bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds and climate-vegetation dynamics in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Mihret Temesgen Tsehayeneh , Zemale Fasikaw A. , Worqlul Abeyou W. , Ayalew Ayenew D. , Fohrer Nicola 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia is challenging due to the large number of watersheds and the lack of consistent and reliable data. Traditional methods, such as expert-based classification, are time-consuming, subjective, and often not reproducible. Therefore, this study aims to identify homogenous gauged watersheds using hydrometeorological and remote sensing data. In this study 76 watersheds were delineated from a 30-m digital elevation model (SRTM-DEM). Twelve watershed characteristics were selected to aid the classification process. Three homogenous climate regions were identified using rainfall data from 42 stations, and for each homogeneous climate region, gauged watersheds were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were used for classification. The PCA reduced 12 watershed characteristics into three principal components using a threshold of 80% accounted variance and eigenvalues greater than one. K-means clustering classified the 76 watersheds into nine homogenous clusters. In the classified regions, vegetation dynamics within three decades have also been analyzed. This helped identify trends in vegetation cover and its spatial and temporal dynamics. The results of the investigation will potentially be used for runoff prediction of ungauged watersheds and for water resource management models in the future.
Recent and future exposure of water, sanitation, and hygiene systems to climate-related hazards in Zambia
Authors: Libanda Brigadier , Rand Emily , Gyang Gloria Nyam , Sindano Charity Tuseko , Simwanza Lukundo , Chongo Mkhuzo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Climate change-driven water scarcity will lead to inequitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access. However, current research in Zambia has ignored linking climate science dimensions to WASH access programs, thus limiting WASH-related climate action across the country. Here, we combine analyses of in situ datasets, modeling techniques, and systematic literature reviews to provide a solid climate science basis for WASH–climate action in Zambia. We find that in a warm near future climate, the stretch along the Copperbelt–Livingstone railroad from the north to the south of the country is expected to record an increase in heavy rainfall single-day events ranging between 50 and ≥150 mm. As such, bacterial diseases, such as cholera outbreaks, are expected to increase, especially in the Copperbelt, Central, Lusaka, Southern, and the Eastern Provinces. Models further predict a drier Zambia in the near and far future of up to 12 days year−1, suggesting a higher risk of increased aridity which will compound challenges to the provision of safe drinking water. The projected rapid population growth in these regions will also heighten the challenges of accessing safe drinking water. Strategic investments in enhancing WASH access in these areas should be considered a matter of urgency.
Modeling climate change effects on transport and fate of pathogens in an urban coastal area of Lake Michigan
Authors: Hamidi Sajad Ahmad , Bravo Hector , McLellan Sandra L. , Lorenz David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Infrastructure renewal and public health efforts require prediction of climate change effects on the occurrence of pathogens in the Great Lakes' urban coastal waters. This paper presents an investigation that addressed the climate change effects on transport and the fate of bacteria in Milwaukee's urban coastal area. This investigation was part of a study on climate change risks and impacts that included downscaling of climate change data for meteorological stations around Lake Michigan, and implementation of a hydrologic model that predicts tributary flows and bacteria loads. A method to select scenarios appropriate to link watershed and lake transport processes is presented. For the watershed, the sensitivity of bacterial loads with respect to changes in spring-season precipitation and air temperature is critical, while for lake transport, the most important driver is the wind field. Watershed and lake processes are linked by using spring-season watershed loading in the simulation of coastal transport. Scenarios for hydrodynamic modeling were developed by selecting climate projections that yielded high-and-low percentile projected spring-season wind speed. The patterns of bacteria transport showed significant changes under climate change conditions, and the changes in fecal coliform concentration at critical locations were explained by changes in current vector fields.
Virucidal efficacy of hypochlorous acid water for aqueous phase and atomization against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kubo Makoto , Eda Ryotaro , Maehana Shotaro , Fuketa Hiroshi , Shinkai Norihiro , Kawamura Naohisa , Kitasato Hidero , Hanaki Hideaki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged at the end of 2019. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through droplets, aerosols, and fomites. Disinfectants such as alcohol, quaternary ammonium salts, and chlorine-releasing agents, including hypochlorous acid, are used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of ionless hypochlorous acid water (HOCl) in suspension and by spraying to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. The virucidal efficacy of HOCl solution in tests against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated as 50% tissue culture infectious dose. Although the presence of organic compounds influenced the virucidal efficacy, HOCl treatment for 20 s was significantly effective to inactivate Wuhan and Delta strains in the suspension test. HOCl atomization for several hours significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 attached to plastic plates. These results indicate that HOCl solution with elimination containing NaCl and other ions may have high virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. This study provides important information about the virucidal efficacy and use of HOCl solution.
A modified integrated physical advanced primary treatment to enhance particulate organic carbon removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Lasaki Behnam Askari , Maurer Peter , Schönberger Harald 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the pursuit of a treatment approach that is both cost-effective and environmental-friendly, the applicability of microscreen (MS) techniques coupled with a primary sedimentation tank (PST) as a physical advanced primary treatment (APT) to enhance the removal of particulate organic carbon (POC) from municipal wastewater was investigated. A pilot unit, including a modified MS, adjustable to different meshes (including 20 and 15 μm) was operated continuously downstream to the PST at the Büsnau wastewater treatment plant in Stuttgart, Germany, and monitored for more than half a year. A strategy involving time-dependent backwashing and recirculation of MS permeate was employed to remove as much POC as possible from primarily treated wastewater, thereby extending the application of the MS. The optimal configuration, PST + 15-μm MS, achieved maximum removal efficiencies of 90% for turbidity, 90% for total suspended solids (TSS), and 80% for total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD). These results are significant, as comparable removal levels for these parameters were conventionally achieved using less eco-friendly methods such as physiochemical APT, including coagulation–flocculation with iron or aluminum salts followed by microscreening or sedimentation. However, this study's findings ascertained that solo physical APT applications could produce equivalent effluent quality with a much smaller footprint while keeping the advanced primary treated wastewater suitable for biological treatment.
Prediction Model for Therapeutic Responses in Ovarian Cancer
Patients using Paclitaxel-resistant Immune-related lncRNAs
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Huiqiang , Wang Fanchen , Yuan Jia , Guan Wencai , Xu Guoxiong 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest malignant tumor in women with a
poor prognosis due to drug resistance and lack of prediction tools for therapeutic responses to anti-
cancer drugs.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to launch a prediction model for therapeutic responses
in OC patients.

Methods:
The RNA-seq technique was used to identify differentially expressed paclitaxel (PTX)-
resistant lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-OV and ImmPort
database were used to obtain immune-related lncRNAs (ir-lncRNAs). Univariate, multivariate,
and LASSO Cox regression analyses were performed to construct the prediction model. Kaplan-
Meier plotter, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), nomogram, immune function analysis,
and therapeutic response were applied with Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC),
CIBERSORT, and TCGA databases. The biological functions were evaluated in the CCLE
database and OC cells.

Results:
The RNA-seq defined 186 DE-lncRNAs between PTX-resistant A2780-PTX and PTXsensitive
A2780 cells. Through the analysis of the TCGA-OV database, 225 ir-lncRNAs were
identified. Analyzing 186 DE-lncRNAs and 225 ir-lncRNAs using univariate, multivariate, and
LASSO Cox regression analyses, 9 PTX-resistant immune-related lncRNAs (DEir-lncRNAs) acted
as biomarkers were discovered as potential biomarkers in the prediction model. Single-cell
RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of OC confirmed the relevance of DEir-lncRNAs in immune
responsiveness. Patients with a low prediction score had a promising prognosis, whereas patients
with a high prediction score were more prone to evade immunotherapy and chemotherapy and had
poor prognosis.

Conclusion:
The novel prediction model with 9 DEir-lncRNAs is a valuable tool for predicting
immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses and prognosis of patients with OC.
Discovery of Pyroptosis-inducing Drugs and Antineoplastic Activity
based on the ROS/ER Stress/Pyroptosis Axis
Authors: Gan Xin , Xie Jingwen , Dong Zhaojun , Wu Yuna , Zeng Xiaoqing , Yang Zhenzhen , Liu Bo , Zhu Min , Wang Bozhen , Li Wulan , Wang Ledan , Zhang Huajie , Wu Jianzhang , Hu Yue 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Pyroptosis, a cell death process triggered by chemotherapy drugs, has
emerged as a highly promising mechanism for combating tumors in recent years. As the lead of
new drugs, natural products play an important role in the discovery of anticancer drugs. Compared
to other natural products, the medicine food homologous natural products (MFHNP) exhibit a superior
safety profile. Among a series of MFHNP molecular skeletons, this study found that only
benzylideneacetophenone (1) could induce cancer cell pyroptosis. However, the anti-cancer activity
of 1 remains to be improved.

Aims:
This study aimed to find a pyroptosis inducer with highly effective antitumor activity by
modifying the chalcone structure.

Methods:
To examine the effect of the Michael receptor in compound 1 on the induction of pyroptosis,
several analogs were synthesized by modifying the Michael acceptor. Subsequently, the anticancer
activity was tested by MTT assay, and morphological indications of pyroptosis were observed
in human lung carcinoma NCI-H460 and human ovarian cancer CP-70 cell lines. Furthermore,
to improve the activity of the chalcone skeleton, the anticancer group 3,4,5-
trimethoxyphenyl was incorporated into the phenyl ring. Subsequently, compounds 2-22 were designed,
synthesized, and screened in human lung cancer cells (NCI-H460, H1975, and A549). Additionally,
a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was established using the
eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning library to identify the pharmacophore.
Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the molecular
mechanisms of pyroptosis induced by the active compound.

Results:
α, β-unsaturated ketone was the functional group of the chalcone skeleton and played a
pivotal role in inducing cancer cell pyroptosis. QSAR models showed that the regression coefficients
(R2) were 0.992 (A549 cells), 0.990 (NCI-H460 cells), and 0.998 (H1975 cells). Among these
compounds, compound 7 was selected to be the active compound. Moreover, compound 7 was
found to induce pyroptosis in lung cancer cells by upregulating the expression of CHOP by increasing
the ROS level. Furthermore, it effectively suppressed the growth of lung cancer xenograft
tumors.

Conclusion:
Compound 7 exhibits antineoplastic activity by regulating the ROS/ER stress/pyroptosis
axis and is a kind of promising pyroptosis inducer.
Observation of the Short-term Efficacy of Technetium-99 Conjugated with
Methylene Diphosphonate Combined Therapy in the Treatment of
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Sun Wen , Xie Quan , Yan Juan-Juan , Huang Ying , Zhou Ying , Xiao Huan , Wang Chao-Qun 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of Yunke (technetium-99
conjugated methylene diphosphonate) combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and
Gukang capsule in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).

Methods:
A total of 112 patients with PMOP who received treatment in the Department of Nuclear
Medicine of the hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were selected and randomly divided
into 4 groups of 28 patients each. Group A received Yunke and PEMFs, group B received
Gukang capsules and PEMFs, group C received Yunke and Gukang capsules and PEMFs, and
group D received PEMFs. All groups were given adequate amounts of calcium and active vitamin
D. Intervention 2 sessions of 3 months each. Outcome measures were bone mineral density
(BMD) and pain improvement.

Results:
Compared with 1 course of treatment, the symptoms of bone pain were relieved more
significantly after 2 courses of treatment in group A (50.0% vs. 64.3%), group B (46.4% vs
64.3%), group C (78.6% vs 92.9%) and group D (21.4% vs 28.6%) (P < 0.05). After 2 courses of
treatment, bone pain symptoms were less relieved in group A (96.4% vs. 64.3%), group B
(96.4% vs 64.3%), and group D (96.4% vs 28.6%) compared with group C (P < 0.05). Compared
with group C, BMD values of L4 vertebrae and femoral neck were significantly decreased in
groups A, B, and D (P < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, BMD of L4 vertebrae and
femoral neck increased significantly in groups A, B, C, and D after 2 courses of treatment (P <
0.05).

Conclusion:
Yunke combined therapy can effectively relieve the pain symptoms, increase BMD,
and reduce the risk of fracture in patients with PMOP in a short period, which is an effective
method for the treatment of PMOP.
Phage Therapy in Bacterial Pneumonia Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Akhlaquer , Verma Kapil Kumar , Posa Mahesh Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Phage therapy could play an important role in the bacterial pneumonia.
However, the exact role of phage therapy in bacterial pneumonia is unclear to date.

Aim:
The current study aims to find out the role of phage therapy in preclinical models of bacterial
pneumonia.

Methods:
The studies were searched in databases with proper MeSH terms along with Boolean
operators and selected based on eligibility criteria as per the PRISMA guidelines. The Odd Ratio
(OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval and the heterogeneity was also calculated.
The funnel plot was used to conduct a qualitative examination of publication bias.

Results:
The OR was observed to be 0.11 (0.04, 0.27)] after 24 hrs, 0.11 [0.03, 0.34] after 7
days and 0.04 [0.01, 0.15] after 10 days that showed a significant role of phage therapy in reduction
of deaths in the bacterial pneumonia models as compared to the placebo group. However,
after 48hrs, a non-significant reduction was observed.

Conclusion:
There was a significant role of phage therapy in the reduction of deaths in the bacterial
pneumonia models.
Effects of HSV-G47Δ Oncolytic Virus on Telomerase and Telomere Length Alterations in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Stem Cells Under Hypoxia and Normoxia Conditions
Authors: Vazifehmand Reza , Saeed Ali Dhuha , Monem Homaie Foroozandeh , Molaei Jalalvand Fatemeh , Othman Zulkefley , Deming Chau , Stanslas Johnson , Sekawi Zamberi 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Due to the existence of tumor stem cells with tumorigenicity properties
and resistance patterns, treatment of glioblastoma is not easy. Hypoxia is a major concern in
glioblastoma therapy. Telomerase activity and telomere length alterations have been known to
play a critical role in glioblastoma progression and invasion.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of HSV-G47Δ oncolytic virus on telomerase
and telomere length alterations in U251GBMCSCs (U251-Glioblastoma cancer stem cells) under
hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Methods:
U251-CSCs were exposed to the HSV-G47Δ virus in optimized MOI (Multiplicity of infection=
1/14 hours). An absolute telomere length and gene expression of telomerase subunits
were determined using an absolute human telomere length quantification PCR assay. Furthermore,
a bioinformatics pathway analysis was carried out to evaluate physical and genetic interactions between
dysregulated genes with other potential genes and pathways.

Results:
Data revealed that U251CSCs had longer telomeres when exposed to HSV-G47Δ in normoxic
conditions but had significantly shorter telomeres in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore,
hTERC, DKC1, and TEP1 genes were significantly dysregulated in hypoxic and normoxic microenvironments.
The analysis revealed that the expression of TERF2 was significantly reduced in
both microenvironments, and two critical genes from the MRN complex, MER11 and RAD50,
were significantly upregulated in normoxic conditions. RAD50 showed a significant downregulation
pattern in the hypoxic niche. Our results suggested that repair complex in the telomeric structure
could be targeted by HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.

Conclusion:
In the glioblastoma treatment strategy, telomerase and telomere complex could be potential
targets for HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.

conclusion:
In glioblastoma treatment strategy, telomerase and telomere complex could be potential targets for HSV-G47∆ in both microenvironments.
The Interplay of Comorbidities in Chronic Heart Failure: Challenges and
Solutions
Authors: Agress Shashipriya , Sheikh Jannat S. , Perez Ramos Aida A. , Kashyap Durlav , Razmjouei Soha , Kumar Joy , Singh Mankaranvir , Lak Muhammad Ali , Osman Ali , Zia ul Haq Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Chronic heart failure (HF) is frequently associated with various comorbidities.
These comorbid conditions, such as anemia, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, and
sleep apnea, can significantly impact the prognosis of patients with HF.

Objective:
This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, impact, and management
of comorbidities in patients with chronic HF.

Methods:
A comprehensive review was conducted, with a rigorous selection process. Out of an
initial pool of 59,030 articles identified across various research modalities, 134 articles were
chosen for inclusion. The selection spanned various research methods, from randomized controlled
trials to observational studies.

Results:
Comorbidities are highly prevalent in patients with HF and contribute to increased hospitalization
rates and mortality. Despite advances in therapies for HF with reduced ejection fraction,
options for treating HF with preserved ejection fraction remain sparse. Existing treatment
protocols often lack standardization, reflecting a limited understanding of the intricate relationships
between HF and associated comorbidities.

Conclusion:
There is a pressing need for a multidisciplinary, tailored approach to manage HF
and its intricate comorbidities. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research efforts
to devise targeted treatment strategies for HF patients with various comorbid conditions.
Study of Thermal and Physical Mechanic Properties of CEB-reused PET
Authors: Molar-Orozco María Eugenia , Muñoz-Jiménez Libertad , Pérez-Sánchez Josué Francisco , Luna-Domínguez Jorge , Suarez-Dominguez Edgardo J. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Currently, housing is a necessity in Mexico, considered a national problem that must be addressed through adequate housing proposals. The earth is a material that has worked since ancient times to produce structural elements, presenting advantages mainly in the areas near the site where housing is required due to availability as well as use strategies. On the other hand, it is known that the continuous increase of waste derived from polymers such as PET requires reuse strategies to reduce the environmental impact.

Materials and Methods
This paper, it is presents the analysis of compressed earth bricks with soil from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, which has been produced dosed and undipped with PET shrapnel obtained from reused waste, characterizing its mechanical and thermal properties in addition to electron microscopy and scanning analysis tests.

Results
From the results obtained, it is observed that there is a 5% reduction in the mechanical resistance to compression, but without a significant difference in water absorption. Thermal diffusivity is also greatly improved.

Conclusion
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis results show that high compression can compact PET back to its original shape by removing stress, which can produce micro-cracks, which explains the compressive strength changes.
Effects of Filter Material on the Permeability of Sapric Peat in Flexible Wall Permeability Tests
Authors: Ngelambai Walter Janting Anak , Hasan Alsidqi 
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Installation of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) is one of the alternatives for ground improvement used in peatland deposits. However, filter paper is commonly used as standard filter material to determine the permeability of peat rather than the PVD material itself.

Aims
This paper presents preliminary data on the effect of using two different filter materials on the permeability behavior of Sapric peat.

Methods
A series of flexible wall permeability tests (FWPTs) was conducted to evaluate the peat permeability behavior under compression using two filter materials. This study compared Whatman standard filter paper and Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD), which is a non-woven geotextile filter material.

Results
The results showed that both tests using filter paper and a PVD filter exhibited a high initial coefficient of permeability, which depends on the hydraulic gradient. The coefficient of permeability significantly decreased until a certain period and then diminished with time. The coefficient of permeability from PVD filter tests was found to be approximately 2.6 times higher than that of the standard filter paper under the same compression. The duration required to reach a semi-steady state flow condition from the PVD test was 0.9 times faster than the standard filter paper. The random error of the coefficient of permeability data from the tests using the PVD filter was lower than the data of the standard filter paper.

Conclusion
This preliminary result suggests that standard filter material might not represent the actual coefficient of permeability of Sapric peat. The coefficient of permeability value was less consistent compared to the PVD filter. The selection of filter material plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable results, especially when dealing with PVD construction in peat. Using the PVD filter in FWPT appears to be suitable for the design of PVD in peat. The findings of this study contribute to evaluating the correct parameters for engineers to design and analyze the effectiveness of the ground treatment method using PVD in peat.