bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal microbiota as a key factor in the formation of immunity and tolerance. Probiotics capabilities
Authors: Kornienko E. A. 
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The intestinal microbiome is an integral part of the health of its owner and performs several important functions: metabolic, coordinating, protective, epigenetic, which are closely interactive. In conditions of dysbiosis, disturbances of these functions contributes to different disorders.The intestinal immune system closely interacts with the microbiota. It is represented by all cells: T- and B-lymphocytes, T-regulatory, dendritic cells, macrophages. Micropresentation of antigens occurs through M-cells located between enterocytes. Toll-like receptors that recognize bacterial patterns are presented on the epithelial membrane. Dendritic cells present these antigens to T-cells and direct a further adaptive immune response.The immune system matures as a result of colonization of the intestine with microbiota, which is confirmed experimentally in gnotobiotic animals. Under physiological conditions, the immune system provides tolerance to its own microbiota through Tr-cells. Tolerogenic effects decrease in dysbiotic conditions, as a result, inflammation develops.The state of the intestinal barrier. The intestinal barrier is maintained by microbiota, which stimulates the synthesis of mucin and claudine. In dysbiosis, permeability increases, and the immune system is attacked by microbes and their metabolites, which contributes to inflammation.Dysbiosis predisposes to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome and obesity, food allergies. In these diseases, the microbiota loses its diversity and richness and has a predominantly pro-inflammatory effect.The effect of probiotics on the immune system. Probiotics, due to adhesion to the mucous layer, enhance barrier functions, interact with the immune system, affect dendritic cells, promoting the formation of Tr and inhibiting the activation of NF-kB. Commensal metabolites (butyrate) increase the involvement of Tr cells in the colon, exerting a tolerogenic effect.Indications for the appointment of probiotics. Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium longum have proven their activities similar to normal microbiota, and effectiveness in treatment of dysbiosis in children and adults.
Theoretical derivation for the exceedance probability of corresponding flood volume of the equivalent frequency regional composition method in hydrology
Authors: Huang Yixin , Liang Zhongmin , Hu Yiming , Li Binquan , Wang Jun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe equivalent frequency regional composition (EFRC) method is an important and commonly used tool to determine the design flood regional composition at various sub-catchments in natural conditions. One of the cases in the EFRC method assumes that the exceedance probabilities of design flood volume at upstream and downstream sites are equal, and the corresponding flood volume at intermediate catchment equals the gap between the volumes of upstream and downstream floods. However, the relationship between the exceedance probability of upstream and downstream flood volumes P and that of corresponding intermediate flood volume C has not been clarified, and whether P&gt;C or P ≤ C has not been theoretically proven. In this study, based on the normal, extreme value type I and Logistic distributions, the relationship between C and P is deduced via theoretical derivations, and based on the Pearson type III, two-parameter lognormal and generalized extreme value distributions, the relationship between C and P is investigated using Monte Carlo experiments. The results show that C is larger than P in the context of the design flood, whereas P is larger than C in the context of low-flow runoff. Thus, the issue of exceedance probability corresponding flood is further theoretically clarified using the EFRC method.
Potential impact of water transfer policy implementation on lake eutrophication on the Shandong Peninsula: a difference-in-differences approach
Authors: He Jia , Yao Jiping , Li Aihua , Tan Zhongxin , Xie Gang , Shi Huijian , Zhang Xuan , Sun Wenchao , Du Peng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTraditional research on lake eutrophication has failed to consider the effect of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) policy; thus, the difference-in-differences (DID) model, which is usually applied to economic factors, was innovatively introduced to evaluate the effect of such policies on lake eutrophication. Nansi Lake and Dongping Lake in the Shandong Peninsula were selected as the experimental group, and Daming Lake and Mata Lake were selected as the control group. The eutrophication indices of the experimental group and the control group were calculated by the measured chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, water transparency and chemical oxygen demand data and used as the explanatory variables of the DID model. Nine environmental and socio-economic factors, such as dissolved oxygen and rural population, were selected as the control variables of the DID model to analyze the impact of the SNWTP policy on lake eutrophication. A joint consideration of environmental and socio-economic factors showed that the eutrophication degree of the experimental lakes deteriorated by 7.10% compared with the control under the influence of the implemented policy. Dissolved oxygen is the main factor affecting the eutrophication of the Shandong Peninsula. This study verifies that the DID model has the potential for use in quantitative analyses of the effect of the SNWTP policy on lake eutrophication.
Enhanced decolourization of methyl orange by immobilized TiO2/chitosan-montmorillonite
Authors: Bahrudin Noor Nazihah , Nawi Mohd Asri , Zainal Zulkarnain , Schneider Raphaël , Sabar Sumiyyah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Many attempts have been made to improve the photocatalytic performance of immobilized photocatalysts for large-scale applications by modification of the photocatalyst properties. In this work, immobilized bilayer photocatalyst composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chitosan–montmorillonite (CS–MT) were prepared in a layer-by-layer arrangement supported on glass substrate. This arrangement allows a simultaneous occurrence of adsorption and photocatalysis processes of pollutants, whereby each layer could be independently modified and controlled to acquire the desired degree of occurring processes. It was found that the addition of MT clay within the CS composite sub-layer improved the mechanical strength of CS, reduced its swelling and shifted its absorption threshold to higher wavelengths. In addition, the band gap energy of the photocatalyst was also reduced to 2.93 eV. The immobilized TiO2/CS–MT exhibited methyl orange (MO) decolourization rate of 0.071 min−1 under light irradiation, which is better than the single TiO2 due to the synergistic processes of adsorption by CS–MT and photocatalysis by TiO2 layer. The MO dye took 6 h to achieve complete mineralization and produced sulfate and nitrate ions as the by-products. Furthermore, the immobilized TiO2/CS–MT could be reused for at least ten cycles of application without significant loss of its activity.
Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Kun , Chen Yi , Zhu Mingyue , Li Mengsen 
Published: July 2020

:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress Level and Serum Prolidase Activity in Patients with Sleep Bruxism
Authors: Ozcan-Kucuk Ayse , Ege Bilal , Koparal Mahmut , Gonel Ataman , Koyuncu Ismail 
Published: July 2020

Aims and Objective:Sleep bruxism is a complicated disease, and its cause remains controversial. If the etiology of bruxism is resolved, the treatment can be adjusted to the prevailing aetiological factor. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress level and serum prolidase activity in patients with sleep bruxism.Materials and Methods:Seventy healthy subjects and 51 patients with sleep bruxism were included in this study, and blood samples from all patients were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and prolidase activity.Results:The prolidase, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in patients with bruxism than in the healthy controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The TAS level was significantly lower in bruxism patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.003).Conclusion:The increased TOS, OSI, and prolidase levels and decreased TAS levels could be assumed to result in oxidative injury in patients with sleep bruxism. However, the study could not determine whether oxidative imbalance and increased serum prolidase levels could be a cause or a result of bruxism.
Preparation and Evaluation of Ternary Polymeric Blends for Controlled Release Matrices Containing Weakly Basic Model Drug
Authors: Obeidat Wasfy M. , Gharaibeh Shadi F. , Jaradat Abdolelah A. , Abualsuod Osama 
Published: July 2020

Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a ternary mixture of
smart polymers comprised of Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, and sodium alginate to serve as a carrier
for sustained drug release for weakly basic drugs. The model drug chosen in this part of the study is
Metronidazole.

Methods:
Matrix tablet formulations were prepared by either direct compression or by wet granulation.
Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XXΠ rotating paddle apparatus in three different consecutive
stages (pH 1.2, 4.8, and 6.8). Tablets made of low to intermediate proportions of sodium alginate
and approximately equal proportions of Eudragit®E100 and Eudragit®L100 were found to have a
significant modification of drug release rates.

Results:
Thus, indicating a potential for controlling the drug release for 12 hours depending on polymers
ratios in the formulation. The ratio of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and the ratio of
Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100 within the ternary polymeric composition were found critical in determining
the controlled release performance.

Conclusion:
Results of swelling studies were in agreement with the dissolution behaviors of the tablets.
The findings suggest the significance of the ternary polymeric compositions in controlling the release of
a weakly basic drug, Metronidazole.
Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Derived Compounds as Wild Type and Mutant Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors: Induced Fit Docking and ADME Studies
Authors: Iwaloye Opeyemi , Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan , Kikiowo Babatomiwa , Fadipe Toyin Mary , Akinjiyan Moses Orimoloye , Ariyo Esther Opeyemi , Aiyeku Olabisi Olapade , Adewumi Nicholas Adeyemi 
Published: July 2020

Background:
In a bid to come up with effective compounds as inhibitors for antimalarial
treatment, we built a library of 2,000 traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-derived compounds
retrieved from TCM Database@Taiwan.

Methods:
The active sites of both the wild type and mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolatereductase
(pfDHFR) were explored using computational tools. pfDHFR, one of the prime drug
targets in the prevention of malaria infection induced by the female anopheles mosquito has continued
to offer resistance to drugs (antifolates) due to mutation in some of the key amino acid residues
crucial for its inhibition.

Results:
We utilized virtual throughput screening and glide XP docking to screen the compounds,
and 8 compounds were found to have promising docking scores with both the wild type and mutant
pfDHFR. They were further subjected to Induce Fit Docking (IFD) to affirm their inhibitory
potency. The ADME properties and biological activity spectrum of the compounds were also
considered. The inhibition profile of the compounds revealed that a number of compounds
formed intermolecular interactions with ASP54, ILE14, LEU164, SER108/ASN108, ARG122
and ASP58. Most of the compounds can be considered as drug candidates due to their antiprotozoal
activities and accordance with the Lipinski’s Rule of Five (ROF).

Conclusion:
The outcome of the present study should further be investigated to attest the efficacy
of these compounds as better drug candidates than the antifolates.
Advances in the Chromatographic Separation and Determination of Bioactive Compounds for Assessing the Nutrient Profile of Nuts
Authors: Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Manousi Natalia , Rosenberg Erwin , Zachariadis George A. , Samanidou Victoria F. 
Published: July 2020

Background::
Nuts have been incorporated into guidelines for healthy eating since they
contain considerable amounts of antioxidants and their effects are related to health benefits since they
contribute to the prevention of nutritional deficiencies. The micronutrient characterization is based
mainly on the determination of phenolics, which is the most abundant class of bioactive compounds
in nuts. Terpenes constitute another class of bioactive compounds that are present in nuts and show
high volatility. The analysis of phenolic compounds and terpenes is a very demanding task that requires
optimization of the chromatographic conditions to improve the separation of the components.
Moreover, nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and they are therefore considered as cardioprotective.
Gas chromatography is the predominant instrumental analytical technique for the determination
of derivatized fatty acids and terpenes in food matrices, while high performance liquid chromatography
is currently the most popular technique for the determination of phenolic compounds.

Objective::
This review summarizes all the recent advances in the optimization of the chromatographic
conditions for the determination of phenolic compounds, fatty acids and terpenes in nuts.

Conclusion::
The state-of-the art in the technology available is critically discussed, exploring new
analytical approaches to reduce the time of analysis and improve the performance of the chromatographic
systems in terms of precision, reproducibility, limits of detection and quantification and
overall quality of the results.
Current Insights for the Management of Acne in the Modern Era
Authors: Singh Neha , Singh Apoorva , Pandey Kalpana , Nimisha  
Published: July 2020

Background:Acne vulgaris a chronic disease which is caused by blockage of the sebaceous gland is commonly seen in almost every human being at some point in their lives. There are 20-25% chances of progression of acne to severe cases, which leads to permanent scarring that results in psychological problems like depression, social isolation, lowered self-esteem, and lowered self-confidence.Objective:Though several conventional treatments are available in the market but still there are various adverse effects associated with topical anti-acne agents due to which it lacks patient compatibility. The present study is undertaken to find out the major shortcoming; why the current therapies do not give the desired therapeutic results.Conclusion:Novel drug delivery strategies can play a crucial role in the enhancement of topical delivery of anti-acne agents by escalating their dermal localization and reducing their adverse effects. Consumption of medicinal plants like Aloe vera, Withania somniferia etc. have clinical evidence regarding the effective management of acne. The current inclination towards nanotechnology is considerable due to several changes in the pharmaceutical research area. To secure the research work in different pharmaceutical fields, patents are filed against various agents like Galderma Research & Development have filed patents for adapalene and benzoyl peroxide for the management of acne vulgaris. The current review highlights the potential of various novel drug delivery approaches like liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transfersomes etc. in enhancing the topical delivery of anti-acne agents.
FOXM1-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of EZH2 Induces Proliferation and Progression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tian Juan-Hua , Mu Li-Jun , Wang Mei-Yu , Zeng Jin , Long Qing-Zhi , Bin-Guan  , Wang Wen , Jiang Yu-Mei , Bai Xiao-Jing , Du Yue-Feng 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and one of the most
common causes of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Patients who are diagnosed with localized
prostate cancer and treated with radical prostatectomy often respond well to therapy. The current standard therapy
for prostate cancer involves maximal surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clarifying
the molecular mechanism of tumor proliferation and recurrence becomes more and more important for
clinical therapies of prostate cancer.

Methods:
Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western-blot were used in detection of mRNA and protein expression.
Lentivirus infection was used to overexpression or knock down target gene. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to
test protein expression and apoptosis level. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify protein expression in tissue.
Statistical differences between two groups are evaluated by two-tailed t-tests. The comparison among multiple groups is
performed by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s posttest. The statistical significance of the
Kaplan-Meier survival plot is determined by log-rank analysis.

Results:
In this study, we identified that FOXM1 expression was significantly enriched in prostate cancer compared with
normal tissue. Additionally, FOXM1 was functionally required for tumor proliferation and its expression was associated
to poor prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Mechanically, FOXM1-dependent regulation of EZH2 is essential for
proliferation and progression in prostate cancer.

Conclusion:
Taken together, our data suggest that oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1 is up-regulated in
prostate cancer, suggesting that the growth of cancer cells may depend on FOXM1 activity. FOXM1 may serve
as a clinical prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Low Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 in Gunn Rats: A Hyperbilirubinemia Animal Model of Schizophrenic Symptoms
Authors: Hayashida Maiko , Hashioka Sadayuki , Hayashida Kenji , Miura Shoko , Tsuchie Keiko , Araki Tomoko , Izuhara Muneto , Kanayama Misako , Otsuki Koji , Nagahama Michiharu , Jaya Muhammad Alim , Arauchi Ryosuke , Wake Rei , Oh-Nishi Arata , Horiguchi Jun , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Inagaki Masatoshi , Morita Eishin 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 (also referred to as basic FGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that plays a pivotal role in the pro-survival, pro-migration and pro-differentiation of neurons.

Method:
Because alterations in FGF2 levels are suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis schizophrenia, we investigated serum levels of FGF2 in the Gunn rat, a hyperbilirubinemia animal model of schizophrenic symptoms.

Results:
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the serum levels of FGF2 in Gunn rats were 5.09 ± 0.236 pg/mL, while those in the normal strain Wistar rats were 11.90 ± 2.142 pg/mL. The serum FGF2 levels in Gunn rats were significantly lower than those in Wistar rats. We also measured serum levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and found a significant negative correlation between UCB and FGF2 at serum levels in all the rats studied.

Conclusion:
Since it is known that FGF2 regulates dopaminergic neurons and have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, our finding suggests that low FGF2 levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, in which disbalanced dopamin-ergic signaling and neuroinflammation are supposed to play certain roles.
Ferroptotic Cell Death: New Regulatory Mechanisms for Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Le Yifei , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Cui , Lu Dezhao 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Cell death is a fundamental biological phenomenon that contributes to the
pathogenesis of various diseases. Regulation of iron and iron metabolism has received considerable
research interests especially concerning the progression of metabolic diseases.

Discussion:
Emerging evidence shows that ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death induced by iron-dependent
lipid peroxidation, contributes to the development of complex diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cardiomyopathy, renal ischemia-reperfusion, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, inhibiting ferroptosis can improve the pathophysiology of associated metabolic diseases. This review describes the vital role of ferroptosis in mediating the development
of certain metabolic diseases. Besides, the potential risk of iron and ferroptosis in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases is also described. Iron overload and ferroptosis are potential secondary causes of death in metabolic diseases. Moreover,
this review also provides potential novel approaches against ferroptosis based on recent research advances.

Conclusion:
Several controversies exist concerning mechanisms underlying ferroptotic cell death in metabolic diseases, particularly in atherosclerosis. Since ferroptosis participates in the progression of metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), there is a need to develop new drugs targeting ferroptosis to alleviate such diseases.