bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of chitosan from Ugandan edible mushrooms, Nile perch scales and banana weevils for biomedical applications.
Authors: Ssekatawa Kenneth , Byarugaba Denis K. , Wampande Eddie M. , Moja Tlou N. , Nxumalo Edward , Maaza Malik , Sackey Juliet , Ejobi Francis , Kirabira John Baptist 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Of recent, immense attention has been given to chitosan in the biomedical field due to its valuable biochemical and physiological properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, reactivity, solubility and non-toxicity. For instance, chitosan has exhibited distinguished bioactivity not limited to only antimicrobial activity but also promotion of wound healing and immune system augmentation in model animals. Therefore, chitosan has attracted application as a nano drug targeted delivery system. Traditionally, the chief source of chitosan is chitin from crab and shrimp shells obtained as waste products in the seafood industry. Chitin is also an important component of fish scales, insects and fungal cell walls, therefore, Uganda’s edible mushrooms, Nile perch scales and banana weevils can be used as alternative sources of chitin and obviously chitosan. Thus, the aim of this study was to isolate and characterize chitosan from locally available material for potential use in the biomedical field. Methods: Chitin was extracted from banana weevils, Nile perch scales and mushrooms powder by demineralization with 1.0M HCl solution, then deproteinization with 1.0M NaOH. Chitosan was prepared by treating chitin with 50% NaOH at 100°C for 8 hrs. Chitosan ash and moisture contents were determined gravimetrically while solubility was computed as percentage dry weight of suspended chitosan. FTIR was used to determine the DD while XRD was used to estimate the crystallinity of chitosan. Results: Ash and moisture contents ranged from 3.5 to 15% and 3.5 to 6.4% respectively while solubility level varied from 57 to 68%. FTIR spectra reveal high degree of similarity between locally isolated chitosan and commercial chitosan with DD ranging from 77.8 to 79.1%. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibited peaks at 2θ values of 19.5° for both chitosan extracted from Mushrooms and banana weevils while chitosan from Nile perch scales registered 3 peaks at 2θ angles of 12.3°, 20.1° and 21.3° comparable to the established commercial chitosan (Sigma Aldrich) XRD pattern. Conclusion: Ash content, moisture content, DD, FTIR spectra and XRD pattern revealed that chitosan isolated from locally available materials has physicochemical properties comparable to conventional chitosan and therefore it can be used in the biomedical field.
Protective Effects of DAla2-GIP-GLU-PAL against Cognitive Deficits and Amyloid Deposition in APP/PS1 AD Mice Associated with Reduction of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Qi Jinshun , Yuan Li , Zhang Jun , Holscher Christian , Yang Jun-Ting , Wu Mei-Na , Wang Zhao-Jun , Cai Hong-Yan , Han Ling-Na , Shi Hui , Han Yu-Fei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background

Alzhermer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline in cognitive function and high-density deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important risk factor for AD. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has been identified to be effective in T2DM treatment and neuroprotection. The present study further investigated the neuroprotective effects of a novel long lasting GIP analogue DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL in 9-month-old APP swe /PS1 dE9 (APP/PS1) AD mice.

Methods

Multiple behavioral tests including new object recognition, Y maze and Morris water maze were performed to examine the cognitive function of mice. In vivo hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) was recorded to reflect synaptic plasticity. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to examine the Aβ plaques and neuroinflammation in the brain. The expression levels of cAMP, S99 p-PKA, S133 p-CREB, S468 NF-κBp65 and IL-1β were detected by western blotting or ELISA.

Results

DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL effectively improved cognitive behaviors and synaptic plasticity of APP/PS1 mice, with increased new object recognition, spontaneous alternation and target quadrant swimming time, as well as enhanced in vivo hippocampal L-LTP. DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL significantly reduced Aβ deposition and inhibited astrocyte proliferation, IL-1β secretion and NF-κB activation. Besides, . DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL also up-regulated cAMP/PKA/CREB signal transduction in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusion

DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL improves cognitive behaviors, long-term synaptic plasticity and pathological damages in APP/PS1 mice, which are associated with the reduction of neuroinflammation and the up-regulation of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling in the hippocampus. This study suggests a potential benefit of DAla2GIP-Glu-PAL in the treatment of AD.
Intravenous Calcium as a Pressor in a Swine Model of Hypoxic Lifeless Shock
Authors: Lindqwister Alexander , Lampe Joshua W. , Gould Jeffrey R. , Kaufman Christopher L. , Moodie Karen , Paradis Norman 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Resuscitation from hypoxic lifeless shock (LS, previously called pseudo-PEA) is often associated with hypotension refractory to catecholamine pressors. We hypothesized that this post-resuscitation state may be associated with hypocalcemia and the hypotension responsive to intravenous calcium. Results: Using pre-existing data from our hypoxic swine LS model, we measured blood pressure, hemodynamics, and electrolytes. In 9 animals with refractory hypotension we administered 37 boluses of intravenous calcium in the dosage range of 5 -20 mg. Physiological data were analyzed on a heartbeat by heartbeat basis. The midpoint of the calcium response was defined using change of curvature feature detection. Hemodynamic parameters were shifted such that the value at the midpoint was equal to zero. Comparisons were made between the average values in the time period 40-35 seconds before the bolus and 35-40 seconds after the bolus. Of the 37 administered boluses, 34 manifested a reaction in the blood pressure, with mean aortic pressure, systolic and diastolic pressures all increasing post bolus administration. Conclusions: Ionized hypocalcemia and hypotension may be common after resuscitation from hypoxic lifeless shock. Administration of intravenous calcium may be associated with a pressor-like response. Hypocalcemia is an etiology for hypotension, and intravenous calcium as a therapy in this setting should be further investigated.
Electrically stimulable indium tin oxide plate for long-term in vitro cardiomyocyte culture
Authors: Moon Sung-Hwan , Cho Young-Woo , Shim Hye-Eun , Choi Jae-Hak , Jung Chan-Hee , Hwang In-Tae , Kang Sun-Woong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: We investigated whether electrical stimulation via indium tin oxide (ITO) could enhance the in vitro culture of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), which are important in vitro models for studying the mechanisms underlying many aspects of cardiology.Methods: Cardiomyocytes were obtained from 1-day-old neonatal rat heart ventricles. To evaluate function of NRVMs cultured on ITO with electrical stimulation, the cell viability, change of cell morphology, immunochemistry using cardiac-specific antibodies, and gene expression were tested.Results: Defined sarcomeric structure, cell enlargement, and increased distribution of NRVMs appeared in the presence of electrical stimulation. These characteristics were absent in NRVMs cultured under standard culture conditions. In addition, the expression levels of cardiomyocyte-specific and ion channel markers were higher in NRVMs seeded on ITO-coated dishes than in the control group at 14 days after seeding. ITO-coated dishes could effectively provide electrical cues to support the in vitro culture of NRVMs.Conclusions: These results provide supporting evidence that electrical stimulation via ITO can be effectively used to maintain culture and enhance function of cardiomyocytes in vitro.
Health-related quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS: the role of social inequalities and disease-related factors
Authors: Nigusso Fikadu Tadesse , Mavhandu-Mudzusi Azwihangwisi Helen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) serves as a direct measure of individuals’ health, life expectancy and the impact that the utilisation of health care has on quality of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the HRQoL of people living with HIV and AIDS, and to ascertain its association with the social inequalities and clinical determinants among people living with HIV in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2016 and February 2017; 390 people at two referral hospitals and three health centres participated in the study. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Scale (PROMIS Global 10) was used to measure key HRQoL domains. Physical Health Summary (PHS) and Mental Health Summary (MHS) scores were employed. PHS and MHS scores below 50 (the standardised mean score) were determined to be poor and above 50 to be good. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PHS and MHS scores.Results: This study included 259 (66.4%) females and 131 (33.6%) males. The PHS scores ranged from 16.2 to 67.7 with a mean of 48.8 (SD = 8.9). Almost 44.6% of the study population has a PHS score of below 50; the MHS scores ranged from 28.4 to 67.6 with a mean of 50.8 (SD = 8.1). About 41.8% of the study population has an MHS score of below 50. Unemployment, household food insecurity and comorbidities with HIV were associated with both poor PHS and poor MHS scores. The demographic factors associated with poor PHS scores were being a member of the Oromo ethnic group and having non-Christian religious affiliations; while age of below 25 years were inversely associated with poor PHS. The least wealth index score was also associated with a poor MHS score.Conclusion: Overall, socioeconomic inequalities and HIV-related clinical factors play an important role in improving the HRQoL of PLWHA. Many of these determinants are alterable risk factors. Appropriate strategies can improve the holistic management of chronic HIV care and maximise PLWHAs’ HRQoL. Such strategies require the adoption of comprehensive interventions, including policies and programmes that would improve the health, wellbeing and livelihood of PLWHAs.
Effects of oral contraceptives on the quality of life of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a crossover randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amiri Mina , Nahidi Fatemeh , Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Khalili Davood , Tohidi Maryam , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background and objective A limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on the quality of life (QOL) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of using OCs containing levonorgestrel (LNG) and those containing desogestrel (DSG), cyproterone acetate (CPA) or drospirenone (DRSP) for 6 months on the QOL with PCOS. Methods In this crossover randomized controlled 6-arm trial, 200 eligible patients with PCOS scheduled for OC therapy were randomly assigned to one of the 6 study arms. All 6 arms include two 6-month treatment periods, one period with OCs containing LNG, and the other with each of the 3 OCs containing DSG, CPA, or DRSP. Outcomes of interest were the total score of QOL and its domains. Results Finally, a total of 88 patients were analyzed for this study. The results showed that use of OCs containing DSG, CPA, and DRSP for 3 months was not associated with significant differences in the total scores of QOL compared to those OCs containing LNG, whereas, after 6 months of treatment, patients treated with OCs containing CPA had more improvements in their total scores of QOL, in comparison to OCs containing LNG (P < 0.042). We found no significant differences in QoL domains, including psychosocial–emotional, self-image, fertility, sexual function, hirsutism, and obesity-menstrual disorders after 3- 6 months of treatment with DSG, CPA, or DRSP, compared to LNG. The sequence and period effects were not significant in any of the analyses at 3 and 6 months of treatment. The carry-over effect was not significant for most outcomes assessed. Conclusions This crossover study demonstrated non-inferiority of OCs with newer generation progestins on different domains of QOL, in comparison with older compounds, although usage of products containing CPA was significantly associated with more improvement in total QOL of PCOS patients, compared to those containing LNG after 6-month of treatment.
Dietary nutrient intake related to higher grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia risk: A Chinese population-based study
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yang Aimin , Yang Jing , Zhao Weihong , Wang Zhilian , Wang Wei , Wang Jintao , Song Jinghui , Li Li , Lv Weiguo , Li Dongyan , Liu Huiqiang , Wang Chen , Hao Min 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Dietary nutrient intake plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. Few studies have investigated the association between dietary nutrient intake and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) risk in China.Methods Data on 2,304 women from an ongoing cohort comprising 40,000 women from China in 2014 were included. We randomly selected 218 out of 2304 people as subjects during 2019. All participants were surveyed through in-person interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Clinical data were obtained from physical examinations and laboratory tests. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutrition intakes from 26 food sources were calculated using a comprehensive validated database. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and proportion, and mean and standard deviation of the demographic characteristics. Characteristics were examined for significant differences, and Pearson chi-square tests were used for categoric variables. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for CIN risk in each nutritional ingredient quartile relative to that in the highest quartile.Results The food frequency questionnaire exhibited acceptable reproducibility and reasonable validity in assessing nutrient intakes among these women. After adjusting for multiple confounders, several dietary nutrients showed significant associations with CIN2 + risk. Low dietary folate intake was associated with the risk of CIN2+ (first versus fourth quartile: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03–2.33). Similar results were also observed for vitamin B6 (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.08–2.46), vitamin C (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.05–2.42), niacin (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.08–2.51), and vitamin K (second versus fourth quartile: OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.05–2.44).Conclusions Low folate; vitamin B6, C, and K; and niacin intakes were associated with CIN2 + risk. Nutrients may influence the development of higher grade CIN and cervical cancer.Trial registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR-ROC-15006479) (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Recurrent Synovitis of Hip and MEFV Gene Related Arthritis in Children
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Mirzarahimi Mehrdad 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Recurrent and relapsing arthritis has been proposed to describe a group of arthritis with recurring and periodic nature, in which the joints are intermittently involved. This study reports three non-FMF patients with heterozygous MEFV gene mutations and an extraordinary arthritis as a recurrent synovitis of hip (RSH) Methods : During 16-years from 2003 to 2019 at pediatric rheumatologic clinic among 195 recorded files with chronic oligoarthritis, 3 patients with diagnosis of recurrent synovitis of hip (RSH) were reviewed thoroughly. Peripheral blood was collected from patients and the samples were screened for the 12 common MEFV gene pathogenic variants. Results: This study included three patients, two female and one male with relapsing idiopathic arthritis that has been located on hip joints as a sole manifestation and pathologic findings of MEFV mutations as follow: A744S, V726A, and R761H. Conclusion : On the basis of possible role of MEFV gene in different rheumatic disease, MEFV gene related arthritis may be considered as a background of RSH particularly in Mediterranean area.
Effect of Electroacupuncture on Spinal Cord Injury in Mice: Inhibition Of Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress via ApoE and Nrf2
Authors: Dai Ni , Tang Chenglin , Zhao Hongdi , Dai Pan , Huang Siqin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic central nervous system disease. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress are two critical factors in the pathophysiological process of SCI and closely involved with Apolipoprotein E(ApoE) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). Electroacupuncture (EA) has perfectly neuroprotective effect on SCI. However, the underlying mechanism by which EA mediates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress is not completely elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathways that EA regulates inflammatory response and oxidative stress through elevation of ApoE and Nrf2 after SCI.Methods: C57BL/6 Wide Type (WT) mice and ApoE -/- mice were subjected to SCI model by a serrefine clamping. Neurological function was detected by BMS scores, ultrastructure of demyelinationed axons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. ApoE, pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress-relevant proteins were determined by histochemistry technology. Two-way ANOVA was applied to BMS scores. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's multiple comparison test were used to analyse differences among groups.Results: BMS scores were increased gradually and demyelinated axons were improved by EA gradually with the expression of ApoE. EA can inhibit inflammatory response by activation of ApoE, which decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) expression and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines(IL-10 and TGF-β1).Meanwhile, EA can also inhibit oxidative stress by elevation of Nrf2,which induced HO-1 and NQO1 expression in WT and ApoE -/- mice.Conclusions: EA is a reliable treatment for promoting functional recovery of SCI. Thesynergisticrole of ApoE and Nrf2 in EA regulating inflammatory response and oxidative stress is decisiveto recovery after SCI.
Ethnobotanical Kknowledge of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Male Infertility in Southern Benin
Authors: Agbodjento Eric , KLOTOE Jean Robert , Sacramento Téniola Isabelle , Dougnon Victorien , Tchabi Frontenel Lopez , Déguénon Esther , Atègbo Jean-Marc 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Infertility is a concern for couples, families and society. In almost half of the cases, it is due to male infertility, which results in the azoospermia and oligospermia. This infertility, in developing countries like Benin, is often care by the use of medicinal medicinal plants. However, very few data exist on plants with spermatogenic benefits at the current stage. Therefore, this work aimed to enlist knowledge about plants used in the treatment of male infertility in southern Benin. Methods : An ethnomedicinal investigation has been conducted by questioning traditional healer and market herbalists using the method of semi-structured interview. A descriptive and quantitative statistical method was used to analyze the socio-demographic data of the informants. ANOVA One-way and Independent Samples T-Test were used to assess the degree of endogenous knowledge of the respondents. Ethnopharmacological data has been analyzed by ethnobotanical indices such as informant consensus factor ( ICF ), frequency of citation ( FC ) for each plant species and contribution of each plant to drug recipes ( Cpr ) to establish indicators on the use values ​​attributed to plants listed.Results: 90 respondents including 34 market herbalists and 54 traditional healers participated in this study. Data collected allowed us, on the basic of 70 recipes provided by the informants, to list 60 plant species belonging to 57 genera and 40 botanical families. Informants had a high degree of consensus (ICF = 0.58) on plants used for treatment of male infertility. The most plants cited were Garcinia kola (10.09%), Cissus populnea (10.09%), Carpolobia lutea (7.40%) among market herbalists and Garcinia kola (10.15%), Cyperus esculentus (06.09%), Citrus aurantifiola (06.09 %) among traditional healers. The recipes composed of 1 to 7 plants prepared mainly in the form of maceration and trituration. Conclusion : Beninese flora has a variety of plants used in the treatment of male infertility. This study provided for the first time a list of medicinal plants used for the treatment of male infertility in southern Benin. Further pharmacological and toxicological studies may be undertaken for the scientific validation of the therapeutic effect of these medicinal plants.
Association between institutional case volume and mortality following thoracic aorta replacement: A nationwide Korean cohort study
Authors: Nam Karam , Jang Eun Jin , Jo Jun Woo , Choi Jae Woong , Lee Minkyoo , Ryu Ho Geol 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The inverse relationship between case volume and postoperative mortality following high-risk surgical procedures have been reported. Thoracic aorta surgery is associated with one of the highest postoperative mortality. The relationship between institutional case volume and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing thoracic aorta replacement surgery was evaluated. Methods All thoracic aorta replacement surgeries performed in Korea between 2009 and 2016 in adult patients were analyzed using an administrative database. Hospitals were divided into low (<30 cases/year), medium (30–60 cases/year), or high (>60 cases/year) volume centers depending on the annual average number of thoracic aorta replacement surgeries performed. The impact of case volume on in-hospital mortality was assessed using the logistic regression. Results Across 83 hospitals, 4867 cases of thoracic aorta replacement were performed. In-hospital mortality was 8.6% (191/2222), 10.7% (77/717), and 21.9% (422/1928) in high, medium, and low volume centers, respectively. The adjusted risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in medium (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.11, P = 0.004) and low volume centers (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.54–3.85, P <0.001) compared to high volume centers. Conclusions Patients who had underwent thoracic aorta replacement surgery in lower volume centers had increased risk of in-hospital mortality after surgery compared to those in higher volume centers. Our results may provide the basis for minimum case volume requirement or regionalization in thoracic aorta replacement surgery for optimal patient outcome.