bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation and translocation of toxic elements from contaminated soils to plants, Nigeria: Implications for metal potential hazards to humans.
Authors: Ameh Eneojo G , Kolawole Samuel , Idakwo Sunday , Ojonimi Theophilus 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Soil pollution by heavy metals, their health effect on humans via the food chain are pressing issues of the environment caused by human activities. Plant’s accumulation and translocation potentials were investigated to determine their suitability for phytoremedial purposes, and the potential of the edibles/vegetables to cause harm to humans when consumed. Plant and soil samples were collected, prepared, digested in acid mixture of H2O2 and HNO3 for plants and Li2B4O7 − LiBO2 for soils and were analysed. These analyses were carried out to determine the concentration of these metals in soil, their accumulation and translocation in plant parts. The data acquired were evaluated using bioconcentration (BCF), translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), metal uptake efficiency (ME%) and hierarchical cluster analysis to determine hyperaccumulators, phytoextractors, phytostabilizers, metal source plants and metals that could be toxic to humans through intake of roots, grains/seeds, fruits and leaves as vegetables. ANOVA analysis revealed that the data were significant at p < 0.05. Correlation and cluster analyses were employed to understand the relationships between variables determined. From this study, Colocasia asculenta (CA), Corchorus aestuans (COA) and Laportea aestuans (LA) were hyperaccumulators of Co at various points. Arsenic has phytostabilizer plants from the study. COA and LA were phytostabilizers of Cd while Sida acuta was the only phytoextractor. The concentration of metals in the vegetables/edibles in roots, shoots and leaves were above permissible levels for Cr, Co and Cd. The metal uptake efficacy (%) were in this order Co (28.99 to 89.08) > Cd (21.74 to 50.96) > Cr (22.90 to 49.06) > and As (9.65 to 39.19).
Human health risks and domestic water contamination through pesticides
Authors: mandour Raafat A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The monitoring of pesticide pollution may be a substantial source of data describing the current state of environmental pollution. This study sought to evaluate the pollution of domestic water by the pesticides related to health risks and are assessing potential regarding effects on human health. Fifty blood and fifty faucet domestic water samples were collected consecutively from patients' diagnosed with pesticides poisoning once having consent. Additionally, ten blood, and water samples from healthy participants as control group. This study recruited in two periods, 2019 in several cities from Dakahlia region. Sampling regions designated consistent with the locations of major agricultural and industrial activities. The concentrations were determined once extraction of the samples and sequent gas chromatography mass spectrum (GC–MS) analysis of the extracts. The results revealed presence of Organophosphorus (Malathion) and organochlorine (Lindane) insecticides. Presence of an organophosphorus and organochlorine insecticide focused to posses serious effects on human health. Authorities to regulate the indiscriminate use of pesticides should implement strict enforcement.
The First Description of Monozygotic Twin Females Discordant for the Craniofrontonasal Syndrome Phenotype and the Report of Four Novel Pathogenic Variants in the EFNB1 Gene
Authors: Bukowska-Olech Ewelina , Gawliński Paweł , Jakubiuk-Tomaszuk Anna , Jędrzejowska Maria , Obersztyn Ewa , Piechota Michał , Bielska Marta , Jamsheer Aleksander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) is a rare X-linked disorder that results from pathogenic variants in the EFNB1 gene. The syndrome paradoxically presents with greater severity of the symptoms in heterozygous females than hemizygous males.Results: Our primary finding was the description of monozygotic twins, i.e., patients 5 & 6, discordant for the CFNS phenotype. Intriguingly, patient 5 presented classical CFNS gestalt, whereas patient 6 manifested only very subtle craniofacial features, not resembling CFNS. Besides, we have expanded the mutational spectrum of the EFNB1 gene through reporting four novel pathogenic variants – p.(Trp12*), p.(Cys64Phe), p.(Tyr73Metfs*86), p.(Glu210*). All those alterations were found applying either targeted NGS of a custom gene panel or PCR followed by Sanger sequencing and evaluated using in silico predictors. Lastly, we have also expanded the CFNS phenotypic spectrum by describing in patient 3 novel features of the syndrome, such as bifid hallux, bicornuate uterus, and abnormal right ovary segmented into six parts Conclusions: We have described the unreported so far differences of the clinical phenotype in the monozygotic twin patients 5 & 6 harbouring an identical p.(Glu210*) variant located in the EFNB1 gene. With our finding, we have pointed to an unusual phenomenon of mildly affected females with CFNS, who may not manifest features suggestive of the syndrome. Consequently, this study may be valuable for geneticists consulting patients with craniofacial disorders.
Contextual Information Modulates Pupil Size in Autistic and Non-Autistic Children.
Authors: Tortelli Chiara , Pomè Antonella , Turi Marco , Igliozzi Roberta , Burr David Charles , Binda Paola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background. Recent Bayesian models suggest that perception is more “data-driven” and less dependent on contextual information in autistic individuals than others. However, experimental tests of this hypothesis have given mixed results, possibly due to the lack of objectivity of the self-report methods typically employed. Here we introduce an objective no-report paradigm based on pupillometry to assess the processing of contextual information in autistic children and a comparison clinical group.Methods. After validating (in a group of neurotypical adults) a child-friendly pupillometric paradigm, in which we embedded test images within an animation movie that participants watched passively, we compared pupillary response to images of the sun and meaningless control images in children with autism versus age- and IQ-matched children presenting developmental disorders unrelated to the autistic spectrum. Results. Both clinical groups showed stronger pupillary constriction for the sun images compared with control images, like the neurotypical adults. There was no detectable difference between autistic children and the comparison group (in spite of a significant difference in pupillary light responses, enhanced in the autistic group). Limitations: Having found no statistically significant differences between groups, we cannot exclude that group differences existed but were too small to be detected – a critique that applies to most negative findings. Additional limitations concern the heterogeneous composition of the comparison group and the types of stimuli tested, which only allowed for studying the effect of context on relatively complex perceptual processes. Conclusions: Our report introduces an objective technique for studying perception in clinical samples and children. The lack of statistically significant group differences in our tests suggests that autistic children and the comparison group do not show large differences in perception of these stimuli. This opens the way to further studies testing contextual processing at other levels of perception.
Bioinspired Fog Collection Surface of Conical Brass With Gradient Wettability
Authors: wan yanling , Zhang Caiyun , Cui Pu , Yu Huadong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
How to obtain more fresh water from nature economically and efficiently is a hot issue that needs to be solved urgently. Herein, inspired by the directional fog collection ability of the surface of pine needles, a wettability-gradient-brass-cone (WGBC) was prepared through a two-step process of precision cutting and chemical etching, producing a surface with functions of fog collection and droplet movement to the root of the cone. On the other hand, through experimental exploration and optimization of taper parameters, the excellent directional collection velocity of droplets was obtained. This work may direct the design of gradient wetting surfaces by mimicking the structure of pine needles and explore potential applications in fog harvesting.
Pyrolysis Reactive Behaviors and Kinetic Characteristics of HSW Vitrinite Coal based on Coats-Redfern and DAEM Models
Authors: Wang Ruihan , Wang Qiang , Li Zhuangmei , Liu Zhe , Wu Yong , Zhang Jinpeng , Bai Hongcun , Guo Qingjie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition by secondary metabolites isolated from the endophytic fungus, Daldinia eschscholtzii
Authors: Musthafa Shazia Anjum , Sadiq Muhammad , Muthu Kesavan , Sekar Saraniya , Umapathy Dhamodharan , MUNUSWAMY-RAMANUJAM GANESH 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fungal endophytes associated with medicinal plants are of research interests, since they provide a viable alternative source for molecules with medicinal value. In this study, we report for the first time two fungal endophytic isolates, AI.EF 001 and AI.EF 002 belonging to the genus Daldinia from the leaves of medicinal plant, Abutilon indicum linn (AI). Both AI.EF were identified as Daldinia eschscholtzii (DE) species by ITS1-5.8-ITS2 sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree reconstruction by Neighbor-joining method. Crude extracts of DE (EFEA), generated by ethylacetate/water fractionation of the fungal methanol extracts when subjected to column chromatography separation yielded 5 compounds. NMR and other spectral data revealed the compounds to be ɑ-napthoflavone, Syringaldehyde, 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoic acid, 2-Furoic acid and Gossypetin 3′ O glycoside. All of these compounds are being reported for the first time from DE. The isolated compounds showed promising free radical scavenging activities. The compounds also exhibited anti inflammatory property by down regulating intracellular ROS as well as inhibiting LPS induced lipid peroxidation in AtT 20 mouse pituitary cells. Current finding demonstrates endophyte DE as a new source for the flavanoid, Gossypetin-3′-O-glycoside along with other phytoconstituents with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Selection of the best plasma reactor for the diamond chemical vapor deposition operation of waste materials using multi-criteria decision-making models
Authors: Hassanpour Malek 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Wastes emerged as potential alternative energy to flourish in various useful materials and commodities for human demands. In the civilized nation's variety of industrial projects of plasma, reactors underwent the decision-making models, project approval and even exploitation stages from long ago. The current study comprised waste materials utilization in diamond deposition purposes via chemical vapor deposition for constructing future industries firstly. To select the best plasma reactor were employed seven multi-criteria decision-making models in combination with three kinds of weighing systems to select the best plasma reactor empirically. Initial data for assessment possessed from a deep literature review based on probative technologies. It was classified and prioritized the plasma reactors in a coherent connection for direct gasification operation and placed them in a relevant arrangement media for partial gasification assortment. The developed assortment of plasma reactors was generally indicated as alternating current, direct current, glow, microwave, high-Frequency plasma, laser, Plasmatron and flame at direct gasification operation respectively. The high degree of stability among multi-criteria decision-making models and the sensitivity analysis employed for the weights and ranks released for alternatives and criteria had confirmed the precision and validity required. Also, on the global level, the findings of the present study proved the implementation of direct current plasma gasification reactors in large scale industries.
Unconventional reconciliation path for quantum mechanics and general relativity
Authors: Yuguru Samuel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Physics in general is successfully governed by quantum mechanics at the microscale and principles of relativity at the macroscale. Any attempts to unify them using conventional methods have somewhat remained elusive for nearly a century up to the present stage. Here in this study, a classical gedanken experiment of electron-wave diffraction of a single slit is intuitively examined for its quantized states. A unidirectional monopole field as quanta of the electric field is pictorially conceptualized. Its application towards quantum mechanics and general relativity in accordance with existing knowledge in physics paves an alternative path towards their reconciliation process by assuming a multiverse at a hierarchy of scales. Such an outcome provides an approximate intuitive guide to examine physics in general from alternative perspectives using conventional methods.
Bicelin (B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor) a Highly Safe DNA-based Anti-cancer Drug Showed No in vivo Cytopenia, Nephrotoxicity and/or Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Sheikhnejad Reza , Ashrafi Farzaneh , Talebi Ardeshir , Mazaheri Bahar , Moslemi Fatemeh , Nematbakhsh Mehdi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the seventh most common cancer in clinic. Lymphoma could be treated with newly developed anti-apoptotic small molecule inhibitors of bcl-2 such as ABT-199 or venetoclax. However most small molecules present numerous side effects and cancer becomes resistance to them rapidly. PNT100 is a DNA-based bcl-2 inhibitor that has shown great efficacy and safety in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumors. However, liposomal carrier(smarticles) that was used to deliver PNT100 eventually failed to produce robust efficacy in the latest clinical trial conducted by ProNai Therapeutics (now called Sierra Technology). The high cost of liposomal carriers, makes this targeted drug less affordable. In addition, the liposomal components may also present some minor side effects as reported in pilot phase II trial [17-22]. In this study, we eliminated liposome and used a specific Epigenic modification to deliver this 24bp oligonucleotides (PNT100) without using additional chemicals and named it Bicelin.Methods: In this study, the safety of Bicelin was determined by evaluating the cytopenia, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity effects of this drug in healthy animal model (Rats). The rats in experimental group were received Bicelin (20 mg/kg/day) for 5 days a week. The treatment was continued for 3 consecutive weeks. The blood and urine samples were collected for evaluation and the rats were then sacrificed. The kidneys and liver tissues were fixed in formalin 10% to perform histological investigation using H&E staining.Results: The in vitro and in vivo results clearly demonstrate that Bicelin is target specific and highly safe. We observed no cytopenia when blood tests were performed after 15 consecutive injection of Bicelin; Urine analysis revealed no significant differences between experimental and control group and there was no nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity when kidney and liver tissues were examined.Conclusion: based on our in vitro and in vivo safety studies, our bcl2 inhibitor, Bicelin is much safer and about 10-fold more effective than its liposomal form (PNT2258). Considering preclinical, phase I and II studies of PNT2258, Bicelin is expected to be very safe and effective in clinic.
Review of model-based and data-driven approaches for leak detection and location in water distribution systems
Authors: Hu Zukang , Chen Beiqing , Chen Wenlong , Tan Debao , Shen Dingtao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Leak detection and location in water distribution systems (WDSs) is of utmost importance for reducing water loss, which is, however, a major challenge for water utility companies. To this end, researchers have proposed a multitude of methods to detect such leaks in WDSs. Model-based and data-driven approaches, in particular, have found widespread uses in this area. In this paper, we reviewed both these approaches and classified the techniques used by them according to their leak detection methods. It is seen that model-based approaches require highly calibrated hydraulic models, and their accuracies are sensitive to modeling and measurement uncertainties. On the contrary, data-driven approaches do not require an in-depth understanding of the WDS. However, they tend to result in high false positive rates. Furthermore, neither of these approaches can handle anomalous variations caused by unexpected water demands.
The Main Receptors Involved in the COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Câmara Alice Barros , Brandão Igor Augusto 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
This review aims to study the receptor's family and functions most
related to COVID-19 infection and also suggest the tissue and cell location on which the
majority of COVID-19 receptors are mainly expressed.

Methods:
This systematic review is according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed,
Cochrane, SciELO, Lilacs, Web of Science, and DOAJ databases were used. Clinical
trials and research articles studying receptors related to COVID-19 were included in this
review. R programming language was used to elaborate charts and receptors network,
and SPSS(26v) software was used to perform statistical analysis (PROSPERO:
CRD42020210643).

Results:
The majority of studies on the involvement of receptors in COVID-19 included
plasma receptors and G protein-coupled receptor families (p<0.05). These receptors are
highly expressed in the brain (24%) and 80% of them can interact with each other in a
protein network, exerting some regulatory effects on various tissues. The main influential
receptor in the network of receptors involved in the COVID-19 was the EGFR and the
majority of receptors were associated with pathological processes of the disease
(p<0.05), including the amplification of inflammatory responses in COVID-19, which
may be related to neurological disorders in some cases. Studies on receptors involved in
the COVID-19 included mainly patients from the United States, Spain, and Brazil
(p<0.05).

Conclusions:
Plasma receptors and G protein-coupled receptors, especially the EGFR, involved
in pathological effects of the COVID-19 inflammatory process in the brain have
shown significant importance in this review.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Current State of the Art
Authors: Angelopoulos Andreas , Oikonomou Evangelos , Vogiatzi Georgia , Antonopoulos Alexios , Tsalamandris Sotirios , Georgakopoulos Christos , Papanikolaou Paraskevi , Lazaros George , Charalambous Georgios , Siasos Gerasimos , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Tousoulis Dimitris 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited
Cardiomyopathy. The hallmark of HCM is myocardial fibrosis that contributes to
heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Objective:
Currently, there are no reliable serum biomarkers for the detection of myocardial
fibrosis, while cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an imaging technique to detect
myocardial fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly suggested as biomarkers
in cardiovascular diseases. However, in HCM there is as yet no identified and
verified specific circulating miRNA signature.

Methods:
We conducted a review of the literature to identify the studies that indicate the
possible roles of miRNAs in HCM.

Results:
From studies in transgenic mice with HCM, miR-1, -133 may identify HCM in
the early asymptomatic phase. Human miR-29a could be used as a circulating biomarker
for detection of both myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in HCM, while it could also
have a possible additional role in discrimination of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
from non-obstructive HCM. Additionally, miR-29a-3p is associated with diffuse myocardial
fibrosis in HCM, while miR-1-3p could discriminate end-stage HCM from dilated
cardiomyopathy and left ventricle dilation. Another role of miRNAs could also be the
contribution in the differential diagnosis between HCM and phenocopies. Moreover, miRNA-
targeted therapy (miR-133 mimics) is promising in inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy,
but this is still in the early stages.

Conclusion:
A more reliable and specific signature of miRNAs is expected with forthcoming
studies in samples from HCM patients and correlation of miRNAs with CMR
and serum markers of fibrosis may implicate novel diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.
Preclinical Drug Discovery in Colorectal Cancer: A Focus on Natural Compounds
Authors: Rahman Heshu Sulaiman 
Published: April 2021

Background:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the most predominant and deadly cancer globally. Nowadays, the main clinical management for this cancer includes chemotherapy and surgery; however, these treatments result in the occurrence of drug resistance and severe side effects, and thus it is a crucial requirement to discover an alternative and potential therapy for CRC treatment. Numerous therapeutic cancers were initially recognized from natural metabolites utilized in traditional medicine, and several recent types of research have shown that many natural products own potential effects against CRC and may assist the action of chemotherapy for the treatment of CRC. It has been indicated that most patients are well tolerated by natural compounds without showing any toxicity signs even at high doses. Conventional chemotherapeutics interaction with natural medicinal compounds presents a new feature in cancer exploration and treatment. Most of the natural compounds overwhelm malignant cell propagation by apoptosis initiation of CRC cells and arresting of the cell cycle (especially at G, S, and G2/M phase) that result in inhibition of tumor growth.Objective:This mini-review aimed to focus on natural compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, terpenoids, lactones, quinones, etc.) that were identified to have anti-CRC activity in vitro on CRC cell lines and/or in vivo experiments on animal models.Conclusion:Most of the studied active natural compounds possess anti-CRC activity via different mechanisms and pathways in vitro and in vivo that might be used as assistance by clinicians to support chemotherapy therapeutic strategy and treatment doses for cancer patients.