bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing and Reoperation Rate of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments Occurring During Major Ophthalmology Meetings
Authors: Vail Daniel , Al-Moujahed Ahmad , Callaway Natalia F. , Ji Marco H. , Ludwig Cassie A. , Moshfeghi Darius M. 
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether surgical management of newly diagnosed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) varies if patients are diagnosed during a major national ophthalmology conference.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study included 34,759 patients with incident RRD, of whom, 1,246 (3.6%) were diagnosed during dates of three national ophthalmology conferences, and 1,170 (3.4%) underwent surgery during conference dates. The authors identified patients with primary repair with cryotherapy, laser, scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, or pars plana vitrectomy. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine patients' likelihood of receiving each type of repair within 30 days of their diagnosis depending on whether they were diagnosed during a national ophthalmology conference. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between the date patients were diagnosed and how long they waited to receive a repair. Main outcome measures included days between diagnosis with RRD and RRD repair, receiving repair on the same day of diagnosis, and reoperation rate within 30 days of the primary repair.

RESULTS:

Mean time from diagnosis to repair was 1.5 days (standard deviation: ± 2.4 days), and 71% of patients underwent repair within a day of diagnosis. Repairs were followed by a second surgery within 30 days in 11.1% of patients. Patients diagnosed during conferences waited 0.23 days longer between diagnosis and repair compared with patients diagnosed outside of conference dates (
P
= .001). Patients diagnosed with RRD during conferences were less likely to receive surgical repair within a day of diagnosis compared to patients diagnosed during non-conference dates (
P
= .037). Patients who were diagnosed with RRD during a conference date and also received surgery during a conference date were more likely to undergo a second surgery within 30 days of the primary procedure (
P
= .006)

CONCLUSIONS:
Patients diagnosed with RRD during national ophthalmology conference dates waited slightly longer for surgery, were slightly less likely to receive surgery within a day, and were more likely to undergo a second surgery within 30 days of the primary procedure. The “national meeting effect” phenomenon is present in ophthalmology, albeit to a lesser degree that is likely not visually significant.

[

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2020;51:328–337.

]
Distribution of alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its parasitoids on the Canadian Prairies, with a key to described species of NearcticBathyplectes(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Soroka Juliana , Bennett Andrew M.R. , Kora Cezarina , Schwarzfeld Marla D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study recorded distribution and size of alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica(Gyllenhal); Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations in Saskatchewan, Canada, from 2001 to 2014. The spread of alfalfa weevil across the province, originally southwest to southeast, was northward and westward during this time. By 2014, only northwestern and west central areas remained relatively alfalfa weevil free. From a minor pest in 2001, the alfalfa weevil increased to be the principal insect pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativaLinnaeus; Fabaceae) in 2014. The parasitoidBathyplectes curculionis(Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) had a similar distribution. Other parasitoids collected includedOomyzus incertus(Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) andMicroctonus colesiDrea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Conservation of these parasitoids is an important step in maximising their effectiveness as alfalfa weevil biocontrol agents. Molecular sequencing of the DNA barcoding region of specimens identified morphologically asB. curculionisindicated moderately high levels of sequence divergence among specimens (up to 5.8%); however, interspecific genetic variation between other species ofBathyplectesFörster was also high. Therefore, we conclude thatB. curculioniswas the onlyBathyplectesspecies collected in our study. An illustrated key to the described species ofBathyplectesin North America is provided, as well as DNA barcodes of most species, including five distinct barcodes in theBathyplectes curculionis–B. exiguus(Gravenhorst) species complex.
Threefolds fibred by mirror sextic double planes
Authors: Kooistra Remkes , Thompson Alan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present a systematic study of threefolds fibred by K3 surfaces that are mirror to sextic double planes. There are many parallels between this theory and the theory of elliptic surfaces. We show that the geometry of such threefolds is controlled by a pair of invariants, called the generalized functional and generalized homological invariants, and we derive an explicit birational model for them, which we call the Weierstrass form. We then describe how to resolve the singularities of the Weierstrass form to obtain the “minimal form”, which has mild singularities and is unique up to birational maps in codimension 2. Finally, we describe some of the geometric properties of threefolds in minimal form, including their singular fibres, canonical divisor, and Betti numbers.
Identity Crisis and Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Northern and Upper East Regions of Ghana
Authors: Gasu John 
Published: June 2020

The paper examines conflicts in Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana from the perspective of identity crisis in an ethnically heterogeneous section of the country. Notwithstanding the long periods of co-existence among the heterogeneous ethnic groups the melting pot effect has not emerged as attachment to primordial identity lines still prevail. This is most manifested between the traditionally acephalous societies and the chiefly societies. The relationship between these two societies has been antagonistic, especially as the acephalous societies seem to be besieged with identity crisis. The rejection of the chiefly hegemony is at the root of the identity conflicts. The cases examined in this paper illustrate two of such ‘wars of emancipation’ but with differential results. Whereas the Kusasi had been ‘successful’ in wrestling out of the chiefly hegemonic control of the Mamprusi, the Konkomba have not been all that successful against their antagonists. In both situations, however, the acephalous societies tend to slough off their past ‘anarchic’, systems to adopt and/or adapt the chiefly political culture. This adaptation has become the mode of assertion to redress the low social categorisation of the acephalous societies. It is concluded that observance of peace in two areas continue to be tedious as primordial cleavages are still alive. It is thus recommended, among others that the National Peace Council should work with stakeholders to sustain peace.
Keywords: Identity, Conflict, Kusasi, Mamprusi, Konkomba
Anti-glioma effect of 7-H-pyrrolo [2,3-di]pyrimidine derivative via induction of cell death
Authors: Wang Jie , Peng Xiang , Cao Chengan , Zhao Yan , Xia Xing 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 7-H-pyrrolo[2,3-di]pyrimidine derivative (7-HPPD) on glioma cell growth.Methods: Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while apoptosis was assessed in Hoechst 33342 stained cells using flow cytometry. Changes in cell morphology were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: Glioma cell viability showed a concentration-dependent decrease on exposure to 7-HPPD for 72 h (p < 0.05). The viabilities of C6, U251 and U87 cells were reduced by 24, 28 and 31 %, respectively, following treatment with 20 μM 7-HPPD. Exposure to various concentrations of 7-HPPDresulted in a marked decrease in BrdU LI and cAMP levels in C6, U251 and U87 glioma cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, 7-HPPD induced apoptosis in U251 and U87 cell cultures, as was evident in the condensation of chromatin material, presence of apoptotic bodies and intense blue fluorescence.Treatment of U251 cells with 7-HPPD for 72 h led to a significant increase in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase, and significant decrease in percentage of cells in G2/M and S phases. The population of rounded cells showed a significant rise with increase in 7-HPPD concentration from 10 to 20 μM (p < 0.05).Conclusion: 7-HPPD inhibits growth and proliferation of glioma cells by inducing apoptosis. Therefore, it has a potential for application in glioma chemotherapy.
Keywords: Glioma, Fluorescence, Metastasis, Apoptosis, Infiltration
<I>In vivo</I> antimalarial effect of <I>Ananas comosus</I> (L) Merr (Bromeliaceae) fruit peel, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy profiling: A possible role for polyunsaturated fatty acid
Authors: Uzor Philip F. , Ishiwu Blessing U , Nwodo Ngozi J. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the antimalarial effect of Ananas comosus extract and fractions and also to identify the likely bioactive compounds.Method: The fruit peel of the plant was extracted with methanol, and the extract successively fractionated with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. The n-hexane fraction was further subjected to vacuum liquid chromatography to afford four sub-fractions, one of which was also analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Plasmodium berghei-infected mice were treated orally with three doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of the plant extract and a single dose (200 mg/kg) of each of the fractions and sub-fractions in a curative antimalarial model using artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) as the reference drug.Results: The extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) non-dose dependent parasitemia inhibitory activity in the range of 44.84 to 76.09 %. All fractions displayed inhibitory effect (p < 0.001) in the range of 46.44 to 87.58 % with the dichloromethane fraction displaying the highest effect (87.58 %). The subfractions exhibited significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.001) in the range of 84.14 to 92.54 %. The ACT produced significant (p < 0.001) inhibitory effect of 83.92 %. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 17 bioactive compounds, the most abundant of which were linoleic acid and palmitic acid.Conclusion: A. comosus displays strong antimalarial activity which supports the folkloric use of the plant for malarial treatment. A polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid) was the most abundant phytoconstituent identified.
Keywords: Ananas comosus, Antimalarial, Malaria, Pineapple, Plasmodium beighei
<I>In vitro</I> evaluation of the inhibitory effect of 3, 5-dichloro-2- pyridone on <I>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</I> H37Rv
Authors: Ling Lin , Ling Chen , Wu Hua 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the anti-tuberculosis potential of twelve commercially available pyridone analogues against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain.Methods: Twelve commercially available pyridone-based compounds were screened against M. tuberculosis H37Rv using different susceptibility tests. The most active or lead compound was further evaluated in detail for its anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) potential. Kill kinetics was used to determine the dynamics of its anti-TB activity in vitro.Results: Compounds d, j and k were potent against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 10, 5 and 10 μg/mL, respectively. The standard anti-TB drugs used in this study (positive control drugs) demonstrated MIC of 2.5 μg/mL. The anti-TB effect of compound j was comparable with those of the standard drugs (RIF, LVX, AMK, EMB and INH). The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of compound j was 10 μg/mL. It produced an MIC of 5 μg/mL in agar proportion method (APM). However, its MIC in Middlebrook 7H9 broth supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 4 % bovine serum albumin (BSA) increased 4- and 8-fold, respectively. The bactericidal effect of compound j was time- and concentration-dependent at dilutions above 2x MIC. Combination of compound j with RIF, LVX or AMK exhibited fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) of 1, indicative of additive drug-drug interactions. However, combination with INH or EMB produced a ΣFIC of 2. None of the tested drug combinations was antagonistic.Conclusion: Compound j exhibits potent time- and concentration-dependent antimicrobial effect against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Thus, it may be suitable as an adjunct to current treatment of drug sensitive and drug-resistant TB.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pyridone analogs, Antimicrobial activity, Antibiotics
In-silico design of novel 4-aminoquinolinyl analogs as potential anti-malaria agents using quantitative structure– activity relationships and ADMET approach
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Jiao-Long , Li Liang , Wu Chun-Jie , Zhao Chong-Bo 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To design and screen for potential anti-malaria agents based on a series of 4-aminoquinolinyl analogues.Methods: Molecular fingerprint analysis was used for molecular partitioning of training and test sets. Acquired training sets were used for CoMFA and CoMSIA model construction after good alignment was achieved. Partial least squares analysis combined with external validation were used for model evaluation. Deep analysis of acquired contour maps was performed to summarize the substituent property requirements for further rational molecular design. Using the chosen models, activity prediction and subsequent ADMET investigation were performed to discover novel designed compounds with the desired properties.Results: Three different set partitions for model establishment were obtained using fingerprint-based selection. Partition 02 offered an optimal CoMFA model (r2 = 0.964, q2 = 0.605 and r2pred = 0.6362) and the best CoMSIA model (r2 = 0.955, q2 = 0.585 and r2 pred = 0.6403). Based on contour map analysis, a series of compounds were designed for activity prediction. Two of the compounds (wmx09, wmx25) were chosen for their ideal predicted biological activities. Subsequent ADMET investigation indicated that these compoundss have acceptable drug-like characteristics.Conclusion: The screening reveals that compounds wmx09 and wmx25 have strong potential as antimalaria agents.
Keywords: Malaria, 4-Aminoquinolinyl, Molecular fingerprint, QSAR, ADMET
Efficacy and safety of VEGFR inhibitors versus standard chemotherapy in Chinese patients with metastatic liver cancer: Results of a preliminary clinical trial
Authors: Qian Dong , Wang Shuai , Zhao Hongzhi , Zhang Chen 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of vandetanib with and without standard chemotherapy in Chinese patients with metastatic liver cancer.
Methods: Patients with confirmed diagnosis of metastatic liver cancer were randomized to receive vandetanib (300 mg per day in 28 days cycle) intravenously or standard chemotherapy (FOLFOX4) plus best supportive care. Efficacy measures such as overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed after study drug treatment. Safety of vandetanib and FOLFOX4 was also assessed. Survival time with respect to disease progression was also assessed.
Results: Vandetanib + standard chemotherapy-based regimens showed significantly higher OS benefit when compared to vandetanib and chemotherapy alone. Objective response rate (ORR) was also favorable among the patients treated with combination therapy when compared with monotherapy. A similar trend was noted for PFS; treatment with vandetanib + chemotherapy showed significantly longer PFS when compared to vandetanib and chemotherapy alone, respectively. Trial results demonstrated that vandetanib as a monotherapy or in combination with standard chemotherapy appears to be safe.
Conclusion: The results of this trial may aid clinicians to select appropriate therapeutic intervention for patients with metastatic liver cancer.
Keywords: Vandetanib, Metastatic liver cancer, Chemotherapy, FOLFOX4, VEGFR inhibitors
A clinical study of drugs associated with acute kidney injury in the Chinese population
Authors: Xu Xiaoting , Yu Haiping 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To carry out a study aimed at comprehensive identificat6ion of classes of drugs which cause acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods: A total of 110,508 patients enrolled in Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong, China between March 2014 to April 2018 were asked to provide information on comprehensive prescription drug coverage including antivirals, antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics and anti-cancer drugs. Only the active user of these classes of drugs were included in the study. Daily prescription dose, duration, date and time of each drug were recorded. Furthermore, the characteristics and other conditions of the patients such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), alpha-receptor blockers, beta-receptor blockers, and calcium channel-blockers were included.Results: A total of 1230 patients presented with AKI during the first 60 days of follow-up, while 1546 (58 %) patients were diagnosed with AKI in the secondary endpoint. Indomethacin, valacyclovir, fluorouracil, levofloxacin, ibuprofen and rofecoxib produced higher frequencies of AKI than the control drug, celecoxib. Indomethacin (OR = 2.97 ; 95 % CI= 1.94 - 3.89) and valacyclovir (OR = 2.85 ; 95 % CI = 1.56 - 3.42) were mostly responsible for AKI, followed by rofecoxib (OR = 2.48 ; 95 % CI = 2.32 - 2.71), fluorouracil (OR = 2.58 ; 95 % CI = 1.94 - 3.11), ibuprofen (OR = 1.68 ; 95 % CI = 1.28 - 2.21) and levofloxacin (OR = 1.58 ; 95 % CI = 1.48 - 2.73), in that orderConclusion: This study has identified various classes of drugs which frequently induced AKI. Therefore, physicians should exercise caution in prescribing these drugs, and should consider other medicines to minimize the risk of AKI.
Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Antiviral, NSAID, Toxicity
Cytotoxic, colony formation and anti-migratory effects of <I>Spilanthes acmella</I> (Asteraceae) aerial extract on MCF-7 cells and its cream formulation
Authors: Boontha Supavadee , Thoedyotin Thatcha , Saengtabtim Thanaphon , Im-erb Pathitta , Chaniad Natthamon , Buranrat Benjaporn , Pitaksuteepong Tasana 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine anti-breast cancer activities of Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella) extract.Methods: S. acmella was macerated with 95% ethanol. Phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the extract were assessed using Folin Ciocalteu method, aluminum chloride (AlCl3) colorimetric method and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, respectively. Cytotoxicity, colony formation and cell migration suppression on MCF-7 cells, representing anti-breast cancer effects, were also evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB), clonogenic and wound healing assays, respectively. Creams containing the extract were formulated and then characterized in terms of their physical appearance, viscosity and pH, before and after stability testing.Results: The crude extract contained phenolic content of 62.8 ± 5.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and flavonoid content of 375.6 ± 20.1 mg rutin equivalent/g. The results showed that the extract exhibits antioxidant effect with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.2 ± 0.1 mg/mL. It showed cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 37.1 ± 1.1 μg/mL in 48 h and inhibited colony formation of cells with IC50 of 44.9 ± 1.3 μM. In addition, it demonstrated an anti-migration effect at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. The developed creams displayed good physical appearance and maintained stable physical properties overt a two-month period.
Conclusion: S. acmella extract exhibits potential anti-breast cancer activity. The cream containing the extract is promising for the topical treatment of breast cancer.
Keywords: Spilanthes acmella, Antioxidant, Anti-breast cancer, Flavonoids, Phenolics, Topical cream
<i>In vitro</i> alteration of artemisinin biosynthesis in <i>Artemisia annua</i> L during treatment with methyl jasmonate
Authors: Alam Pravej , Albalawi Thamer H. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua.Method: The effect of two concentrations of MeJA i.e. 2 μm (T2) and 5 μm (T5) on biomass, plant height and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. was investigated in vitro in MS medium.Results: Plant height (6.5 ± 1.8 cm), biomass (0.18 ± 0.02 g/plant) and artemisinin content (0.035 ± 0.002 % dry weight) were higher in T5 and T2 treatment groups than in non-treated control plants (C). Artemisinin content, biomass and plant height were positively correlated after 2 - 8 days of treatment, but remained unchanged on the 12th day of treatment.Conclusion: The observed effects of exogenous MeJA on the biosynthesis of artemisinin and other secondary metabolites may lead to elucidation of promising targets for further studies on metabolic engineering of Artemisia annua L.
Keywords: Artemisia annua L. Methyl jasmonate, HPLC, Artemisinin
Hypotensive, vaso-relaxant, cardio-depressant and diuretic effect of crude extract of <i>Crotalaria burhia</i> (Fabaceae)
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Imran  
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To examine 70 % aqueous-methanol crude extract of Crotalaria burhia (Cb.Cr) for its hypotensive and diuretic effects.
Methods: The effect of intravenous administration of Cb.Cr on blood pressure (BP) of normotensive anesthetized rats was studied. In vitro experiments on rabbit isolated aortic and atrial preparations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of action. The diuretic effect was assessed following oral administration of Cb.Cr in rats.
Results: Intravenous administration of Cb.Cr produced 14.70 ± 1.21, 22.00 ± 2.24 and 36.21 ± 2.65 % reduction in mean arterial blood pressure of the rats at doses of 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. It was more potent in relaxing potassium (80 mM)- than phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions in isolated aorta of rabbit with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.58 ± 0.03 and 1.58 ± 0.16 mg/mL, respectively, which are similar to verapamil. The extract showed depressant effects on spontaneously beating atrial preparations of rabbit in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Cb.Cr also increased urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion in rats.
Conclusion: Crotalaria burhia crude extract exhibits hypotensive and diuretic effects in rats. The hypotensive activity of the extract possibly involves vasodilator, cardio-depressant, calcium channel blocking and diuretic actions.
Keywords: Khip, Crotalaria burhia, Calcium channel blocker, Antihypertensive, Diuretic