bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nephroprotective effect of β-sitosterol on N-diethylnitrosamine initiated and ferric nitrilotriacetate promoted acute nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Sharmila Ramalingam , Sindhu Ganapathy , Arockianathan Pushpam Marie 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background:
The most abundant plant sterol β-sitosterol is widely used for treating heart diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of β-sitosterol against nephrotoxicants which were studied using renal function markers, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation status, and inflammatory markers.

Methods:
Male albino Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four: group 1 was vehicle control rats (0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC]); group 2 was rats treated with N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (200 mg/kg body weight [bw] i.p. on the 15th day) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) (9 mg/kg bw i.p. on 30th and 32nd days); group 3 was rats that received β-sitosterol (20 mg/kg bw in 0.1% CMC, p.o. for 32 days) 2 weeks prior to the exposure to the nephrotoxicant; and group 4 was rats that received β-sitosterol alone. The experiment was terminated after the 24 h of last dosage of Fe-NTA, and all the animals were sacrificed. The blood, liver and kidney from each group were analyzed for biochemical, molecular and histological changes.

Results:
All the parameters showed significant changes in DEN and Fe-NTA treated animals, whereas β-sitosterol pretreated animals’ altered biochemical parameters were restored to near normal. Histopathological and immunoexpression studies on tissues also corroborate the biochemical endpoints.

Conclusions:
Administration of β-sitosterol to nephrotoxicity induced rats showed significant positive changes in biochemical parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical observations, and up-regulation of Nrf2 gene expression. From this, it was clear that β-sitosterol showed renal protective function.
Urate crystals deposition in the feet of overweight juveniles and those with symptomatic hyperuricemia: a dual-energy CT study
Authors: Sun Nan , Zhong Shiling , Li Yunyan , Wu Ling , Di Yazhen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe present study evaluated the clinical value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for detecting urate crystals in juveniles with symptomatic hyperuricemia.We recruited 24 juveniles (15 male and 9 female) who presented with symptomatic hyperuricemia. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.4 kg/mUrate crystals deposition was observed in 21/24 (87.5%) juveniles with symptomatic hyperuricemia. Urate crystals were detected in or around the anatomic site included the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints (5/24, 20.8%); the calcaneus (5/24, 20.8%); any other toe joints (3/24, 12.5%); the astragalus (3/24, 12.5%); the ankle joints (3/24, 12.5%); the metatarsals (2/24, 8.3%); the cuboid (1/24, 4.2%); and other parts of the feet (2/24, 8.3%). Importantly, urate crystals deposition weas located in the soft tissue (tendon/tendon insertion sites/entheses) around the above-mentioned sites in a majority of these patients.Urate crystals deposition can be detected by dual-energy CT in the feet of symptomatic hyperuricemia juveniles. DECT can be a valuable diagnostic tool for helping diagnose in juvenile gout.
Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger, Linnaeus 1758) introduction to the Sonoran Desert
Authors: Brady Matthew J. , Koprowski John L. , Gwinn R. Nathan , Jo Yeong-Seok , Young Kevin 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The eastern fox squirrel, native to the eastern and midwestern United States, was recently documented in the Sonoran Desert in the vicinity of Yuma, Arizona, constituting the first state record for this species. We surveyed the people of Yuma to determine when and how the squirrels arrived. The squirrels were first observed in the 1960s, but may have been resident for a longer period. Since the 1960s, squirrels have spread throughout the city limits and extended south ~15 km into Somerton, Arizona. How the squirrels arrived is not clear, but must be the result of an introduction, as no nearby populations exist. The persistence of eastern fox squirrels in this unique habitat is due to synanthropic relationships.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of 3-bromobenzoic acid, C7H5BrO2
Authors: Ndima Lubabalo , Betz Richard 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
C7H5BrO2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 5.9992(4) Å, b = 4.7064(4) Å, c = 25.149(2) Å, b = 92.283(4)°, V = 709.51(10) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0363, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0857, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-7-methyl-5-oxo-4-phenyl-4H,5H-pyrano[4,3-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile, C16H12N2O3
Authors: Song Jing 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
C16H12N2O3, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.707(5) Å, b = 8.749(5) Å, c = 15.002(6) Å, β = 103.65(2)°, V = 1365.7(12) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0557, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1309, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 1-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-3-propylthiourea, C8H13N3S2
Authors: Jambi Suhair M.S. , Al-Obaid Abdulrahman M. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard , Bari Ahmed 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
C8H13N3S2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.4803(3) Å, b = 8.4562(3) Å, c = 9.3531(3) Å, α = 67.688(1)°, β = 74.017(1)°, γ = 85.008(1)°, V = 526.07(3) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt
(F) = 0.0256, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0736, T = 200 K.
Integrated Archaeogeophysical Approach for the Study of a Medieval Monastic Settlement in Basilicata
Authors: Leucci Giovanni , Masini Nicola , Rizzo Enzo , Capozzoli Luigi , De Martino Gregory , De Giorgi Lara , Marzo Cosimo , Roubis Dimitris , Sogliani Francesca 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe paper deals with the results of an archaeo-geophysical approach adopted for the study and
the reconstruction of the architectural plan of the medieval monastery of San Pietro a Cellaria in Calvello
(Basilicata, Southern Italy). The monastery is a remarkable witness to Benedectine architecture of the 12-13th
century in Basilicata, built by monks of the Congregation of S. Maria di Pulsano, who were active mainly in
southern Italy. The historical data and the diachronic architectural study, based on the analysis of building
techniques, provide evidence for a long and intense history, during which the monastery underwent several
architectural changes, including the demolition of buildings and the superposition of other constructional
elements. The only preserved medieval remains are a church with a nave; the adjacent structures are more
recent. This preliminary data prompted a research project to shed new light on the as yet unknown history of
the medieval monastery. Specifically, a remote sensing approach around the monastery including aerial survey
by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and geomagnetic survey in gradiometric
configuration (MAG), was adopted in order to verify the possible existence of buried masonry structures
and other possible features of archaeological interest, including channels and aqueducts. The GPR time
slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles. The time slices, computed by averaging radar
reflections over vertical time windows several nanoseconds thick, are used to map subsoil features associated
with the structures, probably of anthropogenic origin. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, a threedimensional
image was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are linearly interpolated. The
MAG survey was carried in gradiometer configuration, in order to study magnetic properties of the shallow
subsoil. Ground-penetrating radar gives details about archaeological structures in a limited area where survey
was possible, while gradiometer survey confirms GPR results and improves archaeological knowledge in the
areas where GPR survey was impossible. This multi-sensor remote sensing program revealed a wide variety of
archaeological features of interest, which may be targeted accurately with excavations in the future.
“Shaping” and “Painting” during the Early Bronze Age: the Case-study of Pottery of Colle della Croce (Scicli, Ragusa)
Authors: Veca Carlo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPottery technology, although largely neglected in studies of the Sicilian Early Bronze Age
(Castelluccio culture, 2200-1450 BC), represents a strategic field of research for focusing on main steps of
manufacturing of Castelluccian vessels. In this perspective, the evidence from the archaeological deposit
of Colle della Croce (Scicli, Ragusa) has allowed us to emphasise some new technical features that can be
observed in the production within other cultural districts. The most significant phase of the study was the
autoptic examination of materials and surfaces that led to the definition of this production as medium and
coarse ware, with the use of different kinds of technical solutions in relation to different uses and functions.
The manufacturing techniques, especially when surface treatment is clearly recognizable on fragmentary
specimens, can be conditioned by several factors, such as the shape type and the function of the vessel.
Features such as working plans and supporting systems were observed quite frequently, as well as polishing
techniques and joints slots for the handles that could be interpreted as ‘workshop standards’ rather than
simply local traditions.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas: impact on health and environment
Authors: Carpenter David O. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Shale deposits exist in many parts of the world and contain relatively large amounts of natural gas and oil. Recent technological developments in the process of horizontal hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracturing or fracking) have suddenly made it economically feasible to extract natural gas from shale. While natural gas is a much cleaner burning fuel than coal, there are a number of significant threats to human health from the extraction process as currently practiced. There are immediate threats to health resulting from air pollution from volatile organic compounds, which contain carcinogens such as benzene and ethyl-benzene, and which have adverse neurologic and respiratory effects. Hydrogen sulfide, a component of natural gas, is a potent neuro- and respiratory toxin. In addition, levels of formaldehyde are elevated around fracking sites due to truck traffic and conversion of methane to formaldehyde by sunlight. There are major concerns about water contamination because the chemicals used can get into both ground and surface water. Much of the produced water (up to 40% of what is injected) comes back out of the gas well with significant radioactivity because radium in subsurface rock is relatively water soluble. There are significant long-term threats beyond cancer, including exacerbation of climate change due to the release of methane into the atmosphere, and increased earthquake activity due to disruption of subsurface tectonic plates. While fracking for natural gas has significant economic benefits, and while natural gas is theoretically a better fossil fuel as compared to coal and oil, current fracking practices pose significant adverse health effects to workers and near-by residents. The health of the public should not be compromized simply for the economic benefits to the industry.
Cancer surveillance and research on environmental contributions to cancer
Authors: Chao Ann , Edwards Brenda K. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Cancer surveillance is a fundamental component of national or sub-national cancer control planning and research. Cancer incidence and mortality data allow countries to monitor change in cancer incidence, mortality, and survival over time, by geographic region, and by demographic characteristics. Such data provide important clues to form hypotheses for cancer etiologic research, including research to examine environmental contributions to cancer. Strengthening cancer surveillance systems is urgently needed to conduct high quality research in environmental pollution and cancer in many countries. The United States National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health organized the first symposium on Environmental Contributions to Cancer during the 16th International Conference of Pacific Basin Consortium (PBC) for Environment and Health. PBC provided an important forum for dialog to establish partnerships and collaborations among researchers of environmental pollution and cancer.
Pollution, health and development: the need for a new paradigm
Authors: Landrigan Philip J. , Fuller Richard 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background: Pollution is the largest cause of death in low- and middle-income countries. WHO estimates that 8.9 million persons die each year of diseases caused by pollution – 94% of them in poor countries. By comparison, HIV/AIDS causes 1.5 million deaths per year, and malaria and tuberculosis cause fewer than 1 million each. Diseases caused by pollution are very costly.

Prevention: Pollution can be prevented. In high-income countries, legal and technical control strategies have been developed and yielded great health and economic benefits. The removal of lead from gasoline increased the mean IQ of all American children and has generated an annual economic benefit of $213 billion.

Unmet need: Despite its enormous human and economic costs, pollution has been overlooked in the international development agenda. Pollution control currently receives <0.5% of development spending.

Solution: We have formed The Lancet-GAHP-Mount Sinai Commission on Pollution, Health and Development. This Commission will develop robust analyses of the impacts of pollution on health, economics, and development. It will inform heads of state and global funders about the enormous scale pollution’s effects. The ultimate goal is to raise the priority of pollution and increase the resources allocated to control of this urgent public health problem.
Novel industrial wastewater treatment integrated with recovery of water and salt under a zero liquid discharge concept
Authors: Rajamani Sengodagounder 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Conventional industrial effluent treatment systems are designed to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) but not total dissolved solids (TDS), mainly contributed by chlorides. In addition to the removal of TDS, it is necessary to recover water for reuse to meet the challenges of shortage of quality water. To recover water, the wastewater needs to be further treated by adopting treatment systems including microfilters, low pressure membrane units such as ultrafiltration (UF), membrane bioreactors (MBR), etc., for the application of reverse osmosis (RO) systems. By adopting the RO system, 75%–80% of quality water with <500 mg/L of TDS is recovered from treated effluent. The management of 20%–25% of the saline water rejected from the RO system with high TDS concentration is being addressed by methods such as forced evaporation systems. The recovery of water from domestic and industrial waste for reuse has become a reality. The membrane system has been used for different applications. It has become mandatory to achieve zero liquid discharge (ZLD) in many states in India and other countries such as Spain, China, etc., and resulted in development of new treatment technologies to suit the local conditions.
Environmental exposures due to natural disasters
Authors: Knap Anthony H. , Rusyn Ivan 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The environmental mobilization of contaminants by “natural disasters” is a subject of much interest, however, little has been done to address these concerns, especially in the developing world. Frequencies and predictability of events, both globally and regionally as well as the intensity, vary widely. It is clear that there are greater probabilities for mobilization of modern contaminants in sediments. Over the past 100 years of industrialization many chemicals are buried in riverine, estuarine and coastal sediments. There are a few studies, which have investigated this potential risk especially to human health. Studies that focus on extreme events need to determine the pre-existing baseline, determine the medium to long term fate and transport of contaminants and investigate aquatic and terrestrial pathways. Comprehensive studies are required to investigate the disease pathways and susceptibility for human health concerns.
Differential methylation tests of regulatory regions
Authors: Ryu Duchwan , Xu Hongyan , George Varghese , Su Shaoyong , Wang Xiaoling , Shi Huidong , Podolsky Robert H. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Differential methylation of regulatory elements is critical in epigenetic researches and can be statistically tested. We developed a new statistical test, the generalized integrated functional test (GIFT), that tests for regional differences in methylation based on the methylation percent at each CpG site within a genomic region. The GIFT uses estimated subject-specific profiles with smoothing methods, specifically wavelet smoothing, and calculates an ANOVA-like test to compare the average profile of groups. In this way, possibly correlated CpG sites within the regulatory region are compared all together. Simulations and analyses of data obtained from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia indicate that GIFT has good statistical properties and is able to identify promising genomic regions. Further, GIFT is likely to work with multiple different types of experiments since different smoothing methods can be used to estimate the profiles of data without noise. Matlab code for GIFT and sample data are available at http://www.augusta.edu/mcg/biostatepi/people/software/gift.html.
The Assessment Of Energy And Protein Needs Coverage In Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Pandel Mikuš Ruža , Vičič Vid , Dahmane Raja 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Aim
Aiming at assessing sufficiency of energy/protein intake in hospitalized patients, the objective was to monitor and analyze actual food intake of patients hospitalized in three clinical wards of one of major Slovenian hospitals.

Methods
53 patients were included in the study. Food intake was assessed 3 times daily from leftovers. Nutritional status was assessed with Nutritional Risk Screening tool 2002. The observed outcomes were percentage of energy coverage (PEC) and percentage of protein coverage (PPC). In PEC energy nutritional value of the menu (ENVM), and in PPC protein nutritional value of the menu (PNVM) were considered as the main modifiable risk factors. Data were analyzed univariately and multivariately by using logistic regression method.

Results
The patients did not cover energy needs (67.4±24.5%). Multivariate model for PEC was highly significant (R2=0.347; pmodel<0.001) with ENVM showing high strength of association (b=0.040; p=0.004). Patients also did not cover protein needs (84.0±40.2%). Multivariate model for PEC was highly significant (R2=0.477; pmodel<0.001) and PNVM showing high strength of association (b=0.937; p=0.002).

Conclusion
For successful prevention and early detection of malnutrition, food intake in hospitals is vital and should be constantly monitored. A simple method for monitoring is proposed. The menus provided to patients should also be adequate in terms of energy and protein content.
Steady-state priors and Bayesian variable selection in VAR forecasting
Authors: Louzis Dimitrios P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study proposes methods for estimating Bayesian vector autoregressions (VARs) with a (semi-) automatic variable selection and an informative prior on the unconditional mean or steady-state of the system. We show that extant Gibbs sampling methods for Bayesian variable selection can be efficiently extended to incorporate prior beliefs on the steady-state of the economy. Empirical analysis, based on three major US macroeconomic time series, indicates that the out-of-sample forecasting accuracy of a VAR model is considerably improved when it combines both variable selection and steady-state prior information.
Defective Phagocytic Corpse Processing Results in Neurodegeneration and Can Be Rescued by TORC1 Activation
Authors: Etchegaray Jon Iker , Elguero Emma J. , Tran Jennifer A. , Sinatra Vincent , Feany Mel B. , McCall Kimberly 
Published: March 2016

The removal of apoptotic cell corpses is important for maintaining homeostasis. Previously, defects in apoptotic cell clearance have been linked to neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying this are still poorly understood. In this study, we report that the absence of the phagocytic receptor Draper in glia leads to a pronounced accumulation of apoptotic neurons in the brain ofDrosophila melanogaster. These dead cells persist in the brain throughout the lifespan of the organism and are associated with age-dependent neurodegeneration. Our data indicate that corpses persist because of defective phagosome maturation, rather than recognition defects. TORC1 activation, or inhibition of Atg1, in glia is sufficient to rescue corpse accumulation as well as neurodegeneration. These results suggest that phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons by glia during development is essential for brain homeostasis in adult flies. Furthermore, it suggests that TORC1 regulates Draper-mediated phagosome maturation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPreviously, defects in dead cell clearance were linked to neurodegeneration, but the exact mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we report that the absence of an engulfment receptor leads to a pronounced accumulation of dead neurons in the brain of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster. These dead cells persist in the brain throughout the lifespan of the organism and are associated with age-dependent neurodegeneration. Our data indicate that corpses persist because of defective degradation of cells rather than recognition of dead cells.