bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of recyclable nano zero-valent iron encapsulated L-cysteine catalytic cylinder product for degradation of BTEX in groundwater by persulfate oxidation
Authors: Sun Xuecheng , Cui Changzheng , Yang Chaoxiang , Lyu Shuguang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) possess a negative impact on the environment and human beings due to their highly toxic and carcinogenic properties. In this study, persulfate (PS) activated by nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) coupled with chelated L-cysteine (L-cys) process was investigated for BTEX degradation in contaminated groundwater. BTEX degradation had a significant acceleration and improvement with the removal from 62.7 to 100% along with the increasing dosage of L-cys from 0.12 to 0.27 M in 24 h. Further, the compact nZVI catalytic cylinder and nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder were successfully manufactured by encapsulating nZVI, and nZVI and L-cys together with additives of cement, river sand, stearic acid (SA) and zeolite. The SEM image, XRD patterns and FTIR spectra showed that the manufactured catalytic cylinder had a porous structure and encapsulated nZVI and L-cys successfully. Six successive cycles of BTEX degradation were completed and the degradation rate decreased gradually in each cycle. The catalytic activity of nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder was superior to nZVI catalytic cylinder in each cycle. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results indicated that HO• was the dominant active species in the BTEX degradation process. Benzoic acid (BA) scavenge experiments showed that L-cys could increase the yield of HO• in the PS/nZVI system. The HO• yields of PS/nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder system were 3.2 to 4.8 fold higher than those of the PS/nZVI catalytic cylinder system. The possible mechanisms of PS activation by nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder were supposed. Homogeneous Fenton reaction and heterogeneous catalysis on the nZVI surface are two co-existence mechanisms in the PS/nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder system. The findings of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of nZVI encapsulated L-cys catalytic cylinder activating PS, showing its potential applications for the remediation of groundwater.
Current Perspective of COVID-19 on Neurology: A Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Mathew Bijo , Kumar Rajesh , Harilal Seetha , M. Sabitha , Pappachan Leena K. , P.R. Roshni 
Published: August 2021

:
SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus and the causative organism of the Covid-19
pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide producing asymptomatic to symptomatic cases leading to
significant morbidity and mortality even after infection. Most of the countries reported a mortality
rate of 2-3 % majorly due to cardiorespiratory failures. Recent studies highlighted the neurological
involvement playing a key role in cardiorespiratory failures and other symptoms such as headache,
anosmia, and ageusia observed in Covid-19 patients. Studies suggest SARS-CoV-2 entry via
Olfactory Epithelium (OE), and the expression of type 2 transmembrane serine protease
(TMPRSS2) in addition to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) can facilitate SARS-CoV-2
neurotropism. The virus can either travel via peripheral blood vessel causing endothelial
dysfunction, triggering coagulation cascade and multiple organ dysfunction or reach the systemic
circulation and take a different route to the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), disrupting the BBB
causing neuroinflammation or neuronal excitotoxicity resulting in the development of encephalitis,
encephalopathy, seizures, and strokes. SARS-CoV-2 invasion on the brain stem is believed to be
responsible for the cardiorespiratory failures observed in Covid-19 patients. Apart from viral
invasion via hematogenous route, SARS-CoV-2 neural invasion via PNS nerve terminal, results in
viral replication and retrograde transportation to soma leading to invasion of the CNS including the
brain producing neurological manifestations of the disease either in the initial stages or during the
course of the disease and even for a long period post-infection in many cases. The ACE2 receptors
are expressed in the brain and glial cells and SARS-CoV-2 acts via neuronal as well as nonneuronal
pathways. But the exact cell types involved and how they can trigger inflammatory
pathways need further in-depth study for the development of targeted therapy.
Drug Solubilization by Surfactants: Experimental Methods and Theoretical
Perspectives
Authors: Malik Nisar Ahmad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract:
This mini review will give an insight into the need and usefulness of investigating the solubilization
of poorly soluble drugs. Commonly used experimental and theoretical models are outlined
to study the efficacy of the carrier or excipient for the poorly soluble drugs. Furthermore, the use of
surface active agents for drug solubilization is discussed in correlation with the mathematical models
suggested from time to time. A few experimental techniques are also discussed which would be very
helpful in elucidating the interactions prevailing in the mixed systems of poorly soluble drugs and surface
active agents.
Physical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Dissolution Rate from Cefpodoxime Proxetil Loaded Self Solidifying Solid SNEDDS
Authors: Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Shukla Vikesh Kumar , Kumar Anoop 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Cefpodoxime Proxetil (CPD) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin indicated
in respiratory and urinary tract infections. CPD is a BCS class IV drug with pH-dependent solubility
and has poor bioavailability. This study investigated the challenges of developing ternary components
based on solid SNEDDS of CPD for in vitro dissolution rate enhancement and self-solidifying
behaviour.

Method:
Tween 80, Transcutol and PEG6000 were employed as surfactants, solvents and solidifiers
for a base of ternary components to develop self-solidifying solid SNEDDS, respectively. Ternary
phase diagrams were used to characterize solidifying behaviour of ternary components in different
proportions. S-SNEDDS formulations were drawn on the solidification areas available in the
phase diagram and characterized for IR, XRD, DSC and in vitro drug release in various pH media.

Results:
Ternary components for the preparation of self-solidifying solid SNEDDS were selected
based on drug solubility. FTIR and DSC characterization studies ruled out any drug interaction between
CPD and components chosen to prepare S-SNEDDS. CPD was transformed from a crystalline
into an amorphous state in ternary dispersions as revealed from XRD data. Optimized formulation
(S-S 1) demonstrated more than 95% of drug release irrespective of the pH environments of
the medium. Calculation of dissolution efficiency and similarity factors indicate that S SNEDDS resulted
in a higher drug dissolution rate over binary dispersion (p<0.01). The stability studies
showed that the S SNEDDS were stable in performances and CPD assay.

Conclusion:
The present investigation provides an alternative approach for enhancing the CPD dissolution
rate using self-solidifying solid SNEDDS exhibited solidification behaviour at ambient
temperature conditions and drug loading, which could be exploited over conventional dosage form.
A Relook into Visceral Slide Test as a Preoperative Screening Modality to
Detect Abdominal Wall Adhesions: A Prospective Observational Cohort
Study
Authors: Shivananda Roopa P. , Jain Himanshi , Rao Shubha , Hegde Nivedita , Paladugu Sangamithra , Vasudeva Akhila 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Ultrasound has become an invaluable tool in our daily practice. Its role in
screening for adhesions has been tested since the 1990s.

Objective:
This study aims to determine the role of the visceral slide test as a screening method to
predict abdominal wall adhesions in women undergoing gynecological surgery.

Methods:
We conducted a prospective observational cohort study from August 2017 to July 2019
in women undergoing elective abdominopelvic surgery for a gynecological indication. Preoperatively,
a visceral slide test was performed in 5 specified zones on the abdomen and the test results
were clinically correlated with the presence, severity, and extent of adhesions intra-operatively.

Results:
Results were reported as mean, standard deviation, range of values or number and percent.
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy
(including 95% confidence interval for all) of visceral slide test were calculated to determine intra-
abdominal adhesions . We also found a correlation between the number of negative slide tests
and PAI scores using Spearman’s correlation test. Of the 339 women who completed the study,
41.2% had a previous history of abdominopelvic surgery. In this study, the visceral slide test was
found to have a sensitivity of 70.87% (95%CI 62.15-78.59), specificity of 86.32% (95% CI
80.95-90.64), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 75.63% (95% CI 68.49-81.59), negative predictive
value (NPV) of 83.18%(95% CI 78.95-86.70) and diagnostic accuracy of 80.53%(95% CI
75.91-84.61)with p-value less than 0.001. The number of negative slide tests positively correlated
with the Peritoneal Adhesion Index score (r = 0.662, p < 0.001) and also with increasing operative
time and intraoperative blood loss. Accuracy and positive predictive value of the test were significantly
higher in patients with a history of abdominal surgeries, endometriosis and PID.

Conclusion:
Visceral slide test is an easy, rapid, non-invasive and reliable screening test to predict
abdominal adhesions in women undergoing gynecological surgery. The presence of risk factors for
adhesions increases the accuracy of the test.
Potent Anticancer Activities of Beauvericin Against KB Cells In Vitro by Inhibiting
the Expression of ACAT1 and Exploring Binding Affinity
Authors: Huang Hongbo , Tao Yiwen , Zhou Haiming , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiaoqing , Guo Shili , Lin Huimei , Ding Bo 
Published: August 2021

Background and Objective:
Beauvericin (BEA), a cyclic hexadepsipeptide mycotoxin, is a potent inhibitor
of the acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase enzyme 1 (ACAT1), involved in multiple tumor-correlated pathways.
However, the binding mechanisms between BEA and ACAT1 were not elucidated.

Methods:
BEA was purified from a mangrove entophytic Fusarium sp. KL11. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was
used to determine the structure of BEA. Wound healing assays of BEA against KB cell line and MDA-MB-231 cell
line were evaluated. Inhibitory potency of BEA against ACAT1 was determined by ELISA assays. Molecular docking
was carried out to illuminate the bonding mechanism between BEA and ACAT1.

Results:
The structure of BEA was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, indicating a monoclinic crystal system with P21
space group (α = 90°, β = 92.2216(9)°, γ= 90°). BEA displayed migration-inhibitory activities against KB cells and
MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. ELISA assays revealed that the protein expression level of ACAT1 in KB cells was significantly
decreased after BEA treatment (P ＜0.05). Molecular docking demonstrated that BEA formed hydrogen
bond with His425 and pi-pi staking with Tyr429 in ACAT1.

Conclusions:
BEA sufficiently inhibited the proliferation and migration of KB cells and MDA-MB-231 cells by downregulating
ACAT1 expression. In addition, BEA potentially possessed a strong binding affinity with ACAT1. BEA
may serve as a potential lead compound for the development of a new ACAT1-targeted anticancer drug.
A Novel Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Compound Reduces Cell Viability and Induces Apoptosis of HeLa Cells by p53/Bax-Mediated Activation of Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Yanwen , Yang Xinjie , Deng Qiuyi , Xu Bin , Cao Hua , Mao Jianwen 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Despite emerging research on new treatment strategies, chemotherapy remains one of the
most important therapeutic modalities for cancers. Imidazopyridines are important targets in organic chemistry and,
given their numerous applications, they are worthy of attention.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to design and synthesize a novel series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-derived
compounds and investigate their antitumor effects and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:
Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-derived compounds were synthesized with new strategies and conventional methods.
The antitumor activities of the new compounds were evaluated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence
were performed to examine the effects of the most effective antiproliferative compound on cell apoptosis. Western
blot analysis was used to assess the expression of apoptotic proteins.

Results:
Fifty-two new imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compounds were designed and successfully synthesized. The compound,
1-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)ethane-1,2-dione, named La23, showed high potential for
suppressing the viability of HeLa cells (IC50 15.32 μM). La23 inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis,
and it reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of HeLa cells. Moreover, treatment with La23 appeared to increase
the expression of apoptotic-related protein P53, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cytochrome c at a low concentration range.

Conclusion:
The novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compound, La23, was synthesized and it suppressed cell growth by
inducing cell apoptosis via the p53/Bax mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Explorations of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters and Apoptosis Signal Pathways
of 2-Hydroxyanthraquinone Substituted Cyclotriphosphazenes in MCF-7 and DLD-1
Cell Lines
Authors: Yazgan Burak , Mesci Seda , Bayık Nagihan , Akşahin Maşuk , Çiftçi Gönül Yenilmez , Yıldırım Tuba 
Published: August 2021

Background:
As a class with biological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-HIV, and various
physical effects, phosphazene derivatives constitute the most striking part of inorganic compounds. Anthraquinones, on
the other hand, are a broad family of compounds with a wide variety of biological properties; the biologically active
anthraquinones have been used as valuable compounds for biochemical and pharmacological research.

Objective:
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the anthraquinone substituted cyclotriphosphazene compounds
on apoptosis and drug resistance in MCF-7 and DLD-1 cells.

Methods:
In breast and colon cells, mRNA levels of multi-drug resistance genes (ABCB1, ABCC3, ABCC10,
ABCC11, and ABCG2), apoptotic genes (BAX, BCL-2, p53, and PARP), heat shock (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60,
HSP90α) and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone genes (GRP78, and GRP94) were determined by the qPCR method.
The amount of proteins of the cell cycle, HSPs, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways were measured by the membrane
array kits.

Results:
Compounds 2, 3, 4, and 7 showed the most potent results on the ATP-binding cassette genes in both breast
and colon cancer cells. These compounds have a remarkable effect on apoptotic, heat shock, and ER chaperone genes
in cancer cells. Besides, these compounds induced protein levels of pro-apoptotic pathways, leading to apoptosis by
inhibiting anti-apoptotic pathways. Also, these compounds decreased HSPs.

Conclusion:
These compounds have potential properties that eliminate drug resistance, suppress heat shock and ER
chaperone genes, and drag cells to apoptotic cell death and are notable for drug studies.
The Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Gastrointestinal and Behavioural
Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cauli Omar , Guevara-Gonzaléz José , Guevara-Campos José , González Lucía 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of prevalent neuropsychiatric
disorders. They present a complex and unknown etiology, which in most cases includes significant
peripheral alterations outside the brain such as in the composition of gut microbiota. Because
the gut microbiota is involved in modulating the gut-brain axis, several studies have suggested that
the microbiome in the gut can modify metabolites which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier
and modulate brain function.

Methods:
We reviewed the current evidence regarding microbiota alterations in patients with ASD
and the effects of the administration of probiotics and prebiotics in these patients, both in terms of
gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms.

Results:
Administration of a probiotic formulation containing different strains of Lactobacillus (L.
acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and others) and Bifidobacteria had beneficial effects upon these aforementioned
symptoms and their use is recommended in a subgroup of ASD patients that present gastrointestinal
disturbances. Nonetheless, the types of gastrointestinal disturbances that most benefit
from such interventions remain to be elucidated in order to personalize the medical approaches.

Conclusion:
Recent clinical studies have shown that probiotic treatments can regulate the gut microbiota
and may result in improvements in some behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD.
Trials using prebiotic fibers or synbiotics preparations are still lacking and necessary in order to
deep in such therapeutic strategies in ASD with comorbid gastrointestinal disrturbances.
Evaluación del cultivo del hongo pleurotus ostreatus y de su composición nutricional en borra de café
Authors: Nieto Juárez Jessica Ivana , Cuzcano Ruiz Angel David , Reyes lópez Walter Anderson 
Published: August 2021

El cultivo del hongo Pleurotus ostreatus en residuo borra de café fue estudiado, con el propósito de evaluar su potencialidad como método de tratamiento para la valorización de este residuo. Su composición nutricional fue también evaluada como un control de calidad, con la finalidad de verificar que sea un alimento con valor nutritivo y libre de sustancias tóxicas para su consumo. La influencia de la cantidad de semilla micelial en la eficiencia de producción del hongo fue investigada, obteniéndose que la cantidad adecuada de semilla micelial fue entre 10 y 20 % (g semilla/100 g sustrato húmedo) dando una eficiencia biológica de aproximadamente 60 %. El valor proteico de la seta de ostra fue de 47.3% en muestra seca, con un alto contenido de agua (~ 90 %) y bajo contenido en carbohidratos (5.4 %) y grasas (0.2 %) en muestra fresca. Los micronutrientes presentes en la seta de ostra fueron el potasio, como elemento más predominante, seguido de magnesio, calcio y sodio y en trazas tenemos al silicio, hierro, cobre y zinc en muestra seca. El contenido de cafeína fue menor de 60 µg/g en la seta de ostra. Los resultados, por lo tanto, indican que la borra de café es un residuo potencial para el cultivo de setas de ostra (Pleurotus ostreatus), generando un alimento altamente proteico y saludable, el cual podría ser incluido en la dieta diaria, y, así, contribuir a mejorar la salud de las personas, nutrición y controlar algunas enfermedades.
The Role of the Canadian Media During the Initial Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Topic Modelling Approach Using Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News Articles
Authors: Patel Janhavi , Desai Harsheev , Okhowat Ali 
Published: August 2021

Background
Beginning as a local epidemic, COVID-19 has since rapidly evolved into a pandemic. As countries around the world battle this outbreak, mass media has played an active role in disseminating public health information.

Objective
The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the role that the Canadian media played during the pandemic and to investigate the patterns of topics covered by media news reporting.

Methods
We used a data set consisting of news articles published on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) website between December 2019 and May 2020. We then used Python software to analyze the data using Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modelling. Subsequently, we used the pyLDAvis tool to plot these topics on a 2D plane through multidimensional scaling and divided these topics into different themes.

Results
After removing articles that were published before the year 2019, we identified 6771 relevant news articles. According to the CV coherence value, we divided these articles into 15 topics, which were categorized into 6 themes. The three most popular themes were case reporting and testing (n=1738), Canadian response to the pandemic (n=1259), and changes to social life (n=1171), which accounted for 25.67%, 18.59%, and 17.29% of the total articles, respectively.

Conclusions
Understanding the Canadian media’s reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic shows that the Canadian pandemic response is a product of consistent government communication, as well as the public’s understanding of and adherence to protocols.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Kidney Function in Adults with Prediabetes
Authors: Kim Sun H. , Brodsky Irwin G. , Chatterjee Ranee , Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Knowler William C. , Liao Emilia , Nelson Jason , Pratley Richard , Rasouli Neda , Vickery Ellen M. , Sarnak Mark , Pittas Anastassios G. ,   D2d Research Group
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives
Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration has been associated with higher levels of proteinuria and lower levels of eGFR in observational studies. In the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on kidney outcomes in a population with prediabetes.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Overweight/obese adults with high risk for type 2 diabetes (defined by meeting two of three glycemic criteria for prediabetes) were randomized to vitamin D3 4000 IU per day versus placebo. Median duration of treatment was 2.9 years (interquartile range 2.0–3.5 years). Kidney outcomes included (1) worsening in Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO ) risk score (low, moderate, high, very high) on two consecutive follow-up visits after the baseline visit and (2) mean changes in eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).

Results
Among 2166 participants (mean age 60 years, body mass index 32 kg/m2, serum 25(OH)D 28 ng/ml, eGFR 87 ml/min per 1.73 m2, UACR 11 mg/g, 79% with hypertension), 10% had moderate, high, or very high KDIGO risk score. Over a median follow-up of 2.9 years, there were 28 cases of KDIGO worsening in the vitamin D group and 30 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.52 to 1.52]). Mean difference in eGFR from baseline was −1.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, −1.3 to −0.7) in the vitamin D group and −0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, −0.4 to 0.2) in the placebo group; between-group difference was −1.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, −1.4 to −0.6). Mean difference in UACR was 2.7 mg/g (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3) in the vitamin D group and 2.0 (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.6) in the placebo group; between-group difference was 0.7 mg/g (95% CI, −1.5 to 2.9).

Conclusions
Among persons with prediabetes, who were not preselected on the basis of serum 25(OH)D concentration, vitamin D supplementation did not affect progression of KDIGO risk scores and did not have a meaningful effect on change in UACR or eGFR.