bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-372-3p Predicts Response of TACE Patients Treated with Doxorubicin and Enhances Chemosensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Soliman Marwa H. , Ragheb Mohamed A. , Elzayat Emad M. , Mohamed Mervat S. , El-Ekiaby Nada , Abdelaziz Ahmed I. , Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Hady A. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Identification of factors to detect and improve chemotherapy-response in cancer is the
main concern. microRNA-372-3p (miR-372-3p) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in cellular proliferation,
apoptosis and metastasis of various cancers including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, its
contribution towards Doxorubicin (Dox) chemosensitivity in HCC has never been studied.

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the potential role of miR-372-3p in enhancing Dox effects on HCC cell line (HepG2). Their
correlation has been additionally analyzed for HCC patients who received Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) with Dox treatment.

Methods:
Different cell processes were elucidated by cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and wound healing assays after miR372-3p transfection in HepG2 cells Furthermore, miR-372-3p level has been estimated in blood of primary HCC patients treated with
TACE/Dox by quantitative real-time PCR assay. Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis for serum miR-372-3p was constructed
for its prognostic significance. Finally, protein level of Mcl-1, the anti-apoptotic player, has been evaluated using western blot.

Results:
We found a significant higher level of miR-372-3p in blood of responder group of HCC patients received TACE with Dox
than of non-responders. Ectopic expression of miR-372-3p reduced cell proliferation, migration and significantly induced apoptosis in
HepG2 cells which was coupled with decreased of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated that miR-372-3p acts as tumor suppressor in HCC and can act as a predictor biomarker for drug
response. Furthermore, the data referred for the first time its potential role in drug sensitivity that might be a therapeutic target for
HCC.
Recent Progress in the Development of Quinoline Derivatives for the Exploitation of Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Man Ruo-Jun , Jeelani Nasreen , Zhou Chongchen , Yang Yu-Shun 
Published: May 2020

Background:Along with the progress in medicine and therapies, the exploitation of anti-cancer agents focused more on the vital signaling pathways and key biological macromolecules. With rational design and advanced synthesis, quinoline derivatives have been utilized frequently in medicinal chemistry, especially in developing anti-cancer drugs or candidates.Methods:Using DOI searching, articles published before 2020 all over the world have been reviewed as comprehensively as possible.Results:In this review, we selected the representative quinoline derivate drugs in market or clinical trials, classified them into five major categories with detailed targets according to their main mechanisms, discussed the relationship within the same mechanism, and generated a summative discussion with prospective expectations. For each mechanism, the introduction of the target was presented, with the typical examples of quinoline derivate drugs.Conclusion:This review has highlighted the quinoline drugs or candidates, suited them into corresponding targets in their pathways, summarized and discussed. We hope that this review may help the researchers who are interested in discovering quinoline derivate anti-cancer agents obtain considerable understanding of this specific topic. Through the flourishing period and the vigorous strategies in clinical trials, quinoline drugs would be potential but facing new challenges in the future.
Anticancer Properties of Amino Acid and Peptide Derivatives of Mycophenolic Acid
Authors: Siebert Agnieszka , Deptuła Milena , Cichorek Mirosława , Ronowska Anna , Cholewiński Grzegorz , Rachon Janusz 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Although Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) is applied as prodrugs in clinic as an immunosuppressant,
it also possesses anticancer activity. MPA acts as Inosine-5’-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase
(IMPDH) inhibitor, where the carboxylic group at the end of the side chain interacts with Ser 276 of the enzyme
via hydrogen bonds. Therefore, MPA derivatives with other polar groups indicated high inhibition too. On the
other hand, potent anticancer agents like dacarbazine and cisplatin give numerous side-effects.

Objective:
Based on the literature data, MPA derivatives should be explored towards anticancer properties.
Conversion of the carboxylic group of MPA to amide could maintain antiproliferative activity. Therefore, we
decided to investigate several amino acid and peptide derivatives of MPA against chosen cancer cell lines in vitro.

Methods:
Amides of MPA hold threonine and arginine amino acid unit. These amino acid derivatives were
tested as L and D enantiomers and both in free acid and methyl esters forms. Additionally, MPA was modified
with tuftsin or retro-tuftsin as biologically active peptides, which could act as a drug carrier.

Results:
Amino acid and peptide derivatives of MPA were investigated in vitro as potential anticancer agents on
cell lines: Ab melanoma, A375 melanoma and SHSY5Y neuroblastoma. The activity of the tested compounds
was compared to parent MPA and known chemotherapeutics: dacarbazine and cisplatin.

Conclusion:
Amino acid moiety and the sequence of amino acids in the peptide part influenced observed activity.
The most active amino acid MPA analogues occurred to be D and L-threonine derivatives as methyl esters,
probably due to better cell membrane penetration.
Evaluation of Glutathione Bioactivity on Toxoplasma Gondii in BALB/c Mice Post Impact of Selenium and Calcium Supplementation
Authors: Namazi Mohammad Javad , Nikpour Saeideh , Rahimi-Moghaddam Parvaneh , Hosseini Seyed Abdollah , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Mostafavi Neda Sadat Shokouhi , Golmohammadi Rahim , Tabatabaie Fatemeh 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Studies have shown that selenium is an essential component of glutathione
as an important antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit intracellular parasites’
growth. In contrast, calcium in the cytosol of such parasites plays a key role in the entry of the parasite
into the host cell and its primary motility.

Aim and Objective:
The present study was designed to evaluate and compare glutathione peroxidase
bioactivity effects post administration of selenium and calcium in BALB/c mice infected by
Toxoplasma gondii.

Methods:
Sixty BALB/c mice susceptible to T. gondii were randomly divided into twelve groups
of case and control groups. There were six control groups including two positive controls infected
only with the parasites either 104 or 5×104, non-infected and untreated groups. Treated controls received
only calcium, selenium, or both respectively. Case groups were infected with 104 or 5×104
parasites. While each set of three case groups separately received minerals alone or together. Mice
were orally fed with 200 μg selenium, 50 μg calcium or their combination for 7 days. Mice were infected
by parasite’s tachyzoites. Sera of mice were kept and the peritoneal macrophages were isolated
for counting tachyzoites during infection.

Results:
The results showed that selenium unlike calcium was significantly effective in reducing
Toxoplasma tachyzoites compared to control groups. Moreover, glutathione peroxidase [GPX] activity
was elevated in mice treated with selenium and vice versa decreased in mice treated with calcium.

Conclusion:
Administration of selenium unlike calcium reduced Toxoplasma tachyzoites proliferation
by elevating bioactivity of selenium-dependent detoxification enzyme, GPX.
Nocardia Infections: Ten Years Experience from a Tertiary Health Care Center in North India (2007-2016)
Authors: Bansal Yashik , Singla Nidhi , Butta Hena , Aggarwal Deepak , Gulati Neelam , Chander Jagdish 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Nocardia species are important cause of infections in humans but are underreported due to
missed diagnosis as well as misdiagnosis. Majority of the literature on these infections consists of case
reports or series with few articles describing high number of cases.

Objective:
To study the epidemiology of Nocardia infections in a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective observational study was done in a tertiary care centre of North
India over a period of 10 years (2007-2016). The detection of Nocardia spp. from clinical specimens was
done by conventional methods viz. direct microscopy (Gram’s stain, modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain [1%],
KOH examination) and culture.

Results:
A total of 25 cases of nocardiosis were diagnosed during the study period. The mean age
of the patients was 50.9 years (range 30-72 years) with a male:female ratio of 3:2. The site of disease
in these patients included pulmonary (n=18), cutaneous (n=4), perinephric abscess (n=1), ocular
(n=1) and bone (n=1). Risk factors associated were underlying lung disease (n=11), smoking
(n=7), diabetes (n=5) and steroid therapy (n=4) in pulmonary nocardiosis, iatrogenic (n=1) and leprosy
(n=1) in cutaneous nocardiosis, diabetes in perinephric abscess and cataract surgery in ocular
nocardiosis. Culture was positive in 12/25 (48%) patients for Nocardia spp. Direct microscopy
was positive in 22 patients. We wish to highlight that meticulous observation of KOH wet mount
examination helped in clinching the diagnosis of Nocardiosis in 3 cases which were earlier missed
by other methods.

Conclusions:
Good communication with the clinician alongside a meticulous effort in the laboratory is
essential for appropriate diagnosis and management of these cases.
Combination of Naringenin and Lisinopril Ameliorates Nephropathy in Type-1 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kulkarni Yogesh A. , Suryavanshi Sachin V. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting a large percentage of the population
worldwide. The chronic hyperglycemic condition leads to the generation of advanced glycation end
products, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, which worsen the functioning of the
kidney. Clinical management of diabetic nephropathy is difficult as it requires a multi-focused approach.
Hence, a combination of lisinopril a drug used in clinical practice for nephropathy, and
naringenin, a flavonoid reported to have a significant effect in nephropathy, may show additive or synergistic
effect with less side effects.

Objective:
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of lisinopril
with naringenin in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:
Diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.). After
four weeks of diabetes induction animals were treated with naringenin alone and a combination of
Lisinopril and naringenin for the next four weeks. At the end of the study, various urine and biochemical
parameters were evaluated. Oxidative stress parameters like malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione;
catalase and superoxide dismutase for kidney tissues were estimated and histopathology studies of
kidneys were carried out.

Results:
The combination of lisinopril (10 mg/kg) and naringenin (25 and 50 mg/kg) treatment showed
significant improvement in the biochemical and urine parameters. Combination treatment also attenuated
renal oxidative stress and renal damage as observed in histopathological studies.

Conclusion:
Treatment with a combination of lisinopril and naringenin showed a promising effect on
diabetic nephropathy in rats.
Pharmacokinetics of Darolutamide in Mouse - Assessment of the Disposition of the Diastereomers, Key Active Metabolite and Interconversion Phenomenon: Implications to Cancer Patients
Authors: Saini Neeraj K. , Gabani Bhavesh B. , Todmal Umesh , Sulochana Suresh P. , Kiran Vinay , Zainuddin Mohd. , Balaji Narayanan , Polina Sai B. , Srinivas Nuggehally R. , Mullangi Ramesh 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Darolutamide is recently approved for the treatment of non-metastatic castrate
resistance prostate cancer. Hitherto, no stereoselective pharmacokinetic data have been published pertaining
to darolutamide and its diastereomers in animals or humans. The key aims of the experiment
were to examine darolutamide, S,S-darolutamide and S,R-darolutamide with respect to (a) assessment
of in vitro metabolic stability and protein binding and (b) characterization of in vivo oral and intravenous
pharmacokinetics in mice.

Method:
In vitro (liver microsomes stability and protein binding) and in vivo experiments
(oral/intravenous dosing to mice) were carried out using darolutamide, S,S-darolutamide and S,Rdarolutamide.
Besides, tissue levels of darolutamide, S,S-darolutamide and S,R-darolutamide were
measured following oral and intravenous dosing. Appropriate plasma/tissue samples served to determine
the pharmacokinetics of various analytes in mice. Liquid chromatography in tandem with mass
spectrometry procedures enabled the delineation of the plasma pharmacokinetics, in vitro and tissue uptake
data of the various analytes.

Results:
Chiral inversion was absent in the metabolic stability study. However, darolutamide showed
profound stereoselectivity (S,S-darolutamide greater than S,R-darolutamide) after either intravenous or
oral dosing. S,R-darolutamide but not S,S-darolutamide showed conversion to its antipode post oral
and intravenous dosing to mice. Regardless of oral or intravenous dosing, active keto darolutamide
formation was evident after administration of darolutamide, S,S-darolutamide or S,R- darolutamide.
Tissue data supported the observations in plasma; however, tissue exposure of darolutamide, S,Sdarolutamide
and S,R-darolutamide was much lower as compared to plasma.

Conclusion:
In lieu of the human pharmacokinetic data, although the administration of diastereomeric
darolutamide was justified, it is proposed to delineate the clinical pharmacokinetics of S,Rdarolutamide
and S,S-darolutamide relative to darolutamide in future clinical pharmacology studies.
Degradation of Bacterial Water Quality in Drinking Water after Bottling
Authors: Shahryari Ali , Smith Charlotte D. , Amini Abolfazl 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The consumption of bottled water globally, including Iran, has increased tremendously in recent years. This study was designed to assess the bacteriological quality of bottled water and its compliance with the drinking water regulations. In addition, we evaluated bottled waters for the presence of a variety of genera of bacteria and the effect of storage duration on the extent of bacterial contamination.

Methods:
Four hundred samples of bottled water belonging to ten different Iranian brands with various production dates were purchased from supermarkets in Gorgan, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Bacterial quality of bottled water was assessed using heterotrophic plate count (HPC) followed by usual biochemical tests for identification of bacterial genera, and by the API system.

Results:
The average HPC of bottled water was 9974 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Twelve genera were isolated, among which Bacillus spp. and Escherichia coli were the most and least abundant, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a positive association between water quality and storage duration so that the highest microbial load occurred within the first to third months after bottling. Furthermore, the highest rate of contamination was observed in May when ambient air temperatures commonly reached 40 °C.

Conclusion:
The bacterial quality of bottled water was not according to the standard of drinking water quality. This study demonstrated the variation in bacterial levels after bottling, which indicates the presence of waterborne heterotrophic bacteria, some of which can pose severe health risks to consumers.
Traffic Risk Perception, Risky Road Use Behaviors among Vietnamese People
Authors: V. Luot Nguyen , Linh Dao T.D. , Phong Nguyen D. , V. Long Nguyen , Duc Bui M. , V. Hue Pham 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The total number of (road) traffic accidents in Vietnam remains high and the death toll caused by these accidents also ranks second in Southeast Asia. Many studies elsewhere have shown a positive correlation between the traffic risk perception and the traffic risky behavior (henceforth, referred to as TRP and TRB, respectively, for short) However, this relationship has been relatively under-researched in the context of Vietnam. This study aimed to fulfill the above research gap by investigating the present status of TRP and TRB among Vietnamese people who used motorbikes and/or electric motorbikes for their daily travel as well as the association between these two variables.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 373 people using motorbikes and electric motorbikes (102 males, 271 females; M age = 25.8) by means of an online questionnaire survey. This questionnaire survey was constructed based on the Risk Perception Scale on traffic risk developed by Ram et al. (2016) as well as an additional question that was to explore the risk behaviors of research participants during their traffic involvement for the last thirty days.

Results:
TRP indices were found to be higher for women than for men. Young males with extroverted characteristics had higher TRB than old females with introverted characteristics. However, no relationship existed between these two factors in the present study.

Conclusion:
As the finding of this study turned out to be inconsistent with those of previous research, more empirical studies are still welcome in this area.
Comparison of Endothelial Cell Density, Morphological Changes and Central Corneal Thickness after Phacoemulsification between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Budiman Budiman 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Corneal endothelial tissues are susceptible to mechanical trauma from ultrasound energy during phacoemulsification. Several studies have reported various results of phacoemulsification effect on corneal endothelial cells between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Purpose:
To compare endothelial density, hexagonality, Coefficient of Variance (CV) and Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) changes between diabetic and non-diabetic patients at four weeks after phacoemulsification.

Methods:
Specular microscopy examinations prior to phacoemulsification and at four-weeks after phacoemulsification were performed on diabetic and non-diabetic groups with cataract. Later, patients in the diabetic group were divided based on their HbA1c level. The changes in endothelial density, the percentage of hexagonality, CV and CCT were evaluated.

Results:
At a four-weeks follow up, there were no statistical differences in endothelial cells density, CV and CCT changes between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Mean (SD) of hexagonality percentage at four weeks of follow-up was lower (p-value=0.001) in diabetic group [(14.6) 41.7%] compared to non-diabetic group [(14.5) 50.1%]. There were no differences in endothelial cells density, hexagonality, CV and CCT values between the diabetic group with HbA1c level <7.5% and HbA1c level ≥7.5% at 4-weeks after phacoemulsification.

Conclusion:
There were no statistically significant differences in the endothelial loss, reduction of CV and CCT changes between the diabetic and non-diabetic group at four-weeks follow up after phacoemulsification. Diabetic group showed greater hexagonality decrease compared to non-diabetic group at four weeks after phacoemulsification. Different HbA1c levels did not affect the changes in endothelial density, the percentage of hexagonality, CV and CCT after phacoemulsification.
DoE Based Optimization and Development of Spray-Dried Chitosan-Coated Alginate Microparticles Loaded with Cisplatin for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Kaur Harpal , Mishra Neeraj , Khurana Bharat , Kaur Sukhbir , Arora Daisy 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The existing parenteral treatment of cervical cancer has high toxicity and
poor distribution of drugs at the targeted site.

Purpose:
To formulate localized mucoadhesive cisplatin loaded microparticles based formulation
to treat cervical cancer so that enhanced therapeutics benefits with low toxicity could be achieved.

Methods:
Cisplatin loaded chitosan coated spray-dried microparticles were prepared by ionotropic
gelation technique and optimized by Central Composite Design. The spray-dried uncoated and chitosan-
coated microparticles were characterized for various parameters (Particle size, Morphology,
Drug entrapment efficiency). In vitro drug release study was carried out in simulated vaginal fluids
by dialysis membrane method. Ex vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic potential
of the developed formulation by the MTT assay. A drug permeability study was performed by
Franz diffusion cell using the vaginal tissue of Swiss Albino Mice.

Results:
All in vitro characterization parameters were found to be optimum. The in vitro release
studies indicated a controlled release following the Higuchi model. The chitosan-coated microparticles
were found to be more cytotoxic than uncoated microparticles and plain cisplatin solution. The
chitosan-coated microparticles were found to be more permeable than uncoated microparticles. Finally,
in vivo tumor regression and histopathological studies confirmed the significant decrease in
tumor volume at different time intervals.

Conclusion:
Thus, it can be concluded that mucoadhesive spray-dried microparticles could provide
a favorable approach for localized delivery of the anticancer drug via vaginal route against cervical
cancer with its enhanced effectiveness.
Association Between Community Social Capital and Suicide Mortality in Rural Areas of Japan: An Evaluation of Temporal Changes
Authors: Kozaka Naomi , Kuroda Yoshiki 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Although previous studies have reported that suicide mortality was associated with social capital, the relation between social capital and suicide mortality has remained controversial. Thus, we evaluated the relation between social capital and suicide mortality in rural areas of Japan, and examined the association between temporal changes in social capital and suicide mortality over the last ten years.

Methods:
We examined the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) for suicide for 26 municipalities of Miyazaki Prefecture and used the data to calculate the average suicide SMRs for two five-year periods: an earlier period, 2004–2008; and a later period, 2012–2016. Social capital (social cohesion and social participation of older people) was measured using information from questionnaire surveys. A multiple linear regression analysis of suicide SMR was conducted for each social capital variable, adjusting for potential confounding factors (population density, the proportion of older people, annual divorce rate, unemployment rate, and proportion of workers engaged in primary industries).

Results:
We demonstrated that male suicide SMR for the earlier period was significantly and positively associated with social cohesion after the adjustment of confounding factors. Temporal changes in male suicide SMRs were significantly and negatively associated with temporal changes in the social participation of older people in the adjusted model. No association was found for female suicide SMRs in either period.

Conclusion:
The present findings suggest that the social participation of older people might reduce suicide among males.