bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant, Antifungal and Aphicidal Activity of Triterpenoids Spinasterol, 22,23-Dihydrospinasterol From Colocynthis (Citrullus Colocynthis L.) Leaves
Authors: Ahmed Maqsood , Sajid Allah Rakha , Ahsan Taswar , Hussain Dilbar , Mateen Abdul , Li Xiuwei , Qin Peiwen , Ji Mingshan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Terpenoids from natural plants resources are valuable for diverse biological activities which exhibited important part in medical and agrochemicals industry. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant, antifungal and aphicidal activity of a mixture of Spinasterol, 22,23-dihydrospinasterol from Citrullus colocynthis leaves. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to assess the antioxidant activity whereas, antifungal activity was tested by mycelium growth inhibition assay on three pathogenic fungi Magnaporthe grisea, Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora infestans. Aphicidal activity against adults of Myzus persicae was also determined via In-vitro and In-vivo assays. The outcome of the study exposed that Spinasterol, 22, 23-dihydrospinasterol afforded moderate antioxidant activity even at lower concentrations i.e. 19.98, 31.52, 36.61 and 49.76% at 0.78, 3.0, 12.5 and 50µgmL− 1 respectively. However, reasonable fungicidal activity of Spinasterol, 22; 23-dihydrospinasterol was recorded as being EC50 values 129.5 and 206.1µgmL− 1 against R. solani and M. grisea respectively. On the other hand, Boscalid and Carbendazim being a positive control proved highly effective against all fungi except for M. grisea and P. infestans with EC50 values 868 and 272109µgmL− 1 respectively. The significant insecticidal activity was afforded via residual as well as greenhouse assay being LC50 values as 42.46, 54.86, 180.9 µgmL− 1 and 32.71, 42.46 and 173.8µgmL− 1 at 72, 48 and 24 h respectively. Moreover, antioxidant activity of Spinasterol, 22,23-dihydrospinasterol presented strong positive correlation versus antifungal and insecticidal activity. Spinasterol, 22,23-dihydrospinasterol possess good antioxidant and aphicidal activity with moderate fungicidal activity which could be a suitable candidate as an alternative to synthetic pesticidal agents.
Cost-Effectiveness of The Healthy Options Group Psychosocial Intervention for Perinatal Women Living with HIV and Depression in Tanzania
Authors: Saronga Happiness Pius , Kaaya Sylvia , Fawzi Mary C. Smith 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHealthy Options (HO) is a psychosocial support group intervention facilitated by community-based health workers (CBHWs) to treat depression in perinatal women living with HIV in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to determine incremental cost-effectiveness of HO in treating perinatal depression in HIV positive women in comparison to enhanced standard of mental health care delivered by nurse midwives.MethodsThis study is a cost-effectiveness analysis of HO, a pair-matched cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in Tanzania. The primary outcome for this study was the level of depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included antiretroviral therapy adherence, safe disclosure of HIV status to partner, and food security, among others. This study applied an ingredients approach to cost all resources used in the HO intervention. We estimated total cost, unit cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio from a health care provider perspective. We used 3 year time horizon, univariate sensitivity analysis, and adjusted costs to 2017 value.ResultsHO demonstrated effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant women with HIV in Tanzania. Mean reduction in depressive symptoms was observed at 6 weeks and 9 months postpartum with statistical significance. HO costs $849 USD per woman treated (equivalent to $889 in 2017 value). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at 6 weeks postpartum is $81,091 per mean decrease in depressive symptoms (equivalent to $84,878 in 2017 value), and at 9 months postpartum is $280,277 per mean decrease in depressive symptoms (equivalent to $293,363 in 2017 value). With sensitivity analysis, results at 6 weeks postpartum ranged from $79,309 to $84,576 (equivalent to $83,012 to $88,525 in 2017 value), and at 9 months ranged from $ 194,001 to $1,139,546 (equivalent to $203,067 to $1,192,753 in 2017 value).ConclusionsBenefits of HO are significantly sustained through 9 months postpartum and intervention unit costs are within range of similar interventions. Human resources composed the largest share of HO total cost. Although uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness ratio of this intervention varied widely, since mental health specialists are scarce in Tanzania, working with CBHWs is likely to offer effective treatment that is more feasible and is a less costly alternative to the usual care.Trial registration: The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02039973).
Additive Effects of Evaluating Micro-Surface and Microvascular Patterns Using Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Horiuchi Yusuke , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Ishizuka Naoki , Tokura Junki , Ishioka Mitsuaki , Tokai Yoshitaka , Namikawa Ken , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Fujisaki Junko 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
No studies have compared the performance of microvascular and micro-surface patterns alone with their combination in magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging for diagnosing gastric cancer. This study aimed to clarify the difference in diagnostic performance between these methods. Thirty-three participating endoscopists underwent specialized training in magnifying endoscopy evaluated microvascular and micro-surface patterns for images of 106 cancerous and 106 non-cancerous cases. If classified as “irregular”, the lesion was diagnosed as cancerous. To evaluate diagnostic performance, we compared the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity among the methods. Performance-related items did not significantly differ between the microvascular and micro-surface patterns. However, the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity were significantly higher when using the combination of these methods than when using the microvascular pattern alone (percentage [95% confidence interval]: 82.1% [76.4–86.7] vs. 76.4% [70.3–81.6], P = 0.0005; and 69.8% [60.5–77.8] vs. 63.2% [53.7–71.8], P = 0.0082, respectively). The additive effects on diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity were 5.7% and 6.6%, respectively. The combination of micro-surface and microvascular patterns has superior diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for diagnosing gastric cancer than the evaluation method using microvascular pattern alone. Our results may contribute to improving the diagnosis of gastric cancers.
Heartburn As a Marker of the Success of Acid Suppression Therapy in Chronic Cough.
Authors: Badri Huda , Satia Imran , Bansal Vikas , Mangi Muhammad Asif , Tangaroonsanti Anupong , DeVault Kenneth R , Lee A. S. , Houghton Lesley A , Smith Jacky A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is commonly thought to play an important role in chronic cough and patients are often empirically treated with acid suppression therapy. We sought to investigate the response rate to acid suppression treatment in patients with and without heartburn attending two specialist cough clinics. Methods: A retrospective review of 558 consecutive patients referred to two specialist cough clinics was performed (UK and US). Patients who were treated with acid suppression were included and their documented response to treatment collected. Binary logistic regression was used to ascertain the value of reported heartburn in predicting the response of chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. Results: Of 558 consecutive referrals, 238 patients were excluded due to missing data or cough duration of <8weeks. The remaining 320 patients were predominantly female (76%), mean age 61yrs (±13), 96.8% non-smokers, with chronic cough for 36 (18-117) months. Of 72 patients with heartburn, 20 (28%) noted improvement in their cough with acid suppression, whereas of 248 without heartburn, only 35 (14%) responded. Patients reporting heartburn were 2.7 (95% C.I. 1.3-5.6) times more likely to respond to acid suppression therapy (p=0.007).Conclusion: In specialist cough clinics, few patients report a response of their chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. Nonetheless, heartburn is a useful predictor substantially increasing the likelihood of benefit.
Chaos is not rare in natural ecosystems
Authors: Rogers Tanya , Johnson Bethany , Munch Stephan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Chaotic dynamics are thought to be rare in natural populations, but this may be due to methodological and data limitations, rather than the inherent stability of ecosystems. Following extensive simulation testing, we applied multiple chaos detection methods to a global database of 175 population time series and found evidence for chaos in >30%. In contrast, fitting traditional one-dimensional models identified <10% as chaotic. Chaos was most prevalent among plankton and insects and least among birds and mammals. Lyapunov exponents declined with generation time and scaled as the -1/6 power of mass among chaotic populations. These results demonstrate that chaos is not rare in natural populations, indicating that there may be intrinsic limits to ecological forecasting and cautioning against the use of steady-state approaches to conservation and management.
Relationship between the high-amplitude magnetic anomalies and serpentinized fore-arc mantle in the Cascadia subduction zone
Authors: Doo Wen-Bin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A zone of significant high-amplitude magnetic anomalies is observed without a comparable gravity high along the Cascadia margin and is spatially correlated with the low-velocity fore-arc mantle wedge, which is understood to be serpentinized fore-arc mantle and is further considered to be the main source of the high-amplitude magnetic anomalies. To test this hypothesis, the magnetization-density ratio (MDR) is estimated along the Cascadia margin to highlight the physical characteristics of serpentinization (reduced density and increased magnetization). Interestingly, high MDR values are found only in central Oregon, where slab dehydration and fore-arc mantle serpentinization (50%-60% serpentinization) are inferred in conjunction with sparse seismicity. This result may indicate either poorly serpentinized fore-arc mantle (low degree of serpentinization) or that the fore-arc mantle is deeper than the Curie temperature isotherm for magnetite in northern and southern Cascadia. I thus propose that serpentinized fore-arc mantle may not be the major contributor to the high-amplitude magnetic anomalies in these segments. This finding means that magnetic anomaly highs and serpentinized fore-arc mantle may not be completely positively related in subduction zones. On the other hand, the MDR pattern reveals the segmentation of the Cascadia subduction zone, which is consistent with several previous observations.
Study on the regulatory mechanism of EAF2 in the microenvironment of cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Fan , Kong Wei na , Zhao Gang , Lv Jie , Fan Jia hui , Wang Yue , Ma Cai ling , Ma Xiu min 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective

EAF2 plays an important role in transcription elongation and the regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells. EAF2’s depletion has been demonstrated to enhance cell proliferation and greatly increase the risk of cancer. Even so, its expression and prognostic role in cervical cancer (CC) remains controversial.
Methods

To solve this issue, we comprehensively investigated the role of EAF2 in CC through various databases including ONCOMINE, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and TIMER.
Results

In all, we found that the EAF2 was highly expressed in CC tissue and was significantly correlated with better patient survival. Among the CNAs, amplification was the dominant alteration. Then the co-expression profile and enrichment analysis of EAF2 were related to the potential signaling pathways. The function of genes such as Kinase LYN, mi-RNA133A-133B and transcription factor OCT1 were also enriched in CC. The positively relation EAF2 expression to 6 immune cells revealed that EAF2 expression may affect development of patients with CC partially due to immune infiltration.
Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that EAF2 might be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CC patients.
How to Make the Best Use of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs Method in Determining the Proportion of Time Spent in Each of the Workload Components and Its Implication in Decision Making: the Experience of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: ELFAKI NAZAR , Al-Lawati Nahida 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Ministry of Health in the Sultanate of Oman decided to have better distribution of the health workforce among all health facilities through evidenced-based staffing norms. Four directorates worked together to develop the staffing norms through making use of the workload indicators of staffing needs (WISN) method. The aim of this study is to describe the process of applying the WISN method in Primary Health Care institutions and how to make the best use of method in determining the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components and its implication in decision making. MethodsThe WISN was applied for five priority categories namely doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and radiology technicians at PHC institutions. The WISN ratio has been translated into workload pressure as a percentage through applying the formula [workload pressure as % (in case of shortage) = (1 - WISN ratio) x 100%]. While the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components was calculated through making use of the category allowance standard, the individual allowance standard to determine the time spent in support and additional activities. The sum is subtracted from 100% to give the time spent in the health service activities.ResultsDetermining the workload pressure as a percent and its interpretation is based on the fact that one cadre or as a group can bear up to 10% of extra workload. Thus, managers can undertake sensible short-term arrangements or decisions in redistributing the cadres among the health facilities on expectation of deploying more staff. DiscussionCareful and detailed analysis of the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components will allow to have better understanding of the context and dynamics of work. ConclusionDecision makers and planners can undertake rational short-term decisions in redistributing the cadres among the health facilities based on the workload pressure. In addition, they can as well as easily decide on the optimal proportions of time for each staff category, and hence choose what activities and tasks to be shifted or delegated to other staff category.
PRL1 promotes glioblastoma invasion and tumorigenesis via activating USP36-mediated Snail2 deubiquitination
Authors: Qiu Wenjin , Cai Xiaomin , Xu Kaya , Song Shibin , Xiao Zumu , Hou Yunan , Qi Xiaolan , Chen Yimin , Yang Hua , Chu Liangzhao , Liu Jian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Regenerating liver phosphatase 1 (PRL1) is an established oncogene in various cancers, although its biological functions and the underlying mechanisms in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain unclear.
Methods
PRL1 expression levels were analyzed in glioma tissues and cell lines. Multiple glioma cell lines were transfected with PRL1-overexpressing and shRNA constructs. In vitro proliferation, migration and invasion assays were conducted. Western blot and ubiquitylation assays were performed for molecular and mechanistic analyses. PRL1 expression levels were correlated with downstream ubiquitin pathway and clinical parameters using archival GBM samples.
Results
PRL1 was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines, and positively correlated with the tumor grade. Ectopic expression of PRL1 in glioma cell lines significantly enhanced their tumorgenicity and invasion both in vitro and in vivo by promoting EMT. Conversely, knocking down PRL1 blocked EMT in the GBM cells, and inhibited their invasion, migration and tumorigenic growth. PRL1 also stabilized Snail2 through deubiquitination by activating USP36. Snail2 was identified as a crucial mediator of the oncogenic effects of PRL1 in GBM. Finally, PRL1 protein levels were positively correlated with that of Snail2 and predicted poor outcome of GBMs.
Conclusions
PRL1 promotes GBM progression by activating USP36-mediated Snail2 deubiquitination. This novel PRL1/USP36/Snail2 axis may be a promising therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
Hydroxychloroquine Attenuated Motor Impairment and Oxidative Stress in a Rat 6-hydroxydopamine Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Athari Seyed Zanyar , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Eteghad Saeed Sadigh , Mohajeri Daryoush , Nourazar Mir Alireza , Mohaddes Gisou 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has the capability to cross the blood-brain barrier and promote a neuroprotective potential. This study evaluated the effects of HCQ on the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model in rats.Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, PD, PD+levodopa, and PD+HCQ groups. The PD model was induced by a stereotactic administration of 6-OHDA into the left SN pars compacta (SNpc) and confirmed by rotation and the Murprogo’s tests. HCQ (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and levodopa (12 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered once a day for 21 days. Three weeks after surgery, the behavioral tests were performed. Brain lipid peroxidation index (MDA), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and α-synuclein protein expression in the SN were also measured. Results: The behavioral tests demonstrated that induction of PD increased the muscle rigidity and the number of rotations, which were reversed by HCQ treatment. Also, induction of PD was associated with an increase in α-synuclein protein levels and MDA and decreased TAC levels and GPx activity. However, HCQ decreased α-synuclein and MDA levels while increased TAC levels and GPx activity. Additionally, histopathological data showed that HCQ protects dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity.Conclusion: According to the results, HCQ has a beneficial effect in improving PD-related pathophysiology, in part, by mitigating oxidative stress and protecting the dopaminergic neurons in the SN.
A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on UiO-66-CdTe@ZIF-8 core-shell nanocomposites for the highly selective detection of NO
Authors: Shi Hailan , Zhang Li 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this work, a ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on UiO-66-CdTe@ZIF-8 core-shell nanocomposites (CSNCPs) was developed for the highly selective detection of NO. The yellow-emitting UiO-66-NH2 core was synthesised using the solvothermal method and then coated with red-emitting CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The resulting core UiO-66-CdTe nanocomposites served as the signal-displaying unit (UiO-66-CdTe). Next, the UiO-66-CdTe nanocomposite was encapsulated in a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), whereas large molecules such as substrate and oxidase have very little effect on its fluorescence. A detectable signal was obtained by monitoring the NO quenching fluorescence of UiO-66-NH2, and the CdTe QDs served as the reference signal. The fluorescence quenching ratio I442/I574 was proportional to the logarithm of NO concentration concentration in the range of 0-0.10 nM with the detection limit of 0.11 nM. The results demonstrate that the proposed UiO-66-CdTe@ZIF-8 CSNCPs-based sensor is suitable for quantitative purposes in various environmental and biological applications.
High-mobility group box1 peptide ameliorates bronchopulmonary dysplasia via suppressing inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model
Authors: Hara Takeya , Shimbo Takashi , Masuda Tatsuo , Kitayama Tomomi , Nishida Mami , Fujii Makoto , Hanawa Morifumi , Yokota Kazuha , Endo Masayuki , Tomimatsu Takuji , Kimura Tadashi , Tamai Katsuto 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disorder that affect approximately 40% of preterm infants, with no established curative therapy. The administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to BPD patients has shown promising outcomes. Previously, we demonstrated that a synthesized peptide originating from high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) induces a regenerative cascade through activating endogenous MSCs. Here, we tested whether the HMGB1 peptide can ameliorate BPD-related lung injury. In a mouse BPD model established via hyperoxia exposure, three shots of HMGB1 peptide significantly improved survival and suppressed inflammation and fibrosis in the lung. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of the lung further showed that the peptide significantly suppressed a hyperoxia-induced inflammatory signature in macrophages and fibrotic signature in fibroblasts. These changes in the transcriptome were also confirmed at the protein level. Taken together, our data show that treatment with the HMGB1 peptide suppressed inflammation and fibrosis, thus preventing BPD progression. This study serves as a foundation for the development of new effective therapies for BPD.
The role of Pentraxin3 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in COPD patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: He Qian , Zhang Ming , Feng Chunlai 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND
The use of galactomannan testing in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has improved diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis(IPA) in COPD patients; However, the high false positive rate leads to overdiagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of PTX3 in COPD patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
METHODS
A total of 165 patients initially suspected of COPD with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were included in the study. Among these, 35 cases were proven or probable to be invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (35 plasma samples and 28 BALF samples). The remaining 130 cases were non-aspergillosis controls(130 plasma samples and 83 BALF samples). PTX3 levels and GM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Median plasma and BLAF PTX3 level was significantly higher in COPD patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis compared with non-aspergillosis patients (3.74 [2.57–5.61]ng/ml vs 1.29[0.62–2.88] ng/ml,P < 0.001; 3.88[2.28–8.29]ng/ml vs 1.58[0.85–2.13]ng/ml, P < 0.001). When the plasma GM/PTX3 and BALF GM/PTX3 assays were used for patients included in the study, the sensitivity/specificity value were 60%/77.1%/78.6%/89.3%, 73.8%/69.2%/80.7%/77.1%, respectively. Thus, The sensitivity of PTX3 in plasma and BLAF was higher than that of GM. However, There was no significant difference in the specificity of PTX3 and GM between the IPA group and non-aspergillosis group. When PTX3 and GM were both positive in plasma or BLAF, the specificity for the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis can reach more than 90%.
Conclusions
BALF and plasma PTX3 measurements were significantly higher among patients with IPA. The sensitivity of PTX3 was superior to GM in the diagnosis of IPA in COPD patients. The combination of GM and PTX3 is beneficial to the diagnosis of IPA in COPD patients.