bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional Medicine in Syria: Folk Medicine in Aleppo Governorate
Authors: Alachkar Amal , Jaddouh Ahmad , Elsheikh Muhammad Salem , Bilia Anna Rita , Vincieri Franco Francesco 
Published: March 2019

The use of Traditional Arabic Medicine (TAM) for various diseases has been popular but scarcely studied in Syria. In the present study, we carried out ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological research on the plants traditionally used to cure various diseases in northern Syria. The information was collected from the city and villages of the Aleppo governorate “Mohaafazah” in the north of Syria, collecting data directly on the basis of a detailed survey of inhabitants and herbalists. In this survey, we found that hundreds of plant species are still in use in TAM for the treatment of various diseases. We selected the most common 100 species, used in the treatment of more than 25 diseases. Among these plants, 53 are used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, 38 for respiratory system diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and cough, 34 for skin diseases, 21 for diabetes, 17 for kidney and urinary disorders, 16 for cardiac disorders, 14 for infertility and sexual impotency, 13 for treating liver diseases, 13 for several types of cancer, 9 for enhancing breast milk excretion, 8 for weight loss, 5 for reducing cholesterol, and three for weight gain. Plants were collected and identified: scientific Latin names, local names, the used parts of the plant, the herbal preparations and the local medical uses are described. Scientific literature concerning the activity of the investigated species is also reported and discussed according to their traditional uses.
Aconitum lipo-alkaloids – Semisynthetic Products of the Traditional Medicine
Authors: Borcsa Botond , Csupor Dezső , Forgo Peter , Widowitz Ute , Bauer Rudolf , Hohmann Judit 
Published: March 2019

The term lipo-alkaloid is used for C19 aconitane alkaloids containing one or two long-chain fatty acid residues. Lipo-alkaloids are transesterified derivatives of the most toxic and highly effective diester-type diterpene alkaloids, such as aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine. Lipo-alkaloids are native minor compounds of aconite drugs, but their amount significantly increases after traditional processing, which is a general method in the Far Eastern traditional medicinal systems. Analytical works demonstrated that cautious processing (usually boiling) of crude aconite roots decreases the amount of normal diterpene alkaloids and increases the concentration of lipo-alkaloids resulting in the reduction of toxicity of the drugs. Many papers reported that lipo-alkaloids occur as a complex mixture in the drugs, and the isolation of the individual components is extremely difficult. These compounds have been identified using highly sensitive analytical methods (HPLC-MS, NMR), and semisynthetic approaches have been developed to ensure lipo-alkaloids in pure form for pharmacological studies. This review summarizes the structure, chemistry, semisynthesis, analytics and bioactivities of lipo-alkaloids. On the basis of 32 references this is the first comprehensive study on this topic, covering the data of 173 compounds.
Biological Activity of Bicyclic and Tricyclic Diterpenoids from Salvia Species of Immediate Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Interest
Authors: Bonito Maria Carmela , Cicala Carla , Marcotullio Maria Carla , Maione Francesco , Mascolo Nicola 
Published: March 2019

Diterpenoids are a class of compounds that derive from the condensation of four isoprene units that leads to a wide variety of complex chemical structures, including acyclic bi-, tri-and tetra-cyclic compounds; in Salvia species, only bi-, tri-and tetra-cyclic compounds have been found. This review covers a wide range of biological activities and mode of action of diterpenoids isolated from Salvia species that might raise some pharmacological and pharmaceutical interest. We have produced a synoptic table where the biological activities of the main active principles are summarized. Our analysis emphasizes that diterpenoids from Salvia species continue to be a plant defence system since their antimicrobic activity. Experimental studies show that most of diterpenoids considered have cytotoxic and / or antiproliferative activity. Some of them have also cardiovascular and central effects. In a less extended manner, diterpenoids from Salvia species show gastrointestinal, urinary, antinflammatory, antidiabetic, ipolipidemic and antiaggregating effects. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been developed in order to investigate the real value of Salvia extracts treatment; results obtained are promising and confer scientific basis in the use of medicinal plants from folk medicine.
Isolation of the Volatile Oil from Satureja thymbra by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Chemical Composition and Biological Activity
Authors: Piras Alessandra , Cocco Viviana , Falconieri Danilo , Porcedda Silvia , Marongiu Bruno , Maxia Andrea , Frau Maria Assunta , Gonçalves Maria J. , Cavaleiro Carlos , Salgueiro Ligia 
Published: March 2019

Satureja thymbra L. is well known in Italy by the popular name of “Santoreggia sarda”. It grows only in Sardinia and nowadays it is restricted to the slope of the Colle San Michele in Cagliari. The composition of the aromatic extracts obtained by supercritical CO2 and by hydrodistillation and their antifungal activity is reported. The collected extracts were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS methods. No significant differences were observed in the composition of the volatile extracts depending on the extraction method. The results showed the presence of thymol, γ-terpinene, β-caryophyllene, p-cymene, carvacrol and borneol as main components. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were used to evaluate the antifungal activity of the oils against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. guillermondii, C. parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, T. verrucosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus and A. flavus. The volatile extracts revealed a wide-spectrum antifungal activity. They were fungicidal and similarly potent against yeasts, dermatophyte and Aspergillus stains, with MICs ranging from 0.16 to 0.32 μL.mL−1.
Application to Classification of Mulberry Leaves using Multivariate Analysis of Proton NMR Metabolomic Data
Authors: Fukuda Eriko , Yoshida Motoyuki , Baba Masaki , Uesawa Yoshihiro , Suzuki Ryuichiro , Kamo Osamu , Tsubono Koji , Arifuku Kazunori , Yatsunami Kazuhisa , Okada Yoshihito 
Published: March 2019

Recently, NMR-based metabolomic analysis has been used to acquire information based on differentiation among biological samples. In the present study, we examined whether multivariate analysis was able to be applied to natural products and/or material field. Each extraction of 24 leaf samples, divided into six locations from the tip of the stem in each of four strains, was analyzed by pattern recognition methods, known as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA). Twenty-four extracts from mulberry leaf showed independent spectra by 1H NMR. The separation of leaf extraction data due to the difference at six locations was achieved in the PCA score plot as correlation PC1 (86.1%) and PC3 (4.6%) and showed two loading plots, suggesting classification by leaf position as an independent variable in the loading plot. Moreover, the difference among six locations clarified the seven highest discrimination powers by the SIMCA method. Meanwhile, the PCA score plot obtained classification by the variety of mulberry strains with three loading plots, but the SIMCA method did not give a peak by classification. Our findings demonstrate that NMR multivariate analysis was able to be applied to the classification of mulberry leaf extracts by leaf position and strain.
Gas Chromatographic Quantitative Analysis of Methanol in Wine: Operative Conditions, Optimization and Calibration Model Choice
Authors: Caruso Rosario , Gambino Grazia Laura , Scordino Monica , Sabatino Leonardo , Traulo Pasqualino , Gagliano Giacomo 
Published: March 2019

The influence of the wine distillation process on methanol content has been determined by quantitative analysis using gas chromatographic flame ionization (GC-FID) detection. A comparative study between direct injection of diluted wine and injection of distilled wine was performed. The distillation process does not affect methanol quantification in wines in proportions higher than 10%. While quantification performed on distilled samples gives more reliable results, a screening method for wine injection after a 1:5 water dilution could be employed. The proposed technique was found to be a compromise between the time consuming distillation process and direct wine injection. In the studied calibration range, the stability of the volatile compounds in the reference solution is concentration-dependent. The stability is higher in the less concentrated reference solution. To shorten the operation time, a stronger temperature ramp and carrier flow rate was employed. With these conditions, helium consumption and column thermal stress were increased. However, detection limits, calibration limits, and analytical method performances are not affected substantially by changing from normal to forced GC conditions. Statistical data evaluation were made using both ordinary (OLS) and bivariate least squares (BLS) calibration models. Further confirmation was obtained that limit of detection (LOD) values, calculated according to the 3σ approach, are lower than the respective Hubaux-Vos (H-V) calculation method. H-V LOD depends upon background noise, calibration parameters and the number of reference standard solutions employed in producing the calibration curve. These remarks are confirmed by both calibration models used.
High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein in Osteoarthritic Knee Tissue and Chondrogenic Progenitor Cells: An Ex Vivo and In Vitro Study
Authors: Wagner Gunar , Lehmann Christoph , Bode Christa , Miosge Nicolai , Schubert Andrea 
Published: March 2019

Objective In osteoarthritis (OA), a loss of healthy cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) results in cartilage degeneration. Attracting chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) to injury sites and stimulating them toward chondrogenic expression profiles is a regenerative approach in OA therapy. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is associated with chemoattractant and proinflammatory effects in various pathological processes. Here, we investigate the migratory effects of HMGB1 in knee OA and CPCs for the first time. Design Immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry were performed to identify HMGB1 and its receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in OA knee tissue, chondrocytes, and CPCs. In situ hybridization for HMGB1 mRNA was performed in CPCs ex vivo. The chemoattractant effects of HMGB1 on CPCs were analyzed in cell migration assays. Results HMGB1 expression in OA tissue and OA chondrocytes was higher than in healthy specimens and cells. HMGB1, RAGE, and TLR4 were expressed in CPCs and chondrocytes. In situ hybridization revealed HMGB1 mRNA in CPCs after migration into OA knee tissue, and immunohistochemistry confirmed HMGB1 expression at the protein level. Stimulation via HMGB1 significantly increased the migration of CPCs. Conclusions Our results show the chemoattractant role of HMGB1 in knee OA. HMGB1 is released by chondrocytes and has migratory effects on CPCs. These effects might be mediated via RAGE and TLR4. The in vitro and ex vivo results of this study need to be confirmed in vivo.
Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Disk Disease in Three Scandinavian Countries: An International Register Study Based on Three Merged National Spine Registers
Authors: Andersen Mikkel Østerheden , Fritzell Peter , Eiskjaer Søren Peter , Lagerbäck Tobias , Hägg Olle , Nordvall Dennis , Lönne Greger , Solberg Tore , Jacobs Wilco , van Hooff Miranda , Gerdhem Paul , Gehrchen Martin 
Published: March 2019

Study Design: Observational study of prospectively collected data. Objectives: Patients with chronic low back pain resistant to nonoperative treatment often face a poor prognosis for recovery. The aim of the current study was to compare the variation and outcome of surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease in the Scandinavian countries based on The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement core spine data sets. Methods: Anonymized individual level data from 3 national registers were pooled into 1 database. At the time of surgery, the patient reports data on demographics, lifestyle topics, comorbidity, and data on health-related quality of life such as Oswestry Disability Index, Euro-Qol-5D, and back and leg pain scores. The surgeon records diagnosis, type of surgery performed, and complications. One-year follow-ups are obtained with questionnaires. Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were analyzed to expose any differences between the countries. Results: A total of 1893 patients were included. At 1-year follow-up, 1315 (72%) patients responded. There were statistically significant baseline differences in age, smoking, comorbidity, frequency of previous surgery and intensity of back and leg pain. Isolated fusion was the primary procedure in all the countries ranging from 84% in Denmark to 76% in Sweden. There was clinically relevant improvement in all outcome measures except leg pain. Conclusions: In homogenous populations with similar health care systems the treatment traditions can vary considerably. Despite variations in preoperative variables, patient reported outcomes improve significantly and clinically relevant with surgical treatment.
Return to sports after chronic anterior exertional compartment syndrome of the leg: Conservative treatment versus surgery
Authors: Thein Ran , Tilbor Ido , Rom Eyal , Herman Amir , Haviv Barak , Burstein Gideon , Tenenbaum Shay 
Published: March 2019

Aim: To evaluate whether surgical treatment for anterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower leg will lead to full athletic activity recovery compared to conservative treatment. Methods: Patients diagnosed with anterior CECS of the leg were offered surgical treatment, as surgery considered today to be the mainstay of treatment. Patients unwilling to be treated surgically were treated conservatively. They were followed up, assessing both groups for pain, functional status, and the Tegner sports activity score with comparisons at diagnosis and following treatment. Results: Forty-three patients were treated for CECS (31; 72.1% with surgery and 12; 27.9% conservatively) with a mean follow-up of 28.15 (4.16–54.09) months. Reported pain improved at follow-up by 1.59 (0–6) points and by 4.27 ± (0–10) points in the conservatively and the surgically treated patient groups, respectively ( p = 0.014) with a mean change in the Tegner score of 0.09 (−5 to 5) and 3.22 (−4 to 7), respectively ( p = 0.009). Three patients in the conservatively treated group (25% of 12) and 24 patients in the operated group (77.4% of 31) reported full resumption of their pre-diagnosis activity level ( p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study supports surgery as the treatment of choice for anterior CECS of the leg with differential benefit for fasciotomy in terms of pain and return to pre-diagnosis athletic activity.
Role of routine blood tests for predicting clinical outcomes in osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Jettoo P , Tan GJS , Gerrand CH , Rankin KS 
Published: March 2019

Background: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate whether simple routine blood tests at presentation (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alkaline phosphatase and albumin) predict survival in patients with osteosarcoma. Methods: Between January 1998 and February 2015, 134 patients with a histological diagnosis of osteosarcoma were treated in our unit. Of these, 79 patients with high-grade osteosarcomas were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data, and laboratory parameters obtained prior to biopsy (CRP, ESR, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels), were obtained from patients’ records. Results: There were 44 males and 35 females. Univariate analysis showed that high pre-biopsy CRP ( p = 0.004), raised pre-biopsy ESR ( p = 0.010), older age ( p < 0.001), poor tumour necrosis rates (≤90%, p = 0.023) and metastasis at presentation ( p < 0.001) were poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed pre-biopsy CRP and ESR levels to be independent predictors of overall survival ( p = 0.020 and p = 0.025, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival was significantly lower in patients with elevated CRP ( p = 0.002) and ESR ( p = 0.003). Hypoalbuminaemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels did not correlate with overall survival. Conclusion: Preoperative CRP and ESR levels may have value in building a prognostic model for patients presenting with osteosarcoma.
Can We Accurately Predict the Quadruple Hamstring Graft Diameter From Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Authors: Vardiabasis Nicolas , Mosier Brian , Walters Jason , Burgess Aaron , Altman Greg , Akhavan Sam 
Published: March 2019

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a quadruple hamstring (QH) autograft is a widely utilized procedure with good outcomes. A graft diameter less than 8 mm, however, has been associated with higher revision rates. Accurately determining the diameter of the hamstring tendon preoperatively can help surgeons plan accordingly. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of our study was to determine whether QH graft size can be reliably predicted from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. We hypothesized that we can achieve a high predicted QH graft size correlation with regard to preoperative and intraoperative measurements. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We evaluated patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using QH autografts. At the time of surgery, the semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) were harvested and sized and then sized as a QH graft. Preoperative individual ST and GT sizes were determined from T2-weighted fat-saturated MRI at 3 cm above the joint line using correlating axial and coronal images. We then used a predictive chart to predict what the size of the QH graft would be and compared this with the actual measurements. Pearson correlation coefficients between predicted and actual graft sizes were calculated. Results: The predicted GT graft size was within 0.5 mm of the actual size in 45 of 60 (75%) patients and within 1 mm of the actual graft size in 59 of 60 (98%) patients. The predicted GT graft size from MRI measurements correlated with the actual GT graft size ( r = 0.62, P < .00001). The predicted ST graft size was within 0.5 mm of the actual size in 45 of 60 (75%) patients and within 1 mm of the actual graft size in 56 of 60 (93%) patients. The predicted ST graft size from MRI measurements correlated with the actual ST graft size ( r = 0.71, P < .00001). The predicted QH graft size was within 0.5 mm of the actual size in 52 of 60 (87%) patients and within 1 mm of the actual graft size in 60 of 60 (100%) patients. The predicted QH graft size from MRI measurements correlated with the actual QH graft size ( r = 0.81, P < .00001). Conclusion: The current technique can reliably predict the size of a QH graft within 1 mm of the final graft size.
Comparison of Graft Length Changes During Knee Motion Among 5 Different Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Approaches: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Tanabe Yoshie , Yasuda Kazunori , Kondo Eiji , Kawaguchi Yasuyuki , Akita Keiichi , Yagi Tomonori 
Published: March 2019

Background: In several anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ASB-ACLR) procedures, the femoral and tibial tunnel apertures are created at different locations within the native ACL attachment area. Hypothesis: Graft length changes during knee motion will be different among ASB-ACLR procedures with different femoral and tibial tunnel aperture locations. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 12 cadaveric knees were used in this study. In each knee, 4 and 3 thin tunnels were created within the ACL attachment area on the femur and the tibia, respectively. Using 1 of 5 different combinations of femoral and tibial tunnel aperture location, 5 ASB-ACLRs were performed on each knee. In each reconstruction approach, a strong thread was used in place of the tendon graft, and the tibial graft end was tethered to a custom-made isometric positioner at 0° of knee flexion, with an approximately 12-N load applied to the thread. Then, each specimen underwent 5 cycles of knee flexion-extension motion in a range between 0° and 120°, and graft length changes were determined for each SB-ACLR approach. Results: The length changes of the graft were significantly different among the 5 ASB-ACLRs. The maximum length change values of the 3 grafts that were implanted between the femoral and tibial centers of the posterolateral bundle attachments or implanted into the femoral tunnel created at the center of the fanlike extension fiber attachment were significantly greater than those of the graft implanted between the centers of the anteromedial bundle attachments ( P < .0001) and of the graft implanted between the centers of the whole ACL attachments ( P < .0001). Conclusion: The length changes of the graft during knee motion were significantly different among the 5 ASB-ACLR approaches, even though all of the tunnel apertures were created within the femoral and tibial attachments of the native ACL. Clinical Relevance: The grafts in the first 3 graft locations may be so relaxed during knee flexion that they cannot resist anterior drawer loads exerted on the tibia.
India–Pakistan Relations: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Hussain Ejaz 
Published: March 2019

Mario E. Carranza. 2016. India-Pakistan Nuclear Diplomacy: Constructivism and the Prospects for Nuclear Arms Control and Disarmament in South Asia. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield. 267 pp. ISBN: 978-1-4422-4561-7. Daniel Haines. 2016. Rivers Divided: Indus Basin Waters in the Making of India and Pakistan. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 264 pp. ISBN: 978-0-19064866-4. Hein G. Kiessling. 2016. Faith, Unity, Discipline: The ISI of Pakistan. London: Hurst & Co. 307 pp. ISBN: 978-1-84904-517-9. A. S. Dulat, Asad Durrani and Aditya Sinha. 2018. The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace. New Delhi: HarperCollins Publishers. 344 pp. ISBN: 978-9352779253.