bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ellagic acid produces neuroprotection against LPS-induced dopamine neurotoxicity via the inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: He Xue-mei , Yang Qiu-yu , He Jing-yi , Sheng Shuo , Li Jing-jie , Li Dai-di , Wang Guo-qing , Zhang Feng 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathological process of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was highly located in microglia and involved in the process of neuroinflammation. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been confirmed to contribute to the progression of PD. Thus, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes activation could be an important breakthrough point in PD drug therapy. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol that has been widely found in soft fruits, nuts and other plant tissues with various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, the mechanisms underlying EA-mediated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection have not been fully elucidated. Methods: In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat dopamine (DA) neuronal damage model was performed to determine the effects of EA on the protection of DA neurons. Furthermore, DA neuron MN 9D cell line and microglia BV-2 cell line were employed to explore whether EA-mediated neuroprotection was through an NLRP3-dependent mechanism . Results: EA ameliorat ed LPS-induced DA neuronal loss in rat substantia nigra. Furtherly, inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation was involved in EA-generated neuroprotection, as evidenced by the following observations. First, EA reduced NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation in microglia and the subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokines excretion. In addition, EA-mediated anti-neuroinflammation and further DA neuroprotection from LPS-induced neurotoxicity was not shown upon microglial NLRP3 siRNA treatment. Conclusions: This study demonstrated EA has a profound effect on protecting DA neurons against LPS-induced neurotoxicity via the suppression of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation.
Current Physical Therapy Practice in the Intensive Care Unit in Saudi Arabia: A Multiple Centre Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kashoo Faizan Zaffar , Alqahtani Mazen , Alzhrani Msaad , Ahmad Fuzial , Ahmad Mehrunnisha , Alhusaini Adel , Melam Ganeswararao , Buragadda Syamala 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with positive health benefits. The available literature does not provide insights into the current status of physical therapy practice in the ICU in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To determine the current standard of ICU physical therapy practice, attitude, and barriers, an online survey was administered to KSA physiotherapists (PTs) working in the hospitals. Methods: A total of 124 PTs volunteered to participate, and the questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions with regard to their experiences, qualifications, barriers, and most frequently encountered case scenarios in the ICU. Results: The most commonly referred cases were traumatic paraplegia (n=111, 89%) and stroke (n=102, 82.3%) compared to congestive road traffic accidents (n=20, 16.1%) and pulmonary infections (n=7, 5.6%). The preferred treatment of choice among PTs was chest physiotherapy (n=102, 82.2%) and positioning (n=73, 58.8%), whereas functional electrical stimulation (n=12, 9.6%) was the least preferred choice of physical therapy, irrespective of the condition. The perceived barriers in ICU physical therapy management was low confidence in managing cases (n=89, 71.7%), followed by inadequate training (n=53, 42.7%), and the least mentioned barrier was a communication gap among the critical care team members (n=8, 6.4%). Conclusion: PTs reported significant variation in the choice of treatment for different clinical case scenarios in the ICU. Several facilitators and barriers to physical therapy management should be taken into account to improve ICU recovery. Among the most important barriers are low confidence and inadequate training and strategies needed to overcome these barriers.
Optical quality analysis system assessed optical quality in Chinese Primary Open Angle Glaucoma patients and its correlations with psychological disturbances and vision related quality of life
Authors: Zhang Yang , Bian Ailing , Hang Qijun , Zhou Qi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose To investigate if optical quality assessed by Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS)is a new factor for psychological disturbance and vision related quality of life(QoL) in Chinese patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods Cross-sectional study. OQAS, automated static perimetry, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Questionnaire and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) were used to assess optical quality, vision field, psychological health and QoL in 64 POAG patients. Correlation between the OQAS parameters and QoL or psychological health was analyzed by linear regression model.Results OQAS parameters, the modulation transfer function cut off frequency (MTF cutoff) and the mean OQAS values (mean OV), were significantly related to mean deviation (MD). Statistically significant correlation was also found between MTF cutoff, the mean OV and QoL in more than half of the NEI VFQ-25 subscale scores and the composite. The correlation coefficients between OQAS parameters and QoL were similar to those between MD and QoL in most of the subscale scores. HADS-Depression and HADS-Anxiety scores significantly correlated with MD in the worse eye, the composite and 3subscales of NEI VFQ-25, general health, social function and mental health, but uncorrelated with optical quality parameters measured by OQAS.Conclusions OQAS assessed optic quality is negatively related to MD and is a valid indicator for vision related QoL, but not for psychological health in our study group. OQAS might be an alternative or supplement to perimeter in POAG patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy for symptomatic cervical spine injury following whiplash trauma
Authors: Freeman Michael D , Katz Evan A , Rosa Scott L. , Gatterman Bryan D , Strömmer Ellen M F , Leith Wendy M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

BackgroundIntervertebral instability is a relatively common finding among patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash trauma. Videofluoroscopy (VF) of the cervical spine is a potentially sensitive diagnostic tool for evaluating instability, as it offers the ability to examine relative intervertebral movement over time, and across the entire continuum of voluntary movement of the patient. At the present time there are no studies of the diagnostic accuracy of VF for discriminating between injured and uninjured populations.MethodsSymptomatic (injured) study subjects were recruited from consecutive patients with chronic (>6 weeks) post-whiplash pain presenting to medical and chiropractic offices equipped with VF facilities. Asymptomatic (uninjured) volunteers were recruited from family and friends of patients. Ethical review and oversight was provided by the Spinal Injury Foundation, Broomfield, CO. Three statistical models were utilized to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of positive VF findings to correctly discriminate between injured and injured subjects. ResultsAll 3 models demonstrated high levels of sensitivity and specificity (i.e. ROC values of 0.71 to 0.95), however, the model with the greatest practical clinical utility was based on the number of abnormal VF findings. For 2+ abnormal VF findings the ROC was 0.88 (93% sensitivity, 79% specificity), and the PPV and NPV were both 88%. ConclusionsVideofluoroscopic examination of the cervical spine provides a high degree of diagnostic accuracy for identification of vertebral instability in patients with chronic pain stemming from whiplash trauma.
Biometric indicators of Eyes with Occult Lens Subluxation inducing Secondary Acute Angle Closure
Authors: Xing Xiaoli , Huang Liangyu , Tian Fang , Zhang Yan , Lv Yingjuan , Liu Wei , Liu AihuaLiu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background :
To compare the anterior biometricsof eyes with secondary acute angle closure induced by occult lens subluxation (ASAC-LS), which were misdiagnosed at the first visit withacute primary angle closure (APAC), chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG), or cataracts.
Methods: This retrospective case series ncluded 17 eyes with angle closure due to occult LS which were misdiagnosed with APAC at the first visit, 56 APACeyes, 54 CPACGeyes, and 56 cataracteyes. The axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth (AD), and lens thickness (LT) were recorded. The lens position (LP), relative lens position (RLP), and corrected lens position (CLP) were calculated. Quantitative data were subject to a one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Categorical data were analysed using the chi-squared test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to obtain a suitable cut-off value for ocular biometrics.
Results: The ASAC-LSpatients had a longer ocular AL than the APACand CPACGpatients. The CCTinthe ASAC-LS patientsdid not significantly differ from that in the APAC patientsbut did significantly differ from that of the CPACG and cataract patients.The APAC patientshad the smallest ACD, while the ASAC-LS patientshad the smallest AD. The ASAC-LS patientshad the thickest lenses. According to the ROC curve analysis, the RLP, ACD, AD, CLP, and LP hada high power of discrimination.
Conclusions: This study revealed that ASAC-LS patients had a shallower AD and thicker CCT compared to APAC, CPACG, and cataract patients. Biometric parameters ACD, ADwere characteristic of lens subluxation according to our data. The calculated parameters RLP,CLP, LP can be helpful in the differential diagnosis between ASAC-LSand APAC, CPACG, Cataract.
Trial registration: NCT03752710, retrospectively registered. Keywords:Lens subluxation; Acute angle-closure; Biometry; Anterior chamber depth; Lens thickness; Axial length
Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Alzghoul Loai 
Published: November 2019

:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder with heterogeneous etiology. Vitamin D can function as a fat-soluble vitamin as well as a hormone, and can exert its effect through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. In the last decades, several studies have examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and ASD. These studies demonstrated that low vitamin D status in early development has been hypothesized as an environmental risk factor for ASD. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in early life can alter brain development, dysregulates neurotransmitter balance in the brain, decreases body and brain antioxidant ability, and alters the immune system in ways that resemble pathological features commonly seen in ASD. In this review, we focused on the association between vitamin D and ASD. In addition, the above-mentioned mechanisms of action that link vitamin D deficiency with ASD were also discussed. Finally, clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation treatment of ASD have also been discussed.
Growth Factors as Tools in Photoreceptor Cell Regeneration and Vision Recovery
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Shojapour Mana , Aghili Zahra Sadat , Asgharzade Samira 
Published: November 2019

:Photoreceptor loss is a major cause of blindness around the world. Stem cell therapy offers a new strategy in retina degenerative disease. Retinal progenitors can be derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC) in vitro, but cannot be processed to a mature state. In addition, the adult recipient retina presents a very different environment than the photoreceptor precursor donor.:It seems that modulation of the recipient environment by ectopic development regulated growth factors for transplanted cells could generate efficient putative photoreceptors. The purpose of this review article was to investigate the signaling pathway of growth factors including: insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), fibroblast growth factors (FGF), Nerve growth factor (NGF), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Taurin and Retinoic acid (RA) involved in the differentiation of neuroretina cell, like; photoreceptor and retinal progenitor cells. Given the results available in the related literature, the differentiation efficacy of ESCs toward the photoreceptor and retinal neurons and the important role of growth factors in activating signaling pathways such as Akt, Ras/Raf1/ and ERKs also inhibit the ASK1/JNK apoptosis pathway. Manipulating differentiated culture, growth factors can influence photoreceptor transplantation efficiency in retinal degenerative disease.
Diagnostic Capabilities of MRI Versus 18F FDG PET-CT in Postoperative Patients with Thyroglobulin Positive, 131I-negative Local Recurrent or Metastatic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Samanci Cesur , Onal Yilmaz , Sager Sait , Asa Sertac , Ustabasioglu Fethi Emre , Alis Deniz , Akman Canan , Sonmezoglu Kerim 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The detection of recurrence or metastasis might be challenging in patients,
who underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
(DTC), with increased serum Thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative 131I whole body scan
(131I-WBS) results.

Aims:
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (18F FDG
PET-CT) to detect recurrence or cervical and upper mediastinal metastases in postoperative DTC
patients who had negative 131I-WBS despite elevated serum Tg levels.

Study Design:
This study has a retrospective study design.

Methods:
We evaluated cervical and upper mediastinal MRI and 18F FDG PET-CT of 32 postoperative
patients with DTC (26 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and 6 patients with follicular
thyroid carcinoma).

Results:
We evaluated 44 lesions in 32 patients. For all lesions, the Positive Predictive Value,
(PPV) Negative Predictive Value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI were 81.4%,
76.4%, 84.6%, 72.2%, and 79.5% respectively. The PPV, NPV, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy
of 18F FDG PET-CT were 100.0%, 85.7%, 88.4%, 100.0%, and 93.1%, respectively.

Conclusion:
Although we could not replace 18F FDG PET-CT, MRI might be used as an adjunct to
18F FDG PET-CT for the evaluation of recurrent or cervical and upper mediastinal metastatic thyroid
cancers; however, MRI is inadequate for the detection of metastases in small lymph nodes.
Drug and Non-drug Treatment of Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Zelnik Nathanel 
Published: November 2019

Background:Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple repetitive motor and vocal tics. In most patients, its clinical course has a waxing and waning nature and most patients, usually children, will benefit from tolerant environmental and psychoeducation. Patients with more complicated tics, in particular, those with significant comorbidities will require drug therapy.Objective:The present paper is a mini-review of the current therapeutic arsenal for TS with reference to drug and non-drug management approach.Methods:A systematic survey of medical literature regarding the treatment decision making and the reported clinical trials or accumulating experience with different medications or other therapeutic modalities which were proven beneficial over the years.Results:Reviewing the literature indicates that dopamine antagonists, such as haloperidol and pimozoide, are the most reliable agents in terms of treatment response. Due to numerous adverse effects, newer atypical anti-psychotic drugs have been shown effective. Other widely accepted medications include alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, benzamides, dopamine depleting agents, benzodiazepines and dopamine depleting agents. In more selective and intractable cases botulinum toxin, dopamine agonists and cannabinoids should be also considered. Non-pharmacologic therapies reported beneficial effects, which include on the one hand, non-invasive behavioral techniques, such as comprehensive behavior therapy for tics. While on the other hand, in cases with particular protracted pharmaco-resistant tics electric stimulation techniques, such as deep brain stimulation, have been shown to be successful.Conclusion:Currently, there are numerous multifarious options for treatment of tics and other comorbid symptoms of TS. Nevertheless, treatment options and decision-making algorithms are still a clinical challenge.Area Covered:A step by step decision-making and various drugs and non-pharmacologic modalities appropriate for the management of TS.
Interleukin 1-beta is Linked to Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight Adolescents
Authors: Amaral Gisele A. , Alves Josilene D. , Honorio-França Adenilda C. , Fagundes Danny L. , Araujo Gabriel Gomes , Lobato Nubia S. , Lima Victor V. , Giachini Fernanda R. 
Published: November 2019

Aim:We hypothesized that IL-1β concentrations are augmented in overweight adolescents, who do not display metabolic syndrome. Additionally, we aimed to correlate the IL-1β concentrations with several established risk factors for CVD.Methods:Overweight or control subjects, aging from 14-18 years, were classified according to their adjusted body mass index and evaluated for biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was assessed in the serum.Results:Increased body fat percentage, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Castelli I index, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels, were observed in overweight adolescents. No differences were observed in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, glucose or High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Positive correlations between IL-1β with anthropometric and or biochemical parameters were found.Conclusion:In conclusion, increased IL-1β levels correlate to dyslipidemic factors and may further support low-grade inflammation. IL-1β may further predict the early onset of cardiovascular disease in this population, taking into consideration its important regulatory role.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance Detection of Aflatoxin B1 by Self-Assembled Monolayer Technique
Authors: Raykova Raya , A. Marinkova Dessislava , A. Semerdzhieva Vera , Michiel Magalie , Griesmar Pascal , Mourdjeva Milena , Yaneva Spaska , T. Iliev Ivo 
Published: November 2019

Background:
New biosensor techniques allowing detection of low concentrated substances show a great variety nowadays. The construction of a system with modified quartz as a part of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) techniques helps the detection and confirmation of low toxin concentrations in a sample.

Objective:
The study aims to allow the application of methods for preparation and modification of the gold surface of piezoelectric crystal for detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in the concentration range 0.2 - 2.0 µg/L by QCM technique (quartz - crystal microbalance).

Methods:

The procedure for the preparation of quartz crystal sensors for experimental purposes was performed. The quartz surface was activated and covered with self-assembled monolayer to immobilize antibody (rabbit anti-aflatoxin B1) for the detection of antigen - antibody reaction.

Results:
The G” corresponds to viscous properties of the material, during applied deformation of the material in the presence of different concentrations, which revealed in the sensitivity of the used resonator.

Conclusion:
Detection of toxic pollutants may be achieved via QCM methods, ultrasound resonator and piezoelectric quartz techniques for measurement. These techniques allow detection of significantly low concentrations of toxic pollutants, in particular, AFB1, compared to analysis with direct and indirect ELISA immunoassays.
Amount of Milk Neutrophil Percentage and Associated CD Molecular Changes on the Compositional and Technological Properties of Milk
Authors: Panda Bibhudatta S. K. , Mohapatra Sunil K. , Alhussien Mohanned N. , Dang Ajay K. 
Published: November 2019

Background:Changes occurring in the activity and expression of neutrophils and their transmigration through the blood mammary barrier owing to a mammary infection affecting milk quality and outcome of mastitis.Objective:To understand the role played by various neutrophil molecules on mastitis and milk quality.Methods:18 Karan Fries cows of similar parity, milk yield and lactation stage were selected and screened for mastitis based upon milk Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) as well as California mastitis test and divided into 3 groups of 6 eachi.e., healthy, sub-clinical (SCM), Clinical Mastitis (CM). Milk samples were analyzed for milk composition and technological properties. Milk neutrophils were isolated and their percentage, Phagocytic Activity (PA), viability were estimated. Activities of neutrophil enzymesi.e. Elastase 2, Collagenase and Cathepsin G were analyzed using ELISA. Relative mRNA expression of cell surface molecules like selectin (CD-62L), integrin (CD-11b), chemokine receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2), CD-44 and chemotactic factor (IL-8) in milk neutrophil were also studied.Results:In the present study, neutrophil percentage (%) was significantly (p˂0.05) higher in SCM and CM milk samples compared to healthy milk samples, whereas neutrophil PA, viability were significantly (p˂0.05) lower in both samples contrast to healthy samples. Activities of Elastase 2 and Collagenase were significantly (p˂0.05) more in SCM milk. There was a significant (p˂0.05) difference in protein, pH, and lactose between healthy, SCM and SCM and CM milk. Significantly (p˂0.05) high Electrical Conductivity (EC) was observed in CM milk than SCM and CM milk. No significant changes in milk fat, Solid Not Fat (SNF) and density were found among any of the groups. The relative mRNA expression of CXCR1, CXCR2 and IL-8 were significantly (p˂0.05) high in milk neutrophils with the progression of SCM and CM, whereas significantly higher expression of CD11b CD-11b was found only in CM cows but there was no change in the expression of CD62L CD-62L in any of the groups. Expression of CD-44 molecule increased significantly in SCM cows, whereas it decreased significantly in clinically infected mastitis cows.Conclusion:This study highlights the changes occurring in the activity of milk neutrophils in healthy, subclinical and clinical mastitis crossbred cows.
Small Interfering RNAs and their Delivery Systems: A Novel Powerful Tool for the Potential Treatment of HIV Infections
Authors: Bolhassani Azam , Milani Alireza 
Published: November 2019

:
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have rapidly developed into biomedical research as a
novel tool for the potential treatment of various human diseases. They are based on altered gene expression.
In spite of the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there is a specific
interest in developing siRNAs as a therapeutic agent for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to
several problems including toxicity and drug resistance along with long term treatment. The successful
use of siRNAs for therapeutic goals needs safe and effective delivery to specific cells and tissues. Indeed,
the efficiency of gene silencing depends on the potency of the carrier used for siRNA delivery.
The combination of siRNA and nano-carriers is a potent method to prevent the limitations of siRNA
formulation. Three steps were involved in non-viral siRNA carriers such as the complex formation of
siRNA with a cationic carrier, conjugation of siRNA with small molecules, and encapsulation of siRNA
within nanoparticles.

:
In this mini-review, the designed siRNAs and their carriers are described against HIV-1 infections both
in vitro and in vivo.