bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Parasites of Buffalo Calves from Romania: Molecular Characterization of Cryptoporidium spp. and Giardia Duodenalis, and the first Report of Eimeria Bareillyi
Authors: Bărburaș Diana Ancuța , Cozma Vasile , Ionică Angela Monica , Abbas Ibrahim , Bărburaș Remus , Mircean Viorica , D’Amico Gianluca , Dubey Jitender P , Gyorke Adriana 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Buffaloes represent an important economic resource for several regions of the world including Romania; however, no reports on parasitic infections in buffaloes from Romania are available. In the present study, we examined for the gastrointestinal parasites 104 fecal samples bimonthly collected from 38 buffalo calves (2–11 weeks old) from household rearing systems in Romania. All samples were tested using the saturated salt flotation, McMaster and modified Ziehl-Nielsen staining methods. PCR coupled with isolates sequencing methods were used to identify the Giardia duodenalis assemblages and Cryptosporidium species. Overall, 33 out of 38 examined buffalo calves were infected with different gastrointestinal parasites; 16 had single infections and 17 had mixed infections with 2 or 3 parasites. Eimeria species (32/38; 84.2%) was the most prevalent parasite; 8 species were identified according to the oocyst morphology including the pathogenic E. bareillyi which detected for the first time in buffaloes from Romania. Toxocara vitulorum (11/38; 36.8%) and Strongyloides papillosus (6/38; 15.8%) were also detected. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 4 (10.5%) buffalo calves; 2 of them were molecularly identified as C. ryanae and another one was clustered in the same clade with C. ryanae, C. bovis, and C. xiaoi. Giardia duodenalis assemblage E was also molecularly detected in a single (2.6%) buffalo calf. The presence of other buffaloes in the same barn was identified as a risk factor for infection with T. vitulorum. Our results indicate extensive parasitic infections in buffalo calves from Northwestern Romania and underline the necessity of prophylactic treatments for T. vitulorum and E. bareillyi.
Chronoefficacy of the herbal medicines Puerariae radix and Coptidis rhizoma in mice: A potential role of REV-ERBα
Authors: Liu Jinming , Xu Haiman , Zhang Li , Wang Shuai , Lu Danyi , Chen Min , Wu Baojian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Identifying drugs with circadian time-dependent efficacy (chronoefficacy) and understanding the underlying mechanisms would help to improve drug treatment outcome. Here, we aimed to determine chronoefficacy of the herbal medicines Puerariae radix (PR) and Coptidis rhizoma (CR), and investigate a potential role of REV-ERBα as a drug target in generating chronoefficacy.
Materials and methods

PR and CR efficacy were assessed based on the diseases hyperhomocysteinemia and chronic colitis, respectively. The efficacy of PR against hyperhomocysteinemia in mice was evaluated by measuring total homocysteine, triglyceride levels and lipid accumulation. The efficacy of CR against chronic colitis in mice was evaluated by measuring disease activity index, colon length, malondialdehyde/myeloperoxidase activities and IL-1β/IL-6 levels. The underlying mechanisms related to REV-ERBα target genes were analyzed by qPCR. Puerarin in PR and berberine in CR were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF/MS.
Results

PR dosed at ZT10 generated a better efficacy against hyperhomocysteinemia than drug dosed at ZT2. Furthermore, PR increased the expressions of REV-ERBα target genes Bhmt, Cbs and Cth (encoding three key enzymes responsible for homocysteine catabolism), thereby alleviating hyperhomocysteinemia in mice. Moreover, CR attenuated chronic colitis in mice in a circadian time-dependent manner. ZT10 dosing generated a better anti-colitis efficacy as compared to ZT2 dosing. This was accompanied by lower production of colonic inflammatory cytokines (i.e, Nlrp3, IL-1β, IL-6, Tnf-α and Ccl2, REV-ERBα target genes) in colitis mice at ZT10 dosing. The circadian patterns of PR and CR effects were respectively consistent with those of puerarin (a main active constituent of PR, a REV-ERBα antagonist) and berberine (a main active constituent of CR, a REV-ERBα agonist).
Conclusion

The therapeutic effects of PR and CR depend on dosing time in mice, which are probably attributed to circadian expression of REV-ERBα as the drug target. Our findings have implications for improving therapeutic outcomes of herbal medicines with a chronotherapeutics approach.
Overexpression of Hepatocyte growth factor in dental pulp stem cells ameliorates the severity of psoriasis by downregulating Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulating Treg cells
Authors: Meng Hongfang , Wei Fen , Zhou Ying , Ge Zhiqiang , Jin Jide , Wang Hua , Wu Chu-tse 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Psoriasis is a kind of autoimmune disease still lacking standard treatment. Recently, it was demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of immunoregulation. The underlying mechanism might involve the secretion of soluble cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) overexpressed DPSCs (HGF-DPSCs) on psoriatic mice and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

DPSCs were isolated and transfected by adenovirus vector carrying human HGF cDNA (Ad-HGF). DPSCs and HGF-DPSCs were transplanted into the psoriatic mice model. On 7th day of post-transplantation, the mice were euthanized and sacrificed. The psoriatic skin lesions were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining for histopathological changes, and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was applied to detect the expression levels of T-bet, IFN-γ, GATA3, IL-4, RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, Foxp3 and IL-10. The concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A in the mice blood serum were measured by MILLIPLEX analysis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cocultured with DPSCs or HGF-DPSCs under appropriate stimulations. The proliferation index and quantity of T helper 1 (Th1) cells, T helper 2 (Th2) cells, interleukin 17 (IL-17)-secreting helper T (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-β1, and IL-6 in the coculture supernatants were quantitated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis.
Results

In psoriatic mice, HGF overexpression enhanced the amelioration of epidermal thickening, inflammation infiltration and keratinocyte differentiation by DPSCs treatment. In the psoriatic skin lesions, HGF overexpression enhanced the downregulation of T-bet, IFN-γ, RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, and upregulation of Foxp3 and IL-10 by DPSCs treatment. When cocultured with PBMCs, HGF overexpression significantly enhanced the downregulation of Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulation of Treg cells by DPSCs, but did not affect their suppression effect on lymphocyte proliferation.
Conclusion

HGF overexpression enhanced the treatment effect of DPSCs on psoriasis by downregulating Th1 and Th17 cells’ activity and upregulating Treg cells’ activity.
Relationship Between Disease Activity Level and Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using a Triaxial Accelerometer and Self-reported Questionnaire
Authors: Toyoshima Yoichi , Yajima Nobuyuki , Nemoto Tetsuya , Namiki Osamu , Inagaki Katsunori 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity level and physical activity (PA) by using an accelerometer and self-reported questionnaire.Results: The cross-sectional study included 34 patients with RA. We classified patients with a Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) of less than and higher than 3.2 into the low-disease-activity (LDA) group and moderate/high-disease-activity (MHDA) group, respectively. PA was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. We measured the wear time, time of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), light-intensity PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior per day by using this device. Moreover, we evaluated the relationship between accelerometer-measured and self-reported PAs in each group. The accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 17.2 min/day and 10.6 min/day in the MHDA group and LDA group (p < .05), respectively. No significant association was observed between RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA with adjustment for age and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score. No correlation was noted between accelerometer-measured MVPA and self-reported MVPA in the MHDA group, but these factors were correlated in the LDA group (rs = 0.5, p < .05). The RA disease activity level and accelerometer-measured PA were not correlated.
Public Knowledge and Practices Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Pakistan
Authors: Saqlain Muhammad , Ahmed Ali , Nabi Ijaz , Gulzar Aqsa , Naz Sahar , munir Muhammad M , Ahmed Zaheer 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Effective mitigation of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic required true adoption of precautionary measures by the masses, that primarily depends upon their knowledge and practices behaviors. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge; practices of Pakistani residents regarding COVID-19 and factors associated with good knowledge and positive practices. Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 15-April 2020 to 20 May 2020 among 689 Pakistanis by using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Regression analysis was applied to find potential predictor of knowledge and practices. Results:Of 689 participants, around 48% had good knowledge; 80% had good practices regarding COVID-19 and majority seek knowledge from social media. Knowledge was significantly higher (OR>1.00, p<0.05) among educated and higher income participants. Positive practices were significantly (OR>1.00, p<0.05) related to the older age (≥50 years), higher education, higher income and good knowledge regarding COVID-19. Conclusion:The study concluded that Pakistani residents had average knowledge and practices towards COVID-19 yet there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge, and practice that should be focused in future awareness and educational campaigns. The study recommends the ministry of health authorities to promote all precautionary and preventive measures of COVID-19-consisting of a better-organized approach- to all strata of society: less privileged people, older ones and less educated people, in order to have equilibrium of knowledge about COVID-19; hence effective implementation of precautionary measures.
Impact of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Bowel Movement Recovery After Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Consort-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: huang shanshan , Song Fuxi , Hu Shuai , Yang Shaozhong , Wang Shuqin , Zhao Lianying , Wu Qi , Liu Xin , Qi Feng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Postoperative ileus is a frequent complication after surgery, especially abdominal surgery. Of the factors, sympathetic excitation is the primary factor for postoperative ileus. Sympathetic activation is always increased by the stress of surgery and postoperative pain. It was reported that dexmedetomidine (DEX) lessens pain and inhibits the sympathetic nerve by acting on the locus coeruleus. Therefore we designed our study to observe whether DEX promotes bowel movements in patients after laparoscopic nephrectomy.MethodsOne hundred and twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy were assigned into three groups, group C (normal saline infusion), group D1 (DEX 0.02 µg/kg/h), and group D2 (DEX 0.04 µg/kg/h). The primary outcome was to record the times of first flatus, defecation and eating after surgery. The secondary outcome was postoperative pain accessd by the numerical rating scale (NRS), concerning adverse effects, as well as the duration of the postoperative hospital stay.ResultsThe times of first flatus, defecation and eating in groups D1 and D2 were shorter than those in group C (P<0.01). The NRS scores at 8 h and 24 h after surgery were obviously lower in groups D1 and D2 than in group C (P<0.05). There were no concerning adverse effects (P>0.05).ConclusionDEX in 0.04 µg/kg/h postoperative infusion facilitates bowel movements in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in a Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) center on December 23, 2015. The registered number was ChiCTR-IPR-15007628.
Two novel biallelic mutations in PSMC3IP in a Chinese patient affected by primary ovarian insufficiency: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mei Libin , Huang Lingling , Huang Yanru , Wu Xiaoling , He Huang , He XueMei , Su Zhiying , Li Ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous condition occurring when a woman experiences a loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40. It is one of the most common reproductive endocrine diseases in women of childbearing age. Here, we investigated the clinical manifestations and genetic features of a Chinese patient affected by POI.Methods: We applied next-generation whole-exome capture sequencing with Sanger direct sequencing to the proband and her clinically unaffected family members. Results: Two novel compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the PSMC3IP gene. The first is a splicing mutation (c.597+1G>T) that was inherited from her father, while the second mutation (c.268G>C p.D90H) was also discovered in her mother and younger sister. The two mutations were co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of PSMC3IP mutations causing POI in the Chinese population. Our findings further support the key role of the PSMC3IP gene in the etiology of POI. However, additional studies are required to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.
Mode Action Prediction of Butein as Antibacterial Oral Pathogen against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and an Inhibitor of MurA Enzyme: In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Satari Mieke Hemiawati , Primasari Ameta , Dharsono Hendra Dian Adhita , Apriyanti Eti , Suprijono Maria Matoetina , Herdiyati Yetty , Kurnia Dikdik 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The MurA enzyme, enolpyruvyl UDP-N-acetylglucosamine transferase, is
one of the targeted proteins by antibiotics for effective treatment of diseases provided by pathogenic
bacteria. It plays a key role in the cell wall biosynthesis of Gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus
faecalis. Butein is a flavonoid that showed antioxidant and anticancer activities, but recently it is a
promising antibacterial agent and reported can inhibit E. faecelis, Eschericia coli, and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It was isolated from medicinal plants, including Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia pendans).
However, the molecular mechanism of butein inhibits bacteria that is no clear.

Objective:
This study aims to predict the molecular action of the butein against MurA, catalyzing the
first step of peptidoglycan biosynthesis.

Material and Methods:
Butein isolation used a combinational separation technique and characterization
using spectroscopic methods. Then, in silico method used was virtual screening using programs
including Autodock Vina in PyRx, protein. plus, and ligplots. Butein and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine
(UNAG as a positive control) act as ligand were subject binding to 3KQJ MurA as protein. To evaluate
in vitro antibacterial activity, we used the Kirby-Bauer method.

Results:
Butein from M. pendans is a potential compound to inhibit the MurA with binding affinity -
7.6 kcal.mol-1. It is lower than UNAG but higher than Fosfomycin as a MurA inhibitor. Butein
attaches to MurA in the same position as UNAG so that it concludes that both is a competitive
inhibitor. Meanwhile, in vitro study showed that butein inhibits the E. faecalis growth with inhibit
zone of 8.37 mm at 1 mg/ml.

Conclusions:
Butein as a potent antibacterial agent through blocking MurA enzyme in cell wall
formation.
The Effect of Consulting Correct Techniques of Breastfeeding on Treatment
of Fissure on the Nipple in Primiparous Mothers Referred to Hamadan
Healthcare Centers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study
Authors: Vafadar Atefeh , Masoumi Seyedeh Zahra , Shobeiri Fatemeh , Mohammadi Youness 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Nipple fissures are frequent complaints of breastfeeding mothers. Many
treatments have been used to treat this problem. However, low-risk methods are more useful for
treatment.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of consulting correct techniques of breastfeeding
on the treatment of fissures on the nipple in primiparous mothers referred to Hamadan healthcare
centers during 2017.

Methods:
This is a clinical trial study that was conducted on two groups comprised of 74 primiparous
mothers who were admitted to Hamadan health centers in 2017. They were randomly assigned
to two groups of treatment and control. After completing the demographic questionnaire,
the intervention group received breastfeeding consultation 3-5, 10, and 15 days after birth, and the
control group received routine training like applying a little expressed milk on nipples. Storr and
Bristol Scales were completed by the researcher before and one week after the last consultation session.
Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20, and the significance level was considered
0.05.

Results:
The results showed that the mean score of the Bristol checklist in the intervention group
after counseling was significantly increased (p<0.05), and there were also more people in the intervention
group with improvement in their nipple fissures (66.7% vs. 37.9% at the score of zero).

Conclusion:
Multi-session and face-to-face correct techniques of breastfeeding counselling can
help nipple fissure healing in nursing mothers.
Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist Reverses Functional CNS Alteration
Caused by Combined γ-rays and Carbon Nuclei Irradiation
Authors: Kokhan Viktor S. , Mariasina Sofia , Pikalov Vladimir A. , Abaimov Denis A. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Ionizing Radiation (IR) is one of the major limiting factors for human
deep-space missions. Preventing IR-induced cognitive alterations in astronauts is a critical success
factor. It has been shown that cognitive alterations in rodents can be inferred by alterations of a psycho-
emotional balance, primarily an anxiogenic effect of IR. In our recent work, we hypothesized
that the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor might be instrumental for such alterations.

Objective:
The NK1 receptor antagonist rolapitant and the classic anxiolytic diazepam (as a comparison
drug) were selected to test this hypothesis on Wistar rats.

Method:
Pharmacological substances were administered through intragastric probes. We used a
battery of tests for a comprehensive ethological analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography
was applied to quantify monoamines content. An analysis of mRNA expression was performed by
real-time PCR. Protein content was studied by the Western blotting technique.

Results:
Our salient finding includes no substantial changes in anxiety, locomotor activity and cognitive
abilities of treated rats under irradiation. No differences were found in the content of
monoamines. We discovered a synchronous effect on mRNA expression and protein content of 5-
HT2a and 5-HT4 receptors in the prefrontal cortex, as well as decreased content of serotonin transporter
and increased content of tryptophan hydroxylase in the hypothalamus of irradiated rats. Rolapitant
affected the protein amount of a number of serotonin receptors in the amygdala of irradiated
rats.

Conclusion :
Rolapitant may be the first atypical radioprotector, providing symptomatic treatment
of CNS functional disorders in astronauts caused by IR.
The Relationship Between 24-Hour Indicators and Mortality in Patients
with Exertional Heat Stroke
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Xing Ling , Wang Jinpeng , Xin Tianyu , Mao Handing , Zhao Jinbao , Li Cong , Song Qing 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a life-threatening illness that can lead to multiple organ damage in
the early stage.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 24-hour indicators and mortality in patients with EHS.

Methods:
The records of EHS patients hospitalized were collected and divided into the death group and the survival group.
We then analyzed the demographic characteristics and APACHE II scores and laboratory results of the participants in the
blood within the first 24 h after hospitalization, and assessed whether these candidate indicators differed between the death
group and the survival group. Cox regression analysis of the survival data was performed to explore the relationship
between early indicators and prognosis.

Results:
The levels of plasma PT, APTT, TT, and INR were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival
group. The blood PLT count and the levels of PTA and Fb were significantly lower in the death group than in the survival
group, while the levels of BU, SCr, ALT, AST, TBil, and DBil were significantly higher in the death group than in the
survival group. Furthermore, the levels of Mb, LDH, TNI, and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in the death group than
in the survival group, while there was no significant difference in CK levels between the two groups.

Conclusion:
Patients with EHS often had multiple organ injuries in the early stage (within 24 h), while those cases in the
death group were more severe.
Early to Mid-Term Results in Trapezio-metacarpal Joint Replacement using the ARPE Implant
Authors: Mahmood Ihsan , Burton Robert , Choudhry Muhammad N. , Coapes Christopher 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Trapezio-Metacarpal Joint (TMJ) arthritis is a common cause of radial sided wrist pain. After conservative measures have been exhausted, the current mainstay of surgical treatment is trapeziectomy. Some surgeons combine this with additional ligament reconstruction and tendon or capsular interposition techniques to provide a more stable base for the thumb metacarpal.

Purpose:
In modern Orthopaedic practice, arthroplasty is the procedure of choice for many end-stage arthritic joints. However, due to the reliable and reproducible outcomes of trapeziectomy, this has yet to be widely adopted by hand surgeons in the management of TMJ arthritis. Recent series of arthroplasty implants have consistently shown good outcomes and trapezio-metacarpal joint replacement has been observed to provide excellent long-term function in the fit and active patient.

Methods:
We have performed a total of 52 TMJ arthroplasties in 46 patients in our institution for over 5 years (2011 to 2016). After excluding 3 cases, 43 available patients (49 implants) were subsequently asked to submit QuickDASH scores and a patient satisfaction survey.

Results:
Average QuickDASH score was 16.6, with high patient satisfaction postoperatively at 1 year. Complications included one intraoperative fracture, and five cases of post-operative instability/ dislocation. Dislocations were treated successfully with open reduction and revision.

Conclusion:
TMJ arthroplasty has shown good outcomes and patient satisfaction with a low revision rate and we recommend its use in active patients with well-preserved scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) joints.