bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Role for Macrophage Galactose-Type Lectin-1 to Regulate Innate Immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Naqvi Kubra F , Huante Matthew B , Saito Tais B , Endsley Mark A , Gelman Benjamin B , Endsley Janice J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is characterized by inflammatory pathology and poorly understood mechanisms of innate immunity. Pattern recognition receptors, expressed on the surface of macrophages, determine the balance of inflammatory and antimicrobial functions that influence disease outcome. Carbohydrate moieties displayed by mycobacteria can serve as pattern recognition receptor ligands for some members of the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) family, interactions that mediate a variety of incompletely understood immune outcomes. This work identifies a novel role for the CLR macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL)-1 in a mouse model (C57BL/6 and MGL-1−/−) of experimental TB. Murine macrophages upregulated MGL-1 following in vitro exposure to M. tuberculosis, whereas MGL+ cells accumulated at sites of mycobacteria-driven inflammation in the lung. Pulmonary macrophages from MGL-1–deficient mice displayed increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) that were associated with greater lipid accumulation, following M. tuberculosis infection. Surprisingly, for a CLR, we also observed MGL-1–dependent antimycobacterial activity as evidenced by greater M. tuberculosis proliferation in bone marrow–derived macrophages, and the lung, of MGL-1–deficient mice. Differential transcriptome analysis further revealed that loss of MGL-1 perturbs the activation of various genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism in the setting of M. tuberculosis infection. These results identify MGL-1 signaling as an important mechanism that regulates innate immunity against M. tuberculosis and indicates the potential for the MGL pathway as a novel therapeutic target for anti-TB immunity.
INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA AND SEVERE APLASTIC ANEMIA
Authors: Supatharawanich Sutatta , Narkbunnam Nattee , Vathana Nassawee , Takpradit Chayamon , Phuakpet Kamon , Pongtanakul Bunchoo , Tongsai Sasima , Sinlapamongkolkul Phakatip , Ngamskulrungroj Popchai , Phongsamart Wanatpreeya , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Buaboonnam Jassada 
Published: June 2021

Although the outcome of childhood leukemia and severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has improved, infectious complications are still the major concern, particularly invasive fungal infection (IFI), which is one of the most common causes of infectious related death in such patients with prolonged neutropenia. A retrospective study of IFI in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed acute leukemia and SAA in Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, was conducted. There were 241 patients (150 patients with ALL, 35 patients with AML, 31 patients with relapsed leukemia and 25 patients with SAA) with the median age of 5.4 years (rage, 0.3-16.0 years). The overall prevalence of IFI was 23.2%, and the breakdown prevalence in ALL, AML, relapsed leukemia and SAA were 12.7%, 37.1%, 45.2% and 40.0% respectively. Candida tropicalis was the most common identifiable organism. Pulmonary IFI caused by invasive aspergillosis was the most common site of infection. The overall case-fatality rate was 50.0% with the highest rate in relapsed leukemia of 92.9%. In multivariable analysis, the age > 4 years, AML, relapsed leukemia and SAA were found to be independent risk factors of IFI with adjusted odds ratio of 2.3, 4.1, 5.1 and 3.7 respectively. In SAA group, only very severe aplastic anemia (ANC < 200 mm3) was found to be associated with development of IFI with odds ratio of 32.7. IFI in Thai children with hematologic diseases appeared to be prevalent with high fatality. Anti-fungal prophylaxis should be considered in patients with SAA to prevent IFI.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel racecadotril-tetrazole-amino acid derivatives as new potent analgesic agents
Authors: Asadi Mehdi , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Hosseini Faezeh Sadat , Gholami Mahdi , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Amanlou Massoud 
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose:
Although pain is one of the most common symptoms of diseases, it is often mismanaged due to limited access to painkillers and ineffectiveness, unacceptable side effects, or the possibility of abuse. However, an alternative approach to existing analgesics is to indirectly increase endogenous pain relief pathways by neprilysin (an enkephalinase) inhibitors. This enzyme breaks down and inactivates enkephalin, dynorphin, endorphins, and their derivatives.

Experimental approach:
In this project, a new series of racecadotril-tetrazole-amino acid derivatives 15a-l was synthesized and characterized on the basis of IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The antinociceptive activity of synthesized compounds was assessed by a hot plate, tail-flick, and formalin assays in mice. Docking was used to identify the possible interactions between neprilysin and synthesized compounds. 15a-l was synthesized and characterized on the basis of IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The antinociceptive activity of synthesized compounds was assessed by a hot plate, tail-flick, and formalin assays in mice. Docking was used to identify the possible interactions between neprilysin and synthesized compounds.

Findings/Results:
Most of the synthesized compounds showed moderate to good analgesic effects in hot plat and tail-flick test in comparison to morphine and racecadotril. Compounds 15l and 15j were the most potent compounds. The synergistic analgesic effect of compounds 15l and 15j with morphine and the antagonistic effect of naloxone on the activity of these compounds confirm that the analgesic effect of compounds 15l and 15j could be mediated through the opioidergic system. The negative and high binding energy of docking simulation of the most potent compounds in the catalytic site of neprilysin was also in good agreement with the inhibitory activity of test compounds.

Conclusion and implications:
Racecadotril-tetrazole-amino acid derivatives, as potential antinociceptive agents, demonstrated moderate to good antinociceptive activities comparable with morphine and higher than racecadotril.
Evaluation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa using western blot
Authors: Mony Vinod , Nirmal R Madhavan , Parvathi V , Parvathy R L , Varun B R , Jayanthi P 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that acts as a binding site for toxic chemicals, particularly the dioxin group of chemicals. Elevated levels of AHR have been observed in various human cancers, including lung carcinomas, hepatic carcinomas and in mammary tumors. However, the expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients who are tobacco users are less explored.

Aims and Objectives:
The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare AHR levels in OSSC patients and in normals using Western blot technique in an attempt to explore the possible role of AHR in oral carcinogenesis.

Materials and Methods:
The study sample consisted of ten oral squamous cell carcinoma cases which were diagnosed clinically and confirmed histopathologically as OSCC and four samples of the normal oral mucosa. AHR protein expression was evaluated using Western blot technique and chemiluminescence detection kit. The densitometry was performed on a Microtek scan maker MSP flatbed scanner and quantified using Image J software. Mean AHR protein levels were calculated and compared between OSCC and normal oral mucosa using Student's t-test.

Results:
The mean AHR protein level in OSCC samples (n = 10) was 2878.90 ± 1231.27 and 975.75 ± 227.27 in the normal oral mucosa (n = 4). The OSCC samples showed significantly higher levels of AHR protein compared to the normal oral mucosa (P = 0.008).

Conclusion:
The study showed a significantly higher expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma samples when compared to the normal oral mucosa, suggesting a possible role of AHR in the initiation, promotion and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Are Dawn Collections of Anopheles stephensi a Better Method To Estimate the Resting Vector Density? A Study from Chennai, India
Authors: Ravishankaran Sangamithra , Asokan Aswin , Justin N. A. Johnson Amala , Thomas Shalu , Mathai Manu Thomas , Eapen Alex 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT.
The study was an attempt to capture Anopheles stephensi from cattle sheds during dawn to understand the realistic density of the resting mosquitoes. A 2-year longitudinal study was carried out in cattle sheds in close proximity to the human dwellings to collect the resting vector mosquitoes. The man-hour density of An. stephensi ranged from 24.7 to 206.5. The vector incrimination results indicated 0.15% of An. stephensi infected with Pv210 in 2015 and 0.09% in 2016. The current study indicated that cattle sheds are still the preferred resting place of An. stephensi and that dawn is the perfect time to collect and estimate its densities. Hence, adult vector control may also be given due importance in addition to the routine larval source management measures to curb malaria transmission in an urban setting.
Guia de histórias em quadrinhos
Authors: Melo Juliana Silva de , Tavares Júnior Melchior José 
Published: June 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo a apresentação de uma plataforma virtual que disponibiliza Histórias em Quadrinhos (HQs) com potencial pedagógico para professores de Ciências e Biologia. Tal plataforma foi criada a partir do programa google site, e se hospeda no endereço http://bit.ly/33iS5mT. Após sua criação foi avaliada por meio de um questionário virtual, por graduandos de biologia. A partir disso, conclui-se que os participantes gostam de HQs e tiveram contato com elas em sua educação básica e superior. Todos os participantes defendem o uso de HQs no livro didático e as usariam em sala de aula, considerando, sobretudo seu potencial para a aprendizagem. Consideramos que o guia de HQs pode ser uma ferramenta para professores de Ciências e Biologia.
PULMONARY HYPERTENSION STILL AN ‘ORPHAN LUNG DISEASE’ IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Asad Faisal 
Published: June 2021

In our country when it comes to diagnosis and treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) especially Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), it seems that it is still an Orphan Lung disease. Whether it is data about its prevalence in our country, available diagnostic services or treatment options, one may easily feel the scarcity in all mentioned areas.
Most current classification of PH, categorizes it into 5 groups.1 However this categorization requires availability of diagnostic tools especially right heart catheterization data to classify and know the severity of PH and to offer targeted treatment to patients who belong to group 1 PH i.e. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Studies done about PH prevalence in Pakistan have mainly focused on data in selected patients group e.g. in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).2,3 All of these studies relied on diagnosis without using the diagnostic bench mark i.e. Right heart catheterization. Moreover, effects of targeted treatment for PAH have also been studied only in selected group of patients e.g. COPD.4,5
While above work by the learned colleagues has to be appreciated, it emphasizes the need to,

Spread the awareness about PH more so to reduce inadvertent use of targeted treatment which may prove detrimental outside group 1 PH and should only be considered at specialized centers.
Develop specialized centers with required diagnostic services especially Lung functional and anatomical evaluation and Right heart catheterization.
Establish PH registries (at least one in each province) which can play a vital role to collect data and ensure effective evidence based patient management.

This may be an uphill task however the right direction to move forward.

REFERENCES

Simonneau G, Montani D, David SC, Christopher PD, Michael AG, Michael K, at el. Paul G. Haemodynamic definitions and updated clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2019;53(1):1801913.
Amir S, Azmat A, Raza U, Hamid N, Zafar I, Shahida N, at el. Frequency of Pulmonary Hypertension in COPD patients. Pak J Chest Med. 2017;23(4):144-50.
Sadia A, Aflak R, Tafazzul H, Ahmed A. Frequency and predictors of Pulmonary Hypertension in patients with SLE. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):86-9.
Nasir H, Faisal F, Kausar R, Saadia A, Anjum N, Shafi K, at el. Efficacy of bosentan in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension; a prospective study focusing on safety and efficacy in patients with COPD. J Lung Pulm Respir Res. 2018;5(2):67-72.
Sharieff S. Effect of sildenafil in primary pulmonary hypertension. Pak J Med Sci. 2007;23(2):264.
CARDIAC EVALUATION IN NEWBORNS: AN ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY BASED STUDY
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Sohail , Shakir Waqas , Anwar-ul-Haq Hafiz Muhammad , Adnan Mudasser , Ahmad Munir 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To evaluate the cardiac status of newborns in terms of structural and functional heart diseases.
Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at Paediatric Cardiology Department of “The Children’s Hospital and The Institute of Child Health”, Multan, Pakistan, from January 2017 to December 2019. Neonates aged 0-28 days and referred for echocardiographic evaluation were enrolled. Diagnostic findings were confirmed with the assistance of echocardiography. We were focused on analyzing total number and types of heart diseases along with gender distribution during the study period.
Results: During the study period, a total of 2729 newborns were evaluated. We noted 1523 (55.8%) newborns as structurally and functionally normal, 866 (31.7%) had congenital heart disease, 69 (2.5%) duct dependent lesions, 248 (9.1%) persistent pulmonary hypertension and 23 (0.8%) left ventricular (LV) dysfunction but with structurally normal heart. Newborns with LV dysfunction might have hypoxic myocardial damage, metabolic derangements or acute myocarditis. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) followed by Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) were the most frequent types of acyanotic CHD observed in 248 (28.2%), 171 (19.7%) and 100 (11.5%) neonates respectively while Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was the most common type of cyanotic CHD 74 (8.5%).
Conclusion: VSD followed by PDA, ASD and TOF were the most common types of CHD among neonates. Diagnosis of congenital heart defects in the early age is pointing towards improvement in healthcare facilities.
ASSESSMENT OF TRIGLYCERIDE TO HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN RATIO AS AN INDICATOR OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND ITS SEVERITY
Authors: Shaikh Naveed Ahmed , Kumar Ashok , Fatima Madiha , Ali Hassan , Patel Junaid , Abbas Kiran 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the TG/HDL ratio test as a diagnostic tool for assessing the severity of CAD.
Methodology: This was a validation study conducted at the Indus Hospital, Karachi between March 2019 and March 2020. All patients irrespective of gender, aged above 18 years of age, who had chest pain or tightness radiating to the arms or shoulders, had shortness of breath, sweating or dizziness underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) followed by coronary angiography in a catheterization lab were recruited in the study. Patients with a congenital heart disease or familial hyperlipidemia were excluded from the study. Lipid profiles were assessed by the principal author and were recorded in a predefined pro forma.
Results: The mean (SD) age of the subjects was 55.12 ± 9.93 years. A significant association of increasing TG/HDL ratio was observed with the severity of the illness (p<0.0001). The mean TG/HDL ratio was considerably varied in patients with mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and very severe disease from the control group and in the mean TG/HDL ratio of patients with mild to moderate from very severe disease patients (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The current study indicates a strong association of triglyceride to HDL-c ratio with severity of CAD. We recommend that TG/HDL ratio should be determined for CAD patients to assess the severity of CAD in addition to other lipoprotein products.
TERRITORIAL IMPACT ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN YOUNG POPULATION WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Khan Kamran Ahmed , Batra Mahesh Kumar , Kumar Dileep , Ali Sajjad , Kumar Vinesh , Kumar Rajesh , Qayyum Danish , Saghir Tahir , Achakzai Abdul Samad , Sial Jawaid Akbar , Karim Musa 
Published: June 2021

Objective: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at younger age though infrequent but very crucial entity, but there is dearth of available data, however, a rising trend has noticed recently in Asian countries. The aim was to see the territorial and clinical profile influence on overall outcomes of young individuals (≤35 years) with STEMI.
Methodology: Patients with STEMI having age of ≤35 years during August 2020 to December 2020 were recruited and divided into left anterior descending artery (LAD)-culprit and non-LAD-culprit STEMI groups in this prospective observational study. Territorial angiographic and clinical characteristics were compared.
Results: 1435 STEMI patients underwent coronary angiogram, 5.3% (94) were ≤35 years of age. LAD was culprit in 74.4% of STEMI mainly as a single vessel disease (SVD) involving the proximal segment as major territorial angiographic finding while 25.5% were non-LAD-culprit STEMI. Obesity, smoking, smokeless tobacco use especially gutka, were frequent in LAD-culprit group. In-hospital and at 3 months mortality was 2.1% (2) and 7.1% (5) respectively, all related to LAD territory. Rate of safe discharges and back to routine was 97.2% vs.100% and 70% vs.79.1% (72), respectively were comparable in both groups.
Conclusion: LAD predominantly its proximal segment is the commonest culprit territory in patients with STEMI in youth with significant association to obesity, smoking and smokeless tobacco use especially gutka. LAD-culprit STEMI is the major territorial determinant for mortality and heart failure, however, overall clinical outcomes were reasonably good and comparable with non-LAD-culprit STEMI considering alive discharges and back to routine life.
PULMONARY ENDARTERECTOMY FOR CHRONIC THROMBOEMBOLIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Authors: Iqbal Tahir , Jan Azam , Ahmed Naseer , Muhammad Amir , Shah Sayed Mumtaz , Khan Sajid , Tahir Imran , Shah Husain , Iftikhar Nabil , Rehman Jamil ur 
Published: June 2021

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious complication of unresolved pulmonary embolism. CTEPH is a potentially curable disease and the treatment of choice is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) with complete clearance of pulmonary arteries being the principle of surgery. The surgery is performed under circulatory arrest during cardiopulmonary bypass circulation.
We report 3 cases of CTEPH in 2018-2019 at department of cardiothoracic surgery, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. They were detected by echocardiography (TTE) and confirmed by CTPA. Pulmonary endarterectomy was performed with good peri-operative outcome and significant improvement of hemodynamics.
PRECLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE VASCULAR EFFECTS OF REJUVENATE® COBALT CHROMIUM CORONARY STENT SYSTEM IMPLANTED IN THE PORCINE CORONARY IN STENT RESTENOSIS MODEL
Authors: Ali Murtaza Najabat , Mir Mariam , Buszman Piotr 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the implantation, safety, and vascular tissue effects of REJUVENATE® Cobalt Chromium Bare Metal Stent in the Porcine Coronary Restenosis model at short, mid and long-term follow up.
Methodology: A total of 18 REJUVENATE® bare metal stents (CoCr, 95 µm strut thickness) were implanted into the coronary arteries (RCA, LCX and LAD) of the six pigs. Throughout the study period, stent patency, vascular response, percent stenosis, late lumen loss and performance of stent were evaluated by angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and Histopathology (includes both Histopathology and histomorphometry) at 30, 90, and 180 days and compared with the results of control Bare Metal Stent Coflexus®. The mean, variance and standard deviation was analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: OCT and QCA analysis demonstrated two cases of binary restenosis at 30 days follow-up and two at 90 days follow-up (33%). The mean area stenosed for Rejuvenate® was 34% as compared to 24% of Coflexus® and at 180 days follow up, it decreased to 21%. The histopathology analysis demonstrated favorable safety with acceptable levels of neointimal formation, with decreased levels of inflammation and complete endothelialization in 180 days.
Conclusion: This study proved the potential safety of REJUVENATE® in porcine model and supports that this stent can move forward for the human trials.
PREVALENCE OF SILENT CARDIAC ISCHEMIA IN TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Zia Nosheen , Aftab Sabeen , Butt Nauman Ismat , Ashfaq Fahmina , Anser Aniqa , Saeed Samina 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To determine the frequency of silent cardiac ischemia in type II diabetes mellitus patients presenting to tertiary care facility.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th October 2017 to 20th April 2018 at Department of Medicine Jinnah Hospital Lahore. After a detailed history, measurement of height, blood pressure, weight, fasting blood sugar, body mass index of 237 patients were recorded, and electrocardiography (ECG) was done before and after exercise tolerance testing (ETT). Changes in ECG were assessed and person labeled as having silent cardiac ischemia or not depending on the outcome of the ECG.
Results: Mean age was 54.9 ± 5.9 (range: 45 – 63) years. There were 144 male patients and 93 female patients The mean duration of type II diabetes mellitus in the study population was 10.0 ± 2.6 (range: 6 – 15) years. The frequency of silent cardiac ischemia was found to be 45.1%. Increasing age, prolonged duration of diabetes mellitus, history of smoking and hypertension, and increased body mass index were significantly related to silent cardiac ischemia (p-value< 0.05).
Conclusion: Silent cardiac is quite prevalent in our population that demands urgent efforts to diagnose this condition earlier for better future outcomes.
PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE CARDIAC HEALTH BEHAVIOR SCALE
Authors: Serin Emine Kaplan , Sarıtaş Seyhan Çıtlık 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: This methodological study was carried out to test the validity and reliability of the Cardiac Health Behavior Scale (CHBS-21) for its use in Turkey among coronary artery patients.
Methodology: The population included individuals visiting the cardiology polyclinic of a university hospital and being followed up with the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, while the sample consisted of 229 volunteering patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. The data were gathered by using a Patient Information Form that includes the descriptive characteristics of the participants and the Turkish form of the Cardiac Health Behavior Scale. SPSS (24.0) and AMOS were used in data analysis which included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.
Results: The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.92. The values for the dimensions of the scale were as 0.77 for health responsibility, 0.60 for physical activity, 0.76 for dietary habits, 0.71 for stress management and 0.85 for quitting smoking. The goodness of fit index values in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis were found as: X2=287.236, df= 176 (p<0.01), X2/df=1.63, RMSEA=0.053, GFI=0.90, CFI=0.94 and IFI=0.94. The model was found to show acceptable fit.
Conclusion: The Cardiac Health Behavior Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that may be used in the assessment of medical statuses and risk factors of individuals with coronary artery disease. The effective implementation of the patient education will be improved by this measurement instrument.