bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of anaerobic co-digestion in improving the environmental quality of agro-textile wastewater sludge
Authors: Tapsoba Jean G. , Komakech Hans C. , Ouma Johnson Odera 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Sludge from textile effluent treatment plants (ETP) remains a challenge for many industries due to inefficient and limited waste management strategies. This study explores the potential of using anaerobic digestion (AD) to improve the environmental quality of textile ETP sludge. The AD of ETP sludge is affected by the low C/N ratio (3.7), heavy metal content, and toxicity. To improve the process, co-digestion of ETP sludge with different substrates (sewage sludge, cow dung, and sawdust) under mesophilic conditions (37 °C), followed by a thermochemical pretreatment was assessed. The results showed that anaerobic co-digestion of the textile sludge with the co-substrates is effective in reducing pollution load. It was found that organic matters degraded during the 30-day AD process. The chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand reduction was in the range of 33.1–88.5% and 48.1–67.1%, respectively. Also, heavy metal (cadmium, lead, iron, and, mercury) concentration was slightly reduced after digestion. Maximal biogas yield was achieved from co-digestion of textile sludge and sewage sludge at a mixing ratio of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, and methane content was respectively 87.9%, 68.9%, and 69.5% of the gas composition. The results from this study show that co-digestion will not only reduce the environmental pollution and health risks from the textile industry but also recover useful energy.
AVALIAÇÃO DO RISCO PARA DESENVOLVIMENTO DE DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2 EM ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS
Authors: Viana Câmara Sonia Aparecida , Salomão Barbosa Taieny , Olivon Vânia Cláudia , Pereira Fernandes Ana Lucia , Viana Câmara Juliana 
Published: August 2020

Introdução: Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 é uma doença crônica, silenciosa, caracterizada por hiperglicemia causada pela produção insuficiente, ou resistência a ação da insulina. No Brasil, em 2017, diagnosticou 12,5 milhões de pessoas com diabetes mellitus, com uma prevalência de 8 a 9%, ocupando o quinto lugar no mundo. Diante da transição nutricional, várias pesquisas tem demonstrado prevalência desta patologia em crianças, adolescentes e jovens. Objetivo: Identificar o risco de desenvolver Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 nos estudantes do curso de Biomedicina, da Faculdade Unigran Capital, Campo Grande, MS. Método: Trata-se de um Estudo Epidemiológico Descritivo Quantitativo Transversal, com uma amostra de 132 estudantes, através da aplicação de um questionário, determinação de glicemia capilar, coleta do peso, altura, cintura abdominal, e aferição da pressão arterial. Resultados: Foi identificado fatores de riscos importantes nos estudantes de biomedicina: obesidade, sedentarismo, hipertensão, consumo de dieta não saudável e a predisposição genética. Os homens apresentaram mais fatores dos que as mulheres, as faixas etárias mais jovens de 18-20 anos encontravam-se mais sedentários e mais obesos, e, as faixas etárias mais velhas apresentaram hipertensão e consumo de dieta não saudável. Conclusão: Há necessidade de promover medidas de prevenção: consumo de dieta saudável e prática de atividade física entre os estudantes, para evitar o desenvolvimento desta patologia.

Palavras-chave: Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2; Universitários; Fatores de Risco.
Stem Cell Therapy Offers a Possible Safe and Promising Alternative Approach for Treating Vitiligo: A Review
Authors: Esquivel Diana , Mishra Rangnath , Srivastava Anand 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Normal skin pigmentation pattern is an extremely important component of the appearance
of a person, as it can be a significant factor in the social context of any person. A condition known as vitiligo
is caused by the death of melanocytes leading to pigmentation loss in the skin. This affects all races across the
globe and sometimes leads to social avoidance as in some communities, it is stigmatized. Although there are
different pathobiological processes suspected because of the different underlying causes of vitiligo, autoimmunity
and oxidative stress are suspected to be the most probable ones.

Objective:
In this review, we present an overview of the underlying mechanisms causing and developing the
disease. Also, some of the most successful treatments along with the clinical applications of Mesenchymal Stem
Cells (MSCs) as a comprehensive approach for treating this condition will be covered.

Results:
Autoreactive CD8+ T-cells are the primary suspect considered to be responsible for the destruction of
melanocytes. Therefore, topical use of autoimmune inhibitors including those derived from MSCs, thanks to their
immune-modulatory properties, have been reported to be successful in the promotion of repigmentation. MSCs
can suppress the proliferation of CD8+T via the NKG2D pathway while inducing T-cell apoptosis. The use of
pharmacological agents for reducing cellular oxidative stress with the help of topical application of antioxidants
and growth factors also have been in use. Intravenous administration of MSCs has been shown to regulate the
level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in a mice model. Growth factors derived from platelet-rich-plasma
(PRP) or from MSCs caused rapid tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:
Finally, MSC therapy also has been shown to stimulate the mobilization of healthy melanocytes,
leading to successful repigmentation of skin lesions in vitiligo patients.
Palmatine Inhibits Up-Regulation of GRP78 and CALR Protein in an STZ-Induced Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Okechukwu Patrick N. , Ekeuku Sophia O. , Chan Hor K. , Eluri Kalpana , Froemming Gabriele R.A. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose
levels) which is due to the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the islets of Langerhans in
the pancreas. It is associated with oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The plant alkaloid Palmatine
has been previously reported to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as well as other
protective properties against kidney and liver tissue damage.

Objective:
Here, we investigated the ability of Palmatine to reduce the up-regulation of chaperone proteins
Glucose Regulatory Protein 78 (GRP78), and Calreticulin (CALR) protein in a Streptozotocin
(STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods:
Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats treated with 2mg/kg of Palmatine
for 12 weeks after the elevation of plasma glucose levels above 11mmol/L post-STZ administration.
Proteins were extracted from the pancreas after treatment and Two-Dimensional gel electrophoresis
(2-DE), PDQuest 2-D analysis software genomic solutions and mass spectrometer were used
to analyze differentially expressed protein. Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS), Multidimensional Protein
Identification Technology (MudPIT) was used for protein identification.

Results:
There was an up-regulation of the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and GRP78 and
down-regulation of the expression of antioxidant and protection proteins peroxidoxin 4 (Prdx4), protein
disulfide isomerase (PDIA2/3), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTs), and Serum Albumin (ALB) in
non-diabetic rats. Palmatine treatment down-regulated the expression of chaperone proteins CALR and
GRP78 and up-regulated the expression of Prdx4, PDIA2/3, GST, and ALB.

Conclusion:
Palmatine may have activated antioxidant proteins, which protected the cells against reactive
oxygen species and endoplasmic stress. The result is in consonance with our previous report on
Palmatine.
A Healthy Gut for a Healthy Brain: Preclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Aspects
Authors: Petrella Carla , Farioli-Vecchioli Stefano , Cisale Giusy Ylenia , Strimpakos Georgios , Borg John Joseph , Ceccanti Mauro , Fiore Marco , Monteleone Giovanni , Nisticò Robert 
Published: August 2020

:
A large body of research has shown the presence of a complex pathway of communications
between the gut and the brain. It is now recognized that, through this pathway, the microbiota
can influence brain homeostasis and plasticity under normal and pathological conditions.

:
This review aims at providing an overview of preclinical and clinical pieces of evidence supporting
the possible role of gut-brain axis modulation in physiological aging, in a neurodevelopmental disorder,
the autism spectrum disorders and in a substance abuse disorder, the alcohol addiction.

:
Since the normalization of gut flora can prevent changes in the behavior, we postulate that the gutbrain
axis might represent a possible target for pharmacological and dietary strategies aimed at improving
not only intestinal but also mental health. The present review also reports some regulatory
considerations regarding the use of probiotics, illustrating the most debated issues about the possibility
of considering probiotics not only as a food supplement but also as a “full” medicinal product.
Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents: Association between Intake of Vitamins A and E and Lipid Profile
Authors: de Carvalho Luiza M.F. , de Sousa Carvalho Layonne , de Sousa Claudiane B. , Beserra Jessica B. , da Paz Suzana M.R.S. , dos Santos Marize M. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The diet of Brazilian adolescents is characterized by high intake of fats
and sugars and low consumption of antioxidant micronutrients, particularly vitamins A and E. In
addition to dietary inadequacies, a significant number of these adolescents present changes in plasma
lipoproteins, which may be caused by environmental and lifestyle factors.

Objective:
To investigate the association between inadequate intake of vitamins A and E and
changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in Brazilian adolescents.

Methods:
Cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter, school-based, nationwide study with 37,023
Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics,
vitamin A and E intake, and lipid and anthropometric profile were collected. The Student’s
t-test was used to compare means and a logistic regression to verify associations; analyses were
conducted in the STATA software version 14.0. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees
of the participating institutions and all participants signed an Assent Form.

Results:
The average vitamin A intake was higher among boys, but consumption below recommendation
was found in both sexes. Inadequate intake of vitamins A and E was associated with a higher
risk of low HDL-c levels in male and public school adolescents. Low vitamin E intake was associated
with a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in Brazilian adolescents.

Conclusion:
This study showed a high prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins A and E among
Brazilian adolescents and data suggesting associations between low intake of these micronutrients
and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in this public.
The Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Functional Herbal Beverages: A Review of its Nutritional, Medicinal, and Toxicity Profiles
Authors: Bailey-Shaw Yvonne , Rodney Shawntae , Golding Channtal , Foster Shadae , Randle Melaine , Watson Charah 
Published: August 2020

:
In recent times, Moringa oleifera Lam. has become one of the most sought after therapeutic
cure-all plants in tropical and subtropical zones, including Jamaica. Anecdotally, the most
popular choice of Moringa consumption locally is in the form of functional herbal beverages, such
as teas and juices, prepared from the leaves of the plant. However, there is little or no scientific evidence
to validate the efficacy and or safety of such beverages.

:
An extensive search of scientific literature published over the last decade (2010-2020) related to
the nutritional, medicinal, and toxicological profiles of Moringa oleifera was, therefore conducted
with special emphasis on literature related to the dried leaves and aqueous leaf extracts thereof.
Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were the main search tools employed. Articles
that referred to varieties of Moringa, other than oleifera, were excluded from the searches, as
were articles that referred to subject matters outside of nutrition, medicinal properties, and toxicity.
All peer-reviewed journal articles, and other online articles, which referred to the subject matters of
interest were critically read and included in the review.

:
This review is a compilation of evidence-based literature, indicating the outstanding nutritive value,
high therapeutic potential, and the relatively non-toxic properties of the dried leaves and aqueous
leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera. Prospects for their application in the development of safe and
efficacious functional herbal beverages are indicated.
Differential Modulation of Autophagy Contributes to the Protective Effects of Resveratrol and Co-Enzyme Q10 in Photoaged Mice
Authors: Mostafa Dalia K. , Omar Shaimaa I. , Abdellatif Amany A. , Sorour Osama A. , Nayel Omnia A. , Abod Al Obaidi Marwa R. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
In photoaging, the accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative damage
leads to the characteristic hallmarks of aging. Here arises the importance of autophagy as a
cellular degradation process that cleans the cells of defective or aged organelles and macromolecules,
thus maintaining cellular homeostasis. In spite of this, the exact impact of autophagy in
photoaging is still elusive.

Objective:
To evaluate the protective effects of resveratrol and/or co-enzyme-Q10 against the
UVA-induced alterations and to explore the role of autophagy in their proposed benefits.

Methods:
Sixty female mice were randomly divided into normal control, untreated UVA-exposed, resveratrol (50mg/kg),
co-enzyme-Q10 (100mg/kg), and resveratrol/co-enzyme-Q10-treated UVA-exposed groups. Clinical signs of photoaging
were evaluated using a modified grading score and the pinch test. Skin malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione were
assessed as markers of oxidative stress. Tissues were examined for histopathological signs of photodamage, and
autophagic changes were determined by immunohistochemical detection of LC3 and P62 in the different cells of the skin.

Results:
UVA-exposure increased the oxidative stress with subsequent epidermal and dermal injury.
This was associated with the stimulation of autophagy in the keratinocytes and inhibition of
autophagic flux in the fibroblasts and infiltrating macrophages. Both drugs corrected the impaired
pinch test, macro–and microscopic changes, and exhibited distinct staining patterns with anti-LC3
and P62 in the different cell types denoting autophagic modulation.

Conclusion:
Changes in autophagic flux are strongly implicated in photoaging associated skin damage and the differential
modulation of autophagy by resveratrol and to a lesser extent by Co-enzyme-Q10 is partially involved in their therapeutic
benefits.
The Role of microRNAs in Gliomas – Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Katsila Theodora , Kardamakis Dimitrios 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Malignant gliomas constitute a complex disease phenotype that demands optimum decisionmaking. Despite being the most common type of primary brain tumors, gliomas are highly heterogeneous when their
pathophysiology and response to treatment are considered. Such inter-individual variability also renders differential and
early diagnosis extremely difficult. Recent evidence highlight that the gene-environment interplay becomes of
fundamental importance in oncogenesis and progression of gliomas.

Objective:
To unmask key features of the gliomas disease phenotype and map the inter-individual variability of patients,
we explore genotype-to-phenotype associations. Emphasis is put on microRNAs as they regulate gene expression, have
been implicated in the pathogenesis of gliomas and may serve as theranostics, empowering non-invasive strategies
(circulating free or in exosomes).

Method:
We mined text and omic datasets (as of 2019) and conducted a mixed-method content analysis. A novel
framework was developed to meet the aims of our analysis, interrogating data in terms of content and context. We relied
on literature data from PubMed/Medline and Scopus, as they are considered the largest abstract and citation databases of
peer-reviewed literature. To avoid selection biases, both publicly available and private texts have been assessed. Both
percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa statistic have been calculated to avoid biases by SAS macro MAGREE with
multicategorical ratings.

Results:
Gliomas serve as a paradigm for multifaceted datasets, despite data sparsity and scarcity. miRNAs and miRNAbased therapeutics are ready for prime time. Exosomal miRNAs empower non-invasive strategies, surpassing circulating
free miRNAs, when accuracy and precision are considered.

Conclusion:
miRNAs holds promise as theranostics.
Isolation and Characterization of Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria from Urmia Lake after the Recent Drought Disaster in 2015
Authors: Kazemi Elham , Tarhriz Vahideh , Hejazi Mohammad S. , Amoozegar Mohammad A. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Due to the last two decades of drought disaster, which resulted in the loss of
the main part of Urmia Lake water and changed the natural conditions of an environment, especially
ionic strength.

Objective:
We aimed to isolate and characterize halophilic and halotolerant bacteria in Urmia Lake,
Iran, 2015. Urmia Lake is a permanent and salty inland lake located in the Azerbaijan region in northwestern
Iran.

Methods:
Sampling was carried out in multiple water-filled locations of the lake. Liquid basal media
for the enrichment of bacteria was successively applied and colonies were isolated by the plating method.
Isolates were then distinguished based on differences in colony, Gram staining, microscopic shape,
and biochemical properties.

Results:
One chemolithotrophic isolate belonging to Thiobacillus thioparus and 41 heterotrophic isolates
were obtained. The 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that all 42 isolates belong to the genera
Kocuria (21.42%), Marinobacter (11.90%), Micrococcus (11.90%), Thalassobacillus (11.90%), Bacillus
(11.90%), Halomonas (7.14%) and Thiobacillus (2.38%).

Conclusion:
Based on 16S rRNA similarity, 5 of 41 isolates showed the potential to be introduced as
new species. The dominant genera with abounded frequency were found to be Kocuria, Bacillus and
Thalassobacillus genera.
Internet Use in Old Age: Results of a German Population-Representative Survey
Authors: Quittschalle Janine , Stein Janine , Luppa Melanie , Pabst Alexander , Löbner Margrit , Koenig Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi G 
Published: August 2020

Background
The internet has the potential to foster healthy lifestyles and to support chronic disease management. Older adults could benefit from using the internet and other information and communication technology to access health-related information and interventions available online.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing internet use in older and oldest age groups and to determine the frequency of internet use for health-related purposes.

Methods
Using data from a nationally representative telephone survey of older adults aged 75 years and over, a sample of 999 people was assessed using structured clinical interviews. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
Overall, 42.6% (418/999) of participants used the internet. Among those, 55.7% (233/417) searched the internet for health-related information. Regression analyses revealed that internet use was significantly associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.92; P<.001), male gender (OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.02-4.00; P<.001), higher education levels (OR 6.69, 95% CI 4.48-9.99; P<.001), a wider social network (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07; P=.01), higher health-related quality of life (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03; P=.006), lower levels of depressive symptoms (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99; P=.04), and higher rates of chronic illness (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.21; P<.004).

Conclusions
This study provides population-representative data on internet use in old age in Germany. People in the older and oldest age groups participate in online activities. Understanding the factors that are associated with older adults internet use can contribute to developing tailored interventions and eHealth (electronic health) services to improve well-being in older adults.
Shared Decision Making and Patient-Centered Care in Israel, Jordan, and the United States: Exploratory and Comparative Survey Study of Physician Perceptions
Authors: Zisman-Ilani Yaara , Obeidat Rana , Fang Lauren , Hsieh Sarah , Berger Zackary 
Published: August 2020

Background
Shared decision making (SDM) is a health communication model that evolved in Europe and North America and largely reflects the values and medical practices dominant in these areas.

Objective
This study aims to understand the beliefs, perceptions, and practices related to SDM and patient-centered care (PCC) of physicians in Israel, Jordan, and the United States.

Methods
A hypothesis-generating comparative survey study was administered to physicians from Israel, Jordan, and the United States.

Results
A total of 36 surveys were collected via snowball sampling (Jordan: n=15; United States: n=12; Israel: n=9). SDM was perceived as a way to inform patients and allow them to participate in their care. Barriers to implementing SDM varied based on place of origin; physicians in the United States mentioned limited time, physicians in Jordan reported that a lack of patient education limits SDM practices, and physicians in Israel reported lack of communication training. Most US physicians defined PCC as a practice for prioritizing patient preferences, whereas both Jordanian and Israeli physicians defined PCC as a holistic approach to care and to prioritizing patient needs. Barriers to implementing PCC, as seen by US physicians, were mostly centered on limited appointment time and insurance coverage. In Jordan and Israel, staff shortage and a lack of resources in the system were seen as major barriers to PCC implementation.

Conclusions
The study adds to the limited, yet important, literature on SDM and PCC in areas of the world outside the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe. The study suggests that perceptions of PCC might widely differ among these regions, whereas concepts of SDM might be shared. Future work should clarify these differences.