bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution and variation of risk factors for poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children age 6 -23 months in Ethiopia. Geographical weighted regression analysis
Authors: Tiruneh Sofonayas Abebaw , Fentie Dawit Tefera , Yigizaw Seblewongel Tigabu , Abebe Asnakew Asmamaw , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional public health problem in poor societies. Dietary consumption of foods rich in vitamin A was low in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and its determinants of dietary consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children age 6-23 months in Ethiopia. Methods: A total of 3055 children were included and data were accessed from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset . The data was cleaned and weighted by STATA version 14.1 software and Microsoft excel. The Bernoulli model fitted using Kuldorff’s SaTScan version 9.6 software. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize spatial distribution for poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A. Geographical weighted regression analysis was employed by MGWR version 2.0 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant predictors locally. Results: Overall, 62% (95% CI: 60.56, 64.00) of children age 6-23 months had poor consumption of foods rich in Vitamin A in Ethiopia. Poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A highly clustered at Afar, eastern Tigray, southeast of Amhara, and eastern Somali region of Ethiopia. Spatial scan statistics identified 142 primary spatial clusters located at Afar, the eastern part of Tigray, most part of Amhara and some part of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Children living in the primary cluster were 46% more likely venerable poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A than outside the window (RR= 1.46, LLR = 83.78, P < 0.001). Poor wealth status of the household, rural residence and living tropical area of Ethiopia were statistically significant predictors spatially. Conclusion: Overall, the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A was low and spatially non-random in Ethiopia. Poor wealth status of the household, rural residence and living tropical area were significant predictors for the consumption of foods rich vitamin A locally in Ethiopia. Policymakers and health planners should intervene in nutrition intervention at the identified hot spot areas to reduce poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children age 6-23 months.
Removal of low-concentration phosphorus by efficient phosphorus removal composite-based ecological floating beds
Authors: Liu Yan , Lv Juanjuan , Singh Rajendra Prasad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In order to strengthen the effect of ecological floating beds on the removal of low-concentration phosphorus (P) in water, the efficient P removal composite (EPRC), which is a high-efficiency P removal material developed in the current work as the substrate for the Ipomoea aquatica floating beds, was introduced into the solar chamber. The EPRC dosage (2g/L) and the optimal number of Ipomoea aquatica plants (6 plants/10 L) suitable for the floating beds were determined experimentally. Results revealed that EPRC and Ipomoea aquatica composite floating beds had the best P removal effect among the three floating beds. Moreover, the root growth ratio of Ipomoea aquatica in the composite floating bed and the plant-only floating bed was 1.90 and 1.25, respectively. The stem growth ratio of Ipomoea aquatica in the composite floating bed and plant-only floating beds was 1.54 and 1.21, respectively. The leaching experiments showed that the leaching of heavy metals from the EPRC was negligible.
Hydrophobicity and iron coagulation of extracellular polymeric substance from colonial Microcystis
Authors: Zhang Peiliang , Jia Shujie , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Jing , Lu Shan , Li Pengfu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis occurs mainly as colonial aggregates under the natural conditions. This paper investigated the hydrophobicity and iron coagulation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) from colonial Microcystis in order to understand the impact of EPS on the water treatment process. The higher contents of dissolved EPS (dEPS) and bound EPS (bEPS, mucilaginous matrix around the cells), lower dEPS/bEPS ratio and greater negative zeta potential of bEPS and dEPS were found in colonial Microcystis compared with unicellular Microcystis. XAD resin fractionation analysis indicated that the hydrophobicity could be ranked in an order as follows: bEPS &gt; dEPS &gt; dissolved extracellular organic matter (dEOM) for all the Microcystis strains. Correlation analysis showed that there was a statistically significant correlation between the amounts of carbohydrate and dissolved organic carbon in the hydrophobic fraction of EOM (dEOM, dEPS and bEPS), indicating that the hydrophobicity of Microcystis EOM might be related to carbohydrate. The coagulation experiment showed that for each colonial Microcystis strain, the removal efficiency of bEPS was higher than that of dEPS within the pH range from 3 to 10. The implications of the EPS characteristics were further discussed with respect to water treatment.
Effects of Pterostilbene on Diabetes, Liver Steatosis and Serum Lipids
Authors: Gómez-Zorita Saioa , Milton-Laskíbar Iñaki , Aguirre Leixuri , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo , Xiao Jianbo , Portillo María P. 
Published: October 2019

:
Pterostilbene, a phenolic compound derived from resveratrol, possesses greater bioavailability
than its parent compound due to the presence of two methoxyl groups. In this review, the beneficial
effects of pterostilbene on diabetes, liver steatosis and dyslipidemia are summarized. Pterostilbene
is a useful bioactive compound in preventing type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
in animal models. Concerning type 1 diabetes, the main mechanisms described to justify the
positive effects of this phenolic compound are increased liver glycogen content and hepatic
glucokinase and phosphofructokinase activities, the recovery of pancreatic islet architecture, cytoprotection
and a decrease in serum and pancreatic pro-inflammatory cytokines. As for type 2 diabetes,
increased liver glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase and decreased fructose-1,6-biphosphatase
activities are reported. When insulin resistance is induced by diets, a greater activation of insulin signaling
cascade has been reported, increased cardiotrophin-1 levels and liver glucokinase and glucose-
6-phosphatase activities, and a decreased fructose-1,6-biphosphatase activity. Data concerning
pterostilbene and liver steatosis are scarce so far, but the reduction in oxidative stress induced by
pterostilbene may be involved since oxidative stress is related to the progression of steatosis to
steatohepatitis. Finally, pterostilbene effectively reduces total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and serum
triglyceride levels, while increases HDL-cholesterol in animal models of dyslipidemia.
Neurophysiology and Treatment of Disorders of Consciousness Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury: Orexin Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Tang Huiling , Zhu Qiumei , Li Wei , Qin Siru , Gong Yinan , Wang Hong , Shioda Seiji , Li Shanshan , Huang Jin , Liu Baohu , Fang Yuxin , Liu Yangyang , Wang Shenjun , Guo Yongming , Xia Qing , Guo Yi , Xu Zhifang 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause disorders of consciousness (DOC) by impairing
the neuronal circuits of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) structures, including the hypothalamus,
which are responsible for the maintenance of the wakefulness and awareness. However, the effectiveness of drugs
targeting ARAS activation is still inadequate, and novel therapeutic modalities are urgently needed.

Methods:
The goal of this work is to describe the neural loops of wakefulness, and explain how these elements
participate in DOC, with emphasis on the identification of potential new therapeutic options for DOC induced by
TBI.

Results:
Hypothalamus has been identified as a sleep/wake center, and its anterior and posterior regions have
diverse roles in the regulation of the sleep/wake function. In particular, the posterior hypothalamus (PH) possesses
several types of neurons, including the orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) with widespread
projections to other wakefulness-related regions of the brain. Orexins have been known to affect feeding and
appetite, and recently their profound effect on sleep disorders and DOC has been identified. Orexin antagonists
are used for the treatment of insomnia, and orexin agonists can be used for narcolepsy. Additionally, several
studies demonstrated that the agonists of orexin might be effective in the treatment of DOC, providing novel
therapeutic opportunities in this field.

Conclusion:
The hypothalamic-centered orexin has been adopted as the point of entry into the system of consciousness
control, and modulators of orexin signaling opened several therapeutic opportunities for the treatment
of DOC.
Effect of a Peptide Construct on Differentiated Macrophage MMP-2 and MMP-9 Levels of Varicose Patients
Authors: Esfandiari Golnaz , Biranvand Azim S. , Poursaleh Adeleh , Kakavandi Naser , Fattahi Fahimeh , Ghasempour Ghasem , Bahraini Elham , Khosravi Mohsen , Najafi Mohammad 
Published: October 2019

Background:
The Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMPs) secreted from macrophages can affect the extracellular
matrix remodeling process and improve varicose veins.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression and activity levels in the
differentiated macrophages M2 of subjects with varicose veins, and to evaluate a peptide construct on their catalytic
functions.

Methods:
The macrophages were differentiated from the monocytes using M-CSF. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene
expression and activity levels were measured by RT-qPCR and Zymography techniques, respectively. A peptide
construct (ESLCG) was predicted with bioinformatics tools, and was prepared for the study of enzyme functions
as compared to Batimastat. Furthermore, the docking studies were obtained for the evaluation of interactions
between peptide construct, Batimastat and enzyme 3D structures.

Results:
The results showed significant increases in MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression levels (P <0.001 and
P <0.004, respectively) and gelatinolytic activities (P <0.001 and P <0.0001, respectively) in the macrophages. In
agreement with the inhibitory effects of Batimastat, the peptide construct inhibited the MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinolytic
activities up to 6.8 and 6.5 folds in the concentration of 150 µM. The docking analyses showed that the
Lys187, Arg98, Leu49, Gly189, Leu190, Met97, Tyr53 and Phe57 residues of MMP-2 and the Leu187, His190,
Glu402, His401, His405 and His411 residues of MMP-9 are interacted with the atoms of Batimastat and ESLCG
peptide.

Conclusion:
The ESLCG peptide may be applied as an inhibitor of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes in the subjects
with varicose veins.
In vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Curcumin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: Rashidzadeh Hamid , Salimi Mahsa , Sadighian Somayeh , Rostamizadeh Kobra , Ramazani Ali 
Published: October 2019

Background:It was shown that curcumin (Cur) has anti-plasmodium activity, however, its weak bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and limited chemical stability has restricted its application in clinical usages. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are a type of drug-delivery systems (DDSs) which their core matrix is composed of both solid and liquid lipids.Objective:The aim of the current study was to prepare and characterize curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Cur-NLC) for malaria treatment.Methods:For the production of NLC, coconut oil and cetyl palmitate were selected as a liquid and solid lipid, respectively. In order to prepare the Cur-NLC, the microemulsion method was applied. General toxicity assay on Artemia salina and also hemocompatibility was investigated. Antimalarial activity was studied on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.Results:The NLCs mean particle size and polydispersity index (PI) was 145 nm and 0.3, respectively. Moreover, the zeta potential of the Cur-NLC was −25 mV, as well as, the NLCs showed pseudo-spherical shape which revealed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The loading capacity and encapsulation efficacy of the obtained Cur-NLC were 3.1 ± 0.015% and 74 ± 3.32%, respectively. In vitro, Cur release profiles showed a sustained-release pattern up to 5 days in synthesized Cur-NLC. The results of in vivo anti-plasmodial activity against P. berghei revealed that antimalarial activity of Cur-NLC was high 2-fold compared with bare Cur at the tested dosage level.Conclusion: :The results of this study showed that NLC would be used as a potential nanocarrier for the treatment of malaria.
Effect of Solution Properties and Operating Parameters on Needleless Electrospinning of Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Nanofibers Loaded with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Ramakrishnan Ramprasath , Gimbun Jolius , Ramakrishnan Praveen , Ranganathan Balu , Reddy Samala Murali Mohan , Shanmugam Ganesh 
Published: October 2019

Background:
This paper presents the effect of solution properties and operating parameters
of polyethylene oxide (PEO) based nanofiber using a wire electrode-based needleless electrospinning.

Methods:
The feed solution was prepared using a PEO dissolved in water or a water-ethanol mixture.
The PEO solution is blended with Bovine Serum Albumin protein (BSA) as a model drug to study the
effect of the electrospinning process on the stability of the loaded protein. The polymer solution properties
such as viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity were controlled by adjusting the solvent and
salt content. The morphology and fiber size distribution of the nanofiber was analyzed using scanning
electron microscopy.

Results:
The results show that the issue of a beaded nanofiber can be eliminated either by increasing
the solution viscosity or by the addition of salt and ethanol to the PEO-water system. The addition of
salt and solvent produced a high frequency of smaller fiber diameter ranging from 100 to 150 nm. The
encapsulation of BSA in PEO nanofiber was characterized by three different spectroscopy techniques
(i.e. circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared, and fluorescence) and the results showed the BSA is
well encapsulated in the PEO matrix with no changes in the protein structure.

Conclusion:
This work may serve as a useful guide for a drug delivery industry to process a nanofiber at
a large and continuous scale with a blend of drugs in nanofiber using a wire electrode electrospinning.
A Paradigm Shift in the Development of Anti-Candida Drugs
Authors: Gowda D.V. , Afrasim M. , Meenakshi S.I. , Manohar M. , Hemalatha S. , Siddaramaiah H. , Sathishbabu P. , Rizvi S.M. Danish , Hussain T. , Kamal M.A. 
Published: October 2019

Background:The considerable increase in the incidence of Candida infection in recent times has prompted the use of numerous antifungal agents, which has resulted in the development of resistance towards various antifungal agents. With rising Candida infections, the need for design and development of novel antifungal agents is in great demand. However, new therapeutic approaches are very essential in preventing the mortality rate and improving the patient outcome in those suffering from Candida infections.Objective:The present review objective is to describe the burden, types of Candidiasis, mechanism of action of antifungal agents and its resistance and the current novel approaches used to combat candidiasis.Methods:We have collected and analyzed 135 different peer-reviewed literature studies pertinent to candidiasis. In this review, we have compiled the major findings from these studies.Results and Conclusion:The review describes the concerns related to candidiasis, its current treatment strategy, resistance mechanisms and imminent ways to tackle the problem. The review explored that natural plant extracts and essential oils could act as sources of newer therapeutic agents, however, the focus was on novel strategies, such as combinational therapy, new antibodies, utilization of photodynamic therapy and adaptive transfer primed immune cells with emphasis on the development of effective vaccination.
Reduction of Resting Energy Expenditure and Sarcopenic Obesity in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Brief Report
Authors: Tannir Hana , Kreidieh Dima , Itani Leila , El Masri Dana , El Ghoch Marwan 
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim:The last decade has seen the emergence of a new condition, describing the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, termed Sarcopenic Obesity (SO). The aim of this study was to assess the potential association between SO and reduced Resting Energy Expenditure (REE).Methods:Body composition and REE were measured using a bioimpedance analyser (Tanita BC-418) and Indirect Calorimeter (Vmax Encore 229), respectively in 89 adults with overweight or obesity of both genders, referred to the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (Lebanon). Participants were then categorized on the basis of having SO or not.Results :Thirty-nine of the 89 participants met the criteria for SO (43.8%), and these participants displayed a significantly lower REE per unit body weight than those in the group without SO (19.02 ± 2.26 vs. 20.87 ± 2.77; p = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that the presence of SO decreases REE by 1.557 kcal/day for each kg of body weight (β = -1.557; CI = -0.261 – (-0.503); p = 0.004), after adjusting for age and gender.Conclusion :SO appears to be present in a high proportion of treatment-seeking adults with overweight or obesity of both genders, and it seems to be associated with a reduced REE, compared with those without SO. Future studies are needed to clarify whether this may influence clinical outcomes.
Molecularly Imprinted Sensor for Ascorbic Acid Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Peng Youyuan , Miao Qingshan 
Published: October 2019

Background:
L-Ascorbic acid (AA) is a kind of water soluble vitamin, which is mainly
present in fruits, vegetables and biological fluids. As a low cost antioxidant and effective scavenger
of free radicals, AA may help to prevent diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Owing to
its role in the biological metabolism, AA has also been utilized for the therapy of mental illness,
common cold and for improving the immunity. Therefore, it is very necessary and urgent to develop
a simple, rapid and selective strategy for the detection of AA in various samples.

Methods:
The molecularly imprinted poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) film was prepared for the
analysis of L-ascorbic acid (AA) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) - multiwalled carbon nanotubes
(MWCNTs) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) by electropolymerization of o-phenylenediamine
(oPD) and AA. Experimental parameters including pH value of running buffer and scan rates were
optimized. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, cyclic
voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were utilized for the characterization of
the imprinted polymer film.

Results:
Under the selected experimental conditions, the DPV peak currents of AA exhibit two distinct
linear responses ranging from 0.01 to 2 μmol L-1 and 2 to 100 μmol L-1 towards the concentrations
of AA, and the detection limit was 2 nmol L-1 (S/N=3).

Conclusion:
The proposed electrochemical sensor possesses excellent selectivity for AA, along with
good reproducibility and stability. The results obtained from the analysis of AA in real samples
demonstrated the applicability of the proposed sensor to practical analysis.
The Evaluation of Potential Cytotoxic Effect of Different Proton Pump Inhibitors on Different Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Qasem Aya , Kasabri Violet , AbuRish Eman , Bustanji Yasser , Al-Hiari Yusuf , Al-Abbasi Reem , Abu-Irmaileh Bashaer , Alalawi Sundus 
Published: October 2019

Objective :
To assess the differential cytotoxic activity of PPIs on different human cancer cell lines;
namely A549 lung cancer, CACO-2 colorectal cancer, MCF-7 breast cancer, and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer,
A375 skin melanoma.

Methods:
In this study, the five human cancer cell lines and human non-cancerous fibroblasts were treated
with increasing concentration of PPIs Omeprazole (OMP), Esomeprazole (ESOM), and Lansoprazole (LANSO)
(50-300μM), over 24h, 48h, and 72h. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-
diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the IC50 values of PPIs were measured. The most sensitive cell line
A375 was used for further investigation. The cytotoxic effects of LANSO on these cells were assessed using
Annexin-V Propidium Iodide (AV-PI) flow cytometry. As of action mechanism; anti-inflammatory effects of each
PPIs and PPIs-DOXO combination therapy on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were assessed.

Results:
Dose and time dependence cytotoxic activity of PPIs on human cancer cell lines was founded. Unlike
DOXO; All PPIs had a selective cytotoxic effect in the normal fibroblasts. Unlike the equipotent OMP and
ESOM; LANSO was the most potent drug with IC50 values at 72h of 99, 217, 272, 208, 181μM against A375,
A549, CACO-2, MCF-7, and PANC-1, respectively. AV-PI flow cytometry revealed dose-dependent apoptotic
effects of LANSO alone and substantially enhanced in DOXO-co-treatments. Interestingly unlike ESOM and
OMP, LANSO proved more effective than indomethacin in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. None of
the tested compounds, as well as indomethacin, exerted any cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages.
PPIs-DOXO lacked potential synergistic combination antiinflammation therapies.

Conclusion:
This study provides the evidence that PPIs induce a direct and differential cytotoxic activity against
human cancer cell line by the induction of the apoptosis. Moreover, PPIs increase cancer cell lines sensitivity to
doxorubicin via apoptosis augmentation. Nevertheless, PPIs-DOXO lacked potential synergistic combination
therapies in either antiproliferation or anti-inflammation.