bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Characterization and Water Quality Index Based Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using GIS In Tropical River Basin: Case Study in Kirama-Ara River Basin, Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
Authors: Dissanayake Indunil Pradeep , Perera T.A.N.T , Jayasinghe G.Y 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In the Kirama-ara River basin, Matara, southern region of Sri Lanka, a variety of agricultural inputs are utilized, and flooding is a common hazard. Therefore, the groundwater in this area is under serious threat. But, the complete physicochemical profile of the groundwater in the Kirama-ara river basin is yet undiscovered. Therefore, the goals of this study were to (a) identify the geochemical characteristics and changes in water quality, (b) evaluate non-carcinogenic health risk and develop a Groundwater quality index (GWQI), and (c) generate a spatial distribution map for groundwater physicochemical characters in the Kirama-ara river basin in Matara, Sri Lanka. The physiochemical characteristics of 16 (G1 to G16) groundwater samples, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, NO3−, PO43−, and SO42−, were examined for spatial and chronological variations. The pH, NO3−, and PO43− values of 50% (G1,G4,G7,G12,G13,G14,G15,G16), 6.25% (G16), and 6.25% (G16) of the samples, respectively, were determined to be exceeded the allowable limit by both the WHO and SLS standards. The physicochemical investigation demonstrated that while 87.5% of the locations were acceptable for drinking, 12.5% of them lacked sufficient amounts. The most common hydro-chemical facies were Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3−, mixed Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− face, and Ca2+-Cl−. Rock weathering has a weighty effect on the ionic composition and chemistry of groundwater in the study area. Additionally, health risk assessment revealed that children face greater health risks than adults. Further investigations should be conducted to build reasonable management plans for long-term groundwater quality conservation and public health.
Long term administration of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-β burden and memory impairment
Authors: Iwasa Kensuke , Yagishita Sosuke , Yagishita-Kyo Nan , Yamagishi Anzu , Yamamoto Shinji , Yamashina Kota , Haruta Chikara , Asai Masashi , Maruyama Kei , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Yoshikawa Keisuke 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Loquat leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. In this study, we investigated the effects of loquat leaf methanol extracts on amyloid-beta peptide (Ab) 42 production in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells). We also evaluated endogenous Ab42 production, phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and working memory in wild-type C57BL/6J mice fed loquat leaves for 12 months. Surprisingly, the methanol extract of loquat leaves greatly enhanced cellular Ab42 production in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of loquat leaf powder resulted in increased Ab42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Administration of loquat leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. We hypothesized that the major compounds contained in loquat leaves that affect Ab42 production are UA and amygdalin. Administration of UA decreased Ab42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of loquat leaves for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Ab42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the loquat leaf extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin in mice increased Ab42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of loquat leaves for 3 months. In this study, we demonstrated that long-term administration of loquat leaves and UA attenuated endogenous Ab42 levels, P-tau, and memory impairment. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Ab42 and P-tau levels. Our data also suggest that amygdalin might be one of the compounds in loquat leaves responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Ab42 levels, although this effect did not seem to accelerate neurodegeneration.
Cavity Flow Permeability Testing of an Intact Granite
Authors: Selvadurai APS 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Permeability of intact geologic media features prominently in many geo-environmental endeavours. The laboratory estimation of permeability is an important adjunct to the field estimation of bulk permeability values, which involves a great deal of supplementary in situ investigations to correctly interpret field data. Laboratory permeability estimation is also a viable method if core samples are recovered from in situ geological mapping of the region under study. The basic methodologies for permeability estimation rely on either steady state or transient tests of the geologic material depending on the anticipated permeability value. This paper presents a brief review of these two basic approaches and uses a steady flow test conducted on a partially drilled cavity located on the axis of a cylindrical specimen. Certain compact theoretical relationships are proposed for the estimation of steady flow from a cavity of finite dimensions located along the axis of a cylindrical specimen. The relationships are used to estimate the permeability of a cylinder of Lac du Bonnet granite obtained from the western flank of the Canadian Shield. The results from the cavity flow permeability experiments are compared with other estimates for the permeability of granitic rocks reported in the literature.
Extracting vertical and horizontal ground deformation components from minimum-track radar interferometry
Authors: Chang Zhanqiang , Liu Jiaxi , Qian Shujun , Wang Yanqiao , Zhang Jingfa , Chen Mi , Li Yakai , Zhu Jie , Wang Wei , He Jiewei , Zheng Haoxin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In nature, the vertical and horizontal deformation components happen simultaneously for most geohazards, which sometimes bring disasters to human beings. As an advanced radar interferometry technique, InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) can efficiently obtain ground deformation information at a global scale, but it can only obtain the deformation along radar LOS (line of sight) direction. To extract vertical and horizontal deformation components, the existing methods need at least three-track InSAR LOS measurements or azimuth measurements. However, it is generally unlikely to acquire a three-track SAR dataset covering the same region during the same time range. Herein, through mathematical deduction, we find out that both vertical and horizontal deformation components can be extracted just from two-track InSAR LOS measurements. and the analytical expressions are presented. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated by experiments. It is the first time that both vertical and horizontal deformation components have been extracted just from two-track InSAR LOS measurements without using any other measurements. Hence, it can greatly enhance the three-dimensional information acquisition ability of radar interferometry.
How Disruptive are Unreliable Electric Vehicle Chargers? Empirically Evaluating the Impact of Charger Reliability on Driver Experience
Authors: Karanam Vaishnavi , Tal Gil 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The shift from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) hinges on both the quantity and quality of EV charging infrastructure. While much research has focused on the importance of and challenges to increasing the quantity of EV chargers worldwide, less has been devoted to assessing the quality of existing EV chargers. Here, we analyze a year’s worth of real-world EV charging data from 132 EVs driven in California, to provide insights about the reliability of EV chargers as experienced by EV drivers. By quantifying and qualifying the level of disruption associated with both real and hypothetical charge failures, we find that EV chargers are not all equally important to EV drivers, highlighting the need for more nuanced charging reliability standards to effectively meet consumer charging needs. While the level of disruption associated with a charge failure for over 90% of charging sessions was fairly low, the consequences of a charge failure for the remaining sessions were catastrophic - 3% of hypothetical charge failures and 0.3% of the real charge failures led to drivers being stranded. These highly disruptive charge failures are associated with long distance travel (LDT), low charger density areas, DC Fast charging, and lack of access to home charging – chargers linked to these conditions should ideally be held to much higher standards than chargers linked to lower levels of disruption.
Factors preventing health sciences university students in Japan from undergoing cervical cancer screening: A cross-sectional study
Authors: IRINO Satoshi , OSE Hiroko , TAKATA Naoki , KAMOSHIDA Shingo , OHSAKI Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
In most developed countries, cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. However, the incidence of cervical cancer has been increasing in Japan, possibly because of the low screening rate. Although the incidence of cervical cancer has increased in people in their 20s, the screening rate among 20–24-year-olds in Japan is only 10.2%. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the cervical cancer screening rates in Japan, particularly among young women.
Methods
We conducted a questionnaire survey among students at a health sciences university to determine their knowledge of cervical cancer, screening rates, and factors that prevent young women from undergoing screening.
Results
We observed that knowledge of cervical cancer was high among students taking specialized medical courses; recognition of the facts that “cervical cancer can be prevented through screening” and “the risk of cervical cancer increases in one’s 20s” was high among those who had undergone screening. Coupons for free screening had an unsatisfactory effect.
Conclusions
The cervical cancer screening rate among Japanese university students is low. Therefore, educational programs are required to increase awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among young women.
CUDC-907, a dual PI3K/histone deacetylase inhibitor, increases meta-iodobenzylguanidine uptake (123/131I-mIBG) in vitro and in vivo: a promising candidate for advancing theranostics in neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Grand-Guillaume Joana , Mansi Rosalba , Gaonkar Raghuvirharidas , Zanger sandra , Fani Melpomeni , Eugster Philippe , Beck-Popovic Maja , Grouzmann Eric , Abid karim 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) are neuroendocrine tumors. Imaging of these neoplasms is performed by scintigraphy after injection of radiolabeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG), a norepinephrine analog taken up by tumoral cells through monoamine transporters. The pharmacological induction of these transporters is a promising approach to improve the imaging and therapy (theranostics) of these tumors.
Methods
Transporters involved in mIBG internalization were identified by using transfected Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were tested in cell lines to study their effect on mIBG internalization. Studies in xenografted mice were performed to assess the effect of the most promising HDACi on 123I-mIBG uptake.
Results
Transfected HEK cells demonstrated that the norepinephrine and dopamine transporter (NET and DAT) avidly internalizes mIBG. Sodium-4-phenylbutyrate (an HDACi), CUDC-907 (a dual HDACi and PI3K inhibitor), BGT226 (a PI3K inhibitor) and VS-5584 and rapamycin (two inhibitors of mTOR) increased mIBG internalization in a neuroblastoma cell line (IGR-NB8) by 2.9-, 2.1-, 2.5-, 1.5- and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared with untreated cells. CUDC-907 also increased mIBG internalization in two other NB cell lines and in one PHEO cell line. We demonstrated that mIBG internalization occurs primarily through the NET. In xenografted mice with IGR-NB8 cells, oral treatment with 5 mg/kg of CUDC-907 increased the tumor uptake of 123I-mIBG by 2.3- and 1.9-fold at 4 and 24 hours post-injection, respectively, compared to the untreated group.
Conclusions
Upregulation of the NET by CUDC-907 lead to a better internalization of mIBG in vitro and in vivo.
Activated hepatic stellate cells promote expansion of LGR5-positive progenitor cells in fibrotic human liver disease
Authors: Kong Defu , Smith-Cortinez Natalia , Heegsma Janette , Blokzijl Hans , de Meijer Vincent E , Faber Klaas Nico 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background Liver regeneration is compromised in advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, where progenitor cell therapy is being considered as a therapeutic option. Little is known about the presence and potential role of leucine-rich-repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5-expressing (LGR5+) progenitor cells in chronically injured human liver. In this study, we analyzed LGR5 expression in fibrotic and cirrhotic human livers and studied the interaction between human liver organoids and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro.
Methods Control and fibrotic human liver tissues were combined in a tissue microaarray and sections were stained with H&E or Sirius red, or immune-stained for LGR5 and various liver cell type markers. Adult LGR5+ progenitor cell-derived human liver organoids were co-cultured with human LX-2 HSC or exposed to LX-2 conditioned medium and analyzed by q-PCR and immuno-microscopy.
Results LGR5 mRNA were significantly enhanced in fibrotic liver tissue and LGR5+ cell numbers positively correlated with the stage of fibrosis. LGR5+ cells accumulated close to the fibrotic bands and co-expressed hepatocyte markers, but not cholangiocyte markers. TGFβ1-activated LX-2 cells enhanced LGR5 expression in organoids and organoid growth, results that were replicated by exposing organoids to LX-2-conditioned medium. Blocking LX-2 activation by dimethyloxalylglycine prevented all these effects on liver organoids.
Conclusion LGR5+ progenitor cells are abundantly present in human liver fibrosis. Activated HSC induce LGR5 expression and growth of human liver organoids. Treatment of advanced liver fibrosis may therefore not strongly benefit from adding exogenous progenitor cells, but rather from promoting expansion and differentiation of the endogenous LGR5+ cells.
The Use of Lagrangian Interpolation Polynomial to Predict the Safe Distances for a Borehole Location in the Cemetery Vicinity
Authors: Fakunle Mutiu Alani , Adeleke David Kehinde 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Leachate formation and migration from cemeteries is a major threat to underground water bodies due to toxic chemicals released during decomposition. This study uses Lagrangian Interpolation Polynomial (LIP) to predict safe distances for locating hand-dug wells in the vicinity of a cemetery in Ede (Latitude 7.7349oN and Longitude 4.4439oE). Eleven (11) soil samples were collected using hand augers at 20.0 m intervals from the center of the cemetery to the outside of the sloppy side of it at a maximum depth of 2.0 m; they were analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of leachate ionic concentrations (LIC) (nitrate, sulphate, and carbonate). The analysis results were substituted into LIP to obtain a Model Equation (ME) for the predicted concentration (PC) of each ion. The graphs of LIC and PC against distance were plotted for each ionic component to compare and test for accuracy. The ME of PC for different ionic components was combined to obtain a General Model Equation (GME) for PC. The results of the correlation coefficient (CC) of LIC and PC for each model revealed that there is a strong correlation between them for nitrate (RRN = 0.9278, RPN = 0.9273), sulphate (RRS = 0.9394 and RPS = 0.9384), and carbonates (RRC = 0.9706 and RPC = 0.9701). The CC of GME of LIC and PC indicated a close correlation. Hence, Therefore, LIP can be used to calculate safe distances from cemeteries for hand-dug wells and boreholes.
The efficiency, inter-rater reliability and validity of a mobile application to aid periodontal classification.
Authors: Smith Michael , Alani Aws , Woolley Julian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Periodontitis is the sixth most common disease worldwide, with almost half of the UK adult population having a degree of irreversible periodontitis. Forming an accurate diagnosis is paramount in making decisions regarding treatment planning. The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability, validity and efficiency of a smartphone application to aid in forming a periodontitis diagnosis compared with conventional methods.
Methods
Twenty-five Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) were randomly allocated into two groups. All dentists were asked to diagnose 10 periodontal cases and time taken to complete was measured. In addition, participants recorded their confidence in forming a periodontal diagnosis. The experimental group undertook the exercise with the aid of a smartphone application to aid in forming a diagnosis. The control group used a diagnostic flow diagram published by the British Society of Periodontology.
Results
The mean of correct responses was 90% in the app group and 85% in the control group. The time to complete was 15.5 minutes in the app group and 20 minutes in the control group. These findings were statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability for both groups was comparably high.
Conclusion
The use of the mobile application increased the accuracy and efficiency in forming a periodontal diagnosis compared to traditional diagnostic aids.
Liver abscess formation after transarterial chemoembolization in patients with malignant hepatic tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yunan , Wang Hairui , Liu Zhaoyu , Chang Zhihui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Liver abscess rarely occurs after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer; however, its consequences are often serious. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the incidence of liver abscess and analyze its risk factors and mortality.
Methods
Two authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify reports of liver abscess formation after TACE in patients with malignant hepatic tumors. These searches encompassed each database from the date of its establishment until May 2022. We screened the articles and extracted the data.
Results
The pooled incidence of liver abscess formation after TACE was 0.54%. The heterogeneity of the studies was considerable and significant. Subgroup analyses revealed that the incidence of liver abscess formation after TACE was higher in studies that were of high quality and had small sample sizes. Liver metastasis and type 2 biliary abnormalities were significantly associated with the formation of liver abscess, and treatment with prophylactic antibiotics (PAs) was protective against liver abscesses. The pooled mortality rate of liver abscess was 7.73%, and the differences in mortality rates among the studies were statistically significant based on temporal trends. Egger’s test and funnel plots showed significant publication bias.
Conclusions
The incidence of liver abscess formation after TACE is low, but special attention should be paid to patients with type 2 biliary abnormalities and liver metastases. Treatment with PAs could reduce this incidence. The mortality rates of liver abscess decreased progressively over time.
Antimicrobial activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Uyayak) extracts, ADMET profiling and molecular docking of its bioactive compounds against dihydropteroate synthase of Escherichia coli
Authors: Bebia Glory P. , Edet Uwem Okon , Eyo Aniekan-Augusta Okon , Ogar Agbor Yeneochia , Ugwu Joy Chinweokwu , Mbim Elizabeth Nkagafel , Ogba Ofonime Mark , Nwaokorie Francisca O. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundEscherichia colilike otherEnterobactericeaeare frequent isolates implicated in food-borne diseases. The prevalence of multi-drug resistantE. coliisolates from street vended fruits and its salad is on the increase across Nigeria. This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activityTetrapleura tetraptera(Uyayak) againstE. colias well as the druggability and pharmacokinetics of its bioactive compounds using in-silico and in-vitro approaches. Methods We utilized previously reported standard protocols in the isolation, characterization and the identification of the isolates, and the collection and preparation of theT. tetrapterapods. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Resulting bioactive compounds from gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) were converted into canonical stings and used to for target prediction in humans and ADMET properties using the SWISSADME and pkCSM tools. Bioactive compounds that met Lipinski’s rule of five (ROF) were subjected to molecular docking against dihydropteroate synthase ofE. coliusing the AutoDock vina tool and the resulting interactions visualized in 2-D via Biovia Discovery Studio 21. Results The GC-MS analysis returned a total of twenty-eight (28) bioactive compounds. The abundance of theE. coliisolates varied according to location and fruit types. At trimethoprim and extracts concentrations of < 100mg/ml and < 100% respectively, the isolates showed resistance. A total of 13 bioactive compound showed zero violations to Lipinski’s rule of five (ROF). ADMET analysis of the screened bioactive compounds showed favourable absorption (intestinal and water solubility) and toxicity (AMES and hepatoxicity) profiles than trimethoprim. Molecular docking revealed various amino residues interacting with dihydropteroate synthase and gave docking scores that ranged from − 4.0 to -5.3 kcal/mole for the bioactive compounds and − 6.5 5 kcal/mole for trimethoprim. Target prediction showed that all the bioactive are capable of reaching various targets with nuclear receptor being the most abundant target. Conclusion The bioactive compounds ofT. tetrapteraexamined in this study showed favourable antimicrobial activity againstE. coli, docking scores and pharmacokinetics, suggesting the need for further studies to validate their potential as antimetabolites for management of pathogenicE. coliinfections.
An unusual presentation of primitive embryonal tumour of the meninges in a paediatric patient and review of literature
Authors: Mehta Ankita , Kotta Sridhar , Kotta Srawant , Nayak Sonali Susmita , Velagala Swetha , Vadgaonkar Rohit Avinash 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Primitive embryonal tumours of the meninges are an exceedingly rare entity and has been predominantly reported in the paediatric population. It poses a unique challenge in establishing the diagnosis as it closely resembles meningioma. This makes the incorporation of sophisticated techniques such as immunohistochemistry, molecular studies, and genetic analysis mandatory to arrive at a confirmative diagnosis. We hereby report a case of a 13-year boy who was diagnosed with primitive embryonal tumour that was initially sought to be a meningioma. Alongside, we have also included a review of literature on this entity focussing on paediatric population, where only a handful of case reports have been published till date. Although these tumours are biologically aggressive, but they tend to have good response rate with treatment. Due to rarity of this entity, consensus on the management guidelines is lacking. However, an acquaintance to this entity is important amongst neuro-oncologists to decrease the possibility of misdiagnosis and improve the cure rates and survival.