bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic affiliation influences the selection of medicinal plants among people from semi-arid and humid regions—a proposition for the evaluation of utilitarian equivalence in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Reinaldo Rafael , Albuquerque Ulysses , Medeiros Patrícia 
Published: August 2020

Background
This study sought to investigate the occurrence of taxonomic patterns between semi-arid and humid regions, verifying how the taxonomic affiliation can influence the selection of plants for medicinal purposes and act as a selection criterion.

Methods
The relationship between the taxonomic affiliation and the selection of medicinal plants with four different communities was analyzed; two of them associated with a seasonally dry tropical forest and the other two associated with a tropical rain forest. We used the Utilitarian Equivalence Model (transposing the concept of ecological equivalence, proposed by Odum, for ethnobotany) to test the hypothesis that species that have the same taxonomic affiliation tend to have the same therapeutic applications in different environments (utilitarian equivalence). In addition, we used the Utilitarian Redundancy Model to verify whether, within the same medical system, plants of the same taxonomic affiliation tend to be redundant (treating the same diseases).

Results
We found that a pair of plants of the same genus were 9.25 times more likely to be equivalent than a different genus pair (OR = 9.25, CI [1.68–51.02], p < 0.05). When we analyzed the species used by the same population, the chances of a pair having similar therapeutic uses (utilitarian redundancy) increased when they were species of the same family (OR = 1.94, CI [1.06−3.53]; p < 0.05).

Conclusions
These findings confirm the hypothesis that there is an influence of taxonomic affiliation, in terms of genera and family, on the selection of medicinal plants in semi-arid and humid areas in Northeast Brazil. In addition, our Utilitarian Equivalence Model can be an important tool in the search for more common selection criteria, in order to identify the shared characteristics among the equivalent pairs and consequently the main types of perceptions or stimuli that led to the inclusion of such species in local pharmacopoeias.
Pyogenic Anaerobes of Wound Infection and the Associated Risk Factors among Patients in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Onwuezobe I. A. , Matthew P. C. 
Published: August 2020

Aims: Anaerobic causes of pyogenic wound infection are not usually investigated due to difficulties in cultural techniques, lack of equipment and technical man-power. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anaerobic bacteria agents of pyogenic infection and the associated risk factors among patients in a tertiary hospital.
Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo and carried out on 136 wound samples from patients. These samples were collected from all consented patients with pyogenic wound infection that met the inclusion criteria.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria between April and October, 2018.
Methodology: Deep wound swabs or aspirated pus samples were collected and inoculated into fresh 25% Sheep Blood Agar plate and incubated in an anaerobic jar containing anaerobic indicator and Gas-pak at 37oC for 48 – 72 hours Identification of isolates was performed following standard procedures. Data were obtained through a well- structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Of the 136 samples collected, 127 yielded microbial growth with a total of 202 isolates which included 50 and 2 pure growths of aerobes and anaerobes respectively and 75 combined growths of aerobes and anaerobes. Overall, more aerobes (125) were isolated when compared to the anaerobes (77). Nevertheless, the predominant anaerobe was B. fragilis 26(33.8%). There was a statistical significant relationship between the age of the patient and infection by gram- positive anaerobes (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Bacteriodes fragilis is mainly involved in anaerobic pyogenic wound infections in Uyo, however, only the age of the patient was found to be a factor in the prevalence of infection by gram-positive anaerobes.
Preliminary Study on the In vivo Anti-neuroinflammatory Effects of Khaya grandifoliola and Cymbopogon citratus Polysaccharide Fractions
Authors: Mediesse K. F. , Matharasala G. , Boudjeko T. , Yogeeswari P. 
Published: August 2020

Aims: To determine the effects of polysaccharide fractions named KGF and CCF respectively for Khaya grandifoliola stem bark and Cymbopogon citratus leaves on Central Nervous System (CNS) depression and on systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced brain inflammation and hyperalgesia in BALB/c.
Methodology: BALB/c mice weighing about 25-35 g were used for the experimentation. Depressant effects of polysaccharide fractions were firstly evaluated using Rota Rod and Actophotometer apparatus. Secondly, LPS or saline solution (5 mg/kg) was Intraperitoneally administered (i.p.) 1 hour after oral administration of polysaccharide fractions (100 mg/kg test dose, p.o.) or distilledwater. Then, the hot plate and tail-flick models were performed 1 hour after LPS injection to determine thermal hyperalgesia and brain inflammation, was examined 3 hours after LPS injection by Luminex assay.
Results:Systemic LPS administration resulted in a reduction of pain response latency and an increasing expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) genes in brain after 24 hours. From the results it was observed that treatment with KGF and CCF (100 mg/kg, p.o) significantly attenuated LPS-induced hyperalgesia and overexpression of brain levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α genes dependent on inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway in BALB/c without CNS depressant properties.
Conclusion: The present findings confirm the potential of KGF and CCF in the treatment of neuroinflammation-related diseases and it warrant further testing for the development of a new chemical entities. However further studies are required for determination of effective dose and mechanism of action associated.
Fine‐needle aspiration as an alternative to core needle biopsy for tumour molecular profiling in precision oncology: prospective comparative study of next‐generation sequencing in cancer patients included in the SHIVA02 trial
Authors: Dupain Célia , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Gu Céline , Girard Elodie , Gestraud Pierre , Du Rusquec Pauline , Borcoman Edith , Bello Diana , Ricci Francesco , Hescot Ségolène , Sablin Marie‐Paule , Tresca Patricia , de Moura Alexandre , Loirat Delphine , Frelaut Maxime , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Lecerf Charlotte , Callens Céline , Antonio Samantha , Franck Coralie , Mariani Odette , Bièche Ivan , Kamal Maud , Le Tourneau Christophe , Servois Vincent 
Published: August 2020

High‐throughput molecular profiling of solid tumours using core needle biopsies (CNB) allows the identification of actionable molecular alterations, with around 70% success rate. Although several studies have demonstrated the utility of small biopsy specimens for molecular testing, there remains debate as to the sensitivity of the less invasive fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) compared to CNB to detect molecular alterations. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the potential of FNA to detect such alterations in various tumour types as compared to CNB in cancer patients included in the SHIVA02 trial. An in‐house amplicon‐based targeted sequencing panel (Illumina TSCA 99.3 kb panel covering 87 genes) was used to identify pathogenic variants and gene copy number variations (CNV) in concomitant CNB and FNA samples obtained from 61 patients enrolled in the SHIVA02 trial (NCT03084757). The main tumour types analysed were breast (38%), colon (15%), pancreas (11%), followed by cervix and stomach (7% each). We report 123 molecular alterations (85 variants, 23 amplifications and 15 homozygous deletions) among which 98 (80%) were concordant between CNB and FNA. The remaining discordances were mainly related to deletions status, yet undetected alterations were not exclusively specific to FNA. Comparative analysis of molecular alterations in CNB and FNA showed high concordance in terms of variants as well as CNVs identified. We conclude FNA could therefore be used in routine diagnostics workflow and clinical trials for tumour molecular profiling with the advantages of being minimally invasive and preserve tissue material needed for diagnostic, prognostic or theranostic purposes.
Functional and pharmacological evaluation of a novel SCN2A variant linked to early‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Adney Scott K. , Millichap John J. , DeKeyser Jean‐Marc , Abramova Tatiana , Thompson Christopher H. , George Alfred L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe identified a novel de novo SCN2A variant (M1879T) associated with infantile‐onset epilepsy that responded dramatically to sodium channel blocker antiepileptic drugs. We analyzed the functional and pharmacological consequences of this variant to establish pathogenicity, and to correlate genotype with phenotype and clinical drug response.MethodsThe clinical and genetic features of an infant boy with epilepsy are presented. We investigated the effect of the variant using heterologously expressed recombinant human NaV1.2 channels. We performed whole‐cell patch clamp recording to determine the functional consequences and response to carbamazepine.ResultsThe M1879T variant caused disturbances in channel inactivation including substantially depolarized voltage dependence of inactivation, slower time course of inactivation, and enhanced resurgent current that collectively represent a gain‐of‐function. Carbamazepine partially normalized the voltage dependence of inactivation and produced use‐dependent block of the variant channel at high pulsing frequencies. Carbamazepine also suppresses resurgent current conducted by M1879T channels, but this effect was explained primarily by reducing the peak transient current. Molecular modeling suggests that the M1879T variant disrupts contacts with nearby residues in the C‐terminal domain of the channel.InterpretationOur study demonstrates the value of conducting functional analyses of SCN2A variants of unknown significance to establish pathogenicity and genotype–phenotype correlations. We also show concordance of in vitro pharmacology using heterologous cells with the drug response observed clinically in a case of SCN2A‐associated epilepsy.
Adverse Impact of Heavy Metals on Bone Cells and Bone Metabolism Dependently and Independently through Anemia
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Sun Li , Zhang Jie , Liu Sijin , Han Jinxiang , Liu Yajun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMounting evidence is revealing that heavy metals can incur disordered bone homeostasis, leading to the development of degenerative bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, and osteomalacia. Meanwhile, heavy metal‐induced anemia has been found to be intertwined with degenerative bone diseases. However, the relationship and interplay among these adverse outcomes remain elusive. Thus, it is of importance to shed light on the modes of action (MOAs) and adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) responsible for degenerative bone diseases and anemia under exposure to heavy metals. In the current Review, the epidemiological and experimental findings are recapitulated to interrogate the contributions of heavy metals to degenerative bone disease development which may be attributable dependently and independently to anemia. A few likely mechanisms are postulated for anemia‐independent degenerative bone diseases, including dysregulated osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis, imbalanced bone formation and resorption, and disturbed homeostasis of essential trace elements. By contrast, remodeled bone microarchitecture, inhibited erythropoietin production, and disordered iron homeostasis are speculated to account for anemia‐associated degenerative bone disorders upon heavy metal exposure. Together, this Review aims to elaborate available literature to fill in the knowledge gaps in understanding the detrimental effects of heavy metals on bone cells and bone homeostasis through different perspectives.
Validation of simplified classification of magnifying endoscopy for diagnosis of Barrett's dysplasia with blue laser imaging
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Haw , Lin Ro‐Ting , Wang Wen‐Lun , Lee Ching‐Tai , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Hsu Wen‐Hung , Tai Wei‐Chen , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Chang Chi‐Yang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA new simplified classification of magnifying endoscopy for diagnosis of Barrett's dysplasia has been developed by Barrett's international narrow band imaging group. Further validation is needed to investigate its feasibility. The aim of our study was to evaluate the inter‐observer agreement, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the new classification system with a novel blue laser imaging modality. Total of 12 endoscopists (6 more experienced and 6 less experienced) from five medical centers in Taiwan joined this endoscopic training program, which was composed of three sessions: pretest, educational, and post‐test. A set of 80 endoscopic images with non‐dysplastic or dysplastic Barrett lesions was used for these tests. All raters were asked to predict presence or absence of dysplasia based on the newly developed classification after an educational module. The overall inter‐observer agreement (κ value) before and after the educational module were 0.4419 and 0.5573. The inter‐observer agreement before and after training were 0.5471 and 0.5837 in more experienced group, 0.3625 and 0.5499 in less experienced group, respectively. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values before and after training did not change significantly, except for increased specificity in more experienced group from 0.7083 to 0.7526. Our validation study for diagnosis of Barrett's dysplasia by using simplified classification with blue laser imaging showed moderate inter‐observer agreement and good accuracy. After an educational module, inter‐observer agreement in both groups and specificity in more experienced group got improved in a different scale.
Small intestine gastrointestinal stromal tumor and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hung , Wang Chun‐Hsiang , Chiu Yin‐I , Lin Ruey‐Chang , Mo Lein‐Ray 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe clinical manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) predisposes patients to the development of a variety of neoplasms, such as neurofibroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), optic pathway glioma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and pheochromocytoma. We report the case of a patient with NF1 who underwent surgery for MPNST of the right upper abdominal wall in which a GIST arising in the jejunum was found incidentally. Two years later, the patient underwent surgical resection of a GIST in the small intestine owing to clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Further imaging examination is required for symptomatic plexiform neurofibroma to distinguish between an MPNST and other benign subcutaneous tumors. Patients with NF1 should undergo periodic computed tomography image surveillance because they are of increased risk of developing GISTs. Standard therapy for NF1‐GIST is surgery, and patients should be carefully followed up after tumor resection.
A Route to Indoles via Modified Fischer Indole Intermediates from Sulfonanilides and Ketene Dithioacetal Monoxides
Authors: Kinoshita Jun , Baralle Alexandre , Yoshida Akira , Yanagi Tomoyuki , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn S−N variant of the N−N‐based Fischer indole synthesis has been developed. Treatment of sulfonanilides and ketene dithioacetal monoxides with a powerful acid anhydride provides N‐sulfonyl‐2‐methylsulfanylindoles. The initial interrupted Pummerer reaction would yield the key S−N‐tethered precursor in situ that then undergoes [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, after which the endgame to the indole ring follows the Fischer manner.
Relationship tenure differentially influences pair‐bond behavior in male and female socially monogamous titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus)
Authors: Rothwell Emily S. , Carp Sarah B. , Savidge Logan E. , Mendoza Sally P. , Bales Karen L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPair‐bonded primates have uniquely enduring relationships and partners engage in a suite of behaviors to maintain these close bonds. In titi monkeys, pair bond formation has been extensively studied, but changes across relationship tenure remain unstudied. We evaluated differences in behavioral indicators of pair bonding in newly formed (~6 months paired, n = 9) compared to well‐established pairs (average 3 years paired, n = 8) of titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus) as well as sex differences within the pairs. We hypothesized that overall males would contribute more to maintenance than females, but that the pattern of maintenance behaviors would differ between newly formed and well‐established pairs. Each titi monkey (N = 34) participated in a partner preference test (PPT), where the subject was placed in a middle test cage with grated windows separating the subject from the partner on one side and an opposite‐sex stranger on the other side. During this 150‐min behavioral test, we quantified four key behaviors: time in proximity to the partner or stranger as well as aggressive displays toward the partner or stranger. Overall, we found different behavioral profiles representing newly formed and well‐established pair‐bond relationships in titi monkeys and male‐biased relationship maintenance. Males spent ∼40% of their time in the PPT maintaining proximity to the female partner, regardless of relationship tenure. Males from well‐established bonds spent less time (14%) near the female stranger compared to males from newly formed bonds (21%) at the trend level. In contrast, females from well‐established bonds spent less (23%) time near the male partner in the PPT compared to females from newly formed bonds (47%). Aggressive displays were more frequent in newly formed bonds compared to well‐established bonds, especially for females. Scan sampling for homecage affiliation showed that newly formed pairs were more likely to be found tail twining than well‐established pairs.
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and neurochemical investigations of lamotrigine‐pentylenetetrazole kindled mice to ascertain it as a reliable model for clinical drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Goel Rajesh K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPentylenetetrazole kindling has long been used for the screening of investigational antiseizure drugs. The presence of lamotrigine, at a very low dose, does not hamper kindling in mice; rather it modifies this epileptogenesis process into drug‐resistant epilepsy. The lamotrigine‐pentylenetetrazole kindled mice show resistance to lamotrigine, phenytoin, and carbamazepine. It may also be possible that other licensed antiseizure drugs, like the mentioned drugs, remain ineffective in this model; therefore, this was the subject of this study.MethodsSwiss albino mice were kindled with pentylenetetrazole for 35 days in the presence of either methylcellulose vehicle or lamotrigine (subtherapeutic dose, ie, 5 mg/kg). Vehicle vs lamotrigine‐kindled mice were compared in terms of (a) resistance/response toward nine antiseizure drugs applied as monotherapies and two drug combinations; (b) lamotrigine bioavailability in blood and brain; (c) blood‐brain barrier integrity; and (d) amino acids and monoamines in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.ResultsLamotrigine vs vehicle‐kindled mice are similar (or not significantly different P > .05 from each other) in terms of (a) response toward drug combinations; (b) lamotrigine bioavailability; and (c) blood‐brain barrier integrity except for, significantly (P < .05) reduced taurine and increased glutamate in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Aside from these, lamotrigine‐kindled mice show significant (P < .05) resistant to lamotrigine (15 mg/kg), levetiracetam (40 mg/kg); carbamazepine (40 mg/kg), zonisamide (100 mg/kg), gabapentin (224 mg/kg), pregabalin (30 mg/kg), phenytoin (35 mg/kg), and topiramate (300 mg/kg).ConclusionLamotrigine‐pentylenetetrazole kindling takes longer to develop (~5 weeks) in comparison to lamotrigine‐amygdale (~4 weeks) and lamotrigine‐corneal (~2 weeks) kindling models. However, drug screening through this model may yield superior drugs with novel antiseizure mechanisms.
Aktivierte Modifikation der Träger‐Metall‐Wechselwirkungen als Schlüssel für hochaktive Ru/γ‐Al2O3‐Katalysatoren für die COx‐ Methanisierung
Authors: Chen Shilong , Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Dyballa Michael , Parlinska‐Wojtan Magdalena , Bansmann Joachim , Pollastri Simone , Olivi Luca , Aquilanti Giuliana , Behm R. Jürgen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRu/Al2O3 ist ein außerordentlich stabiler, aber weniger aktiver Katalysator für Methanisierungs‐Reaktionen. Hier berichten wir über einen neuartigen Ansatz, mit dem die Aktivität dieser Katalysatoren bei der Methanisierung von CO2 in CO2/H2‐Gemischen erheblich gesteigert werden kann. Hochaktive und ‐stabile Ru/γ‐Al2O3‐Katalysatoren wurden über eine Hochtemperatur‐Behandlung im reduktiven Reaktionsgasgemisch erhalten. Operando/In‐situ‐Spektroskopie und Rastertransmissionselektronenmikroskopie (STEM)‐Abbildungen zeigen, dass die deutlich erhöhte Aktivität für die Methanisierung von CO bzw. CO2 mit einer Abflachung der Ru‐Nanopartikel und der Bildung von stark basischen Plätzen auf dem hydroxylierten Aluminiumoxid einhergeht. Die erhöhte Aktivität der Katalysatoren um Faktoren von 5 (CO) bzw. 14 (CO2) führen wir auf eine aktivierte Modifikation der Träger‐Metall‐Wechselwirkungen zurück, die durch eine reaktive Modifizierung der Al2O3‐Oberfläche im Reaktionsgas und eine erhöhte thermische Mobilität der Ru‐Nanopartikel verursacht wird.
Making or Breaking Metal‐Dependent Catalytic Activity: The Role of Stammers in Designed Three‐Stranded Coiled Coils
Authors: Pinter Tyler B. J. , Manickas Elizabeth C. , Tolbert Audrey E. , Koebke Karl J. , Deb Aniruddha , Penner‐Hahn James E. , Pecoraro Vincent L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhile many life‐critical reactions would be infeasibly slow without metal cofactors, a detailed understanding of how protein structure can influence catalytic activity remains elusive. Using de novo designed three‐stranded coiled coils (TRI and Grand peptides formed using a heptad repeat approach), we examine how the insertion of a three residue discontinuity, known as a stammer insert, directly adjacent to a (His)3 metal binding site alters catalytic activity. The stammer, which locally alters the twist of the helix, significantly increases copper‐catalyzed nitrite reductase activity (CuNiR). In contrast, the well‐established zinc‐catalyzed carbonic anhydrase activity (p‐nitrophenyl acetate, pNPA) is effectively ablated. This study illustrates how the perturbation of the protein sequence using non‐coordinating and non‐acid base residues in the helical core can perturb metalloenzyme activity through the simple expedient of modifying the helical pitch adjacent to the catalytic center.