bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Screening and Protective Effects of Prunus persica Seeds Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats
Authors: Rehman Sidra , Nazar Rubina , Butt Azeem Mehmood , Ijaz Bushra , Tasawar Nadia , Sheikh Ahmareen Khalid , Shahid Imran , Shah Shahid Masood , Qamar Raheel 
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose:
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a dynamic environmental
toxin released from chemical factories and its concentration in the atmosphere is accelerating at
an alarming proportion. The potential presence of CCl4 in the human body causes liver injury via
free radical stimulated inflammatory responses.

Objectives:
In this study, protective effects of hydromethanolic seeds extract of Prunus persica
(PPHM) were evaluated for free radical scavenging potential in CCl4 mediated acute liver toxicity
in the murine model.

Experimental Approach:
Followed by acute oral toxicity analysis, liver cells of Sprague-Dawley
(SD) rats were treated with CCl4 and subsequently, the chemoprophylactic effect of extract (400
mg/Kg dose) was evaluated using in vivo studies including, silymarin as the positive control.
Biochemical parameters, staining (hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson’s Trichome) and
quantitative gene expression analysis via real-time PCR were used to evaluate hepatic damage
control.

Results:
The results illustrated that PPHM extract exhibit strong anti-oxidant activity, comparable
to the positive control, gallic acid. Research study results also demonstrated that the extract
treatment at 400 mg/Kg concentration is highly effective in protecting liver damage due to CCl4
exposure. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the therapeutic action of PPHM was correlated
with the increase in Nrf2, NQO-1 and decrease in collagen III mRNA genes expression compared
to CCl4 treated group.

Conclusions and Implications:
Accordingly, our research study indicated that PPHM alleviated
CCl4-mediated oxidative stress through Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway, thereby protecting liver damage
against environmental toxins. Our findings provide supportive evidence to suggest PPHM as a
novel nontoxic hepatoprotective agent.
Prunella vulgaris L: Critical Pharmacological, Expository Traditional
Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry: A Review
Authors: Mir Reyaz Hassan , Bhat Mohammad Faizan , Sawhney Gifty , Kumar Parveen , Andrabi Nusrit Iqbal , Shaikh Majeed , Mohi-ud-Din Roohi , Masoodi Mubashir Hussain 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Prunella vulgaris, family Lamiaceae also known as self-heal, has been traditionally used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-rheumatic. Due to widespread distribution of the plant, Vulgaris is also called ‘vulgar’ in Latin adjective meaning common.

Objective:
The objective of this review was to describe the relevant aspects of phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of different fractions as well as isolated compounds from Prunella vulgaris. An attempt was also made to enumerate the possible leads e.g. betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin, luteolin, homoorientin, Rosmarinic acid and cinaroside for further development.

Method:
For peer-reviewed research literature, we undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases using a focused review question. Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used

Results:
Phytochemistry of Prunella vulgaris (PV) after a thorough literature survey revealed varied and copious metabolites, such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils. Many of these compounds have been found to possess wide range of biological activity per se, including anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory.

Conclusion:
Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal plant of immense medicinal importance having a variety of compounds such as such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils and diversity in pharmacological spectrum. The plant could be further exploited, to isolate the various biologically active constituents responsible for its activity.
Bioinformatics Approach for Data Capturing: The Case of Breast Cancer
Authors: Gupta Ramji , Kala Nidhi , Pai Aravinda , Malviya Rishabha 
Published: February 2021

Background:
With the rapid evolution in advanced computer systems and various statistical
algorithms, it is now a days possible to analyze complex biological data. Bioinformatics is an
interface between computational and biological assemblies. It is applied in various fields of biological
as well as medical sciences.

Aim:
The manuscript aims to summarize the developments in the field of breast cancer research
through the applications of bioinformatics.

Methods:
Various search engines like google, science direct, Scopus, PubMed, etc., were used for
the literature survey.

Results:
It describes the bioinformatics analysis tools and models, which include mainly artificial
neural network models.

Conclusion:
Bioinformatics is the evolutionary approach that is used for the capturing of data from
the various case studies related to breast cancer.
Potential Chemopreventive Role of Boldine Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Modulation of Cell Cycle Proteins in Rat Model
Authors: Subramaniam Nirmala , Kannan Pugazhendhi , Sundaram Jagan , Mari Ashok , Velli Sathesh K. , Salam Sharmila , Krishnan Palanisamy , Balaraman Gopalakrishnan , Thiruvengadam Devaki 
Published: February 2021

Background:
To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of boldine against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in wistar albino rats.

Objective:
Boldine is an alkaloid isolated from Peumus boldus. The primary active constituents of boldine exhibited several potential medicinal properties. The present study was evaluated to explore the chemopreventive agent of boldine on anti-proliferative efficacy against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in wistar albino rats.

Methods:
The effect of boldine on cellular proliferative markers, i.e., PCNA and Ki67on hepatocellular carcinoma
rats was determined by immuno expression study. Liver marker enzymes, tumor biomarker, oxidative stress
markers, antioxidant status, and xenobiotic phase I and II enzymes in HCC rats were analyzed. Moreover, cell
cycle proteins, i.e., p21Cip1/Kip1, p27 Cip1/Kip1, Cyclin D1, CDK 4, Cyclin E1, and CDK 2 were investigated using immuno
expression analysis.

Results:
Treatment of boldine protected the liver against reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide,
protein carbonyl, and lipid peroxide during hepatocarcinogenesis by boosted antioxidants-superoxide
dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT). Boldine caused a substantial enhanced detoxification process by moderating
phase I and II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Besides, the study found that boldine significantly inhibited
the cellular proliferative markers like PCNA and Ki67 and regulated the specific cell cycle-associated proteins
by up-regulated expression of p21Cip1/Kip1and p27 Cip1/Kip1 and down-regulated expression of Cyclin D1, CDK 4, Cyclin
E1, and CDK 2.

Conclusion:
Our data manifests the anti-proliferative effect of boldine, which negatively modulates cellular proliferation and regulates cell cycle by protecting the cell from reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that boldine establish it as a chemopreventive agent in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
Therapies of Hematological Malignancies: An Overview of the Potential Targets and Their Inhibitors
Authors: Banerjee Suvankar , Amin Sk. Abdul , Jha Tarun 
Published: February 2021

Background:
The term “hematological malignancy” means a cluster
of cancer and tumor conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative
neoplasm, lymphoproliferative disorders, etc., involved with circulatory organs
like blood, bone marrow, lymph, and lymph nodes.

Introduction:
The increase in the number of hematological malignancy-related
cases in our modern society urges suitable treatment of such disease. In this current
era, there is still a major deficiency in the number of suitable chemotherapeutic
agents for the treatment of hematological malignancies.

Methods:
The researchers were successful in identifying various cellular, extracellular
proteins, and cytokines, as well as their involvement in different hematological
malignancies via epigenetic modulation and regulation of other proteins
and signaling pathways. Here, we have discussed the structural aspects, connection,
and pathophysiological contributions of a group of different cellular and extracellular
proteins that are regulated and/or have a significant influence on the
progression of different hematological malignancies along with their potent inhibitors.

Result and Conclusion:
The correlation of physiological proteins with cancerous
hematological conditions has been discussed here. It can be crucial for the development
of potent inhibitors as chemotherapeutic agents to contest such malignancies.
This review will also be useful in the chemotherapeutic agent development
by providing crucial information about such hematological malignancy-related
proteins and their inhibitors. The repurposed drugs with potential for anticancer
applications are also discussed.
High-Throughput Determination of Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9) using UPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Al-Dosseri Abdullah S. , Alam Mohd A. , Al-Jenoobi Fahad I. 
Published: February 2021

Background:
To prevent vitamin deficiencies or to restore their levels, multi-vitamin
formulations are indicated for the elderly, adults, children, and infants.

Objective:
To provide a valid high-throughput method for simultaneous determination of vitamins
in multi-vitamin formulations.

Methods:
A high-throughput UPLC-ESI-MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous
determination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9. Analytes were eluted on an Acquity
UPLC® BEH C18 1.7 μm, 2.1 x 50 mm column at 40 ± 5°C. Mobile phase containing acetonitrile
(0.1% formic acid) and water (0.1% formic acid) in 30:70% ratio was pumped at 300 μL/min
under isocratic control. Protonated ions of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9 were monitored
in single ion recording mode, using an electrospray ionization probe in positive mode.

Results:
The m/z ratios of positive ions of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9 were 265.1,
377.2, 122.95, 220, 169.98, 244.9, and 442.1, respectively. The calibration curve of different linearity
range (ng/ml) was prepared for each vitamin. Linearity range for vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6,
B7, and B9 were 60-1000, 25-1000, 75-5000, 30-1000, 30/1000, 25/1000 and 30-900 25-1000
ng/mL, respectively. Coefficient of variation for intra-day and inter-day precision for vitamin B1,
B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9 at the middle and higher limit of quantitation were less than 15%.

Conclusion:
The method was successfully developed and validated, and three different brands of
multi-vitamin tablets were assayed for water-soluble vitamins.
Image Enhancement with Improved Global and Local Visual Effects
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Song Yinglei 
Published: February 2021

Background:
In many applications of image processing, the enhancement of images is
often a step necessary for their preprocessing. In general, for an enhanced image, the visual contrast
as a whole and its refined local details are both crucial for achieving accurate results for subsequent
classification or analysis.

Objective:
This paper proposes a new approach for image enhancement such that the global and local
visual effects of an enhanced image can both be significantly improved.

Methods:
The approach utilizes the normalized incomplete Beta transform to map pixel intensities
from an original image to its enhanced one. An objective function that consists of two parts is optimized
to determine the parameters in the transform. One part of the objective function reflects the
global visual effects in the enhanced image and the other one evaluates the enhanced visual effects
on the most important local details in the original image. The optimization of the objective function
is performed with an optimization technique based on the particle swarm optimization method.

Results:
Experimental results show that the approach is suitable for the automatic enhancement of images.

Conclusion:
The proposed approach can significantly improve both the global and visual contrasts
of the image.
Effects of COVID-19 Emergency Alert Text Messages on Practicing Preventive Behaviors: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey in South Korea
Authors: Lee Minjung , You Myoungsoon 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging can be a promising communication tool to rapidly disseminate information and promote preventive behavior among the public during epidemic outbreaks. The battle to overcome COVID-19 is not yet over; thus, it is essential that the public practices preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reading and obtaining information via emergency alert SMS text messages and their effects on the individual's practice of preventive behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey comprising 990 participants was conducted over 3 days (March 25-27, 2020). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the sociodemographic factors that might influence the behavior of reading emergency alert text messages. A hierarchical linear regression model estimated the associations between reading emergency alert text messages for each precautionary behavior practiced against COVID-19. Additionally, the indirect effects of reading the text messages on each precautionary behavior via psychological factors (ie, perceived risk and response efficacy) were calculated. All data were weighted according to the 2019 Korea census data.ResultsOverall, 49.2% (487/990) of the participants reported that they always read emergency alert text messages and visited the linked website to obtain more information. Factors such as female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.21) and older age (30-39 years: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; 40-49 years: OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.80-4.47; 50-59 years: OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.01-5.06; 60 years and above: OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.00-4.86 versus 18-29 years) were identified to be associated with a higher frequency of reading the text messages. Participants who always read the text messages practiced wearing facial masks (β=.074, P=.01) more frequently than those who did not. In terms of social distancing, participants who reported they always read the text messages avoided crowded places (β=.078, P=.01) and canceled or postponed social gatherings (β=.103, P<.001) more frequently than those who did not read the text messages. Furthermore, reading text messages directly and indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors, as the mediation effect of response efficacy between reading text messages and practicing preventive behaviors was significant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that emergency alert text messages sent to individuals' mobile phones are timely and effective strategies for encouraging preventive behavior in public. Sending emergency alert text messages to provide the public with accurate and reliable information could be positively considered by the health authorities, which might reduce the negative impact of infodemics.
Determinants of Knowledge About Dietary Supplements Among Polish Internet Users: Nationwide Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Karbownik Michał Seweryn , Horne Robert , Paul Ewelina , Kowalczyk Edward , Szemraj Janusz 
Published: February 2021

Background
An accurate understanding of dietary supplements (DS) is a prerequisite for informed decisions regarding their intake. However, there is a need for studies on this understanding among the public based on validated research tools.

Objective
This study aims to assess the knowledge about DS among Polish internet users with no medical education and to identify its determinants and design an appropriate predictive model.

Methods
The study protocol was prospectively registered with a statistical analysis plan. Polish users of a web-based health service and a social networking service were administered a survey consisting of the recently developed questionnaire on knowledge about DS, the questionnaire on trust in advertising DS, the beliefs about medicines questionnaire, and several other health-related single-item measures and sociodemographic questions. The results were subjected to general linear modeling.

Results
A total of 6273 participants were included. Of the 17 yes or no questions in the questionnaire of knowledge about DS, the mean number of correct responses was 9.0 (95% CI 8.9-9.1). Health service users performed worse than social networking users by 2.3 points (95% CI 2.1-2.5) in an analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Internet users had fewer true beliefs about DS if they presented higher trust in their advertising (adjusted β=−.37; 95% CI −.39 to −.34), used DS (adjusted β=−.14; 95% CI −.17 to −.12), experienced their positive effect (adjusted β=−.16; 95% CI −.18 to −.13), were older or younger than 35 years (adjusted β=−.14; 95% CI −.17 to −.12), expressed interest in the topic of DS (adjusted β=−.10; 95% CI −.13 to −.08), reported getting information about the products from friends (adjusted β=−.13; 95% CI −.15 to −.11), and believed that medicines are harmful (adjusted β=−.12; 95% CI −.15 to −.10). The proposed 5-predictor model could explain 31.2% of the variance in knowledge about DS. The model appeared resistant to overfitting and was able to forecast most of the observed associations.

Conclusions
Polish internet users with no medical education exhibit some false beliefs regarding DS. Trusting the advertising of DS appears to conflict with knowledge about them. There is an urgent need for effective web-based educational campaigns on DS and the promotion of advertising literacy. After the proposed predictive model is externally validated, it may help identify the least informed target audience.
Am Synthesis, Docking Study and In vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Some New Flurbiprofen Derivatives Against MCF-7 and WRL-68 Cell Lines
Authors: Hmood Kasim S. , Kubba Ammar A. Razzak  Mahmood , Al-bayati Redha  I , Saleh Abdulrahman M. 
Published: February 2021

A new series of flurbiprofen derivatives containing thiosemicarbazide moiety (3-7) was synthesized from flurbiprofen as parent nucleus by esterification, hydrazide formation, and heating with different aryl isothiocyanate substituents, respectively. Flurbiprofen was also treated with thiosemicarbazide in the presence POCl3 as a catalyst, to produce 1,3,4 -thiadiazole -2-amine (8). Treatment of (8) with different aryl isothiocyanates produced thiourea derivatives (9-12). Also, the reaction of (8) with different benzoyl chloride substituents produced benzamide compounds (13-15). Eventually , treatment of (8) with ethyl acetoacetate(EAA) produced [1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-7-one (16) .The new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques :FTIR, 1HNMR, and CHNS analysis. A molecular docking study for the synthesized compounds (3-16), against the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor (VEGFR-2) was applied and it indicated that compounds 4,7,13, and 15,exhibited the optimum binding energy of -6.77, -6.12,-6.68, and -6.43 kcal/mol, respectively. Target compounds were also assessed for their in vitro anticancer effects in a cell-line study. All of the compounds tested showed the most plausible anticancer activity, compared to a positive control(Sorafenib), using in vitro MTT cytotoxic assay ,against human breast tumor (MCF-7), and normal WRL-68 cell line. The in vitro results revealed that compounds 4,5,10,11,13, and 15 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity at their IC50 concentrations, against MCF-7 cell lines, as follows (122.7,113.9,95,7. 109.1,40.32 and 112.29µg/mL, respectively. While their cytotoxic effect against normal WRL-68 cell line at their IC50 concentrations, as follow 210.2, 181.3 ,151.7,278.7,80.28, and 236 µg/mL, respectively, therefore, such compounds were considered more selective toward MCF-7 than normal WRL-68,and their selectivity index (SI): 1.71,1.59,1.59 ,2.55 ,1.99 , and 2.10,respectively . Among the synthesized compounds, the compound 15 was chosen to screen its effect in vitro through multi-parameter cytotoxic assay against MCF-7 breast cancer implemented in High Content Screening (ArrayScan XTI, Thermo Scientific),which could be taken in consideration as a starting point for the development of new anticancer drugs
EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF ZANTHOXYLUM OVALIFOLIUM LEAF EXTRACTS
Authors: K. ARUN , J. H. VIRUPAKSHA 
Published: February 2021

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium on alloxan induced diabetic rat model in rats.
Methods: The leaves of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium were evaluated for antidiabetic activity by using alloxan induced diabetic model in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg) and rats were treated orally with test extracts, standard drug (glibenclamide 5 mg/kg) and vehicle for 21 d. The hypoglycemic effects and lipid profile of diabetic rats were assessed using diagnostic kits. Finally, histopathological studies were carried out for pancreas.
Results: The acute toxicity studies revealed at the dose of 2000 mg/kg (b. w) of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium for ethanol and aqueous extract were found to be safe. A significant reduction (p<0.001) in blood glucose was observed in diabetic rats treated with different doses of extracts compared to untreated diabetic rats. The drug possesses a good hyperlipidemic effect by normalizing the lipid parameters. This was evidenced by histopathological studies; both glibenclamide and 400 mg/kg of Ethanolic extract does appear to be regulated diabetes at the cellular level, resulting in the restoration of near normal architecture pancreatic islet of langerhans.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from our research findings that ethanolic and aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum ovalifoliumat high dose (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity than extract at low dose (200 mg/kg) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. These extracts also showed improvement in parameters like lipid profile as well as regeneration β-cells in the pancreas and so might be of value in diabetes treatment.
La economía de la pandemia: efectos, medidas y perspectivas económicas ante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en el sector manufacturero de México
Authors: Torres Preciado Víctor Hugo 
Published: February 2021

<p>El objetivo de esta investigación consiste en analizar los efectos que algunas medidas de contención de la pandemia de la COVID 19 pudieron ejercer en el funcionamiento de la economía mexicana. En particular, mediante un modelo económico-epidemiológico de vectores autoregresivos que busca aproximar la secuencia de efectos observados ante el brote de contagios, se analizan los efectos dinámicos de variaciones inesperadas en variables económicas clave. Se enfatiza la respuesta del consumo, empleo y producción través de un análisis contrafactual a partir del mes en que inicia la pandemia en México. Los resultados con información del sector manufacturero, sugieren que el consumo es una variable que incentivada mediante medidas económicas y protocolos de seguridad sanitaria adecuados, puede contribuir a la estabilización de la economía. Un resultado notable sugiere que los brotes de enfermedades con un daño potencial a la salud humana similares a la COVID 19, tendría efectos negativos directos en la economía.</p><p> </p>