bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interplay between gut microbial composition and the melatonergic pathway: implications for hormonal receptor-positive breast cancer development
Authors: Laborda-Illanes Aurora , Boutriq Soukaina , Aranega-Martín Lucía , Sánchez-Alcoholado Lidia , Plaza-Andrades Isaac , Peralta-Linero Jesús , Alba Emilio , Fernández-García José Carlos , González-González Alicia , Queipo-Ortuño María Isabel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and serum melatonin levels in hormonal receptor-positive breast cancer (BC) patients, focusing on alterations in microbial composition, the melatonergic pathway, and their implications for BC development. Methods Serum and fecal samples were obtained from hormonal receptor-positive BC patients and healthy controls. Mass spectrometry was used to measure the serum levels of serotonin, N-acetylserotonin (NAS), and melatonin and the fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Beta-glucuronidase (βGD) activity was quantified using a fluorometric assay kit, while arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase (ASMT), and zonulin were assessed via ELISA. The gut microbiota composition was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results We identified significant alterations in the gut microbiota composition and melatonin production of BC patients compared to healthy controls. This dysbiosis is characterized by heightened serum serotonin, N-acetylserotonin (NAS), and fecal β-glucuronidase (βGD) activity, concomitant with diminished serum melatonin levels in BC patients. Moreover, increased fecal levels of isovaleric acid (IVA) and isobutyric acid (IBA), coupled with increased serum zonulin levels, highlight intestinal permeability alterations that could facilitate the translocation of gut bacteria and inflammatory compounds, predisposing individuals to cancer development. Notably, we observed reduced gut microbiota diversity and significant shifts in predominant bacterial taxa, withBacteroides eggerthiienrichment and a reduction in beneficialBifidobacterium longumpositively associated with serum melatonin levels, suggesting potential roles in BC development. Dysregulation of the serotonin-NAS-melatonin axis, along with perturbed expression of enzymes involved in the melatonergic pathway, underscores their implications in BC. Finally, we propose the NAS/melatonin ratio as a potential diagnostic biomarker for discriminating hormonal receptor-positive BC patients from healthy individuals, offering promising avenues for clinical management strategies. Conclusions Overall, our findings shed valuable light on the contributions of the gut microbiota and the melatonergic pathway to the development of hormonal receptor-positive BC, warranting further research into potential therapeutic targets.
Services for Perinatal Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Baltimore City-wide 2023 Assessment
Authors: Ratner Jessica Alison , Kirschner Jennifer H , Spencer Brittney , Terplan Mishka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Overdose is a leading cause of maternal mortality; in response, maternal mortality review committees have recommended expanding substance use disorder (SUD) screening, improving collaboration between obstetric and SUD treatment providers, and reducing fragmentation in systems of care. We undertook an analysis of the perinatal SUD treatment landscape in Baltimore, Maryland in order to identify barriers to treatment engagement during pregnancy and the postpartum period and guide system improvement efforts.
Methods
We conducted a survey of seven birthing hospitals, 31 prenatal care practices, and 108 SUD treatment providers in Baltimore from April-June 2023. Organizations were asked to quantify care for perinatal patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) as well as about screening, service availability, referral practices, and support needed to improve care.
Results
Sixty-one percent of the 145 contacted organizations responded. Birthing hospitals reported caring for pregnant persons with OUD with greater frequency than prenatal care practices or SUD treatment programs. Most birthing hospitals and prenatal care practices reported screening for OUD at intake, but the minority reported using validated tools. Service availability varied by type of organization and type of service. In general, prenatal care practices offered the fewest number of SUD-related services. Most SUD treatment programs that offered buprenorphine or methadone to the general population also offered these medications to pregnant patients. Withdrawal management for comorbid alcohol/benzodiazepine use disorders during pregnancy was more limited. The majority of birthing hospitals and prenatal care practices reported offering neither direct naloxone distribution nor prescriptions. Few SUD treatment programs offered tailored services for perinatal patients or for parents of young children, and many programs do not permit children onsite. Respondents reported high levels of interest in education and consultative support on SUD treatment in pregnancy within obstetric settings and on pregnancy-related medical concerns within SUD programs.
Conclusions
This project provides a comprehensive picture of services available for treatment of perinatal OUD in a major US city. Results have served as a guide for ongoing citywide system improvement efforts by our project team and offer a model for other jurisdictions hoping to strengthen services for perinatal OUD and reduce maternal mortality.
Mitigating Role of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Ocimum Gratissimum Leaf Extract and Honey on Indomethacin-Induced Gastrointestinal Injury in Rat Model Via Enhancement of Antioxidant Status
Authors: Salemcity Aanuoluwa , Agboola Olubukola , Salemcity Oluwatimilehin , Adewole Babade 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ulcers are common diseases with high prevalence in the society. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) was discovered to possess phytochemicals which could exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials, hence its use traditionally in treatment of various diseases. The study investigated the antiulcer effect of OG ethyl acetate fraction (EAFOG) and honey on indomethacin-stimulated ulcer in male Wistar rats. Extract was obtained by partitioning crude extract between hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol successively using vacuum liquid chromatography. The antioxidant assays were done using spectrophotometric methods. Twenty rats were grouped into normal control, ulcerative untreated and pre-treated groups (100 mg/kg EAFOG, EAFOG/H and 2.5g/kg honey).
Results
Significant difference was noticed in total acidity and ulcer score between the treated groups and control. The untreated group reveals a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SOD, catalase, GPx, GST and TSH levels as well as significantly high (p < 0.05) MDA level relative to control in stomach. GST, GPx activities and GSH concentration in both organs displayed significant amelioration relative to control. There was contrast in catalase and SOD activities in stomach between pre-treated groups and control. However, co-administration of EAFOG and honey showed no significant difference in stomach SOD activity compared to control. Improvement was observed in stomach TSH of EAFOG pre-treated animals in comparison with control.
Conclusion
The results above imply that OG may combat intestinal damage via boosting the antioxidant capacity of the system to ward-off free radicals which are deleterious to the body.
Epidemiology and outcome of Sports-related Ophthalmic Trauma from lower middle-income countries using The International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study (IGATES) registry
Authors: Irawati Yunia , Hoskin Annette K , Ng Sean Ming Sheng , Gutierrez Laura , Anantharaman Giridhar , Pauly Marian , Arafah Nurani Rahma , Pradhan Eli , Shah Mehul , Shah Shreya , Sen Alok , Agarwal Manisha , Mishra Chitaranjan , Ayachit Apoorva , Natarajan S , Khatri Anadi , Grover Ashok , Pakdel Farzad , Lee Bernett , Agrawal Rupesh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Aims to identify patterns in sports-related ophthalmic injuries, their clinical findings, and final visual outcomes from a large international multicenter eye injury registry.
Methods
Retrospective and prospective analysis of patients with sports-related ophthalmic trauma from the International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study (IGATES) registry from January 2020 to March 2022 was conducted.
Results
322/3200 patients presented with sports-related ophthalmic trauma. Males (282, 87.6%) was the majority patients. The mean age was 24.6 ± 14.0 years old and 99.6% cases were unilateral. The common injuries were closed globe injury (CGI) (244/318) followed by open globe injury (OGI) (63/318). Only two patients used eye protection. Mean initial visual acuity (VA) was 0.81 ± 0.89 LogMAR and final VA was 0.57 ± 0.84 LogMAR (P < 0.001). Injuries to the anterior chamber (AC) (171/320), iris (124/314), and cornea (121/321) were the dominant clinical findings. Cricket (53) and Badminton (47) were the majority cause. Surgical intervention reported for 77 with 36 primary globe repairs. Using univariate analysis, initial VA, injuries to lens, sclera, posterior segment and retinal detachment, intraocular pressure (IOP), type of injury, surgery, and ocular trauma score (OTS) (P < 0.001), injuries to cornea, iris and AC (P < 0.05), were significantly associated with final VA. Initial VA, scleral injury (P < 0.001), injuries to cornea, iris, AC, lens and posterior segment (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with final VA in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
Cricket and CGI were the majority cause of sports-related ophthalmic trauma. Initial VA followed by injuries to cornea, iris, AC, lens, sclera and posterior segment were associated with final VA.
Repair of annulus fibrosus defects using decellularized annulus fibrosus matrix/chitosan hybrid hydrogels
Authors: Liu Chen , Ge Xin , Li Yifeng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degenerative disease is the leading cause of lower back and leg pain, considerably impacting daily life and incurring substantial medical expenses for those affected. The development of annulus fibrosus tissue engineering offers hope for treating this condition. However, the current annulus fibrosus tissue engineering scaffolds fail to accurately mimic the natural biological environment of the annulus fibrosus, resulting in limited secretion of extracellular matrix and poor biomechanical properties of the constructed biomimetic annulus fibrosus tissue. This inability to match the biomechanical performance of the natural annulus fibrosus hinders the successful treatment of annulus fibrosus defects. In this study, we fabricated decellularized annulus fibrosus matrix (DAFM)/chitosan hydrogel-1 (DAFM:Chitosan 6:2) and DAFM/chitosan hydrogel-2 (DAFM:Chitosan 4:4) by varying the ratio of DAFM to chitosan. Rat annulus fibrosus (AF)-derived stem cells were cultured on these hydrogel scaffolds, and the cell morphology, AF-related gene expression, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were investigated. Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Safranine and Fast Green staining were performed to evaluate the repair effect of the DAFM/chitosan hydrogels in vivo. The gene expression results showed that the expression of Collagen type I (Col-I), Collagen type I (Col-II), and aggrecan by annulus fibrosus stem cells (AFSCs) cultured on the DAFM/chitosan-1 hydrogel was higher compared with the DAFM/chitosan-2 hydrogel. Conversely, the expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and IL-6 was lower on the DAFM/chitosan-1 hydrogel compared with the DAFM/chitosan-2 hydrogel. In vivo, both the DAFM/chitosan-1 and DAFM/chitosan-2 hydrogels could effectively repair annulus fibrosus defects in rat tail vertebrae. In conclusion, the DAFM/chitosan-1 hydrogel is a promising scaffold material for the repair of annulus fibrosus defects, offering the potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Can a robot force us to do boring work?Efficiency of performing tedious work under the supervision of a human and a humanoid robot.
Authors: Maj Konrad , Grzyb Tomasz , Doliński Dariusz , Franjo Magda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the context of interactions between humans and robots at work, this research examines the dynamics of obedience and power. We replicated and extended the previous studies by comparing the responses of participants to a humanoid robot, which acts as an authoritative figure, against those to a human in a similar role. While the humanoid robot commanded a significant level of obedience (63%), it was notably lower than that for its human counterpart (75%). Moreover, work under the robot's supervision was performed more slowly and less effectively. The results give a good insight into the practical implications of using humanoid robots in official roles, especially for repeated and tedious tasks or challenging work activities.
A practical comparative study of the performance of a single siope solar still with a new design
Authors: saeed muntadher , Hameed Hassanain Ghani , Abbass Assaad A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Water distillation systems using free solar energy are known to be easy to install, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. However, due to the low productivity of fresh water for solar stills of all types, many practical and theoretical studies have been presented to enhance the productivity of solar stills using different engineering designs and improvement techniques. The overall productivity of the model is affected by several factors, the most important of which are the design, the nature of operating conditions, and environmental conditions. The current study aims to determine the effect of changing the geometric shape of the absorber plate on the cumulative productivity of a single-slope-single-basin solar still. A single-slope solar still with a different design and a specially shaped absorption basin was studied, and the proposed model was compared with the traditional model for the same manufacturing specifications and under the same test conditions. The traditional square shape has been modified so that it begins with a three-sided polygon and ends with an arc, while maintaining the same total area of the absorption plate. In this modification, the shadow areas are reduced and the solar radiation generated on the base is blocked by the walls, in addition to benefiting from using the back wall to act as a reflective arch for solar radiation. The new design, with and without an internal reflector, is examined and compared with the traditional model under the weather conditions of the Iraqi city of Najaf. Using the new-design solar still increased daily productivity by about 47.96%, while the cost will decrease to about $0.023 per liter/0.25 m2.
Anaerobic treatment of low-strength wastewater: applicability and hygienization potential
Authors: Tomei M. C. , Stazi V. , de Araújo J. Calabria , Madeira C. Leite 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater (DWW) is currently applied in warm climate regions because the process kinetics at these temperatures are competitive with the conventional activated sludge process, and the solution is advantageous given the possibility of energy and nutrient recovery and the reduced sludge production. However, the lower metabolic capacity of anaerobic bacteria than aerobic ones makes the process less efficient, especially for low concentrated wastewater as the domestic ones. This challenge can be overcome by applying high-rate bioreactors, such as anaerobic filters, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors, expanded granular sludge bed reactors, and anaerobic baffled reactors, allowing the decoupling of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and sludge retention time (SRT). They operate with highly concentrated biomass, thus low HRTs (and consequently lower reactor volumes) can be applied to achieve process rates suitable for practical application. Another important aspect to evaluate the feasibility of the anaerobic treatment of DWW is the hygienization potential, which is gaining increasing attention in light of safe water reuse. In this chapter, an overview of the present state of knowledge of high-rate systems as well as multi-step treatment options, in combination with the anaerobic process, are presented and discussed. In addition, an extended analysis of pathogen removal in anaerobic processes treating low-strength wastewater (with or without post-treatment) is reported with the aim of providing an exhaustive contribution to this aspect, which is of relevance for water reuse and process sustainability.
Water reuse
Authors: Lazarova V. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
With the increasing concerns of water scarcity, water reuse is becoming the cornerstone of circular water economy and sustainable development. One of the potential solutions to resolve another important environmental challenge, the water–energy nexus, is the introduction of anaerobic processes in wastewater treatment and reclamation trains. Despite the numerous advantages of anaerobic treatment, effluent water quality is lower compared to conventional aerobic secondary effluents and requires adequate post-treatment to meet current wastewater discharge and reuse standards. On the basis of the most popular water reuse standards for non-potable uses and the overview of the characteristics and efficiency of proven treatment processes, this chapter provides guidance on the selection of appropriate wastewater treatment and reclamation alternatives for treatment of urban and industrial wastewater from food and agro-industries which reflect the current practical experience worldwide. The proposed decision-making process for selection of the most suitable treatment scheme for a given project takes into account one additional important parameter – the treatment capacity (plant size) which is not taken into account in current water reuse regulations. Nevertheless, treatment capacity and ease of operation define the feasibility and economic viability of the most suitable post-treatment of anaerobic effluents and tertiary treatment with disinfection for water reuse applications. The presented design and performance parameters for selecting proven and mature treatment technologies are given only for information – professional judgement is necessary for accurate design taking into account all local conditions and requirements. Innovative technologies under investigation or with limited full-scale application which are still not validated for water reuse applications are not discussed. More research efforts are needed for their development and full-scale implementation.
Fate of micropollutants
Authors: de Oliveira G. H. D. , Lovato G. , Rodrigues J. A. D. , Zaiat M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Micropollutants (MPs) are biological or chemical compounds resulting from human activities that make their way into water bodies in trace quantities. They cause adverse effects on aquatic environments and their complexity and costly quantification makes them difficult to monitor and, consequently, the implementation of legislation for controlling their disposal. Thus, the aim of this chapter is to describe occurrence, environmental and health impacts, and current regulatory frameworks of MPs. The fate and removal of these contaminants in anaerobic reactors treating domestic wastewater is discussed and strategies for enhancing MP removal are presented. Studies on MP removal in anaerobic systems are still emerging and a great deal of work should be carried out to evaluate whether conventional anaerobic reactors applied to domestic wastewater treatment under usual operating conditions are able to effectively remove contaminants of emerging concern. Transferring the mechanistic understanding of the anaerobic biotransformation of MPs to feasible changes to be implemented in mainstream anaerobic domestic wastewater treatment remains a major challenge. Moreover, the study of new operating strategies and reactor configurations seems to be mandatory to comply with the requirements of removing organic matter, nutrients, and MPs, as well as generating energy (biogas), thus resulting in robust, safe, and sustainable units.
Process monitoring and control
Authors: Rodríguez Jorge , Ahmed Wasim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anaerobic treatment of municipal wastewater has its own peculiarities given the low organic loading, volatile suspended solid content, and other specifics; however, monitoring and control approaches for sewage anaerobic biological systems share most principles as for industrial wastewater anaerobic treatment. The main key point for stable nominal operation in anaerobic bioreactors is to maintain sufficient active methanogenic biomass in reactors. The loss of methanogenic biomass can occur due to hydraulic washout, insufficient supply of methanogenesis substrates, inhibitions or toxicity including temperature shock. In this chapter, general key aspects when thinking on anaerobic treatment control are presented and discussed, including the most important variables for effective monitoring. Both conventional and more advanced strategies for process control are discussed with an emphasis on the process dynamics and the utilization of the available information from instrumentation to the best possible way.
Life-cycle assessment, carbon-footprint and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Estévez S. , Hernández V. , Hernández-Sancho F. , Feijoo G. , Moreira M. T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater has been recognized as a feasible technology to reduce energy demand from the valorization of streams with high-organic load. However, there are many factors that influence the environmental and economic profiles of the process, such as the effluent pollutant load, operating temperature and methane emissions in the treated effluent and in the air. Therefore, all these parameters must be optimized taking into account not only the technical performance (i.e. biogas production), but also environmental and economic implications. This chapter presents a dual approach to highlight the characteristics of anaerobic treatment of domestic wastewater with life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis and how to approach these methodologies in diverse case studies.