bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-drug resistance and nosocomial infections of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Motbinor Hilina , Mulu Wondemagegn , Bereded Fetlework 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background:Multi-drug resistant(MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are major causes of nosocomial infections globally. They are the current World Health Organization critical priority pathogens for resistance and discovery of new antibiotics. However, there is paucity of data on nosocomial infections caused by such superbugs in Ethiopia.Therfore, this study determined the magnitude and profile of nosocomial MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Felegehiwot referral hospital from April 1 to July 31, 2018.A total of 238 patients presumptive for blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site nosocomial infections were enrolled using convenient sampling technique.Either blood, urine and wound swab specimens were collected and processed using standard bacteriological procedures.A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques and confirmed by automated Vitek2 Compact.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on isolates was performed using the disk diffusion technique.The results interpreted as per the standard zone sizes of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.Chi-square test was done to determine associations among variables.P.value< 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Results:The median age of participants was 29 years.Overall, 20(8.4%) of patients had nosocomial MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections.The proportion of nosocomial MDR blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site infections were 13(8.9%),5(8.3%) and 2(6.3%), respectively. The mean age of patients with nosocomial infection was significantly lower (24.9 years) than their counter parts (29.6years) (P=0.035). All isolates of nosocomial infections were from patients with intravenous catheterization.The frequency of nosocomial MDR A.baumannii infection was 9(3.8%) and for P.aeruginosa nosocomial infections was 11(4.6%). A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were 100% MDR.MDR A.baumannii isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin and piperacillin.MDR P.aeruginosa isolates was 100% resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone.On the other hand, A.baumannii isolates showed 36.4% and 44.5% resistance against ciprofloxacin and meropenem while P.aeruginosa isolates revealed 33.3% and 45.5% resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Conclusions:Health care associated MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections are critical problems in the study area.Therefore,urgent focused interventions required to contain the spreading of MDR NIs.Treatment of NIs for patients on health care should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Bactericidal Efficacy of Meropenem in Combination with Cefmetazole against IMP-producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Abe Ryuichiro , Hagiya Hideharu , Akeda Yukihiro , Yamamoto Norihisa , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tomono Kazunori 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are among the most severe threats to public and clinical health because of their high levels of resistance to various antibiotics. We assessed the efficacy of combination therapy with meropenem (MEM) and cefmetazole (CMZ) against IMP-producing CRE, using the checkerboard method and time-killing assay on 13 Enterobacteriaceae isolates harboring blaIMP-1 (4 Enterobacter hormaechei, 5 Escherichia coli, and 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates) and 13 isolates harboring blaIMP-6 (8 E. coli and 5 K. pneumoniae isolates). Results: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEM and CMZ ranged from 2 to 64 and 64 to 2048 μg/mL, respectively. Checkerboard method demonstrated the synergy of the MEM/CMZ combination in all the tested IMP-producing CRE isolates, and the time-kill assay indicated a bactericidal effect for both blaIMP-1 and blaIMP-6 positive CRE when MEM/CMZ combination was used. In vitro, the MEM/CMZ combination was potentially effective against IMP-1- or IMP-6-producing CRE. Further investigations including in vivo animal studies and clinical studies are warranted to corroborate the clinical utility of the novel combination therapy.
Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a cross-sectional prospective single-center study
Authors: Cobra Sandra de Barros , Rodrigues Marcelo Palmeira , de Melo Felipe Xavier , Ferreira Nathali Mireise Costa , Soares Viviane Vieira Passini , Amado Verônica Moreira , Silva César Augusto Melo e 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension worsens the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is associated with chronic respiratory failure in advanced disease. However, little is known about the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension and subsequent right ventricular dysfunction in non-advanced IPF patients without hypoxemia at rest. We evaluated right ventricular dysfunction in non-advanced IPF patients and examined the association of right ventricular dysfunction with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) at rest and during exercise. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with blood oxygen saturation levels ≥92% at rest, Gender-Age-Physiology Index ≤5, modified Medical Research Council scale score ≤3, and no history of oxygen therapy. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at rest and during cardiopulmonary exercise. Ventricular function was analyzed by measuring conventional parameters and right ventricular global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The t-test was used to compare means of independent samples. Results: Abnormal speckle-tracking echocardiography findings were identified in 10/27 patients (37%), indicating right ventricular dysfunction (mean mPAP: 21.6 ± 5.5 mmHg at rest, 42.2 ± 14.1 mmHg during maximal exercise). Significant differences in mPAP were observed between patients with right ventricular dysfunction and those without dysfunction (at rest: 26.0 ± 4.8 vs. 19.1 ± 4.2 mmHg, p = 0.001; during exercise: 51.3 ± 6.4 vs. 36.9 ± 14.7 mmHg, p = 0.002). Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in 37% of non-advanced IPF patients and was associated with increased mPAP at rest and during exercise. Early recognition was only possible using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Conclusions: Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in 37% of non-advanced IPF patients and was associated with increased mPAP at rest and during exercise. Special attention should be given to these patients, as right ventricular dysfunction is suggestive of worse prognosis. These patients could benefit from new specific drugs or even oxygen therapy for transitory hypoxia.
Assessment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Sterile Pyuria among Antenatal Attendants in hospitals in Northern Ghana
Authors: Karikari Akosua Bonsu , Saba Courage Kosi Setsoafia , Yamik David Yembilla 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and sterile pyuria (SP) are complexities of UTI whose prevalence are not known in the northern sector of Ghana. Our aim was to determine the occurrence of sterile pyuria and asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women accessing antenatal care at a secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Tamale, northern Ghana.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted by screening 530 pregnant women with no signs of acute urinary tract infection attending antenatal clinic for a period of 6 months. Midstream urine was collected for microscopy, quantitative urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.Results Of the 390 and 90 women screened for ASB, prevalence was 20% and 35.5% respectively at Tamale Central and Tamale Teaching Hospital. Sterile pyuria was found among 66% of the 50 women presenting at Tamale Central Hospital. More than 64% of isolates recovered from ASB patients were S. aureus and coagulase negative Staph. ( CoNS ). Escherichia coli was the dominant species among members of the enterobacteriaceae isolated. Highest susceptibility was recorded against gentamicin and amikacin while most resistance was to Ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Resistance to imipenem and vancomycin were 28.8% and 52%, with strains showing multiple drug resistance of between 81-92%.Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomac bacteriuria is appreciably higher (20-35.5%) than documented rates in the southern sector of the country. The presence of sterile pyuria which may be an indication of asymptomatic renal impairment and most often overlooked in antenatal management is 66%. Empirical treatment of UTIs at the Tamale Central and Teaching Hospital without confirmation of susceptibility may result in treatment failure. It is necessary to screen and treat pregnant women for ASB and SP due to the complications associated with these conditions.
Development of Silver Nanoparticles/Gelatin Thermoresponsive Nanocomposites: Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Galdopórpora Juan M. , Morcillo Marina F. , Ibar Angelina , Perez Claudio J. , Tuttolomondo Maria V. , Desimone Martin F. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Skin and soft tissue infections involve microbial invasion of the skin and underlying soft
tissues. To overcome this problem, nanocomposites were obtained using gelatin as a biopolymer scaffold and
silver nanoparticles as a wide spectrum antimicrobial agent. Water and glycerol have been used as solvents for the
gelatin hydrogel synthesis. This mixture led to a stable and homogeneous biomaterial with improved mechanical
properties.

Methods:
Silver nanoparticles were characterized using SEM, EDS and TEM. Moreover, the AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite
obtained using these nanoparticles was characterized using SEM and FTIR. Moreover, mechanical and
swelling properties were studied.

Results:
The storage modulus was 3000 Pa for gelatin hydrogels and reached 5800 Pa for AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite.
Silver nanoparticles have been studied as an alternative to antibiotics. Importantly, the rate of silver
release was modulated as a function of the temperature of the nanocomposite. Thus, the silver release from the
nanocomposites at 24 °C and 38 °C was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The silver release reached
25% after 24 h at 24 °C, while a 75% release was achieved at 38°C in the same period, showing the material
thermoresponsive behavior. AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite showed a deleterious effect over 99.99% of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, leading to a material with antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion:
AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties and silver nanoparticles as a
source of silver ions has been synthesized. The properties of the nanocomposite with controlled silver delivery
result in a more efficient topical pharmaceutical form for wound healing applications.
Cytochalasin D Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells via p38-MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Qingcheng , Zhuang Yu , Ouyang Ningjuan , Yu Hongbo 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Bone defect caused by trauma, tumor resection, infection or
congenital malformation is a common clinical disease. Bone tissue engineering is
regarded as a promising way of bone defect reconstruction. Thus, agents that can
promote osteogenesis have received great attention. Cytochalasin D (Cyto D), a
metabolite derived from molds, proves to be able to modify actin, reorganize
cytoskeleton, and then promote the osteogenic differentiation.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Cyto
D on osteogenic differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells.

Methods:
The optimum concentration of Cyto D was explored. The osteogenic
differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by Cyto D was assessed by alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, western blotting and
quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, a specific
pathway inhibitor was utilized to explore whether MAPK pathways were involved in this
process.

Results:
The results showed that the optimized concentration of action was 10-2µg/ml.
The expression of Runx2, OCN and OSX was up-regulated by the supplement of Cyto
D. ALP activity, calcium deposition, and phosphorylation level of p38 protein were also
improved. Inhibition of the pathway significantly reduced the activation of p38, and the
expression of osteogenic-related genes.

Conclusion:
Cyto D can promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 cells via the
p38-MAPK signaling pathway, but not the ERK1/2 or JNK, and it is a potential agent to
improve the osteogenesis of MC3T3 cells.
Bryophyllum Pinnatum: A Review on Medicinal Benefits and Potent Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Kumar Punit , Malik Sujata , Dubey Kashyap K. 
Published: October 2019

Background:Since its inception, people are using herbal extracts as natural remedies for the treatment of various diseases. Bryophyllum pinnatum, also known as the air plant, is a well-recognized herb used in folk medicine. It is native to Madagascar and further planted in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. It is known for the profusion of miniature plantlets which arise from the margins of phylloclade.Objective:The aim of this review is to provide the information regarding local and traditional uses, pharmacological activities and different phytochemicals reported from leaves extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum.Methods:This review article contains a detailed survey of the literature about Bryophyllum pinnatum available in different online databases, such as; PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc. In this review, authors have focused on ethnopharmacological importance and phytochemicals present in Bryophyllum pinnatum and their structure. The structures of the phytochemical were prepared by the ChemDraw tool.Results:This plant is used as a traditional herbal medicine around the globe due to medicinal properties like; anthelmintic, immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anticonvulsant and antipyretic. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of many bioactive compounds like; alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, glycosides, bufadienolides, lipids, and organic acids, etc. which are associated with different medicinal properties.Conclusion:Bryophyllum pinnatum possesses diverse pharmacological importance and remarkable medicinal properties. Investigators have reported a large number of phytochemicals exhibiting different medicinal properties and correlation of medicinal properties.
Endophytic Fungi - An Untapped Source of Potential Antioxidants
Authors: Mishra Rahul C. , Goel Mayurika , Barrow Colin J. , Deshmukh Sunil K. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Antioxidants are the substances that interact inside and outside of a biological
system against the damaging effects of highly reactive free radicals produced during metabolism.
Among various natural alternative sources of bioactive metabolites, endophytic fungi have emerged as a
significant reservoir of potent antioxidant compounds. These scantly explored micro-organisms are
prolific producers of novel compounds and have the capability to produce metabolites that are exclusively
isolated from Plantae. A wide array of compounds like nucleobases, polyketides, terpenoids,
flavonoids, coumarins, xanthones, semiquinones, peptides, and phenolic acids have been identified as
natural antioxidants produced by these micro-organisms.

Methods:
A detailed review of the literature published recently was undertaken using bibliographic
database like Sci-finder and Google scholar. Questions to be reviewed and criteria for selection as a part
of the study were fixed. The key features like information on the structure of isolated metabolites and
antioxidant activities were summarised after a critical examination. A skeleton was established which
gives insight into the type of novel chemical moieties which can be explored as a future antioxidant (s).

Results:
The review substantially covers the recently discovered compounds, in the period 2013 – 2018,
having potent antioxidant activity, isolated from endophytic fungi colonizing diverse plant types such as
terrestrial plants, mangrove plants and marine algae. Among the 96 compounds discussed here, thirtynine
are from the first report of their occurrence. The present study reports 96 compounds obtained from
34 endophytic fungi out of which 15 fungi belonging to 13 genera of Ascomycetes produced 44 compounds,
14 fungi belonging to 5 genera of hyphomycetes yielded 33 compounds and 6 fungi belonging
to 2 genera of Coelomycetes yielded 19 compounds.

:
The antioxidant potency of these compounds against different free radicals is briefly described and some
details such as host organisms, plant sources, place of collection and the antioxidant properties of these
compounds are tabulated in this review.

Conclusion:
Some of these free radical scavengers have shown wide applications in the food and pharmaceutical
industry as potential food preservatives, nutraceuticals, antibacterial, anticancer and antifungal
agents. This review aims at highlighting some of the novel compounds isolated recently from endophytic
fungi, and their applications as potential antioxidant candidates.
Aqueous Extract of Matricaria pubescens Exhibits Antihypertensive Activity in L-NAME-induced Hypertensive Rats through its Vasorelaxant Effect
Authors: Amssayef Ayoub , Eddouks Mohamed 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Matricaria pubescens is a medicinal plant from North Africa. This plant is
widely used in alternative medicine as a remedy against rheumatism, inflammation, diabetes and hypertension.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible antihypertensive and vasodilator activity of
the aqueous extract of Matricaria pubescens (M. pubescens).

Material and Methods:
In the current study, the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of M. pubescens
(AEMP) was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl
ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats.

Results:
The results indicated that AEMP reduced the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure
in hypertensive rats but not in normotensive rats. The data revealed that AEMP exhibits its antihypertensive
effect through vasorelaxant activity. More interestingly, this study approved that the vasorelaxant
capacity of AEMP seems to be mediated through vascular cyclooxygenase pathway, the
opening of K+ channels and sGC-cGMP induction pathway.

Conclusion:
The study illustrates the beneficial action of M. pubescens as an antihypertensive agent.
Mechanism Underlying the Formation of a Cluster of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kseneva Svetlana Igorevna , Borodulina Elena Valentinovna , Udut Vladimir Vasilievich , Fisenko Vladimir Petrovich 
Published: October 2019

Background:
The concept of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a cluster of risk factors of type
2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has undergone some evolutionary transformations over the past
years. Integrating the autonomic dysfunction into the pathogenesis of MetS creates the possibility of
including a range of nosologies affecting treatment and clinical manifestations of pathologies belonging
to MetS into the MetS cluster. The purpose of this work is to determine the involvement of autonomic
dysfunction in the pathogenesis of associated pathological conditions in patients and MetS.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 158 patients with metabolic
syndrome. The patients underwent a physical examination, including BMI; a blood chemistry test with
the determination of the hormonal status (insulin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone); a 24-hour monitoring
of blood pressure (BP); an assessment of heart rate variability; studies showing the presence of
gastric reflux (рН-measurement) or its damaging impact (endoscopy); men were tested with the IPSSQOL
questionnaire and underwent transrectal ultrasound of the prostate and ultrasound of the bladder.

Results:
It is revealed that because of MetS, the occurrence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy reaches
37.5%. Some features of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with MetS are shown. Regurgitation
prevails in the structure of complaints. In case of fibrogastroduodenoscopy, an endoscopynegative
form of the disease occurs in 38%. According to the data of daily pH-measurement, when
DeMeester score is high, in the supine position, 25% of the time accounts for alkaline reflux (рН > 7).
It is found out that young men experience the enlargement of prostate volume and size; according to
the IPSS questionnaire, the scores correspond to the initial manifestations of hyperplastic diseases of
the prostate gland due to insulin resistance and normal level of androgens.

Conclusions:
The paper demonstrates that the autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system (on a par
with insulin resistance) is the main link in the development of MetS. This provides the basis for including
the mentioned states – cardiac autonomic neuropathy, lower urinary tract symptoms, and gastroesophageal
reflux disease – into the MetS cluster..
Preparation and Characterization of CuO/ZnO/PVDF/PAN Nanofiber Composites by Bubble-electrospinning
Authors: Wei Fang , Ling Liu , Lan Xu 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Nanocomposites loaded with metal oxides, such as CuO and ZnO, have excellent
optical, electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, which result in their great potential applications
in optoelectronic devices, sensors, photocatalysts and other fields. Especially, electrospun metal-
oxide-loaded nanofibers have attracted much attention in many fields. However, the single-needle
Electrospinning (ES) inhibits the industrial application of these electrospun nanofiber composites.
Bubble-Electrospinning (BE) is an effective free surface ES for mass production of nanofiber membranes
loaded with metal oxide. Few relevant patents to the topic have been reviewed and introduced.

Methods:
The BE was used to prepare mass production of Cu(Ac)2 /Zn(Ac)2/ PVDF/ PAN Composite
Nanofiber Membranes (CNFMs). Then PVDF/PAN CNFMs containing CuO and ZnO nanocrystals
were obtained by heat-treatment. Finally, CuO nanosheets and ZnO nanorods were successfully grown
on the surface of PVDF/PAN CNFMs using hydrothermal method. In addition, the morphology and
crystal structure of CNFMs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray
Powder Diffractometer (XRD).

Results:
The morphology and crystal structure of the samples were characterized by SEM and XRD.
The results showed the heat treatment temperature of 150oC and the hydrothermal temperature of
150oC were the optimal process parameters for the fabrication of PVDF/PAN CNFMs loaded with
CuO and ZnO nanocrystals, and a higher heat treatment temperature results in higher crystallinity of
ZnO and CuO.

Conclusion:
CuO/ZnO/PVDF/PAN CNFMs were successfully prepared by a combination of BE, heattreatment
and hydrothermal method. The ZnO/CuO beads obtained by heat treatment is the key point
of growing ZnO/CuO nanocrystals, and the growth temperature has great effect on the morphology of
ZnO/CuO nanocrystals.