bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pesticide Residues in The Formoso River: A Threat To Biodiversity In The Cerrado of The Tocantins State, Brazil
Authors: Guarda Patrícia Martins , Gualberto Larissa da S. , Mendes Danylo B. , Guarda Emerson Adriano , Silva José Expedito C. da 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The biodiversity of the Cerrado has been threatened by the increase in agricultural production in the state of Tocantins and by the increased use of pesticides. This region of Formoso do Araguaia, it is home to around 1,825 indigenous people and is one of the largest indigenous territories in the state of Tocantins This work investigates the levels of pesticide residues in different environmental compartments (soil, sediment and water samples) of the Formoso River in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. The presence of pesticides of the imidazolinones and strobirulins classes by UHPLC-MS/MS were analyzed from April 2018 to February 2019, which helped in an evaluation of the impacts of pesticides on the biodiversity of the place of study. After analysis, five active principles (azoxystrobin, fenamidone, imazethapyr, tricyclazole, and trifloxystrobin) were detected in the water matrix, two active principles (azoxystrobin and tricyclazole) in the soil matrix, but no active principle was detected in the sediment matrix. In the region of the Parque do Araguaia Indigenous Lands, people who use this water for cultivation, hygiene and food, which is worrying, are exposed to these substances.
Embryonic and Gonadal Development of the Chinese Three-keeled Pond Turtle, Mauremys Reevesii
Authors: Akashi Hiroshi , Kubota Manami , Yamamoto Hibiki , Miyaoku Kaori , Yamagishi Genki , Miyagawa Shinichi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is a mechanism in which environmental temperature rather than innate zygotic genotype determines the fate of sexual differentiation during embryonic development. The Chinese three-keeled pond turtle, Mauremys reevesii, has TSD and can thus be compared to other TSD species to elucidate the molecular basis underlying this mechanism. Nevertheless, neither embryogenesis nor gonadogenesis has been described in this species. Here, we investigated the chronology of normal embryonic development and gonadal structures in M. reevesii under both female- and male-producing incubation temperatures (FPT or MPT, respectively). External morphology remained indistinct between the two temperature regimes throughout the studied embryonic stages. However, the sexual differentiation of gonadal structures began earlier in the embryos at FPT than at MPT. Moreover, the offset of the thermosensitive period, at which the gonadal structures often remain sexually undifferentiated, did not occur at the same stage at FPT and MPT. In ovo experiments are particularly important for understanding the functional roles of genes involved in TSD, and the present study provides the basis required for designing such developmental studies in M. reevesii.
HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping success rates and correlates of Dried-blood spots and plasma specimen genotyping failure in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Omooja Jonah , Bbosa Nicholas , Lule Dan Bugembe , Nannyonjo Maria , Lunkuse Sandra , Nassolo Faridah , Nabirye Stella , Suubi Hamidah Namagembe , Kaleebu Pontiano , Ssemwanga Deogratius 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping is critical to the monitoring of antiretroviral treatment. Data on HIV-1 genotyping success rates of different laboratory specimen types from multiple sources is still scarce. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we determined the laboratory genotyping success rates (GSR) and assessed the correlates of genotyping failure of 6837 unpaired dried blood spot (DBS) and plasma specimens from multiple studies/sources. Specimens from multiple studies in a resource-constrained setting were analysed in our laboratory between 2016 and 2019. Results: We noted an overall GSR of 65.7% and specific overall GSR for DBS and plasma of 49.8% and 85.9% respectively. The correlates of genotyping failure were viral load (VL) <10,000 copies/mL (aOR 0.3 95% CI: 0.24-0.38; p<0.0001), lack of viral load testing prior to genotyping (OR 0.85 95% CI: 0.77-0.94; p=0.002), use of DBS specimens (aOR 0.10 95% CI: 0.08-0.14; p<0.0001) and specimens from routine clinical diagnosis (aOR 1.4 95% CI: 1.10-1.75; p=0.005). Conclusions: We report rapidly decreasing HIV-1 genotyping success rates between 2016 and 2019 with increased use of DBS specimens for genotyping and note decreasing median viral loads over the years. We recommend improvement in DBS handling, viral load testing prior to genotyping and development of more sensitive assays to genotype specimens with low or undetectable viral load, especially in this era where virological suppression rates are rising due to increased antiretroviral therapy roll-out.
Formulation and Characterisation of Polyester-Lignite Composite Coated Controlled-Release Fertilisers
Authors: Gunaratnam Abhiram , Bishop Peter , Jeyakumar Paramsothy , Grafton Miles , Davies Clive E. , McCurdy Murray 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Two polyester-lignite composite coated urea controlled-release fertilisers (CRFs; Poly3 and Poly5) were developed and their physicochemical properties were studied. Both these CRFs significantly (p < 0.05) extended the urea release compared to uncoated urea; Poly3 and Poly5 by 117 and 172 hours, respectively. The urea release characteristics of Poly5 were further enhanced by linseed oil application (Poly5-linseed). The SEM images demonstrated the coatings were in contact with the urea and encase urea particles completely with the average coating thickness of 167.2 ± 15 µm. The new interactions between polyester and lignite in the composite coating were confirmed by the FTIR analysis. Polyester-calcium carbonate (Polyester-CaCO3) coated CRFs (Calc3 & Calc5) were developed using CaCO3 as a filler in place of lignite and the urea dissolution rate was compared with Poly3 and Poly5. The urea release times for the polyester- CaCO3 formulations, 48h and 72h, were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the polyester-lignite formulation, showing that lignite imparted greater control over release time than CaCO3. Findings from this work showed that polyester-lignite composites can be used as a coating material for CRFs.
Antibacterial activity of green gold and silver nanoparticles using ginger root extract
Authors: Yadi Morteza , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Azizi Mehdi , Milani Morteza 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies demonstrated that the speed of synthesis, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) metals is enhanced when biosynthesized in nano-sized particles. In the present study, Au NPs and Ag NPs were synthesized via a biological process using aqueous Ginger root extract and characterized by various spectroscopic methods. Methods & ResultsThe NPs were found to be in hexagonal and spherical shapes. The average particle size for Au and Ag NPs was found to be 20 nm and 15 nm, respectively. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) method has shown that the zeta potential values of synthesized NPs were found to be 5.7 mv and 7.11mv, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Ginger root extract revealed 25 compounds. The synthesized NPs showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro with IC50 and IC90 values for Au and Ag NPs, respectively, noted to be 7.5 and 7.3 µg/ml and 15 and 15.2 µg/ml for both bacterial strains. The protein leakage level was high and morphological changes occurred in bacteria treated with biosynthesized NPs. ConclusionThese results suggest that the biosynthesized metallic NPs show potential for application as antibacterial agents with enhanced activities.
Modified minimally invasive anteromedial approach with cannulated screw fixation for medial malleolus fracture: A novel technique
Authors: Qin Yingda , Zhang Tao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: In the treatment of medial malleolus fracture with traditional anteromeal ankle incision, the skin incision is larger and the incision-related complications are more. This study aims to explore the efficacy of this minimally invasive approach in the treatment of medial malleolus fracture.Methods: A retrospective analysis the patients with ankle fracture who were treated with modified minimally invasive anteromedial approach (MMITAA group) in our hospital between January 2019 and April 2020, and patients with ankle fracture treated with traditional anteromedial approach (TAA group) between January 2018 and December 2019. After regular follow-up, perioperative period, follow-up and imaging data of the two groups were compared to evaluate whether the therapeutic effect of the modified approach was better than that of the traditional approach.Results: The preoperative VAS score was 6.89 ± 1.74 in the MMIAA group and 7.17 ± 1.06 in the TAA group (P > 0.05). The VAS score in the MMIAA group was 4.97 ± 1.10 at 3 days after the surgery, which was significantly lower than the 6.20 ± 0.92 in the TAA group. The VAS score at 1 month after the surgery was still lower in the MMIAA group than in the TAA group.According to the results of postoperative ankle CT, the maximum postoperative step-off of the articular surface was 0.14 ± 0.12 mm in the MMIAA group and 0.18 ± 0.18 mm in the TAA group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The postoperative AOFAS score was 95.95 ± 6.81 points in the MMIAA group and 93.99 ± 8.74 points in the TAA group, which was slightly higher in the MMIAA group than in the TAA group, with no significant difference. Of the four subjective scores included in the AOFAS, the pain score of 38.15 ± 3.90 in the MMIAA group was significantly lower than the 36.51 ± 5.03 in the TAA group.All patients achieved fractrue healing.Conclusions: The modified minimally invasive anteromedial approach greatly shortened the lenth of incision, thereby reducing the incidence of incision-related complications, by smaller trauma achieve the same clinical effect.
Astaxanthin and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence
Authors: Gao XinZheng , Mo WenYue , Ye HuaQiang , Long Zhen , Kou RuiRui , Qiao PeiYao , Meng RuiLong , He Rui , Du Le 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the effect of astaxanthin on clinical indicators related to cardiovascular disease. Methods: Fives databases include PUBMED, CNKI, WEIPU, WAN FANG and ClinicalTrials were searched up to January 31, 2022, and the random-effects model was used to calculate the summary risk. A total of 14 epidemiological studies were included in this meta-analysis.Results: The overall study showed no significant dose-response association of astaxanthin (AST) with diastolic blood pressure, DBP (weighted mean difference, WND:-0.186, 95%confidence interval, CI:-0.374 to 0.002, P=0.052) and body mass index, BMI ( WND:0.095, 95%CI: -0.164 to 0.354, P=0.473).However, the results revealed that astaxanthin can significantly reduce the concentrations of total cholesterol (WND:-0.310, 95% CI:-0.541 to -0.168, P=0.000), the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C (WND: -0.207, 95% CI: -0.396 to -0.019, P=0.031), the concentrations of triglyceride (WND:-0.603, 95% CI:-1.028 to -0.179, P=0.005), the concentrations of glucose (WND: -0.353, 95% CI:-0.596 to -0.110, P=0.004) and systolic blood pressure, SBP(WND:-0.258, 95% CI:-0.495 to -0.021, P=0.033). Moreover, astaxanthin could increase the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C (WND: -0.294, 95% CI:-0.515 to -0.072, P=0.009).Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that astaxanthin has a protection role on the cardiovascular system. Further studies need to be conducted to verify the findings.
Cortisol response to psychological stress in patients with schizophrenia in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhu Yu , Huang Junchao , Zhou Yanfang , Tong Jinghui , Zhang Ping , Luo Xingguang , Chen Song , Tian Baopeng , Tan Shuping , Wang Zhiren , Han Xiaole , Tian Li , Li Chiang-Shan , Hong Elliot , Tan Yunlong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction might play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore the cortisol response to psychological stress in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, patients with schizophrenia (n = 104) and healthy volunteers (n = 59) were asked to complete psychological stress challenge tasks, which included the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task and Mirror-Tracing Persistence Task, and then, saliva was collected to measure cortisol levels. Emotions and psychopathology were assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The results showed (1) that the cortisol stress response and negative emotions in patients with schizophrenia differed significantly from those in healthy controls; (2) there were significant interactions between sampling time and diagnosis for saliva cortisol levels; (3) there were significant interactions between scoring time and diagnosis for the negative affect score of the PANAS; and (4) the changes in salivary cortisol levels and negative affect scores before and after the psychological stress challenge tasks were not correlated with clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. These findings indicated that an abnormal cortisol stress response might be a stable biological characteristic of schizophrenia.
Investigation of cotton textile industry wastewater treatment with electrocoagulation process: performance, mineralization, and kinetic study
Authors: Asfaha Yemane G. , Zewge Feleke , Yohannes Teketel , Kebede Shimelis 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this study, the performance of the electrocoagulation (EC) process was evaluated for its capability to remove color, total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD) using aluminium electrodes. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design was used to optimize different operating conditions of the processes. The interaction effects of four independent variables such as dye concentration, applied current density, electrolysis time, and pH on the percentage of COD, TOC, and color removal were investigated by the EC process. ANOVA analysis was made to examine the significance of input parameters and their interaction effect on responses. At the optimum operating conditions, 89% of color, 47% of TOC, and 76% of COD removal rate were achieved using the EC process. Different research works have been reported on the treatment of textile wastewater by the EC process. However, these researches vary regarding working conditions such as dye type, concentration, current density, pH, electrolysis time, and electrode type. Also, most literature focuses mainly on the performance of the technology. However, it is also important to investigate the economic aspect, removal mechanism, and mineralization study. Thus, economic analyses, mineralization, kinetic, sludge characterization studies of the technology were performed.
Well-design and synthesis of a water- and heat-resistant UiO-67@CNTs composite for Congo red efficient capture
Authors: Jin Yuning , Wu Danping , Ma Na , Dai Wei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
MOFs (metal-organic frameworks) significantly suffer from water- and heat instable issues, restricting their practical application, such as the capture of hazardous anionic dyes (e.g. Congo red, CR) from water. In the present contribution, a series of novel composites (UiO-67@CNTs) composed of microporous UiO-67 (Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12) and mesoporous CNTs (carbon nanotubes) have been innovatively synthesized by an in-situ hydrothermal reaction strategy. This UiO-67@CNT impressively retains structural integrity whether contacted with strong acid, distilled water, and strong alkali conditions even for 20 days. Due to the existence of CNT, its heat stability can reach up to 480 °C, which is superior to that of UiO-67. Open Zr(IV) sites, mesoporous, and high surface area in the structure of UiO-67@CNTs play associative effects for CR capture ability. CR uptakes over (5.0)UiO-67@CNTs can reach 1024 mg/g, exceeding some other previous adsorbents in literature. Importantly, UiO-67@CNTs could retain a remarkable CR capture ability even after the fifth cycle. This work expands views for water-heat resistant MOF-based composite with excellent ability of CR capture.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Involvement in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Gianferrara Teresa , Cescon Eleonora , Grieco Ilenia , Spalluto Giampiero , Federico Stephanie 
Published: February 2022

Background:GSK-3β activity has been strictly related to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Alzheimer’s disease is the most studied neurodegenerative disease, but GSK-3β seems to be involved in almost all neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, and the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis.Objective:This review aims to help researchers both working on this research topic or not to have a comprehensive overview of GSK-3β in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.Method:Literature has been searched using PubMed and SciFinder databases by inserting specific keywords. A total of more than 500 articles have been discussed.Results:First of all, the structure and regulation of the kinase were briefly discussed, and then, specific GSK-3β implications in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases were illustrated with the help of figures, to conclude with a comprehensive overview on the most important GSK-3β and multitarget inhibitors. The structure and IC50 values at the target kinase have been reported for all the discussed compounds.Conclusion:GSK-3β is involved in several signaling pathways in neurons, glial cells and immune cells. The fine regulation and interconnection of all these pathways are at the base of the rationale use of GSK-3β inhibitors in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Some compounds are now under clinical trials. Despite this, the compounds’ pharmacodynamic and ADME/Tox profiles were often not fully characterized which is deleterious in such a complex system.
Application of Olefin Metathesis to Organic Synthesis
Authors: Wright Dennis L. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
The design and execution of complex molecule synthesis centers upon those reactions that are truly versatile and reliable, especially those that form carbon-carbon bonds. For many decades, alkene metathesis reactions have found great application in polymer synthesis, but it has only been recently that this reaction is finding a place in the arsenal of the synthetic chemist. This new role for the olefin metathesis reaction is directly related to the recent development of stable, well-defined catalysts for this reaction. Ruthenium and molybdenum catalysts, among others, are finding wide spread use in organic synthesis. These catalysts are able to promote the exchange of two independent alkenes and result in the formation of a new olefin. The most common use for this reaction involves an intermolecular variation whereby a tethered diene is metathesized to form a cycloalkene. This ring-closing metathesis (RCM) process has been shown to be remarkably versatile and is tolerant to a wide range of accompanying functionality. RCM reactions are now widely used for the preparation of carbocyclic, azacyclic, and oxacyclic systems. This review focuses on the versatility offered by these well-defined catalyst systems and focuses on their use in the synthesis of natural and non-natural products.
Marine	Opisthobranch	Molluscs:	Chemistry	and	Ecology	in Sacoglossans and Dorids
Authors: Cimino Guido , Fontana Angelo , Gavagnin Margherita 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
Opisthobranchs are marine molluscs apparently unprotected by physical constraints of a shell which is either reduced or completely absent in the adults. Their survival is based on a series of defensive strategies, which involve cryptic behaviour and use of deterrents. During the last twenty years, many studies have been performed to characterize the chemicals isolable
from these animals. In this paper we summarize the studies covering two large groups of
opistobranch molluscs: sacoglossans and dorids. The main aim is to give to the readers a brief view of the compounds isolated from these molluscs, and, when it is possible, to suggest an ecological role for them. The Order Sacoglossa has been selected as it contains a wide range of morphological types from primitive species with a relatively strong external shell to shell-less types. The chemical studies of these molluscs have been reviewed with the aim of constructing a general scenario based on chemical evidence. Similar reasons prompted us to review the chemical data of the shell-less dorid nudibranchs belonging to the superfamilies Eudoridoidea and Bathydoridoidea. In this case, the review dates from the literature subsequent to Karuso's
1987 review "Chemical Ecology of Nudibranchs". The selection of the two groups, sacoglossans and dorids, is also due to their different, but exclusive feeding habits, green algae for sacoglossans and sponges for dorids. The critical analysis of all these studies illuminates the extraordinary capability of opisthobranch molluscs to create new chemistry through either bio­ accumulation of selected metabolites from their dietary sources, bio-transformation of dietary compounds, or de novo bio-synthesis of useful chemicals. However, it is difficult to determine the boundaries of these investigations. In fact, their ecological contributions are relevant and applications useful for man are foreseable.
Computational Ligand Design
Authors: Apostolakist J. , Caflisch A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
A variety of computational tools that are used to assist drug design are reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to the limitations and merits of different methodologies. Recently, a number of general methods have been proposed for clustering compounds in classes of drug­ like and non-drug-like molecules. The usefulness of this classification for drug design is discussed. The estimation of (relative) binding affinities is from a theoretical point of view the most challenging part of ligand design. We review three methods for the estimation of binding energies. Firstly, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) are presented. These have gained significantly from recent developments of experimental techniques for combinatorial synthesis and high-throughput screening as well as the use of powerful computational procedures like genetic algorithms and neural networks for the derivation of models. Secondly, empirical energy functions are shown to lead to more general models than standard QSAR, since they are fitted to a variety of complexes. They have been used recently with considerable success. Thirdly, we briefly outline free energy calculations based on molecular dynamics simulations, the method with the most sound theoretical foundation. Recent developments are reestablishing the interest in this approach. In the last part of this review structure-based ligand design programs are described. These are closely related to docking, with the difference that in design, unlike in most docking procedures, ligands are built on a fragment-by-fragment basis. Finally, a short description of our approach to computational combinatorial ligand design is given.