bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of ceramic pot filters combined with adsorption processes for the removal of heavy metals and phenolic compounds
Authors: Pérez-Vidal Andrea , Silva-Leal Jorge Antonio , Diaz-Gómez Jaime , Meneses-Torres Camilo J. , Arias-Vallejo Juan E. , Giraldo-Tenorio Giovanna A. , Bacca-Jordán Maria Camila 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPF + GAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF + GAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the post-filtration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents.
Nonhuman IAPP Variants Inhibit Human IAPP Aggregation
Authors: Oakes Alissa , Menefee Kate , Lamba Arleen , Palato Larry M. , Rinauro Dillon J. , Tun Angela , Jauregui Betssy , Chang Kevin , Nogaj Luiza A. , Moffet David A. 
Published: August 2021

Aim:
To identify naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting the aggregation
of human IAPP and protecting living cells from the toxic effects of human IAPP.

Background:
The loss of insulin-producing β-cells and the overall progression of type 2 diabetes
appears to be linked to the formation of toxic human IAPP (hIAPP, Islet Amyloid Polypeptide,
amylin) amyloid in the pancreas. Inhibiting the initial aggregation of hIAPP has the potential to
slow, if not stop entirely, the loss of β-cells and halt the progression of the disease.

Objective:
To identify and characterize naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting
human IAPP aggregation.

Methods:
Synthetic human IAPP was incubated with synthetic IAPP variants identified from natural
sources under conditions known to promote amyloid-based aggregation. To identify IAPP
variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation, Thioflavin T-binding fluorescence, atomic
force microscopy, and cell-rescue assays were performed.

Results:
While most IAPP variants showed little to no ability to inhibit human IAPP aggregation,
several variants showed some ability to inhibit aggregation, with two variants showing substantial
inhibitory potential.

Conclusion:
Several naturally occurring IAPP variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation
were identified and characterized.
Recent Progresses in Conjugation with Bioactive Ligands to Improve
the Anticancer Activity of Platinum Compounds
Authors: Zuccolo Marco , Arrighetti Noemi , Perego Paola , Colombo Diego 
Published: August 2021

:
Platinum (Pt) drugs, including cisplatin, are widely used for the treatment of solid tumors.
Despite the clinical success, side effects and occurrence of resistance represent major limitations to the
use of clinically available Pt drugs. To overcome these problems, a variety of derivatives have been
designed and synthetized. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the development of Pt(II) and
Pt(IV) complexes with bioactive ligands. The development of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes with targeting
molecules, clinically available agents, and other bioactive molecules is an active field of research.
Even if none of the reported Pt derivatives has been yet approved for clinical use, many of these compounds
exhibit promising anticancer activities with an improved pharmacological profile. Thus, planning
hybrid compounds can be considered as a promising approach to improve the available Pt-based
anticancer agents and to obtain new molecular tools to deepen the knowledge of cancer progression and
drug resistance mechanisms.
How Do Bismuth-Based Nanomaterials Function as Promising
Theranostic Agents for the Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy?
Authors: Ding Mengkui , Liu Jinyao , Yang Junlei , Wang Hui , Xie Xianjin , Yang Xiaoyu , Li Yuhao , Guo Ning , Ouyang Ruizhuo , Miao Yuqing 
Published: August 2021

:
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment and the diversity of tumors seriously
affect the therapeutic effect, the focus, therefore, has gradually been shifted from
monotherapy to combination therapy in clinical research in order to improve the curative
effect. The synergistic enhancement interactions among multiple monotherapies majorly
contribute to the birth of the multi-mode cooperative therapy, whose effect of the treatment
is clearly stronger than that of any single therapy. In addition, the accurate diagnosis
of the tumour location is also crucial to the treatment. Bismuth-based nanomaterials
(NMs) hold great properties as promising theranostic platforms based on their many
unique features that include low toxicity, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency as
well as the high ability of X-ray computed tomography imaging and photoacoustic imaging.
In this review, we will introduce briefly the main features of the tumor microenvironment
first and its effect on the mechanism of nanomedicine actions and present the recent
advances of bismuth-based NMs for diagnosis and photothermal therapy-based combined
therapies using bismuth-based NMs are presented, which may provide a new way
for overcoming drug resistance and hypoxia. In the end, further challenges and outlooks
regarding this promising field are discussed accompanied with some design tips for bismuth-
based NMs, hoping to provide researchers some inspiration to design safe and effective
nanotherapeutic agents for clinical treatments of cancers.
Protective Effects of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Alkaloids on Alzheimer's
Disease-like Symptoms Induced by High-methionine Diet
Authors: Pi Tingting , Lang Guangping , Liu Bo , Shi Jingshan 
Published: August 2021

Background:
High methionine-diet (HMD) causes Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like symptoms. Previous studies have shown that Dendrobium nobile Lindle. alkaloids (DNLA) had potential benefits for AD.

Object:
Whether DNLA can improve AD-like symptoms induced by HMD is to be explored.

Method:
Mice were fed with 2% HMD diet for 11 weeks, the DNLA20 control group (20 mg/kg), DNLA10 group (10 mg/kg), and DNLA20 group (20 mg/kg) were administrated with DNLA for 3 months. Morris water maze test was used to detect learning and memory ability. Neuron damage was evaluated by HE and Nissl stainings. Levels of homocysteine (Hcy), beta-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), S-adenosine methionine (SAM), and S-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) were detected by ELISA. Immunofluorescence and western blotting (WB) were used to determine the expression of proteins. CPG island methylation.

Results:
Morris water maze test revealed that DNLA improved learning and memory dysfunction. HE, Nissl, and immunofluorescence stainings showed that DNLA alleviated neuron damage and reduced the 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 levels. DNLA also decreased the levels of Hcy and Aβ1-42 in the serum, along with decreased SAM/SAH levels in the liver tissue. WB results showed that DNLA down-regulated the expression of the amyloid-precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PS1), beta-secretase-1 (BACE1), DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1), Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 proteins. DNLA also up-regulated the expression of the protein of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), neprilysin (NEP), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. Meanwhile, DNLA increased CPG island methylation levels of APP and BACE1 genes.

Conclusions:
DNLA alleviated AD-like symptoms induced by HMD via the DNA methylation pathway.
Efficient Synthetic Access to Novel Indolo[2,3-b]Quinoxaline-based Heterocycles
Authors: Abeed Ahmed Abdou O. , El-Emary Talaat , Alharthi Sarah 
Published: August 2021

Background:
This paper showed the synthetic capability of the indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline nucleus to be provided as an excellent precursor for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds. These synthetic routes proceed via the formation of 3-(6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalin-6-yl) propane hydrazide (2). The carbohydrazide 2 and its reactions with different reagents give five and six-membered rings, such as 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, and 1,2,4-triazine.

Methods:
All chemicals used in the current study were of analytical grade. Melting points were determined using an APP Digital ST 15 melting point apparatus and were uncorrected. FT-IR spectra were recorded on a Pye-Unicam SP3-100 and Shimadzu-408 spectrophotometers in KBr pellets and given in (cm-1) KBr. The NMR spec-tra were detected by a Bruker AV-400 spectrometer (400 MHz for 1H, 100 MHz for 13C and 40.55 MHz for 15N), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe, Germany. Chemical shifts were expressed as δ (ppm) with TMS as an internal reference. Mass spectrometry was provided on a Varian MAT 312 instrument in EI mode (70 eV).

Results:
The target compounds were obtained, and their structures were completely elucidated by various spec-tral and elemental analyses (Ft-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry).

Conclusion:
The current work showed a view of the reactivity of the carbohydrazide group. The carbohydrazide 2 was obtained from the hydrazinolysis of carboethoxy compound 1 and exploited as a key intermediate to syn-thesize heterocyclic compounds with different rings.
Molecular Changes in the Glucokinase Gene (GCK) Associated with the
Diagnosis of Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in Pregnant
Women and Newborns
Authors: Lepore Carolina , Damaso Enio , Suazo Veridiana , Queiroz Rosane , Junior Raphael Liberatore , Moisés Elaine 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic alteration in gestation.
Monogenic diabetes or Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a subtype caused by a
primary defect in insulin secretion determined by autosomal dominant inheritance.

Objectives:
This study aimed to analyze molecular changes of the Glucokinase gene (GCK) in pregnant
women with hyperglycemia during gestation and in their neonates.

Case study and Methods:
We collected 201 blood samples, 128 from pregnant patients diagnosed
with hyperglycemia and 73 from umbilical cord blood from neonates of the respective patients.
DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify molecular
changes in the GCK gene.

Results:
In a total of 201 samples (128 from mothers and 73 from neonates), we found changes in
21 (10.6%), among which 12 were maternal samples (6.0%) and 9 were neonatal samples (4.5%).
DNA sequencing identified two polymorphisms and one deleterious MODY GCK-diagnostic mutation.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of molecular changes in the Glucokinase gene (GCK) and the deleterious
MODY GCK-diagnostic mutation were 9.3% and 0.7%, respectively, in women with hyperglycemia
during gestation and 12.5% and 1.3%, respectively, in their neonates. The deleterious
MODY GCK mutation identified is associated with a reduction in GCK activity and hyperglycemia.
In the other molecular changes identified, it was impossible to exclude phenotypic change
despite not having clinical significance. Therefore, these changes may interfere with the management
and clinical outcome of the patients.
Unsupervised End-to-End Brain Tumor Magnetic Resonance Image Registration Using RBCNN: Rigid Transformation, B-Spline Transformation and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sankareswaran Senthil Pandi , Krishnan Mahadevan 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Image registration is the process of aligning two or more images in a single
coordinate. Nowadays, medical image registration plays a significant role in computer-assisted
disease diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. The different modalities available in the medical image
make medical image registration an essential step in Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD), Computer-
Aided Therapy (CAT) and Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS).

Problem definition:
Recently, many learning-based methods were employed for disease detection
and classification, but those methods were not suitable for real-time due to delayed response and
the need for pre-alignment and labeling.

Method:
The proposed research constructed a deep learning model with Rigid transform and B-Spline
transform for medical image registration for an automatic brain tumour finding. The proposed
research consists of two steps. The first step uses Rigid transformation based Convolutional Neural
Network and the second step uses B-Spline transform-based Convolutional Neural Network. The
model is trained and tested with 3624 MR (Magnetic Resonance) images to assess the performance.
The researchers believe that MR images help in the success of the treatment of patients
with brain tumour.

Result:
The result of the proposed method is compared with the Rigid Convolutional Neural Network
(CNN), Rigid CNN + Thin-Plat Spline (TPS), Affine CNN, Voxel morph, ADMIR (Affine
and Deformable Medical Image Registration) and ANT(Advanced Normalization Tools) using
DICE score, Average Symmetric surface Distance (ASD), and Hausdorff distance.

Conclusion:
The RBCNN model will help the physician to automatically detect and classify the
brain tumor quickly (18 Sec) and efficiently without doing pre-alignment and labeling.
Biological Characterization and Preliminary Crystallization: A Step Towards
the Use of Novel Allium sativum Protease Inhibitor as a Potential
Therapeutic Drug
Authors: Shamsi Tooba Naz , Afreen Sumbul , Parveen Romana , Kumar Manish , Fatma Tasneem , Fatima Sadaf 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Garlic, being a well-known medicinal plant, is the most commonly used culinary
spice worldwide. Investigation of protease inhibitor isolated from garlic leads to a promising contender
in pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies.

Objective/Introduction:
Protease Inhibitor (PI) from 'garlic' (Allium sativum) was analyzed for its biological
role as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Methods:
Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and
2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using trypsin
inhibitory assay and heat-induced albumin denaturation method. The antimicrobial activity was examined
in broth against E. coli and B. Subtilis. The crystallization was setup using the hanging drop
method.

Results:
ASPI showed DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 values 561±0.337 μg/ml. Also, ASPI
showed the highest value of 0.699±0.009 mM at 1000 μg/ml and the lowest i.e. 0.181±0.006 mM at
100 μg/ml in FRAP assay. Ascorbic acid was taken as standard in both cases. ASPI showed IC50 values
of 651±0.532 μg/ml and ~657±1.802 μg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial role of ASPI was testified,
and results showed maximum inhibition against E. coli (ATCC 25922) i.e., 87.8 ±0.602% but no
inhibition against B. subtilis (MTCC 736). Cuboidal shaped crystals of the ASPI were obtained in 4-6
weeks using 0.2M calcium chloride dihydrate, 0.1M sodium acetate trihydrate, 20 % isopropanol.

Conclusion:
ASPI has tremendous potential in the development of suitable drugs in pharmaceutical
industries against diseases due to the generation of reactive oxygen species and cancer. The cuboidal
crystals were obtained, which is the first study in the context of crystallization of ASPI to date.
A 96-Well Plates-based UV Spectrophotometric Assay for Determination
of Total Glucosinolates in Isatis indigotica Roots
Authors: Sun Yanzhi , Zhang Hongchao , Cheng Zhihong 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Glucosinolates (GLS) are important secondary metabolites in Cruciferae
vegetables and herbs. Currently, the assays of total GLS determination are cumbersome (requiring
acidic or enzymatic hydrolysis and addition of staining reagents), time-consuming, and indirect.
High concentrations of inorganic salts are inevitably incorporated into the GLS products during
separation. There is a need for a quantitative method for simple and rapid determination of total
GLS after desalting process.

Methods:
A 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric method for determination of total GLS
of Isatis indigotica roots was developed in the present study. The detection wavelength is set at 230
nm using quartz plates. This assay was validated using gluconapin and sinigrin as reference standards,
and applied to determine the total GLS of I. indigotica roots prepared from five different desalting
methods.

Results:
This assay is specific for total GLS prepared from I. indigotica roots, and it has acceptable
accuracy (91.76–98.18% for quality control, and 95.59–102.52% for addition/recovery), precision
(0.24–0.70% pooled RSD), reproducibility (0.31–1.84% RSD), and stability (0.24–1.45% RSD)
over a 72-h period.

Conclusion:
The 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric assay is simple and accurate for
high-throughput determination of total GLS.
Physical Vapour Deposition of Zr-Based Nano Films on Various
Substrates: A Review
Authors: Tarek Ahmad Hafiz Jafarul , Lai Chin Wei , Razak Bushroa Abd , Wong Yew Hoong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract:
Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a thin film fabrication process in the semiconductor
industry. This review paper discusses the different types of PVD methods such as sputtering, cathodic
arc deposition, pulsed laser deposition, and ion plating that could be employed in order to fabricate
nanoscale thin films. This paper focuses on reviewing Zr-based nanoscale thin film properties, including
the transformation of Zr to ZrO2 based nanofilms as high-k gate dielectrics. Additionally, its
corrosion, mechanical and degradation resistance were thoroughly analysed. These properties are
affected by gas flow rate changes, temperature, and crystallinity and are further discussed in each
section. Thus, this review paper informs researchers of the thin films progress to date. Understanding
the influence of PVD process parameters in fabricating Zr-based nanoscale thin film is vital for its
long-term continuous improvement.
The Protective Effects of Pioglitazone Against Cognitive Impairment
Caused by L-methionine Administration in a Rat Model
Authors: Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. , Alfaqih Mahmoud , Tashtoush Murad , Al-Azzam Sayer I. , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Alrabadi Nasr 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
Accumulating evidence indicates that elevated levels of methionine are associated
with cognitive decline, including loss of memory. The exact mechanisms behind this observation
are not completely understood but could be related to an increase in oxidative stress markers in
hippocampal tissues. The above increase in oxidative stress could be directly caused by an increase
in the blood levels of methionine (hypermethioninemia) or one of its metabolites, such as homocysteine.
Pioglitazone is a drug primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several reports
showed that using pioglitazone protects against cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.
Pioglitazone has antioxidant properties independent of its hypoglycemic effects. Taken together,
we hypothesized that pioglitazone protects against memory loss triggered by elevated levels
of methionine through lowering oxidative stress in the hippocampus.

Method:
To test this hypothesis, we used chronic administration of L-methionine in a rat model.
Spatial learning and memory were evaluated in the model using a radial arm water maze (RAWM).
The levels of several markers related to oxidative stress were measured in hippocampal tissues recovered
from experimental rats.

Results:
Current results showed that administration of L-methionine was associated with a significant
loss of short- and long-term memory and an increase in blood homocysteine levels. The above
memory changes were associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the activity
of catalase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus. The combined
treatment of pioglitazone with L-methionine protected rat model from memory loss. It also prevented
changes observed in lipid peroxidation and changes in the activity of catalase and glutathione
peroxidase enzymes.

Conclusion:
Current findings indicate that pioglitazone is a viable therapeutic option that protects
against cognitive changes observed upon administration of L-methionine.
Circulating Biomarkers Related to Osteocyte and Calcium Homeostasis Between Postmenopausal Women with and without Osteoporosis
Authors: Chan Chin Yi , Subramaniam Shaanthana , Mohamed Norazlina , Muhammad Norliza , Ramli Fitri Fareez , Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman , Chin Kok-Yong 
Published: August 2021

Background:
The currently available bone turnover markers are mostly derived from osteoblasts
or osteoclasts. Protein markers derived from osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells that
can regulate bone turnover activities by other cells, are less explored.

Objective:
This study aimed to compare the circulating markers of osteocytes and calcium homeostasis
between Malaysian postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis.

Method:
Postmenopausal women with (n=20) or without osteoporosis (n=20) as determined by dual-
energy X-ray absorptiometry were randomly drawn from a bone health cohort. Their fasting
blood was collected and assayed by a multiplex immunoassay panel.

Results:
The results showed that osteoprotegerin and sclerostin levels were significantly lower
among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis than the normal control. No significant differences
in other markers were observed between the two groups. Sclerostin level correlated positively
with spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD), while 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated negatively
with hip BMD in the control group. No significant correlation was observed between other markers
with spine or hip BMD.

Conclusion:
These data provide an insight into the possible roles of osteocyte markers, especially
osteoprotegerin and sclerostin, in classifying subjects with osteoporosis. However, the lack of association
between these markers and BMD indicates that osteoporosis is a complex and multifactorial
condition.