bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical pathways and enhanced degradation of dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) by sodium alginate immobilization in MBR system
Authors: Zhang Ke , Wu Xiangling , Luo Hongbing , Wang Wei , Yang Siqiao , Chen Jian , Chen Wei , Chen Jia , Mo You , Li Lin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
As one of the most representative endocrine disrupting compounds, dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) is difficult to remove due to its bio-refractory characteristic. In this study, an immobilization technology was applied in an MBR system to improve the degradation of DEHP. The degradation efficiency of DEHP was significantly improved and the number of degradation genes increased by 1/3. A bacterial strain that could effectively degrade DEHP was isolated from activated sludge and identified as Bacillus sp. The degradation pathway of DEHP was analyzed by GC-MS. DEHP was decomposed into phthalates (DBP) and Diuretic sylycol (DEP), then further to Phthalic acid (PA). PA was oxidized, dehydrogenated, and decarboxylated into protocatechins, further entered the TCA cycle through orthotopic ring opening. The DEHP degrading strain was immobilized by sodium alginate and calcium chloride under the optimized immobilization conditions, and added to MBR systems. The removal rate of DEHP (5 mg/L) (91.9%) and the number of 3, 4-dioxygenase gene copies was significantly improved by adding immobilized bacteria. Micromonospora, Rhodococcus, Bacteroides and Pseudomonas were the dominant genuses, and the results of bacterial community structure analysis show that immobilization technology is beneficial to system stability. The results showed the potential applications of the immobilized technique in DEHP wastewater treatment in MBR.
Color Doppler Ultrasound Assessment of Clinical Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Celikyay F. , Yuksekkaya R. , Yuksekkaya M. , Kefeli A. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two varieties of inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). Clinicians need a monitoring technique in the IBD. The disease
activity can be assessed with endoscopy, activity indexes, and imaging techniques. Color Doppler
US (CDUS) is also a non-invasive, radiation, and contrast material free examination which shows
the intramural blood flow.

Objective:
To evaluate the usefulness of B-mode, CDUS, and a newly developed software Color
Quantification (CQ) to determine the activity of the IBD.

Methods:
The disease activity was assessed by clinical activity indexes. Caecum, terminal ileum, ascending colon,
transverse colon, and descending colon were evaluated by B-mode, CDUS, and the CQ. Bowel wall thickness (BWT),
loss of bowel stratification, loss of haustration, and the presence of enlarged lymph nodes, mesenteric masses, abscesses,
fistula, visual vascular signal patterns of the bowel as “hypo and hyper-flow” and the CQ values were investigated. BWT
compared with laboratory results and clinical activities. Vascular signal patterns and the CQ values compared with BWT
and clinical activity. The diagnostic performances of the CQ were investigated.

Results:
Fifty-two patients with IBD were evaluated. Patients with increased BWT at the transverse colon had increased
frequency of “hyper-flow” pattern. Clinically active patients had increased incidence of “hyper-flow” pattern at the
terminal ileum, ascending colon, and whole segments. They had increased CQ values at the terminal ileum, ascending
colon, and descending colon, and whole segments. A cut-off value for the CQ (24.7%) was obtained at the terminal ileum.
In the diagnostic performances of CQ, we observed utilities significantly at the ascending colon, descending colon,
terminal ileum, and whole segments. There was a positive correlation between the CQ values and BWT at the caecum,
ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon.

Conclusion:
Increased visual vascular signal scores and CQ values might be useful for monitoring the disease activity in
patients with IBD.
Breast Cancer Image Classification: A Review
Authors: Pathak Pooja , Jalal Anand Singh , Rai Ritu 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Breast cancer represents uncontrolled breast cell growth. Breast cancer is
the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer improves the
chances of survival and increases treatment options. There are various methods for screening breast
cancer, such as mammogram, ultrasound, computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI). MRI is gaining prominence as an alternative screening tool for early detection and breast
cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, MRI can hardly be examined without the use of a Computer-Aided
Diagnosis (CAD) framework, due to the vast amount of data.

Objective:
This paper aims to cover the approaches used in the CAD system for the detection of
breast cancer.

Methods:
In this paper, the methods used in CAD systems are categories into two classes: the conventional
approach and artificial intelligence (AI) approach.

Results:
The conventional approach covers the basic steps of image processing, such as preprocessing,
segmentation, feature extraction and classification. The AI approach covers the various convolutional
and deep learning networks used for diagnosis.

Conclusion:
This review discusses some of the core concepts used in breast cancer and presents a
comprehensive review of efforts in the past to address this problem.
Dogs as a Model for Chemotherapy of Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis
Authors: de Lana Marta , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro 
Published: December 2020

Background:Dogs are natural reservoir of Chagas disease (CD) and leishmaniasis and have been used for studies of these infections as they develop different clinical forms of these diseases similar to humans.Objective:This revision describes publications in dog model relative to CD and Leishmaniasis chemotherapy.Methods:The search of articles was based on PubMed, Scopus and MESH using the keywords: dog, Trypanosoma cruzi, treatment (T. cruzi chemotherapy analysis), Leishmania chagasi, Leishmania infantum, canine visceral leishmaniasis, treatment (Leishmania chemotherapy evaluation).Results:Benznidazole and nifurtimox were used as a reference in the treatment of CD and in combination with other compounds. Eleven out of the fifteen studies have authors from the same team, using similar protocols and post-treatment evaluations, which assured more reproducibility and credibility. Twenty leishmaniasis studies, especially on visceral leishmaniasis, presenting at least one parasitological analysis tested in distinct monochemotherapy and polychemotherapy approaches were accessed. Data demonstrated that polychemotherapy was more effective in improving the clinical signs and parasitism control.Conclusion:The benefits of treatment in terms of reducing or eliminating lesions and/or cardiac dysfunctions were demonstrated at acute and/or chronic phases relative to parasite load and/or the T. cruzi strain resistance to treatment. BZ presented better therapeutic results than the two EBI compounds evaluated. Although treatment of the canine visceral leishmaniasis was not able to induce complete parasite clearance, it can improve clinical recovery. Thus, the dog is a good model for CD and leishmaniasis studies of chemotherapy and may be indicated for pre-clinical trials of new treatments.
Drug discovery of small molecules for the treatment of COVID-19: A review on clinical studies
Authors: Goel Bharat , Bhardwaj Nivedita , Tripathi Nancy , Jain Shreyans K. 
Published: December 2020

:
Recently, a sudden outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was caused by a zoonotic virus known as
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It has caused pandemic situations around the globe and
affecting the lives of millions of people. So far, no drug has been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected
patients. As of now, more than 1000 clinical trials are going on for repurposing of FDA approved drugs and for evaluating
the safety & efficiency of experimental antiviral molecules to combat COVID-19. Since the development of new drugs may
require months to years to reach the market, this review focusses on the potentials of existing small molecule FDA approved
drugs and the molecules already in the clinical pipeline against viral infections like HIV, hepatitis B, Ebola virus, and other
viruses of coronavirus family (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV). The review also discusses the natural products and traditional
medicines in clinical studies against COVID-19. Currently, 1978 studies are active, 143 completed and 4 posted results (as
on June 13, 2020) on clinicaltrials.gov.
Differential Effects of the Interaction Between the Education and APOE ε4 Allele on Amyloid-beta Retention and Memory Performances in Cognitively Normal Older Adults and Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Authors: Kang Dong W. , Wang Sheng-Min , Na Hae-Ran , Lee Chang U. , Baek In-Ho , Lim Hyun K. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Despite the effect of education and APOE ε4 allele on amyloid-beta (Aβ)
retention and memory, previous studies have not dealt with an interaction between two factors on Aβ
deposition and memory function in the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:
To evaluate education by APOE ε4 allele interactions for Aβ retention and neuropsychological
test scores in cognitively normal older adults without Aβ deposition [CN(Aβ-), n=45] and
Alzheimer’s disease patients with Aβ retention [AD(Aβ+), n=33].

Methods:
Multiple regression analyses (adjusted for age, gender) were conducted to examine the
effects of education, APOE ε4 allele, and the interaction between the two factors on global, regional
Aβ load quantified using [18F]flutemetamol standardized uptake value ratio with the pons as a reference
region, and on neuropsychological test scores in each group.

Results:
The interaction between education and APOE ε4 allele had an effect on amyloid load in parietal
lobes (uncorrected p<0.05) and striatum (Bonferroni corrected p<0.05) in each CN(Aβ-) and
AD(Aβ+). There was also an interaction effect of education and APOE ε4 allele on the memory performance
in each CN(Aβ-) and AD(Aβ+) (uncorrected p<0.05). APOE ε4 carriers of both groups
showed opposing slopes with each other in the correlation between the education years and Aβ load,
memory performance.

Conclusions:
The current results suggest a possible explanation of the differential effects of education
and APOE ε4 allele interactions on AD pathology and memory function at the beginning and end of
AD progress. However, further study with a validating cohort is needed for confirming this explanation.
Kefir: A Synbiotic with Approved Anticarcinogenic Properties
Authors: Zam Wissam , Shahoud Sally , Hayek Mansour , Saad Alaa 
Published: December 2020

Background::
According to WHO report, cancer is the second leading cause of death
globally, and approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
From this point, more attention has been given to the role of nutrition in the prevention of cancer
development.

Methods::
A structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature dealing
with the role of kefir in cancer prevention and treatment was undertaken.

Results::
Probiotics are one of the most important food fortifications which are proved to have anticarcinogenic
properties. Probiotics can directly bind to carcinogens and alter the production of enzymes
by modifying the intestinal environment. Kefir, originating from the Balkan–Caucasian region,
is a synbiotic composed of a wide number microflora and exopolysaccharides with approved
in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Kefir plays a great potential role in cancer prevention and
treatment, interfering with apoptosis, proliferation and transformation.

Conclusion::
This review highlights the important role of probiotics, exopolysaccharides and common
kefir in preventing different types of cancer, including colon cancer, sarcoma, breast cancer,
lung cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer and melanoma.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry to Monitor Unbound and Total Ceftriaxone in Serum of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Meenks Sjoerd , le Noble Jos , Foudraine Norbert , de Vries Frank , Janssen Paddy 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Ceftriaxone is recommended for empiric antimicrobial therapy in patients
with sepsis. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) guided dose optimisation could elucidate pharmacokinetic
variabilities, improving treatment efficacy. However, detailed data on Ultra-Performance
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for unbound ceftriaxone
quantification in serum are scarce.

Objective:
The authors aimed to develop a reliable UPLC-MS/MS method for serum ceftriaxone
quantification and exhibit its application potential in routine hospital settings.

Methods:
In this observational, single centre study, UPLC-MS/MS method validation included specificity,
carry-over, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision, accuracy, the limit of quantification,
and plasma protein binding. Unbound and total ceftriaxone were quantified in the serum of 5
critically ill patients. Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment calculations
were performed for both unbound and total ceftriaxone. The PK/PD target for unbound ceftriaxone
in serum was set at 4 times the non-species related minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoint
of 1 mg/L for at least 60% of the dosing interval.

Result:
The UPLC-MS/MS method revealed acceptable limits for clinical samples, with coefficients
of variation <15.0% for concentrations between 0.2 – 400.0 mg/L. Ceftriaxone eluted at
1.94 min and ceftazidime, as internal standard, eluted at 1.42 min. Patients demonstrated a median
unbound ceftriaxone fraction of 29.1% (IQR: 15.2 – 52.2). Day 1 of ceftriaxone treatment presented
a median PK/PD target attainment of 100.0% (IQR: 81.1 – 100.0) for unbound ceftriaxone in
serum, while for calculations based on total concentrations, this figure was 23.9% (IQR: 10.5 –
80.6).

Conclusion:
The described UPLC-MS/MS method enables reliable and rapid ceftriaxone quantification
in the serum of critically ill patients. Method feasibility was exhibited for TDM purposes in
routine clinical practice.
Relationship Between Oxidative Stress, Tau Level and Antioxidant Mechanisms of the KEAP-1/NRF-2/HO-1 in Children with Hydrocephalus
Authors: Guzelcicek Ahmet , Koyuncu Ismail , Gönel Ataman , Cigdem Gulyara , Karadag Mehmet 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Hydrocephalus is a complex neurologic disorder that has a widespread impact
on the central nervous system and a multifactor disease which affects the CSF dynamics and
causes severe neurological impairments in children. The pathophysiology of hydrocephalus is not
fully understood. However, increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be an important
factor in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the KEAP-1/NRF-2/HO-1
pathway, one of the main regulators of the antioxidant system in the hydrocephalus pathology, on
oxidative stress and tau protein level.

Methods:
The study included 32 patients with hydrocephalus and 32 healthy controls. KEAP-1,
NRF-2, HO-1, TAU, and MPO levels are measured using ELISA method TAS, TOS, and Total
THIOL colorimetric method.

Results:
KEAP-1, TAS, and Total THIOL levels were found significantly lowerer in the hydrocephalus
group than in the control group. Nevertheless, it was identified that in the hydrocephalus
group that the NRF-2, HO-1, TAU, MPO, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly elevated.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, although the KEAP-1/NRF-2/HO-1 pathway is activated in patients
with hydrocephalus, it is identified that the antioxidant defense system is insufficient and ultimately
leads to elevated oxidative stress. The elevation in the tau level may be an indicator of oxidative
stress induced neurodegenerative damage.
Application of Nanomaterials in Water Treatment: Arsenic and Natural Organic Matter Removal
Authors: Nikić Jasmina , Jazić Jelena Molnar , Watson Malcolm , Agbaba Jasmina 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Globally, around 150 million people are still supplied with arsenic contaminated
drinking water. The groundwaters effected often contain problematic concentrations of natural organic
matter (NOM), which plays an important role in releasing As into the aquifer. Thus, this review explores
the recent literature relating to the application of various nanomaterials to solve these drinking
water supply problems and highlights the work that still needs to be done.

Methods:
After an extensive initial search patent papers were selected based on their quality and relevance
to the topic of this review: the use of magnetic nanomaterials based on pure magnetic materials,
magnetic composites of carbon/graphene/biochars, polymeric matrices, metal-organic frameworks and
mixed-oxide magnetic nanocomposites, as As adsorbents and as photocatalysts for NOM removal.

Results:
160 papers relating to the application of nanomaterials for As removal were reviewed and 38
papers covering photocatalysts for NOM removal. These papers were organised by type of nanomaterial,
and their important findings summarised. Although many authors have demonstrated effective solutions
in the laboratory, the following areas still need to be addressed: the challenges posed by larger
pilot and full scale continuously operated processes; the treatment of complex natural water matrices;
which technologies will be required to economically separate nanoparticles from the treated water;
whether the nanoparticles will be more economically and environmentally sustainable than other techniques
available.

Conclusion:
Despite these significant gaps in the literature, the body of work carried out thus far, as
summarised in this review paper, strongly suggests that full scale treatment solutions applying (magnetic)
nanomaterials may prove highly effective in the future for both arsenic and NOM removal.
Development of Integrated Innovation Experiment Platform Based on 3- PRS Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Chen Guoqiang , Zhou Hongpeng , Huang Junjie , Jiao Feng , Li Hanchao , Liu Zhenzhen 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The parallel mechanism plays an important role in various fields. The multifunctional
integrated innovation experiment platform can improve the utilization rate of the mechanism
and be applied in many fields.

Objective:
The main objective of the study is to establish an integrated innovation experiment platform
based on the 3-PRS parallel mechanism, which can be used in typical application and related technology
development.

Methods:
The integrated innovation experiment platform is established and analyzed based on the 3-PRS
parallel mechanism. According to the 3D model of the experiment platform, the kinematics and dynamics
are analyzed. The force/position control strategy of the system is adopted. According to the function of
the experiment platform, two kinds of application and the position and pose measurement technology are
developed. The experiment platform is developed by the following methods: (1) The XY table is set up on
the fixing platform of the 3-PRS parallel mechanism, so that the mechanism has five degrees of freedom,
and the many kinds of workpiece can be easily processed. (2) By selecting the impedance parameter, the
experiment platform can realize the compliant control of plantar flexion/dorsiflexion and varus/eversion
simultaneously. (3) The binocular vision position and pose measurement method is used to obtain the
marked images of the experiment platform through dual cameras, and the position and pose is obtained
through image processing, 3D reconstruction and stereo matching, etc. (4) The position and pose detection
based on deep learning is divided into two parts: one is to detect the slider height using the regression
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN); the other is to compute the position and pose using the Back
Propagation Neural Network (BPNN).

Results:
The experiment results show that the function of the 3-PRS parallel mechanism integrated innovation
experiment platform can be effectively realized. The position and pose can be accurately measured
in real time using the proposed two measurement methods. The impedance parameters are selected to
achieve the rehabilitation training function of the 3-PRS ankle rehabilitation robot and the characters are
processed to verify the function of the 3-PRS-XY series-parallel machine tool.

Conclusion:
The integrated innovation experiment platform based on the 3-PRS parallel mechanism can
achieve the function of mechanical processing and rehabilitation training, and can also measure the state
of motion in real time through machine vision and deep learning.
Management of COVID-19 very Elderly Patients in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: Description of a New Model and Experience in a Medicalized Nursing Home
Authors: Novo-Veleiro Ignacio , Vidal-Vazquez Martín , Vázquez-Agra Néstor , Otero-Rodríguez Eduardo-David , Andújar-Plata Paula , Calvo-Martínez Belen , Espasandín-Duarte Irene , Martínez-Bahamonde Francisco-Javier , Pais-Iglesias Beatriz , Núñez-Masid Eloína , Pose-Reino Antonio 
Published: December 2020

Introduction:
COVID-19 has been a challenge for healthcare, mainly in elderly patients
in Nursing Homes (NHs) and Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs). We present a pioneering novel
experience in addressing healthcare of elderly patients with COVID-19 in these facilities by a reconversion
of a NH in a medicalized NH.

Methods:
All patients admitted to the center were included, recording clinical and epidemiological
variables. We conducted a descriptive analysis and a multivariate analysis to identify variables
linked to mortality and persistence of positive PCR test.

Results:
84 patients were included (40% men), women presented more symptomatology. We found
a positive correlation between the duration of symptoms and the days required to obtain a negative
PCR test (r=0.512, P<0.001). We also found an independent and significant association between asthenia
(OR=2.58; IC95% 1.22-5.46) and mutism (OR=5.21; IC95% 1.58-17.15) and a longer time
to achieve a negative PCR test. All patients, except contraindication, were treated with hydroxychloroquine
and azithromycin, which was the recommended treatment during the period of the
study. The early start of corticoid treatment (within the first 72 hours since the start of symptoms)
was linked to a lower mortality in patients with moderate-severe symptoms. Mortality was lower
than expected (which was higher than 20% in that period and group of age), reaching 14%, the
main factors linked to mortality were the presence of mutism (OR=19; IC95% 3.4-108; P=0.001)
and dyspnea (OR=12; IC95% 1.3-111; P=0.029).

Conclusions:
An alternative system was presented for the care of these patients through the reconversion
of a basic NH in a medicalized one, which showed a significant reduction in the expected
mortality.