bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different Sources of Irrigation Water Affect Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soils and Subsequently on Physiological Determinants and Physico-Chemical Properties of Guava Fruits
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Hassan Ahmad , Arshad Pakiza , Anjum Muhammad Akbar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Guava is a highly nutritious fruit and widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Guava orchards are frequently irrigated with contaminated water in different regions of the world. In the present study, fruits of two guava cultivars, i.e., Gola and Surahi were collected from orchards grown in peri-urban areas of Multan, Pakistan, which were irrigated with different sources of irrigation i.e., canal water, tubewell water and sewage water. The soil (at four different layers), water, and fruit (at harvesting) samples were collected from the orchards for their physical, chemical, and heavy metals analysis. The results revealed that sewage water contained more amount of copper, zinc and nickel as compared to tubewell and canal water. The soil irrigated with sewage water also contained the highest copper, nickel and zinc contents, while tubewell water irrigated soils contained the lowest copper, nickel and zinc contents. As regards different soil layers, the top soil layer (0–15 cm) contained the maximum copper, nickel and zinc contents. In contrast, the minimum copper, nickel and zinc contents were estimated in the lower most soil layer (46–60 cm). The different physiological parameters of guava leaves i.e., photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), leaf chlorophyll fluorescence in light (Fv'/Fm') and in dark-acclimated (Fv/Fm) and non-photochemical quenching in dark-acclimated (NPQ) were decreased with sewage water irrigation. Further, the sources of irrigation water significantly altered the different physical and chemical properties of the fruits. It is concluded that sewage water improved the physico-chemical properties of fruits but these also had high amounts of different heavy metals. Further, the soil irrigated with sewage water also had high contents of different heavy metals.
Deterministic Seismic Microzonation of the NCT-Delhi (India) and Earthquake Engineering Implications
Authors: Kumar Luxman , Narayan J. P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A deterministic seismic microzonation of the NCT Delhi (The capital of INDIA) and its earthquake engineering implications is presented in this paper. The NCT Delhi with population density around 21,000/sq. Km has experienced several severe earthquake shakings in the past due to earthquake occurrences in its vicinity and in the Great Himalaya. The exposed central quartzite ridge, Badarpur-Okhala hillocks and River-Yamuna are responsible for the very large spatial variation of sediment thickness (10 m to more than 300 m) in the NCT Delhi. The dynamic properties of sediment layers over the quartzite basement at 158 sites, well distributed in the NCT Delhi, are considered for seismic microzonation. First, we have finalised the maximum credible earthquake (MCE) for each considered site based on the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. Thereafter, acceleration time history at basement level is computed at each site using stochastic finite-fault method with dynamic corner frequency and the geometry as well as rupture-dimension of the respective MCE. The basement ground motion is numerically transferred to the free surface using the rheological parameters and thickness of sediment layers overlying the quartzite basement. Different maps of earthquake engineering interest like peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV) and peak ground displacement (PGV) at basement level and the free surface level are developed and analysed for earthquake implications. The obtained range of PGA (0.08-0.30g), PGV (3.34-26.58cm/s) and PGD (0.55-7.2cm) at the free surface and fundamental frequency of the sediment deposit (0.4-7.0Hz) reveals that the NCT Delhi needs special attention by the planners, engineers and decision makers for earthquake disaster preparedness.
The Incidence and Mortality of Yellow Fever in Africa – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nwaiwu Akuoma U , Musekiwa Alfred , Tamuzi Jacques L. , Sambala Evanson Z , Nyasulu Peter S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundUnderstanding the occurrence of yellow fever epidemics is critical for targeted interventions and control efforts to reduce the burden of disease. We assessed data on the yellow fever incidence and mortality rates in Africa.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Africa-wide and Web of science databases from 1 January 1975 to 30th October 2020. Two authors extracted data from included studies independently and conducted a meta-analysis.ResultsOf 840 studies identified, 12 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The incidence of yellow fever per 100,000 population ranged from <1 case in Nigeria, < 3 cases in Uganda, 13 cases in DRC, 27 cases in Kenya, 40 cases in Ethiopia, 46 cases in Gambia, 1,267 cases in Senegal, and 10,350 cases in Ghana. Case fatality rate associated with yellow fever outbreaks ranged from 10% in Ghana to 86% in Nigeria. The mortality rate ranged from 0.1/100,000 in Nigeria to 2,200/100,000 in Ghana. ConclusionThe yellow fever incidence rate is quite constant; in contrast, the fatality rates vary widely across African countries over the study period. Standardized demographic health surveys and surveillance as well as accurate diagnostic measures are essential for early recognition, treatment and control.
Characteristics and Distribution of Microplastics in Shoreline Sediments of the Yangtze River, Main Tributaries and Lakes in China—From Upper Reaches to the Estuary
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Duo Jia , Wufuer Rehemanjiang , Wang Shuzhi , Pan Xiangliang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pervade the environment and increasingly threaten both natural ecosystems and human health. In this study, we investigated MP particle concentrations in sediment samples collected from 54 sites along the banks of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries and on lakeshores. The main polymer types found in the samples were polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). MP particle abundance in the various types of locations was 35–51968 particles/kg dry weight (d.w.) on the banks of the main river, 52–1463 particles/kg (d.w.) on the banks of tributaries and 2574–23685 particles/kg (d.w.) on lakeshores. Correlation between MP abundance and mean annual runoff of each upstream tributary was significant, which suggests that increased runoff brings more microplastic waste to streambank sediments. The most common shape of MP particles in all upstream samples was flake and in downstream samples it was foam. Small microplastic particles (< 0.050 mm) were predominant at all sites in this study and the minimum particle size in samples from the Yangtze river banks was 0.065 mm. Average abundance of MP particles on the shores of the source lake was 9069 particles/kg around the inlet but only 866 particles/kg around the outlet; the difference was due to interception associated with sedimentation and precipitation in the lake. This study provides data and presents a theoretical basis for the analysis of the accumulation and distribution of MPs in sediment in the Yangtze River basin.
Low Carbohydrate Diet Score and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults
Authors: Guo Baofu , Li Xiaocheng , Jin Di , Zuo Hui , Zhu Fangyan , Wang Yanli , Jiang Yun , Zhu Baichun , Ma Liankai , Xie Guoxiang , Zhou Nan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Previous studies on estimated associations between low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are inconsistent. We aim to assess the association between LCD score and MetS in a Chinese population. A multi-stage random sampling method was applied and a total of 1993 participants aged more than 18 years from a cross-sectional study in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province were accessed. Dietary intake was evaluated using a consecutive 3-d, 24-h dietary recall combined with the condiments weighing method.LCD scores, including usual, animal-based, and plant-based LCD scores, were calculated based on energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake by sex. In multivariate regression analyses adjusted for age, total energy intake and other potential confounders, the usual LCD score significantly increased risk of MetS in men [the highest quartile vs. lowest quartile: odds ratio (OR): 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.87, Pfor trend < 0.05]. Furthermore, a significant trend was found between plant-based LCD score and the MetS in men (Pfor trend < 0.05). Among the components of the MetS, higher usual LCD score increased the risk of central obesity, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in men, meanwhile animal-based LCD score was positively associated with the risk of central obesity, and plant-based LCD score was positively associated with the risk of hyperglycemia in men. Our results reveal that low carbohydrate and excessive fat diet (even monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids), may increase the risk of MetS and Chinese male is more sensitive to the transition of dietary composition from high carbohydrate to high fat than Chinese female. Further studies are warranted.
Visualization of bat “echo space” using acoustic simulation
Authors: Teshima Yu , Yamada Yasufumi , Tsuchiya Takao , Heim Olga , Hiryu Shizuko 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Behavioral experiments with acoustic measurements have revealed the intriguing strategies of flight navigation and the use of ultrasound by echolocating bats in various environments. However, the echolocation behavior of bats has not been thoroughly investigated in regard to the environment they perceive via echolocation because it is technically difficult to measure all the echoes that reach the bats during flight, even with the conventional telemetry microphones currently in use. Therefore, we attempted to reproduce the echoes of bats during flight by combining acoustic simulation and behavioral experiments with acoustic measurements. As a result, we visualized the spatiotemporal changes in the echo incidence points detected by bats during flight, which enabled us to investigate the “echo space” revealed through echolocation. In addition, we could observe how the distribution of visualized echoes concentrated at the obstacle edges after the bats became more familiar with their environment. Furthermore, our results indicate that the direction of preceding echoes affects the turn rates of the bat's flight path, revealing their original echolocation behavior.
Baitouweng Decoction Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Ulcerative Colitis Through Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway Activation and HMGB1 Downregulation
Authors: Zhu Weina , Ma Chunhua , Zhou Fuqiong , Ruan Jie , Zhang Yajie , Long Hongyan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe phrase “baitouweng (BTW) decoction” was first recorded in the ancient Chinese medical text Shang Han Za Bing Lun. BTW decoction has been widely used by practitioners of (traditional) Chinese medicine.[VN1] It has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) for hundreds of years. In this study, we investigated the antioxidative properties of BTW and the intestinal immunity of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced UC and further investigated the mechanism by which BTW alleviates UC.MethodsUC was induced in mice by using DSS. The mice were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, DSS, BTW (5, 10, and 20 g/kg[VN2] ), berberine (BBR), and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Except for the control group, 3% DSS was administered in drinking water to all groups for 7 days, and and the other groups were intragastrically administered with BTW（5, 10, and 20 g/kg）、BBR and 5-ASA independently.[VN3] After gavaging for 12 days, the mice were killed. Subsequently, body weight loss, colon length, colon histopathology, inflammatory cytokine expression, and intestinal protein expression were measured.ResultsBTW effectively reduced the symptoms and histopathological scores of UC mice. Additionally, it downregulated the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, the immunoglobulins vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and metalloprotease matrix metallopeptidase 9. Moreover, it downregulated high mobility group box 1 protein. Furthermore, it inhibited the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway.ConclusionBTW considerably alleviated the inflammatory symptoms of mice with acute colitis, and the latent mechanism of BTW may be related to various signaling pathways, including the modulation of antioxidant signaling pathways such as the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Role of Human Glutathione Transferases in Biotransformation of the Nitric Oxide Prodrug JS-K
Authors: Sjödin Birgitta , Mannervik Bengt 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a prominent physiological role as a low-molecular-mass signal molecule involved in diverse biological functions. Great attention has been directed to pharmacologically modulating the release of NO for various therapeutic applications. We have focused on O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) 1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (JS-K) as an example of diazeniumdiolate prodrugs with potential for cancer chemotherapy. JS-K is reportedly activated by glutathione conjugation by glutathione transferase (GST), but the scope of activities among the numerous members of the GSTome is unknown. We demonstrate that all human GSTs tested except GST T1-1 are active with JS-K as a substrate, but their specific activities are notably spanning a 100-fold range. The most effective enzyme was the mu class member GST M2-2 with a specific activity of 273 ± 5 µmol min-1 mg-1 and the kinetic parameters Km 48 ± 4 µM, kcat 501 ± 29 s-1, kcat/Km 10 x106 M-1 s-1. The abundance of the GSTs as an ensemble and their high catalytic efficiency indicate that release of NO occurs rapidly in normal tissues such that other mechanisms play a major role in the tumor-killing effect of JS-K.
PEX-168 Improves Insulin Resistance, Inflammatory Response and Adipokines in Simple Obese Mice and Explore the Mechanism
Authors: Zeyuan Guo , Yuting Wu , Xiaofang Sun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Polyethylene glycxol losenatide（PEX-168）is a new anti-diabetic drug and there are no reports on its weight loss effects，so we designed this trial to investigate the effect of PEX-168 on simple obese mice. Methods: Thirty healthy C57BL/6 male mice were randomly selected and divided into a blank control group (NC, n=6) and an obesity model group (n=24), the high-fat diet-induced simple obesity mice were divided into a model control group (HF) and three different doses of PEX-168 intervention groups of low (LD), medium (MD) and high (HD) (the doses of PEX-168 were 0.03 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg), 6 animals in each group. The intervention groups were injected with different doses of PEX-168 intraperitoneally once a week for 12 weeks, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight and food intake were measured from 1 to 12 weeks after the injection, and the activity of mice was observed, and serum insulin (INS), CRP, chemerin and omentin levels were measured after 12 weeks. Results: Compared with the HF group, the low dose of PEX-168 could reduce the body weight of mice in a short period of time (8 weeks), and the mice in the LD and HD groups had a significant decrease in body weight (P < 0.05)；the low dose of PEX-168 could effectively improve the blood glucose and Homa-IR of mice (FBG P < 0.05 INS, IR P < 0.001), but there was no statistical difference between different doses (P > 0.05)；CRP levels in HD and LD groups were significantly improved(P < 0.05)，the levels of serum chemerin and omentin in intervention groups were significantly improved (P < 0.01), but there was no statistical difference between the different doses (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Continuous 12W administration of PEX-168 significantly reduced body weight in simple obese mice, thereby improving inflammatory status, improving insulin resistance, reducing serum chemerin level and increasing serum omentin level, inhibiting the development of diabetes. PEX-168 may regulate the expression of chemerin and omentin mainly through its hypoglycemic effect.
Fisetin Induced Cell Death in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines via ZBP1 Mediated Necroptosis.
Authors: Liu Yaxian , Cao Wenhong , Zhao Yanhui , Shan Lijuan , Lan Shuhai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer leads to severe female mortality among all reproductive cancers. Fisetin, a natural flavonoid, exerts pharmacological characteristics on inhibiting cancer growth from various origins. Although multiple mechanisms involving in regulating cell death, there is still unclear if and how fisetin exhibits anti-cancer effect on ovarian cancer. The presented study aimed to evaluate cell apoptotic and necroptotic processes occurring in ovarian carcinoma (OC) cell lines induced by fisetin Methods: Cell growth was evaluated by MTT assay in both OC cell lines treated with or without fisetin. Annexin V/Propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry were used to characterize fisetin induced cell death. The apoptotic process was suppressed by z-VAD intervention then cell necroptosis was assessed by introducing ZBP1 knockdown OC cell lines coupled with fisetin intervention. The expression of necroptosis-related mediators and migration capability of respective cells were evaluated by western blotting and in vitro cell invasion assay. Result: Fisetin successfully reduced cell growth on both OC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Both apoptosis and necroptosis were induced by fisetin. Suppression on cell apoptotic process failed to enhance proliferation of fisetin treated cells. The induced cell death as well as robust expression of necroptotic markers RIP3 and MLKL were alleviated by knocking down the expression of ZBP1 protein in both OC cell lines.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated in vitro evidence supporting that both apoptosis and necroptosis were involved in fisetin induced OC cell death, while ZBP1 regulates necroptotic process via RIP3/MLKL pathway.
Colon Adenocarcinoma Metastasis Through Ileocolic Fistula to Small Bowel in the Setting of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Tseng Michael , Syed Taseen Ahmed , Zot Patricija , Vachhani Ravi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastrointestinal fistula. We report an unusual case of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma in a CD patient that metastasized to the small bowel through an ileocolic fistula tract.Methods: This case report was written after patient was seen in the clinic and reviewing overall hospitalization including clinically relevant data including imaging and pathology reports associated to our focus and presentation. Prior cases of metastatic CRC via fistula tract were reviewed and compared as well. Results: We described an unprecedented case of a sigmoid adenocarcinoma metastasized to ileum via ileal-sigmoid fistula. Patient received surgical treatment and systemic chemotherapy and currently in remission. Conclusion: CD is associated with a higher risk of fistula development. Few cases in the past described CRC metastasized within the gastrointestinal tract through a fistula. Intriguingly in our case, sigmoid adenocarcinoma developed and further metastasized to the ileum via the ileal-sigmoid fistula in the setting of CD. In addition to presenting a unique pathological phenomenon in these patients, this case raises awareness of the importance of regular follow-up and early initiation of IBD therapies.
Rate of Peripheral Blood Smear Examination Service Provision and Its Barriers Among Public Hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Alemayehu Aklilu , Yohanes Tsegaye , Shibiru Tamiru , Hailemariam Zeleke 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Peripheral blood smear examination is a vital hematological test for diagnosis and monitoring of disorders in blood. Despite the considerable benefits of this test in the battle against the growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, its rate of provision is low. This study aimed to assess the rate of peripheral blood smear examination service provision and its barriers among public hospitals in southern Ethiopia.Method: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from January 01 to March 31, 2019, among five public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia. We collected socio-demographic data from patients and healthcare providers. We prepared peripheral blood smears from 423 patients with abnormal complete blood cell count. We examined a wright’s stained peripheral blood smear under the microscope to identify abnormality in the morphology of blood cells. We conducted key informant interviews with healthcare providers. We assessed health facilities using a standard checklist. We did descriptive statistical analysis for quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. We transcribed, categorized, and thematically analyzed the qualitative data. We presented the results in tables and figures.Result: The rate of provision of peripheral blood smear examination service was 11.6% (n= 49). Nearly 90% of the eligible patients did not receive this service. Relatively better rate of service provision was seen among hospitals with essential resources for the service, and those participating in Hematology external quality assurance. Lack of training, shortage of laboratory supplies, and inadequate supportive supervision were identified as barriers to regularly provide peripheral blood smear examination service.Conclusion: Rate of peripheral blood smear examination service provision is low. A large proportion of eligible patients missed the deserved service. Adequate laboratory supplies, training, and continued supportive supervision should be considered to improve the provision of this service.