bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the efficacy of meaning-centred therapy among a sample of individuals with substance use disorders
Authors: Agberotimi S.F. , Oduaran C. 
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of meaning-centred therapy (MCT) in the management of substance use disorders (SUD) in Nigeria.
Methods: A pre-test post-test control group experimental study was conducted among young individuals with substance use disorders. Participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to treatment (MCT) and control groups. Participants' mean age was 22.05±2.14 years. Assessments of both groups were done at intake, immediately after completion of the therapy (which is 10-weeks), and at 1-month follow-up. Independent-sample t-test and one-way repeated measure of analysis of variance were used for analyses at 0.05 significant level.
Result: Individuals in the MCT group reported significantly lower substance use disorder symptoms compared to those in the control group. There was an overall significant difference between the SUD means of participants that received MCT at pre-test, post-test, and 1-month follow-up.
Conclusion: It was concluded that MCT provided effective treatment of substance use disorder among the Nigerian population; its utilization is therefore recommended.
In silico screening of anti-inflammatory constituents with good drug-like properties from twigs of Cinnamomum cassia based on molecular docking and network pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Ruolan , Liu Jia , Peng Wei , Gao Yongxiang , Wu Chunjie , Pu Xufeng 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate by in silico screening the anti-inflammatory constituents of Cinnamomum cassia twigs.
Methods: Information on the constituents of C. cassia twigs was retrieved from the online Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) database and literature. Inflammation-related target proteins were identified from DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Genetic Association Database (GAD), and PharmGKB. The identified compounds were filtered by Lipinski’s rules with Discovery Studio software. The “Libdock” module was used to perform molecular docking; LibdockScores and default cutoff values for hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions were recorded. LibdockScores between the prototype ligand and target protein were set as the threshold; compounds with higher LibdockScores than threshold were regarded as active compounds. Cytoscape software was used to construct active constituent-target protein interaction networks.
Results: Sixty-nine potential inflammatory constituents with good drug-like properties in C. cassia twigs were screened in silico based on molecular docking and network pharmacology analysis. JAK2, mPEGS-1, COX-2, IL-1β, and PPARγ were considered the five most important target proteins. Compounds such as methyl dihydromelilotoside, hierochin B, dihydromelilotoside, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, balanophonin, phenethyl (E)-3-[4-methoxyphenyl]-2-propenoate, quercetin, and luteolin each interacted with more than six of the selected target proteins.
Conclusion: C. cassia twigs possess active compounds with good drug-like properties that can potentially be developed to treat inflammation with multi-components on multi-targets.
Determination of metabolites of phloretin in rats using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Fang Ping , Liu Liang Hong , Jin Ping , Pu Hong , Yao Zu Fu , Cai Wei 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To study the metabolites of phloretin in vivo using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap).
Methods: After administration of phloretin (50 mg/kg; oral route) to six rats, blood samples were taken from each animal. Each sample was then subjected to solid-phase extraction to prepare it for chromatographic/spectroscopic analysis. Finally, each sample was analyzed using UHPLC-LTQOrbitrap with a negative-mode electrospray ionization source.
Results: Based on mass measurements, chromatographic retention times, and MS2 fragmentation ions, we detected and identified phloretin and 16 metabolites of the drug in vivo in rats. Metabolic reactions of phloretin included glucosylation and glucuronide conjugation, diglucuronide conjugation, glucosylation and sulfate conjugation, sulfate conjugation, glucuronide conjugation, and glucosylation and hydroxylation.
Conclusion: The findings provide a better understanding of phloretin metabolism and metabolites, and new information about their effective forms, pharmacological actions, metabolic fate, and toxic actions in vivo.
Anthocyanin attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells via inactivation of ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Hong , Ren Dan , Xiao Lan , Zhang Ting , Li Ruomeng , Guan Bin , Zhang Jing 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate whether the cytoprotective effect of anthocyanin (Anc) on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced cell injury is related to apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathway.
Methods: PC12 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of Anc (10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) in OGD/R-induced cell injury model. The 3-(4, 5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3, 5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cell viability. Cell apoptosis was measured by lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to determine the protein expressions of BCL-2, BAX, caspase-3, p-ASK1 (Thr845), p-JNK, and p-p38.
Results: The results indicate that Anc increased the viability of PC12 cells after OGD/R exposure (p < 0.05), and also efficiently rescued OGD/R-induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies showed that these protective roles of Anc are related to the inhibition of ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling pathway.
Conclusion: The results indicate Anc protects against OGD/R-induced cell injury by enhancing cell viability and inhibiting cell apoptosis. The underlying mechanism of action is partly via inactivation of ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling pathway. Thus, Anc has promise as a potential natural agent to prevent and treat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Anti-osteoporosis effect of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang extract in rats
Authors: Ding Hai , Chang Wenju , Yao Jian , Liu Fendou , Zeng Qingliang , He Zhenxing 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang extract (NICE) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.
Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a normal group (control) and five ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups: OVX with vehicle (OVX), OVX with positive control drug alendronate sodium tablets (1.8 mg/kg/week), and OVX with varying NICE doses (45, 90, or 180 mg/kg/day). After rats were subjected to ovariectomy for 4 weeks, alendronate or NICE were administered orally daily for 16 weeks. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the L4 vertebrae and right femurs of all rats was estimated. The serum hormones estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx) levels of rats were detrmined.
Results: The results show that NICE dose-dependently inhibited bone mineral density (BMD) reduction of L4 vertebrae and femurs (p < 0.05). Compared with OVX group, serum E2, FSH and LH levels was significantly increased in osteoporosis rats (p < 0.01), but serum ALP, CTx, and OC concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05). On the other hand, bone trabeculae in the three NICE groups and nilestriol group were all wider, while the space and connections increased.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that NICE mitigates OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats, and hence can potentially be developed for the management of osteoporosis.
Gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties of ethanol extract of Alpinia conchigera rhizome in experimentally induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Jin Xin , Liu Qiang Liu , Dang Minyan , Zhang Wenzhi , Li Xia 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of Alpinia conchigera rhizome in an ulcer rat model.
Method: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ethanol extract of Alpinia conchigera at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. Ulcer index, total acidity, pH, hemoglobin levels, and hemorrhagic lesions were determined through macroscopic assessment and histopathological examination. The levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were also determined.
Results: Alpinia conchigera significantly reduced ulcer index, total acidity, pH and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.05). Results from histology revealed that the extract protected the mucosa from lesions. Moreover, the extract significantly enhanced gastric mucosal activities of SOD and CAT, and decreased LPO levels and plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results validate the traditional claims on the gastroprotective effects of Alpinia conchigera as revealed through its antioxidant and ulcer-healing properties by stimulation of important cellular mechanisms.
Protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against UVB irradiation-induced skin injury
Authors: Yu Qing , Shen Ying , Gan Yadan , Zheng Liang 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against skin injury induced by UVB irradiation, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.
Method: Healthy female mice (n = 100) were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, UV negative control group, cream base group, and boxthorn leaf total flavonoid (BLTF) group, with 25 mice in each group. The mice in each group were irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation instrument for 1.5 h daily for 3 weeks. Mice in the cream base group were smeared with cream base on their backs, while mice in BLTF group were smeared with 15 mg/g boxthorn BLTF cream. The control and negative control group mice were not treated. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were determined using standard methods.
Results: Compared to the negative control group, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in the control group and BLTF were significantly elevated, while MDA levels declined significantly (p < 0.05). Although higher GSH-Px and SOD levels, and lower MDA were seen in the cream base group than in negative control group, these indices were comparable for the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The total flavonoids of boxthorn leaves improve resistance to UVB-induced skin damage by regulating SOD, MDA and GSH-Px levels in the skin of mice. Thus, they exert protective effects on the skin.
Celastrol attenuates fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release by human neutrophils
Authors: Malisorn Nipapan , Chaikan Ammara 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of celastrol via attenuation of formyl-methionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release by peripheral blood neutrophils.
Methods: Cytotoxicity of celastrol on human peripheral blood neutrophils was investigated using a 2Htetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay. Human neutrophils were stimulated with 100-nM fMLP; the effect of celastrol on superoxide generation was determined via ferricytochrome C reduction, the effect on myeloperoxidase production by tetramethylbenzidine oxidation, and the effect on elastase activity by Boc-Ala-ONp hydrolysis.
Results: Treatment of human neutrophils with celastrol showed dose-dependent inhibition of fMLPinduced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 5.9 ± 0.1, 1.9 ± 0.2, and 1.5 ± 0.1 µM, respectively.
Conclusion: These results indicate that celastrol possesses anti-inflammatory properties via attenuation of fMLP-induced superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase production, and elastase release by peripheral blood neutrophils.
Clinical efficacy of apatinib as a second-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer in a Chinese tertiary cancer health facility
Authors: Sun Ning , Li Chenchen , Zhou Yun , Xia Lei , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Dongfeng , Wang Dongfeng , Guo Renhong , Guo Renhong , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yan 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To study the effectiveness and safety of apatinib as second-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) in a Chinese tertiary cancer hospital.
Methods: Two groups of APC patients who received treatment with single-agent or two-drug combination of gemcitabine-based first-line therapy (50 per group) in The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing were assessed. The study group received apatinib at or above the second line treatment, while the control group was treated with second-line chemotherapy, which was different from first-line single-drug chemotherapy. Patients received treatments until there was improvement in their conditions, or until adverse reactions became intolerable. Complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), disease stabilization (SD), disease progression (PD), incidence of adverse reactions, and progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients were recorded.
Results: The number of PR cases in APC patients who received apatinib as second-line therapy, and the number of PD patients were higher than the corresponding populations in the control group (p < 0.05). Treatment effectiveness was significantly higher in study group patients than in control subjects (p < 0.05). However, the incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the study group than in control group. Median PFS in the study group (5 months) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.1 months, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of apatinib as second-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer is higher than that of the single drug. Apatinib is associated with low incidence of adverse reactions which prolongs PFS. Thus, apatinib has potentials for the clinical management of pancreatic cancer.
Mapping of geological structural features in Lolgorien, Narok County, Kenya: Using hillshade analysis
Authors: Ombiro Sammy O , Olatunji Akinade S , Mathu Eliud M , Ajayi Taiwo R 
Published: July 2021

Despite Lolgorien being one of the most active gold mining areas in Kenya, it is one of the most geologically understudied areas. To the best knowledge of the authors, Lolgorien geological map was last updated in the 1940s. Current technologies such as remote sensing allow new structural features such as faults to be easily identified. In this regard, this study employed remote sensed data to map structural features found in and around Lolgorien Subcounty, Narok, Kenya. This was done to identify any new structural features that might have been missed in the past. Shuttle Radar 152 Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM) image was downloaded and analysed using hillshade technique. From this analysis, the research identified new structural features which were not included in the current geological map but exist on the ground. One such structural feature (fault) is located approximately at 9866237, 703601 (Universal Transverse Mercator, UTM coordinates) and trends in NW–SE direction. The study also found that most of the lineaments are concentrated in the southern part of Lolgorien area and around or at areas dominated by the banded iron formations. Petrographic analysis of the few samples collected from the area showed presence of gold, pyrite and chalcopyrite mineralisation.
Keywords: SRTM-DEM, lineaments, geological structures, hillshade analysis, Lolgorien area
Assessment of fluoride bioaccumulation potential in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) reared in fluoride rich water
Authors: Bejumula Jophillene , Machunda Revocatus L , Pasape Liliane J , Mtei Kelvin M 
Published: July 2021

Fluoride bioaccumulation in fish poses a significant impact on their growth, survival and consequently to upper trophic levels. Few studies have reported the impacts of high fluoride concentrations and their accumulation potential to catfish in African settings. A 60-day catfish cultivation was conducted at Ngarenanyuki ward and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania to determine fluoride bioaccumulation and its impacts to catfish growth and survival. Juvenile catfish were exposed to 36 mg F–/L pond water and synthetic water containing fluoride (NaF) concentrations of 5, 15, 36 and 45 mg/L in aquaria set at NM-AIST laboratory. Fluoride concentrations in fish tissues were analysed by ion-selective electrode. Fish survival rate was greater than 90% in ≤ 36 mg/L fluoride levels compared to 65.8% in 45 mg F–/L aquarium. Significant fluoride bioaccumulation was observed in fish bones (222.00 mg/kg, dry weight), gills (177.4 mg/kg), skin (9 mg/kg) and low amount in fillets (1.467 mg/kg). Fluoride bioaccumulation significantly rose with fluoride levels increase and exposure time (p = 0.000). The study concludes that high fluoride occurrence and its increased exposure time increases fluoride bioaccumulation in African catfish. Therefore, growing catfish in water containing ≥ 45 mg F–/L requires defluoridation process.
Keywords: African catfish, Aquarium, Fluoride bioaccumulation, Growth performance
ANDROID-BASED MOBILE LEARNING MEDIA IN TEACHING READING OF REPORT TEXTS
Authors: Muhfiyanti Muhfiyanti , Mulyadi Dodi , Aimah Siti 
Published: July 2021

Mobile phones can be well integrated into English Instruction as the creativity and innovation of teaching media increase students’ interest and motivation. This research aims to reveal the validity, effectiveness, and practicality of utilizing Android-based Mobile Learning Media for teaching reading report texts. The present research employed the research and development design. The research instruments were questionnaires, tests, and learning media in Application Package Files (APK). The collected data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with a t-test. This research’s subject was an experimental class and a control class in Senior High School of Muhammadiyah 2 of Purbalingga. The expert validation results were categorized into relevant and feasible learning media to teach report texts. The pre-test and post-test mean scores in the experimental class showed a highly significant difference because the class outperformed the control class. It means that Android-based MLM was effective for enhancing students’ reading comprehension of report texts. Meanwhile, the result of students’ perception obtained a good category. The data reveal that 70.4% of the students agreed to use Android-based MLM in the learning process. This research concludes that the final product meets the criteria of teaching media evaluation.
NILAI SOSIAL PADA KELOMPOK KERJA (ARON) PADA MASYARAKAT KARO DI BERASTAGI KABUPATEN KARO
Authors: Br Karo Karmila 
Published: July 2021

This research is a descriptive qualitative research. In this study, the authors show very high socio-economic dynamics, which allow an agricultural area to develop into a trade center. Berastagi evolved from a rural area to become a market for agricultural produce produced by farmers in the area. This is one of the important things that shows how cities can emerge from agricultural commodities. In Indonesia, cities are often synonymous with industry and government; trading cities are often associated with industrial commodities. Berastagi is an example of the evolution of settlements, namely cities that developed from villages producing rice and vegetables. This shows how changes have occurred in the aspect of labor recruitment in the agricultural sector, where gotong royong is replaced by a labor system, aron gegeh (which is based on reciprocity) is increasingly rare because it is replaced by aron singemo (which is similar to wage-based labor).
Abstrak
Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Dalam kajian ini penulis menunjukkan dinamika sosial ekonomi yang sangat tinggi, yang memungkinkan suatu kawasan pertanian berkembang menjadi sentra perdagangan. Berastagi berkembang dari pedesaan menjadi pasar hasil pertanian yang dihasilkan petani di daerah tersebut. Inilah salah satu hal penting yang menunjukkan bagaimana kota bisa muncul dari komoditas pertanian. Di Indonesia, kota seringkali identik dengan industri dan pemerintahan; kota perdagangan sering dikaitkan dengan komoditas industri. Berastagi merupakan salah satu contoh evolusi permukiman yaitu kota yang berkembang dari desa penghasil padi dan sayur mayur. Hal ini menunjukkan betapa telah terjadi perubahan aspek perekrutan tenaga kerja di sektor pertanian, dimana gotong royong diganti dengan sistem tenaga kerja, aron gegeh (yang berdasarkan timbal balik) semakin jarang karena digantikan oleh aron singemo (yang sejenis dengan tenaga kerja berbasis upah).
Kata Kunci: Aron Gegeh (Timbal Balik), Aron Singemo ( Berbasis Upah)
Ritus Pencurahan Darah Korban Binatang: Perjumpaan Injil dengan Tradisi Manengeh di Suku Dayak Bumate
Authors: Setiawan David Eko , Taribaba Aniti Levina , Lorensa Dina , Anastasia Nopi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study aims to find the point of contac in preaching the gospel to the Dayak Bumate people through the Manangeh tradition. It turns out that in this tradition there are rites that are relevant to the heart of the gospel message, namely the sacrifice of animal blood. By discovering the meaning of shedding animal blood in the Manangeh tradition, the writer makes it a bridge in communicating the gospel to the Bumate Dayak tribe. The research method used in this research is qualitative descriptive using a library research approach and interviews. The results of this study indicate that the rite of shedding animal blood in the Manangeh tradition contains ideas that are relevant to the meaning of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for the salvation of mankind, so through this rite the gospel message becomes relevant to the culture of the Dayak Bumate tribe. Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari point of contac dalam pemberitaan injil kepada suku Dayak Bumate melalui tradisi Manangeh. Ternyata didalam tradisi tersebut terdapat ritus yang relevan dengan inti berita injil yaitu korban pencurahan darah binatang. Dengan menemukan makna pencurahan darah binatang dalam tradisi Manangeh , penulis menjadikannya sebagai jembatan dalam mengkomunikasikan injil kepada suku Dayak Bumate. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitaif dekskritif dengan menggunakan pendekatan library reseach dan wawancara. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ritus pencurahan darah binatang dalam tradisi Manangeh mengandung gagasan yang relevan dengan makna korban Kristus di atas kayu salib bagi keselamatan umat manusia, maka melalui ritus tersebut berita injil menjadi relevan dengan kebudayaan suku Dayak Bumate