bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is the Effect of Lumbar Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation on Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Single-Center, Observational Study
Authors: Patel Trusharth , Watterson Christopher , McKenzie-Brown Anne Marie , Spektor Boris , Egan Katherine , Boorman David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a denervation therapy commonly performed for pain of facet etiology. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, a malalignment of the spinal vertebrae, may be a co-existing condition contributing to pain; yet the effect of RFA on advancing listhesis is unknown. To the extent that denervating RFA can weaken paraspinal muscles that provide stability to the spine, the therapy can potentially contribute to progressive spinal instability.
Objectives

To test the hypothesis that RFA of painful facets in the setting of spondylolisthesis may contribute to advancement of further degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Methods

Single-center, prospective, observational pilot study in an interventional pain practice. Fifteen participants with pre-existing degenerative Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis and coexisting axial lumbar pain underwent lumbar RFA encompassing spondylolisthesis level and followed with post-RFA imaging at 12 months and beyond to measure percent change in spondylolisthesis.
Results

The primary outcome was the percent advancement of spondylolisthesis per year measured on post-RFA lateral lumbar spine imaging compared to non-intervention baseline advancement of 2.6% per limited observational studies. Among the 15 participants enrolled, 14 completed the study (median age 66; 64.3% women; median BMI 33.5; mean follow-up time 23.9 months). The mean advancement of spondylolisthesis per year after RFA was 1.30% (95% CI -0.14 to 2.78%), with 9/14 below 1.25%.
Conclusion

Among patients with lumbar pain originating from facets in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent lumbar RFA, the observed advancement of spondylolisthesis is clinically similar to the baseline of 2.6% per year change. The study findings did not find a destabilizing effect of lumbar RFA in advancing spondylolisthesis in this patient population.
Augmented Reality Technology in Handball Teaching Based on Wireless Communication Environment
Authors: Fan Qin , Li Deying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With the popularization of augmented reality technology in the field of teaching, the development from traditional teaching display to classroom application has greatly promoted the information-based teaching work. The work of this study is to use augmented reality technology in a wireless communication environment to apply to handball guidance. In this study, 13 handball teachers (coaches) and 103 student athletes were selected as subjects from seven traditional handball schools in our state. All subjects were tested in the Kolb learning style test scale (klsi 1985). It is divided into four groups: group A, group B, group C, and group D, depending on the various learning styles. These correspond to type of variance, type of assimilation, type of convergence, and type of adaptation. In this study, experimental staff were divided into two groups: a traditional learning control group and an experimental group of AR technology education. The results show that the improvement value of the experimental group before and after learning is 8.65, while that of the control group is 5.625. In terms of knowledge and skills, process and method, and emotional attitude, the use of AR makes assimilative and convergent learners have better learning performance than decentralized and adaptive learners. The conclusion is that the effect of augmented reality technology under wireless communication is excellent and effective in handball teaching. This study provides a new method for intelligent teaching.
Genomics-guided identification of potential modulators of SARS-CoV-2 entry proteases, TMPRSS2 and Cathepsins B/L
Authors: Prasad Kartikay , Kumar Vijay 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells requires the activation of its spike protein by host cell proteases. The serine protease, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and cysteine proteases, cathepsins B, L (CTSB/L) activate spike protein and enabling SARS-CoV-2 entry to the host cell through two completely different and independent pathways. Given that the uncertainty of how SARS-CoV-2 infects and kills, the need for a deep understanding of SARS-CoV-2 biology is imperative. Herein, we performed genomic-guided meta-analysis to identify upstream regulatory elements altering the expression of TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L genes. Further, drugs and medicinal compounds were identified based on their effects on gene expression signatures of the modulators of TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L genes. Using this strategy, estradiol and retinoic acid have been identified as putative SARS-CoV-2 alleviation agents. Further, we analysed drug-gene and gene-gene interaction network using 332 human targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The network results indicate that out of 332 human proteins, estradiol interacts with 135 (41%) and retinoic acid interacts with 40 (12%) proteins. Interestingly, a combination of both estradiol and retinoic acid interacts with 153 (46%) of human proteins acting as SARS-CoV-2 targets and affect the functions of nearly all of the SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, indicating the therapeutic benefits of drug combination therapy. Finally, molecular docking analysis suggest that both the drugs binds to TMPRSS2 and CTSL with the nanomolar to low micromolar affinity. This study, for the first time, reports the molecules like estradiol and retinoic acid as candidate drugs against both the host proteases, TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L. We here thus suggest that these antiviral drugs alone or in combination can simultaneously target both the entry pathways and thus can be considered as a potential treatment option for COVID-19.
HIV-1 Accessory Proteins: Which one is Potentially Effective in Diagnosis and Vaccine Development?
Authors: Milani Alireza , Baesi Kazem , Agi Elnaz , Marouf Ghazal , Ahmadi Maryam , Bolhassani Azam 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) could increase the number
of circulating naive CD4 T lymphocytes, but was not able to eradicate human immunodeficiency
virus-1 (HIV-1) infection.

Objective:
Thus, induction of strong immune responses is important for control of HIV-1 infection.
Furthermore, a simple and perfect serological method is required to detect virus in untreated-, treated-
and drug resistant- HIV-1 infected individuals.

Methods:
This study was conducted to assess and compare immunogenic properties of Nef, Vif,
Vpr and Vpu accessory proteins as an antigen candidate in mice and their diagnostic importance in
human as a biomarker.

Results:
Our data showed that in mice, all heterologous prime/ boost regimens were more potent
than homologous prime/ boost regimens in eliciting Th1 response and Granzyme B secretion as
CTL activity. Moreover, the Nef, Vpu and Vif proteins could significantly increase Th1 immune response.
In contrast, the Vpr protein could considerably induce Th2 immune response. On the other
hand, among four accessory proteins, HIV-1 Vpu could significantly detect treated group from untreated
group as a possible biomarker in human.

Conclusion:
Generally, among accessory proteins, Nef, Vpu and Vif antigens were potentially
more suitable vaccine antigen candidates than Vpr antigen. Human antibodies against all these proteins
were higher in HIV-1 different groups than healthy group. Among them, Vpu was known as a
potent antigen in diagnosis of treated from untreated individuals. The potency of accessory proteins
as an antigen candidate in an animal model and a human cohort study are underway.
Nanodrugs as a New Approach in the Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer with Tumor-associated Angiogenesis
Authors: Hajtuch Justyna , Niska Karolina , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Cancer, along with cardiovascular diseases, is globally defined
as the leading cause of death. Importantly, some risk factors are common to these diseases.
The process of angiogenesis and platelet aggregation is observed in cancer development
and progression. In recent years, studies have been conducted on nanodrugs for these
diseases that have provided important information on the biological and physicochemical
properties of nanoparticles. Their attractive features are that they are made of biocompatible,
well-characterized, and easily functionalized materials. Unlike conventional drug
delivery, sustained and controlled drug release can be obtained by using nanomaterials.

Methods:
In this article, we review the latest research to provide comprehensive information
on nanoparticle-based drugs for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease associated
with abnormal haemostasis, and the inhibition of tumor-associated angiogenesis.

Results:
The results of the analysis of data based on drugs with nanoparticles confirm
their improved pharmaceutical and biological properties, which give promising antiplatelet,
anticoagulant, and antiangiogenic effects. Moreover, the review included in
vitro, in vivo research and presented nanodrugs with chemotherapeutics approved by
Food and Drug Administration.

Conclusion:
By the optimization of nanoparticles size and surface properties, nanotechnology are able to deliver drugs with
enhanced bioavailability in treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer and inhibition of cancer-related angiogenesis. Thus,
nanotechnology can improve the therapeutic efficacy of the drug, but there is a need for a better understanding of the
nanodrugs interaction in the human body, because this is a key factor in the success of potential nanotherapeutics.
Production and Immunological Evaluation of Epitope-based Preventative Pneumococcal Candidate Vaccine Comprising Immunodominant Epitopes from PspA, CbpA, PhtD and PiuA Antigens
Authors: Dorosti Hesam , Nezafat Navid , Heidari Reza , Ghoshoon Mohammad B. , Gholami Ahmad , Dehshahri Ali , Erfani Nasrollah , Rahbar Mohammad R. , Ghasemi Younes 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of pneumonia, mostly in
children less than five years and elderly people. Although the Pneumoniae Polysaccharide Vaccine
(PPV) and Pneumonia Conjugate Vaccines (PCV) are the efficient pneumococcal vaccine in adults
and children, the serotype replacement of S. pneumoniae strains causes the reduction in the efficacy
of PPV and PCV vaccines. Epitope-based vaccines are a promising alternative to the present capsular
antigen vaccines.

Methods:
In this study, we evaluated cellular and humoral immune responses induced by our novel
designed multi-epitope vaccine in BALB/c mice. CD8+ Cytolytic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) epitopes
were selected from PspA and CbpA antigens, and CD4+ Helper T Lymphocytes (HTLs) epitopes
were chosen from PhtD and PiuA antigens. PorB, the TLR2 agonist, as an adjuvant, was employed
to increase the immunogenicity of the vaccine.

Results and Conclusion:
The high levels of specific anti-peptide vaccine IgG and an increase in the
level of IgG2 in the vaccinated group demonstrated our vaccine could elicit robust antibody production.
The significant increase in IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and decrease in IL-10 showed that
the designed vaccine could be proposed as the efficient preventative pneumococcal vaccine in the
mouse model.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-derived Exosomes Attenuate Experimental Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Ge LiLi , Jiang Wen , Zhang Shanshan , Wang Jue , Xin Qian , Sun Chao , Li Kailin , Qi Tonggang , Luan Yun 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease that ultimately progresses to right
ventricular failure and death, until now there is still lack of effective treatment applied. The purpose of the present study was
to observe the protective effect of mesenchymal stromal cell derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) against
experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) and right ventricular failure.

Methods:
All the experimental rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg monocrotaline
to induce PH model. Three weeks after the model was successfully established, the cell Culture Media
(CM) or MSC-EXO derived from human umbilical cord was administered daily via the tail vein.
All animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control (saline-treated), MCT-PH, MCT-CM and
MCT-EXO groups. Post-operation, hemodynamic data and index of right ventricular hypertrophy
(RVHI) were recorded to evaluate the inhibition of MSC-EXO on MCT-induced PH. Histology,
immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to analyze the effect of MSC-EXO against vascular
remodeling and further reveal the mechanism.

Results:
In the present study, our results showed that MSC-EXO administration could significantly reduce the right
ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and RVHI, suppress the pulmonary vascular remodeling and the endothelialmesenchymal transition (EndMT) process.

Conclusion:
Our results provided the firm information for a new method in treatment of PH, the mechanism may be may be
related with the inhibition of vascular remodeling and EndMT.
Pomelo Peel Volatile Oil Alleviates Neuroinflammation on Focal Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Rats via Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tian Xin-yue , Xie Lu , Wang Wen-yan , Zou Xin-sen , Zhao Gao-yang , Chen Meng-hua 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Restoration of blood flow during ischemic stroke leads to Cerebral Ischemia-
Reperfusion Injury (CIRI) by activating neuroinflammatory cascades. Pomelo Peel Volatile Oil
(PPVO) extracted from Citrus maxima (Burm.) from the genus Rutaceae, comprises some antiinflammatory
ingredients, such as limonene and β-myrcene.

Objective:
The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of PPVO on alleviating CIRI
related to the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) pathway.

Methods:
Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R) was performed on 65
rats, which were then distributed into five groups (n = 13/group) depending on the intervention they
received: Normal Saline (NS) group, normal Glycerin (GL) group, low-dose PPVO (LP, 10mg/kg)
group, high-dose PPVO (HP, 30 mg/kg) group, and Sham-operated (SH) group. Neurological Deficit
Scores (NDSs) and histological changes were evaluated. Infarct volumes were measured by 2,3,5-
Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining. The expression of TLR4 and neutrophil infiltration
were detected by Immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Moreover, the downstream molecules of the
TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, p-IκB/IκB, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB
p65 were analyzed by Western Blot (WB).

Results & Discussion:
The results showed that PPVO (30 mg/kg) significantly decreased infarct
volumes, improved neurological deficits and pathologic changes, inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling
pathway suppressed neutrophil infiltration, and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that PPVO may alleviate neuroinflammation and protect against
CIRI via inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Therapeutic Properties of Several Chemical Compounds from Salvia officinalis L. in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Uță Georgiana , Manolescu Denisa Ștefania , Avram Speranța 
Published: January 2021

Background.:
Currently, the pharmacological management in Alzheimer's disease is based on several chemical structures, represented by acetylcholinesterase and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ligands, with still unclear molecular mechanisms, but severe side effects. For this reason, a challenge for Alzheimer's disease treatment remains to identify new drugs with reduced side effects. Recently, the natural compounds, in particular certain chemical compounds identified in the essential oil of peppermint, sage, grapes, sea buckthorn, have increased interest as possible therapeutics.

Objectives.:
In this paper, we have summarized data from the recent literature, on several chemical compounds extracted from Salvia officinalis L., with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease.

Methods.:
In addition to the wide range of experimental methods performed in vivo and in vitro, also we presented some in silico studies of medicinal compounds. Results. Through this mini-review, we present the latest information regarding the therapeutic characteristics of natural compounds isolated from Salvia officinalis L. in Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion.:
Thus, based on the information presented, we can say that phytotherapy is a reliable therapeutic method in a neurodegenerative disease.
Investigation of the Anti-Cancer Effects of Free and PLGA-PAA
Encapsulated Hydroxytyrosol on the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell
Line
Authors: Safi Maryam , Onsori Habib , Rahmati Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women and the
most important cause of death. Surgery and chemotherapy are the common treatment of
breast cancer, but increasing drug resistance has created many challenges in its
treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer function of free and
nano-encapsulated hydroxytyrosol on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

Methods:
The poly lactide-co-glycolide-co-polyacrylic acid (PLGA-co-PAA) nanoencapsulated
Hydroxytyrosol was synthesized, and the MTT assay was performed to
evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-tumor effects of both free and nano-encapsulated
Hydroxytyrosol. After the extraction of RNA from the treated and control cancer cells,
cDNA synthesis was performed and the expression of P21, P27, and Cyclin D1 genes
was evaluated by Real-Time PCR.

Results:
The results of the study showed that free (12 ppm and 72 hours) and nanoencapsulate
(10 ppm and 24 hours) hydroxytyrosol resulted in 50% death (IC50) of the
cancer cells and increased by increasing the concentration and time. Also, free and
nano-encapsulated hydroxytyrosol increased the expression of P21 and P27 genes and
reduced the expression of Cyclin D1 in breast cancer cells. In general, the nanoencapsulated
hydroxytyrosol showed more anticancer function than the free
hydroxytyrosol.

Conclusion:
The present study illustrated that hydroxytyrosol could lead to cell death in
MCF-7 breast cancer by regulating the cell cycle. Also, the nano-encapsulation of
Hydroxytyrosol enhanced the Hydroxytyrosol anticancer function by PLGA-co-PAA.
However, for more accurate results, further studies on animal models are necessary.
Pregnancy Among HIV-Serodiscordant Couples: Case Report of Vertical Transmission and Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Choudhury Bipasha , Stadnyk Maria , Jijon Dolores Freire , McLaughlin Luke , Kanji Jamil N. , Charlton Carmen , Smyczek Petra , Vaudry Wendy , Houston Stan , Tse-Chang Alena , Hawkes Michael T. 
Published: January 2021

Background::
HIV transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding among serodiscordant
heterosexual couples represents an ongoing barrier to the elimination of vertical transmission
of HIV-1 infection in Canada.

Objective::
To report a case of vertical HIV transmission during breastfeeding and examine the prevalence
of risk factors for HIV transmission in the pregnancy and postpartum periods among
serodiscordant couples where the male partner is HIV positive and female partner HIV negative.

Methods::
Case report and retrospective chart review of HIV-serodiscordant pregnant couples over
an eight-year period in Edmonton, Canada.

Results::
We report a case of maternal primary HIV infection during the postpartum period and vertical
transmission to a nursing infant that went undetected until the infant presented with AIDS.
We also report a series of 41 serodiscordant pregnant couples identified by our public health nurse
between 2008 and 2016. Among HIV-infected male partners, 20 (49%) had a detectable viral load
(VL) during their partner’s pregnancy and during breastfeeding, with median peak VL 4,700
copies/mL (range 49-120,000) and 5,100 copies/mL (range 40-120,000) during pregnancy and
breastfeeding, respectively. None of the female partners seroconverted during pregnancy, but three
seroconverted at 1.8, 2.4, and 6.9 years after delivery. No vertical transmission occurred.

Conclusion::
Despite concerted attempts to minimize HIV transmission during pregnancy and
breastfeeding in our well-resourced setting, residual transmission risk remains due to non-suppressed
viral load within many HIV-serodiscordant pregnant couples.
AMI and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Case Report with Systematic Review
Authors: Mustafa Eliana M. , Filho Idiberto José Zotarelli , Ferreira Victor R. R. , Sabino Sofia Braile , Sternieri Giovanni B. , Verdi Luiza B. , Queiroz Cibele O. V. , Sbardellini Bethina C. , Braile-Sternieri Maria C. V. B. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents approximately 390 thousand deaths per year in Brazil and is associated, among other predictors, with the use of anabolic and androgenic steroids (AAS).

Objective:
To analyze a clinical case of a patient who suffered AMI after abuse of AAS. A systematic literature review has been carried out to physiologically analyze the main factors that can lead to AMI with the use of these hormones.

Methods:
Case Report: The EVR patient, 41 years old, denies any comorbidities or use of medications. He has been admitted to the emergency room due to typical angina-precordial pain in tightness associated with eventual back pain and paresthesia of both upper limbs, after intense physical effort at the gym, without improvement at rest, and with partial improvement after first care at the health unit. The patient was hypertensive in an emergency bed after the occurrence of ST elevation. The patient alleges the use of anabolic steroids for one month. The patient presented with obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with total occlusion of the anterior descending artery. Systematic review: A total of 89 clinical studies have been compared and submitted to eligibility analysis, with 50 studies selected, according to the PRISMA rules.

Results:
Long-term consumption of AAS may cause pathological changes, however, AAS can increase
protein synthesis, muscle growth, and erythropoiesis.

Conclusion:
Abuse of AAS has a toxic cardiovascular effect, which significantly increases the incidence
of cardiovascular diseases.