bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Removal of Heavy Metals And Bioelectricity Generation In Microbial Fuel Cell Coupled With Constructed Wetland: An Optimization Study On Substrate And Plant Types
Authors: Wang Lu , Xu Dayong , Zhang Qingyun , Liu Tingting , Tao Zhengkai 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A microbial fuel cell coupled with constructed wetland (CW-MFC) was built to remove heavy metals (Zn and Ni) from sludge. The performance for the effects of substrates (granular activated carbon (GAC), ceramsite) and plants (Iris pseudacorus, Water hyacinth) towards the heavy metal treatment as well as electricity generation were systematically investigated. The CW-MFC systems possessed higher Zn and Ni removal efficiencies as compared to CW. The maximal removal rates of Zn (76.88%) and Ni (66.02%) were obtained in system CW-MFC based on GAC and Water hyacinth (GAC- and WH-CW-MFC). Correspondingly, the system produced the maximum voltage of 534.30 mV and power density of 70.86 mW·m-3, respectively. Plant roots and electrodes contributed supremely to the removal of heavy metals, especially for GAC- and WH-CW-MFC systems. The coincident enrichment rates of Zn and Ni reached 21.10% and 26.04% for plant roots, 14.48% and 16.50% for electrodes, respectively. A majority of the heavy metals on the sludge surface were confirmed as Zn and Ni. Furthermore, the high-valence Zn and Ni were effectively reduced to low-valence or elemental metals. This study provides a theoretical guidance for the optimal construction of CW-MFC and the resource utilization of sludge containing heavy metals.
Improving Plant-Based Genotoxicity Bioassay for Trace Metal-Contaminated Water: Insights from Myriophyllum Aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. and Cd.
Authors: Coppi Andrea , Colzi Ilaria , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Castellani Maria Beatrice , Gonnelli Cristina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this work, we evaluated whether the species Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. can be a promising material for devising reliable ecotoxicological tests for Cd contaminated waters. Plants of M. aquaticum were exposed to Cd, using different concentrations and exposure times, in order to address as many possible effects as possible of its presence. Plant growth and Cd accumulation were monitored along the treatment period and Cd genotoxicity was assessed by analyzing Cd-induced changes in the AFLP fingerprinting profiles. Root and shoot growth was reduced already at the lowest Cd concentration used (1 mg L-1). Shoots showed a higher Cd sensitivity and a lower accumulation, thus being chosen as the more suitable organ for the genotoxic analysis. DNA variation was observed starting from 2.5 mg L-1, indicating that the metal-induced depression of plant growth at the lower concentration did not necessarily imply a genotoxic effect. Similar results were obtained in the time-dependent experiment, since Cd effect on DNA fingerprinting profile was observed after three days of exposure and without a significant growth decrease growth. Therefore, our results showed that M. aquaticum proved to be a suitable model system for the investigation of Cd genotoxicity through AFLP fingerprinting profile, whereas the more classic eco-toxicological tests based only on biometric parameters could underestimate the risk associated to undetected Cd genotoxicity.
The Risk for Future Cerebrovascular Disease in Pregnant Women With Moyamoya Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Yeonseong , Jung Yun Ji , Noh Eunjin , Cho Geum Joon , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Young-Han 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Physiologic changes during pregnancy affect the development of postpartum cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in women with Moyamoya disease (MMD). Due to the rare prevalence of MMD and large regional variations, large-scale studies on the risk of CVD after delivery have not been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether women with MMD have an increased risk of CVD after delivery.Methods: Research data was collected from the National Health Insurance Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Patients delivered in Korea from 2007 to 2014 were enrolled. We classified women as CVD if they were diagnosed with stroke and/or cerebral infarction and/or intracranial hemorrhage and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage between delivery and December 31, 2016. To evaluate adjusted hazard ratio for CVD in women with MMD, we used multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression.Results: Among 3,611,216 Korean women who had delivery, 382 had Moyamoya disease. When compared to women without MMD, women with MMD had a higher prevalence of pregestational diabetes and chronic hypertension. Also, women with MMD had a significantly higher incidence of cesarean section, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus (p<0.0001, <0.0001, 0.02, respectively). Among women with MMD, a total of 246(64.4%) women developed CVD within the follow-up postpartum period, and 87.8% occurred within 2 years of postpartum. Women with MMD were associated with an increased risk of CVD in later (adjusted HR 108.24; 95% CI, 95.37-122.86) after adjusting for maternal age, parity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension.Conclusion: Our study showed that the incidence of CVD after delivery was higher in women with MMD. Therefore, we have to have more cautions of women with MMD and provide long-term postpartum surveillance
Maternal Secondhand Smoke Exposure Enhances Macrosomia Risk among Pregnant Women Exposed to PM2.5: A New Interaction of Two Air Pollutants in A Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Luo yunyun , zhang yuelun , pan hui , chen shi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have been controversial and inconsistent about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and secondhand smoking (SHS) air pollutants on neonatal birthweight outcomes and there were no published studies assessing the potential interactive effects between PM2.5 and SHS on birthweight outcomes. PURPOSE To investigate interaction between gestational PM2.5 and SHS air pollution exposure on the risk of macrosomia among pregnant women. METHODS Research data were derived from National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP). Data cleaning process was conducted following strict screening standards to ensure eligibility of participants in our study. Different interaction models about air pollution on birthweight outcomes were established, according to different confounding factors adjustment and different pregnancy stages. SHS subgroups analysis were conducted to further confirm the results of interaction models. RESULTS Totally, 197877 participants were included in our study. In full-adjusted interaction model, maternal exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in whole (p < 0.001), the first (p < 0.001), second (p < 0.001) and third (p < 0.001) trimester of pregnancy. However, there was a trend for gestational exposure to SHS with risk of low birthweight, but not statistically significant (occasional SHS exposure (p = 0.099); frequent SHS exposure (p = 0.272)). Interaction effect was statistically significant between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and SHS on the risk of macrosomia in the whole pregnancy (all interaction p < 0.050) and the first trimester pregnancy (all interaction p < 0.050), not in the second (all interaction p > 0.050) or third trimester (all interaction p > 0.050) of pregnancy. The higher frequency of SHS exposure prompts stronger interaction between the two air pollutants in the whole and the first trimester pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS In the whole pregnancy and the first trimester pregnancy, maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy enhances the risk of macrosomia among pregnant women exposed to PM2.5 air pollutant, and the interaction became stronger with more frequent exposure to SHS.
MiR-29c Inhibits The Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Promotes Its Cell Cycle Arrest By Targeting SERPINH1
Authors: Wang Chuanning , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Liping , Lin Xiaoping 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: A large number of studies have shown that the imbalance of miRNA and its target genes can promote the development of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of SERPINH1 and its upstream regulator miR-29c in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Material and methods: The expression levels of SERPINH1 and miR-29c were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and cell cycle were detected by MTT assay, would healing assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry and dual luciferase reporter assay.Results: SERPINH1 is highly expressed in patients with OSCC and can be used as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC. Cell function experiments showed that silencing the expression of SERPINH1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells and caused cell cycle arrest at S phase. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there is a binding site between miR-29c and SERPINH1, indicating that miR-29c may regulate the expression of SERPINH1. In addition, miR-29c overexpression inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC cells, and subsequent rescue experiment showed that SERPINH1 overexpression can reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-29c in OSCC cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.Conclusions: MiR-29c can regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle of OSCC cells by targeting SERPINH1.
A Deep Learning Method for Identifying Predictors of Knee Osteoarthritis Radiographic Progression From Baseline MRI
Authors: Schiratti Jean-Baptiste , Dubois Rémy , Herent Paul , Cahané David , Dachary Jocelyn , Clozel Thomas , Wainrib Gilles , Keime-Guibert Florence , Lalande Agnes , Pueyo Maria , Guillier Romain , Gabarroca Christine , Moingeon Philippe 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
-- Background --The identification of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) likely to progress rapidly in terms of structure is critical to facilitate the development of disease-modifying drugs. -- Methods --Using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database (OAI), we implemented a Deep Learning method to predict, from baseline magnetic resonance images, further cartilage degradation, the latter being measured by Joint Space Narrowing at 12 months. -- Results --Using COR IW TSE images, our classification model achieved a ROC AUC score of 65% to be compared with a ROC AUC score of 58.7% obtained by trained radiologists. Additional analyses conducted in parallel to predict pain grade evaluated by the WOMAC pain index achieved a ROC AUC score of 72%. Attention maps provided evidence for distinct specific areas as being relevant in those two predictive models, including the internal femoro-tibial compartment for JSN progression and the intra-articular space for pain prediction. -- Conclusions --This feasibility study demonstrates the interest of deep learning applied to OA, with a potential to support even trained radiologists in the challenging task of identifying patients with a high-risk of disease progression.
Multi-Objective Optimization and Finite Element Method Combined with Optimization via Monte Carlo Simulation in a Stamping Process under Uncertainty
Authors: SILVA ANEIRSON FRANCISCO , Marins Fernando Augusto Silva , Oliveira José Benedito da Silva , Dias Erica Ximenes 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), which uses a quadratic empirical function as an approximation to the original function and allows the identification of relationships between independent variables xi and dependent variables ys associated with multiple responses, stands out. The main contribution of the present study is to propose an innovative procedure for the optimization of experimental problems with multiple responses, which considers the insertion of uncertainties in the coefficients of the obtained empirical functions in order to adequately represent real situations. This new procedure, which combines RSM with the Finite Elements (FE) method and the Monte Carlo Simulation Optimization (OvMCS), was applied to a real stamping process of a Brazilian multinational automotive company. For RSM with multiple responses, were compared the results obtained using the agglutination methods: Compromise Programming, Desirability Function (DF), and the Modified Desirability Function (MDF). The functions were optimized by applying the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm, which is a classic procedure widely adopted in this type of experimental problem, without the uncertainty in the coefficients of independent factors. The advantages offered by this innovative procedure are presented and discussed, as well as the statistical validation of its results. It can be highlighted, for example, that the proposed procedure reduces, and sometimes eliminates, the need for additional confirmation experiments, as well as a better adjustment of factor values and response variable values when comparing to the results of RSM with classic multiple responses. The new proposed procedure added relevant and useful information to the managers responsible for the studied stamping process. Moreover, the proposed procedure facilitates the improvement of the process, with lower associated costs.
Impaired Interhemispheric Synchrony in Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Wu Ya-Jun , Rao Jie , Huang Xin , Wu Na , Shi Ling , Huang Hui , Li Si-Yu , Chen Xiao-Lin , Huang Shui-Qin , Zhong Pei-Pei , Wu Xiao‑Rong , Wang Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective: Converging evidence demonstrated that bronchial asthma (BA) individuals with intermittent hypoxia were associated with functional and morphological reorganization in the brain. However, the alterations of the interhemispheric functional connectivity in BA individuals remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the interhemispheric functional connectivity changes in individuals with intermittent hypoxia due to BA using voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) methods.Methods: In total, 31 BA individuals (17 males and 14 females) and 30 healthy controls (HCs) (15 males and 15 females) closely matched in age, sex, and education underwent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. VMHC analysis was performed to investigate differences in interhemispheric functional connectivity between the two groups. Then, a seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis was conducted to further reveal the abnormal functional connectivity between the altered VMHC regions and the whole brain. Results: Compared with HCs, BA individuals had significantly lower VMHC values in the bilateral basal ganglia/thalamus/insula, cuneus/calcarine/lingual gyrus [brodmann area (BA) 17/18/19], precentral and postcentral gyrus (BA 3/4/6).[voxel level P<0.01, Gaussian random field (GRF) correction, cluster level P < 0.05]. Taking VMHC altered brain areas as seed points, the rsFC values of left insula/supramarginal/postcentral gyrus (PostCG) / inferior parietal lobule (IPL) brain areas in BA patients were increased, and rsFC values of right basic ganglia / thalamus, left caudate/antioxidant cingulate and bilateral cuneus/calcarine/lingual gyrus/precentral gyrus (PreCG)/PostCG were decreased in BA patients.Conclusion: The abnormal resting-state functional connectivity of BA patients is altered in specific brain regions related to the basal ganglia network, visual network, and sensorimotor network, which may be related to the neuropathogenesis of asthma patients. Furthermore, these VMHC and FC values may be important clinical indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma patients.
Sitting Position as an Alternative for Sagittal Balance Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Limskul Danaithep , Srinawa Asadapong , Ariyachaipanich Aticha , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Limthongkul Worawat , Singhatanadgige Weerasak 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The sagittal vertical axis (SVA) is used for spinal sagittal balance evaluation. Patients with sagittal imbalance are assessed by whole spine standing lateral radiography, with some patients demonstrating standing difficulty during the examination. We propose new positioning methods to facilitate SVA assessment in patients with sagittal imbalance who cannot tolerate the standing position.Methods: Thirty healthy subjects had their SVA evaluated by whole spine lateral radiography in four positions: standard position by standing with the hands on the clavicles with elbows touching the trunk (TC), standing with the hands holding on to a front stationary railing within arm’s reach (TS), sitting with the hands on the clavicles (IC), and sitting with the hands holding on to a stationary railing (IS). The SVA was evaluated for differences and correlations between the standard position (TC) and the new proposed positions.Results: The mean difference in the SVA between the TC and TS group was 1.55 mm, with a limit of agreement of -36.62 to 39.72 mm and Lin’s correlation of 0.63. The mean difference in the SVA between the TC and IC or IS positions indicated greater positive SVA difference with no correlation. The TS position had good regional spinal parameter correlation with the TC position, as well as pelvic parameter correlation. The IC and IS positions showed poor pelvic and other regional spinal parameter correlations. Conclusions: The TS position can be used as an alternative method in measuring the SVA in patients with standing difficulty during radiography. Though measurement using the sitting position can be conveniently performed, this position does not correlate well with the standard SVA measurement.
Differential Roles of Water–Insoluble and –Soluble Fractions of Diesel Exhaust Particles in the Development of Adverse Health Effects due to Chronic Instillation of Diesel Exhaust Particles
Authors: Xu Yanyi , Li Zhouzhou , Liu Ying , Pan Bin , Peng Renzheng , Shao Wenpu , Yang Wenhui , Chen Minjie , Kan Haidong , Ying Zhekang , Zhang Yuhao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has a marked temporospatial variation in chemical composition, but how the composition of PM2.5 influences its toxicity remains elusive. Results: To explore the individual roles of different PM2.5 components in the pathogenesis due to PM2.5 exposure, we prepared water-soluble (WS-DEP) and -insoluble (WIS-DEP) fractions of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and assessed their effects on pulmonary and systemic inflammation, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, systemic glucose homeostasis, and gut microbiota using chronic intratracheal instillation mouse models. Compared to control, instillation of DEP or WIS-DEP, but not WS-DEP, significantly increased pulmonary inflammatory scores and expression of inflammatory markers, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell number, and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consistently, DEP or WIS-DEP-instilled but not WS-DEP-instilled mice versus control had significant hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and systemic glucose intolerance. In contrast, instillation of WS-DEP versus instillation of WIS-DEP had more similar effects on gut microbiota to that of instillations of DEP. Conclusion: The pulmonary and systemic inflammation, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, and systemic glucose intolerance following chronic DEP instillation are all attributable to the water-insoluble fraction of DEP, providing a mechanistic interpretation for the apparent independency of PM2.5 exposure-induced glucose intolerance on PM2.5 composition.
Genome-Wide mRNA Profiling Identifies X-Box-Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) As An IRE1 And PUMA Repressor
Authors: Gebert Magdalena , Sobolewska Aleksandra , Bartoszewska Sylwia , Cabaj Aleksandra , Crossman David K. , Kroliczewski Jaroslaw , Madanecki Piotr , Dabrowski Michal , Collawn James F. , Bartoszewski Rafal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded proteins in ER activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), a multifunctional signaling pathway that is important for cell survival. The UPR is regulated by three ER transmembrane sensors, one of which is inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1). IRE1 activates a transcription factor, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), by removing a 26-base intron from XBP1 mRNA that generates spliced XBP1 mRNA (XBP1s). To search for XBP1 transcriptional targets, we utilized an XBP1s-inducible human cell line to limit XBP1 expression in a controlled manner. We also verified the identified XBP1-dependent genes with specific silencing of this transcription factor during pharmacological ER stress induction with both an N-linked glycosylation inhibitor (tunicamycin) and a non-competitive inhibitor of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) (thapsigargin). We then compared those results to the XBP1s-induced cell line without pharmacological ER stress induction. Using next‐generation sequencing followed by bioinformatic analysis of XBP1 binding motifs, we defined an XBP1 regulatory network and identified XBP1 as a repressor of PUMA (a proapoptotic gene) and IRE1 mRNA expression during the UPR. Our results indicate impairing IRE1 activity during ER stress conditions accelerates cell death in ER stressed cells, whereas elevating XBP1 expression during ER stress using an inducible cell line correlated with a clear prosurvival effect and reduced PUMA protein expression. Although further studies will be required to test the underlying molecular mechanisms involved the relationship between these genes with XBP1, these studies identify a novel repressive role of XBP1 during the UPR.
Low Cost Smart Ground System for Rainwater Harvesting for Indian Houses Using IoT Technology
Authors: Verma Gaurav 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Water conservation is critical because it is one of the most significant factors for all species' survival. According to the Central Ground Water Board's estimates, underground water will be scarce in 15 Indian states by 2025 [1]. However, as per the report from Ministry of Environment and Forest, only 10 to 20% rainwater is harvested. In urban areas, it is seen that nowadays concrete structures are constructed everywhere, so it is not possible to recharge the water table by natural process of raining. All the rainwater which is one of the sources for fresh water goes to drain. This causes the depletion of groundwater level which may be fatal in the future. Therefore, a rainwater harvesting system is required in Indian household to conserve water. On the other hand, the urban cities are having high pollutant levels which in turn affecting the quality of water. The government has defined certain parameters for quality checking of water. With the aid of the suitable sensors and IoT boards, quality checking, monitoring and water segregation can be easily achieved. In this work, an efficient and cost effective technique of rainwater harvesting has been presented. Some real case studies have been done at Indian houses in order to validate the effectiveness of system in terms of its implementation and cost analysis. As a result, the proposed system becomes one of the smart solutions to address the modern problem of rainwater harvesting with water quality management in low cost.