bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abatacept Promotes Regulatory B Cell Functions, Enhancing Their Ability to Reduce the Th1 Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients through the Production of IL-10 and TGF-β
Authors: Carvajal Alegria Guillermo , Cornec Divi , Saraux Alain , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Jamin Christophe , Hillion Sophie , Pers Jacques-Olivier , Pochard Pierre 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Abatacept mimics natural CD152 and competes with CD28 for binding to CD80/CD86 on APC, such as B cells, thereby preventing T cell activation. However, its potential impact on B cells has not been identified. The aim of this study was to assess whether abatacept can potentiate the immunoregulatory properties of B cells in vitro and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). T and B cells from healthy controls were purified. The suppressor properties of B cells in the presence of abatacept or control IgG1 were evaluated based on the ability of these cells to inhibit the polyclonal expansion (anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation) of T cells or their differentiation into Th1 or Th17 cells. Similar analyses were also performed with cells from RA patients before and 3 mo after abatacept initiation. Abatacept significantly potentiated regulatory B cell regulatory functions by enhancing their ability to produce IL-10 and TGF-β, resulting in the increased generation of regulatory T cells and limited T cell proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells. Interestingly, B cells isolated from patients that received a 3-mo treatment with abatacept had an increased ability to reduce T cell functions, confirming the above observations. Abatacept binding to CD80/CD86 induces and promotes regulatory B cell functions by enhancing the ability of these cells to produce IL-10 and TGF-β in vitro and in RA patients.
A nomogram to predict microvascular invasion in early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Hongguang , Li Tao , Hu Jinhua , Liu Jun 
Published: July 2021

Aim:
To construct an integrated nomogram combining protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and other clinical factors to detect microvascular invasion (MVI) in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with single nodule.

Methods:
One hundred and eleven early HCC patients were enrolled in the present study and 43 early HCC patients were diagnosed with MVI. Serum levels of PIVKA-II, AFP and other laboratory indicators were detected. Chi-squared test, t-test and logistic regression were employed in statistic analysis. A nomogram combining independent predictors was constructed and internal validated.

Results:
In early HCC patients with MVI, PIVKA-II serum level was significantly higher than those without MVI (385.97 mAU/ml vs 67.08 mAU/ml; P < 0.01), as well as AFP serum level (81.6 ng/mL vs 9.15 ng/mL P = 0.001). PIVAK-II, AFP serum levels and tumor size were independent risk factors for MVI in early HCC, which was employed to develop a logistic regression model. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the model was 0.74 (95%CI 0.65 - 0.84). A nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size was constructed and calibration curves showed that the model was accurate in predicting the risk of MVI in early HCC patients.

Conclusion:
The present study indicates that a preoperative nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size could estimate the preoperative probability of MVI in early HCC patients, which may help clinicians in choosing treatment options and prognosis evaluation.
Differentiating Dengue from COVID-19: Comparison of Cases in Colombia
Authors: Rosso Fernando , Parra-Lara Luis G. , Agudelo-Rojas Olga L. , Martinez-Ruiz Diana M. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT.
The differentiation between dengue and COVID-19 diagnoses is a challenge in tropical regions because of the similarity of symptoms and limited access to specific diagnostic tests for each disease. The objective of this study was to describe the initial symptoms and laboratory test values of patients who presented to the emergency department with dengue or COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was performed in a single center in Cali, Colombia. The inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of dengue or COVID-19 who were older than 14 years of age. All patients experienced fever or other symptoms for fewer than 10 days. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the differences in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and dengue, and was adjusted for sex and age group (≤ 31 and > 31 years). The sample size was calculated to test the hypothesis that the median NLR in COVID-19 patients is higher than that in dengue patients. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. A total of 93 patients were included: 70 with dengue and 23 with COVID-19. Dengue patients were younger than COVID-19 patients. There were significant differences between dengue and COVID-19 patients regarding platelet count (P < 0.01), neutrophil count (P < 0.01), NLR (P < 0.01), and abnormal alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.03). The NLR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in dengue patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, during the first week of symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, NLR, and platelet count could help guide the initial differential approach between dengue and COVID-19. These findings could be useful in geographical areas with a lack of resources.
Translating the Test of Academic Literacy Levels into Sesotho
Authors: Butler Gustav 
Published: July 2021

This article reports on an initiative at the Vaal Triangle Campus (VTC) of North-West University (NWU) towards the active encouragement of functional multilingualism in tertiary education. More specifically, in an effort to support the potential use of Sesotho (Southern Sotho) and isiZulu in the teaching-learning environment at this campus, it was decided that an important first step should be an accurate and reliable determination of students’ levels of academic literacy (AL) in these two languages. Such a measurement would provide an indication of student readiness to make productive use of any extra learning support offered in these languages. Since there are no measuring instruments available to assess students’ academic literacy levels in Sesotho and isiZulu at tertiary level, it was decided thattranslating an existing test may be the most productive option in this case. The test selected for translation into Sesotho and isiZulu was the Test of Academic Literacy Levels (TALL), a test that has consistently shown high reliability measures in the assessment of students’academic literacy levels in English. Because Sesotho is the home language used by the majority of students (other than English and Afrikaans) at the VTC, it was decided that Sesotho would be treated as priority in terms of the completion of the project. The article therefore documents the translation process for Sesotho, and discusses primarily positive findings regarding the creation of a conceptually and functionally adequate Sesotho version of the TALL through a process of translation.
The refinement and uses of a test of academic literacy for Grade 10 students
Authors: Myburgh-Smit Jo-Mari , Weideman Albert 
Published: July 2021

The massification of higher education has led to a substantial increase in enrolments since 1993, and an astonishing 300% rise in firstdegree completion among black students. Yet questions remain about the level and adequacy of students’ preparation at school for such study. Drop-out rates of learners remain unacceptably high both at school and university level. Language ability is often identified as being one of several hurdles that prevent success, especially in higher education. At school there is an apparent misalignment between the aims of the current Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), and the subsequent instruction and assessment of students. CAPS requires that students should be prepared to handle academic discourse, yet no clear outline of what academic discourse entails is given.Consequently, many higher education institutions across the country require of students to write additional pre-admission or post-entry tests of language ability. In some cases the National Benchmark Test (NBT) is used to grant or deny access, or in others for placement of at-risk students on language development interventions, usually defined as “academic literacy” courses. The clear expectation is that these tests will have some measure of predictive value, or at least be useful as regards minimising risk of failure. Ideally, it would then be advantageous if students who need to improve their academic literacy levels could be identified at an earlier stage than university entry, whilst they are still in school. To monitor and gauge the value of language assessments and courses, however, one would first need appropriate, adequate and defensible assessment instruments. This paper discusses the need for and the refinement of an academic literacy test for Grade 10 students as a first step towards measuring and then developing the required level of academic literacy before entry into higher education.
Characteristics of patients with acute heart failure in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede J.A. , Kolo P.M. , Bojuwoye M.O. , Dele-Ojo B.F. , Ogunmodede A.J. , Omotoso A.B. 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is an important cause of hospital admission in Nigeria. HF is increasingly prevalent because the population is aging and HF epidemiology is changing. We aimed at profiling the socio-demographic, clinical and echocardiographic (Echo) characteristics of patients admitted for acute HF. This is one of the largest cohorts of HF patients profiled in Nigeria so far.
Methods: Cross sectional design. Socio-demographic, clinical and Echo data were collected from 455 patients admitted for AHF at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, North central, Nigeria.
Results: Mean age of patients was 58.9± 15.7years, (men were older than women, P= 0.006). 265(58.2%) were males, most patients were aged >60 years, 4.8% had pre-existing Type2 Diabetes mellitus. 53.2% of patients presented in New York Heart Association Stages III and IV. Median duration of admission was 11days (IQR, 6-17), intrahospital mortality- 11.6%. Hypertension was the commonest aetiological factor (62.4%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy 17.6%, rheumatic heart disease (6.6%), Peripartum cardiomyopathy (5.3%), and others.
Conclusion: AHF patients in our study are older than those in previous studies in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Hypertension is main driver of AHF, and patients largely present with clinically advanced disease necessitating stronger public health education about risk factors and early presentation.
Sun-protection strategies amongst people living with Albinism in Benin-city, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Madubuko C.R. , Onunu A.N. 
Published: July 2021

Background: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is an inherited disorder of generalized hypopigmentation. Dermatological care and protection from UV radiation are necessary for individuals with OCA. We assessed the patterns of protection strategies amongst persons living with albinism in Benin-city, Nigeria.
Methods: Snow ball sampling methods were employed to investigate sun protection strategies amongst albinos in UBTH, Benin-city, Nigeria. Avoidance of sun peak hours, sun-protection clothing and sunscreen preparations used were analyzed during semi-structured face to face interviews conducted in the outreach clinics.
Results: A total of 73 participants living with albinism were studied. The mean age of the participants was 24.1years± 11.3 years. The predominant activity type was out-door occurring in 62(84.9%) of the population observed. Participants with albinism in this study were exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. They all reported being unable to avoid sun-peak hours. Sunscreens were used in 15 (20.5%) albinos studied while sun-protection clothings were worn in 13(17.8%) respondents. Sunscreens were used more in those who engaged principally in out-door activities. This was observed in 10(13.7%) clients studied (p=0.04).
Conclusion: People leaving with albinism who attended UBTH outreach skin clinic had insufficient sun protection strategies.
A double blind, placebo controlled randomized evaluation of the efficacy of a Polyherbal Preparation (FaradinR) in treating sickle cell anaemia in Nigerian children
Authors: Gbadero D.G. , Olutogun T.A. , Olufemi-Aworinde K.J. , Oluwadare L.P. , Abolarin A.T. , Farayola L. , Adeyeye M.C. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The goal of management of sickle cell anaemia (SCA), for many years, has been to manage acute intermittent crises and slow down chronic end organ damage. In the past few decades, with increasing understanding of its pathophysiology, compounds primarily preventive in action are being investigated and used. Faradin® (a poly-herbal traditional supplement mixture) has been used aspreventive measure against painful episodes by SCA patients as an over the counter medication and anecdotal evidence suggests that it reduced the frequency and severity of painful crises as well as transfusion requirements. Alternative medications that are both affordable and available should be considered viable alternatives provided safety and efficacy are assured because of the high disease burden in Nigeria.Methods: This was a double controlled randomized study was carried out on twenty children. Each enrolled patient was randomized into either the herbal mixture or placebo after permission to participate in the study was obtain from the parents/guardian for children below 15 years or from both parents/guardian and the patients where the latter are older than 15 years. The main exclusion criterion was prior use or exposure to Faradin. Primary end points were pain alteration, death during study and blood transfusion frequency. Secondary endpoints were hemoglobin levels, neutrophil count, platelet count, hemoglobin F and A2 levels, serum bilirubin, nitric oxide concentration, drug toxicity and severe complications of sickle cell anemia reported during the study.Results: There was no severe adverse event, deaths or transfusion recorded in the two groups throughout the duration of the study. Mean hematocrit was increased in the Faradin group and reticulocyte count was increased by 12 %. Faradin reduced the total white cell count to half its baseline level and increased hemoglobin F levels by 10%. Weight and appetite were reported to increased and engenders a generalfeeling of wellbeing.Conclusion: Faradin appears to be an efficacious, nontoxic, available and affordable remedy for treating SCA patients in our setting.
The impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones in female wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Olarinoye A.O. , Oyewopo A.O. , Olarinoye J.K. , Olagbaye B.A. 
Published: July 2021

Aim of Study: The study was aimed at evaluating the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phones on the oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones in female Wistar rats.Methods: Twenty-one Mature female Wistar rats weighing 180 to 250 grams were acclimatized for 2 weeks and divided into control (A), 4hrs (B) and 6hrs (C) groups and were exposed to RE-EMF for a period of 28 days. Oestrous cycle was monitored daily and hormonal level was determined using standardized enzymatic colorimetric methods. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of variables among the groups accepting statistical significance at p≤ 0.05.Results: Oestrous cycle was deranged in experimental group compared to the control. Mean serum level of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in control group remained low compared to the exposed groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in group A were almost double that of the group B and C, while the serum level of Oestrogen was lowest in group A. Progesterone level in the control group was higher than the experimental group.Conclusion: RF EMR showed an adverse effect on the weight and oestrous cycle but the effect on the reproductive hormones is not significant although the effect appeared to be related to the duration of exposure.
Effect of Atractylodes macrocephala extract on chronic heart failure in rats
Authors: Kang Huang , Shi-juan Lu , Jiang-hua Zhong , Miao Wu , Wei Zhang , Qiang Li , Qun Xiang , Yi-lei Zhou , Liu Wang 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala extract (AME) on oxidative stress and hemodynamics in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) rats.
Methods: After Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were successfully establised into CHF, they were randomly divided into normal control group, negative control group, captopril group, as well as 1.4, 2.8 and 5.6 g/kg of AME groups, and treated with drugs for 4 weeks. Hemodynamic function, whole heart weight index, blood creatinine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were measured.
Results: Compared with the normal control group, arterial systolic pressure (SBP)(83.12 ± 16.21 mmHg), diastolic pressure (DBP, (75.16 ± 20.18 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (MAP 76.32 ± 13.43 mmHg), heart rate (HR 353.25 ± 36.34 beats/min), left ventricular systolic peak (LVSP 101.24 ± 16.13 mmHg), and left ventricular pressure change rate (dp/dt max) significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP (22.13 ± 1.57 mmHg), whole heart weight index (2.74 ± 0.16 mg/g), blood CK (0.93 ± 0.14 U/mL), MDA (19.13 ± 2.26 nmol/mL), NO (34.21 ± 3.16 umol/L), and NOS (42.13 ± 3.24 U/mL) increased significantly increased in the negative control group (p < 0.05). High dose AME significantly improved hemodynamic function, lowered MDA (8.75 ± 2.09 nmol/mL) and NO (22.14 ± 3.27 umol/L) levels (p < 0.05), and also decreased CK (0.57 ± 0.31 U/mL) and NOS (24.24 ± 3.38 U/mL) in CHF rats (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: AME significantly improve adriamycin-induced chronic congestive heart failure in rats, which could be used for the therapeutic management of chronic congestive heart failure in future.
Anti-diabetic potential of Plectranthus lanuginosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Mukhtar Mohammed H. , Almalki Waleed H. , Ahmed Muhammad , Azmat Aisha 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus lanuginosus leaves in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic (HGD) rats.
Methods: P. lanuginosus leaves were collected from Saad Medhas, Al Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After defatting with n-hexane, they were extracted in vacuo at 40 oC with 75 % methanol. Streptozotocin (50 mgkg−1, i.p.) was used to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes) in the rats. The HGD rats received either standard drug (glibenclamide, 10 mgkg−1, p.o.) or Plectranthus lanuginosus leaf methanol leaf extract (PLLM) at doses of 200 and 400 mgkg−1/day, p.o. for 21 consecutive days. Blood samples were taken from the rat tails 2 h after dosing, and at 7-day intervals (i.e., 0, 7th, 14th and 21st days). The blood samples were used for measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBS), using a glucometer. On the 21st day, the rats were sacrificed via cardiac puncture. The activities of liver marker enzymes (SGPT and SGOT), and serum lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were determined using a hemolyzer.
Results: Streptozotocin treatment produced significant hyperglycemia in the rats (348.9 ± 5.6) when compared to control (79.2 ± 1.3). However, PLLM (200 and 400 mg kg−1) produced significant and dose-dependent anti-diabetic (166.4 ± 5.6 and 123.86 ± 6.8 respectively) and antihyperlipidemic effects in HGD rats, at levels similar to those produced by the standard drug, glibenclamide (120.6 ± 6.4).
Conclusion: P. lanuginosus leaf extract possesses pronounced anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties which may be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents in the plant. Therefore, the plant extract can be further developed for the management of diabetes
Effect of “Xiaoke Tongbi granule” on the proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability of rat endothelial progenitor cells under high glucose conditions
Authors: Yuan Youcai , Zhang Xiaoke , Zhang Huan , Gao Bifeng 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Xiaoke Tongbi granule (XTG) on the proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) of rats under high glucose conditions.
Methods: Six specific pathogen-free (SPF) and twenty-four healthy rats (mean weight = 200 ± 20 g) were used in this study. Twenty-four (24) healthy rats were treated with graded concentrations of XTG (0.75 – 2.25 g/mL) for 7 days, and were thereafter euthanized to obtain serum which was later used to treat EPCs isolated from bone marrow of SPF rats. The EPCs were seeded in culture plates pre-coated with human fibronectin, and cultured at 37 °C for 72 h in a humidified atmosphere of 5 % CO2 and 95 % air. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using 3 (4,5 dimethyl thiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyl 2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The morphology of isolated EPCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.
Results: The isolated EPCs exhibited normal morphology, and were CD34-positive. Proliferation and migration of EPCs, and number of tubular structures formed were significantly suppressed under high glucose conditions, but were significantly and concentration-dependently promoted by XTG treatment (p < 0.05). Treatment with XTG also significantly improved the morphology of isolated EPCs (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was significantly promoted by high glucose conditions, but was significantly and concentration-dependently reduced by XTG treatment (p < 0.05). The incidence of tubule formation in high glucose group was 0.63 %, but was progressively increased from 1.37 to 1.52 % after treatment with graded concentrations of XTG.
Conclusion: These results indicate that XTG reverses the effect of high glucose environment on EPC proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability.
Phytochemical profiling of Costus (Saussurea lappa Clarke) root essential oil, and its antimicrobial and toxicological effects
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Alhazmi Hassan Ahmed , Ahsan Waquar , Rehman Zia ur , Bratty Mohammed Al , Makeen Hafiz 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To carry out gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the phytochemical content of the root essential oil of Saussurea lappa Clarke Asteraceae (Costus, SLEO), and to evaluate its physicochemical, antimicrobial and cytoxic properties.
Methods: The oil was extracted from the plant’s roots by steam distillation using a Clevenger system. Various physicochemical parameters for the oil including refractive index, color, acid value, saponification number, ester and peroxide values were measured. Flavonoid content was assessed using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Thermoscientific trace ultra gas chromatograph equipped with a Thermoscientific capillary TR-5MS column was utilized to determine the volatile components of SLEO. Antimicrobial activity of SLEO was performed against various Gram (+ve) and Gram (-ve) microorganisms, viz, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, while cytotoxic effect was monitored using Artemia salina (brine shrimp) lethality assay.
Results: Essential oil yield was good (3 %). Concentration-dependent antimicrobial effects were observed on all test microorganisms and no marked difference in lethality levels was observed among the tested SLEO concentrations on brine shrimp (p < 0.05). The main component of SLEO was costunolide or eudesma-5,11(13)-dien-8,12-olide (52.01 %).
Conclusion: The results indicate the promising therapeutic properties of S. lappa. However, further phytochemical and biological investigations are required to establish the mechanism of action and toxicological the extract.