants were investigated.
A critical review of the data pipeline: how wastewater system operation flows from data to intelligence
Authors: Therrien Jean-David , Nicolaï Niels , Vanrolleghem Peter A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Faced with an unprecedented amount of data coming from evermore ubiquitous sensors, the wastewater treatment community has been hard at work to develop new monitoring systems, models and controllers to bridge the gap between current practice and data-driven, smart water systems. For additional sensor data and models to have an appreciable impact, however, they must be relevant enough to be looked at by busy water professionals; be clear enough to be understood; be reliable enough to be believed and be convincing enough to be acted upon. Failure to attain any one of those aspects can be a fatal blow to the adoption of even the most promising new measurement technology. This review paper examines the state-of-the-art in the transformation of raw data into actionable insight, specifically for water resource recovery facility (WRRF) operation. Sources of difficulties found along the way are pinpointed, while also exploring possible paths towards improving the value of collected data for all stakeholders, i.e., all personnel that have a stake in the good and efficient operation of a WRRF.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Novel Coumarin Peptide Alcohol Derivatives
Authors: Pawar Digamber S. , Chabukswar Vasant V. , Tapase Savita R. , Kodam Kisan M. , Chabukswar Anurudhha , Adhav Pravin B. , Diwate Balasaheb B. , Gawali Sunita S. , Dallavalle Sabrina , Jagdale Swati C. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Coumarins are naturally occurring biologically active heterocyclic molecules
endowed with a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor
activities.

Objective:
The present work aimed to synthesize new coumarin-containing compounds and to investigate their cytotoxic
activity.

Methods:
Coumarin peptide and coumarin amino alcohols were prepared by treating epoxidecontaining
coumarin derivatives with suitable aromatic amines and peptides in trifluoroethanol as a
solvent at 50°C. These derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity on three different cell
lines: HeLa, MDA-MB-231 and L-132. Cell viability was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-
dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

Results:
A new protocol was developed for the synthesis of thirteen novel coumarin peptide and
coumarin amino alcohol derivatives. Among the tested compounds, three derivatives showed significant
activity against all the tested cell lines. Docking studies indicated favorable interactions of the
disubstituted peptide coumarin derivatives with the Asp 351 and Thr 347 amino acids at the active
site of the human estrogen receptor.

Conclusions:
The results suggest that the newly synthesized compounds may be promising candidates in the research of
new antitumor compounds.
Application of the Westgard Multi-rule Theory to Internal Quality Control Evaluation of Voriconazole for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Li Houli , Zhang Di , Cheng Xiaoliang , Sultan Marwa Fath Abdulqawi , Xiong Lilong , Ma Ying , Wang Maoyi , Feng Weiyi 
Published: August 2020

Background:
There is no worldwide recognized reference internal quality control method
for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole (VCZ) by Liquid Chromatography (LC). In
this study, we aimed to develop an internal quality control method for TDM of VCZ, evaluate it by the
Westgard multi-rule theory, and guarantee the analytical quality of the assays.

Methods:
The plasma concentration of VCZ was detected by two-dimensional liquid chromatography
with ultraviolet detection (2D-LC-UV) method. The internal quality control results accompanying with
TDM of VCZ in our laboratory from July 2019 to January 2020 were collected and retrospectively
studied. The Levey-Jennings quality chart and Z-score quality chart were drawn and Westgard multirules
of 12s/13s/22s/R4s/41s/10x were applied to assess the suitable quality control method for TDM of
VCZ.

Results:
The 2D-LC-UV method was well suited to monitor the plasma concentration of VCZ and increase
the real-time capability of TDM for VCZ. Combined with Westgard multi-rules, the quality control
charts of Levery-Jennings and Z-score both can timely discover and judge the systematic errors
and random errors for the internal quality control results. 86 batches of quality control products were
assessed and 7 times warnings and 6 times out of control were detected.

Conclusion:
The Westgard multi-rules, with high efficacy in determining detection errors, has important
application value in the internal quality control for TDM of VCZ. The developed quality control
method can improve the accuracy and reliability for VCZ measurement by the 2D-LC-UV method
and further promote the clinical rational use of the drug.
Stimulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma (PPARγ) using Pioglitazone Decreases the Survival of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells through Up-Regulation of PTEN Expression
Authors: Esmaeili Shadi , Safaroghli-Azar Ava , Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi Atieh , Salari Sina , Gharehbaghian Ahmad , Hamidpour Mohsen , Bashash Davood 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The intertwining between cancer pathogenesis and aberrant expression of either oncogenes
or tumor suppressor proteins ushered the cancer therapeutic approaches into a limitless road of modern
therapies. For the nonce and among the plethora of promising anticancer agents, intense interest has focused on
pioglitazone, a first in-class of Thiazolidinedione (TZD) drugs that is currently used to treat patients with diabetes.

Objective:
Intrigued by the overexpression of PPARγ in Acute Promylocytic Leukemia (APL), this study was
designed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone in APL-derived NB4 cells.

Methods:
To assess the anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone on myeloid leukemia cell lines, we used MTT and
trypan blue assays. Given the higher expression level of PPARγ in NB4 cells, we then expanded our experiments
on this cell line. To ascertain the molecular mechanism action of pioglitazone in APL-derived NB4 cells,
we evaluated the expression levels of a large cohort of target genes responsible for the regulation of apoptosis,
autophagy and cell proliferation. Afterward, to examine whether there is a correlation between PPARγ and the
PI3K signaling pathway, the amount of Akt phosphorylation was evaluated using western blot analysis.

Results:
Our results showed that pioglitazone exerted its cytotoxic effect in wild-type PTEN-expressing NB4
cells, but not in leukemic K562 cells harboring mutant PTEN; suggesting that probably this member of TZD
drugs induced its anti-leukemic effects through a PTEN-mediated manner. Moreover, we found that not only
pioglitazone reduced the survival rate of NB4 through the induction of p21-mediated G1 arrest, also elevated the
intracellular level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which was coupled with upregulated FOXO3a. Notably,
this study proposed for the first time that the stimulation of autophagy as a result of the compensatory activation of
PI3K pathway may act as a plausible mechanism through which the anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone may be
attenuated; suggestive of the application of either PI3K or autophagy inhibitors along with pioglitazone in APL.

Conclusion:
By suggesting a mechanistic pathway, the results of the present study shed more light on the favorable
anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone and suggest it as a promising drug that should be clinically investigated in
APL patients.
Effect of Duration of Use of a Toothbrush on its Filament’s Tapering and Plaque Removal Efficacy
Authors: Behfarnia Parichehr , Hasheminejad Seyedeh Marzieh , Izadi Mozhgan , Shahin Nahid , Sepahi Zahra , Mirghaderi Seyed Amir 
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives:
Dental professionals often recommend changing toothbrushes every three months due to their wear and decreased plaque removal efficacy. This study aimed to assess the correlation of duration of use of a toothbrush and its wear and then the relationship of wear of toothbrush and Plaque Index (PI) of users and tapering of toothbrush filaments after three months of use was evaluated as well.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 60 female students were enrolled according to the eligibility criteria and received a new set of toothbrush and toothpaste. They were requested to brush their teeth using the Bass technique twice a day for 2 minutes and the Ramfjord PI was measured at baseline and after 3 months. The wear of 47 toothbrushes after three months of use was evaluated using the Rawls index. Of collected 47 toothbrushes, 30 were randomly chosen and inspected under an electron microscope to determine the degree of tapering of bristles. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 via Spearman’s correlation coefficient, paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (alpha=0.05).

Results:
After 3 months, the mean PI score significantly decreased (paired t-test, P=0.034). The PI at 3 months after use had no significant correlation with the toothbrush wear score (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, P=0.61) but the toothbrush wear score had a significant correlation with tapering of bristles (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, P=0.04). No significant association existed between PI at 3 months after use and tapering of bristles (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, P=0.69).

Conclusion:
The duration of use and wear of toothbrush alone do not affect the quality of plaque removal. Practicing Oral hygiene can affect the quality of plaque removal.