bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Sedum sediforme extracts
Authors: Trabsa Hayat , Krach Imane , Boussoualim Naouel , Ouhida Soraya , Arrar Lekhmici , Baghiani Abderrahmane 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect and in vitro antioxidant activity of the areal part of Sedum sediforme (Jacq.) extracts.Methods: The plant was extracted with solvents of varying polarity (Methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate, respectively) allowed its separation into three sub-fractions: crude extract, chloroform extract and ethyl acetate extract (CrE, ChE and EaE, respectively). Total polyphenol contents of the extracts were determined. The phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) induced mice ear edema method was using to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity. The in vitro scavenging activity was evaluated using enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods. Chelating ability of extracts was assessed using Fe2+–ferrozine complex.Results: The highest content of phenolics compound was in EaE. The administration of CrE (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) reduced ear edema induced by PMA (%I = 35.81 ± 3.18 % and 38.57 ± 2.80 %, respectively), the effect was comparable with that of diclofenac used as a reference drug (%I = 38.84 ± 1.87 %). The in vitro scavenging activity of S. sediforme extracts confirmed that the CrE has the highest enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.063 ± 0.005 mg/mL and 0.178 ± 0.006 mg/mL, respectively. However, the ChE present an excellent chelating activity with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.397 ± 0.001 mg/mL.Conclusion: The results show that S. sediforme extracts have a strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities which lend some support their use in the traditional medicine.
Keywords: Sedum sediforme, Anti-inflammatory, Superoxide scavenger, Cytochrome C, Metal chelating
Anti-proliferative activity of leaves of Launaea capitata Asteraceae: Phytochemical, cytotoxicity and in silico studies
Authors: Khalil Hany Ezzat , Aldakheel Turki Saeed , AlAhmed Anas , Emeka Promise Madu , Kandeel Mahmoud 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemical contents of Launaea capitata (L. capitate) and its potential cytotoxic activity. Also, to examine its molecular modeling by docking of the isolated compounds.Methods: L. capitata was methanol-extracted and successively fractionated followed by determination of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Major constituents were isolated and purified. 3-(4, 5- Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assays were conducted for all fractions. In silico studies were conducted using four anticancer target kinases, namely, protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), and rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinases (RAFK).Results: The results showed that total phenolic constituents ranged from 0.150 ± 0.004 to 60.229 ± 0.822 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g of dry extract, while the total flavonoid content varied from 0.004 ± 0.002 to 18.129 ± 1.599 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dry extract. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents, which seemed to constitute the most effective anti-proliferative fraction. The plant’s major constituent was apigenin-7-O-glycoside and was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. The MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed the anti-proliferative activity of ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, and apigenin-7-O-glycoside with half-maximal concentration (IC50) comparable to that of doxorubicin. In silico studies revealed that apigenin-7-Oglycoside showed a better binding score and ligand efficiency when compared with standard ligands/inhibitors for AKT/PKB and PI3K, suggesting potential multiple targets for its anti-cancer activities.Conclusion: L. capitata contains considerable amounts of phenolic and flavonoid components. Its major constituent, apigenin-7-O-glycoside is a potential lead compound for developing new anticancer compounds.
Keywords: Launaea capitata, Total phenolics, Total flavonoids, Docking, Cytotoxicity
Awareness of combined oral contraceptives use among Jordanian women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jaber Deema , Tahaineh Linda , Akour Amal , Albsoul-Younes Abla 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate Jordanian women’s knowledge, attitude, awareness and practice regarding combined oral contraceptives (COCs) benefits and risks.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 Jordanian women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. A closed- and open-ended questionnaire was used to explore Jordanian participants' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COCs use, effect and side effects. Structured interviews were conducted by a trained research team. Thus, it was a pharmacist-assisted survey, and lay language was used to explain difficult medical terminologyResults: Most of participants were prescribed COCs by their physicians (77.1 %), half of them depend on others' experiences and media as sources of information rather than consulting their healthcare team. Half of participants have an idea of non-contraception uses of COCs (50.3 %). One fourth of women (26.0 %) believed that using COCs decreases fertility or even causes infertility, especially if used before their first pregnancy (43.3 %). Women in their middle age were more uncertain about the relation between COCs use and anemia (p = 0.014) or dysmenorrhea pain (p = 0.005). While women who used COCs believed more that the pills regulate menstruation (p < 0.001) and decrease dysmenorrhea pain (p < 0.001) compare with women who had never used COCs pills. Women in general are uncertain if COCs use has negative or positive relation with some types of cancer such as ovarian, cervical and breast. Women who are not affiliated to the healthcare professions were more uncertain about the relation between COCs use and atherosclerosis risk (p = 0.002), MI (p = 0.025) and stroke risk (p = 0.035).Conclusion: There is insufficient awareness and knowledge of the beneficial and non-contraceptive uses of COCs. Educational programs are needed to improve women’s awareness of the benefits and risks of COCs.
Keywords: Combined oral contraceptives, COCs, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Beliefs, Benefits, Risks
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist versus basal insulin in type-2 diabetic patients: An efficacy and safety analysis
Authors: Lin Kaiping , Lv Qi , Yang Xiaoling , Lin Ting , Feng Min , Chen Xiaxia 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist with that of basal insulin in type 2 diabetes patients.
Methods: Type-2 diabetes patients who were insensitive to metformin were treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GP cohort, n = 115) or basal insulin (BI cohort, n = 152) with metformin. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and body weight were determined, and adverse effects also recorded.
Results: After 16 weeks of treatment, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist did not significantly reduce HbA1c levels (7.45 ± 2.11 % vs. 7.01 ± 2.01, p = 0.107). In contrast, basal insulin significantly reduced the levels of HbA1c (7.91 ± 2.98 % vs. 7.13 ± 2.22 %, p = 0.010, q = 3.852). Glucagon-likepeptide 1 receptor agonist reduced the body weight of patients (65.25 ± 7.55 kg vs. 62.16 ± 6.15 kg, p = 0.0008, q = 5.121), unlike basal insulin (63.71 ± 6.15 vs. 62.65 ± 6.76 kg, p = 0.154).
Conclusion: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist and basal insulin + metformin produce identical effectiveness in the treatment of type-2 diabetic patients.
Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, Glycemic control, Insulin, Metformin, Type-2 diabetes
Therapeutic effect of teriparatide combined with lowfrequency pulsed electromagnetic field on hip fracture
Authors: Sun Xiang , Guo Xuefeng , Cao Wen , Dong Qiang 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of teriparatide in combination with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field in the management of hip fracture.Methods: Patients with hip fracture internal fixation and under conventional postoperative basic adjuvant therapy were compared with those patients who received teriparatide combined with low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field after operation. The content of Bone-Specific AlkalinePhosphatase (BALP), type I Procollagen Carboxy Terminal Propeptide (PICP), serum bone glaprotein (BGP), Ca2+, hip function and degree of bone scab formation were evaluated using Harris score and Fernadez-esteve scoring system. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to analyze differences in short-term prognosis of different postoperative adjuvant treatment measures.Results: Harris score of the hip joint and the effect of bone formation in the experimental group were higher than that of the control group. The blood levels of BGP, BALP, PICP and serum Ca2+ in the experimental group were higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The plotted Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicates that the prognosis of the experimental group was better than that of control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The adjuvant therapy of teriparatide combined with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field can improve the recovery function and enhance the prognosis of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.
Keywords: Teriparatide; Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field, hip fracture
Downregulation of miR-451a in plasma may promote prothrombin expression and contribute to high blood coagulation state in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu Min , Shangguan Zhimin , Zhang Hao 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate F2 and miR-451a levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients, evaluate the potential role of miR-451a in GDM, and to explore its possible downstream targets.
Methods: Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis was conducted to analyze coagulation differences between the GDM and control groups. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunoblot were performed to analyze miR-451a and F2 levels after exposure to high glucose and miR-451a mimics or an miR-451a inhibitor. Luciferase assay was used to explore the potential regulatory mechanism.
Results: Enhancement of the patients' blood coagulation ability and down-regulated miR-451a expression levels occurred in the plasma of GDM patients. The data further show that hepatocytes exposed to high glucose reduced miR-451a levels and enhanced F2 expression. The overexpression of miR-451a inhibited the expression of F2.
Conclusion: MiR-451a may serve as a promising marker for hypercoagulable state GDM patients
Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), MiR-451a, F2, Hypercoagulable state, Prothrombin, Thromboelastography (TEG)
Ameliorative effects of olibanum essential oil on learning and memory in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Wenhua , Luan Jie , Chen Dagui , Liu Lina , Feng Xu 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the effect of olibanum essential oil (OEO) on learning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse.Methods: Mice were administered the 42-amino acid form of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ1-42) to induce AD and then treated with OEO at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, p.o. for two weeks. Following treatment, the AD mice were assessed by step-down test (SDT), dark avoidance test (DAT), and Morris water maze test (MWM). Blood and brain tissues were collected for biochemical assessments. Gas chromatographymass spectroscopy was used to analyze the main constituents of OEO.Results: The main constituents of OEO were limonene, α-pinene, and 4-terpineol. Treatment with OEO prolonged t latency in SDT and DAT, but decreased error times. Escape latency decreased and crossing times were rose in the MWM following OEO treatment (p < 0.5). Treatment with OEO also enhanced the acetylcholine levels and decreased the acetylcholinesterase levels in serum and brain tissue (p < 0.5). Additionally, OEO reduced amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and protected hippocampal neurons from damage. Furthermore, OEO decreased c-fos expression in hippocampus tissues from AD mice (p < 0.5).Conclusion: OEO has significant ameliorative effect AD-induced deterioration in learning and memory in AD mouse induced by Aβ1-42. The mechanisms of these effects are related to increased acetylcholine contents, reduction of amyloid plaques, protection of hippocampal neurons, and downregulation of c-fos in brain tissues. The results justify the need for further investigation of candidate drugs derived from OEO for the management of AD.
Keywords: Olibanum, Essential oil, Learning, Memory, AD
Aged garlic extract potentiates doxorubicin cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Alkreathy Huda Mohammed , AlShehri Noura Farraj , Kamel Fatemah Omer , Alghamdi Ahmed Khalaf , Esmat Ahmed , Karim Shahid 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the potential chemo-sensitizing effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on doxorubicin (DOX) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and the possible underlying mechanisms.Methods: Human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was treated with AGE and DOX. The cytotoxic effects of AGE and DOX were investigated via cell cycle analysis and apoptosis induction, using flow cytometry. Mechanistic studies involved the determination of cellular uptake of DOX and p-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity.Results: Combined treatment of MCF7 cells with AGE and DOX produced no significant effect at AGE dose of 10 mg/mL. However, co-treatment with AGE at doses of 50 and 93 mg/mL enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX on MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 0.962 and 0.999 μM, respectively, whencompared with 1.85 μM DOX alone. Moreover, Annexin V-FITC and PI techniques showed that AGE significantly increased percentage of cells in late apoptosis. Besides, AGE-DOX treatment significantly increased cellular uptake of DOX and inhibited P-gp activity, when compared with DOX alone (p < 0.05).Conclusion: AGE enhances the cytotoxic effect of DOX on MCF-7 cells, most likely due to cell cycle distribution, stimulation of apoptosis, increased uptake of DOX by MCF7, and inhibition of P-gp activity.
Keywords: Aged garlic extract, Doxorubicin, Breast cancer, MCF-7 cell line, P-glycoprotein, Apoptosis, Cell cycle
Computational and pharmacological evaluation of stevioside derivatives for antinociceptive and antiinflammatory potential
Authors: Ahmad Sadaf , Khan Arif-ullah , Faheem Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Hossain Mohammad Akbar , Ullah Asad , Ahmad Shabir 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To carry out computational and pharmacological evaluation of two stevioside derivatives in order to develop more effective candidates for analgesia and inflammation.Methods: Primarily, compounds were docked against targets of nociception and inflammation such as cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lypooxygenase 12-lypooxygenase, 15-lypooxygenase, prostaglandin synthase, leukotrienes C4 synthase, mu, kappa, and delta receptors to obtain their possible binding modes. Test compounds were then screened in animal model of nociception and inflammation.Results: The results of docking show that IO possesses good affinity when compared to ID. IO showed two hydrogen bonds against COX-1 and COX-2. IO also demonstrated good binding against 5-LOX, 12- LOX and 15-LOX, exhibited four, one and two hydrogen bonds respectively. Against PG synthase and LTC4, both IO and ID produced moderate binding. IO also showed significant binding against opoid receptors (p < 0.05). IO and ID significantly decrease the number of writhes to 21.20 ± 2.1 and 27.0 ± 2.12 at 10 mg/kg in acetic acid mediated pain test respectively. In hot plate method, IO and ID increase the latency period of mice to 14.14 ± 0.40 and 10.50 ± 0.34 s, respectively. IO and ID significantly reduced the paw edema to 1.69 ± 0.14 and 1.94 ± 0.14 mL, respectively, in acute inflammation (p < 0.05). In chronic inflammatory model, IO and ID decreased paw volume to 3.26 ± 0.38 and 4.20 ± 0.38 mL, respectively.Conclusion: The results show that IO is a promising candidate for further development as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. However, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles need to be investigated.
Keywords: Computational, Stevioside, Docking, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory
MiR-10b alleviates high glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cell injury by regulating TIAM1 signaling
Authors: Chen Yaohua , Zhu Yanqing , Zhao Sheng 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of microRNA (miR)-10b on high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) injury and the mechanisms involved.Methods: Levels of miR-10b were measured in HRECs using quantitative reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after the addition of glucose (5.5 and 30 mM). Cell viability was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, while levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) weredetermined using fluorimetry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure cellular apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the miR-10b-binding sites of target genes. The levels of T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis (TIAM1) and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2) were determined using qRT-PCR. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) activation was evaluated using a pull-down assay. The protein levels of TIAM1 and Rac1 were assayed by western blotting.Results: After HG stimulation, miR-10b expression was downregulated. Viability of HRECs decreased, whereas ROS production increased. However, the overexpression of miR-10b inhibited apoptosis and ROS production in HG-treated HRECs (p < 0.05), while luciferase reporter analysis revealed a possible binding site for miR-10b to target the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TIAM1. In addition, the overexpression of miR-10b distinctly reduced the expression levels of TIAM1 and NOX2, but decreased the activation of Rac1 in HG-treated HRECs (p < 0.05); these inhibitory effects of miR-10b were significantly reversed after TIAM1 application.Conclusion: MiR-10b alleviates HG-induced HREC injury by regulating TIAM1 signaling. MiR-10b therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
Keywords: MicroRNA-10b, Human retinal endothelial cells, High glucose, TIAM1-Rac1 axis
Isoliquiritigenin inhibits the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by regulating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Su Zhixiang , Yu Bin , Deng Zhiping , Sun Haifeng 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells and its underlying mechanism of action.Methods: The DLBCL cell line OCI-Ly19 was used in this study. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR was assessed using Western blotting.Results: DLBCL cell proliferation was suppressed by ISL in a concentration-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic cells increased following ISL treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). ISL treatment also stopped the cell cycle at the G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that there was no significant Akt and mTOR expression in cells treated with 10, 20, or 50 μM ISL (p < 0.05). However, Akt and mTOR phosphorylation was upregulated following treatment with 10, 20, or 50 μM ISL in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The results demonstrate that ISL inhibits DLBCL cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by blocking the cell cycle transition from the G1 to S phase, which is mediated by the inactivation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Keywords: Isoliquiritigenin, Cell survival, Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Detección de alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral en el centro escolar
Authors: Yebra Javier Antonio 
Published: January 2021

En la presente investigación se realizó una detección de alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral en un grupo de adolescentes de 12-13 años. El objetivo general de esta investigación es describir las principales alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral presentadas en los jóvenes escolares. Los objetivos específicos fueron: determinar si el peso de las mochilas cumple con el porcentaje adecuado respecto al peso del estudiante identificar la alteración postural más frecuente y explorar si el uso de los lockers influye sobre el peso de las mochilas de los niños.
Las variables estudiadas fueron el peso de las mochilas y las alteraciones encontradas. Este estudio es de carácter cuantitativo, teniendo enfoque descriptivo. A partir de una población total de 18 estudiantes de un centro escolar público y otro privado, los resultados revelaron que la alteración postural más frecuente fue la cifosis con un 33.3%. El 44% de los estudiantes cargaban mochilas que superaban el 10% de su peso y 16.7% de ellos cargaban con mochilas que superaban el 15% de su peso.
Ideas and perspectives: patterns of soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes along an altitudinal gradient – a pilot study from an Ecuadorian neotropical montane forest
Authors: Lamprea Pineda Paula Alejandra , Bauters Marijn , Verbeeck Hans , Baez Selene , Barthel Matti , Bodé Samuel , Boeckx Pascal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Tropical forest soils are an important source and sink of greenhouse gases
(GHGs), with tropical montane forests, in particular, having been poorly studied. The
understanding of this ecosystem function is of vital importance for future
climate change research. In this study, we explored soil fluxes
of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide
(N2O) in four tropical forest sites located on the western flanks of
the Andes in northern Ecuador. The measurements were carried out during the
dry season from August to September 2018 and along an altitudinal gradient
from 400 to 3010 m a.s.l. (above sea level). During this short-term campaign, our measurements
showed (1) an unusual but marked increase in CO2 emissions at high
altitude, possibly linked to changes in soil pH and/or root biomass, (2) a
consistent atmospheric CH4 sink over all altitudes with high temporal
and spatial variability, and (3) a transition from a net N2O source to
sink along the altitudinal gradient. Our results provide arguments and
insights for future and more detailed studies on tropical montane forests.
Furthermore, they stress the relevance of using altitudinal transects as a
biogeochemical open-air laboratory with a steep in situ environmental gradient
over a limited spatial distance. Although short-term studies of temporal
variations can improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind the
production and consumption of soil GHGs, the inclusion of more rigorous
sampling for forest management events, forest rotation cycles, soil type,
hydrological conditions and drainage status, ground vegetation composition
and cover, soil microclimate, and temporal (seasonality) and spatial
(topographic positions) variability is needed in order to obtain more
reliable estimates of the CO2, CH4, and N2O source/sink
strength of tropical montane forests.