bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of organic contaminant by municipal sewage sludge-derived hydrochar: kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanisms
Authors: Wei Jia , Liu Yitao , Li Jun , Yu Hui , Peng Yongzhen 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In this work, a microporous municipal sewage sludge-derived hydrochar (MSSH) with relatively high surface area and abundant surface organic functional groups was produced through hydrothermal carbonization. Based on the adsorption results over a wide range of conditions, the prepared MSSH was suggested as a promising adsorbent for CV because of its high and efficient adsorption capability. The experimental data were fitted to several kinetic models. Based on calculated respective parameters such as rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities and correlation coefficients, the pseudo second-order model proved the best in describing the adsorption behavior of MSSH. Through kinetics, thermodynamic modeling studies and material characterization, a plausible adsorption process was discussed under the conditions used in this study. It can be confirmed that the adsorption of CV onto MSSH is via both physical interactions (electrostatic interaction and Van der Waals' force) and chemical interactions (formation of H-bonding).
A feasibility study of disinfection by-product precursor removal from surface water by a membrane bioreactor acclimatized with wastewater organic matter
Authors: Long Stephen M. , Tang Hao L. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
A membrane bioreactor (MBR) acclimatized with wastewater organic matter was employed for surface water treatment, and the feasibility of the MBR for the removal of disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors was studied. With a low pressure microfiltration hollow-fiber membrane module, a hydraulic retention time of 1.5 hours and a solids retention time of 180 days, the MBR was able to achieve 35% removal of trichloroacetic acid precursors and 21% removal of dichloroacetic acid precursors. The removal of trichloromethane (TCM) and brominated DBP precursors was unsatisfactory. The TCM yield and bromine substitution factors for trihalomethanes and dihaloacetic acids increased. The phenomena could be attributed to an extended treatment time for hydrophobic dissolved organic matter (DOM), production of soluble microbial products from biomass activities, and an increased Br/DOM ratio by the MBR. Since the MBR treatment would lead to the production of some new DBP precursors and a change of DOM composition, the toxic potency of the DBPs formed needs to be taken into consideration if this process is employed for surface water treatment.
A Review of Theranostics Applications and Toxicities of Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Rai Divya Bharti , Jangid Ashok Kumar , Kulhari Hitesh 
Published: September 2018

Background:
In the last few years, the use of modified Carbon Nanomaterials (CNMs) for theranostics
(therapeutic and diagnosis) applications is a new and rapidly growing area in pharmacy and medical fields. Owing to
this, their specific physicochemical behaviors like high stability, drug loading, surface area to volume ratio, with low
toxicity and immunogenicity are mainly responsible to be considered those as smart nanomaterials.

Objective:
This review describes the different dimensions of carbon-based nanocarriers including 0-D fullerene, 1-D
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), and 2-D graphene and Graphene Oxide (GO) and their surface modification with different
biocompatible and biodegradable molecules via covalent or non-covalent functionalization. The major focus of
this article is on the different theranostics applications of CNMs like targeted drugs and genes delivery, photodynamic
therapy, photothermal therapy, bioimaging, and biosensing. The therapeutic efficacy of drugs could be enhanced
by delivering them directly on a specific site using different targeted ligands such as vitamins, peptide, carbohydrates,
proteins, etc. A section of the article also discusses the toxicity of the CNMs to the living systems.

Conclusion:
In brief, this review article discusses the numerous theranostics applications and toxicities of CNMs.
Assessing Everyday Activities Across the Dementia Spectrum with the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire
Authors: Facal David , Carabias Miguel Angel Ruiz , Pereiro Arturo X. , Lojo-Seoane Cristina , Campos-Magdaleno María , Jutten Roos J. , Sikkes Sietske A.M. , Juncos-Rabadán Onésimo 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are complex activities which involve
multiple cognitive processes, and which are expected to be susceptible to the early effects of cognitive
impairment. Informant-based questionnaires are the most common tools used to assess IADL performance
in dementia, but must be adjusted for use in early stages of impairment.

Objective:
To investigate the differences in IADL on the continuum of cognitive decline (i.e. no cognitive
decline - subjective cognitive decline - mild cognitive impairment- mild dementia - moderate dementia)
using the Spanish version of the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q).

Methods:
A total of 500 volunteer participants were included: 88 participants with no signs of cognitive
decline, 109 participants with subjective cognitive complaints, 114 participants with mild cognitive impairment
(MCI), 81 participants with mild dementia and 108 participants with moderate dementia. IADL
was assessed with the A-IADL-Q, a computerized and adaptive questionnaire that calculates scores according
to the specific pattern of responses of each participant. The data were examined by ANOVAs
and regression analysis. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the capacity of the
A-IADL-Q to distinguish between diagnostic groups.

Results:
Participants with no cognitive decline and those with subjective cognitive decline obtained
higher A-IADL-Q scores than MCI participants, and participants with MCI obtained higher scores than
patients with dementia. The A-IADL-Q showed excellent discrimination between non-cognitive impairment
and dementia, and significant but low discrimination between non-cognitive impairment and MCI.

Conclusion:
A-IADL-Q can discriminate IADL functioning between groups across the dementia spectrum.
Proteomic Analysis of a Bioactive Aloe vera Extract
Authors: Cabello-Ruiz Ethel Daniela , Torres-de la Cruz Víctor Manuel , Rivas-Morales Catalina , Molina-Salinas Gloria María , Núñez-González María Adriana , Verde-Star María Julia , Leos-Rivas Catalina 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Aloe vera, a plant belonging to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, has received
special interest in recent years, not only for the commercial importance of its derivatives, but also because
of the identification of new molecules from this plant. The latter may provide a scientific support
for ethnobotany, which has been beneficial to mankind for centuries.

Objective:
Recently, the pharmacological activity of proteins derived from natural sources, including
plants, is being explored. We report on the extraction and identification of proteins from A. vera with
antimicrobial activity.

Results:
The protein extract (yield, 0.15%) contained 15 peptides or proteins, whose sequences were
associated with membrane proteins, enzymes, and proteins involved in stress tolerance and defense
against pathogens. The latter is consistent with the previously reported antimicrobial activity of an
A. vera protein extract.
3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins, Interesting Natural Products: Isolation, Organic Syntheses and Biological Activities
Authors: Ortiz Aurelio , Castro Miriam , Sansinenea Estibaliz 
Published: September 2018

Background:3,4-dihydroisocoumarins are an important small group belonging to the class of naturally occurring lactones isolated from different bacterial strains, molds, lichens, and plants. The structures of these natural compounds show various types of substitution in their basic skeleton and this variability influences deeply their biological activities. These lactones are structural subunits of several natural products and serve as useful intermediates in the synthesis of different heterocyclic molecules, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiangiogenic and antitumoral activities, among others. Their syntheses have attracted attention of many researchers reporting many synthetic strategies to achieve 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins and other related structures. </P><P> Objective: In this context, the isolation of these natural compounds from different sources, their syntheses and biological activities are reviewed, adding the most recent advances and related developments.Conclusion:This review aims to encourage further work on the isolation and synthesis of this class of natural products. It would be beneficial for synthetic as well as the medicinal chemists to design selective, optimized dihydroisocoumarin derivatives as potential drug candidates, since dihydroisocoumarin scaffolds have significant utility in the development of therapeutically relevant and biologically active compounds.
The Impacts of Some Sedative Drugs on &#945; -Glycosidase, Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Enzymes-potential Drugs for Some Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Kaya Ruya , Taslimi Parham , Naldan Muhammet Emin , Gulçin İlhami 
Published: September 2018

Background:
The present paper focuses on the in vitro inhibition of some sedative drugs
such as Midazolam, Propofol, Hipnodex, Ketamine, and Pental sodium on acetylcholinesterase
(AChE), Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly) enzymes.

Methods:
These drugs were tested in diverse concentrations, which showed positive effects in vitro
AChE, BChE, and α-Gly activities. Ki values were 20.14, 94.93, 636.78, 416.42, and 953.75 µM for
AChE, 17.52, 32.03, 88.02, 93.48, and 91.84 µM for BChE, and 10.87, 156.68, 48.21, 37.88,
151.01 µM for α-glycosidase, respectively.

Results:
An enhancing number of experiential observations show potentially harmful effects of
sedative drugs on the extension of brain.

Conclusion:
Midazolam exhibited effective inhibitory activity compared with the other drugs for
these enzymes.
Dietary Modifications in Fissure-in-ano: A Qualitative Study Based on Persian Medicine
Authors: Tavakoli-Dastjerdi Sedigheh , Tavakkoli-Kakhki Mandana , Derakhshan Ali R. , Teimouri Azam , Motavasselian Malihe 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Anal fissure (AF) is a common disease associated with severe pain and reduced
quality of life. Factors related to lifestyle, including diet and bowel habits, play a pivotal role
in its pathogenesis. Most of the chronic fissures are not responsive to drugs and more likely to recur.
Given the significance of diet in Persian medicine (PM), investigation on physiopathology and appropriate
foods can be useful for decreases in AF symptoms and consequences.

Objective:
This study was intended to evaluate the role of diet in the formation and progression of
AF from the perspective of PM.

Methods:
In this study, the most important resources of PM dating back to thousands of years were
reviewed. All these textbooks contained a section on AF, its causes, and treatment. Further analysis
was performed on these resources in comparison with databank and resources of modern medicine to
develop a food-based strategy for AF management.

Results:
From the view of PM, the warmth and dryness of anus temperament accounted for AF. Both
Persian and modern medicine identified constipation as another cause for AF. Therefore, avoidance
from some foods and commercial baked goods was recommended. Both Persian and modern medicine
forbad the following foods: potato, cabbage, cauliflower, pasta, beef, fish, and so forth. High fiber
and oligo-antigen diets with some limitations have garnered more attention.

Conclusion:
An integrative approach is recommended employing both Persian and modern medicine
for AF. There have been some evidence in this regard, however standardized clinical trials are required
for future research.
2,4-Dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic Acid Derivatives: In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity, Molecular Modeling and In silico ADMET Screening
Authors: Thakral Samridhi , Singh Vikramjeet 
Published: September 2018

Background:Postprandial hyperglycemia can be reduced by inhibiting major carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase which is an effective approach in both preventing and treating diabetes.Objective:The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of 2,4-dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl] benzoic acid derivatives and evaluate α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity along with molecular docking and in silico ADMET property analysis.Method:Chlorosulfonation of 2,4-dichloro benzoic acid followed by reaction with corresponding anilines/amines yielded 2,4-dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic acid derivatives. For evaluating their antidiabetic potential α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assays were carried out. In silico molecular docking studies of these compounds were performed with respect to these enzymes and a computational study was also carried out to predict the drug-likeness and ADMET properties of the title compounds.Results:Compound 3c (2,4-dichloro-5-[(2-nitrophenyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic acid) was found to be highly active having 3 fold inhibitory potential against α-amylase and 5 times inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase in comparison to standard drug acarbose.Conclusion:Most of the synthesized compounds were highly potent or equipotent to standard drug acarbose for inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme and hence this may indicate their antidiabetic activity. The docking study revealed that these compounds interact with active site of enzyme through hydrogen bonding and different pi interactions.
A Review of Clinical Data Management Systems Used in Clinical Trials
Authors: Nourani Aynaz , Ayatollahi Haleh , Dodaran Masoud Solaymani 
Published: September 2018

Background:A clinical data management system is a software supporting the data management process in clinical trials. In this system, the effective support of clinical data management dimensions leads to the increased accuracy of results and prevention of diversion in clinical trials. The aim of this review article was to investigate the dimensions of data management in clinical data management systems.Methods:This study was conducted in 2017. The used databases included Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, Ovid Medline and PubMed. The search was conducted over a period of 10 years from 2007 to 2017. The initial number of studies was 101 reaching 19 in the final stage. The final studies were described and compared in terms of the year, country and dimensions of the clinical data management process in clinical trials.Results:The research findings indicated that none of the systems completely supported the data management dimensions in clinical trials. Although these systems were developed for supporting the clinical data management process, they were similar to electronic data capture systems in many cases. The most significant dimensions of data management in such systems were data collection or entry, report, validation, and security maintenance.Conclusion:Seemingly, not sufficient attention has been paid to automate all dimensions of the clinical data management process in clinical trials. However, these systems could take positive steps towards changing the manual processes of clinical data management to electronic processes.
Effectiveness of the “Create Sensitivity” Caring Model on Blood Glucose/ Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Quality of Life in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hekmatpou Davood , Poorgharahkhan Ali , Sajjadi Mahbobeh , Javaheri Amir 
Published: September 2018

Objective:This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the “Create Sensitivity” caring model on blood glucose/ glycosylated hemoglobin and quality of life in patients with type 2 Diabetes.Methods:This study enrolled 70 patients from an educational hospital in Kurdistan, Iran. The model was implemented among the test group over a period of 3 months. Blood glucose/ glycosylated hemoglobin and patients’ quality of life were measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using version 21 of the statistical software SPSS.Results:After the intervention, significant differences existed between the test and control groups both in blood glucose levels (means, 146.4 ± 51.3 mg/dl and 175.6 ± 59.8 mg/dl, respectively;P=0.032) and in glycosylated hemoglobin (means, 67.89 ± 13.34 mmol/mol and 80.03 ± 17.234 mmol/mol, respectively;P= 0.002). Additionally, there was also a significant difference between the quality of life of the patients in test group (mean, 58.25 ± 5.3) and that in the control group (mean, 47.02 ± 4.5) (P= 0.0001).Conclusion:Use of this model was associated with reducing fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and increasing the total mean of quality of life in the patients in the test group. So, the application of this model is recommended.
Upregulation of miR-25 and miR-181 Family Members Correlates with Reduced Expression of ATXN3 in Lymphocytes from SCA3 Patients
Authors: Krauss Sybille , Nalavade Rohit , Weber Stephanie , Carter Katlynn , Evert Bernd O. 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), the most common spinocerebellar
ataxia, is caused by a polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the protein ataxin-3 (ATXN3). Silencing
the expression of polyQ-expanded ATXN3 rescues the cellular disease phenotype.

Objective:
This study investigated the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), small
noncoding RNAs targeting gene expression, in lymphoblastoid cells (LCs) from SCA3 patients and
the capability of identified deregulated miRNAs to target and alter ATXN3 expression.
</P><P>
Methods: MiRNA profiling was performed by microarray hybridization of total RNA from control
and SCA3-LCs. The capability of the identified miRNAs and their target sites to suppress ATXN3 expression
was analyzed using mutagenesis, reverse transcription PCR, immunoblotting, luciferase reporter
assays, mimics and precursors of the identified miRNAs.

Results:
SCA3-LCs showed significantly decreased expression levels of ATXN3 and a significant upregulation
of the ATXN3-3’UTR targeting miRNAs, miR-32 and miR-181c and closely related members
of the miR-25 and miR-181 family, respectively. MiR-32 and miR-181c effectively targeted the
3’UTR of ATXN3 and suppressed the expression of ATXN3.
</P><P>
Conclusions: The simultaneous upregulation of closely related miRNAs targeting the 3’UTR of
ATXN3 and the significantly reduced ATXN3 expression levels in SCA3-LCs suggests that miR-25
and miR-181 family members cooperatively bind to the 3’UTR to suppress the expression of ATXN3.
The findings further suggest that the upregulation of miR-25 and miR-181 family members in SCA3-
LCs reflects a cell type-specific, protective mechanism to diminish polyQ-mediated cytotoxic effects.
Thus, miRNA mimics of miR-25 and miR-181 family members may prove useful for the treatment of
SCA3.
Evaluation of mean platelet volume and platelet count in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Aydin Memduha , Cetin Ilhan Bilge , Elmas Tuba Serife , Cokunlu Yusuf , Eren Ibrahim 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Compared to the general
population, cardiovascular diseases are more common in schizophrenia patients
and the mortality rate is higher than the general population. One of the
explanations for increased cardiovascular events in patients with schizophrenia
is the increase in platelet activity. Platelets are essential for progression of
atherosclerotic lesions, plaque destabilization, and thrombus formation. Mean
platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of platelet size and a good marker of
platelet function and activation, which increases in cardiovascular diseases.
MPV is routinely reported during complete blood count analysis. The aim of the
present study was to evaluate MPV values of patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: In this retrospective study,
hospital-records of the patients who were consecutively admitted to psychiatry
inpatient clinic between January 2015 and January 2017 with the diagnosis of
schizophrenia were reviewed. Healthy subjects with no personal history of
psychiatric disorder were included as a control group.

Results: A total of 100 (59 female, 41 male)
schizophrenic patients who had been consecutively admitted to the psychiatry
inpatient clinic and 37
(20 female, 17 male) healthy controls were included in this retrospective study. There
were no significant differences between the patient group and control group in
the terms of age (mean age patient group vs control group: 37.72 vs 35.03, p=0.081) and sex
(p=0.603). Body mass index (BMI) was
found to be significantly different between groups, higher in the patient group
(p=0.001). The MPV was found to be
significantly higher in patient group compared with the control group (MPV,
patient group vs control group: 10.34 fL vs 9.97 fL, p=0.041). Platelet count (PC) was significantly lower in the patient group (PC,
patient group vs control group: 234.36 vs 267.38, p=0.008) There
was no correlation between MPV and BMI (p=0.354, r=0.10), and
duration of illness (p=0.530,
r=0.06).

Conclusions: As a result,
increased MPV and decreased PC were found in a group of schizophrenic patient
in this study. Since increased MPV and decreased PC are evaluated as risk
factors for cardiovascular diseases in the general population, they can also be considered as a
predictor of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that are more frequently encountered in schizophrenia.
Earnings Management and Earnings Quality: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Beyer Anne , Guttman Ilan , Marinovic Iván 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT
We study a model of earnings management and provide predictions about the time-series properties of earnings quality and reporting bias. We estimate the model to empirically separate two components of investor uncertainty: fundamental economic uncertainty, and information asymmetry between the manager and investors due to reporting noise. We find that (1) the null hypothesis of zero reporting bias is rejected; (2) the ratio of the variance of the noise introduced by the reporting process to the variance of earnings shocks is, on average, 45 percent; (3) the reporting noise plays a significantly less prominent role in valuation, due to the persistence of shocks to economic earnings; (4) the magnitude of investors' uncertainty created by reporting noise about firms' assets in place and about future earnings is similar; and (5) ignoring the possibility of reporting distortions would bias the estimates of variance and persistence of economic earnings.
The development of low-emission public urban transport in Poland
Authors: Taczanowski Jakub , Kołoś Arkadiusz , Gwosdz Krzysztof , Domański Bolesław , Guzik Robert 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to identify the main factors and mechanisms behind the development of low-emission public transport vehicles in Polish cities. This innovation is primarily connected with growing environmental requirements for transport, with the EU environmental and transport policies being the key factors. However, strategies of local governments and municipal transport companies as well as the organization of urban transport - which differs significantly between cities - also play an important role. Three basic types of approach towards low-emission buses can be observed in Polish cities: tests of electric and hybrid vehicles, purchases of small quantities of buses in order to implement new solutions, and finally attempts to replace the majority or even the entire transport fleet with low-emission vehicles. It should be emphasised that an important element which affects the development of low emission public urban transport in Poland is the fact that the country has become one of the main bus producers in Europe - a fact which is a result of both large-scale foreign investments and the success of Polish manufacturers.