bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Quality of Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care: A Multicenter Longitudinal Study From Shenzhen, China
Authors: Gong Yanhong , Li Hui , Yang Heping , Tan Kun , Liu Wei , Li Xiaotong , Wu Jianxiong , Zhang Guopeng , Yin Xiaoxv 
Published: February 2021

Background: Currently, there is no comprehensive evaluation of the quality of antibiotic prescribing in China’s primary care facilities based on longitudinal data.Methods: We randomly selected 11 community health centers in Shenzhen, China, and collected all outpatient prescriptions of these centers from 2010 to 2015. To evaluate the quality of antibiotic prescribing, we used six quality indicators for analysis, including number of antibiotics per 100 consultations, ratio between broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotics (B/N ratio), percentage of first-line antibiotics recommended by guidelines, percentage of oral antibiotics with a duration exceeding the guideline recommendation, and new pediatric-specific indicators such as percentage of antibiotics with amoxicillin (A index) and ratio between amoxicillin and broad-spectrum antibiotics (A/B ratio).Results: During the study period, 571,362 outpatient consultations resulted in antibiotic prescriptions, which contained 706,411 antibiotics. The overall number of antibiotics per 100 consultations decreased significantly from 93.50 in 2010 to 19.98 in 2015 (p = 0.004), but the B/N ratio showed an upward trend over time (p = 0.009). In different populations and different common infections, the number of antibiotics used decreased to varying degrees, while the B/N ratio increased to varying degrees, with the most obvious change in children &lt;5 years. The percentage of first-line antibiotics for common infections was not high, ranging from 3.45 to 44.25% during 2014–2015. The percentage of oral antibiotics with an exceeded duration ranged from 0.70 to 19.39%. Moreover, the A index and A/B ratio in children remained low for a long time, which was 0.76% and 0.01 in 2015.Conclusion: A review of antibiotic prescribing in Shenzhen, China, showed a substantial reduction in antibiotic use in primary care. However, problems such as widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, insufficient use of first-line antibiotics and low use of amoxicillin were prevalent. Improving and optimizing the quality of antibiotic prescribing, particularly in children prescriptions, will be the focus of future antibiotic stewardship in China.
Blood microRNA Signatures Serve as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome Caused by Gynura japonica Containing Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Authors: Wang Xunjiang , Zhang Wei , Yang Yongfeng , Chen Yiran , Zhuge Yuzheng , Xiong Aizhen , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao 
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims: The Gynura japonica-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is closely related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide in recent years. However, no effective therapy for PA-induced HSOS in clinics is available, partially due to the failure of quick diagnosis. This study aims to identify blood microRNA (miRNA) signatures as potential biomarkers for PA-induced HSOS in clinics.Methods: The microarray-based miRNA profiling was performed on blood samples of the discovery cohort, which consisted of nine patients with HSOS and nine healthy donors. Differentially expressed miRNAs were further confirmed using a validation cohort, which consisted of 20 independent patients with HSOS. In addition, the rat model was established through the oral administration of the total alkaloid extract from G. japonica to investigate the association of miRNA biomarkers with the progression of HSOS. Bioinformatic analyses, including GO and KEGG enrichment, receiver operating characteristics curve, and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the potential miRNA biomarkers.Results: Three miRNAs, namely miR-148a-3p, miR-362-5p, and miR-194-5p, were overexpressed in patients and rats with PA-induced HSOS. These miRNAs were positively related to the severity of liver injury and displayed considerable diagnostic accuracy for patients with HSOS with areas under the curve over 0.87.Conclusion: In summary, this study demonstrated that three miRNAs, hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-362-5p, and hsa-miR-194-5p, might serve as potential biomarkers for PA-induced HSOS in clinics.
Copper and Cobalt Ions Released from Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Trigger Skin Sensitization
Authors: Kim Sung-Hyun , Lee Jin Hee , Jung Kikyung , Yang Jun-Young , Shin Hyo-Sook , Lee Jeong Pyo , Jeong Jayoung , Oh Jae-Ho , Lee Jong Kwon 
Published: February 2021

Human skins are exposed to nanomaterials in everyday life from various sources such as nanomaterial-containing cosmetics, air pollutions, and industrial nanomaterials. Nanomaterials comprising metal haptens raises concerns about the skin sensitization to nanomaterials. In this study, we evaluated the skin sensitization of nanomaterials comparing metal haptens in vivo and in vitro. We selected five metal oxide NPs, containing copper oxide, cobalt monoxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, or titanium oxide, and two types of metal chlorides (CoCl2 and CuCl2), to compare the skin sensitization abilities between NPs and the constituent metals. The materials were applied to KeratinoSensTM cells for imitated skin-environment setting, and luciferase induction and cytotoxicity were evaluated at 48 h post-incubation. In addition, the response of metal oxide NPs was confirmed in lymph node of BALB/C mice via an in vivo method. The results showed that CuO and CoO NPs induce a similar pattern of positive luciferase induction and cytotoxicity compared to the respective metal chlorides; Co3O4, NiO, and TiO2 induced no such response. Collectively, the results implied fast-dissolving metal oxide (CuO and CoO) NPs release their metal ion, inducing skin sensitization. However, further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanism underlying NP-induced skin sensitization. Based on ion chelation data, metal ion release was confirmed as the major “factor” for skin sensitization.
Polyporus Umbellatus Protects Against Renal Fibrosis by Regulating Intrarenal Fatty Acyl Metabolites
Authors: Wang Yan-Ni , Wu Xia-Qing , Zhang Dan-Dan , Hu He-He , Liu Jian-Ling , Vaziri Nosratola D. , Guo Yan , Zhao Ying-Yong , Miao Hua 
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) results in significant dyslipidemia and profound changes in lipid metabolism. Polyporus umbellatus (PPU) has been shown to prevent kidney injury and subsequent kidney fibrosis.Methods: Lipidomic analysis was performed to explore the intrarenal profile of lipid metabolites and further investigate the effect of PPU and its main bioactive component, ergone, on disorders of lipid metabolism in rats induced by adenine. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed for choosing intrarenal differential lipid species in CRF rats and the intervening effect of n-hexane extract of PPU and ergone on CRF rats.Results: Compared with control group, decreased creatinine clearance rate indicated declining kidney function in CRF group. Based on the lipidomics, we identified 65 lipid species that showed significant differences between CRF and control groups. The levels of 12 lipid species, especially fatty acyl lipids including docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid (22n-3), 10,11-Dihydro-12R-hydroxy-leukotriene C4, 3-hydroxydodecanoyl carnitine, eicosapentaenoic acid, hypogeic acid and 3-hydroxypentadecanoic acid had a strong linear correlation with creatinine clearance rate, which indicated these lipid species were associated with impaired renal function. In addition, receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that 12 lipid species had high area under the curve values with high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating CRF group from control group. These changes are related to the perturbation of fatty acyl metabolism. Treatment with PPU and ergone improved the impaired kidney function and mitigated renal fibrosis. Both chemometrics and cluster analyses showed that rats treated by PPU and ergone could be separated from CRF rats by using 12 lipid species. Intriguingly, PPU treatment could restore the levels of 12 lipid species, while treatment with ergone could only reverse the changes of six fatty acids in CRF rats.Conclusion: Altered intrarenal fatty acyl metabolites were implicated in pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. PPU and ergone administration alleviated renal fibrosis and partially improved fatty acyl metabolism. These findings suggest that PPU exerted its renoprotective effect by regulating fatty acyl metabolism as a potential biochemical mechanism. Therefore, these findings indicated that fatty acyl metabolism played an important role in renal fibrosis and could be considered as an effective therapeutic avenue against renal fibrosis.
Luteolin Alleviates Methamphetamine-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Suppressing the p53 Pathway-Mediated Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Zhang Kai-Kai , Wang Hui , Qu Dong , Chen Li-Jian , Wang Li-Bin , Li Jia-Hao , Liu Jia-Li , Xu Ling-Ling , Yoshida Jamie Still , Xu Jing-Tao , Xie Xiao-Li , Li Dong-Ri 
Published: February 2021

Misuse of the psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) could induce serious hepatotoxicity. Our previous study revealed the effects of luteolin on alleviating METH-induced hepatotoxicity, however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, rats were orally pretreated with 100 mg/kg luteolin or sodium dodecyl sulfate water, and then METH (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) or saline was administered. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were used to determine the alleviative effects of luteolin. Based on the RNA-sequencing data, METH induced 1859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparison with the control group, which were enriched into 11 signaling pathways. Among these DEGs, 497 DEGs could be regulated through luteolin treatment and enriched into 16 pathways. The p53 signaling pathway was enriched in both METH administered and luteolin pretreated rats. Meanwhile, luteolin significantly suppressed METH-induced elevation of p53, caspase9, caspase3, cleaved caspase3, the ratio of Bax/Beclin-2, as well as autophagy-related Beclin-1, Atg5, and LC3-II. Luteolin also relieved METH-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing inflammation factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18. Moreover, the levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and the normalized ratio of p-Akt/Akt declined after METH administration, whereas luteolin pretreatment failed to reverse these effects. Our results suggest that luteolin alleviates METH-induced hepatic apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation through repressing the p53 pathway. It further illustrates the protective mechanisms of luteolin on METH-induced hepatotoxicity and provides a research basis for clinical treatment.
Impulse Inhibition Ability With Methamphetamine Dependents Varies at Different Abstinence Stages
Authors: Liu Weijun , Tian Yu , Yan Xinyu , Yang Jiemin 
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the impulse inhibition ability with methamphetamine dependents would vary at different abstinence stages.Methods: Sixty-three methamphetamine dependents, including 31 short-term (&lt; 10 months) and 32 long-term (≥ 10 months) abstinence participants, were recruited for this study. In addition, 33 men were recruited as the healthy control (HC) group. All participants performed a two-choice oddball task, which is well-established to assess impulse inhibition. Accuracy for deviant trials and deviant–standard reaction time (RT) delay were computed as indexes of impulse inhibition.Results: The accuracy for deviant trials was significantly decreased in short-term abstinence subjects (90.61%) compared to HC subjects (95.42%, p &lt; 0.01), which was coupled with a shorter RT delay reflecting greater impulsivity in the short-term group vs. the HC group (47 vs. 73 ms, p &lt; 0.01). However, impulse inhibition was improved in the long-term group, shown by the increased accuracy for deviant trials in the long-term group compared to the short-term group (94.28 vs. 90.61%, p &lt; 0.05) and the similar accuracy for the long-term and HC groups (p &gt; 0.05). Further regression analyses confirmed that the abstinence duration positively predicted impulse inhibition of methamphetamine dependents, both in accuracy and RT for deviant stimulus (β = 0.294, p = 0.019; β = 0.337, p = 0.007).Conclusion: These results suggest that long-term abstinence is more effective in improving impulse inhibition with methamphetamine dependents.
Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen: Analysis of Clinical and Pathological Features in Five Cases
Authors: Shao Huijiang , Lu Baochun , Shen Zhihong , Liu Fang 
Published: February 2021

Objective: We aimed to summarize the clinical and pathological features of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) in spleen among five cases.Methods: Five cases (male: 3; female: 2; mean age: 47.6 years) with SANT confirmed by pathological analysis between July 2010 and November 2019 in our hospital were included in this study. The clinical, imaging, and pathological data were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Three patients presented with mild abdominal pain or discomfort, while the other two were symptom free. Two patients received ultrasonography (US), and all patients underwent a computerized tomography (CT) scan in our hospital. The typical “spoke wheel” pattern was seen in two cases, and central calcification was detected in one case on the CT scans. All patients indicated peripheral enhancement around the SANT lesion during the arterial phase. Open or laparoscopic splenectomy was performed for treatment. No patient showed recurrence in the follow-up. The pathological characteristics of our cases were in line with those of previous literatures.Conclusions: Peripheral enhancement around the SANT lesion during the arterial phase should be taken into consideration for the diagnosis of SANT as an imaging sign on CT scans. Special attention should be paid to the splenic integrality during the laparoscopic approach, due to the probability of malignancy and the fragility of the spleen.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Postoperative Ileus After Small Intestinal Fistula Excision in Patients With Diffuse Extensive Abdominal Adhesions
Authors: Tian Weiliang , Yan Ming , Xu Xin , Yao Zheng , Zhao Risheng 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative ileus (POI) after small intestinal fistula excision (SIFE) in patients with diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions.Methods: From October 2010 to December 2019, we enrolled patients who underwent SIFE and had diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions. Patients were divided into the POI group and the non-POI group according to its occurrence. We then investigated and analyzed the clinical characteristics of both groups.Result: A total of 247 patients were enrolled into the study. There were 100 patients in the POI group, and 147 patients in the non-POI group. A multi-variable logistic regression analysis revealed that blood loss during SIFE (OR = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.000–1.259; P = 0.012), postoperative lactate(OR = 1.212; 95% CI: 1.001–1.304; P = 0.015), grade V abdominal adhesions (OR = 2.518; 95% CI: 1.814–3.44; P = 0.024), and time for recovery of lactate &lt;2 mmol/L (OR = 2.079; 95% CI: 1.599–3.616; P = 0.026) were associated with POI. Moreover, POI was also associated with prolonged postoperative stay in the hospital (HR = 3.291; 95% CI: 2.511–4.172; P = 0.014).Conclusion: Blood loss during operation, grade V abdominal adhesions, positive fluid balance within 48 h of operation, and time for recovery of lactate were the risk factors for POI after SIFE in patients with diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions.
Multivisceral Transplantation for Diffuse Portomesenteric Thrombosis: Lessons Learned for Surgical Optimization
Authors: Canovai Emilio , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Gilbo Nicholas , Duchateau Nicolas M. , De Hertogh Gert , Hiele Martin , Jochmans Ina , Vanuytsel Tim , Maleux Geert , Verhaegen Marleen , Monbaliu Diethard , Pirenne Jacques 
Published: February 2021

Background: Multivisceral transplantation entails the en-bloc transplantation of stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver and bowel following resection of the native organs. Diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis, defined as the complete occlusion of the portal system, can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, malnutrition and can be associated with liver and intestinal failure. Multivisceral transplantation is the only procedure that offers a definitive solution by completely replacing the portal system. However, this procedure is technically challenging in this setting. The aim of this study is to describe our experience, highlight the challenges and propose technical solutions.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of our cohort undergoing multivisceral transplantation for diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis at our institution from 2000 to 2020. Donor and recipient demographics and surgical strategies were reviewed in detail and posttransplant complications and survival were analyzed.Results: Five patients underwent MVTx. Median age was 47 years (23–62). All had diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis with life-threatening variceal bleeding. Major blood loss during exenteration was avoided by combining two techniques: embolization of the native organs followed by a novel, staged extraction. This prevented major perioperative blood loss [median intra-operative transfusion of 3 packed red blood cell units (0–5)]. Median CIT was 330 min (316–416). There was no perioperative death. One patient died due to invasive aspergillosis. Four others are alive and well with a median follow-up of 4.1 years (0.3–5.9).Conclusions: Multivisceral transplantation should be considered in patients with diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis that cannot be treated by any other means. We propose a standardized surgical approach to limit the operative risk and improve the outcome.
As percepções da comunidade escolar sobre a coleta seletiva em uma instituição de ensino superior privada
Authors: Celestino Roseli dos Santos , Almeida Israel Francisco Petronetto de , Assis Janaína Simone Silva de , Moreira Janilza Dias , Carvalho Reysila Rossi Lima Rodrigues de , Raggi Désirée Gonçalves 
Published: February 2021

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar o programa de coleta seletiva de uma instituição de curso superior privada na região de São Mateus. Em relação aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa foi de cunho quanti-qualitativo de caráter exploratório, por meio de entrevistas estruturadas com gestores, alunos e funcionários, totalizaram 162 sujeitos. Os dados coletados evidenciaram que a instituição de ensino não possui coleta seletiva/triagem dos resíduos sólidos assim como a inexistência de um programa de educação ambiental para os alunos. Como consequência, os entrevistados demonstraram possuir pouco conhecimento sobre a correta separação do lixo e o seu descarte. Espera-se que os dados coletados nesta pesquisa sirvam de referência para que a faculdade elabore um programa de educação ambiental, incluindo a coleta seletiva visando à transformação da realidade local.
Toxic effect of cathinone (an active principle of Catha edulis) on brain lipids in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Safhi Mohammed M. , Alam M. F. , Jubran Khardali Ibrahim Abdu , Hussain Sohail , Hakeem Siddiqui Mohammed Abdul , Khuwaja Gulrana , Al-Sanosi Rashad Mohammed , Islam Fakhrul 
Published: February 2021

The leaves of khat plant (Catha edulis) are widely consumed by people of East African countries and Arabian Peninsula for their pleasurable and stimulating effects. The consumption of khat is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but it is being used by the people of Kingdom, especially in the region of Jazan, where it is easily available due to its cultivation in the neighbouring country Yemen. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of very low doses of cathinone on the brain lipids. Male Swiss albino mice were divided in 4 groups, one control and 3 experimental and each group having 6 animals. (-) Cathinone, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight was given intraperitoneal to animals for 10 days, once daily. Cathinone has elevated the level of triglyceride significantly and dose dependently as compared to control group. On the other hand, the content of ganglioside was depleted significantly and dose dependently in experimental groups as compared to control group. A significantly elevated level of cholesterol was observed with the doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg and phospholipids with the dose of 0.5 mg/kg of cathinone as compared to control group. No significant change on total lipids was observed in cathinone treated group as compared to control group. The study concludes that very low doses of cathinone were sufficient for the change on the brain lipid contents to provide excitement in khat chewers.
Evaluation of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of Jhajjar rivulet of J&K
Authors: Sharma Indu Bhushan , Yadav Arvind Kumar , Verma Vijeshwar 
Published: February 2021

Water quality is an index of health and well being of a society. The pollution of water bodies is one of the areas of major concern to environment. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of Jhajjar rivulet of J&K. The study has been carried out by taking water samples at three different sites of the rivulet i.e. site 1, site 2 and site3. During the study, the physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature, colour, total hardness, BOD, COD, DO, TDS and TSS in the water samples were studied. In microbiological examination, the presence of coliform in the water samples were studied. It has been observed that there was a pollution load mostly at site 3 and slightly at site 2, it may be due to the release of huge quantities of sewage, effluent and manmade activities at the respective sites but the water from all the sites was found free from microbial contamination. It was concluded that water at site 1 is suitable for drinking as compared to site 2 and site 3 of the rivulet.
Integrated modified anaerobic baffled reactor with aerobic post treatment for nutrient removal from aquaculture wastewater
Authors: Manoj Valsa Remony , Vasudevan Namasivayam 
Published: February 2021

The present study is an attempt for treatment of aquaculture wastewater from indoor facilities such as hatcheries etc through integrated process. which comprises an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) packed with coconut coir fibre as bacterial support medium and an aerobic cascading step to aerate the effluent coming out of the anaerobic baffled reactor. The maximum COD removal obtained in coconut coir packed ABR was 96 % while in the control, it was 65 %. The maximumTotal Kjeldahl Nitrogenremoval in coconut coir packed ABR was 95 % while in the control ABR the removal was 61 %. The maximum percentage ammonia removal obtained in coconut coir packed ABR was 97 % while in the control ABR 95 % of ammonia removal was achieved. Therefore the study concludes that the process significantly reduces the nutrient load in the wastewater making it suitable for release into natural water bodies or for recirculation.