bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaccinia Virus Infection Inhibits Skin Dendritic Cell Migration to the Draining Lymph Node
Authors: Aggio Juliana Bernardi , Krmeská Veronika , Ferguson Brian J , Wowk Pryscilla Fanini , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
There is a paucity of information on dendritic cell (DC) responses to vaccinia virus (VACV), including the traffic of DCs to the draining lymph node (dLN). In this study, using a mouse model of infection, we studied skin DC migration in response to VACV and compared it with the tuberculosis vaccine Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), another live attenuated vaccine administered via the skin. In stark contrast to BCG, skin DCs did not relocate to the dLN in response to VACV. Infection with UV-inactivated VACV or modified VACV Ankara promoted DC movement to the dLN, indicating that interference with skin DC migration requires replication-competent VACV. This suppressive effect of VACV was capable of mitigating responses to a secondary challenge with BCG in the skin, ablating DC migration, reducing BCG transport, and delaying CD4+ T cell priming in the dLN. Expression of inflammatory mediators associated with BCG-triggered DC migration were absent from virus-injected skin, suggesting that other pathways invoke DC movement in response to replication-deficient VACV. Despite adamant suppression of DC migration, VACV was still detected early in the dLN and primed Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. In summary, VACV blocks skin DC mobilization from the site of infection while retaining the ability to access the dLN to prime CD4+ T cells.
Intrinsic Abnormalities of Keratinocytes Initiate Skin Inflammation through the IL-23/T17 Axis in a MALT1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Mingchao , Wang Chenliang , Wang Guifen , Sun Keyong , Xiong Sihan , Cheng Liqing , Yang Dandan , Lin Xin , Zhao Xueqiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Increasing evidence has supported the crucial role of CARD14 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, whereas the precise cellular signaling involved in skin physiopathology remains poorly understood. In this article, we show that neither genetic ablation of Il17a nor elimination of T cells was sufficient to restrain the skin inflammation in a CARD14-E138A-mutation-induced psoriasis-like mouse model, whereas depletion of Il23, which extremely blocked the IL-23/T17 axis, was more effective. Targeting CBM complex by conditional deletion of MALT1 or BCL10 in keratinocytes abrogated both the cutaneous and systemic inflammation of heterozygous Card14E138A/+ mice. Selective inactivation of keratinocyte-specific MALT1 proteolytic activity strongly ameliorated the Card14E138A/+- and Card14ΔQ136/+-induced skin disease, which was reproduced by using the imiquimod-induced mouse model. Together, our results suggest a sequence of events under CARD14-mutation-induced psoriasis condition that keratinocyte-intrinsic activation of CBM complex initiates the skin inflammation depending on the IL-23/T17 axis. Targeting keratinocytes by inactivation of MALT1 paracaspase activity might be a promising therapeutic target for early psoriasis treatment.
Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among Myanmar migrant workers in northeast Thailand
Authors: Sangwalee Wararat , Rattanapitoon Nathkapach , Thanchomnang Tongjit 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in migrant workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018 in 600 Myanmar migrant workers. Questionnaires were employed for collecting the demographic data of participants. Stool samples were collected and examined using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections were determined using multiple logistic regressions analyses.

Results:
The overall infection rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 27.67% (166/600). Among the intestinal helminthes observed, hookworm was most abundant (8.67%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (8.50%), Opisthorchis viverrini(4.17%), Ascaris lumbricoides(1.50%), Strogyloides stercoralis(1.17%) and Hymenolepis nana(0.5%). Meanwhile, Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa (4.33%, 26/600) followed by Endolimax nana (1.33%), Entamoeba histolytica complex (1.17%), Blastocystis sp. (1.0%) and Giardia duodenalis (0.17%). The study found significant associations between gender and Strogyloides stercoralis infection (OR
adj=5.61, 95% CI=1.18–26.70, P=0.03), workers aged 30 years old were likely to have a lower risk of the T. trichiura infection (OR
adj=0.45, 95% CI= 0.23–0.89). Moreover, the history of consuming raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish was a risk factor of Opisthorchis viverrini infection (OR
adj=2.82, 95% CI=1.22–6.49, P=0.015).

Conclusions:
There remains a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Myanmar migrant workers in the study area and therefore health screenings for all migrant workers in Thailand are required.
Anopheles gambiae larvicidal and adulticidal potential of Phyllanthus amarus (Schumach and Thonn, 1827) obtained from different localities of Nigeria
Authors: Ozioko Kingsley Uchenna , Okoye Chris Ikem , Okafor Fabian Chukwuemenam , Obiezue Rose Nduka 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected from three different geographical zones in Nigeria and evaluate their effects on larva and adult of Anopheles gambiae.

Methods:
The sample extracts of Phyllanthus amarus prepared with ethanol solvent were tested against Anopheles gambiae at two important developmental stages of its life cycle using slightly modified WHO protocols.

Results:
Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenes were detected in each extract. Among these samples, the extract from northwest exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC50=263.02 ppm), followed by southeast and southwest extracts (LC50=288.40 and 295.12 ppm, respectively after 48 h), while the extract from southwest exhibited the highest adulticidal activity (LC50=275.42 ppm), followed by northwest and southeast extract (LC50=301.99 and 316.22 ppm, respectively after 24 h). A 50% larva mortality was almost attained at 600 ppm after 48 h duration of exposure to the northwest extract.

Conclusions:
The tested samples possess strong larvicidal and adulticidal property against Anopheles gambiae which depends on their chemical composition and localities of collection. Further studies are needed to explore the insecticidal activity against a wider range of mosquito species, and to identify active ingredient(s) of the extract responsible for such activity.
Gracilaria changii (Rhodophyta) alleviates bisphenol A-induced adverse reproductive abnormalities in mice
Authors: Ng Chong Lee , Tan Gim Cheong , Yow Yoon-Yen , Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Kwong Phek Jin 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To evaluate the potential of Gracilaria changii extract in ameliorating the potential adverse effects of bisphenol A.

Methods:
The antioxidant capacity of Gracilaria changii extracted using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, and aqueous) was studied. The mice were administered by oral gavage with bisphenol A (60 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks with or without Gracilaria changii aqueous extract. Thereafter, the mice were either euthanized for histology and immunohistochemistry studies or mated to evaluate the pregnancy rate.

Results:

Gracilaria changii aqueous extract showed the highest antioxidant properties compared with extract using methanol and ethanol. The aqueous extract of Gracilaria changii improved the uterus index and uterine lipid peroxidation after bisphenol A exposure, although the uterine expressions of estrogen receptors and complement C3 were not improved. Histological evaluation of the uterus during the estrus stage has revealed that the extract could mitigate bisphenol A-induced adverse effects in the uterus as there was a lower percentage of mice showing abnormalities like decreased eosin staining in the myometrium, and decrease in the number of eosinophil and endometrial glands in the endometrium. Besides, Gracilaria changii aqueous extract improved the pregnancy rate of mice administered with bisphenol A.

Conclusions:

Gracilaria changii extract protects against bisphenol A-induced female reproductive abnormalities in mice which may be mediated via modulation of eosinophil migration, endometrial gland formation, and protein expressions associated with prostaglandins in the myometrium.
Total spinal involvement due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis
Authors: He Jie , Zhang Qiang 
Published: January 2021

Rational:
Brucellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease. Any part of the body can be affected by active brucellosis but osteoarticular involvement are the most common symptoms which was reported to vary from 10% to 85%. The spine is the most common site of brucellosis in the bones. However, noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis is rare, only few cases have been reported in the literature.

Patient concerns:
A 62-year-old woman with brucellar spondylitis presented with lower back pain and pain in the right lower extremity for six months.

Diagnosis:

Brucella agglutination test (1:320) and the result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the diagnosis of noncontiguous brucellar spondylitis.

Intervention:
During hospital stay, the women received intravenous treatment for brucellosis (A combination of doxycycline 200 mg/d, rifampicin 900 mg/d, levofloxacin 0.5 g/QD, and ceftriaxone 2 g/QD was administered for 1 week), The L4-S1 vertebral body was fixed by posterior lumbar debridement.

Outcome:
Six months after discharge, the follow-up radiographic images showed stable vertebral height and good lumbar stability. She complained no discomfort.

Lessons:
Multi-level involvement is an exceptional form of brucellar spondylitis. To the best of our knowledge, only few similar cases have been reported. PCR and bacterial culture is necessary for confirmed diagnosis.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of Heracleum persicum L. extract on rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Akbaribazm Mohsen , Goodarzi Nader , Rahimi Mohsen , Naseri Leila , Khazaei Mozafar 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To evaluate the effect of Heracleum persicum L. against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods:
Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including control (normal saline), gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d for 10 d), Heracleum persicum (750 mg/kg/d), and gentamicin (10 d) + Heracleum persicum extract at three different doses (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg/d for 40 d). Urine creatinine, urea, protein, and albumin levels were determined. In addition, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, kidney malondialdehyde, stereological parameters, and expressions of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were measured. The LD50 of Heracleum persicum extract was determined based on Lorke's method. Histopathological evaluation was also performed.

Results:
In addition to decreased urine protein and albumin, and increased creatinine and urea, co-treatment with gentamicin and Heracleum persicum significantly reduced levels of creatinine and urea, and increased sodium and potassium in serum. Heracleum persicum treatment also improved stereological parameters and serum inflammatory cytokines. There was a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as a reduction in malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, treatment with Heracleum persicum extracts downregulated p53, caspase-3, and Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 expressions. In histopathological evaluation, Heracleum persicum extracts showed protection against gentamicin-induced renal damages.

Conclusions:

Heracleum persicum exhibits protective effects against gentamicin-induced structural and functional renal impairments.
Anti-senescence and anti-wrinkle activities of 3—bromo—4,5—dihydroxybenzaldehyde from Polysiphonia morrowii Harvey in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Cho Su-Hyeon , Ko Eun-Yi , Heo Soo-Jin , Kim Seo-Young , Ahn Juhee , Kim Kil-Nam 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To investigate the anti-senescence effect of 3-bromo-4,5- dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) from Polysiphonia morrowii Harvey in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).

Methods:
HDF were subjected to treatment of BDB and then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce premature senescence. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity in HDF was determined using the SA-β-gal staining method. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. Western blotting assay was performed to assess the level of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). In addition, intracellular collagen and collagenase contents were analyzed using the respective ELISA kits. Elastase activity in HDF supernatants was measured from p-nitroaniline release and normalized using total protein content.

Results:
Treatment of HDF with H2O2 increased the activity of SAP-gal, but BDB pre-treatment resulted in the reduction of SA-β- gal activity. Moreover, BDB significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular ROS production. BDB also markedly increased the level of GPX1, which was inhibited by 400 µM of H2O2. Furthermore, in in vitro study, BDB significantly increased intracellular collagen content and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 and elastase activities in HDF.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that BDB shows anti- senescence and anti-wrinkle activities in vitro.
Negative Impact of Vestibular Suppressant Drugs on Provocative Positional Tests of BPPV
Authors: Gurumukhani Jayanti K. , Patel Dhruvkumar M. , Shah Sudhir V. , Patel Mukundkumar V. , Patel Maitri M. , Patel Anand V. 
Published: January 2021

Aims:
To study the impact of vestibular suppressant drugs (VSD) on provocative positional tests (PPT) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Settings and Design:
A prospective case-control observational study.

Materials and Methods:
Patients with a history suggestive of BPPV were tested for PPT. Patients with vertiginous symptoms and with nystagmus on PPT were classified as objective BPPV (O-BPPV, control group), while those without nystagmus with no alternate diagnosis were classified as subjective BPPV (S-BPPV, case group). Details of VSD treatment were noted in all the patients. In both groups, patients were instructed to discontinue VSD and were further assigned as the VSD and non-VSD subgroups. Patients were followed for 2 months with PPT every week. PPT positive patients were treated by vestibular rehabilitation maneuvers.

Statistics:
Student t-test with two-tailed, unpaired, was used for continuous scale and Chi-square test for categorical differences between the two groups.

Results:
295 consecutive BPPV patients were enrolled in the study, 55 in the S-BPPV group and 240 in the O-BPPV group. Significantly higher proportion of patients in the S-BPPV group were on VSD at presentation, 80.00% vs. 53.75% (OR 2.52; 95% CI: 1.30–4.86), P = 0.006. In an unadjusted analysis of the S-BPPV group following discontinuation of VSD, PPT became positive in 79.54% of patients as compared to 18.19% in the non-VSD group (OR 35.0; 95% CI: 6.2–197.3), P < 0.001.

Conclusion:
A higher proportion of S-BPPV patients were receiving VSD in comparison to O-BPPV at the initial visit. The PPT converted positive four times higher after ceasing the VSD in S-BPPV patients.

Study Design:
Prospective case-control observational study.
Impact of a Brief Structured Psychoeducation Session on Antiepileptic Drug Adherence and Treatment Outcome in Persons with Epilepsy
Authors: Chahal Savita , Govil Nikhil , Nadda Anuradha , Kaloti Amandeep S. , Gupta Nishu 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs is one of the most important causes of treatment failure in persons with epilepsy (PWE). This study was aimed at assessing the impact of psychoeducation on drug adherence and treatment outcome in PWE.

Methods:
It was a prospective cohort study with a pre and posttest intervention design. A cohort of 100 epilepsy patients aged 18–65 years and on antiepileptic drugs for at least 6 months attending the outpatient department was enrolled in the study. Drug adherence was measured by Medication Adherence Rating Scale. A structured eight-domain epilepsy psychoeducation session with pictorial description was given to the study subjects in two parts (group and individually) lasting for a total of 30 min on the day of baseline assessment. Adherence and treatment outcome variables were assessed by an independent observer 4 months after the psychoeducation session. Chi-square test and paired t-test were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20 with P value less than 0.05 considered as significant.

Results:
There was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the number of patients who were adherent to medications after psychoeducation session. There was a significant reduction in mean seizure frequency (0.68 ± 0.65) and seizure severity in terms of injuries sustained during seizure episodes post intervention. Regularities in the follow-up visits were also witnessed. A significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions (0.09 ± 0.32), mean inpatient treatment days (0.44 ± 2.19), and emergency room visits (0.19 ± 0.15) was noted 4 months after the psychoeducation session indicative of better treatment outcome.

Conclusion:
The present study proves the efficacy of a structured educational program in improving drug adherence and treatment outcome in a cohort of people with epilepsy.
Production of Thermo-Alkali-Stable Xylanase from Bacillus licheniformis Isolated from Natural Hot Water Geyser
Authors: Malhotra Girisha , Chapadgaonkar Shilpa Samir 
Published: January 2021

Context:
Xylanase constitutes 20% of world enzyme market. Significantly, they are used in poultry feed, paper pulp, bakery, and textile industries. In view of the increasing demand of the enzyme, it is vital to develop indigenous strains and scalable technologies for the production of industrial enzymes.

Aims:
The objective of the present paper was to isolate a high-yielding strain of thermo-alkali-stable xylanase-producing bacteria for potential application in paper and pulp and biofuel industry.

Methods:
Sampling for prospecting of suitable organism was carried out from the places with dead and decaying lignocellulosic waste, and then Congo red screening was employed for the primary isolation of xylanase producers.

Results:
We report the isolation of 18 different strains of xylanase producer bacteria from natural hot water geyser of Sohna, Haryana, India. Subsequently, two of these isolates were chosen for further studies based on xylanase yield and desirable properties such as thermostability and alkali stability of xylanase produced.

Conclusion:
Isolate B2 was later identified as Bacillus licheniformis, whereas isolate Y3 was identified as Brevibacillus borstelensis. This strain when cultured at 35°C for 72 h showed xylanase production at 128 U/ml. The molecular weight of xylanase was determined to be 25 kDa. The production was scaled up in a 5-L stirred-tank bioreactor which led to high xylanase concentration of 380 U/ml in the first 48 h of culture.
Architectural and Ultrastructural Variations of Human Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Jasmine Sharmila , Thangavelu Annamalai , Krishnamoorthy Rajapandiyan , Alzahrani Khalid E , Alshuniaber Mohammad A 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) architecture and ultrastructure plays a crucial role in regulating and coordinating the cellular functions and provides a physical architecture, mechanical stability, and biochemical cues necessary for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. No study consciously reported the variation in architecture, ultrastructure, and morphology of leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF) and injectable PRF (i-PRF).

Objective:
Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the fibrin architecture, ultrastructure, and cell contents of autologous L-PRF and i-PRF.

Materials and Methods:
The autologous L-PRF and i-PRF were prepared from blood samples of healthy donors. The morphological and structural variations were assessed by histopathology, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope.

Results:
Disparity was found on architecture and ultrastructure of L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin network. The variation in platelet and leukocyte concentration attributed to the fibrin conformational changes. L-PRF shows thick fibrins with rough surface, whereas in i-PRF, smooth thin fibrins.

Conclusions:
The current study revealed that there is heterogeneity between L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin matrix architecture, ultrastructure, platelets, leukocytes, and the fibrin content. These speculate that the diameter, width, roughness, and smoothness of fibrin fibers, pore size, and shapes of L-PRF and i-PRF matrix may initiate and mediate the scaffold functions differently.
Effects of antihypertensive agents on the quality of life in diabetic hypertensive patients
Authors: Bhardwaj Raj Kumar , Kazal H. L. , Kohli Kamlesh , Raj Rajnish , Bansal Nagma , Singh Baltej , Arora Hobinder 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic noncommunicable disease, and hypertension (HT) is the most common comorbidity which affects their quality of life (QoL).

Aim:
The aim of the study was to assess the effects of antihypertensive agents (viz., amlodipine, ramipril, telmisartan, and ramipril with telmisartan) on the blood pressure (BP) and QoL.

Methodology:
It was an open-labeled prospective intention-to-treat study done in diabetic hypertensive patients (CTRI/2016/10/007340). Patients were randomly assigned antihypertensive agents, namely, amlodipine, ramipril, telmisartan, and a combination of ramipril with telmisartan (RT) in four groups. They were evaluated for BP, blood sugar level, and QoL at baseline and 24th week.

Results:
After 24 weeks of therapy, systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were significantly reduced in all groups. In amlodipine, there was a mean percentage fall of SBP by 15.85% (confidence interval [CI]: 21.38–28.13) and DBP by 11.22% (CI: 8.41–12.70); in ramipril – 14.4% (CI: 18.61–25.15) and 12.4% (CI 8.88–13.99); telmisartan – 18.4% (CI: 24.89–10.79) and 14.6% (CI 10.79–16.24); and in RT group, SBP 17.7% (CI: 23.38–29.18) and DBP 12.4% (CI: 9.05–13.02). QoL score increased by 30.56% (CI: 14.30–10.90), 30.94% (CI: 14.21–10.68), 28.07% (CI: 14.89–11.20), and 28.84% (CI: 15.49–11.77), in respective groups (P < 0.0001, each). However, they were nonsignificant between the study groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Amlodipine, ramipril, telmisartan, and a combination of RT are equally effective to improve BP and QoL among diabetic hypertensive patients. However, amlodipine and telmisartan lacked in dry cough and more tolerable than the ramipril and RT therapy. Henceforth, amlodipine and telmisartan are better choice to control HT among DM patients.