bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collagen-dependent platelet dysfunction and its relevance to either mitochondrial ROS or cytosolic superoxide generation: a question about the quality and functional competence of long-stored platelets
Authors: Hosseini Ehteramolsadat , Hojjati Saba , gashti Safoora Afzalniaye , Ghasemzadeh Mehran 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Upon vascular damage, the exposure of sub-endothelial matrix to circulating platelets causes their firm adhesion and spreading on the site of injury mainly via GPVI-collagen interaction. Whilst reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate this stage of thrombosis, augmented oxidant stress also disturbs platelet functions. Stored-dependent platelet lesion is associated with the increasing levels of ROS. Whether ROS accumulation is also relevant to collagen-dependent platelet dysfunction is the main interest of this study. Here, fresh PRP-PCs (platelet concentrates) were either stimulated with PMA and CCCP or stored for 5 days. Intra-platelet superoxide or mitochondrial-ROS was detected by flowcytometery. GPVI shedding, platelet aggregation and spreading/adhesion to collagen were analyzed by western blot, aggregometry and fluorescence-microscopy respectively. Mitochondrial-ROS levels in 5 days-stored PCs were comparable to those induced by mitochondrial uncoupler, CCCP while O2-- generations were higher than those achieved by PMA. Shedding levels in 5 days-stored PCs were also higher than those induced by these potent stimuli. Platelet adhesion surface area in 5 days-stored PCs was tremendously reduced compared to that of fresh ones. Whereas platelet spreading/adhesion and aggregation in response to collagen showed reverse correlations with both O2-- and mitochondrial-ROS formations, total number of adhesion was only relevant to O2-- generations. Conclusively, ROS accumulations in 5 days-stored platelets were at the levels comparable to those induced by potent stimuli. Direct correlation of accumulating ROS with collagen-dependent platelet spreading/adhesion and aggregation is a striking sign of an oxidant-induced lesion that may raise serious question about the post-transfusion quality and competence of longer stored products.
A 5-step systematic therapy (FSST) for treating plugged ducts and mastitis in breastfeeding women
Authors: Yao Yuzhi , Long Tianzhu , Pan Yuhong , Li Yin , Wu Ling , Fu Benjie , Ma Hongmin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Plugged ducts and mastitis are common conditions in lactating women. Milk excretion and relief of local symptoms are equally important for the treatment of plugged ducts and mastitis.This study aimed to describe clinical response to 5-step systematic therapy (FSST) in the management of plugged ducts and mastitis. FSST was a comprehensive milk stasis dredging treatment, which contained five steps to make the milk out of the plugged duct. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 922 breastfeeding women, 714 with plugged ducts and 208 with mastitis who received FSST at the breast nursing outpatient department from June to September 2017. The breast pain score, swelling degree and range of breast induration were recorded pre-FSST and post-FSST. Results: After a single FSST, pain score and degree of swelling were significantly improved (both, p < 0.001) in all cases. After receiving FSST, the mean breast pain relief score was 1.7±0.7, while the mean swelling fade-away degree was 1.6±0.6. In subgroup analysis, pain score and degree of swelling were significantly improved (both, p < 0.001) in the plugged ducts group and the mastitis group. The score of pain relief in the plugged ducts group was less than that in the mastitis group (1.6±0.7 vs. 1.9±0.7, t=-5.301, p=0.000), while improvement of swelling fade-away was greater in the plugged ducts group than the mastitis group (1.7±0.6 vs. 1.5±0.6, t=3.488, p=0.001). The composition ratio of the changes in induration range between the two groups was statistically different (Pearsonχ2=137.865, p = 0.000), of which more obvious improvement in the plugged ducts group than the mastitis group (χ2=25.653, p = 0.000). Conclusion: FSST can relieve pain, reduce breast swelling and range of induration, and for plugged ducts or mastitis varied degree differently.
Toe flexor strength is associated with mobility in older adults with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet
Authors: Kusagawa Yuki , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Imai Aiko , Maeo Sumiaki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Isaka Tadao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Older adults are known to have more pronated foot posture and decreased toe flexor strength (TFS), as well as decreased mobility compared to young adults. Although foot posture is reported to be an influential factor for walking biomechanics in young adults, there is less information on this subject in older adults. Age-related reduction in TFS is shown to be associated with impairments of functional performance, but it is poorly understood whether foot posture influences the relationships between TFS and functional performances. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate this concern by examining older women.
Methods
Seventy community-dwelling older women (76.8 ± 4.4 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Foot posture was evaluated by the 6-item foot posture index (FPI). On the basis of the FPI score, participants were allocated to pronated, neutral, or supinated group (n = 33, 26, and 11, respectively). TFS was assessed using a toe grip dynamometer in a seated position. Scores of 30-second chair stand, timed up-and-go, 5-m comfortable-speed walking, and static balance tests were determined to evaluate functional performances. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationships between TFS and functional performances in each group.
Results
TFS positively correlated with comfortable walking speed in the pronated (r = 0.37, p = 0.03) and supinated (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) groups, but not in the neutral group (r = 0.17, p = 0.42). For the two significant relationships, an analysis of covariance showed that there was no significant difference between the pronated and supinated groups in the slopes of the regression lines, suggesting a similar relative contribution of TFS to comfortable walking speed between the two groups. In addition, TFS tended to negatively correlate with timed up-and-go time in the pronated (r = -0.32, p = 0.07) and supinated (r = -0.56, p = 0.08) groups, and positively correlate with 30-second chair stand score in the pronated group (r = 0.31, p = 0.08).
Conclusions
The present study indicates that TFS would be associated with mobility, walking performance in particular, in older women with pronated and supinated feet but not with neutral feet.
Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Predicting Therapy Targets of Tripterygium wilfordii on Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Fang Tingting , Liu Lanqin , liu wenjun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common malignant tumor of the hematopoietic system. How to extend the survival time of AML patients and improve their prognosis is still a major medical problem. Chinese medicine has a long history in treating AML. Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) is a traditional Chinese medicine. With the deepening of pharmacological research of traditional Chinese medicine, triptolide, one of its active ingredients, has been proven to have a positive effect on the treatment of AML. Therefore，this study aimed on studying the potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanism of TW in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on network pharmacology.Methods. The active components of TW were obtained by network pharmacology through oral bioavailability, drug-likeness filtration. Comparative analysis was used to study the overlapping genes between active ingredient’s targets and AML treatment-related targets. Using STRING database to analyze interactions between overlapping genes. KEGG pathway analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis were conducted in DAVID. These genes were analyzed for survival in OncoLnc database.Key findings. We screened 53 active ingredients, the results of comparative analysis showed that 8 active ingredients had an effect on AML treatment. Based on the active ingredients and overlapping genes, we constructed the Drug-Compounds-Genes-Disease Network. Survival analysis of overlapping genes indicated that some targets possess a significant influence on patients’ survival and prognosis. The enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways of targets are Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and HIF-1 signaling pathway.Conclusion. This study, using a network pharmacologic approach, provides another strategy that can help us to understand the mechanisms by which TW treats AML comprehensively.
Combination of interferon-gamma and autophagy inhibitor as a therapeutic approach in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Zhi-hang , Zhao Tong-Chao , Liang Si-yuan , Zhu Dong-wang , Zhang Zhi-yuan , Ju Wu-tong , Zhong Lai-ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Former clinical trials and experimental research have indicated that interferon-gamma (IFNγ) therapy does not achieve an ideal effect in solid tumors. Autophagy has been associated with tumor chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitor in the combination treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Method: IFNγ-induced apoptosis was evaluated by the expression of relative proteins (cleaved-PARP and caspase-3) and flow cytometry. IFNγ-induced autophagy was assessed by the expression of Beclin1, LC3B, and P62. The synergistic effect of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Findings: IFNγ induced anti-proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in OSCC cells. Autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) was a key feature in IFNγ-induced autophagy flux. IFNγ and chloroquine had obvious synergistic effects on cellular growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in OSCC cells and xenograft models. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that IFNγ-induced autophagy plays a cellular protective role, and blocking autophagy flux can promote IFNγ-mediated OSCC cell apoptosis. The combination of IFNγ and autophagy inhibitors represents a novel strategy for OSCC therapy.
Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A controlled, Quasi-Experimental Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Brandt Heather M , Sundstrom Beth , Monroe Courtney M. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , Larsen Chelsea , Stansbury Melissa , Magradey Karen , Gibson Andrea , West Delia Smith 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background College-aged women and men are at increased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) and are considered an important catch-up population for HPV vaccination. Technology provides an attractive platform for HPV vaccination interventions. Limited research has explored technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness interventions aimed at college students. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a novel, technology-mediated, social media-based intervention to promote HPV vaccination among college students.Methods A controlled, quasi-experimental, mixed methods study examined the feasibility of a technology-based intervention among two undergraduate classes (n = 58) at a public university in the southeastern United States of America. Classes were randomized by coin flip to receive one of two cancer prevention programs (i.e., HPV vaccination [intervention] or healthy weight [control]). Both programs contained eight technology-mediated health promotion sessions, including weekly emails and private Facebook group posts. Participants completed a pre- and post-test web-based survey and submitted weekly qualitative reflections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic review for qualitative data.Results Knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination improved among participants in the HPV vaccination intervention relative to those in the control condition. Participants (97%) interacted on Facebook by “liking” a post or comment or posting a comment. Participants reported that Facebook was easy to use and encouraged interaction, which contributed to the success of the intervention.Conclusion Participants demonstrated robust engagement and high treatment satisfaction. Objective measures and qualitative open-ended assessment of the intervention showed high levels of engagement with the electronic newsletters and Facebook group. This pilot study suggests that social media is an effective platform to reach college students with health promotion interventions and increase HPV vaccination awareness in this important catch-up population.
The Impacts of Fuel Price Policies on Air Pollution: A Case Study of Tehran
Authors: raeissi pouran , harati touraj , hadian mohammad , Ahmadian Sepehr 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to investigate the impacts of fuel price policies on the concentration of air pollutants emitted from the transport sector.Methods: Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation models were used to investigate the impacts of gasoline and diesel prices along with weather and economic variables on the following traffic-related pollutants: Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particular matter 10 micrometers or less (PM10).Results: In the short run, one percent increase in gasoline prices lead to 0.02 percent decrease in concentration of CO and 0.012 percent decrease in PM10. In addition, one percent increase in diesel prices leads to 0.008 and 0.02 percent decrease in concentration of CO and PM10 respectively. Results demonstrate that one percent increase in gasoline prices leads to 0.011 and 0.02 percent increase in NO2 concentration in short run and long run respectively. Compared to the short run, the results for the long run showed that fuel prices had greater impacts on air pollution concentration. Conclusion: Although the implementation of fuel price policies decreases air pollution concentration in Tehran, the results showed that other factors such as weather and economic activities and conditions, had a greater impact on air pollution. Therefore, other policies such as improving fuel quality and technology along with other economic policies can be more effective.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Flora of Harighal, Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Amjad Muhammad Shoaib , Zahoor Ujala , Bussmann Rainer W. , Altaf Muhammad , Gardazi Syed Mubashar Hussain , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study is the first quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of Harighal, an inaccessible and unexplored area of District Bagh Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The major objectives of the present study were exploration, quantification and comparison of ethnobotanical knowledge among different rural communities of the study area.Methodology:Data about traditional uses of important medicinal plants was gathered form 79 informants (49 men and 34 women) using a semi-structured questionnaire. To accesses novelty and agreement of informants about plant use,s various quantitative indices including use value, relative frequency of citation, relative importance, fidelity level and informant consent factor were employed. Furthermore, data presented in the present study was also compared with twenty-two papers published from adjoining areas.Result: A total of 150 medicinal plants belonging to 98 genera and 60 families were documented. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae were the dominant families having 15 species each. Herbs were the most used life form, and leaves were the most exploited plant part. Decoctions were the most preferred method used in preparation of herbal recipes. Mentha longifolia had the highest use value, Berberis lycium had the highest relative frequency of citation and Galium aparine had the highest relative importance value (1.05, 0.81 and 96, respectively). The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was reported for digestive disorders. Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Zanthoxylum alatum and Olea ferruginea had 100% fidelity values. The Jaccard index revealed that uses of plants were more similar in two neighboring areas i.e. Pearl Valley and Toli Peer.Conclusion: In spite of living in the twenty first century, people of the study area still rely very much on herbal medicines as an effective way to treat various ailments. Elders and health practitioners of the study area are well aware of indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants, but young people are not much interested in herbal practices. Thus, valuable knowledge about the use of plants is on the verge of getting lost. The documentation of indigenous knowledge from such an unexplored area and the subsequent pharmacological and phytochemical validation of novel plant uses could serve as baseline for drug development.
Decline of emergency admissions for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Schwarz Viktoria , Mahfoud Felix , Lauder Lucas , Reith Wolfgang , Behnke Stefanie , Smola Sigrun , Rissland Jürgen , Pfuhl Thorsten , Scheller Bruno , Böhm Michael , Ewen Sebastian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the guidance from authorities for social distancing and media reporting lead to significant uncertainty in Germany. As concerns have been expressed regarding the underdiagnosing of harmful diseases. We explored the rates of emergency presentations for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute cerebrovascular events (ACVE) before and after spread of SARS-CoV-2. Methods We analyzed all-cause visits at a tertiary university emergency department and admissions for ACS and ACVE before (calendar weeks 1 to 9, 2020) and after (calendar weeks 10 to 16, 2020) the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the region of the Saarland, Germany. The data were compared with the same period of the previous year. Results In 2020 an average of 346 patients per week presented at the emergency department whereas in 2019 an average of 400 patients presented up to calendar week 16 (p=0.018; whole year 2019 = 395 patients per week). After the first COVID-19 diagnosis in the region, emergency department visit volume decreased by 30% compared with the same period in 2019 (p=0.0012). Admissions due to ACS decreased by 41% (p=0.0023 for all; Δ -71% (p=0.007) for unstable angina, Δ -25% (p=0.42) for myocardial infarction with ST-elevation and Δ -17% (p=0.28) without ST-elevation) compared with the same period in 2019 and decreased from 142 patients in calendar weeks 1 to 9 to 62 patients in calendar weeks 10 to 16. ACVE decreased numerically by 20% (p=0.25 for all; transient ischemic attack: Δ -32% (p=0.18), ischemic stroke: Δ -23% (p=0.48), intracerebral haemorrhage: Δ +57% (p=0.4)). There was no significant change in ACVE per week (p=0.7) comparing calendar weeks 1 to 9 (213 patients) and weeks 10 to 16 (147 patients). Testing of 3756 samples was performed to detect 58 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (prevalence 1,54%, thereof one patient with myocardial and two with cerebral ischemia) up to calendar week 16 in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause admission and admissions due to cardiovascular events in the emergency department. Regarding acute cerebrovascular events there was a numerical decrease but no significant difference.
SARS-CoV-2 Receptor ACE2 Gene Expression in Small Intestine correlates with Age
Authors: Vuille-dit-Bille Raphael N. , Liechty Kenneth , Verrey François , Guglielmetti Laura C. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 binds via its spikes to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is also expressed in small intestinal enterocytes, making the intestine a possible entry site. We examined duodenal biopsies from 43 healthy human adults. ACE2 gene expression was directly correlated with age (Spearman’s r= 0.317, p=0.039. With each year duodenal ACE2 expression increased by 0.083 RU. The higher intestinal ACE2 mRNA expression in older patients might make them more susceptible to oral SARS-CoV-2 infection.
‘I know those people will be approachable and not mistreat us’: a qualitative study of inspectors and private drug sellers on peer supervision in rural Uganda
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Peterson Stefan , Mårtensson Andreas , Mutto Milton , Awor Phllis , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Gibson Linda , Wamani Henry 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPeer supervision improves health care delivery by health workers. However, in rural Uganda, self-supervision is what is prescribed for licensed private drug sellers by statutory guidelines. Evidence shows that self-supervision encourages inappropriate treatment of children less than five years of age by private drug sellers. This study constructed a model for an appropriate peer supervisor to augment the self-supervision currently practiced by drug sellers at district level in rural Uganda.MethodsIn this qualitative study, six Key informant interviews were held with inspectors while ten focus group discussions were conducted with one hundred and thirty drug sellers. Data analysis was informed by the Kathy Charmaz constructive approach to grounded theory. Atlas ti.7 software package was used for data management.Results A model with four dimensions defining an appropriate peer supervisor was developed. The dimensions included; incentives, clearly defined roles, mediation and role model peer supervisor. While all dimensions were regarded as being important, all participants interviewed agreed that incentives for peer supervisors were the most crucial. Overall, an appropriate peer supervisor was described as being exemplary to other drug sellers, operated within a defined framework, well facilitated to do their role and a good go-between drug sellers and government inspectors. Conclusion Four central contributions advance literature by the model developed by our study. First, the model fills a supervision gap for rural private drug sellers. Second, it highlights the need for terms of reference for peer supervisors. Third, it describes who an appropriate peer supervisor should be. Lastly, it elucidates the kind of resources needed for peer supervision.