bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Biological and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-based Bioceramic Coatings on Zirconium
Authors: Aktug Salim Levent , Durdu Salih , Kalkan Selin , Cavusoglu Kultigin , Usta Metin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ca-based porous and rough bioceramic surfaces were coated on zirconium by micro arc oxidation (MAO). Subsequently, an antibacterial chitosan layer was covered on the MAO-coated zirconium surfaces by dip coating method to develop an antibacterial, bioactive and biocompatible composite biopolymer and bioceramic layer for implant applications. The cubic-ZrO2, meta-stable Ca0.15Zr0.85O1.85, and Ca3(PO4)2 were detected on the MAO surface by powder-XRD. The existence of chitosan on the MAO-coated Zr surfaces was verified by FTIR. The micro-pores and thermal cracks on the bioceramic MAO surface were sealed by chitosan coating, while the MAO surface is porous and rough. All elements such as Zr, O, Ca, P and C were homogenously distributed through both surfaces. Moreover, both surfaces indicated hydrophobic properties. However, the contact angle value of the MAO surface was lower than the one of chitosan-based MAO surface. In vitro bioactivity on both surfaces was investigated by XRD, SEM and EDX analyses at post-immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) up to 14 days. In vitro bioactivity was significantly enhanced on the chitosan-based MAO surface with respect to the MAO surface. In vitro bacterial adhesions on the chitosan-based MAO surfaces were lower compared to the MAO surfaces for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Effect of Cotreatment with Corticosteroids in Connective Tissue Related Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) Patients on Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF)
Authors: Caricchio Roberto , Narewski Erin R , Townsend Ryan , Codella Stephen , Kim Jin Sun , Karanam Ashwin , Ramzy Joseph A , Levsky Simona , Zhao Huaqing , Criner Gerard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Connective Tissue Disease Related Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) is often treated with immunosuppressant medications; common among these is Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). We hypothesized that co-treatment with corticosteroids would impact disease progression.Methods: We examined a consecutive cohort of CTD-ILD patients followed at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA since 2015 who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed by American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Criteria at least one year apart. All patients were treated for CTD-ILD with MMF used either as sole therapy or as combination therapy with prednisone. Univariate logistic analyses were performed revealing the odds ratio (OR) for improvement or worsening of several PFT values (including forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), and six-minute walk (6MW)) greater than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for each value.Results: We included 103 patients (74 women) with an average age of 60 ± 11 years, 49% of our cohort were current or former smokers, and mean BMI was 29 ± 7 kg/m2. Patients were observed on treatment for an average of 23 months. CTD distribution included 25% mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 24% systemic sclerosis (SSc), 17% rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14% systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 10% other idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) syndromes, 7% Antisynthetase Syndrome, 5% Sjӧgren’s syndrome. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the majority (45%) ILD pattern noted, Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) 35%, and other types were less prevalent (20%). The majority of patients received corticosteroids as co-treatment with MMF (75 patients (72%)) with a mean daily dose of 15 ± 16 mg of prednisone. Mean daily MMF dose was 1144 ± 675 mg. Glucocorticoid treatment was not associated with significant improvements in PFT values, including FVC, DLCO, and 6MW distance walked.Conclusion: In this small cohort, patients with CTD-ILD receiving MMF did not demonstrate improved lung function when receiving co-treatment with corticosteroids, but larger prospective studies are needed to better elucidate the effect of corticosteroids on this vulnerable group of patients.
Drivers of sustainability practices and contributions to sustainable development evident in sustainability reports of European mining companies
Authors: Ivic Anđela , Saviolidis Nína María , Johannsdottir Lara 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mining activities cause negative environmental impacts, and social conflicts, but also provide economic benefits to communities and secure minerals necessary for low-carbon technology. The aim of this multiple case study is to analyze, compare and critically evaluate sustainability reports of 10 European mining companies for the 2016–2018 period to determine the drivers for implementation of sustainability practices and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that European mining companies act under pressures from international initiatives and industry associations, the European Union, governments, stakeholders, and partnerships. The companies report on the core subjects of corporate governance, employees, the environment, stakeholders’ engagement and occupational health and safety. Positive trends were observed in stakeholder’s engagement, and health and safety, while air emissions, water and energy usage increased for most companies. Furthermore, there was an absence of improvement in gender diversity, utilization of renewable energy, and waste recycling. Even though all analyzed companies mentioned SDGs in the reports, the reports lacked a comprehensive explanation of mining activities’ contribution to the SDGs. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature on the European mining context of sustainable development and SDGs relevant for researchers, policymakers, and other impacted stakeholders and adds new theoretical knowledge on the external drivers for CSR activities based on institutional theory.
Prediction of Blood Supply in Vestibular Schwannomas Using Radiomics Machine-Learning Classifiers
Authors: Wei Xinting , Song Dixiang , Zhai Yixuan , Tao Xiaogang , Zhao Chao , Wang Minkai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThis study attempts to explore the radiomics-based features of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and construct a machine-learning model to predict the blood supply in vestibular schwannoma preoperatively.MethodsBy retrospectively collecting the preoperative MRI data of patients with vestibular schwannoma, patients were divided into poor and rich blood supply group according to the intraoperative recording. Patients were divided into training and test cohorts (2:1), randomly. Stable features were retained by intra-group correlation coefficients (ICCs). Four feature selection methods and four classification methods were evaluated to construct favorable radiomic classifiers. The mean area under the curve (AUC) obtained in the test set for different combinations of feature selecting methods and classifiers was calculated separately to compare the performance of the models. Obtain and compare the best combination result with the performance of differentiation through visual observation in clinical diagnosis.Results191 patients were included in this study. 3918 stable features were extracted each patient. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression model was selected as the optimal combinations after comparing the AUC calculated by models, which predicted the blood supply of vestibular schwannoma by K-Fold cross-validation method with a mean AUC=0.90 and F1-score= 0.89.ConclusionRadiomics machine-learning classifiers can accurately predict the blood supply of vestibular schwannoma by preoperative MRI data.
Aggregation-Induced Emission Properties of Triphenylamine Chalcone Compounds
Authors: zhang ying-peng , Teng Qi , Yang Yun-Shang , Cao Jing-Qi , Xue Ji-Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Two triphenylamine chalcone derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized through the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction. Through ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence emission spectroscopy experiments, it was confirmed that these two compounds exhibited good aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior in ethanol/water mixtures. The solvent effect test showed with the increase of the orientation polarizability of the solvent, the Stokes shift in the solvent of compound 1 and compound 2 shows a linear change trend. Through solid state fluorescence test and universal density function theory (DFT), the existence of π-π stacking interaction in the solid state of the compound has been studied, resulting in weak fluorescence emission. pH has no effect on the fluorescence intensity of the aggregate state of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules in an acidic environment, but greatly weakens its fluorescence intensity in an alkaline environment. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) test shows that compound 1 was more prone to oxidation reaction than compound 2. The results of thermal stability test show that the thermal stability of compound 1 was better than that of compound 2, indicating that triphenylamine chalcone derivatives can improve the thermal stability of compounds by increasing the number of branches.
Adjunctive Therapy with Ascorbic in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Badreldin Hisham A. , Salah Khalid Bin , Harthi Abdullah Al , Alenazi Mohammed , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Aldekhyl Sarah , Arabi Yaseen M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Due to its supposed clinical efficacy, relative safety, and low cost, ascorbic acid represents an appealing option for clinicians to utilize in the context of a global health pandemic of COVID-19 patients.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using ascorbic acid as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a multi-center, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study. All critically ill adult patients admitted to ICU with a confirmed COVID-19 between March 1st to December 31st, 2020 were included in the final analysis. The study was conducted at two large governmental tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The purpose was to investigate the association between clinical outcomes with ascorbic acid use as an adjunctive therapy in COVID-19 after propensity score matching using baseline severity scores, systemic use of corticosteroids and study centers. Results: A 739 patients were included in this study; 296 patients were included after propensity score matching. There was no association between the administration of ascorbic acid and in-hospital mortality nor 30-day ICU mortality (OR (95%CI): 0.77 (0.476, 1.234), p-value=0.2738 and OR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.438 ,1.204), p-value=0.215 respectively). Using ascorbic acid was associated with lower incidence of thrombosis compared with the non-ascorbic acid group (6.1% vs. 13% respectively); OR (95%CI): 0.42 (0.184, 0.937), p-value=0.0342).Conclusion: Ascorbic acid use as an adjunctive therapy in COVID19 critically ill patients was not associated with mortality benefits; but associated with lower incidence of thrombosis. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Biological pretreatment of wheat straw: Effect of fungal culturing on enzymatic hydrolysis of carbohydrate polymers
Authors: Knežević Aleksandar , Đokić Ivana , Tosti Tomislav , Popović Slađana , Milojković-Opsenica Dušanka , Vukojević Jelena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was comparative analysis of degradation of wheat straw lignin by white-rot fungi and its implications on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of holocellulose. Cyclocybe cylindracea, Ganoderma resinaceum, Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor were the species studied. Peroxidases were predominantly responsible for lignin degradation even though high laccase activities were detected, except in the case of Irpex lacteus where laccase activity was not detected. Studied fungal species showed various ability to degrade lignin in wheat straw which further affected release of reducing sugars during enzymatic saccharification. The highest rate of lignin degradation was noticed in sample pretreated with Irpex lacteus (50.9 ± 4.1%). Among all tested species only Ganoderma resinaceum was suitable lignin degrader with the 2-fold higher hydrolysis yield (51.1 ± 4.7%) than in the control, and could have significant biotechnological application due to lower cellulose loss. A key mechanism of carbohydrate component convertibility enhancement was lignin removal in the biomass. Long time consumption, the low sugar yields and unpredictable fungal response still remain the challenge of the fungal pretreatment process.
Diverse recruitment to a globally structured atmospheric microbiome
Authors: Archer Stephen , Lee Kevin , Caruso Tancredi , Leung Marcus , Tong Xinzhao , Hinchliffe Graham , Maki Teruya , Santl-Temkiv Tina , Warren-Rhodes Kimberley , Gomez-Silva Benito , Hyde Kevin , Liu Celine , Alcamí Antonio , Al-Mailem Dina , Araya Jonathan , Cary Stephen , Cowan Don , Dempsey Jessica , Etchebehere Claudia , Gantsetseg Batdelger , Hartery Sean , Harvey Mike , Hayakawa Kazuichi , Hogg Ian , Inoue Mutsoe , Kansour Mayada , Lawrence Tim , Lee Charles , Leopold Mathius , McKay Christopher , Nagao Seiya , Poh Yan Hong , Ramond Jean-Baptiste , Rastrojo Alberto , Sekiguchi Toshio , Sim Joo Huang , Stahm William , Sun Henry , Tang Ning , Vandenbrink Bryan , Walther Craig , Lee Patrick , Pointing Stephen Brian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Atmospheric transport is critical to dispersal of microorganisms between habitats and this underpins resilience in terrestrial and marine ecosystems globally 1,2. Conventional dogma that this is a neutral process involving ubiquitous distribution in air has been challenged by recent advances 3–5. However, the lack of standardized methods and analytical frameworks have impeded synthesis and global perspective. A key unresolved question is whether microorganisms assemble to form a taxonomically distinct, geographically variable and functionally adapted atmospheric microbiome. Here we characterized global-scale patterns of microbial taxonomic and functional diversity in air within and above the atmospheric boundary layer and in underlying soils. Bacterial and fungal assemblages in air were taxonomically structured and deviated significantly from purely stochastic assembly processes. Fungi dominated above tropical, temperate and continental biomes whilst bacteria did so above oceans and drylands. At high altitudes bacterial diversity declined but fungal diversity was greatest. Source-tracking indicated a complex recruitment process involving local soils plus globally distributed inputs from drylands and the phyllosphere. Assemblages displayed stress-response and metabolic traits relevant to survival in air, and taxonomic and functional diversity were correlated with macroclimate and atmospheric variables. Our findings highlight a structured global atmospheric microbiome that is central to understanding regional and global ecosystem connectivity.
Structure of basaltic glass at pressures up to 18 GPa
Authors: Ohashi Tomonori , Sakamaki Tatsuya , Funakoshi Ken-ichi , Hattori Takanori , Hisano Naoki , Abe Jun , Suzuki Akio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The structures of cold-compressed basaltic glass were investigated at pressures up to 18 GPa using in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques to understand the physicochemical properties of deep magmas. On compression, basaltic glass changes its compression behavior: the mean O-O coordination number (CNOO) starts to rise while maintaining the mean O-O distance (rOO) above about 2–4 GPa, and then CNOO stops increasing, and rOO begins to shrink along with the increase in the mean coordination number of Al (CNAlO) above ~9 GPa. The change around 9 GPa is interpreted by the change in contraction mechanism from bending tetrahedral networks of glass to increasing oxygen packing ratio via the increase in CNAlO. The analysis of the oxygen packing fraction (ηO) under high pressure reveals that ηO exceeds the value for dense random packing, suggesting that the oxygen-packing hypothesis recently proposed cannot account for pressure-induced structural transformations of silica and silicate glasses. The rise of the CNOO at 2–4 GPa reflects the elastic softening of fourfold-coordinated silicate glass, which may be the origin of anomalies of elastic moduli in basaltic glass at ~2 GPa previously reported by Liu and Lin (2014).
The widths of both the first sharp diffraction peak and the principal peak show contrastive compression behaviors between modified silicate and silica glasses. This result suggests that modified silicate glasses represent different pressure evolutions in the intermediate- and extended-range order structures from those of silica glass, likely due to the presence of modifier cations and the resultant formations of smaller rings and cavity volume.
Physicochemical assessment of urban wastewater of Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Daouda Mohamed M. Arêmou , Hounkpè S. Peace , Djihouessi M. Belfrid , Akowanou A. V. Onesime , Aïna Martin Pépin , Drogui Patrick 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present study aims to fill the data gap analysis in urban wastewaters characteristics in Benin and its statistical analysis. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Phosphorus (TP) and UV Absorbance at 254 nm, were determined on domestic (greywater and blackwater) and industrial (hospital, pharmaceutical and commercial laundry) wastewater in Cotonou city. Analysis of variance showed a strong significant difference in the physico-chemistry of the various effluents. The pharmaceutical wastewater has the highest concentration of organic pollution (COD = 5,912 ± 1,026 mg/L, Abs.UV254 = 2.667 ± 0.327 cm−1). The organic load of blackwater is mainly in particulate and biodegradable form. Besides, the correlation study showed the limits of pH and EC as an indicator of organic load. Furthermore, the choice of COD or BOD5 as the main design parameter would be limited to blackwater treatment. Abs.UV254 was found to be the parameter having a strong relationship with other parameters of all effluents except blackwater. It then takes priority over COD for the treatment of greywater and industrial wastewater. For future wastewater treatment plant design, we recommend to consider Abs.UV254 as an important parameter.
A Nanoinformatics Approach to Evaluate the Pharmacological Properties
of Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Zohaib , Attique Syed Awais , Qurat-ul-Ain  , Alshammari Fahdah Ayed , Alhamdi Heba Waheeb , Alghamdi Huda Ahmed , Yan Wei 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Alzheimer’s disease is a nervous system destructive disease which causes structural, biochemical and electrical abnormalities inside the human brain and results due to genetic and various environmental factors. Traditional therapeutic agents of Alzheimer’s disease such as tacrine and physostigmine has been found causing adverse effects to the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Nanomaterials like graphene, metals, carbon-nanotubes and metal-oxides are gaining attention as potential drugs against Alzheimer’s disease due to their properties such as large surface area which provides clinical efficiency, targeted drug designing and delivery.

Objectives:
Designing new drugs by using experimental approaches are time-consuming, tedious and laborious processes which also require advanced technologies. This study aims to identify the novel drug candidates against Alzheimer’s disease with no or less associated side effects using molecular docking approaches.

Methods:
In this study, we utilized nanoinformatics based approaches for evaluating the interaction properties of various nanomaterials and metal nanoparticles with the drug targets including TRKB kinase domain, EphA4 and histone deacetylase. Furthermore, drug-likeness of carbon nanotubes was confirmed through ADME analysis.

Results:
Carbon nanotubes, either single or double-walled in all the three-configuration including zigzag, chiral, and armchair forms are found to interact with the target receptors with varying affinities.

Conclusion:
This study provides a novel and clearer insights into the interaction properties and drug suitability of known putative nanoparticles as potential agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Therapeutic Effects of Dihydroartemisinin on Cisplatin-Resistant
Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Suyun , Feng Rui , Yuan Fang , Luo Qiong , Chen Xiangqi , Li Nan , Yang Sheng 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) exhibited anti-tumor effect in a variety of cancer
cells, but its mechanism of action is unclear.

Objective:
To investigate the therapeutic effects of DHA on Cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer
cell strain SGC7901/DDP and the possible molecular mechanism.

Methods:
Cells were treated with DHA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, after which their proliferation,
apoptosis, invasion, and migration abilities were evaluated. We further evaluated autophagy
with mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection and transmission electron microscopy and also detected
the expression levels of proteins (related to autophagy and apoptosis) via western blot. Meanwhile, the
influence of DHA on cisplatin resistance was detected through a sensitization test and the evaluation of
P-gp expression levels.

Results:
DHA effectively inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of SGC7901/DDP cells
and induced cell apoptosis which was accompanied by caspase-8/9/3 activation. Furthermore, exposure
to DHA resulted in a pronounced increase in autophagy proteins, including Beclin-1 and LC3 II with
PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition. Additionally, enhancement of cisplatin sensitivity occurred in
SGC7901/DDP cells treated with DHA, which was accompanied by P-gp downregulation.

Conclusion:
DHA exerts an anti-cancer effect on SGC7901/DDP cells and the mechanisms possibly
include enhancement of autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition, inducement of apoptosis through
caspase-dependent and mitochondrial pathway, and enhancement of cisplatin sensitivity through P-gp
inhibition.