bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Kelala District, South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldearegay Mesfin , Assen Yimer , Haile Abeba 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Plants have a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, and a large proportion of people in the developing world still rely on traditional medicines to meet their primary health care requirements. Medicinal plants are the major components of the traditional health care system. The objective of this study was to record and document the medicinal plants and associated indigenous plant use knowledge of the local people in Kelala District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected by conducting pre-prepared semi-structured interview items with 60 informants. Focus group discussion and guided field walk were also used. Data were analyzed using basic analytical tools and descriptive statistics. Determination of Informant Consensus Factor, Fidelity level, and ranking was performed. Results: A total of 82 medicinal plants distributed in 79 genera and 45 families were collected. Of these plants, 43 species were used to treat human ailments, and 33 species were used to treat livestock ailments and the remaining 6 species were used to treat both human and livestock ailments. The majority of medicinal plants were harvested from the wild environments. The family Solanaceae occupied the first rank with seven species followed by Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae with four species each. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (42.2 %) followed by seeds (15.2 %), roots (8.1 %), and fruits (7.6%). Freshly harvested plant parts (72.68 %) were mostly used for remedy preparation than dried forms (24.74 %) whereas crushing, which accounted for (41.12%), and powdering (24.37%) were the most widely used methods of remedy preparation in the study area. Conclusion: Higher number of medicinal plants recorded in the study area indicates the depth of medicinal plant resources and associated indigenous knowledge of the local people. However, the expansion of farmlands by cutting trees heavily threatens medicinal plants and therefore, needs due attention. High ranking medicinal plants are good candidates for further research in drug discovery and development.
Carboxypeptidase B Inhibits Over-activation of Anaphylatoxin-neutrophil Extracellular Trap Axis in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zhang Yue , Han Kai , Du Chunjing , Li Rui , Liu Jingyuan , Zeng Hui , Zhu Liuluan , Li Ang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Thrombosis and coagulopathy are highly prevalent in severe patients with COVID-19 and increase the risk of death. Immunothrombosis has recently been demonstrated to contribute to the thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients with coagulopathy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are primary components of immunothrombosis, whereas the mechanism of NET formation remains unclear. We aim to explore the clinical roles of NETs and the regulation of complement on the NET formation in COVID-19.Methods: We recruited 135 COVID-19 patients and measured plasma levels of C5, C3, cell-free DNA and myeloperoxidase-DNA. We detected complement-induced NET formation by immunofluorescent staining and evaluated the cytotoxicity to vascular endothelial HUVEC cells by CCK-8 assay.Results: We found that the plasma levels of complements (C3 and C5) and NETs were closely related to coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. By using anti-C3a and anti-C5a antibodies, we revealed that the complement component anaphylatoxins in the plasma of COVID-19 patients strongly induced NET formation. The pathological effect of the anaphylatoxin-NET axis on the damage of vascular endothelial cells could be relieved by recombinant carboxypeptidase B (CPB), a stable homolog of enzyme CPB2 which can degrade anaphylatoxins to inactive products.Conclusions: Over-activation in anaphylatoxin-NET axis plays a pathological role in COVID-19. Early intervention in anaphylatoxins might help prevent thrombosis and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.
18F-5-FPN: A Specific Probe for Monitoring Photothermal Therapy Response in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Wang Yichun , Li Mengting , Wang Wenxia , Ji Hao , Jia Chaoyi , Han Na , Li Huiling , Xu Xiaodong , Jin Honglin , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The increasing global burden and the significant breakthroughs in malignant melanoma therapy make urgent demands on efficient response evaluation and surveillance of adverse events. Though there have been a few probes explored for early diagnosis or staging of malignant melanoma, but rare for response assessment investigations except for common 18F-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Thus, this research would further explore the feasibility and ability of 18F-5-fluoro-N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)picolinamide (18F-5-FPN)PET imaging to evaluate photothermal therapy (PTT) response of malignant melanoma, simultaneously comparing with 18F-FDG.
Methods

B16F10 and MDA-MB-231subcutaneous tumor models were irradiated with an 808 nm laser for PTT. 18F-5-FPN and 18F-FDG PET imaging were adopted to estimate the therapy response. B16F10, inflammatory, and MDA-MB-231 models were subjected to 18F-FDG and 18F-5-FPN PET static acquisitions and compared by quantitative data for assessing the specificity of different agents to different diseases. Furthermore, B16F10 and 231 models were exploited for survival analysis to observe the efficacy and response feature of PTT.
Results

Melanin in B16F10 tumors successfully transformed the optical energy into heat for PTT. H&E staining at 24 h discovered framework destruction of tumor tissue and extensive necrosis. The mean tumor uptakes of 18F-5-FPN on Day 2 (7.52 ± 3.65%ID/g) and Day 6 (10.22 ± 6.00%ID/g) were much lower than before treatment (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference of the 18F-FDG uptakes was found between Day 1 after PTT and before treatment. 18F-5-FPN PET scanning only manifested B16F10 tumor strikingly, while they all accumulated 18F-FDG highly. PTT contributed to suppressing B16F10 tumors’ growth rapidly in a short time and prolonged the median survival of B16F10 models to some extent. Whereas, both of the temperature and growth of 231 tumors were not distinctly influenced.
Conclusions

Compared with 18F-FDG PET scanning, 18F-5-FPN PET imaging was capable of estimating PTT efficacy in malignant melanoma, successfully monitored the occult recurrence after therapy, and distinguished malignant melanoma from inflammation and other carcinomas well by high affinity to melanin. This potential probe may provide a new approach for precise and useful response evaluation, timely therapeutic regimen management, and sensitive follow-up.
Hypoxic Tumour Cell-derived Exosomal miR-340-5p Promotes Radioresistance of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via KLF10
Authors: Chen Fangyu , Xu Bing , Li Jie , Yang Xi , Gu Junjie , Yao Xijuan , Sun Xinchen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Radiotherapy resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Hypoxia is a critical cause of radioresistance. However, the communications between hypoxic cells and aerobic cells via exosomes during radiation resistance remain unclear. Methods: We previously detected miR-340-5p is highly expressed in hypoxic OSCC exosomes by RNA-seq. The effects and mechanisms of hypoxic EVs and miR-340-5p on radiosensitivity were evaluated by qPCR, western blot IHC, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, etc. Tumour xenografts and clinical samples were used for evaluating radiosensitivity and dissecting underlying mechanisms. Results: Hypoxic exosomes can alleviate radiation induced apoptosis and accelerate DNA damage repair. miR-340-5p is highly expressed in hypoxic exosomes and causes radioresistance. Knockdown miR-340-5p in hypoxic EVs reversed whose radioresistant effect, indicating miR-340-5p is critical for hypoxic EV-induced radioresistance. KLF10 is the direct target of miR-340-5p. Moreover, metformin was found to increase the expression of KLF10 and enhance radiosensitivity of OSCC. And higher levels of miR-340-5p in the plasma exosomes of OSCC patients are related to poor radiotherapy response and prognosis. Conclusions: Hypoxic tumour cell-derived exosomal miR-340-5p confers radioresistance in OSCC by targeting KLF10/UVRAG, suggesting that miR-340-5p could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the enhancement of radiosensitivity in OSCC. Combined use of metformin and radiotherapy might benefit OSCC patients.
Tracheal tube obstruction due to hemoptysis associated with pulmonary infarction in a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.
Authors: Maruhashi Takaaki , Kurihara Yutaro , Wada Tatsuhiko , Osada Mayuko , Oi Marina , Masuda Tomonari , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Asari Yasushi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The incidence of thrombotic complications is extremely high among severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit. Various factors such as a cytokine storm due to an excessive immune response to inflammation, hypoxemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are considered predisposing factors for thrombotic complications.Case presentation: A 55-year-old Japanese man intubated 8 days previously was referred to our hospital because of a severe COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis after his pharyngeal swab tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The patient continued to remain hypoxic (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <100 mmHg) at the referring hospital. On admission, we initiated veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Unfractionated heparin and nafamostat mesylate were used as anticoagulants during VV-ECMO. Despite the adequate anticoagulant therapy, he developed pulmonary infarction due to pulmonary embolism followed by hemoptysis. On day 10 following admission, his oxygen saturation dropped from 95% to 88%, with a marked decrease in his ventilator tidal volume, accompanied by an inability to ventilate the patient. Thereafter, we increased the VV-ECMO flow and exchanged his endotracheal tube. The lumen of the removed tracheal tube was found to be occluded by a large-sized blood coagulum. There was no further episode of tube occlusion. The patient was discharged in a walkable state on day 39 following admission. Conclusions: Endotracheal tube obstruction secondary to hemoptysis should be suggested in patients with COVID-19 requiring ventilator support, as they are not able to perform frequent endotracheal tube suctions owing to the risk of infection.
Does the environment matter?; Effect of environmental factors on COVID-19 transmission in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Lee Mi-Kyung 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic and is a major concern of public health worldwide. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of environmental factors such as climate and air pollutants in the transmission of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea.Methods: We collected epidemiological and environmental data from two regions of the Republic of Korea, namely Seoul metropolitan region (SMR) and Daegu-Gyeongbuk region (DGR) from February, 2020 to July, 2020. Further, we analyzed the data to identify the correlation of each environmental factor with the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on a daily basis.Results: Among the various environmental parameters, duration of sunshine and ozone level were found to be positively correlated with COVID-19 in both regions. However, the association of temperature variables with COVID-19 transmission showed contradictory results upon comparing the data from SMR and DGR.Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that the environmental factors could play a crucial role in the transmission of COVID-19. However, it should be noted that statistical bias could arise due to the disease outbreak being confined to a specific area and extensive epidemiological investigation.
Recruitment, Training and Supervision of Nurses and Nurse Assistants for a taskshifting depression intervention in two RCTs in Brazil and Peru
Authors: Rocha Thais Izabel Ugeda , Aschar Suzana Crismanis de Almeida Lopes , Hidalgo Liliana , Daley Kate , Claro Heloisa Garcia , Martins Hellen Carolina dos Santos , Santos Daniela Vera Cruz dos , Miranda J. Jaime , Araya Ricardo , Menezes Paulo Rossi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Task-shifting and technology in psychological interventions are two solutions to increasing access to mental health intervention and overcoming the treatment gap in low and middle-income countries. The CONEMO intervention combines a smartphone app with support from non-specialized professionals, aiming to treat depression in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. The aim of this paper is to describe the process of recruitment, training and supervision of the non-specialized professionals who participated in the CONEMO task-shifting intervention in Brazil and Peru. Methods: We described and analyzed data related to the recruitment, training and supervision of 62 Nurse Assistants from the health system in Sao Paulo, Brazil and three hired Nurses in Lima, Peru. The data was collected from information provided by Nurses and Nurse Assistants, supervisor records from supervision meetings and the CONEMO platform database. Results: We found that task-shifting was feasible using existing resources in Sao Paulo and additional human resources in Lima. Training and supervision were found to be crucial and well received by the staff; however, time was a limitation when using existing human resources. Ensuring technological competence prior to the start of the intervention was essential. Group supervision meetings allowed non-specialized professionals to learn from each other’s experiences. Conclusion: Carefully considering recruitment, training and supervision of non-specialized professionals is important for effective task-shifting when delivering an mHealth intervention for depression. Opportunities and challenges of working in different health systems are described, which should be considered in future implementation, either for research or real settings
Implementation and Evaluation of Obstetric Early Warning Systems in tertiary care hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Aminu , Ibrahim Saidu , Liman Idris , Chama Calvin , Ijaiya Munirdeen , Mathai Matthews , Ameh Charles 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Obstetric Early Warning Systems (EWS) use combined clinical observations to predict increased risk of deterioration and alert health workers to institute actions likely to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a validated obstetric EWS in improving health outcomes and explore the experience of health workers/managers regarding its use. Methods This mixed-method study included 2400 obstetric admissions to inpatient wards between 1 August 2018 and 31 March 2019 at three tertiary Nigerian hospitals (1 intervention and 2 control). The quality of patient monitoring and prevalence of outcomes were assessed through retrospective review of case notes before and 4 months after EWS was introduced. Outcomes were maternal death, direct obstetric complications, length of hospital stay, speed of clinical review, caesarean section (CS) and instrumental birth rates. Qualitative data was collected to explore the views of healthcare workers on EWS’ acceptability and usability.Results EWS correctly used in 51% (n=307) of cases. Of these, 58.6% (180) predicted to have increased risk of deterioration, and 38.9% (n=70) were reviewed within 1 hour. There was a significant improvement in the frequency of vital signs recording in the intervention site: observed/expected frequency improved to 0.91 from 0.57, p<0.005, but not in the control sites. CS rate reduced from 39.9% to 31.5% (chi-square p=0.002). No statistically significant effect was observed in the other outcomes.Health workers reported that the EWS helped cope with work demands while making it easier to detect and manage deteriorating patients. Nurses and doctors reported that the EWS was easy to use, and that scores consistently correlated with the clinical picture of patients.Identified challenges included rotation of clinical staff, low staffing numbers and monitoring equipment.Conclusion The implementation of EWS improved the quality of patient monitoring, but a larger study will be required to explore the effect on health outcomes. With modifications to suit the setting, coupled with regular training, the EWS is a feasible and acceptable tool to cope with the unique demands faced in low-resource settings. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15568048. Registration date; 9/09/2020- Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15568048
DIAGNÓSTICO DO USO DE AGROTÓXICOS POR TOMATICULTORES DO MUNICIPIO DE SÃO JOSÉ DE UBÁ, RJ
Authors: Da Silva Jaomara Nascimento , Araujo Tainá Costa , Ponciano Niraldo José , Souza Claudio Luiz Melo 
Published: September 2020

O município de São José de Ubá é o maior produtor de tomate do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A horticultura, no geral, é responsável por grande parte da utilização de agrotóxico, devido a grande susceptibilidade à pragas e doenças. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar o manejo de pragas e doenças realizado pelos produtores de São José de Ubá. Foram entrevistados 55 tomaticultores, utilizando-se um questionário para identificar o perfil do produtor e da produção, assim como aspectos relacionados ao manejo de pragas e doenças e as formas de aplicações agrotóxicos. Apesar da cidade ser responsável pela metade da produção do estado, a tomaticultura da São José de Ubá se característica como uma pequena atividade rural familiar, com atividade realizadas por familiares e vizinhos. Cerca de 24 produtores diferentes (75% inseticidas e 25% fungicidas) são usados de forma indiscriminada: sem necessidade, sem respeitar período de carência, sem assistência técnica durante todo o ciclo da cultura e em o uso do EPI de forma completa e correta. O uso dos agrotóxicos representa grande parte dos custos, e a maioria dos entrevistados acreditam que uma produção sem agrotóxicos é uma produção sem proteção. Esses relatos refletem a necessidade de difusão de conhecimentos desses produtos que além de diminuir os custos de produção trará menos impacto aos agricultores, consumidores e ao meio ambiente.
Salt and sugar detection system using a compact microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Njokweni S. N. , Kumar P. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
One of the reasons for many diseases such as diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, etc., is the excess consumption of salt and sugar in the diet. So, to minimize these health problems, it is important to consume appropriate quantity of salt and sugar in the diet. This paper presents the design and development of a salt and sugar detection system using a low cost compact microstrip patch antenna. The salt and sugar detection system using a compact microstrip antenna is based upon the variation of antenna parameters in the solutions of different concentrations of salt and sugar. The defected ground structure (DGS) is utilized for decreasing the size and improving the performance of the proposed microstrip patch antenna. The antenna is fed by using a microstrip line and it resonates at 2.4 GHz. The designed antenna is simulated and optimized using the computer simulation technology (CST) microwave studio. The antenna with optimized dimensions is fabricated and measured. The measurements of the return loss of the fabricated microstrip patch antenna for various solutions with different concentrations of salt and sugar are performed. The measured results confirm that the proposed compact microstrip patch antenna is suitable to detect the concentration of salt and sugar in the water. From the measured results, it is observed that the return loss of the antenna decreases, when the concentration of salt and sugar is increased. The proposed antenna is also suitable for compact 2.4 GHz wireless local area networks (WLAN) applications.
Vaccine Approaches for Pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Saxena Arpit , Jeena Lalit Mohan , Pal Joy K 
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2 causative agent of the pandemic viral pneumonia disease COVID-19, identified in the late 2019. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or therapeutics available to control the disease. Although, earlier research efforts of SARS pandemic (2003) provides the precious information to the researchers for fast track vaccine development. Research efforts for vaccine development of COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented in terms of promising time period. The inactivated whole virus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is first one developed and entered into clinical trial. However, later on after announce of complete genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine based on recombinant viral vector, nucleic acid and immunogenic fragment also introduced. Previous experience of undesired immunopotentiation in SARS-CoV studies represents, vaccine safety should be the main concern. Researchers believe that next generation vaccine approaches using recombinant technology such as viral vector or subunit protein-based vaccine will be more effective and safer. This review describes brief information of the major vaccine candidates and the current scenario of vaccine approaches against COVID-19 pandemic.
Detection of MCR-1 Gene in Multiple Drug Resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Human Clinical Samples from Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Hameed Fareeha , Khan Muhammad Asif , Bilal Hazrat , Muhammad Hafsah , Tayyab Ur Rehman  
Published: September 2020

Background:
The presence of plasmid mediated mcr-1 gene in multidrug resistant
Gram-negative bacteria poses a serious public health concern in today’s world.

Objectives:
The present study was aimed to detect the presence of plasmid mediated mcr-1 encoding
resistance to colistin in multiple drug resistant (MDR) E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates.

Methods:
A total of 180 clinical isolates of E. coli (n=120) and K. pneumoniae (n=60) were isolated
from different clinical specimens, i.e., urine, blood, stool and pus, from diagnostic labs of two
major public sector tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. MDR profile of these isolates was
assessed through Kirby-Baur disc diffusion method. All isolates were screened for colistin resistance
by dilution methods. Colistin resistant isolates were subjected to PCR for mcr-1 detection
and confirmation was done by Sanger sequencing method.

Results:
Overall, 83.3% (100/120) E. coli and 93.3% (56/60) K. pneumoniae were detected as
MDR. Colistin resistance was found in 23.3% (28/120) E. coli and 40% (24/60) K. pneumoniae isolates,
whereas mcr-1 gene was detected in 10 out of 52 colistin resistant isolates, including six E.
coli and four K. pneumoniae isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of colistin in these
ten mcr-1 positive isolates ranged from 4μg/ml to 16μg/ml. All mcr-1 positive isolates showed
99% sequence similarity when compared with other present sequences in GenBank.

Conclusion:
Hence, our study confirms the presence of mcr-1 mediated colistin resistance in the
studied area. Therefore, urgently larger scale surveillance studies are recommended to investigate
prevalence of mcr-1 mediated colistin resistance and to prevent its further spread in the area.