bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnoveterinary medicine practices of Guji Semi-Pastoralist People, Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashagre Mersha Eshete , Molla Ermias Lulekal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: This research aimed to identify and document ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge, their preparation, application methods used by traditional healers, and status of their conservation with Guji Semi-Pastoralist People of Suro Barguda District, West Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants data were collected by interviewing 196 informants (145 males and 51 females). Guided field walks and discussions (group and individual discussion) were used in collecting the data. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). Ethnoveterinary medicinal knowledge apprehended by different informant categories was compared using t-tests with R- software. Results: Forty-six ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species representing 43 genera and 29 families were identified in the district (Appendix 1). About 26.1% of the families (twelve families) were represented by more than one species. The highest number of species was recorded for Asteraceae (5 species, 10.9%), followed by Euphorbiaceae (4 species, 8.7%) and most ethnoveterinary medicines were prepared from herbs and shrubs than other growth forms. Chopping/pounding the remedial parts and homogenizing them with cold water was found to be the major mode of remedy preparation. All the documented ethnoveterinary plant species were harvested from the wild and observed as exposed for depletion. About 4.4% (two species) of the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants of Suro Barguda District were endemic to Ethiopia.Conclusion: This study indicated that the study area encompasses different species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants which should be given conservation priority and the local community depends largely on these plants for the treatment of different livestock ailments though the healers had a very high intention to keep their traditional knowledge secrete. The indigenous knowledge of pastoralists about plants (a traditional system of rangeland management) and livestock (breeding different species of livestock (grazers with browsers), as well as their environmental management system (traditional forest, soil, and water conservation system), should be incorporated in the planning and implementation of developmental interventions.
Design and synthesis of new pyrazolylbenzimidazoles as sphingosine 1-kinase inhibitors
Authors: Galal Shadia A. , Omar Mohamed , Khairat Sarah , Ragab Fatma , Roy Sonam , Naqvi Ahmad , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Diwani. Hoda El 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sphingosine-1 Kinase (SphK-1) is one of the important enzymes of phospholipids and it is inhibition is one of the therapeutic strategies for different diseases. SphK1 over expression is observed in different types of cancer that indicating its important role in tumor growth. In search of effective SphK-1 inhibitors, a new series of pyrazolylbenzimidazoles was synthesized and evaluated as sphingosine1-kinase (Sphk-1) inhibitors. In order to evaluate the binding affinities of all the synthesized compounds, all compounds were subjected to docking analysis and fluorescence quenching. The results indicated that there is a consistency between the docking and the fluorescence quenching results which revealed that compounds 47 and 48 exhibited significant decrease in the fluorescence intensity of SphK1 as well as they formed stable protein–ligand complexes. In addition, Enzyme inhibition assay was performed and showed effective inhibitory potential towards SphK-1. Moreover, IC50 values was calculated and displayed that compounds 47 and 48 were the most promising compounds. In addition, antiproliferation study for all the synthesized compounds was performed against NCI 60-cell line panel. The target compounds 47 and 48 demonstrated effective antitumor activity inhibitory potential to the SphK-1. Most of these compounds fit well into the ATP-binding site of SphK1 and form significant hydrogen-bonding interactions with catalytically relevant residues as predicted by molecular docking. In this article, insight has been given for the importance of pyrazolylbenzimidazoles as Sphk1 inhibitors and the perspectives that they hold for future research.
Myeloid cell-specific deletion of Capns1 prevents macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype and reduces interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Li , Zheng Dong , Yan Yue-mei , Yu Yong , Chen Rui-zhen , Li Zheng , Greer Peter A , Peng Tian-Qing , Wang Qiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Calpains are a family of calcium-dependent thiol proteases that participate in a wide variety of biological activities. In our recent study, calpain is increased in the sera of scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the role of calpain in interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not been reported. ILD is a severe complication of SSc, which is the leading cause of death in SSc. The pathogenesis of SSc-related ILD remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of myeloid cell calpain in SSc-related ILD.
Methods

A novel line of mice with myeloid cell-specific deletion of Capns1 (Capns1-ko) was created. SSc-related ILD was induced in Capns1-ko mice and their wild-type littermates by injection 0.l mL of bleomycin (0.4 mg/mL) for 4 weeks. In a separate experiment, a pharmacological inhibitor of calpain PD150606 (Biomol, USA, 3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) daily for 30 days was given to mice after bleomycin injection on daily basis. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed, skin and lung tissues were collected for the following analysis. Inflammation, fibrosis and calpain activity and cytokines were assessed by histological examinations and ELISA, and immunohistochemical analyses, western blot analysis and Flow cytometry analysis.
Results

Calpain activities increased in SSc-mouse lungs. Both deletion of Capns1 and administration of PD150606 attenuated dermal sclerosis as evidenced by a reduction of skin thickness and reduced interstitial fibrosis and inflammation in SSc mice. These effects of reduced calpain expression or activity were associated with prevention of macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype and consequent reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-23 in lung tissues of Capns1-ko mice with SSc. Furthermore, inhibition of calpain correlated with an increase in the protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated AKT1 in lung tissues of SSc mice.
Conclusions

This study for the first time demonstrates that the role of myeloid cell calpain may be promotion of macrophage M1 polarization and pro-inflammatory responses related PI3K/AKT1 signaling. Thus, myeloid cell calpain may be a potential therapeutic target for SSc-related ILD.
LRH-1 High Expression in the Ovarian Granulosa Cells of PCOS Patients
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Qiumin , Wang Ying , Song Tian , Zheng Yanjun , Wang Wenqi , Shi Yuhua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as one of the most common endocrine disorder with heterogeneity. There are also reports that liver receptor homolog 1 [LRH-1 or nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2 (NR5A2)] plays an important role in the reproductive system. But up to now, there are no reports related to the link with PCOS and LRH-1. In this study, we aimed to detect the LRH-1 expression in the ovarian granulosa cell of PCOS patients and explore the potential relationship between LRH-1 and PCOS. Methods: 146 follicular fluid sample were collected in this study, including 72 from PCOS patients and 74 from control patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The ovarian granulosa cells were extracted from the patient's follicular fluid by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) method, and the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of LRH-1 in ovarian granulosa cells. Then we analyzed the correlation between the expression level of LRH-1 and the clinical characteristics of patient by using Pearson Correlation analysis. Results: The expression of LRH-1 was significantly higher in PCOS patients ovarian granulosa cells than that in the control patients [vs(1.38±0.47)vs(1.03±0.32), t=5.327, p<0.0001], and it was positively correlated with antral follicles counting (AFC) (r=0.3607, p<0.0001)and the serum AMH(r=0.2662, p=0.0012)\LH(r=0.2518, p=0.0022)\T(r=0.2516, p=0.0022) in all patients. No statistical significance between LRH-1 and BMI, FSH, HOMA-IR, DHE-S, progesterone. Conclusions: Compared with the control group, we found that LRH-1 was highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients. Our study has revealed the relationship between the LRH-1 expression and PCOS, which suggested that LRH-1 may play an important role in ovulation disorders. While this finding provided new ideas for the study of the pathogenesis, it also provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for PCOS.
Microbial Profile of Dawadawa Vended in Tamale Central Market
Authors: Hallo Dorcas M , Duwiejuah Abudu Ballu , Naangmenyele Zita , Imoro Abubakari Z , Quarcoo Gernard , Bakobie Noel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Dawadawa is a common spice used in most rural homes across West Africa to spike the protein source in meals. This study assessed the handling practices of vendors and the microbial load of dawadawa vended in the Tamale Central Market. Methods: A total of 15 samples were collected from 5 sections of the market using the random stratified sampling technique. Results: Out of the 15 samples collected, 8 samples (53.33%) had Salmonella spp, 1 sample (6.67%) had E. coli and all 15 samples (100%) had Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Samples covered recorded no count of Salmonella spp and E. coli but high counts for Staphylococcus aureus. Factors accounting for the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus might be cross-contamination associated with improper handling practices as the human skin is known to be a reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, the need for vendors to package dawadawa in neat disposal packs to reduce direct contact.
High Incidence and Mortality of Pneumocystis Jiroveci Infection in Anti-MDA5-Antibody Positive Dermatomyositis: Experience From a Single Center
Authors: Huang Linlin , Fu Qiong , Ye Yan , Lin Yanwei , Yan Qingran , Chen Sheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) was associated with a significantly higher risk of opportunistic infections that including Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), a potentially fatal opportunistic infection. However, no prior studies have evaluated the PJP infection in subtypes of IIM.
Objectives

To investigate the incidence rate and mortality rate of PJP infection in subgroups of Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) patients according to myopathy specific antibodies.
Methods

In the first part, 463 consecutive patients with IIM were prospectively followed up for a period of at least one year to analyze incidence of PJP. In the next part, we enrolled 30 consecutive PJP patients with any rheumatic disease were to identify the mortality rate and risk factors by Cox regression. Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test was used to access differences in survival.
Results

We found that the incidence rate of PJP in IIM patients is 3.0/100 person-year, while in MDA5+DM patients is 7.5/100 person-year and in MDA5−IIM patients is 0.7/100 person-year. (P < 0.05). PJP typically happened in the first two months for MDA5 + DM patients who have a significant decrease in the CD4+ T cell counts and Lymphocyte counts (P < 0.05). In PJP + patients, the mortality was lethally higher in MDA5+DM patients than those with other rheumatic diseases (83.3% VS. 38.9%, P < 0.05). Unlike patients with other rheumatic diseases, MDA5 + patients seemed not to benefit from prompt anti-PJP treatment. For patients with other rheumatic diseases, anti-PJP treatment within 6 days was confirmed to crucially increased the survival (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

PJP has alarming high incidence and mortality in MDA5+DM patients. Timely treatment for PJP does not improve the prognosis of this particular subtype. Therefore, the necessity of further study of PJP prophylaxis treatment in MDA5+DM patients is verified.
Performance Analysis of Different Slot Waveguide Structures for Evanescent Field Based Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: CHANDRA VEER , Ranjan Rakesh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Slot waveguide has emerged as a potential candidate for the design of evanescent field absorption based photonic gas sensors, optical quantum information applications, etc. In this paper, three different slot waveguide structures, i.e., conventional slot, partial-strip-loaded slot, and full-strip-loaded­­­ slot waveguides have been explored to analyze their sensing performance for the methane gas. As the methane gas has the peak absorption at around 3.31 µm, therefore, this has been considered as the operating wavelength for the analysis. In anticipation of improvement in evanescent field ratio in slot region and hence, the sensing capabilities of the gas sensor, the slot waveguide structures have been designed by depositing the germanium layer over the calcium fluoride in different manners. To realize the significant evanescent field and sensitivity along with relatively low propagation loss, the suitable dimension of the slot waveguide structures has been chosen very judiciously. Several waveguide parameters, such as evanescent field ratio, propagation loss, and sensitivity have been chosen for the analysis and comparison of slot waveguide structures, by varying the arm-width and thickness of germanium layer. Simulation results have demonstrated that the full-strip-loaded slot waveguide has the superior performance in terms of higher evanescent field and higher sensitivity, which is followed by the partial-strip-loaded slot waveguide, even for the fixed target value of propagation loss. Moreover, the current analysis may be extended for the design of suitable photodetector that can further enhance the performance of the gas sensor.
Individualized Prediction of Overall Survival for Metastatic Ewing sarcoma of Bone
Authors: chengwei wang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Few models have been used to estimate the survival rate of patients metastatic Ewing sarcoma of bone are scarce. We aimed to develop nomograms for predicting 3-, 5-year survival for these patients.Methods: We extracted 686 cases of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma diagnosed between 1973 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiological and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to determine independent prognostic factors. The nomograms are based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis. We also evaluate the performance of these prediction models through the analysis of time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, concordance index, calibration curve and decision curve.Results: Age, surgery, tumor size, treatment method and chemotherapy were considered to be important predictors of overall survival of bone metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. Based on these factors, the nomogram models were established and verified internally. These models have good identification and calibration characteristics. A risk classification system based on nomogram has also been constructed to promote risk stratification of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma and to optimize clinical management.Conclusions: We developed the first nomograms and corresponding risk classification system to predict the survival of patients with bone metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. These easy-to-use tools can help oncologists and surgeons make accurate survival assessments.
A Cell-free Infection System to Study Translation, Replication and Phage-particle Production During Infection of E. coli by Bacteriophage Qβ
Authors: Rasmussen Pernille Skov , Knudsen Charlotte Rohde 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Viruses infect all kingdoms of life, and new species are continuously being discovered. The single-stranded (+)-RNA viruses comprise the largest group of viruses, which includes pathogens such as Dengue virus, Corona virus and West Nile virus. Also, the simple bacteriophage Qβ belongs to this group of viruses. Studies of the mechanism of Qβ infection can increase our general understanding of the single-stranded (+)-RNA viruses, which can be exploited in the pursuit to treat and prevent of diseases caused by pathogenic (+)-RNA viruses.MethodsIn this study, we have analysed the production of infectious Qβ phage particles in three different cell-free infection systems upon addition of the Qβ genome as a template. The cell-free infection systems were based on cell-free protein expression systems: two commercial systems and one custom-made system. We studied the course of infection by analysing the production of viral RNA, proteins and phage particles produced in the cell-free reactions. The replication of the viral RNA was determined by RT-PCR, while the translation of the viral proteins was examined by radiolabelling, and the production of infectious phage particles was evaluated by double-layered plaque assays. ResultsBacteriophage Qβ was found to replicate in two of the three tested cell-free infection systems. Specifically, the viral RNA was replicated, the viral proteins were translated, and infectious phage particles were produced in the cell-free infection systems. The pattern of translation regulation of the viral proteins appeared similar to in vivo infection. Infectious Qβ phage particles were produced at yields of 25.4 × 104 PFU/μL reaction and 2.5 × 103 PFU/μL reaction in the commercial and custom-made system, respectively. Importantly, intact Qβ phage particles were shown not to replicate in the cell-free infection systems under the tested conditions. ConclusionCell-free infection systems can support replication of viral RNA, translation of viral proteins and self-assembly of infectious Qβ phage particles. We provide opportunities for further optimisation of the phage particle yield. Cell-free infection systems can be used in the future to study newly discovered viruses, the development of antiviral and antibacterial drugs, and in biotechnology.
Cultural Significance of Medicinal Plants in Healing Human Ailmets Among Guji Semi-Pastoralist People, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia
Authors: Ashagre Mersha Eshete , Molla Ermias Lulekal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Ethnobotanical studies are useful in documenting, analyzing, and communicating knowledge and interaction between plant diversity and human societies. Indigenous knowledge has developed as a result of human interaction with their environment. Overstocking and farmland expansion has become the main causes of natural resource degradation. Studies on the ethnobotany of the woodland and dry Afromontane vegetation in Suro Barguda District are lacking. So, it was important to study the diversity of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge to determine the level of their usage, depletion, or conservation.Methods: Ethnobotanical data of traditional medicinal plants were collected by interviewing 196 informants (145 males and 51 females). Guided field walks and discussions (both group and individual discussion) were used in collecting the data. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and use-value. Ethnomedicinal knowledge apprehended by different informant categories was compared using t-tests with R- software.Results: A total of 98 medicinal plant species belonging to 87 genera and 48 families were reported to be used for treating human ailments. Family Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of species followed by Lamiaceae. Four of the medicinal plants were endemic to Ethiopia. Shrubs were more dominant than trees and herbs. Most of the remedy preparations were from freshly collected plant parts; the major way of herbal medicine preparation was through chopping or pounding the plant parts and homogenizing them with cold and clean water; the oral application was the most common route of administration.Conclusion: The study area was rich in having medicinal plants and corresponding indigenous knowledge diversity. Most of the medicinal plants were found to play a multipurpose role across different use categories and consequently, some are under serious pressure challenging their survival. Hence, recorded high use value indices of multipurpose plant species in the study area can be used as signals of high use pressure and can be used as keys to design and implement well-coordinated complementary in situ and ex situ conservation activity to save these widely used plant species.
Diffusion-weighted MRI for differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis-like lesions:A pilot study
Authors: Yan Qinqin , Lu Shuihua , Li Tao , Shen Jie , Liu Mengxiao , Grimm Robert , Shan Fei , Zhang Zhiyong , Shi Yuxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate the value of 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted and intro-voxel incoherent motion imaging (DWI-IVIM) in differential diagnosis of tuberculosis-like lesions.
Methods

78 patients with 99 lesions comprised of 36 tuberculosis (TB), 38 pulmonary malignancy (PM), 25 non-tuberculosis benign lesions (NTB) underwent 3T-MRI examination, including star-volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (Star-VIBE), fast-BLADE turbo spin echo (fBLADE TSE), DWI-IVIM (b = 0,30,50,80,100,200,400,600,800,1000 s/mm2). Signal ratio (SR) of lesions to rhomboid muscle, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and IVIM D, D* and f values were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were obtained via the receptor operative curve (ROC). Delong test was used for comparisons of ROCs.
Results

Compared to Mg, the T2SR of TB was statistically significantly lower, with AUC of 0.67[95%CI: 0.55–0.78]. ADCs and IVIM D of TB was evidently higher, with pooled sensitivity of 73.7–84.6%, pooled specificity of 80.2–86.1% and pooled accuracy of 81.1–83.8%. ADC(0,1000) combined with D improved AUC from 0.85 to 0.91. Comparisons of T1SR, D* and f had no differences. As for TB vs. NTB, ADCs had pooled sensitivity of 44.4–69.4%, pooled specificity of 80.0–96.0% and pooled accuracy of 63.9–75.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of D* were 77.8% and 60.0%. IVIM coupled with ADC further revealed no diagnostic improvement. T1SR, T2SR, IVIM D and f had no statistical differences.
Conclusion

T2SR, DWI and IVIM can distinguish tuberculosis-like lesions. The clinical use of pulmonary MRI is extremely suitable for the elderly and immunocompromised patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.