bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limited Impact of the Inhibitory Receptor TIGIT on NK and T Cell Responses during Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Aldridge Daniel L , Phan Anthony T , de Waal Malefyt Rene , Hunter Christopher A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Resistance to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is mediated by NK and T cell production of IFN-γ, but the failure to contract this response can lead to severe T cell–dependent immunopathology. Although the cytokines IL-10 and IL-27 prevent immune hyperactivity during toxoplasmosis, inhibitory receptors, expressed by NK and T cells, are also implicated in this process. The inhibitory receptor TIGIT is expressed on NK and T cells and competes with the costimulatory receptor CD226 for binding of the ligand CD155. During toxoplasmosis, the activation of NK and T cells is associated with increased expression of CD226 and TIGIT, whereas DCs express increased levels of CD155. To determine if the loss of TIGIT impacts NK and T cell activities, wild-type and TIGIT knockout mice were infected with T. gondii. During the acute stage of infection, wild-type and TIGIT knockout mice had comparable parasite burdens and similar NK and T cell responses. Likewise, during the chronic phase of this infection, the loss of TIGIT did not affect the magnitude or phenotype of the T cell response nor the ability to control pathogen load. These data suggest that during toxoplasmosis, despite upregulation of relevant ligands, TIGIT signaling does not limit NK and T cell activities. Thus, TIGIT-independent mechanisms dominate the restraint of the immune response during toxoplasmosis.
Anticoagulant potential and total phenolic content of six species of the genus Ficus from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Ambreen Sumaira , Tariq Muhammad , Masoud Muhammad S. , Ali Imran , Qasim Muhammad , Mushtaq Aamar , Ahmed Maqsood , Asghar Rehana 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Ficus benghalensis, Ficus elasticaa, Ficus palmata, Ficus religiosa, Ficus semicordata and Ficus auriculata, and to determine their anticoagulant potential.
Methods: Crude methanol extracts were prepared from the plant leaves, and fractionated using liquidliquid partition with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of the extracts and their fractions were determined. The anticoagulant potential of the six Ficus species were evaluated in healthy human plasma, using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) methods.
Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of considerable amounts of flavonoids ranging from 5.3 ± 0.7 to 11.8 ± 0.3 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g, and phenolic compounds ranging from 8.0 ± 0.7 to 86.5 ± 1.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g in each fraction of the six species. Results from in vitro anticoagulant potential assays showed significant anticoagulant properties, with prothrombin time (PT) ranging from 17.7 ± 0.7 to 26.7 ± 2.2 s, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) varying from 47.7 ± 3.3 to 72.3 ± 5.4 s.
Conclusion: The results indicate that F. semicordata and F. Religiosa have higher anticoagulant potential than the other Ficus species studied.
Effect of total flavonoids of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae) on oxidative stress injury in mouse testis and epididymis, and on serum levels of reproductive hormones in oligoasthenospermia mice model
Authors: Cui Hongliang , Dong Panpan , Chen Bin 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) on oxidative stress injury in testis and epididymis, and serum levels of reproductive hormones in an oligoasthenospermia (OAS) mice model.
Methods: Thirty male Wistar mice were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 mice each: control group, OAS group and TFCC group. With the exception of control group, OAS was orally induced in the mice with ornidazole. The TFCC group received TFCC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were also measured.
Results: The levels of ROS and MDA in the testis and epididymis significantly increased in OAS group, when compared to control mice (p < 0.05). However, TFCC administration significantly reduced their levels in these tissues (p < 0.05). In contrast, SOD activity significantly decreased in the testis and epididymis of mice in OAS group, relative to control group, but increased significantly after TFCC exposure (p < 0.05). Serum FSH and LH were markedly elevated in OAS group, but treatment with TFCC significantly reduced the levels of these hormones (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that TFCC effectively improves sperm quality and reduces oxidative damage in testis and epididymis of mice with oligoasthenospermia via a mechanism involving the regulation of serum levels of reproductive hormones. Thus, TFCC may be useful in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia.
Seven-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4- one reduces atherogenic index and Nrf2 and GPx gene expressions in hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Prasetyastuti  , Ayunda Rahmah Dara , Sunarti  
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one isolated from mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) seeds on atherogenic index, expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and expression of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes in hyperlipidemic rats.
Methods: A total of 25 rats male aged 8 weeks and weighing an average of 200 g were used. They were divided into five groups as follows: (I) normal (N), (II) hyperlipidemic (HL), (III) hyperlipidemic rats treated with simvastatin (HL+SV), (IV and V) hyperlipidemic rats treated with 30 or 90mg, respectively, of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one per 200 g body weight per day for 4 weeks. Atherogenic index (AI) was calculated from the levels of triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while Nrf2 and GPx gene expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results: Two different doses of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one in hyperlipidemic rats significantly reduced their atherogenic index (p < 0.05). Nrf2 and GPx expression levels were lower than (p > 0.05) those of hyperlipidemic group.
Conclusion: Seven-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chromen-4-one reduces the atherogenic index and expression levels of Nrf2 and GPx genes in hyperlipidemic rats. Thus, this compound has potential as an antihyperlipidemic agent
Sun protection factor, total phenol, flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants from Iran
Authors: Hashemi Zahra , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad Ali , Khalili Masoumeh 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between sun protection factor (SPF) and the content of phenol and flavonoid and antioxidant activity.
Methods: Different parts of 9 medicinal plants were extracted with methanol using three extraction methods (percolation, Soxhlet and ultrasonically assisted extraction) to obtain 42 crude extracts. Their phenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride method and DPPH radical-scavenging activity, respectively. The SPF values were determined and correlated with the phenol and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activities.
Results: The phenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities ranged from 54.16-688.97mg GAE/g, 13.38-146.60 mg QE/g and 9.5-1472.4 µg/mL, respectively while the SPFs were between 0.067 and 0.841. The highest SPF was related to Cucumis melo L. ultrasonically assisted leaf extract (0.841) and Artemisia absinthium L., aerial parts extracted with percolation method (0.717). A significant correlation was found between SPF and phenolic (p= 0.003) and flavonoid contents (p= 0.023).
Conclusion: This study showed a correlation between SPF and phenolic and flavonoid contents. Ultrasonically assisted extract of C. melo leaf has suitable SPF and can be used in sun screen formulations.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus confers protection against colorectal cancer in rats
Authors: Huang Jian , Wang Dan , Zhang Anye , Zhong Qinglian , Huang Qun 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of action of Lactobacillus rhamnosus against colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: A total of 40 healthy female Sprague Dawley rats weighing 100 – 140 g (mean weight = 120 ± 20 g) were used for this study. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 rats each: normal control group, L. rhamnosus group; 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) group and treatment group. Rats in L. rhamnosus group were inoculated with L. rhamnosus (1 x 108 CFU/mL) orally for 20 weeks, while rats in DMH group received 35 mg DMH/kg /week intraperitoneally for 10 weeks for induction of CRC. Treatment group rats received 35 mg DMH/kg bwt intraperitoneally for 10 weeks for induction of CRC, and were treated with L. rhamnosus (1 x 108 CFU/mL) orally for 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, the rats were euthanized using ether anesthesia. Expressions of inflammatory, angiogenesis and proapoptotic genes were determined using Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results: Treatment with L. rhamnosus significantly reduced the incidence of CRC in the rats (p < 0.05). The incidence of multiple tumors in the treatment group was also significantly reduced, when compared to DMH group (p < 0.05). The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), bcl-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGF-α) were significantly upregulated in DMH group, when compared with normal control group (p < 0.05). However, treatment with L. rhamnosus significantly down-regulated the expressions of these proteins (p < 0.05). DMH treatment also significantly upregulated the expressions of iNOS, TNF-α, VEGF-α, NF-kB, β-catenin and bax genes (p < 0.05). However, L. rhamnosus significantly reversed the effects of DMH on the expression levels of these genes (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results show that L. rhamnosus prevents CRC via suppression of expressions of inflammatory and angiogenesis genes, and upregulation of apoptotic gene expression.
Factors associated with poor glycemic control among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in Yemen
Authors: Saghir Sultan A.M. , Alhariri Abdullah E.A. , Alkubat Sameer A. , Almiamn Amer A. , Aladaileh Saleem H. , Alyousefi Naelah A. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To determine the status of glycemic control and its associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Hodeidah City, Yemen.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved T2DM patients attending an outpatient clinic at the Military Hospital in Hodeidah, from January to March 2017. Relevant socio-demographic characteristics, clinical factors and self-management behaviours were recorded in face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure, body weight, and height measurements were also obtained. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile were evaluated. Urine samples were also obtained and analysed by albuminuria assay.
Results: Of 246 participants, 73.2 % showed poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7 %). Female patients, those aged ≥ 40 years, the illiterate, and Khat chewers were more likely to have poor glycemic control. Moreover, longer disease duration, insulin administration and albuminuria were significantly associated with poor glycemic control. In contrast, a healthy diet, physical exercise, proper self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and taking medicines as prescribed significantly increased the likelihood of good glycemic control.
Conclusion: A majority of the Yemeni diabetic patients have poor glycemic control. To achieve better awareness, diabetes educational programs that highlight the benefits of self-management are recommended.
High androgen level causes recurrent miscarriage and impairs endometrial receptivity
Authors: Su Yan , Shi Haofan 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of androgen (A2) at different concentrations on human endometrial epithelial cancer cell line (HHUA) using iTRAQ and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) analysis.
Methods: Human endometrial cells were cultured in Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium. Total protein was isolated from human endometrial cells and HHUA cells were treated with A2 in three different concentrations (10-9 , 10-8 and 10-7 M). The proteins were digested using filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) method, and labeled using iTRAQ. The proteins were then subjected to LC-MS/MS. The resultant peptides were identified using Expasy tool, and the up-stream and down-stream proteins were confirmed. Moreover, the up-regulated proteins: isoform 2 of nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclindependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1), isoform 2 of endothelial differentiation-related factor 1 (EDF1), and acid phosphatase 1 (ACP1) were independently confirmed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques.
Results: Transforming growth factor (TGF), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), cyclindependent kinase (CDK), and tumor protein p53 (TP53) were the major regulators of the upstream process, and were upregulated RM-linked endometrial epithelial cells. Androgen-associated proteins NUCKS1, EDF1, and ACP1 were significantly responsible for miscarriage-related changes in endometrial tissues (p < 0.05). The results showed that a high level of androgen significantly (p < 0.05) distorts the expression levels of proteins associated with endometrium development, resulting in impaired endometrial accessibility which led to miscarriage.
Conclusion: Androgen-associated proteins are responsible for changes in endometrial tissues which, in turn, lead to recurrent miscarriage.
Artemisinin derivative SM934, influences the activation, proliferation, differentiation and antibody-secreting capacity of β-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus mice via inhibition of TLR7/9 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yajuan , Zhao Lixin , Yang Xuehui , Chen Jing , Xu Wenjing , Gu Quankai 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To study the influence of artemisinin derivative, SM934 on activation, proliferation, differentiation and antibody-secreting capacity of B cells of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mice, and the underlying mechanism.
Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice (n = 60) were randomly assigned to four groups of 15 mice each: SLE, 2.5 mg/kg SM934; 5 mg/kg SM934, and 10 mg/kg SM934 groups. Serum levels of interleukins 6, 10, 17 and 21 (IL-6, IL-17, IL-10 and IL-21) were determined. The secretions of immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) by B cells were determined. The population of B lymphocyte subtypes was determined flow cytometrically. The expressions of Blimp-1 and Bcl-6, Toll-like receptors 7 and 9 (TLR7 and TLR9) mRNAs were determined.
Results: SLE-induced upregulation of serum IL-10, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21 was significantly and dosedependently reduced following a 2-month treatment with SM934 (p < 0.01). Treatment with SM934 significantly and dose-dependently accentuated B cell germinal center B cell populations, but significantly and dose-dependently decreased the populations of plasma and activated B cells (p < 0.01). The splenic levels of IgG and IgM were decreased in a dose-dependent fashion after 8 weeks of treatment (p < 0.01). Artemisinin derivative SM934 decreased the expression of Blimp-1, and upregulated the expression of Bcl-6, both in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Moreover, SM934 decreased the mRNA expressions of TLR7 and TLR9 in a dose-based manner (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Artemisinin derivative SM934 mitigates LSE syndromes by suppressing the TLR-induced B-cell stimulation and plasma cell generation
Nocturnal enuresis among children in Morogoro region in Tanzania: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kilongo Nehemia , Furia Francis F. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Enuresis is common childhood disorders which affecting quality of life of children and causing significant psychosocial disturbances to children and their families. This condition has been widely reported globally with increasing data from sub-Saharan African region. In Tanzania there is no reports on its magnitude and therefore this study was carried out with the aim of determine the prevalence of this condition among children in Tanzania.Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study conducted among children aged between 5 and 14 years recruited from 12 streets in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. Standardized Swahili questionnaire was used to collect data including socio-demographic details of parents, children and presence of enuresis. Socio-demographic data included age of the child, sex, level of education of the parents, education of the child, presence of bed wetting, history of enuresis in the family.Results: Five hundred and ten children were recruited into this study out of which 271 (53.1%) were females and mean age of study participants was 9±2.8 years. Enuresis was noted in 19% (97/510) of children, 68% (66/97) and 32% (31/97) had primary and secondary enuresis respectively. Significantly higher prevalence rates of enuresis were noted for children aged below 8 years 26.4% (43/162) and those with family history of enuresis 47% (18/38) with p values of 0.01 and < 0.001 respectively. Forty-one (42.3%) out of 97 respondents whose children had enuresis reported to have punished their children and only 21.4% (20/97) reported to have sought treatment for their children.Conclusions: Enuresis is common among children in Tanzania particularly those with positive family history. Punishment to children with enuresis was noted in this study and only one in five parents/guardians sought treatment for their affected children. Therefore, there is a need for initiatives for raising community awareness about enuresis in Tanzania
Key words: Enuresis in children, prevalence of enuresis in Tanzania, factors affecting enuresis in children.
Intestinal Amebiasis and associated risk factors among pregnant Women attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Abubakar , Balla Habiba J. , Abdullahi Idris N. , Zakari Maryam M. , Umar Kabir , Musa Muhammad H. , Yunusa Thairu 
Published: June 2021

Background: Entameba histolytica (E. histolytica), the etiological agent of intestinal amebiasis poses significant community health concern especially in pregnant woman due to their physiological status. Pregnancy-induced immunodeficiency can lead to reduced IgA activities which makes pregnant women susceptible to penetration of intestinal mucosal linings and placental barrier especially by E. histolytica. Objective of studyThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal amebiasis among pregnant women with acute diarrhea (˂3 days post onset) attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 randomly selected acute diarrheic pregnant women attending UMTH. Fresh fecal samples were collected and immediately analyzed microscopically for E. histolytica oocytes using iodine wet preparation method. Structured questionnaires were used to assess sociodemographic variables and risk factors for amebiasis. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 (IBM, California Inc., USA).Results: Out of the 200 fecal samples analyzed for E. histolytica, 10 (5%) were positive. Those infected by moderate E. histolytica cysts had the highest occurrence rate, 4 (40%) and least by those infected by many E. histolytica cysts, 1 (10%). E. histolytica infection was associated with rural residence (OR=6.86 [95% CI:1.42-33.2]), lower Socioeconomic status (OR=22.0 [95% CI: 4.69-103.1]) and primigravity (OR= 5.76 [95% CI:1.19-27.8]) (p˂0.05). Drinking water from borehole (OR=0.24 [95% CI: 0.06-0.95], p=0.043) and large household (OR=0.1 [95% CI: 0.02-0.41], p=0.001) were significant risk factors of intestinal amebiasis.Conclusion: The results indicate that E. histolytica infection is one of the etiological agents of acute diarrhea in study participants. Its recommended that pregnant women should avoid risk factors for intestinal amebiasis identified in this study.
Keywords: Immunosuppression, Amebiasis, Risk factors, Diarrhea.
Assessing Concordance to an Intensified Upendo Ward Wilms Tumor Treatment Protocol in Tanzania: An Institutional Review
Authors: Nyagabona Sarah , Sama Godfrey , Mkuchika Evelyne , Dharsee Nazima , Scanlan Patricia 
Published: June 2021

Background: In Tanzania Wilms tumor (WT) ranks second among the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer. Due to late presentation an intensified treatment protocol was established aiming for tumor reduction before surgery for achieving better surgical outcomes. We used two indicators for measuring the protocol concordance. First indicator was assessing the number of patients that received radiotherapy and second was number of patients treated with the high-risk regimen as per the protocol indications.Methodology: This was a cross sectional study. Data was collected using a retrospective chart review of all children with WT at Muhimbili National Hospital Pediatric Oncology Unit for a period between April 2016 to May 2017 who were treated using the intensified treatment protocol (combination of two WT protocols with neoadjuvant as per SIOP-PODC and adjuvant as per modified SIOP International). Analysis was conducted using excel sheet and SPSS v20.Results: A total of 74 children were eligible. The median age was 3 years ranging from 6 months to 17 years with small female predisposition of 57% (n=42). On clinical presentation all patients presented with history of abdominal swelling. In terms of clinical stage; 45% (n= 33) and 43% (n= 32) presented with stage 4 and 3 disease, respectively. Radiotherapy treatment was administered to 30% (n=22). As per protocol stage III and IV disease require radiotherapy thus only 34% of eligible candidates received radiotherapy. On histology report; 34% (n = 25) reports were never found and 66% (n=49) were available. High-risk cases were 27% (n = 20). We noted high-risk regimen was given to 12% (n=9) of study participants; thus only 45% of eligible candidates received high-risk regimen. All patient had intention to treat on admission with noted 19% (n = 14) default rate.Conclusion: Measuring concordance with guidelines allows for identification of best practices, which in turn inform on quality improvements. This snapshot identified opportunities for improvement in protocol uptake in our unit.
Key words: Wilms Tumor, low income country, pediatric malignancy.