bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Functional Outcome in Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture and Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Ko Sangbong , Jun ChungMu , Nam Junho 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, supplementation using vitamin D preparations and maintenance of blood vitamin D level within the normal range are necessary for proper fracture union, enhancement of muscle strength, and maintenance of body balance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on blood vitamin D level, pain relief, union time, and functional outcome in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and vitamin D deficiency.Methods130 patients who deficient blood vitamin D level and had osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were divided into a supplementation group and non-supplementation group. At initial, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the injury, radiographs were taken to assess fracture union, and questionnaire were evaluated to evaluate the functional outcome and quality of life.ResultsThe mean age of the 130 patients (36 males and 94 females) was 74.75 ± 7.25 years. There were no statistically significant differences in initial severity of low back pain, functional outcome, and quality of life between the insufficient group and deficient group (all p values were >0.05). There was no significant time-by-group interaction between the supplementation group and non-supplementation group (p = 0.194). In terms of SF-36 physical component score, there was no significant time-by-group interaction between the supplementation group and non-supplementation group (p = 0.934).Conclusions﻿Fracture union was achieved in all patients regardless of serum vitamin D level, and there were significant improvements in severity of low back pain, functional outcome, and quality of life over 12 months in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Short-term vitamin D supplementation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and deficiency of vitamin D did not result in significant differences in fracture union status, functional outcome, and quality of life between the supplementation groups and non-supplementation groups of patients
Aerobic Exercise Improves Sepsis via Impairing LPS-induced Lactate and HMGB1 Release in Mice
Authors: Wang xishuai , Wang zhiqing , Tang donghui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: In the present study, we attempted to investigate whether aerobic exercise (AE) could prevent sepsis and its complications and explored the related mechanisms. Methods: Forty ICR mice were divided into four groups: Control (Con), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Exercise (Ex), and Exercise + LPS (Ex + LPS) groups. Ex and Ex + LPS mice were performed with low-intensity AE for 4 weeks. LPS and Ex + LPS mice received 5 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally for induction of sepsis. Histopathological micrographs showed the organ injury. This study examined the effects of AE on LPS-induced changes in systemic inflammation, pulmonary inflammation, lung permeability, oxidative stress-related indicators in the lung, blood glucose levels, plasma lactate levels, and plasma high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count. Sixty mice were used to perform survival rate analysis. Results: AE improved survival rates, MODS, and aortic injury in mice with sepsis. AE decreased LPS-induced oxidative stress injury in lung tissue. AE reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in the lung, liver, kidney, and heart tissues. AE suppressed CXCL-1, CXCL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression but activated IL-1RN, IL-10, Sirt-1, and Nrf-2 mRNA expression in the lung. AE decreased the serum levels of lactate and HMGB1 but increased blood glucose levels during sepsis. Conclusions: AE improves sepsis-associated lung, liver, kidney, heart, and aortic injury and death. AE modulates the inflammatory-anti-inflammatory and oxidative-antioxidative balance in the lung. AE, which can regulate the Warburg effect and impair LPS-induced lactate and HMGB1 release, is a novel therapeutic strategy for sepsis targeting aerobic glycolysis.
Large Tumour Volume Reduction of Idh Mutated Anaplastic Glioma Involving the Insular Region Following Radiation Therapy: an Alternative to Maximal Surgical Resection
Authors: Metz Gabrielle , Jayamanne Dasantha , Wheeler Helen , Wong Matthew , Cook Raymond , Little Nicholas , Parkinson Jonathon , Kastelan Marina , Brown Chris , Back Michael 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: In IDH-mutated anaplastic glioma (IDHmutAG) of the insular cortex there remains uncertainty of benefit with near-total resection compared to limited surgery with radiation therapy (IMRT). This study aimed to assess tumour volume reduction in patients following IMRT and impact of residual post-surgical volume. Methods and Materials:Patients with IDHmutAG involving insular cortex managed with IMRT from 2008-2019 had baseline patient, tumour and treatment factors recorded. Volumetric assessment of residual disease on MRI was performed at baseline, month+3 and month+12 post-IMRT. Potential prognostic factors were analysed for tumour reduction and relapse-free survival, and assessed by log-rank and Cox regression analyses. Results: 32 patients with IDHmutAG of the insular cortex were managed with median follow-up post-IMRT of 67.2 months. Pathology was anaplastic astrocytoma (AAmut) in 20, and anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AOD) in 12 patients. Median pre-IMRT volume on T1 and T2Flair was 24.3cm3 and 52.2cm3. Twenty-seven patients were alive with 5-year relapse-free survival of 80%. There was a median 67% and 64% reduction from baseline occurring at 3 months post-IMRT for T1 and T2Flair respectively; and subsequent median 78% and 73% at 12 months. At 12 months AOD patients had median 83% T1 volume reduction compared to 63% in AAmut (p<0.01). There was no difference on T2Flair volume (p=0.64). No other pathological factors influenced volume reduction at 12 months. No factors were associated with relapse-free survival including baseline T1 (p=0.52) and T2Flair (p=0.93) volume.Conclusion:IMRT provides large tumour volume reduction in IDHmutAG of the insular cortex with no significant negative impact of residual disease volume on relapse-free survival.
Pooled Sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF Testing: A Cost Effectiveness Diagnostic Tool in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Henerico Shimba , Makapa Richard V. , Okamo Bernard C. , Kidenya Benson R. , Japhet Geoffrey , Gerwing-Adima Lisa , Kasang Christa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, with the highest burden occurring in low-income countries, wherein the use of more sensitive diagnostics, such as Xpert MTB/RIF (GeneXpert), is still limited by costs. Testing of pooled samples from various individuals has been thought and thus investigated as a cost saving strategy to diagnose some diseases including TB. Then in cases where a pool is positive, retesting of the individual samples in that pool is done to identify the positive sample. We assessed the utility of a pooled testing strategy to optimize the affordability of GeneXpert for the diagnosis of TB Mwanza Tanzania. Methods: Remainder of samples from presumptive TB patients submitted for routine TB diagnosis were used for pooled samples (5 per pool) testing. The agreement of the results between individual sample testing against pooled samples testing and cost-effectiveness were assessed.Results: A total of 250 individual routinely submitted samples for TB diagnosis were tested using the established protocols. The median age of study participants was 35 [IQR 27 – 40] years and 143 (57.2%) were males. Of the 250 samples, 28 (11.2%) were detected to have MTB whereas 222 (88.8%) samples, were negative. Of the 50 sputum pools made, MTB were detected in 17 (34.0%) pools. Following retesting of these 17 positive pools, all 28 (100%) individual MTB samples were detected with the overall agreement being 100% (With the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%). The number of individual MTB positive ranged from 1 to 3 per pool. Using pooling of sputum samples, the technique saved 115 (46.0%) of the cartridges in running 250 samples. This is equivalent to saving US$ 1147.7. Conclusion: The pooled sputum testing strategy reduced cartridge costs by 46.0%. The use of the pooled testing strategy reduces costs and has the potential to increase the affordability of GeneXpert testing in countries with limited resources. Pooled sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF can be used as an affordable diagnostic and/or screening tool in resource limited settings, such as Tanzania.
Distribution of Polychaetes in Manakkudy Backwater, South West Coast of India
Authors: Balasubramanian S. , Lazarus S. , Babu M. Michael , Citarasu THAVASIMUTHU - 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Polychaetes are an important component of the estuarine and mangrove ecosystem especially in fisheries perspective. The polychaete fauna of the Manakkudy estuary barmouth and mangrove was examined for species composition and taxonomic classification. A total of 27 species belonging to 16 genera under 12 families were collected. Results: Of these 27 species, 16 are new records to Manakudy estuary. Out of which, those coming under the group Errantia were dominant (9 species) when compared to Sedentaria group (7 species). Among the 12 families identified, the species diversity of Nereidae and Capitellidae were found to be high. Conclusions: Salinity and nature of substrata, two main factors which govern the distribution of polychaetes, are also given along with species description.
Study of MiR-451 in the Treatment of Human Gliomas through Regulating the AMPK Pathway Mediated by Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhen Yingwei , Wei Cheng , Zhang Xiaoyang , Gao Peng , Peng Dazhao , Guo Hongbao , Han Lei , Nan Yang , Yan Dongming , Zhong Yue 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested that gene therapy plays critical roles in glioma treatment. Our previous studies demonstrated that miR-451 could be used as a tumor suppressor via targeting CAB39. But the ability for the targeted delivery of miR-451 to glioma was a significant issue. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been used for systemic delivery of therapeutic genes to solid tumors. In the present study, hBMSCs were used as gene therapy non-viral vectors of miR-451 to treat glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. First, following the treatment of glioma cells with the culture medium of miR-451-loaded hBMSCs via lentivirus, overexpression of miR-451 in glioma cells suppressed its proliferation, migration and invasion, but enhanced cell apoptosis by targeting CAB39 and the LKB1/AMPK/HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. Secondly, Transwell migration assays further demonstrated the chemotaxis of BMSCs to glioma conditioned media in vitro. Lastly, it was verified that the miR-451-loaded hBMSCs could effectively deliver miR-451 to the tumor region and prolong the survival in xenograft model assays. These results indicated that gene therapy using hBMSCs as vehicles was highly effective in a mice glioma model and therefore hold considerable prospects of clinical transformation.
Al-Si@Al(OH)3 Nanosheets Composite for Enhanced Efficient Strategy to Synthesize Al-Si@Al2O3 Core-shell Structure
Authors: Lin Yuhui , Chen Panyu , Wang Ying , He Wei , Tang Chao , Wang Limin , Li Chengdong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Owing to the combined advantages of Al-Si alloy and Al2O3, Al-Si@Al2O3 is widely utilized as a heat storage material, catalyst carrier and what adsorption host. Hence, the preparation of Al-Si@Al2O3 and corresponding precursors is of utmost significance. Herein, Al-Si@Al(OH)3 precursor is investigated and Al(OH)3 nanosheets are in-situ formed on the surface of Al-xSi alloy (x = 10, 20 and 30) in the presence of water. The influence of Si content, diameter of Al-Si particles and heating parameters on morphology and thickness of Al(OH)3 nanosheets is systematically explored using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The growth mechanism of Al(OH)3 nanosheets is revealed and a pathway to obtain Al-Si@Al2O3 nanosheets with desired structure and thickness is demonstrated.
Self Health Assessments as per Family/Household Health Survey 2017: Exploring new avenues to improve health and health reporting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Salam Asharaf Abdul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Public health data for dissemination and discussion in Saudi Arabia are limited but the new initiatives of General Authority of Statistics creates many national surveys. One of the most recent one, the Family/Household Health Survey - 2017 aims to fill the gaps in health information data on many population and health indicators. This research aims at appraising the self-assessed health and to examine age-sex and geographic differentials and the probable interconnections with chronic diseases, injuries and periodic examinations.Data and Methods: The National Family/Household Health Survey conducted in October-December, 2017 covered both Saudi and non-Saudi households from 13 administrative areas through a random sample procedure involving primary sampling units and secondary sampling units. A portion of the published data on self-assessment of health, chronic diseases, injuries, and periodic medical examinations were analyzed.Results: More than half of the persons in the Kingdom, reportedly, are in good health; more so among females than males: their proportions decreased with age up to 40 years and thereafter increased sharply. However, the major regions have lesser proportion of good health people than the others. On the contrary, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age, in both general and Saudi population, but with variations across specific diseases – hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases: there are pertinent geographic differentials. On the other hand, there are injuries (from traffic accidents and others) occurred at house, work/school, public place, and other places; pertinent with geographic variations. Moreover, age, sex, and regional differences in periodic health examinations have a contributing effect on health assessments. Moreover, the median age shows a pattern resembling adults assessing good health; chronic diseases after 50s; injuries before 40s; periodic medical examinations in 50s; with females at a lower age, both in general and Saudi population. Discussions and Conclusions: The national health system played an important role not only in health status and health assessments but also in building confidence and trust and thereby enhancing optimism, realism, recognition, self-awareness, and acceptance of physical condition. Thus, age, sex, and regional variations in health assessment are born out of chronic diseases, injuries, and periodic medical examinations and also of expectations and experiences. Generation of such information, effective dissemination, and regular discussions at various levels followed by in-depth analyses raise health and health care.
Safety and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Using an Adapted Version of the I-CAM-Q: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kristoffersen Agnete Egilsdatter , Jong Miek C. , Nordberg Johanna Hök , Werf Esther T. van der , Stub Trine 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, associations and reasons for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and determine possible effects and adverse effects of the treatments. MethodsComputer assisted telephone interviews using a COVID-adapted I-CAM-Q questionnaire were conducted with 1008 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling during April and May 2020 applying age and sex quotas for each area. Descriptive statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Independent samples T-tests to identify group differences. ResultsThe study revealed that two thirds of the respondents (67%) had used CAM within the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular CAM modalities that did not involve a provider. Most used were natural remedies and dietary supplement (57%, mainly vitamins and minerals), but self-help practices like yoga and meditation were also widely used (24%). Women used CAM modalities significantly more than men (77% vs. 58%). Most of the respondents found the modalities they used beneficial, and 5% reported adverse effects of the treatments.ConclusionsThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has not profoundly changed the overall need of Norwegian citizens to seek care outside the conventional healthcare system, but rather caused a shift in the type of CAM modalities used. The risk profile of these modalities was generally low as only 5 % of the respondents reported adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm the change from provider based to self-administered CAM use.
Monitoring Quality of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Used in Johannesburg Area During the Covid‐19 Pandemic.
Authors: Matatiele Puleng , Southon Bianca , Dabula Boitumelo , Marageni Talulani , Poongavanum Poobalan , Kgarebe Boitumelo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoViD-19), the World Health Organization has recommended that, in the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the transmission of coronaviruses. Unfortunately, many media reports indicate that majority of current alcohol-based hand sanitizers are substandard and some contain potentially toxic ingredients. The study aimed to identify sanitizers used in the Johannesburg area that do not contain the WHO-recommended alcohol concentration of at least 70% propanol or 60% ethanol, and contain traces of toxic ingredients. Hand sanitizers were randomly collected from various traders around Johannesburg. The samples were analyzed using Agilent Auto sampler coupled to a gas chromatograph utilizing flame ionisation detection. Of the 94 different hand sanitizers collected, three preparations were found to contain no alcohol, whereas the rest contained either ethanol or 2-propanol or a combination of the two. Of the alcohol-containing sanitizers, 37 (41%) contained less than 60% v/v alcohol. Ethyl acetate, isobutanol and other non-recommended alcohols (methanol, 1-propanol and 3-methyl-butanol) were also identified. Consumers are therefore warned that among the many brands of hand sanitizer found around Johannesburg, there are some substandard preparations and some that contain traces of toxic ingredients.
Establishment of a New Fish Cell Line from the Brain of 1 Humpback Grouper (Chromileptes Altivelis), and its Application in Toxicology and Bacterial Susceptibility
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Wei Caoying , Liu Zhiru , Cao Zhenjie , Sun Yun , Zhou Yongcan , Wang Shifeng , Guo Weiliang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cromileptes altivelis, humpback grouper, belongs to the family Epinephelidae and is one popular farmed fish species because of its high economic value and ornamental value. However, more and more diseases were outbreak with the increasing of C. altivelis breeding, resulting in severe economic losses. Today, a new brain cell line of C. altivelis (CAB) was established and has been subcultured for more than 40 passages until now. Our results showed that the morphology of CAB cells is epithelial-like and suitable for growth at 26 °C in L15 medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The results of 18S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that CAB cell line was derived from C. altivelis. Moreover, CAB cells were apparently diploid number of chromosomes (2n = 48) by chromosome analysis. In addition, CAB cells could transfect pEGFP-N3 plasmid with high transfection efficiency, indicating that CAB cell line has the potential to investigate the function of exogenous genes in vitro. Furthermore, the bacterial susceptibility results suggested that CAB cells were susceptive to Vibrio harveyi and Edwardsiella tarda. And, heavy metals (Hg, Cd, and Cu) were toxic to the CAB cells and the toxic effect was dose-dependent. In summary, the CAB cell line could be a powerful tool in vitro to study functional genes and has the potential application in bacterial susceptibility and toxicology.
The Cytotoxic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Momordica Charantia, Kuguacin-J and Cisplatin on Healthy MCF-10A and MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines in Vitro
Authors: Houacine Chahinez , Singh Jaipaul , Singh Raphael , Jeeboo Karishma , Ansari Abdullah Adil , Singh Kamalinder K , Cummings Emanuel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Traditional medicines, derived from plants, could present alternative treatment strategy for cancer therapy. One such plant is Momordica charantia (MC) which possesses anti-carcinogenic properties. This study investigated the anticancer effect of an ethanol extract of MC fruit, Kuguacin-J (K-J), an isolated compound from the leaves of MC and cisplatin, either alone or combination on healthy MCF-10A mammary cells and compared with breast cancer MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cell lines. Cell viability was tested using 8 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL doses of MC extract, K-J and cisplatin individually or combined for 24 and 48 hours. Caspase-3- activity was measured in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells using established methods. The results revealed that MC extract and K-J had no effect on healthy MCF-10A cell viability as compared to cisplatin which induced dose and time-dependent cell death. Similarly, treatment of MCF-7 cells with cisplatin induced cell death at high concentration at both the time points, while MC extract and K-J only induce MCF-7 cell death at high dose after 48 hours only. During combination therapy, both doses of cisplatin enhanced MCF-7 cell death when combined with MC extract or K-J after 24 and 48 hours. In MDAMB-231 cells, the three drugs, either alone or combined, evoked significant cell death at both the doses and time points. All three drugs, at high dose, elicited significant increase in caspase-3- activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to untreated cells. The results revealed that either MC extract or K-J alone or combined with cisplatin, can elicit significant increase in cell death and caspase–3-activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231cells as compared to untreated cells.