bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tri-doped Co-annealed Zinc Oxide Semi-conductor Synthesis and Characterization - Photodegradation of Dyes and Gas sensing Applications
Authors: Rakhra Manik , Verma Neha 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Despite the fact that much of the research has been performed on ZnO-based nanoparticles but still a lot of unexplored The synthesis and characterization of the ZnO Nano rinds, which have been co-created using a simple combustion method, are documented here and are prepared with its sensor and photocatalytic degradations. In, Sn and SB specific quantity was used as dopants, while their effects were co-annealed on glass substrate at different temperatures, i.e. 1.0 percent and 1.5 percent at 5000C, 11000. At varying temperatures, the samples were coated on to the chosen substrate using doctor blade technique. Crystallite scale was measured to the range of 30-50 nm. At such temperatures the grain size measured for the samples was in range of 50-70 nm. This showed that the prepared Nano rods are well crystalline and have strong optical properties to handle. Studies of X ray diffraction showed the influential point (101). These coated samples designed for nitrogen gas sensing have been tested for the development of smart and functional instruments. Furthermore it was observed that the samples prepared at higher temperatures exhibit better recovery and better reaction time. Valance ion process explains the gas sensors fast reaction and long recovery time. Thus prepared ZnO nanoparticles are have photocattalytic degredation (99.86%) only in 55 min. We observed optimum exposure at an operating temperature of 1050C. It is notable that morphology of susceptible layer nanoparticles is preserved based on different tri-doping concentrations. The concentration of T2-ZnO nanoparticles for photodegradation of the DR-31 dye and NO2 gas sensing applications were 1.0 at.wt%
Phycoremediation of tertiary municipal wastewater: a new insight of filamentous algae coculture in Nordic country
Authors: Li Yan , Wood Ethan , Kosa Gergely , Muzamil Bushra , Vogelsang Christian , Holmstad Rune 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study demonstrated that the application of filamentous co-culture could be a promising supplementary approach to further purify municipal tertiary wastewater in Nordic country. Initial screening of 25 algae strains across multiple genera revealed that Spirogyra sp. and Klebsormidium sp. were suitable for use as a coculture for phycoremediation of the tertiary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant, and this result was validated in three consecutive outdoor pilot tests at 10–15 oC. In the first two batches of pilot tests, the total prosperous and ammonium were depleted close to zero in 24 hours, while the pH in the wastewater increased from 7 to 9. In the 3rd batch, CO2 was thereby added for pH control. Macronutrients (N and P) were successfully removed from the treated wastewater. The total algae biomass increased 2 to 3 times over 7 days with average algae productivity of 1.68 g m2 d− 1. Meanwhile, the produced algae biomass accumulated notable mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Al) and some heavy metals at levels of g kg− 1 and mg kg− 1, respectively. In light of circular economy concept, the produced biomass could be used for different valorizations based on the analytical analysis. This study provides a new insight of phycoremediation for further purification of municipal treated wastewater, by effectively using filamentous algae coculture. Given a great potential for further optimization and improvement, this proof of concept will benefit to the green transition of wastewater treatment plants in Nordic country.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Mesoporous MnC2O4 Nanorod/rGO&nbsp;Composite Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ya-Nan , Xue Li-Ying , Zhang Yong , Su Jing , Long Yun-Fei Long , Lü Xiao-Yan , Wen Yan-Xuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
MnC2O4 is a promising anode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries due to its low cost and high capacity. However, its application is limited by the poor cyclic-stability and rate performance caused by its low conductivity. Herein, mesoporous MnC2O4 nanorod/rGO composite is prepared via precipitation followed by a reflux reduction process, where MnC2O4 nanorods are attached to the surface of graphene through electrostatic adsorption. This composite delivers a discharge capacity of 1082, 964, and 808 mAh·g-1 after 200 cycles at 3, 5, and 8 C, respectively. The good electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between mesoporous nanorods and rGO. This synergistic effect not only offers high conductivity, nanoparticles, and abundant mesopores to accelerate electrode kinetics but also provides a more stable structure to reduce the volume effect during the charge/discharge process. Therefore, mesoporous MnC2O4 nanorod/rGO composite can find a potential application in high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
Association of Urinary Arsenic and Sleep Disorder in the U.S. Population: NHANES 2015-2016
Authors: Rahman Humairat H , Niemann Danielle , Yusuf Korede K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Arsenic is a known carcinogen and neurotoxin and is found in the natural earth crust. Arsenic exposure can develop depression, memory dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorder. The mechanism of arsenic toxicity on the nervous system is not known. There is a lack of research on the association between arsenic exposure and sleep disturbance in humans. This study aims to investigate the relationship between six types of urinary speciated arsenic exposure and sleep disturbance in adults from the general population using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 dataset. Sleep disturbance was measured using self-reported questionnaires, asking participants if they had ever told a doctor they had trouble sleeping. We utilized multivariate logistic regression analysis using complex survey procedures to examine the association between six types of urinary arsenic concentration and trouble sleeping. The total sample included 1,611 adults who were 20 years and older. Of the study participants, 30.0% had trouble sleeping. Urinary arsenous acid was associated with an increased odds of had trouble sleeping [odds ratio: 1.47 (95% confidence interval 1.02–2.11). The other five types of urinary speciated arsenic (arsenic acid, arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylacrsonic acid) were not associated with a sleep disorder.
Characterization of a Novel Mutation V136L in Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Identified in a Woman Affected by POI.
Authors: Ferrarini Eleonora , Marco Giuseppina De , Orsolini Francesca , Gianetti Elena , Benelli Elena , Fruzzetti Franca , Simoncini Tommaso , Agretti Patrizia , Tonacchera Massimo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an ovarian defect characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhea, hypergonadotropism and hypoestrogenism which occurs before the age of 40 years with a major genetic component. In this study we performed clinical evaluation and genetic analysis of a group of 18 patients with POI.The study involved 18 consecutive women with POI. Karyotiping and genetic analysis for research of mutations in GDF9 (Growth Differentation Factor 9) and BMP15 (Bone morphogentic protein 15) genes and FMR1 (Fragile X Mental Retardation 1) premutation were carried out. In vitro functional study of the novel BMP15 mutation was performed using COV434 (Human ovarian granulosa tumour cells 434) cells of ovarian granulosa, which consistently express BMP responsive element, and luciferase reporter assay.Results: Three patients (17%) had a family history of POI. Ten patients (56%) had a family history of autoimmune diseases and nine patients (50%) showed a personal history of one or more autoimmune diseases. Of patients for whom morphological assessment was available, almost half (44%) had poor follicle assets or small ovaries’s size at pelvic US. Two patients (13%) showed reduced bone density at DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). All the women had normal female kariotype and no mutations in the GDF-9 gene or FMR1 premutations were found. A novel heterozygous mutation c.406G> C (V136L) of BMP15 gene was identified in one patient. After transfection in COV434 cells, BMP15 variant showed a significantly reduced luciferase activity compared to wild type. Conclusions: POI is a multifactorial disease with several health implications. Autoimmunity and genetics represent the most common aetiology. We identified and characterized a novel BMP15 mutation, providing an additional elucidation of molecular basis of this complex disorder.
Predictors and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Pan , Chen Bi , Lou Heqing , Zhu Yanan , Chen Peipei , Dong Zongmei , Zhu Xuan , Li Ting , Lou Peian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
‘Overlap syndrome’ refers to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and has poorer outcomes than either condition alone. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and possible predictors of overlap syndrome and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with COPD. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 842 patients with COPD. We assessed the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), COPD assessment test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) and performed spirometry and full overnight polysomnography in all patients. An apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 events per hour was considered to indicate OSA. Participants were divided into a COPDOSA group with AHI ≥ 15 events per hour and a COPD group with AHI < 15 events per hour. Risk factors for OSA in COPD patients were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 556 patients (66%) had an AHI ≥ 5 events per hour. There were no significant differences in age, sex ratio, mMRC score, smoking index, number of acute exacerbations and hospitalizations in the last year, and prevalence of cor pulmonale between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, CAT score, CCI, ESS, HADS, and SBQ scores, forced expiratory volume (FEV)1, FEV1%, FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio, and prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes were all significantly higher and the prevalence of severe COPD was significantly lower in the COPDOSA group compared with the COPD group (p < 0.05). BMI, neck circumference, ESS, CAT, CCI, HADS, hypertension, and diabetes were independent risk factors for OSA in COPD patients (p < 0.05). SBQ could be used for OSA screening in patients with COPD. Patients with severe COPD (FEV1% <50%) had a lower risk of OSA compared with patients with mild or moderate COPD (β=−0.459, odds ratio = 0.632, 95% confidence interval 0.401–0.997, p = 0.048). Conclusions Patients with overlap syndrome had a poorer quality of life, more daytime sleepiness, and a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes than patients with COPD alone. BMI, neck circumference, ESS, CAT, CCI, HADS, hypertension, and diabetes were independent risk factors for OSA in patients with COPD. The risk of OSA was lower in patients with severe, compared with mild or moderate COPD.
Pulmonary Toxicity of Realistic Alveolar Deposition Concentrations of Ultrafine Particulate Matters in Human Normal Bronchial Epithelial Cell
Authors: Lin Chia-Hua , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chen Yi-Chun , Wang Lung-Chun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Air pollution is a major worldwide concern, and exposure to particulate matter (PM) can increase the risks of pulmonary diseases. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells were applied to clarify the role of ultrafine PM (UFPM) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary toxic effects with realistic alveolar deposition doses. The UFPM used in this research originated from vehicular emissions and coal combustion. UFPM exposure of up to 72 h was found to induce significant time- and concentration-dependent decreases in cell viability. Exposure to UFPM increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation through heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibition and induced massive oxidative stress that increased the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression. UFPM also reduced the pulmonary trans-epithelial electrical resistance through the depletion of zonula occludens (ZO) proteins. Finally, UFPM decreased the α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) expression, which implies high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evidence demonstrates that exposure to UFPM, even at very low concentrations, may affect the functions of the respiratory system.
Treatment Outcomes in Refractory Lupus Nephritis: Data From an Observational Study
Authors: Gururani Subodh , Devarasetti Phani Kumar , Uppin Megha , Rajasekhar Liza 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives

Despite current advances in treatment, refractory lupus nephritis (RLN) continues to pose a challenge. The present paper studies the clinical profile and treatment outcomes in patients with RLN.
Methods

This was an observational, bidirectional study enrolling consecutive patients of lupus nephritis from August 2018 to January 2019, who either failed to improve within three months, did not achieve partial renal response (PR) at six months, or did not achieve complete renal response (CR) after two years of treatment. Patients were followed every three months; treatment details and outcomes [CR, PR, no renal response (NR)], doubling serum creatinine, and death were recorded. Group comparisons were made using ANOVA and chi-square test. Factors affecting renal response were studied using linear regression.
Results

Forty-five of forty-eight enrolled patients completed at least nine months of follow-up and were included in outcome analysis. The median (IQR) SLE duration was three years (2–6 years). The majority of patients (n = 25) had proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) (ISN/RPS class III/IV), with nine patients having pure membranous LN (class V). The mean (SD) activity and chronicity indices were 8 (3) and 0. Over a median (IQR) follow-up period of 15 (12–27) months, 28 had CR, 9 had PR, and 8 showed no response to a switch in an immunosuppressive agent. Repeat renal biopsy (n = 8) with a mean (± SD) biopsy interval of 2 (± 1) years showed histological class transformation in more than half of the patients. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome and time to attain response based on individual immunosuppressive (IS) agent or sequence of IS agents used. None of the variables (duration of SLE or nephritis, baseline SLEDAI, leukopenia, hypertension, elevated anti-dsDNA, low complements, serum albumin, 24-hour urinary protein, biopsy class) predicted renal response on univariate analysis. No patient had a doubling of serum creatinine or progression to end-stage renal disease. There were three deaths, all related to infection.
Conclusion

The present study shows that a change in immunosuppression produces response in most RLN patients while a fifth of them showed no response to therapy. No predictor of renal response was identified. Histologic class switch was frequent. Renal function did not decline over a year of follow-up. Mortality was the direct cause of infection.
Universal Capability of 3-Ketosteroid Δ1-Dehydrogenases to Catalyze Δ1-Dehydrogenation of C17- Substituted Steroids
Authors: Wójcik Patrycja , Glanowski Michał , Wojtkiewicz Agnieszka M. , Rohman Ali , Szaleniec M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

3-Ketosteroid Δ1-dehydrogenases (KSTDs) are the enzymes involved in microbial cholesterol degradation and modification of steroids. They catalyze dehydrogenation between C1 and C2 atoms in ring A of the polycyclic structure of 3-ketosteroids. KSTDs substrate spectrum is broad, even though most of them prefer steroids with small substituents at the C17 atom. The investigation of the KSTD’s substrate specificity is hindered by the poor solubility of the hydrophobic steroids in aqueous solutions. In this paper, we used 2-hydroxpropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBC) as a solubilizing agent in a study of the KSTDs steady-state kinetics and demonstrated that substrate bioavailability has a pivotal impact on enzyme specificity.
Results

Molecular dynamics simulations on KSTD1 from Rhodococcus erythropolis indicated no difference in ΔGbind between the native substrate, androst-4-en-3,17-dione (AD; − 8.02 kcal/mol), and more complex steroids such as cholest-4-en-3-one (–8.40 kcal/mol) or diosgenone (–6.17 kcal/mol). No structural obstacle for binding of the extended substrates was also observed. Following this observation, our kinetic studies conducted in the presence of HBC confirmed KSTD1 activity towards both types of steroids. We have compared the substrate specificity of KSTD1 to the other enzyme known for its activity with cholest-4-en-3-one, KSTD from Sterolibacterium denitrificans (AcmB). The addition of solubilizing agent caused AcmB to exhibit a higher affinity to cholest-4-en-3-one (Ping-Pong bi bi KmA= 23.7 µM) than to AD (KmA= 529.2 µM), a supposedly native substrate of the enzyme. Moreover, we have isolated AcmB isoenzyme (AcmB2) and showed that conversion of AD and cholest-4-en-3-one proceeds at a similar rate. We demonstrated also that the apparent specificity constant of AcmB for cholest-4-en-3-one (kcat/KmA= 9.25 ∙ 106 M− 1 s− 1) is almost 20 times higher than measured for KSTD1 (kcat/KmA= 4.71 ∙ 105 M− 1 s− 1).
Conclusions

We confirmed the existence of AcmB preference for a substrate with an undegraded isooctyl chain. However, we showed that KSTD1 which was reported to be inactive with such substrates can catalyze the reaction if the solubility problem is addressed.
Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation and Cloning of Reference Genes in Suspension Cells of Artemisia Pallens
Authors: Jogam Phanikanth , Sandhya Dulam , Alok Anshu , Shekhawat Mahipal Singh , Peddaboina Venkataiah , Singh Kashmir , Allini Venkateswar Rao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A reliable and stable Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system has been developed using cell suspension cultures derived from Artemisia pallens cotyledon explants. Cotyledon, attached cotyledon, and compound leaf were found to be suitable for the induction of callus among five different types of explants tested. Yellow friable callus derived from attached cotyledon was used to initiate suspension cultures in Suspension Culture Medium (SCM) which was supplemented with 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and in combination with different concentrations of Zeatin (ZEA). Among the two different shock treatments, cold shock (at 4 oC) for 20 minutes and heat shock (at 45oC) treatment for 5 minutes, heat shock treatment increased the transformation efficiency. Supplementation of chemical additives such as Silwet L-77 (0.05%) and Pluronic F-68 (0.05%) significantly enhanced suspension cultures' transformation efficiency. The maximum GUS intensity was recorded with an optimal intensity of blue spots in the transformed cells. The highest GUS fluorometric activity was measured as 879.4±113.7 nmol 4MU/mg/min in transformed cell suspension cultures. The hygromycin-resistant callus derived from micro-calli showed intense blue colour in GUS histochemical assay. The transgene integration into the plant genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using uidA specific primers in six hygromycin-resistant cell lines. The cloned and mRNA expression levels of three candidate reference genes ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf), β-actin (Act), and ubiquitin (Ubi), and carotenoid biosynthesis pathway gene, i.e., Phytoene desaturase (Pds) along with transgene (uidA) were evaluated in transgenic callus lines. The present Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocol could help in better understand the metabolic pathways of this medicinally important plant and its genetic improvement.
Evaluation of Effect of Probiotics as an Add-on Therapy With Conventional Therapy and Alone in Malaria Induced Mice
Authors: Mahajan Eshani , Sinha Shweta , Bhatia Alka , Sehgal Rakesh , Medhi Bikash 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Chloroquine is used as conventional drug therapy for the treatment of malaria. The existence of resistance for chloroquine shown among various species of Plasmodium leads to the search for more efficacious therapy to treat malaria. Probiotics (Lactobacillus casei) have been tried as add-on therapy with chloroquine. Probiotics are ingested microorganisms associated with a beneficial effect on humans and other species. The study was done to check the efficacy of probiotics as an add-on therapy along with conventional drug therapy (chloroquine) to treat malaria.Results: Probiotics in combination with chloroquine showed complete suppression in parasitemia count. Representation of parasitemia count was done using mean ± SD. P<0.05 is considered significant. The results showed a reduction in parasitemia with probiotics treatment, which was further confirmed through histological observation of two major organs liver and spleen. Interestingly, further suppression of parasitemia and hemosiderosis was observed when probiotics were given along with chloroquine.
Brenneria Yuansilingia Sp. Nov., Isolated From Symptomatic Bark of Willow Canker&nbsp;
Authors: Sun Shang , Liu Yunpeng , Luan Fenggang , Li Yong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Two Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic strains are isolated from the symptomatic tissue of willow bark canker. The cells grow at 4–41 ℃, pH 5.0–10.0, with optimal growth occuring at 30 °C and pH 7.0. Two novel strains share the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Brenneria nigrifluens LMG 2694T (98.8%). In the phylogenetic trees based on sequences of 16S rRNA gene and four housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoB, atpD and infB), two novel strains form a distinct branch from Brenneria species, indicating that two novel strains should belong to a novel species in the genus Brenneria, which is confirmed by the results of average nucleotide identity analysis and Digital DNA–DNA hybridization. Two novel strains have 81.9–85.0 % average nucleotide identity values with its closely relatives, B. nigrifluens LMG 2694T, B. alni DSM 11811T, B.corticis CFCC11842T, B. populi CFCC 11963T and B. corticis gBX10-1-2T, respectively, lower than the proposed species boundary cut-off for ANI (95-96 %). The main fatty acids are C16:0, C16:1 ω7c and C18:1 ω7c. The DNA G+C content is 53.5 -53.7 %. Based on these data, two novel strains represent a novel species within the genus Brenneria. The name Brenneria yuansilingia sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is hezel4-2-4T (=CFCC 15597T = LMG 31719T).