bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
<i>In vitro</i> cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of a novel peroxysesquiterpene glucoside from the rhizomes of <i>Cyperus rotundus</i> L (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Sabir Mohammed N. , Saour Kawkab Y. , Rachid Shwan 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of a novel 3,9-peroxsesquiterpene-15-Oglucoside from Cyperus rotundus rhizomes, against HeLa cell line and selected strains of microorganisms.
Methods: The rhizomes were macerated with methanol and fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed together with chemical analysis of the fractions. The 3,9-peroxysesquiterpene-15-O-glucoside was purified through column chromatography of the ethyl acetate fraction, and its purity was determined via reversephase HPLC. Structural elucidation was done with Infrared (IR), proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (HNMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS) spectroscopic analyses.
Results: The isolated compound exhibited bactericidal and fungicidal activities against S. aureus and C. albicans at concentration, respectively, in the range of 32 – 100 μg/mL, while MTT assay results showed the cytotoxicity of the compound against eukaryotic (HeLa) cell line (IC50, 88.32 μg/mL).
Conclusion: The isolated metabolite from the methanol extract of C. rotundus rhizome exhibits bactericidal, fungicidal, and cytotoxic potential. However, further studies are required to ascertain its suitability for use as a therapeutic agent.
Keywords: Terpenoids, Column chromatography, Spectroscopy, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity, Cyperus rotundus
Epigallocatechin gallate activates miR-193a-3p and protects mice against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by targeting NFATC1 expression
Authors: Dou Ben , Wu Xiaohui , Xie Yisong , Ruan Hongliang , Liu Xiaolan 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on microRNAs in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP), and the mechanism involved.
Methods: Osteoclast-specific marker mRNA expressions, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B (RANK), and miRNA expressions were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Western blotting was used to assay protein expressions, while miRNA and 3’UTR interaction studies were carried out with reporter assay.
Results: Treatment with EGCG resulted in downregulation of glucocorticoid-induced expressions of RANKL, RANK and osteoclast-specific markers i.e. tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, (TRAF6), nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), cathepsin K, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Furthermore, EGCG treatment significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and inflammatory cytokine expressions in GIOP mice. The expression of miRNA-targeting osteoclast marker mmu-mir-193-3p was significantly down-regulated in GIOP mice. However, EGCG treatment increased mmu-mir-193-3p expression and had specific interaction with NFATc1 3’UTR (3’-untranslated region). In vitro results showed that mmu-mir-193-3p mimics downregulated dexamethasone (DXM)-induced osteoclast-specific marker expressions.
Conclusion: These results show that EGCG exerts a protective role against GIOP by upregulating miR- 193a-3p expressions.
Keywords: Epigallocatechin gallate, Glucocorticoids, RANKL, Osteoporosis
Synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of some azole derivatives
Authors: Imran Mohd , Bawadekji Abdulhakim , Alotaibi Nawaf 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To synthesize new azole derivatives and determine their antimicrobial properties.
Methods: The reaction of the intermediates (2a-2c) with 3a-3c in acetone/potassium carbonate solution yielded 4a-4i, which were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR)) and mass spectrometry (MS). Compounds 4a-4i were assessed for their antibacterial and antifungal effects using the sequential dilution technique, relative to ofloxacin and ketoconazole.
Results: The spectral data for 4a-4i were consistent with the assigned structures. The MIC of compound 4h (10 μg/ml) was similar to that of ketoconazole against Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, and Aspergillus niger. The MIC value of compound 4b (10 μg/ml) for Penicillium citrinum was comparable to that of ketoconazole while the MIC value of compound 4d against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (20 μg/ml) was equivalent to the corresponding MIC value for ofloxacin.
Conclusion: The synthesized compounds bearing boronic acid moiety are good antimicrobial agents. Accordingly, further investigation into the thiazole-imidazole or thiazole-triazole derivatives bearing boronic acid moiety is suggested.
Keywords: Synthesis, Imidazole, Thiazole, Triazole, Antimicrobials
Perception and satisfaction of stakeholders regarding the patient care area pharmacist initiative in a military hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almzeiny Mohammed , Khurshid Fowad M. , Alaneazi Nadeen L. , Alotaibi Suhoud S. , Alharbi Sara N. , Almitwazi Ali A. , Alkhodair Ali M. , AlKharji Fahad , Alomar Hussain A. , Alsultan Mohammed S. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To explore the perceptions and satisfaction of stakeholders (physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) regarding services provided by the patient care area pharmacist (PCAP) initiative.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC). The questionnaire was hand-delivered to a random sample of stakeholder groups (including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) in three different areas of the hospital: the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), high dependency unit (HDU), and pediatric nephrology. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section collected demographic information of the participants, and the other sections collected anonymous opinions regarding services provided by the PCAP.
Results: Ninety-nine participants, comprising physicians (n = 27; 27.27 %), nurses (n = 55; 55.55%), inpatient pharmacists (n = 13; 13.13%), and PCAPs (n = 4; 4.04%), participated in the survey. A majority of the respondents (92.3 %) were satisfied with the PCAP services, and all respondents recommended expansion of the PCAP service to cover all wards.
Conclusion: The findings show that all participants have a positive perception of the PCAP service; PCAPs were seen by the participants as drug experts, and their recommendations were perceived as clinically relevant. All stakeholders sought to continue working with the PCAP.
Keywords: Patient care, PCAP, Attitude, Satisfaction, Pharmacy
Comparison of the effects of <i>Tripterygii totorum</i> and sulfasalazine on rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Renchun , Tang Yongliang , Zeng Jiali 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To compare, in a retrospective study, the effects and safety profiles of Tripterygii totorum and sulfasalazine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following 24 weeks of treatment.
Methods: RA patients (n = 164) who were treated with Tripterygii totorum or sulfasalazine from August 2012 to February 2016 were included in this study. The major end-point was ≥ 20 % improvement as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criterion (ACR 20 response) after 24 weeks. Moreover, ACR 50 and ACR 70 responses were studied. The safety parameters investigated comprised of adverse events, vital signs, as well as hematological and biochemical indices (blood counts, electrolyte levels, and kidney and liver function).
Results: At 24 weeks, ACR 20 response was 57.32 % in patients on Tripterygii totorum, while the corresponding value in patients on sulfasalazine was 39.02 % (p = 0.02). In the Tripterygii totorum group, ACR 50 response was 41.46 %, while ACR 70 response was 29.27 %. In sulfasalazine group, ACR 50 response was identified in 26.83 % of the patients, while ACR 70 response was seen in 21.95 % of patients. Adverse events were greater in the Tripterygii totorum group than in sulfasalazine group.
Conclusion: These results suggest that Tripterygii Totorum significantly mitigates RA, with a tolerable safety profile. However, there is need for long-term or controlled trials to ascertain the therapeutic potential of Tripterygii totorum in RA.
Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine, Tripterygii totorum, Sulfasalazine, Rheumatoid arthritis
Efficacy of Pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract on chronic periodontitis – A clinical study
Authors: Nagate Raghavendra Reddy , Yuvaraja M , AlQahtani Saad M. , AlQahtani Nabeeh A. , Tikare Shreyas , Gokhale Shankar T. , Ravi K.S. , Elagib Mohammed Fadul A. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract as a local drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
Methods: A total of 20 chronic periodontitis patients participated as per the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete scaling and root planing (SRP) was done for all subjects and pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin was applied on one site. The contralateral site received SRP alone. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline and on the 28th day.
Results: At the 28th-day follow-up, green tea catechin tooth sites showed significantly lower mean scores (GI = 0.55, p = 0.30 and PPD = 3.35 mm) than the corresponding SRP tooth sites (GI = 1.25, PI = 1.15, and PPD = 4.40 mm) (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: When compared to scaling and root planing alone, the local drug delivery gel containing green tea catechin as an adjuvant was more effective in reducing the clinical parameters of periodontitis.
Keywords: Adjuvant therapy, Camellia sinensis, Local drug delivery, Periodontal pocket
Bisleuconothine A potentiates the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury by enhancing P2X4 protein expressions
Authors: Meng Xiangen , Zhang Chunyang , Li Na , Zhang Yu , Fan Danfeng , Yang Chen , Li Hang , Guo Dazhi , Pan Shuyi 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of bisleuconothine A (BA), alone and in combination with hyperbaric oxygen (HO), on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.
Methods: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced by dropping a 200-g weight of steel on the left anterior frontal areas of Sprague-Dawley rats. The synergistic effect of BA and HO was determined by assessing neurological score, as well as parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation, expressions of P2X4 protein and other proteins, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain tissues of TBI rats.
Results: Neurological function score, levels of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress parameters were significantly reduced in rats treated with BA alone, and in those treated with a combination of BA and HO, when compared with untreated TBI rats (p < 0.01). Moreover, treatment with BA alone, and BA-HO combination attenuated the altered protein expressions of P2X4, Akt, PI3K and TLR-4 in the TBI rats, and also upregulated the mRNA expression of P2X4 in the brain tissue, when compared with untreated TBI rats (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: These results suggest that BA, when used alone or in combination with HO, reduces neuronal injury through upregulation of the protein expression of P2X4 in rats with traumatic brain injury. Thus, BA may be used clinically with HO therapy for the management of traumatic injury.
Keywords: Bisleuconothine A, Hyperbaric oxygen, Neuronal injury, Oxidative stress, Inflammatory mediators
Geraniin inhibits bladder cancer cell growth via regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Xu Junwei , Qin Ning , Yao Yebin , Chen Tao , Jiang Wenbo 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The effect of geraniin on human bladder transitional carcinoma was not clear, this study was thus intended to reveal it and reveal the mechanism.
Methods: T24 cells were treated with 5, 10, and 20 μM of geraniin and the viability and apoptosis of T24 cells were determined using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of Cyclin D1, p21, BAL-2, BAX, cleaved caspase-3 and PI3K/AKT pathway were evaluated using western blot.
Results: Geraniin decreased T24 cell viability and induced T24 cell cycle arrest. The proportion of T24 cells in S phase was decreased by geraniin. Besides, geraniin promoted T24 cell apoptosis and regulated PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusion: Geraniin appears to regulate bladder cancer cell growth by decreasing the levels of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. Thus, this agent may be useful in the management of bladder cancer
Keywords: Geraniin, T24 cells, Apoptosis, PI3K/AKT signaling
Effect of quercetin on bone metabolism and serum osteocalcin in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Yang Hai , Liu Juntao , Wang Man , Wang Lu , Zhang Lixiong , Zhang Fan 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the effect of quercetin on bone metabolism and serum osteocalcin in osteoporotic rats.
Methods: Sixty specific pathogen-free rats were randomly divided into control group, model group; high, medium and low dose quercetin groups, and diethylstilbestrol group, with 10 rats in each group. The high, middle and low dose quercetin groups were given quercetin suspension at doses of 200, 100, 50 mg/kg/day, respectively; the ethylene estradiol group was given ethylene estradiol (1.0 mg/kg/week), while control rats received ethylene estradiol at doses of 200, 100, 50 mg/kg/day. Rats in the model group were given saline. Samples were taken after 6 weeks of administration. The levels of serum bone-derived alkaline phosphatase (BALP), estradiol (E2) and serum osteocalcin (BGP) in femur tissue were measured using ELISA kits. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined using BMD tester.
Results: Relative to normal rats, BALP and BGP levels in the model rats were markedly increased, while E2 was significantly lower (p < 0.5). Quercetin treatment led to significant increases in BALP and E2 levels in the middle and high dose groups, relative to the model group, while BGP levels in all quercetin treatment groups decreased significantly, when compared to model rats (p < 0.05). There were higher BMD values in quercetin and diethylstilbestrol groups than in model (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Quercetin enhances bone formation and BMD, but decreases osteocalcin levels and maintains bone biomechanics in ovariectomized rats. Thus, it may find therapeutic application in maintaining bone health.
Keywords: Quercetin, Osteoporosis, Bone metabolism, Osteocalcin
Involvement of YAP and LATS1 in lung development in a rat model of nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Liao Junzuo , Liu Wenying , Zhang Libin , Li Qin , Hou Fang 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the role of Hippo pathway in lung development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
Methods: One oral dose of nitrofen was maternally administered for induction of CDH on embryonic day 9.5 (E 9.5). Sildenafil was administered intragastrically at a dose of 100 mg/kg on E 11.5. Three rat groups were used: control, CDH, and CDH + sildenafil. Cesarean section was used for fetal delivery on E 21.5. Fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia (except in control rats) were chosen for investigations. Fetal body weight and weight of lung tissue were recorded, and lung histological evaluation, western blot and PCR were carried out after lung processing.
Results: There was markedly higher expression of YAP in CDH rats than in control rats was unaffected by antenatal sildenafil administration (p < 0.05). However, prenatal sildenafil intervention significantly increased LATS1 expression in the lung of CDH fetuses (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results indicate that increased pulmonary YAP expression in CDH rat model might contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling and suppression of lung development. Thus, antenatal sildenafil administration not only mitigates abnormal vascular remodeling but also promotes lung development, most likely via increased expression of LATS1.
Keywords: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), Hippo pathway, Lung development, Sildenafil
Dark Purple Luem Pua rice extract reduces disease severity in rat models of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Thipart Kornsuda , Phunikhom Kutcharin , Noenplab Acharaporn Na Lampang , Sattayasai Jintana 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effects of an aqueous extract of unpolished dark purple glutinous Thai rice, variety Luem pua (LP), in two rat models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods: Polyphenolic compounds content were determined by HPLC methods and antioxidant activities by DPPH and FRAP assays of the LP extract. The effect of the LP extract at 5 g/kg/day were evaluated in two rat models of IBD that included acetic acid and indomethacin induced IBD. On each day of treatment, changes of body weight, stool consistency and stool blood were scored and expressed as disease activity index (DAI). At the end of the experiments, the animals were euthanized. Colon length and spleen weight were determined, and the degree of inflammation of the colon was scored.
Results: Rats in both models of IBD (acetic acid- and indomethacin-induced IBD), exhibited significant increases in DAI, macroscopic inflammation scores and spleen weights, while the lengths of colon were decreased. Pretreatment with LP extract attenuated the disease severity in both models as seen by the reverse of all observed altered parameters.
Conclusion: These data suggest that LP extract might be beneficial in preventing and/or treating IBD.
Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Dark purple glutinous rice Var. Luem Pua, Acetic acid, Indomethacin
Chemical composition and anti-arthritic activity of the essential oil from <i>Litsea cubeba</i> against Type II collagen rheumatoid arthritis in rat collagen
Authors: Zhao Jiancun , Wang Qianqian , Ma Jie 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the curative effect of the volatile oil from Litsea cubeba (EOL) on type II collagen (CII) induced arthritic (CIA) rat.
Methods: The chemical constituents of EOL were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analgesic effect of the oil was assessed by acetic acid-stimulated torsion and hot plate methods, while antiinflammatory potential was further assessed by in an ear oedema model induced by dimethylbenzene in mice. The anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity of EOL in mice was evaluated in terms of paw volume, arthritis index, thymus and spleen index, and serum inflammatory factor levels.
Results: GC-MS showed that α-citral (26.42 %), β-citral (21.94 %), and limonene (12.79 %) were the main components of EOL. Different doses of EOL (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) exerted varying inhibitory effects on torsion in mice induced by acetic acid (p < 0.01) but had no significant effect on thermal stimulation-induced pain. EOL reduced ear oedema in mice (p < 0.01). In addition, EOL (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) reduced the mouse paw volume, arthritis index, and thymus and spleen index (p < 0.01). Furthermore, EOL reduced proinflammatory cytokines in serum but increased antiinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: EOL ameliorates symptoms of inflammation in CIA rats by inhibiting inflammatory reactions, suggesting it could be further developed as an anti-arthritic drug.
Keywords: Litsea cubeba, Essential oil, Rrheumatoid arthritis, Pro-inflammatory cytokines
JNK pathway promotes hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and upregulating expressions of Bim, caspase-3 and caspase-9 after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Yu Haibin , Zhang Haojie , Cheng Yan , Fa Xian’en , Zhu Fangtao , Lin Yachao , Huang Weihua 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the effect of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway on hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, and to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Methods: TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) method was used to determine apoptosis in control and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) groups at 0, 3 and 6 hours after rat surgery. The expressions of JNK and p-c-Jun in liver tissues at 0, 3 and 6 h after surgery, and the levels of p-c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bim following overexpression of JNK, were determined using Western blot assay. Human liver cell line HL-7702 was cultured and transfected with over-expressed JNK plasmid and empty plasmid. Proliferation of HL-7702 cells after JNK over-expression was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA after JNK over-expression. Apoptosis of the cells was determined by flow cytometry (FC) after JNK over-expression.
Results: FC results showed that the number of apoptotic hepatocytes increased after JNK overexpression in hepatocytes while TUNEL assay results demonstrated that hepatocyte apoptosis increased in CPB group, when compared to control group; furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells gradually increased within 6 h after surgery. The expressions of JNK and p-c-Jun were higher in CPB group than in control group, and increased gradually in both groups within 6 h after surgery. Overexpression of JNK decreased the proliferation of hepatocytes, and also lowered protein expression levels of p-c-Jun and Bim; on the other hand, the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 fell, while mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA increased.
Conclusion: JNK pathway promotes hepatocyte apoptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass by inhibiting Bcl-2 pathway and promoting the expressions of Bim caspase-3 and caspase-9.
Keywords: Cardiopulmonary bypass, Apoptosis, JNK pathway, Bim, caspase-3 and caspase-9
Anti-endometriotic effect of <i>Angelica sinensis</i> (Oliv.) Diels extract in human endometriotic cells and rats
Authors: Xiong Qi-Xiang , Ruan Xiao-Yun , Deng Al-Ping , Liu Jue , Zhou Qing 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To study the anti-endometriotic effect of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels extract (ASDE) in human endometriotic cells and rats.Method: Forty female rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats/group): control, endometriosis+danazol, endometriosis+high dose of ASDE and low dose of ASDE. The rats were orally administered either vehicle (200 μL of PBS) alone or ASDE (140, 280 and 560 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Danazol was used as the control drug. After induction of endometriosis for 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the peritoneum and visceral organs examined visually to measure the number of endometriotic lesions. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and interleukin 13 (IL-13), interleukin 18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) of peritoneal fluids of rats were measured using ELISA kits. Western blot assay was performed to measure the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expressions after 24 h of treatment with ASDE (30, 60, and 120 μg/mL).Results: ASDE-treated rats displayed reduced numbers of total endometriotic lesions when compared with vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.01). When the rats were treated with high dose of ASDE, serum CA-125 level, as well as IL-18 and TNF-α levels in peritoneal fluids were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01); however, IL-13 level in peritoneal fluids was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). ASDE treatment significantly suppressed the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein in 11Z cell (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The results reveal that ASDE exhibits significant anti-endometriotic effect by inhibiting inflammatory factors in rats. Thus, the plant extract can potentially be developed for the clinical management of endometriosis.
Keywords: Angelica sinensis, Endometriosis, Cancer antigen, Endometriotic lesions, Matrix metalloproteinase