bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-dimensional Causal Mediation Analysis with a Large Number of Mediators Clumping at Zero to Assess the Contribution of the Microbiome to the Risk of Bacterial Pathogen Colonization in Older Adults
Authors: Liu Wei , Haran John P. , Ash Arlene S. , Allison Jeroan J. , Ye Shangyuan , Tjia Jenifer , Bucci Vanni , Zhang Bo 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Causal mediation analysis is conducted in biomedical research with the
goal of investigating causal mechanisms that consist of both direct causal pathways between the
treatment and outcome variables and intermediate causal pathways through mediators. Recently,
this type of analysis has been applied in the context of bioinformatics; however, it encounters the
obstacle of high-dimensional and semi-continuous mediators with clumping at zero.

Methods:
In this article, we develop a methodology to conduct high-dimensional causal mediation
analysis with a modeling framework that involves (i) a nonlinear model for the outcome variable,
(ii) two-part models for semi-continuous mediators with clumping at zero, and (iii) sophisticated
variable-selection techniques using machine learning. We conducted simulations and investigated
the performance of the proposed method. It is shown that the proposed method can provide reliable
statistical information on the causal effects with high-dimensional mediators. The method is
adopted to assess the contribution of the intestinal microbiome to the risk of bacterial pathogen
colonization in older adults from US nursing homes.

Conclusions:
The proposed high-dimensional causal mediation analysis with nonlinear models is
an innovative and reliable approach to conduct causal inference with high-dimensional mediators.
Antitumour Activity of Muricatacin Isomers and its Derivatives in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell HCT116
Authors: Wang Wencong , Zhang Rui , Wang Jinxing , Tang Jun , Wang Mingan , Kuang Yu 
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose:
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in
elderly people. The natural product muricatacin is an important member of the γ-lactone family, and it has exhibited
antitumour activity in multiple cancer cell lines; however, the antitumour activities of muricatacin
stereoisomers and their derivatives in colorectal cancer cells have not yet been systematically explored.

Methods:
The colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT116 was investigated in this study. Cell proliferation was
assessed by MTT assay or crystal violet staining. Cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow
cytometry assay. The expression levels of p53, p21, cyclin E, cyclin D1, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9,
cleaved caspase-9 and LC3B were measured using western blot analysis. Autophagy induced by M2 was monitored
by immunofluorescence assay with an antibody against LC3B.

Results:
Cell proliferation assays showed that both naturally occurring muricatacin (M4) and its synthetic
stereoisomer (M2) are potent cell growth inhibitors in HCT116 cells, with IC50 values of 79.43 and 83.17μM,
respectively; these values are much lower than those of the other two isomers, M1 and M3, and those of the sixmembered
lactone analogues. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that M2 and M4 induced significant cell
cycle arrest during G0/G1 phase and caused relatively low apoptosis rates in HCT116 cells. Further analysis
indicated that M2 caused p53-independent p21 induction and cyclin E/cyclin D1 downregulation. In addition,
M2 also markedly induced autophagy in the early stage of administration.

Conclusions:
Our results suggested that muricatacins possess potent antitumour activity against the colorectal
carcinoma cell line HCT116 through inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and autophagy in the early stage of
administration.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in the Southwest of Iran: A Four-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Soltani Shahrzad , Salmanzadeh Shokrollah , Soltani Sheyda , Kahvaz Mehdi Sagha , Mobarak Sara , Hezarian Maryam , Foroutan Masoud 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The current study was aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic
infections (IPIs) in persons who were referred to selected hospitals of Abadan and Khorramshahr
cities, in the southwest of Iran.

Materials and Methods:
In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 43200 and 28821 stool specimens
were gathered from Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively, during four consecutive
years (2014-2017).

Results:
A decreasing trend was seen in the prevalence rate of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr
cities. The overall prevalence of IPIs was estimated to be 5.82% and 6.11% in Abadan and Khorramshahr
cities, respectively. In Abadan city, the proportion of IPIs in male persons with 56% was
higher than females 44%, while in Khorramshahr city, more prevalence was observed in females
(54% vs. 46%). Moreover, according to the season, the highest prevalence was recorded in Spring
(30.4%) and Summer (31.1%) in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively. We found
Giardia lamblia, as the most frequent parasite in studied individuals of both cities (Abadan:
2.92%; 1261/43200 and Khorramshahr: 3.15%; 908/28821). Other parasites were as follows: Entamoeba
histolytica/dispar, E. coli, E. hartmanni, Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius
vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Taenia spp.

Conclusion:
This was the first study on the prevalence of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities,
southwest of Iran. Intestinal parasites are still the main public health concern in these regions.
Health education, improving sanitary conditions, screening and treatment of infected people, particularly
in rural and semi-urban areas can be helpful.
Study of Antihypertensive Activity of Anvillea radiata in L-Name-Induced Hypertensive Rats and HPLC-ESI-MS Analysis
Authors: Akdad Mourad , Ajebli Mohammed , Breuer Andrea , Khallouki Farid , Owen Robert W. , Eddouks Mohamed 
Published: November 2019

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Anvillea radiate
(A. radiata) aerial parts (AEAR) on arterial blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

Methods:
The effect of the acute and sub-chronic administration of AEAR on the following blood
pressure parameters: systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure
(DBP), and heart rate (HR) was evaluated in normotensive and L-NAME induced hypertensive
rats. In the second experiment, the vasorelaxant effect of AEAR was assessed in isolated aortic rings
from rats with functional endothelium pre-contracted with epinephrine (EP) or KCl, and six antagonists/
inhibitors were used to explore the mechanisms of action involved in the vasorelaxant effect. In
order to determine the phytochemical contents of Anvillea radiata, HPLC-ESI-MS analysis was conducted.

Results:
Daily oral administration of AEAR (100 mg/kg) provoked a significant decrease in SBP,
MBP, and DBP without affecting HR in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEAR (0.08-0.64 mg/ml) revealed
a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted by EP (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM).
This effect was reduced in the presence of Nifedipine, L-Name or Methylene blue. The polyphenolic
compounds of AEAR were determined.

Conclusion:
This study revealed that AEAR possesses a potent antihypertensive activity and its
vasorelaxant activity seems to be mediated through Ca2+ channels, direct nitric oxide (NO), and
NO/cGMP pathways. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid identified in A. radiata could be at least partially
responsible for the antihypertensive activity of this extract.
Is the Cerebellum Involved in the Nervous Control of the Immune System Function?
Authors: Rizzi Anna , Saccia Matteo , Benagiano Vincenzo 
Published: November 2019

Background:According to the views of psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology, many interactions exist between nervous, endocrine and immune system the purpose of which is to achieve adaptive measures restoring an internal equilibrium (homeostasis) following stress conditions. The center where these interactions converge is the hypothalamus. This is a center of the autonomic nervous system that controls the visceral systems, including the immune system, through both the nervous and neuroendocrine mechanisms. The nervous mechanisms are based on nervous circuits that bidirectionally connect hypothalamic neurons and neurons of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system; the neuroendocrine mechanisms are based on the release by neurosecretory hypothalamic neurons of hormones that target the endocrine cells and on the feedback effects of the hormones secreted by these endocrine cells on the same hypothalamic neurons. Moreover, the hypothalamus is an important subcortical center of the limbic system that controls through nervous and neuroendocrine mechanisms the areas of the cerebral cortex where the psychic functions controlling mood, emotions, anxiety and instinctive behaviors take place. Accordingly, various studies conducted in the last decades have indicated that hypothalamic diseases may be associated with immune and/or psychic disorders.Objective:Various researches have reported that the hypothalamus is controlled by the cerebellum through a feedback nervous circuit, namely the hypothalamocerebellar circuit, which bi-directionally connects regions of the hypothalamus, including the immunoregulatory ones, and related regions of the cerebellum. An objective of the present review was to analyze the anatomical bases of the nervous and neuroendocrine mechanisms for the control of the immune system and, in particular, of the interaction between hypothalamus and cerebellum to achieve the immunoregulatory function.Conclusion:Since the hypothalamus represents the link through which the immune functions may influence the psychic functions and vice versa, the cerebellum, controlling several regions of the hypothalamus, could be considered as a primary player in the regulation of the multiple functional interactions postulated by psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology.
Characterization of Hybrid Bio-Ceramic Hydroxyapatites Reinforced by Expanded Perlite-TiO2-ZrO2-MgO-P2O5
Authors: Karip Erdoğan , Muratoğlu Mehtap 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Hydroxyapatite, which is naturally and synthetically available, is
often used as a biomaterial because of its similarity to bone.

Aim:
In this study, Natural hydroxyapatite powder, synthesized from sheep bone, and synthetic
hydroxyapatite were used as matrix.

Materials and Methods:
Hybrid bio-ceramic composites were obtained by adding 5 wt. %
expanded perlite-TiO2-ZrO2-MgO-P2O5 to both matrixes. The bio-ceramic materials which
were mixed with mechanical mixer for 30 minutes were pressed with hydraulic press under
25 MPa pressure and sintered at 900°C for 1 hour. Density, micro-hardness, X-Ray Diffraction
(XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy
(EDS) analysis were performed to determine characteristics of the samples.

Results:
As a result, it was identified that the micro-hardness of natural hydroxyapatite was
higher. In addition, the increase in micro-hardness values of ZrO2-reinforced samples was
higher than the TiO2-reinforced samples.

Conclusion:
Hydroxyapatite, calcium silicate, calcium phosphate structures were observed
in XRD analysis. Micro-pores were observed in TiO2-reinforced samples while more dense
structures were observed in ZrO2-reinforced samples.
ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES AND EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC PROPERTY OF TECTONA GRANDIS METHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT IN SWISS ALBINO MICE
Authors: JHANSI RANI G  , LAKSHMI BHAVANI N  
Published: November 2019

Objective: Tectona grandis which is well known as teak possesses a wide range of applications in Indian and African folklore medicine. All the plant parts are having diverse bioactivities, especially the seeds, having hair growth-promoting activity, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Xanthones, proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids have been isolated from the oil and seeds of T. grandis.
Methods: The present study was to explore the antinociceptive properties of methanolic seed extract of T. grandis. Dried seeds of the plant were defatted with non-polar solvents such as petroleum ether and extracted with methanol. Acetic acid-induced writhing test, tail flick test, and tail immersion test were employed for the extract using Swiss albino mice.
Results: From the results, it is clear that the methanolic teak seed extract is safe at 1000 mg/kg and having a potent analgesic property (at a dose of 200–250 mg/kg body weight) by inhibiting pain response time.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the methanolic seed extract of T. grandis is analgesic in nature. It is considered as safe and the activity may be due to the presence of various bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids, xanthones, and glycosides.
CHARACTERIZATION, ANTIMICROBIAL, AND METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF GREEN AND CHEMICALLY SYNTHESIZED ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
Authors: SUMATHI S  , BANUPRIYA SJS  , AKHILA V  , PADMA PR  
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The aim of the present study is a synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) by green and chemical method. The nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial, antibiofilm activity, biocompatibility, and hemolysis activity.
Methods: We have synthesized ZnONPs both by green and chemical synthesis using the coprecipitation method. To understand the functional group, absorbance, crystalline nature, size, and shape of the synthesized particles, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were done. Antibacterial activity was carried out using different bacterial strains. The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanoparticles was checked using MTT assay with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiofilm activities of both synthesized nanoparticles were done using Staphylococcus aureus and to assess the toxicity of nanoparticles at the cellular level, hemolysis assay was performed.
Results: The yield of nanoparticles in green synthesis was much higher when compared to chemical synthesis. Spectral results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were ZnONPs. Antibacterial, antibiofilm, and hemolysis assay showed that green nanoparticles were more potent than chemical nanoparticles.
Conclusion: Hence, green synthesis provides an advantage over chemical synthesis as it is cost effective, environmentally friendly, and easily scaled up for large-scale synthesis.
THE IMPACT OF 2-AMINOETHANESULFONIC ACID, GUARANINE METHYL THEOBROMINE 1, 3, 7-TRIMETHYLXANTHINE THEINE AND/OR ISOBUTYLPHENYL PROPIONIC ACID ON MASCULINE FECUNDITY, AND MORPHOPATHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN RATS
Authors: WAEL ABU DAYYIH  , YAZAN S BATARSEH  , ZAINAB ZAKAREIA  , MOHAMED HAMMAD  , KAMAL MANSI  , WALID ABU RAYYAN  
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of caffeine (CAF), taurine (TUR), and ibuprofen (IBF) consumption on the masculine fecundity in rats and fetuses development.
Methods: The 1st group was kept as a normal control received distilled water. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups received orally 250 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 270 mg/kg of TUR, CAF, and IBF, respectively. In addition, the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th groups received TUR with CAF, TUR with IBF, CAF with IBF, and TUR, CAF, IBF combination, for 45 days. Blood samples were taken to determine testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and oxidation levels. Moreover, in testes, malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate were estimated. Besides, the abnormality of sperms, sperm counts, and percentage of sperm motilities was characterized. These masculines were allowed to mate with untreated masculine rats to determine the rate of pregnancy and study any malformation in their fetuses.
Results: The study revealed that each of CAF and/or IBF decreased the weights of fetuses, as well as sperm counts and motilities significantly. Besides, percentages of head and tail abnormalities were increased in CAF and/or IBF. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of marked degenerative changes in testes in CAF and/or IBF-treated groups.
Conclusion: CAF and IBF have a teratogenic effect on spermatozoa and masculine fecundity, whereas TUR almost improved undesirable impacts induced by IBF or/and CAF.
EVALUATION OF ANTISTRESS ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA LEAVES IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS
Authors: VANITA KANASE  , SANA SHAIKH  
Published: November 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the effect of ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (EECO) Linn. on acute restraint stress (ARS)-induced stress-like behavior and biochemical alterations in albino Wistar rats.
Methods: The ARS was induced by immobilizing the rats for a period of 12 h using rodent restraint device preventing them from any physical movement. Immediately, after 12 h rats were released and doses were given to each rat. 40 min post-release various behavioral parameters such as immobility time in force swim test and tail suspension test (TST), locomotor activity in open field test (OFT), and oxidative stress parameters and biochemical alterations in rat brain tissue were also performed.
Statistical Analysis: Expression of data was done as mean±standard error of mean. The normally distributed data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Experimental findings revealed that rats subjected to ARS exhibited significant increase in immobility time in forced swim test and TST models, decrease in locomotor activity in OFT model, and increase in malondialdehyde formation and impaired superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in hippocampus and cerebral cortex as compared to non-stressed rats. EECO treatment (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly attenuated immobility time, locomotion, and restored the antioxidant enzymes after ARS.
Conclusion: EECO significantly alleviated ARS-induced stress-like behavior.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN THE DRIED EXTRACTS OF THE WHOLE PLANT ARGYREIA IMBRICATA (ROX) SANT AND PATEL
Authors: SEBASTIN V  , GOPALAKRISHNAN G  , SREEJITH M  , ANOOB KUMAR KI  
Published: November 2019

Objective: The present study was designed with the aim of preliminary phytochemical evaluation and spectral characterization phytochemicals present in the extracts of whole plant Argyreia imbricata (Rox) Sant and Patel.
Methods: The whole plant A. imbricata was collected, authenticated, and dried in the shade for powdering in mechanical grinder. The powdered plant material was extracted with Soxhlet apparatus using different solvents, and the dried extract obtained was subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation, and then column chromatography separation and the separated fractions were subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) separation. Based on the yield in TLC, the selected compounds were subjected to carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, proton NMR (1H NMR), and mass spectroscopic evaluation.
Results: In the preliminary phytochemical evaluation, the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, sterols, and terpenoids was found in different extracts. In column chromatography separation, totally 650 fractions were collected, and four compounds were isolated with the help of TLC. Among the four, two compounds were selected for spectral evaluation based on the yield obtained. The selected compounds were identified and named as, 3-ethyl-5-(hydroxymethyl) phenol and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate with the help of spectral evaluation.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study is beneficial, and further investigation in the future directed toward the detailed pharmacological screening of the extracts may give more valuable results.
Exceptionality Education International: Responding to Change and Promoting Dialogue on Inclusive Education for All
Authors: Young Gabrielle , De Lugt Jenn , Penney Sharon , Specht Jacqueline 
Published: November 2019

Exceptionality Education International (EEI) provides a forum for research and dialogue on topics relevant to the education of people with exceptionalities and on how barriers to the full participation of all people in education can be reduced and removed. As current editors of this journal, we provide you with an overview of the editorship of the journal over the years, address changes to policies and practices in inclusive education, and explain how our journal has adapted to reflect these changes. We conclude with concerns currently being experienced by journals, and plans for moving forward with addressing these issues and maintaining a journal in the 21stcentury.
Résumé
Exceptionality Education International (EEI) fournit un espace pour la recherche et le dialogue sur des sujets relatifs à l’éducation de personnes comportant des « exceptionalités » et sur la réduction et l’élimination d’obstacles empêchant à quiconque de participer pleinement en éducation. À titre de directeurs, nous vous présentons un survol de la direction de cette revue au fil des années, traitons de changements aux politiques et pratiques en éducation inclusive, et expliquons comment notre revue s’est adaptée pour refléter ces changements. Pour conclure, nous décrivons les problèmes auxquels les revues font face aujourd’hui ainsi que nos projets pour résoudre ces problèmes et maintenir une revue au 21esiècle.
DEVLOPMENT AND INVITRO EVALUATION OF NANOSUSPENSION GEL OF BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Authors: Ancheria Rahul Kumar , Jain Saloni , Kumar Deepak , Soni Shankar Lal 
Published: November 2019

Novel drug delivery systems are designed with an intend to deliver drugs to the specific site at a rate and extent directed by the needs of the body and it directs an active entity to specific site of action during the period of treatment. Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease, affecting about 70-80% of adolescents and young adults. It is a multifactorial disease of the pilosebaceous unit. it has been developed as possible carriers to deliver antifungal drugs to the target site and to enhance an epidermal permeation across the skin.this article we present benzoyl peroxide can increase solubility and permeability of topical used.when benzoyl peroxide is very widely used in the mild to moderate acne vulgaris and rosacea.

KEYWORDS-
THE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF DAYAK ONION (Eleutherine palmifolia (L) MERR) TUBER ON BLOOD GLUCOSE AND INSULIN LEVEL OF STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RAT
Authors: Yaturramadhan Hasni , Dalimunthe Aminah , Widyawati Tri 
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The current investigation was conducted to examine the ability of ethanolic extract from onion dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia) (L) (Merr) tuber to reduce blood glucose and increase insulin production in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rat.
Materials and Methods: Extraction was accomplished using maceration method with 96% ethanol. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated using observation of blood glucose levels utilize glucometer (Easy Touch). Analysis of insulin plasma concentration was determined utilize the Insulin Elisa Kit (Chem Cruz).
Results: The administration of dayak onion extract as a form of therapy in diabetes, although it has not been able to increase insulin levels significantly, but has shown a tendency to increase insulin levels at higher doses of 500 mg/bw.
Conclusion: Ethanolic extract from dayak onion tuber exhibited activity of decrease blood glucose level and increase plasma insulin concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rat.