bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) System a Sustainable Novel Technique for Urban Wastewater Management
Authors: Sudarsan Jeyaraman Sethuraman , Annadurai Ramasamy , Nithiyanantham Subramanian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present study focuses on various aspects of Integrated Constructed Wetland System (ICW) systems with reference to its efficiency, and eco-friendliness in the treatment of domesticwastewater. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) impurity level is in the ranged from 383 mgl-1 to 248 mgl-1, chemical oxygen demand (COD)420 mgl-1 to 340 mgl-1, Total Phosphorus (TP) 10.2 mgl-1 to 5 mgl-1 and Total Nitrogen (TN) 18.9 mgl-1 to 14.8 mgl-1 respectively over a period of one year (SRM University). The influent contaminants are degradable in nature especially with high TP and TN concentrations. Six units of Constructed Wetland System (ICW)units are built with uniform dimensions of 2×1× 0.9 m based on EPA and TVA.The wetland plants chosen areTypha Latifolia and Phragmites Australis. Among the wetland units, Typha oriented units are observed to perform better with a reduction efficiency of 87% for BOD, 86% for COD, 70% for TP and 78% for TN proving that Typha Latifoliais a better aquatic plant for overall wastewater treatment. The removal efficiency increases with time and reaches maximum in 192 hrs. To substantiate the experimental study output, Statistical analysis (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis with normality plot has carried out. It isevident that thepercentage removal of many parameters especially organic parameters over a period of time in treating with different wetland units is highly significant.
The basis of α-hemolysis Negative Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates from Beijing Children’s Hospital
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Sun Chen , Qian Suyun , Liu Yingchao , Yao Kaihu , Dong Fang , Song Wenqi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clonal Complex 59 (CC59) clone has spread among Chinese children, resulting in many Staphylococcus aureus infections. α-hemolysin (Hlα) is an important virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus, but little research has been done on CC59 isolates with negative α-hemolysis. Results. During the 4 periods (2009-2011, 2012-2013, 2016, 2017), 291 MRSA isolates were collected. Isolates with β and δ hemolysis accounted for 60.47% among the MRSA isolates in 2009-2011; 56.41% in 2012-2013; 77.14% in 2016; and 56.25% in 2017. most ST59 isolates (94.38%), 9 ST338 isolates (100%) showed β and δ hemolysis, both ST59 and ST338 clone belong to CC59 clone. Twenty-two ST239 isolates (73.33%), 8 ST88 isolates (80%), 4 ST5 isolates (100%), 13 ST22 isolates (92.86%) and 6 ST398 isolates (85.71%) showed α and δ hemolysis. α hemolysin in most clinical isolates is highly conservative, each showed one amino acid locus variation, the most common mutation was threonine at position 275 instead of isoleucine, then glutamic acid replaced aspartic acid at 208. Seventeen ST59 and 2 ST338 isolates had no mutation, 3 ST59 isolates showed single mutation (C448G), and only one ST59 isolate showed multilocus mutation. Other ST typing, such as ST1, ST5, ST88, ST20, ST239 and ST398, all had multilocus mutations, sites were from 3 to 8, no conservative sequence was found among isolates with the same ST typing. The carrying rates of RNA III, Rot, agrA, SarR, SarU and SigB were all over 93%, the carrying rates of SarZ and SarA genes were 41.86% and 34.88% respectively. Trancriptional levels of hlα in isolates showed α and δ hemolysis and β and δ hemolysis were equal. USA300 and R23 produced Hlα, R23 didn’t showed α hemolysis phenotype.Conclusions. Most clinical CC59 isolates from children in China were α hemolysis negative. There was no statistically significant difference in hlα gene and RNA expression, they produced the protein. The reason for the phenotypic deletion probably related to β hemolysin (Hlβ).
Evidence for a Recent Formation of the Isthmus of Panama 0.6 Mya
Authors: Brikiatis Leonidas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The exact age of the final formation of the Isthmus of Panama is a critical reference point for oceanographic, climatic, biogeographic, and evolutionary hypotheses. Geotectonic evidence suggests that the isthmus was completed between 12 Mya and 3 Mya, and an age of 3–4 Mya has been used as a benchmark in hundreds of studies over the past 30 years. Phylogeographic data indicate the existence of marine connections across the isthmus much more recently, however. I reconsider the available geotectonic, biostratigraphic, oceanographic, and paleoclimatic data and show that multiple lines of indirect evidence suggest that four transisthmian seaways may have persisted until as recently as the onset of the Middle Pleistocene (~ 0.6 Mya). Subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath one transisthmian seaway (the only seaway featuring a deep sill) caused rapid tectonic shoaling and reorganisation of oceanic currents, which coincided with a major glacioeustatic sea level fall ~ 950–917 Mya that led to a temporary closing of the Bering Strait. This resulted in unusual and contrasting climate phenomena, including the “900-Kyr (cold) event” and the “greening” of South Greenland during the MIS 22 glacial maximum. The concurrence of the final formation of the Isthmus of Panama with the mid-Pleistocene Transition of glacial/interglacial periodicity suggests a tight relationship between these events.
Sequential Treatment of Landfill Leachate By Advanced Oxidation Processes and Struvite Precipitation
Authors: lavudya Sushma , vodnala maneesha , Dheeravath Bhagawan , Panga kiran kumar , saranga Vijaya krishna , Golla Shankaraiah , V Himabindu , Suranani Srinath 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Landfill leachate contains organic, inorganic compounds, heavy metals, ammonia, and xenobiotic compounds which are considered unsafe for discharging into surface water which requires to be treated before its discharge into the water. In this paper, preliminary studies are reported on the application of Fenton, Struvite, and Electrooxidation processes for the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and ammonia from landfill leachate. Various operational parameters like pH, dosage, reaction time, and applied voltage were optimized in laboratory batch experiments and evaluated for removal of COD and ammonia. Results demonstrated that the Fenton process could effectively remove COD and ammonia by 75% and 23% respectively at 210 min for Fe+2:H2O2: 1:5 at a fixed pH 3. The Struvite process has been effective in the removal of ammonia by 74% at pH 9 with the dosage of Mg+2:PO43-:NH4+ at 1:1:1 ratio. Results from Electrooxidation for COD and ammonia were observed as 58.25% and 44% respectively at the applied voltage 8 V for a reaction time of 60 min. The efficiency of treatment processes was also evaluated in Sequential processes for COD and ammonia i.e., Sequence-I (Fenton-Electrooxidation-Struvite) and Sequence-II (Fenton-Struvite) at pre-optimized conditions. The sequential processes have been depicted, the removal efficiencies of COD and ammonia of 89% and 82% by Sequence-I; 76.77%, and 77% by Sequence-II respectively. The present study demonstrates that Fenton followed by Electrooxidation and Struvite is an effective treatment process that can enhance the treatment of landfill leachate.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of AH Plus Sealer Modified with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Afkhami Farzaneh , Nasri Shifteh , Valizadeh Sara 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of AH Plus sealer modified with silver nanoparticles. Methods: Forty sound teeth were obturated using lateral compaction technique except for five teeth as the negative controls. After considering five teeth as the positive controls, the remaining teeth were assigned to two groups (n=15) in terms of the sealer used (AH Plus sealer and silver nanoparticle-modified AH Plus). Bacterial leakage was evaluated in saliva using the two-wall technique in every 24 hours. When all the samples in the test groups were contaminated, the study was terminated. The data were analyzed with log-rank statistical test.Results: The samples became contaminated with bacteria until the end of the third month in both groups. There was no significant difference in microleakage time between study groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: The incorporation of silver nanoparticles at concentrations tested into the AH Plus sealer did not prevent bacterial leakage.
Soils Acidity Characterization, Mapping and Lime Recommendation of Jimma Arjo District, East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bulo Fayisa Olana , Desta Hailu Shiferaw 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Soil fertility is one of the major constraints of agricultural production and productivity. Soil fertility atlas shows plant nutrient status and is useful for decision making in fertilizers and other amendments advisory service for farmers. The objectives of this research were to study the farming activity, assess the acidity status of the soils, map and recommend the right amount of lime for acidic soils. Result: A total of 199 soil samples were collected across Jimma Arjo district at 1.5 km grid interval from a depth of 0 - 20 cm for annual and 0 - 50 cm for perennial crops. The total area of the district was 76,574 ha. Soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable acidity (EA) were done at Nekemte Soil Research Center. Exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, Na) were analyzed by wet chemistry analysis at Yara Analytical Services, England. Critical levels adopted by the Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS) project were used for characterization of the soil properties. Soil reaction (pH) ranged from 4.45 to 6.87 in which 17.1 and 78.4% of the total area was covered by strongly acidic soils and slightly acidic soils, respectively. Agricultural lime (Ag-lime) was required for 17.87% of the total area and 12.63%, 4.36% and 0.88% of the total area require lime at a rate of 0 - 1, 1 - 2, and 2 - 4.1 tons/ha respectively. Conclusion: The highland areas of the district are more populated and there is high pressure on soil, cooler temperature and higher rainfall than lowlands which resulted in soil acidity of the highlands. The magnitude and extent of soil acidity in the area is expanding and liming is very important as an entry point to mitigate further expansion. The observed dependency of the soil acidity on landscape position could be a proxy indicator of the difference in fertility status of the two landscapes.
A CH-Controlled Colorimetric Probe Based on Anthracene Carboximide for the Near-Infrared Detection of Cyanide
Authors: Shao Haibing , Chen Xi , Zhu Tingting , Chen Zhihua , Hu Yan , Zhang Hua , Wang Zhonghua , Liu Chuanxiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A novel CH-controlled colorimetric probe based on anthracene carboximide was developed for the near-infrared detection of cyanide. The probe was constructed by attachment of a CHCN binding site to anthracene carboximide fluorophore, and it showed a significant visual change from yellow-green (535 nm) to deep violet (825 nm) with a larger redshift (≈290 nm) when interacting with cyanide. The C-H deprotonation sensing mechanism was confirmed by 1H NMR titration. Additionally, colorimetric test paper was conveniently used to detect cyanide in aqueous solutions. The near-infrared detection of cyanide by CH-controlled probes was founded for the first time.
The Deubiquitin Enzyme USP28 Maintains the Viability of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells through Stabilizing the RecQ Family Helicases
Authors: Peng Jin , Wang Jiewei , Dong Yiping , Ma Huailu , Wu Lingzhi , Zhen Xinghua , Tang Lichun , Jin Jianping , Han Suxia , Zhang Pumin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer lacks significant expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It is the more aggressive and malignant kind of breast cancers and is currently without any effective targeted therapies.Methods: We have screened for genes in the ubiquitin-proteasome system that are essential for the proliferation and survival of TNBC cells via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Growth of TNBC cells were assayed using cell and tumor xenograft models to validate the vital role of USP28. We employed cell biology and biochemical methods to uncover the mechanisms underlying the requirement of USP28 for the proliferation of TNBC cells.Results: USP28, a deubiquitin enzyme, is an essential gene for TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Compromising the function of USP28 causes TNBC cells to arrest in S/G2 phases with DNA damage checkpoint activation. We show that RecQ family helicases are regulated by USP28, which is more important in TNBC cells than in other breast cancer cells. We further showed that a small molecule inhibitor of USP28 displayed anti-tumor activities against xenografts derived from TNBC cells.Conclusion: Our data establish a critical role played by USP28 in supporting the proliferation and viability of triple negative breast cancer cells through stabilizing RecQ family helicases and support USP28 as a therapeutic target for TNBC.
OLFML2B is a Prognostic Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Jun , Meng Fanjie , Yan Yijie , Wang Bin , Guan Zhiyu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: The olfactomedin (OLF) and olfactomedin-like (OLFML) domain family consists of at least four members, including OLFML2B, which promotes the EMT, metastasis and invasion of cancer. However, the function of OLFML2B in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of OLFML2B in LUAD and LUSC.Methods: The genetic alteration and expression of OLFML family genes were analyzed in cBioPortal, Oncomine and TIMER database, respectively. In addition, GEPIA and UALCAN database were used to evaluate the mRNA expression of OLFML2B in LUAD and LUSC and the correlation with clinicopathological features. The protein expression of OLFML2B in STAD was explored in The Human Protein Atlas. Furthermore, the prognostic value of OLFML2B was estimated with overall survival (OS) and post-progression survival (PPS) in Kaplan-Meier plotter database. In order to evaluate the association between OLFML2B expression and cancer immune infiltrations, TIMER database was evacuated. GO enrichment and GSEA analysis were performed between OLFML2B and the associated genes associated from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The single-cell RNA sequence (scRNA-seq) of OLFML family members were detected in TISCH database.Results: We found varying degrees of genetic variation among the four OLFML family members, among which OLFML2B displayed the highest incidence rate of genetic variations. The OLFML2B mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in various cancerous tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, including LUAD. The protein level of OLFML2B suggested the upregulation in LUAD and LUSC compared with adjacent normal tissues. The further exploration of OLFML2B in clinical indicated it correlated to the smoking habit, later clinical stages, nodal metastasis and TP53 mutation in LUAD and LUSC patients. The Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that the increased OLFML2B level was significantly associated with the poor prognosis of LUAD patients. OLFML2B mRNA expression level had obviously negative correlations with infiltrating levels of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, whereas was significantly associated with Treg cells, tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. GSEA results revealed that inflammation response was significantly enriched in samples with higher expression of OLFML2B.Conclusions: These findings suggest that OLFML2B works as a prognostic biomarker for determining prognosis and immune infiltration, which is considered as a predictor of the effectiveness of immunotherapy in LUAD and LUSC. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed that OLFML2B promoted the tumor growth and aggressiveness of LUAD and LUSC.
The Genetic Diversity of Spirometra Tapeworm Isolates From Snakes in The Hunan Province of Central China
Authors: Gong Tengfang , Xu Fangfang , Li Fen , He Junlin , Chen Shuyu , Li Wenchao , Xie Xinrui , Liu Yisong , Zhang Xi , Liu Wei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Sparganosis, caused by the larval plerocercoid of Spirometra tapeworms, still poses a potential public health hazard in China. Snakes are an important source of infection for human sparganosis; however, insufficient studies on the population genetics of Spirometra isolates from snakes have occurred to date. This study collected 67 Spirometra isolates from snakes, and several definitive hosts (Panthera tigris, Prionailurus bengalensis, Felis silvestris), in 15 geographical locations in Hunan Province of central China. They were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Next, these isolates’ population genetic diversity and phylogenetic pattern were explored based on mitochondrial cytb and cox1 genes. Results: All Spirometra isolates collected in the Hunan Province belonged to the genotype of the Korean “Spirometra decipiens” (KJ599679). The genetic diversity analysis based on concatenated sequences revealed no distinct genetic structure among Spirometra populations. Conclusions: The phylogenetic analysis supported the distinction between Polish and Chinese Spirometra isolates. The taxonomy of Spirometra spp. remains ambiguous; more morphological and molecular studies are necessary to clarify the systematics of the genus of Spirometra.
A Bayesian Inference Procedure for structural characterization of Nigerian Tropical Forest
Authors: AKINBIOLA SEHINDE , Salami Ayobami , Awotoye Olusegun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The complexity of the tropical forest structure remains a challenge in forest physiognomy assessment, which is a crucial indicator of forest productivity with implications on the carbon cycle, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. The study assessed structural characteristics, described variability within forest stands, and estimated carbon stocks using simulation tools and tree modeling to focus on understanding and quantifying ecological relationships. The study discovered a site-specific wood density difference of 0.07g/cm3 compared with the generalized wood density for tropical forests by Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Carbon stocks estimated with this site-specific wood density produced; 174 Mg Ca / ha-1, 155 Mg Ca / ha-1, and 78 Mg Ca / ha-1, respectively, from three sampled Forest Reserves. Furthermore, the result showed that the forest clusters' most productive layers (emergent and canopy layers) were predominantly hardwood species interspersed with softwood species with huge diameters. The height-diameter model indicated that although the height was a better predictor of the forest structural layer than the diameter, there was no clear margin for grouping species into layers in the region because of interspecies variations, temperature, and anthropogenic activities. The Bayesian Inference procedure provided a reliable approach for carbon stock estimate in the tropics with no legacy inventories.
The Prognostic Value of Intratumoral and Peritumoral Tumor-Infiltrating FoxP3+Treg Cells in of Pancreatic Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Lingyu , Zhu Mingyuan , Shen Yiyu , Zhong Zhengxiang , Wu Bin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major participants in the tumor microenvironment. The prognostic value of TILs in patients with pancreatic cancer is still controversial. Methods: The aim of our meta-analysis was to determine the impact of FoxP3+Treg cells on the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.We searched for related studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid and Cochrane Library from the time the databases were established to Mar 30, 2017. We identified studies reporting the prognostic value of FoxP3+Treg cells in patients with pancreatic cancer. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)/progression-free survival (PFS)/relapse-free survival (RFS) were investigated by pooling the data. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to evaluate the association between FoxP3+Treg cells and survival outcomes of pancreatic cancer patients.A total of 972 pancreatic cancer patients from 8 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Results: High levels of infiltration with FoxP3+Treg cells were significantly associated with poor OS (HR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.64–2.77; P<0.05) and poor DFS/PFS/RFS (HR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 2.78; P< 0.05). Similar results were also observed in peritumoral tissue; high levels of FoxP3+Treg cells were associated with poor OS (HR =2.1795% CI, CI: 1.50–3.13).Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicated that high levels of intratumoral or peritumoral FoxP3+Treg cell infiltration could be recognized as a negative factor in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Role of Phosphorylcholine in Streptococcus Pyogenes Adherence to Epithelial Cells
Authors: Iuchi Hiroyuki , Ohori Junichiro , Tokushige Takeshi , Kiyama Satoshi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Phosphorylcholine (PC) expression on the adherence and invasion of Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) to epithelial cells to clarify the potential effectiveness of a vaccine targeting PC. Methods: Eight clinical strains of S. pyogenes were cultured overnight, and PC expression was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Bacterial adherence and invasion were examined using Detroit 562 cells. An anti-PC-specific monoclonal antibody (TEPC-15) was used to inhibit bacterial PC, and a platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R) antagonist (ABT-491) was used to inhibit cellular PAF-R. Additionally, amplification of the emm gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction with the standard primers. Results: The level of PC expressed on the S. pyogenes surfaces differed in each strain. Furthermore, PC expression was different even in the same emm type. Adherence assay experiments showed that there was a significant negative correlation between TEPC-15 and ABT-491 inhibitory effects and PC expression in S. pyogenes. Similarly, intracellular invasion assay experiments showed that there was a significant negative correlation between TEPC-15 and ABT-491 inhibitory effects and PC expression in S. pyogenes. Conclusion: The present study suggests that PC is involved in the cell adhesion and invasion of S. pyogenes, regardless of the emm type.