bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The All Towns Reconciliation Strategies a partnership between water resource management and water services
Authors: Esterhuizen M. , de Jager L. , Jezewski W. A. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In 2012, the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) initiated a study: Continuation of the Northern Planning Region's All Towns Reconciliation Strategies: Phase 1. This study reviewed, prioritised and updated the rudimentary All Towns strategies initially developed by DWS in 2011. The purpose of the strategies was to reconcile water requirements with available resources for the 2011–2035 planning horizon by estimating the projected water requirements, determining available water resources (surface and groundwater) and developing a water balance. Recommendations were made to conserve, manage and administer local water sources as well as to augment water supplies from other sources if required. The recommendations provided actions and options for implementation by the relevant Water Services Authorities and the DWS at a local and regional level, providing the opportunity for integrated and coordinated planning. Bulk and reticulation metering, the implementation of water conservation and demand management programmes and recommendations on the updating of water use allocations were prioritised. Detailed studies required to determine the most feasible water resource augmentation options to ensure a positive water balance were identified. The study coordinated efforts by officials and stakeholders representing both the water resources and water services sectors. The prioritised strategies defined the deficit or surplus of the water resources per water source on a technical level, but also highlighted the need for planning and coordination between the water resources and water services sectors. The strategies are not legally mandated documents, but represent some of the best efforts spanning across various sectors to realise coordinated water infrastructure planning in DWS’ Northern Planning Region. The use of the documents in the local, district and national planning environments should be promoted for integrated planning, and it may be fitting to incorporate the All Towns Reconciliation Strategy documents as a valuable resource to inform the water legislation currently being reviewed.
Salinity and pH effects on floating and emergent macrophytes in a constructed wetland
Authors: Hadad H. R. , Mufarrege M. M. , Di Luca G. A. , Maine M. A. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Salvinia herzogii, Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes (floating species) were the dominant macrophytes in a constructed wetland (CW) over the first years of operation. Later, the emergent Typha domingensis displaced the floating species, becoming dominant. The industrial effluent treated at this CW showed high pH and salinity. The aim of this work was to study the tolerance of floating species and T. domingensis exposed to different pH and salinity treatments. Treatments at pH 8, 9, 10 and 11 and salinities of 2,000; 3,000; 4,000; 6,000; and 8,000 mg L−1 were performed. Floating macrophytes were unable to tolerate the studied pH and salinity ranges, while T. domingensis tolerated higher pH and salinity values. Many industrial effluents commonly show high pH and salinity. T. domingensis demonstrated to be a suitable macrophyte to treat this type of effluents.
Current and Emerging Biomarkers for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Hemnes Anna R. 
Published: March 2018

“A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker or signature molecule” – Biomarker definition, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Although this definition pertains to the field of cancer and cancer biology, it applies to many disciplines, including the field of pulmonary vascular disease. In the world of pulmonary hypertension (PH), biomarkers hold a special place. In the diagnosis of PH subtype, we are limited by the risk of lung biopsy1 and, further, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) we are limited by the inability to frequently obtain our strongest predictors of mortality: invasive pulmonary hemodynamic assessment. Thus, biomarkers hold much promise for the field of PH. We are searching for markers of PH subtypes and endophenotypes. We are looking for predictors of mortality in all forms of PH and, critically, we are hoping to find peripheral blood markers that will help us discover which drugs are likely to benefit a particular patient. Although we have made inroads in all 3 areas, there are substantial opportunities for refinement of our current biomarkers and discovery of novel markers to improve the care of PH patients. This review will cover the state of current biomarkers in PH and discuss challenges and future directions.
Neurotrophic Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: What Have we Learned from Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies?
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo N. , de Miranda Aline S. , Rocha Natalia P. , Simoes e Silva Ana C. , Teixeira Antonio L. , da Silva Camargos Elizabeth R. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Parkinson´s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive condition, being the second
most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. The classical features include: bradykinesia, resting
tremor, rigidity and festination. These neurological alterations are probably due to the death of dopaminergic
neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta and consequent reduction of dopamine input into
the striatum. The decrease of dopamine levels may also be involved in the emergence of non-motor symptoms,
including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression symptoms. Neurotrophic Factors (NF) are
proteins that modulate neuronal function, development, and survival. It has been reported that NF might
exert a protective role in PD.

Objective:
We aim to discuss the emerging evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies regarding the
role of NF in PD as well as their potential as promising therapeutic strategies.

Methods:
We carried out an extensive literature search in PubMed central.

Results:
Pre-clinical studies using NF to treat PD are divergent probably due to several methodological
differences, thus precluding any conclusion. Clinical studies findings obtained with the administration of
NF in patients with PD were even more disappointed. On the other hand, pre-clinical and clinical studies
generally support that physical activity is a low-cost, non-pharmacologic strategy with good results to treat
PD.

Conclusion:
The use of NF as a treatment for PD is still a promise not incorporated in clinical practice.
Methods to deliver NFs, doses and compounds administered, side effects, population characteristics and
duration of disease may probably contribute to the unsuccessful results.
A2A Adenosine Receptor Agonists and their Potential Therapeutic Applications. An Update
Authors: Guerrero Angel 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside, which mediates a
variety of important biological processes and diseases, such as vasodilation, inflammation,
cancer, wound healing, ischemia reperfusion injury, Parkinson disease, infectious diseases,
and other CNS disorders. Particularly important are the A2A receptors that have been expressed
in the lung, liver, heart, cardiovascular tissues, leukocytes, neutrophils, and endothelial
cells. This review provides an update of the latest A2A receptor agonists developed in the
period 2005-2017, their selectivity regarding other adenosine receptors and their potential
therapeutic applications.

Methods:
I have conducted an extensive search from the most common bibliographic databases
for critically review the most recent works on the A2A receptor agonists and their therapeutic
applications in inflammation, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial
perfusion imaging, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and wound healing, among others.

Results:
In the last decade, a great deal of effort has been devoted to develop adenosine receptor
agonists and antagonists for treatment of a number of diseases. Thus, for A2A receptor
agonists more than 130 papers and reviews have been found, many of them highlighting the
usefulness of these compounds in the field.

Conclusions:
Although so far many of the A2A receptor agonists have failed in clinical trials
due to their side effects, some of them have been approved for protection against cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury and anemia. The recently reported crystal structure of the human
A2A receptor in complex with the agonist UK-432097 is a fundamental keystone for the development
of new and selective A2A ligands with new therapeutic applications.
Nanotechnological Advances for Cutaneous Release of Tretinoin: An Approach to Minimize Side Effects and Improve Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Raminelli Ana Claudia Pompeu , Romero Valeria , Semreen Mohammad H. , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The clinical efficacy of the topical tretinoin is widely studied and has
been well established for many therapeutic interventions, among some, photoaging, acne, and
melasma. However, the side effects, mainly cutaneous irritation, erythema, xerosis and peeling,
remain major obstacle to the patient compliance. Besides, the insight regarding the drug delivery
profile is essential to understand the therapeutic action of the drug.

Methods:
Through bibliographic research in databases we highlight further advances and an update
on tretinoin delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured
lipid carriers, cyclodextrins, nanostructured polymers and other technological systems
that reduce its side effects and improve the permeation profile to potentiate efficacy and drug
safety on the skin.

Results:
Pharmaceutical preparations were developed and evaluated for permeability in in vitro
models using pig ear, snake, mouse and human skin, and potential for irritation was also verified
using release systems for tretinoin and compared to available commercial formulations. Overall
results indicated the composition, charge and size of the system influences the tretinoin delivery,
modulating the type of release and its retention. Small unilamellar vesicles promoted greater cutaneous
delivery of tretinoin. Negative charge, for both liposomes and niosomes, can improve pig
skin hydration as well as the tretinoin retention. The quantity of solid lipids and the type of oil used
in the composition of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers affected percutaneous
drug delivery.

Conclusion:
As evident from the literature, the tretinoin technological delivery systems consist an
innovative and potential management for increasing the patient compliance presenting safety and
efficacy.
Effect on Crystallinity of Rice After Iron Fortification
Authors: Pandey Shruti , Ramaswamy Asha M. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder
observed in India particularly in under-five- year-old children, adolescent girls and pregnant women.

Objective:
The present study pioneered an investigation, into one of the varieties of paddy (IR-64)
and their fortification with sodium iron EDTA salt, its physical properties, cooking characteristics,
color, texture and characterization studies.

Methods:
Fortification was done at two concentrations 1.88g/kg and 3.39g/kg (250 & 450 mg/kg corresponding
iron content), it was found that the iron content increased three to four-fold after fortification
when compared to their corresponding controls.

Results:
The results revealed that, there was significant difference in the physical properties of rice in
the control, fortified brown and milled rice. Cooking characteristics revealed, that water uptake and
volume expansion were higher for fortified milled rice as compared to brown rice. The texture of fortified
brown rice was hard as compared to fortified milled rice, although the taste was found satisfactory.
The colour was significantly different in brown and milled rice.

Conclusion:
X-ray diffraction results revealed the polycrystalline nature of the fortified sample, was
somewhat less crystalline as compared to control sample.
Suggested Procedures for the Reproducible Synthesis of Poly(d,l-lactideco-glycolide) Nanoparticles Using the Emulsification Solvent Diffusion Platform
Authors: Haque Shadabul , Boyd Ben J. , McIntosh Michelle P. , Pouton Colin W. , Kaminskas Lisa M. , Whittaker Michael 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based biodegradable nanoparticles
are of key interest for the development of controlled release drug delivery systems and for other
biomedical applications. It has been reported that PLGA polymers can be converted into colloidal
nanoparticulate systems by various techniques, such as emulsification-diffusion, emulsificationevaporation,
interfacial deposition, salting out, dialysis and nanoprecipitation. Emulsificationevaporation
with water immiscible solvents including dichloromethane and chloroform has been the
preferred method for the synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles due to the low boiling point and limited
water solubility of these solvents. We and others, however, have found that when water-immiscible
solvents are used for the synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles, particle aggregation, non-uniform particle
size and multimodal size distribution are commonly encountered problems. This suggests that the
synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles using water immiscible solvents is highly sensitive to small procedural
variations that affect overall reproducibility.

Objective:
This study presents a simple and robust procedure for the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles
with very small batch to batch variability (<5% variability in size (z-average) as determined by
dynamic light scattering).

Results:
The results showed that the emulsification solvent diffusion method teamed with partially
water-miscible solvents, such as ethyl acetate, is a versatile approach for the preparation of PLGA
nanoparticles with highly reproducible sizes (between 50 and 400 nm) and zeta potentials (between -
30 and +30 mV), with relatively narrow polydispersity.

Conclusion:
Emulsification-diffusion with ethyl acetate is, therefore, a more reliable alternative to
several existing procedures for the reproducible and refined synthesis of PLGA nanoparticles.
Novel Hybrid Compound 4-[(E)-2-phenylethenesulfonamido]-N-hydroxybutanamide with Antimetastatic and Cytotoxic Action: Synthesis and Anticancer Screening
Authors: Zborovskii Yurii L. , Orysyk Viktor V. , Golovynska Iuliia , Dzhus Olena I. , Garmanchuk Liudmyla V. , Stepanov Yurii V. , Khranovska Natalia , Nehelia Anatolii O. , Golovynskyi Sergii , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Qu Junle , Orysyk Svitlana I. , Pekhnyo Vasyl I. , Vovk Myhaylo V. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
One of the most promising strategies to develop multi-targeted anticancer therapeutics
is to introduce to the structure of a potential drug two or more pharmacophores (functional groups or
structural fragments), which have antiproliferative, proapoptotic or antimetastatic properties acting via different
mechanisms.

Objective:
To design, synthesize and perform screening of a novel hybrid anticancer compound.

Method:
A novel hybrid compound 4-[(E)-2-phenylethenesulfonamido]-N-hydroxybutanamide, combining
butanehydroxamate and styrenesulfonamide moieties, was designed, synthesized and investigated as a potent
antimetastatic and antiproliferative agent. The structure and purity of the synthesized compound were confirmed
by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LC/MS spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compound was screened for
the anticancer activity in vitro against HeLa and in vivo against Lewis lung carcinoma tumor, using an antitumor
metalloenzyme inhibitor GM6001 (Ilomastat, Galardin) and Pifithrin-μ as control anticancer agents.

Results:
It was found that the application of our compound resulted in a high fraction of apoptotic cells in the
cell population, along with disruption in the cell cycle profile manifested as arrest of proliferative phases.
Furthermore, changes of the morphological properties (i.e., an enhancement of adhesive properties and reduction
of the nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio) were found. The in vivo screening revealed that the compound significantly
inhibited the metastasizing process that was manifested by a reduction in the number and volume of
metastases.

Conclusions:
The obtained results demonstrate that our compound can serve as a base for further structure
optimization in order to design new highly-effective antimetastatic and antitumor agents.
Co-delivery of Doxorubicin and D-α-Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate by Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Metin Esra , Mutlu Pelin , Gündüz Ufuk 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Although conventional chemotherapy is the most common method for cancer treatment,
it has several side effects such as neuropathy, alopecia and cardiotoxicity. Since the drugs are given to
body systemically, normal cells are also affected, just like cancer cells. However, in recent years, targeted drug
delivery has been developed to overcome these drawbacks.

Objective:
The aim of this study was targeted co-delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) which is an anticancer agent and
D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS or simply TPGS) to breast cancer cells.
For this purpose, Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized and coated with Oleic Acid (OA). Coated
nanoparticles were encapsulated in Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) and TPGS polymers and loaded with
Dox. The Nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zetapotential
analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis.

Results:
The results showed that NPs were spherical, superparamagnetic and in the desired range for use in drug
targeting. The targetability of NPs was confirmed. Moreover, TPGS and Dox loading was shown by TGA and
FTIR analyses. NPs were internalized by cells and the cytotoxic effect of drug loaded NPs on sensitive (MCF-7)
and drug-resistant (MCF-7/Dox) cells were examined. It was seen that the presence of TPGS increased cytotoxicity
significantly. TPGS also enhanced drug loading efficiency, release rate, cellular internalization. In MCF-
7/Dox cells, the drug resistance seems to be decreased when Dox is loaded onto TPGS containing NPs.

Conclusion:
This magnetic PLGA nanoparticle system is important for new generation targeted chemotherapy
and could be used for breast cancer treatment after in vivo tests.
Cognitive and Language Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of Relapsing Remitting and Secondary Progressive Subtypes
Authors: Ntoskou Katerina , Messinis Lambros , Nasios Grigorios , Martzoukou Maria , Makris Giorgos , Panagiotopoulos Elias , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: March 2018

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the pattern and severity of cognitive and language impairment in Greek patients with Relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS), relative to control participants.Method:A prospective study was conducted in 27 patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), (N= 15) with RRMS, (N= 12) with SPMS, and (N= 12) healthy controls. All participants were assessed with a flexible comprehensive neuropsychological – language battery of tests that have been standardized in Greece and validated in Greek MS patients. They were also assessed on measures of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale; FSS) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory - fast screen; BDI-FS).Results:Our results revealed that groups were well matched on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. The two clinical groups (RRMS; SPMS) did not differ on overall global cognitive impairment but differed in the initial encoding of verbal material, mental processing speed, response inhibition and set-shifting. RRMS patients differed from controls in the initial encoding of verbal material, learning curve, delayed recall of verbal information, processing speed, and response inhibition. SPMS patients differed in all utilized measures compared to controls. Moreover, we noted increased impairment frequency on individualized measures in the progressive SPMS group.Conclusion:We conclude that MS patients, irrespective of clinical subtype, have cognitive deficits compared to healthy participants, which become increasingly worse when they convert from RRMS to SPMS.On the contrary,the pattern of impairment remains relatively stable.
The Trolley Problem Version of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Wiseman Yair , Grinberg Ilan 
Published: March 2018

Introduction:The Trolley problem is a very well-known ethics dilemma about actively killing one or sometimes even more persons in order to save a number of persons. The problem can occur in autonomous vehicles when the vehicle realizes that there is no way to prevent a collision, the computer of the vehicle should analyze which collision is considered to be the least harmful collision.Method and Result:In this paper, we suggest a method to evaluate the likely harmfulness of each sort of collision using Spatial Data Structures and Bounding Volumes and accordingly to decide which course of actions would be the less harmful and therefore should be chosen by the autonomous vehicle.Conclusion:The aim of this paper is to emphasize that the “Trolley Problem” occurs when the human driver is replaced by a robot and if a moral answer is given by an authoritative and legitimate board of experts, it can be coded in autonomous vehicle software.
Optimal Power Control Strategy of a Hybrid Energy System Considering Demand Response Strategy and Customer Interruption Cost
Authors: Dzobo O. , Sun Y. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The integration of distributed renewable energy sources into the conventional
power system network has created opportunities for electricity customers to reduce their electricity cost.
This paper investigates the optimal power scheduling of a hybrid energy system connected to the grid in
the presence of demand response strategy and inconvenience cost.

Methods:
A new proposed method of calculating the inconvenience cost which is dependent on total
home appliance load, Customer Interruption Cost (CIC) and delay time operation of home appliances is
proposed. The hybrid energy system consists of solar photovoltaic (PV) module and battery bank
storage system. The home appliance scheduling is formulated as a non-convex mixed integer
programming with a binary decision variable to switch ON/OFF the home appliances. The optimization
objective is to minimize both the total daily electricity cost and inconvenience cost of a residential
customer with different time-shiftable, power shiftable home appliances and customer time preference
constraints.

Results:
The results show that it is important to schedule home appliances and include their
inconvenience cost so that home appliances are not only shifted to the lower electricity tariff periods but
can also start at their customer preferred operation times.

Conclusion:
The results also show that the hybrid energy system is able to cater for all the energy
requirements of home appliances during the day, reducing power demand from the grid by a significant
percentage and thus, relieve the power system network and afford electricity consumers significant
monetary savings.