bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-related decreased brain activity during a semantic memory task is reflected in spontaneous brain functional connectivity
Authors: Egbert Anna , Pluta Agnieszka , Sobańska Marta , Gawron Natalia , Szymańska-Kotwica Bogna , Łojek Emilia , Group Harmonia 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe primary goal was to examine HIV-related changes in brain activation during a semantic memory task. The secondary goal was to assess whether the functional connectivity of the brain regions showing altered activity during the semantic memory task is related to HIV serostatus.Participants and procedureThe total group of 17 male subjects, aged on average 44 years, included 8 HIV+/cART+ and 9 demographically matched healthy comparators. Participants completed Famous Names Recognition task-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting state fMRI.ResultsWe found an effect of HIV status on brain activation during the semantic memory task, despite comparable accuracy and reaction time across groups. Compared to healthy individuals, in HIV+ participants recognition of famous names elicited less activity in the fronto-striatal network, particularly in the left caudate nucleus (p = .049), left inferior frontal gyrus (p = .047), left thalamus (p = .031) and right thalamus (p = .047), as well as in the left middle occipital gyrus (p = .028). Although an effect of HIV status on functional connectivity of the brain regions showing altered activity during semantic memory task was not observed, resting-state activation of those regions was significantly correlated with performance on cognitive domains of attention, executive functioning, psychomotor speed and semantic skills.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the presence of functional brain network reorganization in HIV+/cART+ patients, particu-larly in subcortical regions of the fronto-striatal network, in the absence of neurocognitive decline.
It’s not the mortality rate, stupid!
Authors: Ramer Alexis 
Published: May 2020

From the leader of the Free World to the world press to more than one researcher, there has been a focus on something called the mortality rate of the new viral disease, COVID-192. We are told that whether we should worry or not worry depends on whether the new(ish)3 infection does or does not cause many more deaths than traditional infections like the flu, a number apparently to be arrived at by dividing the number of fatalities by the number of infected (or ill or diagnosed) people. If this number is comparable to the flu, then we are supposed to take a break from worrying. On the other hand, if it is significantly higher, then we should go back to worrying. Or instead of flu, we are told to think of the number of people who die in car crashes divided by the total number of people driving or riding in an automobile. These are the supposedly key numbers we heard and read about when the question of locking down arose in the past couple of months. They are now red-hot again as the issue of what to do next (for example, relax the lock-down or maybe make it stricter?) becomes urgent.
Polymyalgia rheumatica following infective triggersor vaccinations: a different subset of disease?
Authors: Falsetti Paolo , Conticini Edoardo , Acciai Caterina , Baldi Caterina , Bardelli Marco , Gentileschi Stefano , Cantarini Luca , Frediani Bruno 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the commonest inflammatory disorder of the elderly; an association with environmental triggers and a deregulated immune response have been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of environmental triggers before the onset of PMR.Material and methodsThe database of 58 consecutive PMR patients recruited from a single rheumatology secondary care setting was retrospectively analyzed to investigate the frequency of environmental triggers and correlations with clinical characteristics, ultrasound and laboratory data.ResultsFifteen PMR patients (26%) described a connection with environmental agents: six PMR patients reported a vaccination, 4 reported a respiratory tract infection, 5 reported seasonal influenza before the onset of the disease. The model of multivariate linear regression which better predicted a shorter time to normalize inflammatory reactants (R2 = 27.46%, p = 0.0042) comprised the presence of an environmental trigger and a higher PCR. A linear regression analysis confirmed an inverse correlation between PCR at onset and time to normalize inflammatory reactant (r = –0.3031, p = 0.0208). A significant correlation was demonstrated between presence of environmental trigger and shorter time to normalize inflammation (r = –0.5215, p < 0.0001), and lesser frequency of gleno-humeral synovitis on US (r = –0.3774, p = 0.0038).ConclusionsOur work describes a correlation between environmental triggers in PMR and higher CRP at diagnosis, faster response to therapy, and milder shoulder synovitis. We may suppose that these patients belong to a more specific subtype of PMR, in whom external stimuli, such as vaccination or infection, may lead to a deregulated response within the context of an impaired senescent immuno-endocrine system.
Biochemical and Histopathological Studies on the Efficacy of Camel Milk and Urine against Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Labbo Abdullahi Muhammad , Sheshe Sadeeq Muhammad , Bello Haris Ja’afar , Shehu Zulkallaini , Bello Zainab Hassan 
Published: May 2020

Background: Camel urine has been extensively used for the treatment of diseases including cancer. However, it uses in the management of diabetes complication has not been explored.
Aim: Present study aimed to access the effect of camel milk and urine on biochemical parameters and histopathological alterations of the liver in alloxan induced diabetic rats.
Methodology: Twenty-five male albino rats were divided into five groups; group 1 served as the Nondiabetic (NDC), group 2 as Diabetic control (DC), group 3, 4 and 5 are animals treated with camel milk (DCM), camel urine (DCU) and metformin (DM) respectively. The treatment was for twenty-one days. The protective role of camel milk and urine was evaluated by determining biochemical parameters and also by studying the histopathological alterations of the liver.
Results: The results indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total protein (TP) in DC rats compared to NDC. However, nosignificant difference was observed in the serum level of alkaline phosphate (ALP) between NDC and DC groups (P <0.05). Treatments of diabetic rats with either camel milk, camel urine or metformin significantly (P <0.05) serum activities of AST, ALT and TP. The results of lipid profile show that pretreatment of diabetic rats with camel milk or urine significantly (P<0.05) decreases serum levels of triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to diabetic control group compared to DC group. Moreover, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased remarkably in the groups treated with CM, CU and metformin respectively. Histopathological studies of the liver revealed that all the severe endocrine changes in the endocrine part and localized necrosis present in DC are absent in the Diabetic treated with camel milk (DCM), Diabetic treated with camel urine (DCU) and Diabetic treated with metforming (DM) groups.
Conclusion: Treatment with camel milk or urine has the potential to delay the onset of diabetic complications.
Cardiac and Hepatic miRNAs Altered Expression in Rat Embryo after Bisphenol-A (BPA) Exposure and Their Histopathological Impact (In vivo Study)
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed S. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Plastic compound are widely used in modern life. Bisphenol-A is an essential component in high quality plastic containers such as bottles and food boxes. Beside its hormonal agonist and antagonist effects, Food and drug administration (FDA) had reported it is transmitted from mother to fetus through placental circulation causing mi-RNAs mutation. mi-RNAs regulate cellular morphology and functions through its essential role in genetic expression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of exposure of BPA on maternal [placenta, body weight & blood pressure] and fetal [liver, heart & miRNAs expression] and the impact of miRNAs expression disorders on multiorgan development, namely cardiac and hepatic development.
Materials and Methods: 60 healthy pregnant females’ rats were picked up since day one of gestation and divided into three groups (n=20). (c) control group gained access to drinking water containing only the vehicle (tween-80) 0.1/ml for three weeks.(10-BPA) group, gained access to drinking water containing 10 mg/L of BPA for three weeks.(20-BPA) group, gained access to drinking water containing 20 mg/L of BPA for three weeks. Placenta, liver and heart samples were collected and histopathological changes were recorded and mi-RNAs expression was investigated.
Results: Histopathological changes were noticed in BPA related groups if compared to control group. mi-RNAs expression was found in same groups with variable extent. A significant increase was noticed in body weight and blood pressure of pregnant rats.
Conclusion: Our data examined the impact of BPA exposure on different organs and their related miRNAs expression which showed a non-neglectable effect especially on the placenta of the mother and fetal heart and liver.
Optimization of Soil DNA Extraction Protocol Using Na2EDTA, SDS, Heating, Vortexing and CaCl2 and Its Validation for Metagenomic Studies
Authors: Pasha Malik Ahmed , More Sachin A. , Krishnaraj P. U. 
Published: May 2020

Aim: Several methods described previously for isolation and purification of soil DNA. Most of these protocols use combination of techniques or methods but the role and contribution of each individual method or component used is not clearly discussed. This study aims at analysing the effect of individual components used in extraction of DNA from soil and finally to optimize soil DNA isolation protocol and its validation by using 16SrDNA sequence analysis.
Methods and Results: The soil was washed with anionic buffers before lysis step to reduce humic substances and release microbial cells from soil matrix, then the cells were lysed using combination of SDS, heating and vortexing and finally humic substances were removed using chemical flocculation. Pre-lysis washing of soil with 100 mmol l-1 Na2EDTA proved good for releasing microbial cells from soil matrix. Heating the soil sample at 75°C yielded good quantity (15.73 µg g-1 soil) DNA followed by 2% SDS (10.28 µg g-1 soil) and vortexing at 1400 rpm (8.94 µg g-1 soil). Combination of heating, SDS and vortexing yielded 25 µg DNA per gram of soil. Different concentrations of chemical flocculants like AlNH4(SO4)2, FeCl3, CaCl2 and MgCl2 were used to reduce humic substances. Flocculation with 100 mmol l-1 CaCl2 removed 5.2 mg humic substances without significant loss of DNA. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of DNA extracted from soil reveals presence of all the common soil bacterial species indicating the protocol is unbiased.
Conclusion: Combination of chemical (SDS) and physical (heating and vortexing) methods yield good DNA whereas addition of enzyme (lysozyme) did not show significant effect on cell lysis. The digestion of isolated DNA with restriction enzyme and amplification of 16S rDNA using Taq DNA polymerase indicates the isolated DNA is pure enough for metagnomic analysis. 16Sr DNA sequencing of soil DNA indicates that this protocol can extract good quality and quantity DNA from range of bacteria present in soil varying in their cell wall composition. The optimised protocol is unbiased, very simple, does not need special equipments and many samples can be processed simultaneously.
Malaria Prevalence Investigation among Pregnant Women in Relation to Their Social Well Being: A Case Study of Lugbe and Gosa, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Edith Onyemaechi Ngozi , David Malann Yoila 
Published: May 2020

Aim: This research aim was to investigate the impact of living conditions (Socio demographic characteristics) of pregnant women on their malarial status.
Study Design: In order to achieve the objectives of the study, Cross sectional survey was used. This is because only a subsect of the population was used. Descriptive designs was utilised in the Questionnaire aspect of the study.
Place and Duration of Study: The Presidential Malarial initiative PMI/USAID - funded Insectary Laboratory at Nasarawa State University, Keffi/six (6) Months.
Methodology: Blood samples were collected from the participating pregnant women by pricking their thumb and the blood droplet was examined using a direct thin and thick blood smear preparation stained with giemsa for the presence of the ring form stages of the parasites in the blood of the individuals in the laboratory. Qualitative data were sourced through Questionnaire administration to 589 pregnant women in Antenatal care clinics (ANC) in the area and their malaria status was also determined.
Results: Study results showed a high prevalence rate of malaria in pregnancy (70.5%), the greater number of occurrences being in Lugbe (42.3%) than in Gosa (28.2%). Those living in houses built with wood recorded more positive cases of malaria and are at greater risk of infection (odds = 1.866%).
Conclusion: This study has shown an increased rate of malaria infection amongst pregnant women living in wood and mud houses. The result also shows high rate of malaria occurrences due to low living conditions amongst pregnant women domiciled in this area of study. Hence, pregnant women should as a routine be placed on malaria prophylaxis and periodically checked as they can be asymptomatic, only exhibiting symptoms when its already late.
Evolution of COVID-19 Infection in Mexico until 28 March, 2020: A Descriptive Ecological Study
Authors: Padilla-Raygoza Nicolás , Navarro-Olivos Efraín , Gallardo-Luna María de Jesús , Magos-Vazquez Francisco J. 
Published: May 2020

Aims: To describe the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico.
Study Design: Ecological descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Registries of confirmed cases for COVID-19 in Mexican population during February and until 28 March 2020, 13:00 PM, from National System of Epidemiological Surveillance/ General Direction of Epidemiology/ Secretary of Health, Mexico.
Methodology: Accord to database of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by Secretary of Health in Mexico, it was collected data on age, gender, source of infection (travel to USA, European or Asian countries). It was included 848 registries.
Results: The first confirmed case in Mexico was 20 February 2020 and the frequency is arising at the end of February and throughout March. The early confirmed cases were imported cases for travel to USA, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Singapore. No one travelled to China. Now, there are confirmed cases infected for contact with a case.
Conclusion: The frequency of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is higher and the health authorities in Mexico are waiting that the peak of the epidemiological curve is in late March and early April.
Diagnosing Herpetic Genital Ulcers in a Resource-Limited Setting- What Works?
Authors: Singh Vyoma , Muralidhar Sumathi , Dar Lalit , Kundu Naveen , Ramesh V. 
Published: May 2020

Aims: Globally, viral agents, especially herpes simplex virus (HSV), have overtaken the bacterial causes of genital ulcers. Very few laboratories in India, perform culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of genital ulcers. This study aimed to establish the utility of existing tests, which are cheaper and need less technical expertise, when compared to newer tests such as PCR.
Study Design: This cross sectional study was carried out to determine the aetiology of genital ulcers, with emphasis on diagnosis of herpetic ulcers, using newer and more accurate methods of diagnosis and evaluating their performance by comparing against viral culture as gold standard test.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out over a period of one year in the Apex Regional Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Centre at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi and the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi.
Methodology: Fifty three patients with genital ulcers were included in the study. Specimens from ulcers were taken for various tests, including Giemsa stain, ELISA for HSV-1 & 2, PCR and Viral culture for HSV.
Results: HSV was identified in 31 of 53 cases (58.5%), including 03 cases of HSV-1, and 28 cases of HSV-2. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR was 90.0% and 84.85%, respectively. Viral culture positivity was 37.7%.
Conclusion: Genital herpes is associated with an increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition, and clinical manifestations are diverse; hence a presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed by reliable laboratory tests. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are the most sensitive methods for direct detection of HSV. The extensive validation of these tests allows for their application in routine laboratory settings with consistency and greater diagnostic accuracy. When standardised and used, PCR is a highly reproducible, rapid and labour efficient method for HSV detection.
Proximal Redevelopment of Brownfield and Derelict Sites Near Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Jr. Berkley N. King , Johnson Carol J. , Herron Sherry , Jr. Leroy Hamilton 
Published: May 2020

It is critical to educate higher education faculty about the importance of redeveloping brownfields into usable spaces for campus expansion. While there are many studies on the success of brownfield redevelopment, research is limited on how professors’ perceptions on brownfield redevelopment can help their institutions to impact community initiatives and promote collaborative, environmental efforts. Hence, a need to design methods to collect, record and analyze professors’ perceptions became fundamental in capturing the voices of participants and ensuring the accuracy of their responses. The first set of analysis methods included categorizations, descriptions and interpretations of qualitative data. The secondary method of analysis utilized descriptive statistics to measure the most important indicators that influence professors’ perceptions to redevelop brownfield sites near their campus communities.
Pseudonyms are used for the three universities across Jefferson County in the State of Alabama which provided access to their professors. Findings from the study showed that professors from two universities were knowledgeable and aware of the sociological and economic challenges in low income communities where brownfields are geographically located. Findings also indicated that Eta-One University was a recipient of an EPA Region 4 grant that focused on educating low income communities associated with the presence of brownfield sites in their area. Alpha-One University was eager to establish a special partnership initiative. Although Gamma-One University was located in a high crime and low-income community with potential brownfield sites, the faculty showed no interest in participating in the study. Therefore, challenges and factors that Gamma-One University faced were undetermined.
Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer and Screening Practices among Nurses at Lahore General Hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Ayub Nazia , Maqsud Mahliqa , Tahseen Huma , Sharif Mehmona , Waris Nahid , Rai Aliezeh Fatima 
Published: May 2020

Objective: To find out the knowledge, awareness and screening practices of cervical cancer among nurses at Lahore general Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, interview based study was conducted on 250 nurses at Lahore general Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. The duration of this study was one year from 2017 to 2018. All the cases underwent interview based information regarding cervical cases. The questionnaire was applied to assess the knowledge, awareness and screening practices about cervical cancer among nurses. Data was collected via self-made proforma.
Results: Most of the study participants were less than 35 years. 72% nurses were married and 28% were married. Most of the study participants 96% known that cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cervical cells and few were unaware regarding it. According to causes of cervical cancer, 70% to 75.6% participants agreed with the causes of early marriage and multiple sex partners, while others had ideas of smoking, infection and hereditary causes. 25.5% nurses answered that it can occur in any age group, 11.2% replied in reproductive age group, 42.8% were agreed with menopausal age group and 20.4% had no idea. 75.6% to 95.5% nurses were in the favor of scanning, pap smear test and cervical biopsy methods. 85 participants said it is a preventable disease via vaccination, early diagnosis and safe sex activities.
Conclusion: It was concluded that nurses had satisfactory knowledge and screening practice cervical cancer at Lahore general Hospital.
Molecular Docking Analysis of Lipoprotein Receptor Antigen I –Causing Endocarditis Interaction with Antibiotics and Immunoglobulins
Authors: Alshehri Bader 
Published: May 2020

Bacterial endocarditis is a life-threatening infectious disease. In recent years, significant changes have occurred in risk factors, prophylaxis, common causative microorganisms, antibiotic resistance patterns of these organisms, diagnostic criteria, and antibiotic treatment of bacterial endocarditis. The viridans group of streptococci the most common cause of endocarditis, and its lipoprotein receptor antigen proteins (LraI) function as adhesins in several streptococci, as a virulence factor for endocarditis. The increasing trend of antibiotic resistance towards endocarditis, there is an immediate need to identify the mechanisms of molecular interactions of these virulence factors with common antibiotics and immunoglobulins. Thus, in this study, a group of five Streptococcal enzymes of LraI family (SsaB from Streptococcus sanguinis, ScaA from S. gordonii, PsaA from S. pneumoniae, FimA from S. parasanguinis, and ScbA from S. cristatus) were selected and considered as reactive sites. Three dimensional structure of the target receptor LraI family enzymes were docked with the antibiotic molecules using Hex 8.0.0 molecular docking method. The study found no potential affinity between the enzymes (receptors) and the antibiotics (ligands) during the molecular docking. However, a strong binding affinity towards IgM was observed with all the LraI family of five enzymes; hence, IgM was the most efficient antibody that could be used against bacterial endocarditis.