bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetation Classification Exercise for the Pawnee National Grasslands, USA
Authors: Franklin Scott B. , Scheibout Michael , Šibik Jozef 
Published: November 2020

Aims: Vegetation classifications are useful for a variety of management purposes as well as scientific exploration. Local classifications are common throughout the United States but only recently have been integrated into a national classification system, which is now expected for local classifications. Study Area: The Pawnee National Grasslands (PNG) in northeastern Colorado, USA, has not been classified using plot data, and is thus a gap on the baseline knowledge of the PNG plant communities that hinders impact assessment of various anthropogenic activities. Methods: Here, we use 128 plots to classify the vegetation of the PNG using a two-step process: first, classifying the PNG plots alone to characterize local uniqueness, and then employing a semi-supervised classification with an additional 64 plots from areas to the north and east of the PNG, using standard classification procedures. Results: We document on the PNG the occurrence of two Classes, three Subclasses, four Formations, five Divisions, six Macrogroups, seven Groups and eight Alliances and Associations already described in the USNVC. Conclusions: The PNG is dominated by the Bouteloua gracilis-Buchloe dactyloides Grassland Association, which we further subdivide and describe as three local subassociations. The mixed-grass concepts in the USNVC do not exist in the PNG.
Taxonomic reference: Hazlett (1998).
Syntaxonomic reference: USNVC (2016).
Abbreviations: BLM = Bureau of Land Management; CPER = Central Plains Experimental Range; ESA = Ecological Society of America; EST = Ecological Site Type; GPS UTM = Global Positioning System Universal Transverse Mercator; NEON = National Ecological Observatory Network; PNG = Pawnee National Grasslands; USNVC = United States Vegetation Classification.
GEF-H1 Is Required for Colchicine Inhibition of Neutrophil Rolling and Recruitment in Mouse Models of Gout
Authors: Fine Noah , Gracey Eric , Dimitriou Ioannis , La Rose José , Glogauer Michael , Rottapel Robert 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Gout is a painful arthritic inflammatory disease caused by buildup of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. Colchicine, a microtubule-depolymerizing agent that is used in prophylaxis and treatment of acute gout flare, alleviates the painful inflammatory response to MSU crystals. Using i.p. and intra-articular mouse models of gout-like inflammation, we found that GEF-H1/GEF-H1/AHRGEF2, a microtubule-associated Rho-GEF, was necessary for the inhibitory effect of colchicine on neutrophil recruitment. GEF-H1 was required for neutrophil polarization in response to colchicine, characterized by uropod formation, accumulation of F-actin and myosin L chain at the leading edge, and accumulation of phosphorylated myosin L chain, flotillin-2, and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in the uropod. Wild-type neutrophils that were pre-exposed to colchicine failed to roll or accumulate on activated endothelial monolayers, whereas GEF-H1 knockout (GEF-H1−/−) neutrophils were unaffected by treatment with colchicine. In vivo, colchicine blocked MSU-induced recruitment of neutrophils to the peritoneum and the synovium in wild-type mice, but not in GEF-H1−/− mice. Inhibition of macrophage IL-1β production by colchicine was independent of GEF-H1, supporting a neutrophil-intrinsic mode of action. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of colchicine in acute gout-like inflammation can be accounted for by inhibition of neutrophil-rolling interactions with the inflamed vasculature and occurs through GEF-H1–dependent neutrophil stimulation by colchicine. These results contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic action of colchicine, and could inform the application of this drug in other conditions.
Ovarian follicular dynamics in Boran and Crossbred heifers in Ethiopia: Implications for assisted reproductive techniques
Authors: Jemal Jeilu , Degefa Tamrat , Yilma Tefera , Ali Sayid , Alemayehu Lemma 
Published: November 2020

The study was conducted to characterize the follicular dynamics of purebred Boran (Bos indicus) and Boran * Holstein Friesian crossbred heifers during estrous cycles; for use in ovum pick up and in-vitro embryo production. Insight of reproductive physiology of cattle would help to understand and exploit the reproductive potential of elite animals for breed improvement. Follicular development, growth and atresia during estrous cycles were evaluated using a trans-rectal real-time B-mode ultrasound system for three consecutive estrus cycles. Luteal activity was evaluated by serum progesterone level. Follicular aspirations were done to investigate the potential of Boran cattle and their crosses for transvaginal oocyte production; using a vacuum pressure pump and Aloka SSD Prosound-2 ultrasound device. Boran heifers (n=15) manifested two (n = 6, 40%), three (n = 5, 33%), four (n= 3, 20%) and five (n=1, 6.7%) follicular waves. Crossbred heifers (n=14) showed one (n= 2, 14%), two (n= 6, 43%) and three (n= 6, 43%) follicular waves. Interovulatory interval was 21.1 ± 3.4 and 21.4 ± 2.7 days for Boran (n=45) and crossbred (n=42) heifers, respectively. The progesterone level in Boran and Crossbred heifers during diestrus was 9.5 ± 11.0 and 4.6 ± 8.8 ng/ml, respectively. The maximum diameter of the ovulatory follicle for crossbred heifers was higher (15.4 ± 1.6 mm) than the diameter of the Boran (14.0 ± 1.9 mm) heifers (p<0.005). Differences (p<0.005) were observed in the size of both right (26.6 ± 5.14 and 28.6 ± 5.1 mm) and left (21.7 ± 4.85 and 24.1 ± 5.07 mm) ovaries of Boran and Crossbred heifers, respectively. Difference (p<0.005) was also observed in follicular count of the right ovaries of Boran (4.84 ± 1.96) and Crossbred (5.13 ± 2.05) heifers. Oocyte recovery rate in once weekly collection scheme for Boran and their crossbred heifers was (n=19, 42.08%) and (n=17, 42.55%), respectively. The recovery rate for twice weekly collection scheme was (n=24, 34.53%) and (n=23, 40.44%) for Boran and crossbred heifers, respectively. Follicular dynamics in Boran heifers is characterized by a higher incidence of cycles with two, three and four waves, associated with a low persistence of the dominant follicles; and smaller size of ovulatory follicles and less intense heat signs from their crossbred counterpart. Boran heifers proved to have potential for comparable number of follicular population and ease of aspiration procedures that can be tapped for advancedreproductive techniques.
Keywords: Estrus cycle; follicular wave; ovarian follicle; ovum pickup; ultrasound.
Trypanocidal drug utilization practices in tsetse suppression and non-suppression areas of South Omo Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Tegegn , Olbamo Tekle , Ashenafi Hagos 
Published: November 2020

Trypanosomosis control in Ethiopia is largely rely on use of available trypanocidal drugs although there are other options such as vector control and use of trypanotolerant hosts. A cross-sectional survey aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices of trypanocidal drug utilization and constraints of trypanosome infection conducted in tsetse suppression and non-suppression areas of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. The questionnaire based survey was conducted from November 2018 to May 2019. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the field data obtained from 184 cattle owners. Sixty (60) of the cattle owners were from suppression area and 124 from tsetse non-suppression area. Accordingly, draft oxen and milking cows respectively from tsetse suppression and non-suppression areas were classes of animals which were given priority in trypanocidal drug treatment. About 79.03% and 81.7% of cattle owners respectively from tsetse suppression and non-suppression areas witnessedthat they treat their sick animals by themselves; indicating that veterinarians and other animal health experts have very little role in medication of sick animals. Diminazine aceturate (DA) was the main trypanocidal drug preferred by cattle owners in tsetse suppression area while both DA and Isometamidium chloride (ISM) were used in non-suppression areas. About 83.1% of the respondents from tsetse suppression areas and 86.7% from non-suppression area reported treatment failures following the use of trypanocidal drugs. Moreover, about 79.61% and 86.53% of respondents respectively from tsetse suppression and non-suppression areas observed that drugs obtained from private drug stores were less effective compared to drugs obtained from governmental veterinary clinics. Furthermore, the respondents disclosed that DA was the most horrible trypanocidal drug in showing treatment failures despite high preference by cattle owners. It was also noted that treatment frequency was higherin tsetse suppression areas than non-suppression areas regardless of vector suppression campaign. In conclusion, higher dependency of cattle owners on trypanocidal drugs, limited trypanocidal drug availability in the veterinary pharmaceutical market, frequent trypanocidal drug usage and injection by unskilled herdsmen and owners report on trypanocidal drug treatment failures may point out the issue of trypanocidal drug resistance in the area. Therefore, awareness creation to livestock owners on the effect of misuse of trypanocidal drugs and safe trypanocidal drug usage policy should be put into effect to uphold the effectiveness of currently available trypanocidal drugs.
Keywords: Trypanosomosis; Trypanocidal Drugs; Tsetse suppression; South Omo Zone; Ethiopia
Shengu'an exerts anti-osteoporotic effect in rats via TGFβ1-Smad2/3 signal pathway, and enhancement of bone and cartilage metabolism
Authors: Li Wei , Peng Zhiqiang , Wu Yulun , Hu Jintao , Li Peilun , Yao Xinmiao 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To study the anti-osteoporotic effect of Shengu'an in rats, and elucidate the mechanism of action involved.Methods: Forty healthy female SPF mice were randomly divided into control group, saline-treated group, TGFβRⅡ receptor inhibitor group, and shengu'an group. The expressions of type Ⅱ collagen (Co1-II) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion factor (CD-31) were determined. The expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), p-smad2/3, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and osteoblast specific transcription factor (osterix) were assayed by western blotting.Results: The expression of Co1-II in the vertebral body was significantly lower in model mice than in control mice, but was significantly higher in shengu'an mice when compared with model mice (p < 0.05). In shengu'an mice, CoI-I was markedly upregulated, relative to model mice, and the expressions of CD31 in TGFβRⅡreceptor inhibitor group and shengu'an group were lower than in model group (p < 0.05). There were significantly lower expressions of TGF-β1 and p-smad2/3 in the vertebral body of shengu'an group than in model mice, but osterix was upregulated relative to model mice (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Shengu'an exerts anti-osteoporotic effect by downregulating TGFβ/smad signal pathway. There is thus a potential for its clinical application in the management of osteoporosis.
Keywords: Shengu'an, TGFβ1-Smad2/3 signal, Bone cartilage metabolism, Osteoporosis
Resveratrol protects the retina from I/R injury by inhibiting RGCS apoptosis, glial activation and expression of inflammatory factors
Authors: Xia Jinyu , Yang Xiaolu , Chen Weiai 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To study the protective effect of resveratrol against retinal injury induced by ischemiareperfusion (I/R), and the underlying mechanism action.Methods: Retinal I/R injury was established in 72 healthy male SD rats. The rats were assigned to 3 groups: control, model and resveratrol groups, with 24 rats in each group. Pathological changes in retina were determined using H&E staining. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were counted usingfluorescence gold retrograde staining. Western blotting was used to assay the expressions of caspase- 3, Bax, Bcl-2, GFAP, COX-2 and iNOS. The expressions of COX-2 and iNOS were measured by immunofluorescence.Results: The retina in the control group was dense and ordered, and its morphology was normal. In contrast, the retina in the model group was thinner, with loose cells and disordered structure. In the resveratrol group, the retina was thicker, the structure was orderly, and the cells were dense. Relative to control, the population of RGCs in model rat retina was significantly reduced, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, GFAP, COX-2 and iNOS were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). In the resveratrol group, the number of RGCs in the retina was markedly elevated, relative to model rats, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, GFAP, COX-2 and iNOS were significantly decreased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Resveratrol protects the retina from I/R injury in rats by inhibiting RGCs apoptosis, glial activation and expressions of inflammatory factors. Thus, this compound may be potentially suitable for the management of retina damage.
Keywords: Resveratrol, RGCs apoptosis, Glial activation, Inflammatory factors, I/R injury
Effect of doxycycline-bioglass treatment on calvarial bone defect in rats: A histological study
Authors: Mokhtarian Mona , Nourani Mohammad Reza , Esfahanizadeh Nasrin 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the osteogenic properties of a bioglass-doxycycline complex for bone regeneration applications in calvarial bone defects in rats.Methods: Three critical-size bone defects were created in each of eight experimental rats using a trephine bur. The experimentally created defects were then filled with bioglass-doxycycline (BG-D group), bioglass alone (BG group), or left unfilled (control group). Four randomly selected rats weresacrificed after 4 weeks while the other four rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. The amount of newly regenerated bone and the osteoblast and osteoclast counts were calculated using histological analysis.Results: Increase in the amount of regenerated bone was significant in the bioglass-doxycycline group at both 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Differences between the three groups in the mean number of osteoblasts were also significant at both 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Comparison of the three groupsrevealed significant increase in osteogenesis rate and considerable enhancement of the number of osteoblasts in both bioglass and bioglass-doxycycline groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The complex of doxycycline and bioglass increased the rate of osteogenesis and number of osteoblasts in rats but decreased the number of osteoclasts. Therefore, bioglass-doxycycline can be considered as a bone graft in bone regeneration for medical applications.
Keywords: Bone, Regeneration, Osteoblasts, Osteoclasts, Osteogenesis, Bioglass, Doxycycline
Formulation, in vitro evaluation and characterization of atorvastatin solid dispersion
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Hossain Shafayat , Shamim Abdullah , Islam Monirul , Siddique Abu Talha 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To formulate a polymer-incorporated solid dispersion preparation for enhancing the dissolution and bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ATV), while maintaining oral compatibility.Method: Four different methods, i.e., physical mixing (PM), fusion (F), solvent evaporation (SE) and kneading (K), as well as three different excipients i.e. croscarmellose sodium (CCS), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lactose (LAC) were used to formulate various drug-carrier combinations.Results: In SE method, the rank order of magnitude of drug release was CCS > LAC > MCC, while in fusion and kneading methods, the rank order of release was MCC > CCS > LAC and MCC > CCS > LAC, respectively. Drug release of atorvastatin was maximum (103 %) in FM2 formulation. However,this formulation was non-compatible based on spectroscopic analysis. In contrast, SC2 formulations at 1:2 ratio were compatible in terms of cumulative drug release (99 %), and based on spectroscopic data, thermal analysis and microscopic evaluation.Conclusion: These results confirm that CCS forms a superior interface with atorvastatin when SE formulation method is used. Thus, solid dispersion is a promising approach for enhancing the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin.
Keywords: Atorvastatin, Solid dispersion, Bioavailability, Solvent evaporation
Identification of a putative anti-rheumatoid arthritis molecule by virtual screening
Authors: Shakil Shazi , Abuzenadah Adel M , Attar Suzan M. , Fathaldin Omar , Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Sulaiman Mansour I. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To propose an improved chemical skeleton whose scaffolds could be used for the design of future thymidylate synthase (TS)-inhibitors against rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: The drug discovery platform, ‘MCULE’, was employed for inhibitor-screening. The ‘methotrexate-interaction site’ in the crystal (PDB ID 5X66) was used as a target. One ‘RO5 violation’ was permitted. A maximum of ‘10 rotatable bonds’ and ‘100 diverse molecules’ were also allowed in the protocol. The ‘threshold similarity cut off’ was 0.7. The input values describing the remaining parameters were kept as ‘default’. The ‘Open Babel Linear Fingerprint’ was used for the analyses of molecular descriptors, followed by ADME-check.
Results: 4-(4-Methyl-1-piperazinyl)-2-phenyl[1]benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidine corresponding to the MCULE ID-7590816301-0-93 exhibited the overall best binding with TS. The free energy of binding was -8.6 kcal/mol. A total of 17 amino acid residues were significant for the binding interactions. Importantly, 9 residues were common to methotrexate binding. It satisfied pertinent ADME conditions.
Conclusion: 4-(4-Methyl-1-piperazinyl)-2-phenyl[1]benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidinemay emerge as a potent seed molecule for TS-inhibitor design in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. It has satisfied pertinent ADME features. However, there is need for further wet laboratory validation.
Keywords: Anti-rheumatoid arthritis, Inhibitor design, Methotrexate, Seed molecule, Thymidylate synthase, Virtual screening
Solid phase extraction and LC-MS/MS quantification of ibandronate in human plasma
Authors: Moustapha Moustapha E. , Abdel-Gawad Sherif A. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To develop and validate a simple, highly sensitive and accurate method for the quantification of ibandronate (IBN) in human plasma.Methods: Electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in positive ion mode was applied to obtain optimum signals. The parent ion was acquired under collisionactivated dissociation conditions, and the abundant fragments used to design multiple reaction monitoring experiments for monitoring two ibandronate transitions (m/z 376 to m/z 114, and m/z 376 to m/z 250). The IBN was isolated from plasma with weak anion exchange solid phase extraction columns with ‘on-cartridge’ derivatization using tri-methylsilyl-diazomethane (TMSDZ) reagent to convert IBN to tetra-methyl derivative.Results: The studied drug was successfully extracted from plasma samples without any interference at a retention time of 3.2 min. The matrix effect averaged 110 %, indicating that endogenous materials had little effect on ionization. The relationship between plasma analyte concentration and IBN signal area was satisfactorily linear, with correlation coefficient (r2) ranging from 0.9817 to 0.9942 in the concentration range of 0.5 – 200 ng/ml. The lower and upper limits of quantification (LLOQ and ULOQ) for IBN were 0.5 and 200 ng/ml, respectively. Relative recovery of IBN from plasma after extraction and derivatization at 3 distinct concentrations was 83.93 to 85.06 %, relative to standard solutions. The ranges of intra- and inter-day accuracies of quantification of quality controls were 89.39 - 106.40 %, and 90.50 - 107.96 %, respectively. Processed plasma IBN extracts were stable in autosampler at 4 0C (91.12 to 103.49%). Long-term stability in plasma after 30 days at -24 0C ranged from 89.52 to 113.18 %.Conclusion: This validated LC-MS/MS method can be successfully applied for determination of IBN in pharmacokinetic studies. It is a sensitive and specific assay for plasma IBN in bioequivalence studies.
Keywords: Ibandronate, LC-MS/MS, Validation, Derivatization, Solid-phase extraction
Pristimerin attenuates sepsis-induced lung injury by regulating nuclear factor kappaB/high-mobility group box 1 pathway
Authors: Wang Xiao , Huang Lei , Li Peng 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To determine the effect of pristimerin on sepsis-induced lung injury, and the underlying mechanism of action.Methods: Lung injury was established in mice via induction of sepsis through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The effect of pristimerin was evaluated based on lung wet/dry weight and PaO2/FiO2 ratios. Lung tissue was subjected to immunohistochemical and histopathological analyses, as well as Western blotting. Furthermore, the serum levels of inflammatory mediators were determined.Results: Pristimerin reversed the altered lung wet/dry weight ratio and PaO2/FiO2 ratio in the lung, and also reduced lung injury score, relative to CLP group (p < 0.05). Moreover, it suppressed nucleocytoplasmic translocation of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) in lung tissue. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators and expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factorkappaB p65 were significantly reduced by pristimerin (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Pristimerin ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury by inhibiting HMGB1/NF-κB. Thus, this compound has a potential for clinical application in the management of lung injury.
Keywords: Pristimerin, Sepsis, Lung injury, Inflammatory mediators, HMGB1
A comparison of intravenous midazolam and diazepam in management of status epilepticus in children
Authors: Ayesha Kazmi  , Ghulam Abbas  , Asim Khurshid  , Shahid Shah  , Tauqeer Hussain Malhi  , Muhammad Hanif  , Uzma Saleem  , Abid Shah  , Nabeel Riaz  , Admin  
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of intravenous midazolam and diazepam in the management of status epilepticus seizures in children.
Method: The comparative study was conducted in the paediatric neurological emergency unit of The Children’s Hospital and the Institute Of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan, from December 15, 2018, to May 14, 2019, and comprised paediatric patients of status epilepticus seizures whi were divided into Diazepam and Midazolam groups. Data was analysed using Graph-Pad Prism 5.
Results: Of the 164 patients, 82(50%) were in each of the two groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of weight, age, residence area of patients and mean duration of seizures (p>0.05). Status epilepticus seizures subsided after intravenous midazolam administration in 77(93.90%) cases, while success in the diazepam group 64(78.05%) (p<0.05). Mean time taken by midazolam to halt seizures was significantly shorter than diazepam (p<0.05) and less cases of treatment failure were observed with intravenous midazolam (p<0.05). Somnolence was observed after diazepam administration in 47(57.3%) cases (p=0.0001).
Conclusion: Intravenous midazolam was found to be superior in efficacy than intravenous diazepam in controlling status epilepticus seizures.
Key Words: Diazepam, Midazolam, Status epilepticus, Seizures
TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF RAT ADRENAL ZONA GLOMERULOSA POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT EXPOSED TO LOW DOSES OF DDT
Authors: Obernikhin Sergey Stanislavovich , Yaglova Nataliya Valentinovna , Yaglov Valentin Vasilyevich , Nazimova Svetlana Vladimirovna 
Published: November 2020

The role of the transcription factor Oct4 and canonical Wnt signaling in the postnatal morphogenesis of the
glomerular zone of the adrenal glands of rats under the conditions of pre- and postnatal exposure to low
doses of DDT endocrine disruptor was determined.