bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteome Profile Changes During Poly-hydroxybutyrate Intracellular Mobilization in Gram Positive Bacillus cereus tsu1
Authors: LI HUI , O’Hair Joshua , Thapa Santosh , Bhatti Sarabjit , Zhou Suping , Yang Yong , Fish Tara , Thannhauser Theodore W. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Bacillus cereus is a bacterial species which grows efficiently on a wide range of carbon sources and accumulates biopolymer poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) up to 80% cell dry weight. PHB is an aliphatic polymer produced and stored intracellularly as a reservoir of carbon and energy, its mobilization is a key biological process for sporulation in Bacillus spp. Previously, a B. cereus tsu1 was isolated and cultured on rapeseed cake substrate (RCS), with maximum of PHB accumulation reached within 12 h, and depleted after 48 h; fore-spore and spore structure were observed after 24 h culture.
Results
Quantitative proteomic analysis of B. cereus tsu1 identified 2,952 quantifiable proteins, and 244 significantly changed proteins (SCPs) in the 24h-12h pair of samples, 325 SCPs in the 48h-12h pair of samples. Based on gene ontology classification analysis, biological processes enriched only in the 24h:12h SCPs include purine nucleotide metabolism, protein folding, metal ion homeostasis, response to stress, carboxylic acid catabolism, and cellular amino acid catabolism. The 48h:12h SCPs were enriched into processes including carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and formation of translation ternary structure. A key enzyme for PHB metabolism, poly(R)-hydroxyalkanoic acid synthase (PhaC, KGT44865) accumulated significantly higher in 12h-culture. Sporulation related proteins SigF and SpoEII were significantly higher in 24h-samples. Enzymes for nitrate respiration and fermentation accumulated at a higher level in 48h-culture.
Conclusions
Changes in proteome of B. cereus tsu1 during PHB intracellular mobilization were characterized in this study. The key enzyme PhaC for PHB synthesis increased significantly after 12h-culture which supports the highest PHB accumulation at this time point. The protein abundance level of SpoIIE and SigF were increased which is correlated with sporulation in 24h-culture. Enzymes for nitrate respiration and fermentation were significantly induced in 48h-culture which indicates the depletion of oxygen at this stage and carbon flow towards fermentative growth. Results from this study provide insights into proteome profile changes during PHB accumulation and reuse, which can be applied to achieve a higher PHB yield and to improve bacterial growth performance and stress resistance.
Tracing cross species transmission of Mycobacterium bovis at the wildlife/livestock interface in South Africa
Authors: Sichewo Petronillah Rudo , Hlokwe Tiny M. , Etter Eric M.C. , Michel Anita L. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and wildlife in South Africa with the African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) as the principal maintenance host. The presence of a wildlife maintenance host at the wildlife/livestock interface acting as spill-over host makes it much more challenging to control and eradicate bTB in cattle. Spoligotyping and mycobacteria interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) genotyping methods were performed to investigate the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium bovis ( M. bovis ) isolates from cattle and wildlife, their distribution and transmission at the wildlife/livestock interface in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa. Results SB0130 was identified as the dominant spoligotype pattern at this wildlife/livestock interface, while VNTR typing revealed a total of 29 VNTR profiles (strains) in the KZN province signifying high genetic variability. The detection of 5 VNTR profiles shared between cattle and buffalo suggests M. bovis transmission between species. MIRU-VNTR confirmed co-infection in one cow with three strains of M. bovis that differed at a single locus, with 2 being shared with buffalo, implying pathogen introduction from most probably unrelated wildlife sources. Conclusion Our findings highlight inter and intra species transmission of bTB at the wildlife/livestock interface and the need for the implementation of adequate bTB control measures to mitigate the spread of the pathogen responsible for economic losses and a public health threat.
Clinical analysis of surgical treatment for retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman Disease: a single-centre experience for 10 years
Authors: Wang Wenda , Dong Dexin , Wen Jin , Li Hanzhong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective Diagnosis of unicentric Castleman Disease (UCD) is not easy before the resection and obtainment of pathological result. We summarized 10-year experience of clinical management for retroperitoneal UCD in PUMCH. Methods A retrospective analysis of retroperitoneal UCD between December 1st, 2009 and December 31th, 2019 in PUMCH was carried out. Epidemiological data, imaging and laboratorial examinations, and histopathological results after resection were reviewed and analyzed. The long-term follow up was performed in these retroperitoneal UCD patients. Results 72 UCD patients with pathological diagnosis after resection were screened out. Among them 25 patients had retroperitoneal UCD. The average age of the 25 patients was 43.80±12.79, and 52.00% were male. No patients had systemic symptoms, and one patient got pre-operative treatment. The average size of masses was 5.59±2.86cm. The UCD sites included kidney, adrenal area, perinephric area, pancreas, peripancreatic area, area of descending part of duodenum, periaortic area or beside iliac artery, and others. The masses presented different degree of enhancement on CT scans and hypoecho or isoecho on ultrasound. Increased metabolism could be found on 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Some patients had positive results on somatostatin receptor imaging, but none had positive results on 131 I-MIBG. Some patients presented the elevated level of IL-6, 24h-urinary catecholamine and tumor markers. All the patients received complete resection of masses and 96.00% had hyaline-vascular type pathology except one patient (plasma cell-type). 92.00% patients received a long-term follow up with an average follow-up time of 35.48±33.90 months. No patients died or experienced relapse during follow up. Conclusions Differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal UCD may be difficult according to imaging and laboratorial examinations. Complete resection is the best treatment and could provide a final pathological diagnosis.
Removal of heavy metals from wastewater using agricultural byproducts
Authors: Alalwan Hayder A. , Kadhom Mohammed A. , Alminshid Alaa H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe use of agricultural waste to remove heavy metals from wastewater has attracted much attention due to its economic advantages and high removal efficiency which is attributed to different functional groups. The sorption mechanism of biomass can consist of several steps including chemisorption, complexation, adsorption on surface, diffusion through pores, and ion exchange. Heavy metals were removed in different rates depending on the adsorbent and metal itself. For instance, coconut waste showed adsorption capacities of 263 and 285 mg/g in removing lead and cadmium ions, respectively. Also, black oak bark has adsorbed mercury in an adsorption capacity of 400 mg/g, while wheat brans adsorption capacity for chromium was 310 mg/g. The adsorption capacity is commonly calculated by Lagergren's first-order equation, the Redlich Peterson model, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) model. However, Langmuir and Freundlich models were intensively used to calculate the adsorbed amount by a unit weight of solid sorbents. This review article aims to present the recently available information on utilizing the biomass materials for heavy metals removal. Here, we highlight the increasing use of these materials due to their low cost, regeneration ability, high adsorption efficiency, and small chemical or biological sludge with a possibility of metal recovery.
Modifying graphite felt cathode by HNO3 or KOH to improve the degradation efficiency of electro-Fenton for landfill leachate
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Yan , Wang Dongfang , Yao Meng , Fan Congying , Dai Jie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBased on graphite felt (GF), the cathode of an electro-Fenton (EF) system was modified by HNO3 and KOH respectively to improve the degradation efficiency for actual landfill leachate. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, Boehm titration experiments, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and adsorption experiments illustrated that the surface of the modified GFs had more oxygen-containing functional (OG) groups, and possessed better hydrophilicity and larger specific surface area. In 180 min H2O2 electrogeneration experiments, the cumulative amount of H2O2 produced by unmodified GF (GF-0), HNO3 modified GF (GF-1) and KOH modified GF (GF-2) was 526 mg/L, 891 mg/L and 823 mg/L respectively. In 180 min EF reaction, the removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in GF-0, GF-1 and GF-2 EF systems was 31.88%, 60.65% and 52.08% respectively; the removal rate of NH4+-N in GF-0, GF-1 and GF-2 EF systems was 43.37%, 98.10% and 94.81% respectively. In addition, both the performance of GF-1 and GF-2 for Fe2+ regeneration was greatly enhanced, and GF-1 was superior to GF-2. The degradation efficiency for landfill leachate was enhanced obviously by employing the modified EF system, suggesting that the two modified cathodes have great potential in practical production.
Enhancing treated wastewater effluent characteristics using hybrid biofilm/activated sludge process – a case study
Authors: Hassan Khalid , Hamdy Olfat , Helmy Mohamed , Mostafa Hossam 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper documents the results of 12 months of monitoring of an upgraded hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor-conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (MBBR-CAS WWTP). It also targets the assessment of the increment of the hydraulic load on existing treatment units with a zero construction and land cost. The influent flow to the plant was increased from 21,000 m3 d−1 to 30,000 m3 d−1, 40% of the existing CAS reactor volume was used for the MBBR zone with a carrier fill fraction of 47.62% and with Headworks Bio ActiveCell™ 515 used as media; no modifications were made for the primary and secondary tanks. The hybrid reactor showed high removal efficiencies for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSS), with average effluent values recording 33.00 ± 8.87 mg L−1, 52.90 ± 9.65 mg L−1 and 29.50 ± 6.64 mg L−1 respectively. Nutrient removals in the hybrid modified biological reactor were moderate compared with carbon removal despite the high C/N ratio of 12.33. Findings in this study favor the application of MBBR in the upgrading of existing CAS plants with the plant BOD5 removal efficiency recording an increase of about 5% compared with the plant before upgrade and effluent values well within the legal requirements.
Trends in Nanotechnology for in vivo Cancer Diagnosis: Products and Patents
Authors: do Nascimento Tatielle , Tavares Melanie , Monteiro Mariana S.S.B. , Santos-Oliveira Ralph , Todeschini Adriane R. , de Souza Vilênia T. , Ricci-Júnior Eduardo 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Cancer is a set of diseases formed by abnormal growth of cells leading to the formation
of the tumor. The diagnosis can be made through symptoms’ evaluation or imaging tests, however, the techniques
are limited and the tumor detection may be late. Thus, pharmaceutical nanotechnology has emerged to optimize
the cancer diagnosis through nanostructured contrast agent’s development.

Objective:
This review aims to identify commercialized nanomedicines and patents for cancer diagnosis.

Methods:
The databases used for scientific articles research were Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Lilacs.
Research on companies’ websites and articles for the recognition of commercial nanomedicines was performed.
The Derwent tool was applied for patent research.

Results:
This article aimed to research on nanosystems based on nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, composites
and quantum dots, associated to imaging techniques. Commercialized products based on metal and composite
nanoparticles, associated with magnetic resonance and computed tomography, have been observed. The research
conducted through Derwent tool displayed a small number of patents using nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis.
Among these patents, the most significant number was related to the use of systems based on metal nanoparticles,
composites and quantum dots.

Conclusion:
Although few systems are found in the market and patented, nanotechnology appears as a promising
field for the development of new nanosystems in order to optimize and accelerate the cancer diagnosis.
In Silico Drug Target Discovery Through Proteome Mining from M. tuberculosis: An Insight into Antivirulent Therapy
Authors: Bhattacharya Shreya , Ghosh Puja , Banerjee Debasmita , Banerjee Arundhati , Ray Sujay 
Published: February 2020

Aim and Objective:One of the challenges to conventional therapies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the development of multi-drug resistant pathogenic strains. This study was undertaken to explore new therapeutic targets for the revolutionary antivirulence therapy utilizing the pathogen’s essential hypothetical proteins, serving as virulence factors, which is the essential first step in novel drug designing.Methods:Functional annotations of essential hypothetical proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv strain) were performed through domain annotation, Gene Ontology analysis, physicochemical characterization and prediction of subcellular localization. Virulence factors among the essential hypothetical proteins were predicted, among which pathogen-specific drug target candidates, non-homologous to human and gut microbiota, were identified. This was followed by druggability and spectrum analysis of the identified targets.Results and conclusion:The study successfully assigned functions of 83 essential hypothetical proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, among which 25 were identified as virulence factors. Out of 25, 12 virulence factors were observed as potential pathogen-specific drug target candidates. Nine potential targets had druggable properties and rest three were considered as novel targets. Exploration of these targets will provide new insights into future drug development. Characterization of subcellular localizations revealed that most of the predicted targets were cytoplasmic which could be ideal for intracellular drugs, while two drug targets were membranebound, ideal for vaccines. Spectrum analysis identified one broad-spectrum and 11 narrowspectrum targets. This study would, therefore, instigate designing novel therapeutics for antivirulence therapy, which have the potential to serve as revolutionary treatment instead of conventional antibiotic therapies to overcome the lethality of antibiotic-resistant strains.
ZnO-nanorods Promoted Synthesis of α-amino Nitrile Benzofuran Derivatives using One-pot Multicomponent Reaction of Isocyanides
Authors: Najar Asef H. , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Zareyee Daryoush 
Published: February 2020

Aims & Objective:In this work ZnO-nanorod (ZnO-NR) as reusable catalyst promoted Strecker-type reaction of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, isopropenylacetylene, trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN), primary amines and isocyanides at ambient temperature under solvent-free conditions and produced α-amino nitriles benzofuran derivatives in high yields. These synthesized compounds may have antioxidant ability.Materials and Methods:ZnO-NRs in these reactions were prepared according to reported article. 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone 1 (2 mmol) and isopropenylacetylene 2 (2 mmol) were mixed and stirred for 30 min in the presence of ZnO-NR (10 mol%) under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. After 30 min, primary amine 3 (2 mmol) was added to the mixture gently and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. After this time TMSCN 4 (2 mmol) was added to the mixture and stirred for 15 min. After completion of the reaction, as indicated by TLC, isocyanides 5 was added to mixture in the presence of catalyst.Results:In the first step of this research, the reaction of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone 1, isopropenylacetylene 2, methyl amine 3a, trimethylsilyle cyanide 4 and tert-butyl isocyanides 5a was used as a sample reaction to attain the best reaction conditions. The results showed this reaction performed with catalyst and did not have any product without catalyst after 12 h.Conclusion:In conclusion, we investigate multicomponent reaction of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone 1, isopropenylacetylene 2, primary amines 3, trimethylsilyl cyanide 4 and isocyanides along with ZnO-NRs as reusable catalyst at room temperature under solvent-free conditions which generates α-amino nitrile benzofuran derivatives in high yields. The advantages of our method are high atom economy, green reaction conditions, higher yield, shorter reaction times, and easy work-up, which are in good agreement with some principles of green chemistry. The compounds 8c exhibit excellent DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP compared to synthetic antioxidants BHT and TBHQ.
Identification of Most Relevant Features for Classification of Francisella tularensis using Machine Learning
Authors: Ahmad Fareed , Farooq Amjad , Ghani Khan Muhammad Usman , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Rabbani Masood , Hussain Irshad 
Published: February 2020

Background:Francisella tularensis is a stealth pathogen fatal for animals and humans. Ease of its propagation, coupled with high capacity for ailment and death makes it a potential candidate for biological weapon.Objective:Work related to the pathogen’s classification and factors affecting its prolonged existence in soil is limited to statistical measures. Machine learning other than conventional analysis methods may be applied to better predict epidemiological modeling for this soil-borne pathogen.Methods:Feature-ranking algorithms namely; relief, correlation and oneR are used for soil attribute ranking. Moreover, classification algorithms; SVM, random forest, naive bayes, logistic regression and MLP are used for classification of the soil attribute dataset for Francisella tularensis positive and negative soils.Results:Feature-ranking methods concluded that clay, nitrogen, organic matter, soluble salts, zinc, silt and nickel are the most significant attributes while potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, copper, chromium and sand are the least contributing risk factors for the persistence of the pathogen. However, clay is the most significant and potassium is the least contributing attribute. Data analysis suggests that feature-ranking using relief produced classification accuracy of 84.35% for multilayer perceptron; 82.99% for linear regression; 80.27% for SVM and random forest; and 78.23% for naive bayes, which is better than other ranking methods. MLP outperforms other classifiers by generating an accuracy of 84.35%, 82.99% and 81.63% for feature-ranking using relief, correlation and oneR algorithms, respectively.Conclusion:These models can significantly improve accuracy and can minimize the risk of incorrect classification. They further help in controlling epidemics and thereby minimizing the socio-economic impact on the society.
The Affinity of Human Fetal Osteoblast to Laser-Modified Titanium Implant Fixtures
Authors: Khoo Lee Kian , Kiattavorncharoen Sirichai , Pairuchvej Verasak , Lakkhanachatpan Nisanat , Wongsirichat Natthamet , Seriwatanachai Dutmanee 
Published: February 2020

Introduction:
Implant surface modification methods have recently involved laser treatment to achieve the desired implant surface characteristics. Meanwhile, surface modification could potentially introduce foreign elements to the implant surface during the manufacturing process.

Objectives:
The study aimed to investigate the surface chemistry and topography of commercially available laser-modified titanium implants, together with evaluating the cell morphology and cell adhesion of human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) seeded onto the same implants.

Method:
Six (6) samples of commercially available laser-modified titanium implants were investigated. These implants were manufactured by two different companies. Three (3) implants were made from commercially pure grade 4 Titanium (Brand X); and three were made from grade 5 Ti6Al4V (Brand Y). The surface topography of these implants was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface chemistry was evaluated with electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDS). Human fetal osteoblasts were seeded onto the implant fixtures to investigate the biocompatibility and adhesion.

Results & Discussion:
Brand X displayed dark areas under SEM while it was rarely found on brand Y. These dark areas were consistent with their organic matter. The hFOB cell experiments revealed cell adhesion with filopodia on Brand X samples which is consistent with cell maturation. The cells on Brand Y were morphologically round and lacked projections, one sample was devoid of any noticeable cells under SEM. Cell adhesion was observed early at 48 hrs in laser-irradiated titanium fixtures from both the brands.

Conclusion:
The presence of organic impurities in Brand X should not be overlooked because disruption of the osseointegration process may occur due to the rejection of the biomaterial in an in-vivo model. Nevertheless, there was insufficient evidence to link implant failure directly with carbon contaminated implant surfaces. Further studies to determine the toxicity of Vanadium from Ti6Al4V in an in-vivo environment should indicate the reason for different cell maturation.
Effects of Coronary Angioplasty on Inflammatory Markers and Lipid Profile in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tanajura da Silva Tathiane , Junior Roque A. , de Moura Daniel Lima , A. Santos Júlio C. , Müller da Fonseca Álvaro L. , Couto Ricardo D. , M. Lima Fernanda W. 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Although atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality, little is known about the role of inflammation, and mediators of disease progression. In this study, serum levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated in stable atherosclerotic disease patients before and by 24 hours after coronary angioplasty and stenting.

Methods:
The study included 12 patients (eight women and four men) who underwent coronary angioplasty to implant a conventional wire-mesh cobalt-chromium stent. Changes in the lipid profile were investigated. The pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukine-17 (IL-17) were measured by enzyme immunoassays. All patients received statins and reported being hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, and sedentary.

Results:
TNF-α and IL-17 levels did not differ significantly before and after angioplasty. The total leukocyte count had a significant reduction when compared before (7.6; 6.5-10.6cells/µL) and after (6.78;5.2-8.2cells/µL) angioplasty, although, on the other hand, the CRP levels increased from 2.5 (0.0-14.75) to 8.0 (0.75-31mg/dL) (p<0.05). Patients had significantly higher average total cholesterol before (160; 148-193) then after (155; 122-172mg/dL) (p=0.0038), as well as HDL-cholesterol, before (41; 30-49) and after (33; 32-42mg/dL) (p=0.0192), and apolipoprotein-A levels, before (159;133-169) and after, (143; 115-150 mg/dL) (p<0.05) procedure. On the other hand, no significant differences were noticed on LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein-B concentrations.

Conclusion:
The angioplasty procedure with stent implantation influenced lipoprotein metabolism specifically that of HDL, by leading to HDL-c and apolipoprotein-A reductions, as well as total leukocyte count, and CRP elevations by 24 hours after procedure.