bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical, Bacteriological and Biochemical Assessment of Water Samples from Unprotected Wells in Lagos State Metropolis
Authors: Ogunware Adedayo Emmanuel , Adedigba Pelumi Abimbola , Oyende Yetunde Ebunlomo , Adekoya Adesewa Adeyinka , Daramola Abosede Racheal 
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study presents the results of the physicochemical parameter data and water quality index use to assess the quality of unprotected well water in Lagos southwest, Nigeria.
Methodology: 20 water samples were collected from selected locations namely; PPL, Okokomaiko, Cassidy, Iba express and Iba junction and they were analyzed for 7 physical parameters (temperature of the water, temperature of air, colour, odor, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids) and 7 chemical parameters (pH, iron, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Chloride, organic matter and residual chlorine).
Results: The result showed that 5 (25%) samples had pH below the NSDWQ limit for drinking water quality and 10 (50%) samples had conductivity that were above the standard limit. 15 (75%) samples had Total dissolve solid that were above the standard limit. All other physicochemical parameters were within the NSDWQ. Microbiological analyses were done to assess the total plate count and the coliform count of the water samples and the results showed that 9 samples had colonies that were too numerous to count exceeding the permissible limit of 100 CFU/ml set by WHO. The coliform count of the water samples showed that the MPN per 100 ml of all the water samples were above the WHO limit by having results greater than 1. The IMViC result showed that Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species were found in 6 plates (30%), Citrobacter species were found in 7 plates (35%) and Escherichia species were found in 7 plates (35%).
Conclusions: This result highlight that the well water in these areas are not safe for human consumption without additional treatment such as boiling or addition of disinfectants, therefore there is need to enlighten the consumers around these researched study areas to at least disinfect and filtrate their well water before drinking in order to avoid outbreak of waterborne diseases. Physicochemical
Survival Pattern and Toxin Production of Pathogens in Spiced and Non Spiced Fried Rice
Authors: Olanbiwoninu Afolake Atinuke , Oluwaniran Oluwatooni , Oladosu Faidah , Banwo Kolawole , Odunfa Sunday 
Published: May 2020

Aims: There is no data regarding the survival rate of pathogens in party foods held at different temperature and time interval in Nigeria. Hence, the need to study the survival rate of selected food borne pathogens in Fried rice (spiced and non – spiced) served at parties, monitor toxin production and the rate at which it is produced with respect to time and holding temperature as well as determine the effect of spices on the survival of food pathogens.
Place and Duration of Study: Lagelu and Ibadan North Local Government Authority Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between May 2017 and September 2017.
Methodology: We obtained 10 fried rice samples (5 spiced and 5 non- spiced) from different parties inside sterile food warmers and transferred to the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Pathogens inoculated were obtained from the culture collection unit of the Food Microbiology laboratory and they were Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Inoculum size of the pathogens was determined prior to inoculation. Initial temperature of the fried rice sample was taken and after inoculation, samples were taken at an interval of 2 hours to determine the survival rate of the pathogens. Brine Shrimp Lethality (BSL) assay was used to determine the level of toxin produced.
Results: The microbial load of all pathogens inoculated increased from its initial size as the holding temperature reduces and holding time increases. For E. coli, there was an increase from 5.3 log10CFU/g to 9.3 log10CFU/g and 8.3 log10CFU/g in non–spiced fried rice and spiced fried rice, respectively, initial load for S. typhi also increase from 4.1 log10CFU/g to 9.1 and 8.4, for B. cereus and S. aureus there was an increase form 6.3 log10CFU/g to 9.0 and 8.4 for non-spiced and spiced rice respectively. Toxicity test shows that the lethal dose was high at 8 hours (LC50:1.5) which connotes that the toxicity was high at this holding time.
Conclusion: Holding cooked foods at ambient temperature for 6 h or longer without appropriate reheating constitute a major critical control point for party food. Keeping foods at the right temperatures is an essential food safety practice. Adequate knowledge and application of this by caterers will reduce the rate of food borne illness in the country.
Vitreomacular Interphase Disorders in Eyes with Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy
Authors: Oderinlo Olufemi , Hassan Adekunle , Okonkwo Ogugua 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To describe the type of vitreomacula interface disorders (VID) seen in eyes with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, based on optical coherence tomography findings and assess their effect on visual acuity.
Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational case study. Clinical records and imaging records were reviewed to identify all PSR cases with Fourier-domain OCT imaging showing VIDs at a single academic private-practice office location from January 1, 2015 to July 30, 2018. Identified VIDs were classified as Vitreomacula Adhesions, Vitreomacula Traction, Lamellar Macula Hole, Full Thickness Macula Hole, Epiretina membranes and Macula Pseudohole.
Results: Out of a total of 98 eyes of 78 patients with PSR evaluated, only 12 eyes had VIDs; this represents 12.2% of PSR patients. There were 3 (25%) males and 9 (75%) females with ages ranging from 32 to 64 years, a mean age of 45.42yrs [SD 10.27], 9(75%) right eyes were affected. In 9(75%) patients their genotype was SC and 3(25%) with genotype SS. PSR was at stage 3 in 6(50%) eyes, while the remaining 6(eyes) were at stage 4. The most common VID was epiretina membranes (ERM) seen in 7(58.3%)eyes, in 2(16.6%) ERMs eyes were associated with Lamella Macula Holes and in 1(8.3%) the ERM was associated with a pseudohole. VMAs were seen in in 3(25%) eyes and FTMHs were seen in 2 (16.6%) eyes. ERMs were thus seen in 7.1% (7 eyes) of the 98 eyes with PSR that were considered.
Conclusion: Epiretina membranes with or without macular holes are the most common vitreomacular interphase disorders seen in our series of eyes with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. They were associated with mild to moderate impairment in visual acuity.
A Quasi‐Solid‐State Tristate Reversible Electrochemical Mirror Device with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Eh Alice Lee‐Sie , Chen Jingwei , Yu Shu Hearn , Thangavel Gurunathan , Zhou Xinran , Cai Guofa , Li Shaohui , Chua Daniel H. C. , Lee Pooi See 
Published: May 2020

AbstractReversible electrochemical mirror (REM) electrochromic devices with electrochemical tunability in multiple optical states are exciting alternatives to conventional electrochromic smart windows. Electrochromic devices are studied extensively, yet widespread adoptions have not been achieved due to problems associated with durability, switching speed, limited options on optical states, and cost. In this study, a REM electrochromic device based on CuSn alloy is developed, which offers highly reversible switching between transparent, greyish‐blue, and mirror states via reversible electrodeposition and dissolution. The alloying element, Sn acts as an electrochemical mediator, which facilitates the electrodeposition and dissolution of Cu. The CuSn‐based REM device shows superior cycling stability for 2400 cycles (transmittance mode) and 1000 cycles (reflectance mode). The electrodeposited CuSn alloy film is resistant to surface oxidation in ambient air, with a 2.9% difference in reflectance at 2000 nm after 3 days. In addition, the alloy film exhibits excellent NIR reflectance property with thermal modulation of 18.5 °C at a high temperature of 180 °C. The REM device with zero power consumption maintains its mirror state for at least 100 min, making it a promising candidate for energy‐efficient applications.
Dual‐Functionalized Crescent Microgels for Selectively Capturing and Killing Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Qian , Yuan Zhenyu , Guo Xuhong , van Esch Jan H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn cancer therapy, the selective targeting of cancer cells while avoiding side effects to normal cells is still full of challenges. Here, we developed dual‐functionalized crescent microgels, which selectively captured and killed lung cancer cells in situ without killing other cells. Crescent microgels with the inner surface of the cavity functionalized with antibody and containing glucose oxidase (GOX) in the gel matrix have been produced in a microfluidic device. These microgels presented high affinity and good selectivity to lung cancer cells and retained them inside the cavities for extended periods of time. Exposing the crescent hydrogels to physiological concentrations of glucose leads to the production of a locally high concentration of H2O2 inside the microgels’ cavities, due to the catalytic action by GOX inside the gel matrix, which selectively killed 90 % cancer cells entrapped in the microgel cavities without killing the cells outside. Our strategy to create synergy between different functions by incorporating them in a single microgel presents a novel approach to therapeutic systems, with potentially broad applications in smart materials, bioengineering and biomedical fields.
RETRACTED: Resibufogenin suppresses growth and metastasis through inducing caspase‐1‐dependent pyroptosis via ROS‐mediated NF‐κB suppression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yin Hui , Liu Yan‐Ge , Li Fei , Wang Lun‐Qing , Zha Jian‐Hua , Xia Ying‐Chen , Yu Ben‐Tong , Wen Di‐Hao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore the antitumor properties of resibufogenin (RB) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elucidate its underlying mechanism. A549 and H520 cells were treated with various concentrations of RB with or without NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950), caspase‐1 inhibitor (VX765), or N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (an ROS scavenger). Cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays were conducted to determine cell viability. Cell invasion was detected by using the transwell assay. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by the LDH detection assay. The protein expression levels of related genes were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by using a 2,7‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate ROS Assay Kit. The in vivo effects of RB were evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. RB treatment reduced cell viability and invasion in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, RB also enhanced pyroptosis levels in A549 and H520 cells, as indicated by the increased release of LDH and pyroptosis‐related proteins. Interestingly, we also found that the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of RB were alleviated by the blockade of pyroptosis using NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Further study demonstrated that RB induced pyroptosis in a caspase‐1‐dependent manner, as evidenced by the finding that VX765 effectively reversed the effects of RB on A549 and H520 cells. We also found that RB could trigger caspase‐1‐dependent pyroptosis through ROS‐mediated NF‐κB suppression. In summary, our findings provide a potential antitumor agent and a novel insight into the mechanism of RB treatment of NSCLC.
Superior Ion‐exchange Property of Amorphous Aluminosilicates Prepared by a Co‐precipitation Method
Authors: Hikichi Naomichi , Iyoki Kenta , Yanaba Yutaka , Ohara Koji , Okubo Tatsuya , Wakihara Toru 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of inexpensive inorganic ion‐exchangers for the purification of environmental pollutants is a social demand. Amorphous aluminosilicates with a relatively high homogeneous Al environment are prepared by a feasible co‐precipitation method, i. e., mixing an acidic aluminum sulfate solution and basic sodium silicate solution, which exhibit excellent ion‐exchange selectivity for Cs+ and Sr2+. The Kd value for Sr2+ was comparable with that of zeolite 4A. The local structures and ion‐exchange behavior of the amorphous aluminosilicates are systematically investigated. The ion‐exchange property of the amorphous aluminosilicates can be tuned by changing the interaction between the exchangeable cation and the amorphous aluminosilicates. Also, the amorphous aluminosilicates can adsorb bulky cations that zeolites hardly adsorb due to the limitation of the miropore size of zeolites.
Harmful effects of high amounts of glucose on the immune system: An updated review
Authors: Shomali Navid , Mahmoudi Javad , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Zamiri Reza Eghdam , Akbari Morteza , Xu Huaxi , Shotorbani Siamak Sandoghchian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRelease and storage of energy can be regulated by the metabolic parameter dependent on the central nervous system. Macrophages are one of the most professional antigen‐presenting cells that are formed by the accumulation of dead or damaged cells or in response to the infection, which has the main function of phagocytosis, secretion of cytokines, and presenting antigen to T cells. A proper immune response is needed for the production of effector cytokines along with comprehensive and rapid cell proliferation and growth. Activation of the immune system and immune cells is needed to increase glucose metabolism. When the immune system responds to pathogens, chemokines inform immune cells such as macrophages and T cells to travel to the infected area. Although glucose is vital for the proper function of immune cells and their proliferation, a high amount of glucose may lead to impaired function of the immune system and pathological conditions. However, a suitable amount of glucose is indispensable for the immune system, but its elevated amount leads to excessive proinflammatory cytokines production. In this study, we focused on the master regulatory role of glucose on the immune system.
Achiral and chiral analysis of duloxetine by chromatographic and electrophoretic methods, a review on the separation methodologies
Authors: Lupu Daniela , Hancu Gabriel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDuloxetine (DLX) is a widely used antidepressant drug belonging to the class of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs); its efficacy has been demonstrated in the treatment of not only major depressive disorders but also diabetic neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia or stress urinary incontinence. It is a chiral substance and is used in therapy in the form of the enantiopure S‐DLX, which is twice as active as R‐DLX. Several methods have been published for the achiral and chiral determination of DLX in pharmaceuticals, biological materials and environmental samples, the majority using liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with different detection techniques (UV detection, fluorescence, mass spectrometry). The aim of the current review is to provide a systematic survey of the analytical techniques used for the determination of DLX from different matrices.
Teaching complex molecular simulation algorithms: Using self‐evaluation to tailor web‐based exercises at an individual level
Authors: Dahlen Oda , Lervik Anders , Aarøen Ola , Cabriolu Raffaela , Lyng Reidar , van Erp Titus S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIt is quite challenging to learn complex mathematical algorithms used in molecular simulations, stressing the importance of using the most advantageous teaching methods. Ideally, individuals should learn at their pace and deal with tasks fitting their levels. Web‐based exercises make it possible to tailor every small step of the learning process, but this requires continuous monitoring of the learner. Differentiation based on the scores after the first round of common tasks can be demotivating for all students, as they will experience the initial set of tasks as being either too easy or too hard. We designed two tests, a self‐monitoring test and a rapid test (RT) in which the students explained equations relating to the current topic. The first test was aimed to see if the students were able to evaluate their own level of knowledge, whereas the RT was aimed to find a fast way to determine the level of the students. We compared both tests with traditional measures of knowledge and used a relatively new method, which was originally designed for the analysis of molecular simulation data, to interpret the results. Based on this analysis, we concluded that self‐evaluation, rather than an RT, is a valuable tool to automatically steer individual students through a tree of web‐based exercises to match their skill levels and interests.
Cu−Zn Alloy Formation as Unfavored State for Efficient Methanol Catalysts
Authors: Frei Elias , Gaur Abhijeet , Lichtenberg Henning , Zwiener Leon , Scherzer Michael , Girgsdies Frank , Lunkenbein Thomas , Schlögl Robert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe active sites of Cu/ZnO‐based catalysts, commercially applied for the hydrogenation of CO2 or CO2‐rich synthesis gas, are still subject of current debates. Generally, the discussion is focused on the nature of the interfacial contact between Cu and ZnO, particularly whether it is rather of oxidic (Cu−ZnO) or alloying (Cu−Zn) character. We report on kinetic investigations on a Cu/ZnO : Al high performance catalyst activated at different temperatures. Incrementally increasing temperature under reductive conditions leads also to increased CuZn‐alloy formation, analyzed by in‐situ X‐ray diffraction, in‐situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The combination of the catalytic data and the complementary characterization techniques provide valuable insights on the relevant reaction sites for CH3OH formation. Our results highlight the complexity of the interfacial contact with evidence for Cu−ZnO reaction sites and clarify the negative impact of CuZn alloy formation on the nature of the active site.
Cyclodextrin‐Based Organic Radical Contrast Agents for in vivo Imaging of Gliomas
Authors: Melone Lucio , Bach Alice , Lamura Gianrico , Canepa Fabio , Nivajärvi Riikka , Olsson Venla , Kettunen Mikko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCyclodextrins (CDs), a class of cyclic oligosaccharides formed by α‐(1,4) linked glucopyranose units, were functionalized with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO) radicals to prepare water soluble supramolecular organic radical contrast agents (ORCAs) for the in vivo detection of glioma tumor in animal models. A first set of molecules (CDn1, n=6,7,8 is the number of both TEMPO and glucopyranose units) was studied by superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) magnetometry in order to define the role of the CD macrocycle on the effective magnetic moment (μeff). The μeff value increased from 3.982 μB(CD61) to 4.522 μB (CD81) but was limited by intramolecular antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions. A set of water‐soluble ORCAs (CDn8, n=6,7,8) was prepared by a sequence of thiol‐ene and Cu(I)‐catalyzed alkyne–azide “click” reactions. Their 1H water relaxivities r1 of these ORCAs were between 0.739 mM−1 s−1 (CD68) to 1.047 mM−1 s−1 (CD88) in D2O/H2O 9 : 1 (v : v) at 300 K. One of them (CD78) was tested on glioma‐bearing rats with reduced side effects and good relaxivity in vivo.
Organic Cages as Building Blocks for Mechanically Interlocked Molecules: Towards Molecular Machines
Authors: La Cognata Sonia , Miljkovic Ana , Mobili Riccardo , Bergamaschi Greta , Amendola Valeria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe research on systems able to perform controllable motions under external stimuli arises great interest in the scientific community. Over the years, a library of innovative devices has been produced, classified in different categories according to the molecular or supramolecular level of motion. This minireview aims to highlight some representative studies, in which organic cages are used as building blocks for mechanically interlocked molecules, and in which intramolecular motions are triggered by external input. However, the application of organic cages in the construction of molecular machines is hardly achieved. A good compromise must actually be reached, between flexibility and rigidity of the cage's framework for an effective control of the intra‐ and/or intermolecular motion in the final mechanical device. Our final goal is to stimulate researchers′ curiosity towards cage‐like molecules, so that they take on the challenge of converting a cage into a molecular machine.
Oral health‐related quality of life among young adults with cleft in northern Finland
Authors: Corcoran Mirjami , Karki Saujanya , Harila Virpi , Kyngäs Helvi , Luoto Anni , Ylikontiola Leena P. , Sándor George K. , Anttonen Vuokko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to examine Oral Health‐related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among patients with cleft lip with or without palate (CLP) at their final scheduled follow‐up visit at the age of 18 years. Another aim was to investigate the motivation to attend multiple follow‐up appointments and the satisfaction with care given by the cleft team using inductive qualitative analysis.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted among the cohort of children born with CLP who had undergone treatment at the Oulu University Hospital Cleft Lip and Palate Centre, in northern Finland since 1995. OHRQoL was assessed using the validated Finnish version of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). In addition to the OHIP‐14, two open‐ended questions were also included. These questions investigated the experience of each participant concerning their motivation to attend the Oulu University Hospital Cleft Lip and Palate Centre to receive complex treatments, and their satisfaction with care provided by the cleft team. Results were presented as proportions, means, and SD. Inductive content analysis method was performed for analysis of the open‐ended questions.ResultsA total of 63 patients with CLP participated in this study. More than half of the participants had cleft palate. More than half of the participants reported an impact on OHRQoL (OHIP‐14 score ≥ 3). All the participants with bilateral cleft lip and palate, three fourths of the participants with unilateral cleft lip and palate, and half of the participants with cleft palate reported impact on OHRQoL. Inductive content analysis showed that one fourth of the participants reported a good outcome as a motivation to attend cleft center despite of complex procedures. All the participants reported their appreciation of the cleft team.ConclusionsDespite the comprehensive treatment received by the patients born with a CLP, they still experienced lower OHRQoL, especially physical pain and psychological discomfort were more pronounced. However, good outcome, support, and oral health care being a normal routine were the motivating factors to attend a long and demanding oral health care regimen.