bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting parity progression ratios for young women by the end of their childbearing life
Authors: Rossa Agnieszka , Palma Agnieszka 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Parity progression ratios (PPR’s) have been extensively described in literature on demography and have played an important role in fertility, unlike the idea of calculating projected parity progression ratios proposed by Brass (1985). However, we decided to use this method in our paper to analyse future fertility trends, firstly by assessing age-specific parity progression ratios for women in childbearing ages, and then by comparing these ratios with ratios at the end of women’s reproductive life, as well as by comparing the latter with the completed PPR’s. More specifically, the aim of this study is to adopt a modified Brass method to calculate the projected parity progression ratios using the age-period fertility data sourced from the Human Fertility Database (HFD). We progress to use the observed and predicted age-specific PPR’s to examine parity progressions in Poland as a case study.
Change-point detection in CO2emission-energy consumption nexus using a recursive Bayesian estimation approach
Authors: Awe Olushina Olawale , Adepoju Abosede Adedayo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article focuses on the synthesis of conditional dependence structure of recursive Bayesian estimation of dynamic state space models with time-varying parameters using a newly modified recursive Bayesian algorithm. The results of empirical applications to climate data from Nigeria reveals that the relationship between energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission in Nigeria reached the lowest peak in the late 1980s and the highest peak in early 2000. For South Africa, the slope trajectory of the model descended to the lowest in the mid-1990s and attained the highest peak in early 2000. These change-points can be attributed to the economic growth, regime changes, anthropogenic activities, vehicular emissions, population growth and industrial revolution in these countries. These results have implications on climate change prediction and global warming in both countries, and also shows that recursive Bayesian dynamic model with time-varying parameters is suitable for statistical inference in climate change and policy analysis.
Generalized exponential estimators for the finite population mean
Authors: Zaman Tolga 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This study proposes a new class of exponential-type estimators in simple random sampling for the estimation of the population mean of the study variable using information of the population proportion possessing certain attributes. Theoretically, mean squared error (MSE) equations of the suggested ratio exponential estimators are obtained and compared with the Naik and Gupta (1996) ratio and product estimators, the ratio and product exponential estimator presented in Singh et al. (2007) and the ratio exponential estimators presented in Zaman and Kadilar (2019a). As a result of these comparisons, it is observed that the proposed estimators always produce more efficient results than the others. In addition, these theoretical results are supported by the application of original datasets.
Aproximación a una propuesta metodológica para evaluar la sostenibilidad en el entorno de la vivienda social en Medellín
Authors: Valencia Londoño Diana Elizabeth , Bancroft Ruben 
Published: March 2020

La gran mayoría de las alternativas y soluciones propuestas, adolecen de un enfoque holístico, que permita enfrentar el problema desde una óptica integradora como consecuencia, no se cuenta en la actualidad en la ciudad de Medellín, con una alternativa que permita suplir el déficit de vivienda digna, segura, económica y sostenible. La duplicación de esfuerzos, el despilfarro de recursos y la ineficiencia en los procesos, se han convertido en una constante permanente de los proyectos que termina ofreciendo el Estado, el rechazo por parte de la comunidad y los usuarios ante las soluciones propuestas, genera un impacto social de grandes proporciones, que termina agudizando el problema existente.
Synthesis, and characterization of chitosan bearing pyranoquinolinone moiety for textile dye adsorption from wastewater
Authors: Ibrahim Shaimaa M. , Hassanin Hany M. , Abdelrazek Marwa M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A novel compound was synthesized by the reaction of the amino group of the chitosan with the formyl group of pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline-3-carboxaldehyde moiety, which produced chitosan modified with a Schiff base (chitosan Schiff base). The structure of the newly prepared composite was elucidated. Chitosan Schiff base was used to remove the textile anionic remazol red (RR) dye from wastewater. The kinetic data and adsorption isotherm were best fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated. Chitosan Schiff base resulted in 100% removal of carcinogenic dye at 2 min only with qm 344.8 mg/g, and may do the same for other anionic reactive dyes, thus avoiding secondary pollution.
Concurrent adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes from environmental water on amine functionalized carbon
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Zia Ur , Aslam Zaheer , Shawabkeh Reyad A. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Mahmood Nubla 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Amine functionalized carbon (AFC) was synthesized from raw oil fly ash and later utilized it for simultaneous removal of methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) pollutant dyes from aqueous medium. AFC was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine its morphology, porosity and structural characteristics, respectively. The effect of various process parameters like mixing time, pollutant concentration, adsorbent dose, initial solution pH, and temperature of the medium were investigated for dye removal process. The experimental findings showed that the percentage removal of Rh6G was higher than MO and both dyes showed synergism during the adsorption from binary dye solution. Pseudo-second-order model was most appropriate model for both dyes and thermodynamic parameters showed that the dyes removal process was endothermic in nature. Among various isotherm models, Hill and Toth isotherms best explain the adsorption of Rh6G and MO from binary dye solution.
Full-scale simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox, and denitrification process for treating swine wastewater
Authors: Ishimoto Chikako , Sugiyama Tsukasa , Matsumoto Toshimi , Uenishi Hirohide , Fukumoto Yasuyuki , Waki Miyoko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A full-scale swine-wastewater activated sludge treatment plant that contains naturally enriched anammox biofilms was investigated for 2 years. Red biofilm in this system included Planctomycetes at a maximum of 62.5% of the total bacteria diversity, including Candidatus Jettenia and Candidatus Brocadia. The plant was operated with an influent containing 1,104 ± 513 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 629 ± 198 mg/L total nitrogen (TN) (BOD/N of 1.78 ± 0.58) at a volumetric BOD loading rate of 0.32 ± 0.12 kg/m3/d. Notwithstanding drastically varying influent concentrations, BOD removal efficiency was stable at 95 ± 4%. However, TN removal fluctuated at 75 ± 14%. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the aeration tank were 0.06–2.0 mg/L. DO concentration greatly affected nitrogen removal, e.g. when DO was lower than 0.3 mg/L, total inorganic nitrogen removal was 61 ± 14% (≤20 °C), 78 ± 16% (20–30 °C), and 75 ± 12% (≥30 °C), whereas at higher DO concentrations, removal rates were 47 ± 13%, 55 ± 16%, and 68%, respectively. As BOD concentration in the influent was limited compared to nitrogen concentration, nitrogen was likely removed by simultaneous nitrification, anammox, and denitrification (SNAD) under microaerobic conditions. Maintaining low DO concentrations would therefore be a simple method to improve nitrogen removal during SNAD processes for swine-wastewater treatment with fluctuating influent.
The Complex Link Between Schizophrenia and Dementia: Targeting Ca2+/cAMP Signalling
Authors: Bergantin Leandro B. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Considering a consistent body of evidence has been showing that schizophrenia patients
have had an increased risk of developing dementia. The hypothesis that dementia and schizophrenia share a complex
link, is emerging. It is highly discussed that dysregulations related to Ca2+ signalling, e.g., an increase of the
intracellular concentration of Ca2+, could link both diseases, in addition to cAMP signalling pathways.

Objective:
Thus, revealing this interplay between schizophrenia and dementia may provide novel insights into the
pathogenesis of these diseases.

Methods:
Publications involving Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways, dementia and schizophrenia (alone or
combined) were collected by searching PubMed and EMBASE.

Results:
Both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways (Ca2+/cAMP signalling) control the release of neurotransmitters/
hormones and neuronal death, and dysregulations of these cellular processes may be involved in both diseases.

Conclusion:
Bearing in mind the experience of our group in this field, this article debated the involvement of
Ca2+/cAMP signalling in this link between schizophrenia and dementia, including its pharmacological implications.
Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Activity on Nitric Oxide (NO) Bioavailability as Prospective Treatments for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Malekmohammad Khojasteh , Sewell Robert D.E. , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud 
Published: March 2020

Background and objective:Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of human morbidity globally and reduced bioavailability of vascular nitric oxide (NO) has a critical role in the progression and development of the atherosclerotic disease. Loss of NO bioavailability, for example via a deficiency of the substrate (L-arginine) or cofactors for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), invariably leads to detrimental vascular effects such as impaired endothelial function and increased smooth muscle cell proliferation, deficiency of the substrate (Larginine) or cofactors for eNOS. Various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites with fewer side effects are potentially implicated in preventing cardiovascular disease by increasing NO bioavailability, thereby ameliorating endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we describe the most notable medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds that may be appropriate for enhancing NO bioavailability, and treatment of atherosclerosis.Methods:The material in this article was obtained from noteworthy scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar.Results:Medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds influence NO production through diverse mechanisms including the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, activating protein kinase C (PKC)-α, stimulating protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), reducing the conversion of nitrite to NO via nitrate-nitrite reduction pathways, induction of eNOS, activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine threonine protein kinase B (AKT) (PI3K/AKT/eNOS/NO) pathway and decreasing oxidative stress.Conclusion:Medicinal plants and/or their constituent bioactive compounds may be considered as safe therapeutic options for enhancing NO bioavailability and prospective preventative therapy for atherosclerosis.
MiR-493 Induces Cytotoxic Autophagy in Prostate Cancer Cells through Regulation on PHLPP2
Authors: Deng Jun , Ma Ming , Jiang Wei , Zheng Liangliang , Cui Suping 
Published: March 2020

Background:
MiR-493 promotes the proliferation of prostate cancer (PC) cells by targeting
PHLPP2. We aimed to explore the relationship between miR-493 and autophagy in PC.

Methods:
qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to determine the mRNA levels and protein expression
of miR-493, PHLPP2, autophagy gene BECN1 and ATG7 in PC cells. The autophagy gene expression
was determined after PC cells transfected with miR-493 precursor or PHLPP2 precursor. Corresponding
changes of autophagy phenotype and PC cell function were also studied.

Results:
The mRNA levels and protein expression of miR-493, PHLPP2, BECN1 and ATG7 in PC
cells were significantly decreased in PC cells. Overexpression of miR-493 or PHLPP2 markedly upregulated
the expression levels of BECN1 and ATG7 in PC cells. Overexpression of miR-493 and
PHLPP2 markedly promoted autophagy, and inhibited the invasion and cloning formation of PC cells.

Conclusion:
MiR-493 is a potent inducer of cytotoxic autophagy that leads to prostate cancer inhibition
by regulating on PHLPP2.
Effects and Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Weight Loss
Authors: Zhong Yanchun , Ding Yueling , Li Laiqing , Ge Meina , Ban Guangguo , Yang Hongxia , Dai Jun , Zhang Licheng 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Chlorogenic Acid (CA) has diverse, recognized health effects.

Objective:
This study aimed to explore the effects of CA on fat reduction and the underlying mechanism
of these effects.

Materials and Methods:
First, we established a Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity
mouse model and subjected the mice to 4 weeks of CA gavage. Then, we established an oleic acidinduced
model of human fatty liver in HepG2 cells, and administered a CA intervention to the cells for
48 h. Finally, we used Oil red O staining, biochemical detection kits, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis
to evaluate the effects of CA on fat reduction and on related pathways.

Results:
The CA treatment could reduce fat accumulation in the liver and reduce blood lipid levels. In
addition, CA decreased the mRNA and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
gamma, coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α) and Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) in the MSG-induced obesity
mouse model and the oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells.

Conclusion:
Based on the above results, we deduced that CA could reduce body weight and fat deposition
in vitro and in vivo and that the mechanism may be related to the PGC-1α/UCP-1 pathway. CA
can be developed as a drug to lower blood lipids and to treat obesity.
Inflammatory Markers in Cardiovascular Disease; Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Imprialos Konstantinos , Athyros Vasilios , Grassos Haris , Doumas Michael , Faselis Charles 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) still remains the leading cause of morbidity and
mortality worldwide. It is now established that inflammation plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis and
atherothrombosis, and thus, it is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.

Objective:
The aim of the present review is to summarize and critically appraise the most relevant evidence
regarding the potential use of inflammatory markers in the field of CVD.

Method:
We conducted a comprehensive research of the relevant literature, searching MEDLINE from
its inception until November 2018, primarily for meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and observational
studies.

Results:
Established markers of inflammation, mainly C-reactive protein, have yielded significant results
both for primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Newer markers, such as lipoprotein-associated
phospholipase A2, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, cytokines, myeloperoxidase,
cell adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases, and the CD40/CD40 ligand system, have been
largely evaluated in human studies, enrolling both individuals from the general population and patients
with established CVD. Some markers have yielded conflicting results; however, others are now recognized
not only as promising biomarkers of CVD, but also as potential therapeutic targets, establishing
the role of anti-inflammatory and pleiotropic drugs in CVD.

Conclusion:
There is significant evidence regarding the role of consolidated and novel inflammatory
markers in the field of diagnosis and prognosis of CVD. However, multimarker model assessment, validation
of cut-off values and cost-effectiveness analyses are required in order for those markers to be
integrated into daily clinical practice.
A Tropical Lichen, Dirinaria consimilis Selectively Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells through the Regulation of p53 and Caspase-Cascade Pathway
Authors: Shendge Anil K. , Panja Sourav , Basu Tapasree , Mandal Nripendranath 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Breast cancer is the most leading cause of death, with 49.9% of crude incidence rate
and 12.9% of crude mortality rate. Natural resources have been extensively used throughout history for better
and safer treatment against various diseases.

Objectives:
The present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of a tropical
lichen Dirinaria consimilis (DCME) and its phytochemical analysis.

Methods:
The DCME was preliminarily evaluated for ROS, and RNS scavenging potential. Furthermore,
DCME was evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity through cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, annexin
V/PI staining, morphological analysis, and western blotting study. Finally, the HPLC and LC-MS analyses were
done to identify probable bioactive compounds.

Results:
The in vitro antioxidant studies showed promising ROS, and RNS scavenging potential of DCME.
Moreover, the in vitro antiproliferative study bared the cytotoxic nature of DCME towards MCF-7 (IC50 - 98.58
± 6.82μg/mL) and non-toxic towards WI-38 (IC50 - 685.85 ± 19.51μg/mL). Furthermore, the flow-cytometric
analysis revealed the increase in sub G1 population as well as early apoptotic populations dose-dependently. The
results from confocal microscopy showed the DNA fragmentation in MCF-7 upon DCME treatment. Finally, the
western blotting study revealed the induction of tumor suppressor protein, p53, which results in increasing the
Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-cascade pathways.

Conclusion:
The activation of caspase-3, -8, -9 and PARP degradation led us to conclude that DCME induces
apoptosis in MCF-7 through both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The LC-MS analysis showed the presence
of various bioactive compounds.
Activation of Intrinsic Apoptosis and G1 Cell Cycle Arrest by a Triazole Precursor, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy)benzoyl)-hydrazinecarbothioamide in Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Arulnathan Stephanie B. , Leong Kok H. , Ariffin Azhar , Kareem Huda S. , Cheah Kevin K.H. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Oxadiazoles, triazoles, and their respective precursors have been shown to exhibit various
pharmacological properties, namely antitumour activities. Cytotoxic activity was reported for these compounds in
various cancer cell lines.

Aim and Objectives:
In this study, we aim at investigating the mechanism of apoptosis by N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-
(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy)benzoyl)-hydrazinecarbothioamide, a triazole precursor, henceforth termed compound
P7a, in breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. We first screen a series of analogues containing (3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy)
phenyl moiety in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) to select the most cytotoxic compound and
demonstrate a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity. Then, we unravel the mechanism of apoptosis of P7a in MCF-7 as
well as its ability to cause cell cycle arrest.

Methods:
Synthesis was performed as previously described by Kareem and co-workers. Cytotoxicity of analogues
containing (3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy)phenyl moiety against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was evaluated
using the MTS assay. Flow cytometric analyses was done using Annexin V/PI staining, JC-1 staining and ROS
assay. The activity of caspases using a chemoluminescence assay and western blot analysis was conducted to study
the apoptotic pathway induced by the compound in MCF-7 cells. Lastly, cell cycle analysis was conducted using
flow cytometry.

Results:
Upon 48 hours of treatment, compound P7a inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells with
IC50 values of 178.92 ± 12.51μM and 33.75 ± 1.20μM for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, respectively. Additionally,
compound P7a showed selectivity towards the cancer cell line, MCF-7 compared to the normal breast cell line,
hTERT-HME1, an advantage against current anticancer drugs (tamoxifen and vinblastine). Flow cytometric analyses
using different assays indicated that compound P7a significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells,
increased mitochondria membrane permeabilisation and caused generation of ROS in MCF-7. In addition, cell cycle
analysis showed that cell proliferation was arrested at the G1 phase in the MCF-7 cell line. Furthermore, upon
treatment, the MCF-7 cell line showed increased activity of caspase-3/7, and caspase-9. Lastly, the western blot
analysis showed the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins along with up-regulation of caspase-7 and caspase-9,
indicating that an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was induced.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that compound P7a could be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.
The Frequency of the Intestinal Parasites Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica in Pediatric Diarrhea Specimens from Central Iran
Authors: Abbasi Elnaz , Amouzandeh-Nobaveh Alireza , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah 
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly those caused by Giardia lamblia, are among the major health problems that exist worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the intestinal parasites Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica that were isolated from samples of infectious diarrhea in pediatric patients from Central Iran.

Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study included 230 samples of infectious diarrhea that were collected from May 2015 to February 2016. Direct observation, the formalin-ether sedimentation method and the technique using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of β-giardin and EH primers were used for the identification of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Results:
Out of 230 samples of infectious diarrhea, five cases (2.1%) of Giardia lamblia and no cases (0%) of Entamoeba histolytica were identified using the formalin-ether sedimentation method and the same result were obtained using PCR technique. Of the five patients who had Giardia lamblia, three (60%) were male and two (40%) were female. The most common clinical symptoms in these patients were stomach ache and diarrhea (100%) and mucus in the stool (80%).

Conclusion:
Giardia lamblia was introduced as a parasitic agent causing diarrhea from Central Iran. The results indicate that pediatricians and, even more importantly, experts in laboratories should pay special attention to the identification of this parasite to treat the patients as effectively and as quickly as possible.