bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiometabolic risk and its association with dietary diversity, activity patterns and the nutritional status of workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeomi Adeleye Abiodun , Akande Roseline Oluyemisi , Obiajunwa Chukwubueze , Oduntan Olajuwon , Ogbukwo Ebuka 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is increasingly being reported as a simple, but accurate measure of cardiometabolic risk, even better than BMI, WHR and even waist circumference. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the cardiometabolic risk using WHtR, and its association with dietary diversity, activity patterns and the nutritional status of workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among workers in 3 randomly selected tertiary educational institutions in Osun State, Nigeria who were adults (18 years and above). Only apparently healthy people were recruited for the study. Cardiometabolic risk was assessed using WHtR, and respondents were categorized into low risk (WHtR < 0.5) or high risk (WHtR ≥ 0.5). Bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression model) analyses were used to determine the significant predictors of cardiometabolic risk. Level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Results The mean age of the respondents was 45.8 ± 10.4 years, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.1. The mean WHtR among the respondents was 0.53 ± 0.08, and 36.5% had low cardio-metabolic risk while 63.5% had high cardiometabolic risk. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 44.0% and 25.8% respectively using the BMI categories. At bivariate level, there were statistically significant associations between WHtR and age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.002), educational level (p = 0.046), marital status (p = 0.022), dietary diversity (p = 0.027) and activity patterns (p = 0.030). When these were entered into a binary logistic regression model, age (p = 0.028; CI = 1.003 to 1.060) and gender (p = 0.010; CI = 1.149 to 2.784) remained the only statistically significant explanatory variables for cardiometabolic risk using WHtR. Conclusion The study found a relatively high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk, overweight and obesity among the respondents, with age and gender being the main predictors of cardio-metabolic risk using WHtR. Therefore, there is a need for early screening for cardiometabolic risk using WHtR, especially among the females.
Estimating the Risk of Ulcerative Colitis-Associated Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Damiani Giovanni , Ludwig Ralf J , Bitan Dana Tzur , Cohen Arnon D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a well-known underlying comorbidity in pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). However, the relative risk conferred by UC for the subsequent development of PG is yet to be explicated.ObjectiveTo estimate the magnitude of the association between UC and the subsequent occurrence of PG, thus enabling to assess the PG risk with UC.MethodsA population-based case-control study was conducted comparing PG patients (n = 302) with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects (n = 1,497) regarding the presence of UC. Logistic regression models were utilized for univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of UC was greater in patients with PG than in control subjects (7.3% vs. 0.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). A 15-fold increase in the odds of PG with UC (OR, 14.62 95% CI, 6.45–33.18) was observed. This association retained its statistical significance following a sensitivity analysis excluding UC cases diagnosed up to 2 years prior to PG (OR, 9.88; 95% CI, 3.91–24.97), and after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted OR, 10.78; 95% CI, 4.55–25.52). The median latency between the diagnosis of UC and the development of PG was 4.59 years. Patients with both PG and UC were younger and had a lower prevalence of smoking when compared to the remaining patients with PG.ConclusionsUC increases the odds of developing PG by 15-folds. Physicians managing patients with UC should be aware of this increased burden. Patients with UC may be advised to avoid additional precipitating factors of PG.
Changes in CT manifestations of patients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 in a Fangcang Shelter Hospital
Authors: Jiang Zhongbiao , Tan Chongqing , Jiang Shan , Yu Kun , Wang Yang , Zhu Weihong , Zhang Huiling , Pu Weidan , Deng Haijun , Wen Chuan , Fan Xiao , Jiang Li , Ji Qin , Zhu Li , Lyu Liang , Zhang Lei , Tai Shi , Cai Yuzhong , Tian Yi , Jiang Chuanhao , Wen Lingjun , Liu Yushan , Xiao Kui , Xu Junmei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To provide a reference for CT imaging changes for patients discharged from a Fangcang shelter hospital, a large-scale, temporary hospital for the centralized treatment of patients with mild to moderate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide essential functions (isolation, triage, basic medical care, frequent monitoring and rapid referral, essential living and social engagement) to them..Methods: Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 admitted to the Wuchang Fangcang Shelter Hospital who had undergone pre-discharge and previous CT scans were included. Changes in the CT imaging features were defined as progression, no change, improvement or recovery. Basic patient information was obtained, and imaging signs were compared between the two CT scans.Results: A total of 83 patients were included. The median age was 53 years old. The course of disease was 28.3±10.7 days. CT imaging changes indicated progression, no change, improvement, and recovery in 3, 12, 66, and 2 patients, respectively. Between the two CT scans, the imaging signs showed a significant reduction in consolidation, a significant increase in fibrosis, and a reduction or / and thinning of ground-glass opacities. None of the patients showed signs of deterioration on follow-up and thus did not need to return to the hospital for treatment.Conclusion: In the COVID-19 Fangcang shelter hospital, given the shortage of medical staff and lack of medical resources, CT imaging diagnostic methods can be used to accurately discharge patients who had met the discharge criteria for isolation and observation from the Fangcang Shelter Hospital.
A modelling approach to assess wastewater reuse potential for Delhi city
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Arun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Water availability is facing crisis throughout the world because of various factors viz., population growth, climate change, and rapid urbanization, leading to the requirement of treated wastewater as an additional source of water supply. However, the actual amount of wastewater that may be reused depends on many factors such as water demand, availability, cost and social acceptability, etc. In this study, a linear programming model has been developed to identify the amount of treated wastewater that may be used for various applications subject to water availability and demand constraints, taking Delhi city as a case study. The results suggest that wastewater reuse has the maximum potential in agriculture and landscape irrigation use followed by domestic and industrial applications. The framework developed in the study provides useful information for integrated planning and management of the reuse of wastewater in order to augment the existing water supply. It may be modified and used for the estimation of wastewater reuse potential in other areas with similar conditions.
Microporous carbon material from fish waste for removal of methylene blue from wastewater
Authors: Wang You , Peng Qifan , Akhtar Naseem , Chen Xiaonong , Huang Yaqin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Microporous fish waste-based activated carbon material (MFC) was prepared, with a large surface area of 2,193.52 m²/g, a pore size of 2.67 nm and micropore and total pore volumes of 0.9168 cm³/g and 0.9975 cm³/g, respectively. Adsorption efficiency of MFC was investigated by removal of methylene blue dye from wastewater. The Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics adequately described the adsorption process. MFC exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 476.19 mg/g at 30 °C, and reached equilibrium within 1 h. MFC could be an efficient and low-cost adsorbent for cationic dye removal during wastewater treatment.
Investigation of effectiveness of pyrolysis products on removal of alizarin yellow GG from aqueous solution: a comparative study with commercial activated carbon
Authors: Kaya Nihan , Yildiz Uzun Zeynep 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The increasing use of dyestuff in industrial applications brings with it environmental problems. These dyes, which are an eco-toxic hazard, are common water pollutants, even at very low concentrations in water resources. Therefore, they must be removed in an economical way. In this study, low-cost biosorbents such as pine cone char, walnut shell char, and hazelnut shell char were prepared by pyrolysis process at different carbonization temperatures in the range of 400–700 °C. Biochars with the highest surface area were used to remove alizarin yellow GG from aqueous solution and the adsorption capacities of these materials were compared to commercially available activated carbon. Biomasses and prepared biochars were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetry analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, partial and elemental analysis techniques. Operational parameters such as contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration were considered as variables for the batch adsorption experiments. Among the biochars used, the highest adsorption efficiency (82%) was obtained in pine cone char (BET surface area 259.74 m2/g) at pH = 3, T = 45 °C, adsorbent dosage of 8 g/L, and initial dye concentration of 20 ppm. The adsorption mechanism has been investigated by applying different kinetic and isotherm models with the aid of time-dependent adsorption data. The adsorption process was best described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model.
Cytotoxic and Antibiotic Potential of Secondary Metabolites from the Lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii
Authors: Letwin Lyndon , Malek Ladislav , Suntres Zacharias , Christopher Lew 
Published: May 2020

Objective:
Lichens are emerging as a promising natural source of bioactivities of pharmaceutical
interest. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii
as a potential source of pharmaceutically relevant anticancer and antibiotic lichen chemicals.

Methods:
The crude acetone extract of U. muhlenbergii exhibited 13.3 μg mL-1 cytotoxic activity
(EC50) against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), as compared to a cisplatin positive control with EC50 of
5.8 μg mL-1. The antibiotic activity of the crude extract against a gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus
was 22.5 μg mL-1
as MIC. Using silica gel 60 (SG60) column chromatography, the crude extract was
then separated into eight fractions, which were further evaluated for their anticancer activities against
MCF-7 cells. By means of propidium iodide flow cytometry, two of the eight SG60 fractions were
found to cause cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells (73.14% of cells) at the G2 phase, which is indicative
of apoptosis and inhibition of cellular proliferation.

Results:
Identification of chemical constituents present in these two SG60 fractions was carried out
with Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and a lichen metabolite database (Wintabolites). The two
fractions (SG60-5 and SG60-6) were found to contain compounds belonging to the chemical families
depsides, depsidones, anthraquinones, and xanthones.

Discussion:
The SG60-5 and SG60-6 fractions were further fractionated with Sephadex LH-20. Over
15% of the 46 LH-20 fractions obtained from the SG60-5 fraction caused 100% cell death, whereas
32% of the LH-20 fractions derived from SG60 6 fraction reduced cell survival to below 20%.

Conclusion:
This work extends the evaluation of the cytotoxic and antibiotic activities of lichen secondary
metabolites to the species U. muhlenbergii. It presents encouraging results of pharmaceutical
interest that set up lichens as an effective source of new bioactive natural products. Further investigations
are underway to reveal the full biopharmaceutical potential of U. muhlenbergii.
The Role of Immune and Epithelial Stem Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy
Authors: Binienda Agata , Ziolkowska Sylwia , Hauge Ingvild H. , Salaga Maciej 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is categorized as Crohn’s disease (CD)
and Ulcerative colitis (UC) and is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract. Relapsing symptoms, including abdominal pain, increased stool frequency, loss of appetite as
well as anemia contribute to significant deterioration of quality of life. IBD treatment encompasses
chemotherapy (e.g. corticosteroids, thiopurines) and biological agents (e.g. antibodies targeting tumour
necrosis factor α, interleukin 12/23) and surgery. However, efficacy of these therapies is not satisfactory.
Thus, scientists are looking for new options in IBD treatment that could induce and maintain
remission.

Objective:
To summarize previous knowledge about role of different intestinal cells in IBD pathophysiology
and application of stem cells in the IBD treatment.

Results:
Recent studies have emphasized an important role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as well as
intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in the IBD pathophysiology suggesting that these types of cells can be
new targets for IBD treatment. Moreover, last studies show that stem cells transplantation reduces inflammation
in patients suffering from IBD, which are resistant to conventional therapies.

Conclusion:
Both hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to
restore damaged tissue and regulate the immune system. Autologous HSCs transplantation eliminates
autoreactive cells and replace them with new T-cells resulting a long-time remission. Whereas MSCs
transplantation is effective therapy in one of the major complications of IBD, perianal fistulas.
The Epigenetic Modification of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Cancer
Authors: Yang Linqi , Zhang Wenqi , Chopra Saiyam , Kaur Deeepjyot , Wang Huibing , Li Meng , Chen Pingping , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2020

:
Among the major components of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most
effective for its anti-cancer characteristics. The bulk of studies provide the mechanisms of suppressive
function of EGCG are involved in alteration of cancer cell cycle, development, and apoptosis through
activation/inhibition of several signal pathways.

:
Another mechanism that explains the multiple effects exerted by EGCG in cancer is the epigenetic
change by DNA methylation or methyltransferases, histone acetylation or deacetylases, and no coding
RNAs (micoRNAs). Furthermore, decontrolled expression of miRNA transcription has been tested to
be directly regulated by oncogenic and tumor-suppressor transcription factors. Recently, several proteins
have been identified as miRNA direct interactors by EGCG. However, the mechanisms explaining
the action of miRNA being modulated by EGCG have not been completely understood yet. This
review summarizes the state of epigenetic change being modulated by EGCG in a variety of cancers
and oncogenic and tumor-suppressor transcription factors.
Cancer Stem Cells with Overexpression of Neuronal Markers Enhance Chemoresistance and Invasion in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Balaji Sekaran , Santhi Radhakrishnan , Kim Usha , Muthukkaruppan Veerappan , Priya Chidambaranathan G. , Vanniarajan Ayyasamy 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Retinoblastoma is a sight and life-threatening embryonal tumor in children.
Though chemotherapy is the main mode of therapy, evolving resistance remains a major obstacle in
treatment success. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) is frequently reported to be responsible
for chemoresistance in multiple tumors.

Objective:
Our study aims to identify the molecular factors that facilitate the chemoresistance
through cancer stem cells in retinoblastoma.

Methods:
We developed etoposide and carboplatin resistant retinoblastoma (Y79) cell lines by
stepwise drug increment treatment, validated with MTT and TUNEL assays. Colony forming and
invasive ability were studied by soft-agar colony forming and transwell assays, respectively. Similar
analysis in non-responsive retinoblastoma tumors were carried out by histopathology. Finally, expression
of CSC/neuronal markers and ABC transporters were examined by quantitative PCR and
protein expression of neuronal stem cell markers was confirmed by Western blot.

Results:
Larger colony size of resistant cells in soft-agar assay provided evidence for increased selfrenewability.
Histopathology in non-responsive tumors showed poorly differentiated cells predominantly.
Besides, both resistant cell lines and non-responsive tumors showed increased invasion with
higher expression of neuronal stem cell markers - SOX2, NANOG, OCT4 and ABC transporters -
ABCB1 and ABCC3. Increased self-renewal ability and invasion along with overexpression of
stemness markers in resistant cells and tumors provide evidence for stemness driving chemoresistance
and invasion in retinoblastoma.

Conclusion:
We have demonstrated Neuronal stem cell/CSC markers that facilitate the maintenance
of cancer stem cells. Developing therapies targeting these factors will help in overcoming resistance
and improving retinoblastoma treatment.
HOTAIR Competitively Binds MiRNA330 as a Molecular Sponge to Increase the Resistance of Gastric Cancer to Trastuzumab
Authors: Bie Liangyu , Luo Suxia , Li Dan , Wei Yan , Mu Yu , Chen Xiaobing , Wang Saiqi , Guo Ping , Lu Xiaoyu 
Published: May 2020

Background:
HOTAIR, one of the most widely studied long non-coding RNAs in tumors,
is closely related to tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance.

Objective:
Here, we studied the mechanism behind proliferation and chemoresistance processes.

Methods:
A total of 75 samples were collected from patients who underwent surgical resection of
their gastric cancer and received trastuzumab treatment. Primary cells were isolated and cultured.
We also developed a cell line overexpressing HOTAIR by constructing a lentiviral vector. These cell
lines were studied using an array of established biomolecular methods.

Results:
We found that HOTAIR levels were inversely associated with sensitivity to trastuzumab in
gastric cancer and that overexpression of HOTAIR can promote the proliferation and invasion of
gastric cancer cells. The sensitivity of cells overexpressing HOTAIR to two different types of human
epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitors (trastuzumab and afatinib) showed that overexpression
of HOTAIR is specific for trastuzumab resistance. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene
assay and western blot assay showed that there is a HOTAIR-miRNA330-ERBB4 competitive endogenous
RNA regulatory network with miRNA330 as the core.

Conclusion:
HOTAIR can not only promote tumor proliferation but also enhance the resistance of
tumor cells to drugs. Our experimental data not only showed strong expression of HOTAIR in gastric
cancer, but also that strong expression of HOTAIR caused the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells
to trastuzumab, which is a useful reference for postoperative medication.
Fingerprint of PGI Mantova Cucumis melo by ICP-MS and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Mottese Antonio F. , Fede Maria R. , Caridi Francesco , Sabatino Giuseppe , Marcianò Giuseppe , Ravenda Pietro , Gaetano Annamaria D. , Dugo Giacomo 
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives:
In this work, yellow and green varieties of Cucumis melo
fruits belonging to different cultivars were studied. In detail, three Sicilian cultivars of winter melons
tutelated by TAP (Traditional agro-alimentary products) labels were considered, whereas asun protected
the Calabrian winter melon was studied too. With the aim to compare the selective uptakes of
inorganic elements among winter and summer fruits, the “PGI Melone Mantovano” was investigated.
The purpose of this work was to apply the obtained results i) to guarantee the quality and healthiness
of fruits, ii) to producers defend, iii) to help the customers in safe food purchase.

Method:
All samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and the obtained results, subsequently, were subjected
to Cluster analysis (CA), Principal component analysis (PCA) and Canonical discriminant
analysis (CDA).

Results:
CA results were generally in agreement with samples origin, whereas the PCA elaboration
has confirmed the presence of a strong relation between fruit origins and trace element contents. In
particular, two principal components justified the 57.32% of the total variance (PC1= 40.95%, PC2=
16.37%). Finally, the CDA approach has provided several functions with high discrimination power,
confirmed by the correct classification of all samples (100%).

Conclusions:
CA, PCA and CDA could represent an integrated to label to discriminate the origin of
agri-food products and, thus, protect and guarantee their healthiness.
Iota-Carrageenan as an Antiviral Treatment for the Common Cold
Authors: Eccles Ronald 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
The common cold syndrome of acute upper respiratory tract viral infection is the most common disease among mankind and is an extremely common illness in children. There is a great need for a safe and effective antiviral treatment with minimal side effects. The challenge in developing a treatment is the numerous and varied respiratory viruses that cause this common illness and the need for a treatment with good tolerability and safety.

Explanation:
All respiratory viruses must reach the cell surface by passing through respiratory fluid and mucus, and this common feature may allow for the development of antivirals that capture viruses during this transit.
This article discusses how large polyanionic molecules such as iota-carrageenan may trap positively charged respiratory viruses. Iota-carrageenan is a large polysaccharide molecule which is neither absorbed from the respiratory tract nor metabolised. It, therefore, does not have any pharmacological properties. Iota-carrageenan nasal spray has been shown to reduce the titres of respiratory viruses and to reduce the severity of symptoms in placebo-controlled clinical trials, including children and adults. The results of four clinical trials are presented.

Conclusion:
Iota-carrageenan is a good candidate as a safe and effective non-specific antiviral treatment for common cold, and more research is justified on polyanionic molecules like carrageenans as antivirals.