bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Mucilage from Pedalium
murex Linn. Leaves
Authors: Devasahayam Leema Rose Mary , Pushpam Marie Arockianathan , Antonysamy Lawrance , Anbazhagan Senthamizhselvan 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Many plant-derived compounds have been used as pharmaceutical excipients due to their various functional properties. One such plant product is mucilage, which has
created great interest among researchers to be explored for numerous biological applications.

Objectives:
The objective of the present study was to isolate mucilage from the leaves of Pedalium murex Linn. (family; Pedaliaceae). The obtained mucilage was characterized physiochemically and evaluated for its antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Methods:
The obtained mucilage was screened for its phytochemicals and characterized physiochemically using FTIR, XRD, DSC, and SEM. Its antioxidant property was analyzed using
DPPH and FRAP assays. The anticancer activity of the mucilage was evaluated against colon
and cervical cancer cell lines using an MTT assay

Results:
The phytochemical screening of the mucilage demonstrated the ability to reduce sugars,
flavonoids, amino acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The yield percentage of mucilage was
24%, and it has a swelling index of 10. It was found to be soluble in warm water and showed a
pH of 9. The FTIR spectra of mucilage showed characteristic peaks of its functional groups. The
SEM image showed a porous and rough morphological surface of mucilage. The obtained mucilage demonstrated antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP assays and exhibited anticancer activity against cervical and colon cancer cell lines using the MTT assay.

Conclusion:
Mucilage contains many phytochemicals with various functional properties like antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. Thus, the isolated mucilage from Pedalium murex Linn.
showed promising characteristics that could be tailor-made for various biological applications.
Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids/Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (ICS/LABA) on Airway Microbial Diversity and IL-8/IL-10 Cytokine Levels in Stable
COPD
Authors: Fang Aili , Li Buwu , Chen Sheng 
Published: February 2025

Introduction:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a severe respiratory
system disorder. In recent years, the combined therapy of inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting
beta-agonists (ICS/LABA) has become the primary treatment for stable COPD patients. This
study aimed to investigate the effects of ICS/LABA treatment on the airway microbiota and inflammatory
profiles in COPD patients.

Materials and Methods:
Respiratory samples were collected from 18 individuals, including 2
healthy controls, 4 COPD patients, and 12 COPD patients receiving ICS/LABA treatment. Microbial
diversity sequencing was employed to analyze the respiratory microbiota, with both diversity
and functional predictions performed. Inflammatory factor levels were assessed using
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:
The COPD group exhibited a dysregulated respiratory microbiota compared to the control
group. Compared to the COPD group, patients in the ICS/LABA treatment group showed a
trend toward decreased α-diversity of bacterial communities in the respiratory tract, while the α-
diversity of fungi significantly increased. Post-treatment, the abundance of Streptococcus and
Fusicolla decreased, whereas the abundance of Moraxella and Candida increased in the respiratory
tract. These findings suggest that ICS/LABA treatment may help maintain a balanced respiratory
microbiota. Furthermore, patients in the treatment group exhibited a significant decrease in IL-8
levels and a notable increase in IL-10 levels, indicating that ICS/LABA therapy may modulate cytokine
levels by suppressing inflammatory responses and promoting anti-inflammatory reactions.

Conclusion:
The combined therapy of inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta-agonists
(ICS/LABA) appears to regulate the gene functions of respiratory tract microbiota and IL-8/IL-
10 levels in stable COPD patients. These findings offer new insights into personalized COPD
treatment and microbial interventions.
CD4+ Effector Memory T Cells Related Marker Gene Signatures in Osteoporosis and Aging: Insight From Single-Cell Analysis and Mendelian
Randomization
Authors: Shi Xiangwen , Tang Linmeng , Li Mingjun , Wu Yipeng , Xu Yongqing 
Published: February 2025

Objective:
With the accelerated aging of the population, aging has emerged as a major
risk factor for osteoporosis (OP). This study aims to investigate the relationship and shared
molecular mechanisms between OP and aging through various genetic approaches.

Methods:
Single-cell data from the peripheral blood of osteoporosis patients, aging individuals,
and healthy controls were integrated to analyze characteristic changes in cell subpopulations.
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then identified within core subpopulations, and
Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was employed to explore potential causal links between
key genes and OP. Additionally, an OP model was established in rats, and mRNA levels
of key genes were measured using RT-qPCR.

Results:
Through the integration, filtering, and analysis of scRNA-seq data, an increased proportion
of CD4+ effector memory T (CD4+ TEM) cells were identified in OP and aging samples,
marking them as a core subpopulation. Differential expression analysis identified 49 DEGs, and
further analysis through Mendelian Randomization (MR) identified three key genes (KLRB1,
NR4A2, and S100A4) significantly associated with OP. Notably, the upregulation of KLRB1
and S100A4 may enhance the interactions within T cells and with other cell subgroups. At the
same time, the downregulation of NR4A2 could impede communication between T cells and
other cell subpopulations. The RT-qPCR results indicated that NR4A2 was significantly downregulated
in the OP group.

Conclusion:
This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the potential link between OP
and aging, identifying CD4+ TEM cells as the core cell subgroup in OP and aging samples. It further
revealed the causal relationship between KLRB1, NR4A2, and S100A4 and the occurrence
of OP. The upregulation of KLRB1 and S100A4 may contribute to OP pathogenesis by promoting
interactions between CD4+ TEM cells and other cell subgroups, providing new insights for
molecular targeting and immunotherapy of OP.
Bioactive Compounds from Myrica esculenta: Antioxidant Insights and Docking Studies on H+K+-ATPase and H2 Receptor Targets
Authors: Pathak Rashmi , Chandra Phool 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Myrica esculenta (Myricaceae) are common in the Indian Himalayas. Traditional
medicine uses it to treat chronic bronchitis, inflammation, stomach ulcers, anaemia, diarrhoea,
asthma, and ear, throat, and nose disorders. Its varied medicinal benefits are recognised in
the ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

Aim:
Isolation of Bioactive Compounds from M. esculenta: Assessment of Antioxidant Activity
and Molecular Docking Studies Targeting the H+K+-ATPase enzyme and H2 Receptor

Material and Methods:
The fruit of the Myrica esculenta plant was extracted. The total phenolic
and total flavonoid content of the extract were determined. Following column chromatography, two
phytoconstituents were identified by mass spectroscopy, FTIR, and NMR. The antioxidant activity
of phytoconstituents was evaluated using the DPPH Scavenging Assay, Reactive Nitrogen Oxide
Scavenging Assay, and Hydroxyl Free Radical Scavenging Assay. Then, molecular docking studies
were performed against the H+K+-ATPase enzyme and H2 Receptor.

Results:
The research successfully extracted methanolic extract from M. esculenta by maceration,
which yielded rich in flavonoids and phenolic content and isolated compounds using column chromatography,
which was further characterized to be myricetin and catechin using Mass spectroscopy,
FTIR, and NMR. The further evaluation of the antioxidant activity of compounds demonstrated
significant activity with IC50 value indicating strong free radical scavenging activity. Molecular
docking studies were performed against the H+K+-ATPase enzyme and H2 Receptor, revealing that
both the compounds exhibit high binding affinity and favorable interactions with key sites.

Conclusion:
The findings suggest that the isolated compounds myricetin and catechin possess potential
antioxidant activity and could be a potential therapeutic target for the H+K+-ATPase enzyme
and H2 Receptor.
Effect of Phytochemical Extracts on the Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Alkhaddour Aziz , Mashkina Elena Vladimirovna 
Published: February 2025

Background:
The research highlights the effect of phytochemical compounds
on the correlation of cellular pathways of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes at the molecular
levels.

Objective:
This work examines the effects of phytochemical substances on the expression
of (IL1β and IL6, IL10) genes present in different amounts in garlic, grape seed, and
pomegranate extracts in various amounts. Within the same framework, genes (SOD1,
NFE2L2, JUN) expressing themselves genetically are responsible for the cellular pathways
that carry out oxidative and redox reactions in cells.

Methods:
Extracts of grape seeds (1.2% or 2.4%), pomegranates (1.2% or 2.4%), and garlic
(0.5% or 1.2%) were applied to human peripheral blood leukocyte cultures. Real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilised to evaluate the expression of genes.

Results:
We found that the level transcription of the SOD1 gene negatively correlates
with the level transcription of cytokines IL1β when grape seed extract (2.4%) is added to
the medium for culturing human blood cells. Furthermore, with the addition of 1.2% and
2.4% grape seed extract, there is a link between the expression of the SOD1 and IL6
genes. We found a positive correlation between the expression of the NFE2L2 and IL10
genes after adding pomegranate extract (1.2%). Finally, following the addition of grape
seed extract (1.2%) and garlic extract (1.2%), there is a link observed between the transcription
level of the JUN and IL1b genes.

Conclusion:
The importance of the study lies in revealing the effect of phytochemicals on
the intersection of the two pathways: the inflammatory pathway and the oxidative pathway.
Whereas, it gives a clearer picture of the mechanism of action of these compounds
as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, depending on the close relationship between inflammatory
properties and oxidative properties.
Renoprotective Effects of Eugenol-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Septic Rats
Authors: Qutb Sarah Ali , Soliman Amel Mahmoud , Fahmy Sohair Ramadan , Mohamed Ayman Saber 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Sepsis is a severe medical disorder that poses a significant risk to life,
leading to elevated rates of sickness and mortality globally, reaching 11 million annually. It is
distinguished by an imbalanced immune response to infection, which subsequently causes failure
in several organs. Eugenol is obtained from clove oil and possesses various beneficial properties,
such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects.

Aim:
The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles
(EC-NPs) in protecting against kidney damage caused by sepsis using the cecal ligation and puncture
(CLP) model.

Methods:
Thirty rats were divided into five groups: sham, sepsis, and septic rats treated with chitosan,
eugenol, or EC-NPs.

Results:
Administration of EC-NPs dramatically enhanced renal function, as evidenced by the reduced
urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations. Moreover, EC-NPs caused an elevation in glutathione
reductase (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in addition to decreasing the production of malondialdehyde
(MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). EC-NPs administration reduced the DNA damage in
septic rats and partially restored the aberrant structure of renal tissues in septic rats. Furthermore,
the immunohistochemical examination showed a marked decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha
(TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, EC-NPs attenuated renal injury in septic rats through their anti-oxidant
and anti-inflammatory activities and protection of DNA.
A complex assessment of the Nenets reindeer population using phenotype indicators depending on polymorphism of meat productivity genes
Authors: Abramova Marina , Ilina Anna , Evdokimov Evgeny , Konovalov Аlexander 
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study was to study the genetic structure of the reindeer
population of the native Nenets breed and to evaluate the morphometric
parameters in the resulting genetic groups. Pearson's Chi-square (?2) test
was used to assess the statistical significance of differences between the
empirical and theoretical genotype frequencies. Theoretical occurrence
frequencies were calculated based on the Hardy-Weinberg law. A z-test was
used to identify partial differences between the empirical and theoretical
distributions. The software Python 3.9.7, GenAlEx 6.51 was used for data
processing and statistical analysis. The population studied according to STR
profiles is split into three independent groups (I, II, III)	with sizes of
33, 53, 16 individuals, respectively. Genetic differentiation between the
identified subpopulations was weak, but statistically significant (Fst =
0.022, p = 0.01). The greatest differentiation is observed between
subpopulations I and III (Fst = 0.025, p = 0.03), while the differences
between I - II and II - III are less pronounced (Fst = 0.017, Fst = 0.015).
In subpopulations I and II, all loci are polymorphic; in subpopulation III,
only 93.75% of the loci are polymorphic. The average number of alleles per
locus is 6.44?0.63, 6.56?0.60, 5.25?0.54, respectively, for
subpopulations I, II, III. The effective number of alleles for
subpopulations is 3.73?0.44, 3.55?0.38, 3.40?0.40, respectively. The Shannon
information index for the three subpopulations is at the same level and
amounts to 1.38?0.13, 1.36?0.12, 1.27?0.13. The distribution according to
the Hardy-Weinberg law and the empirical distribution of heads according to
the genotypes of the growth hormone gene AA, and BB are statistically
significantly different and are 36.603:47.795:15.603 and 22:77:1,
respectively. Therefore, this equilibrium is absent in the studied
population and a shift in the distribution of allele frequencies is
observed. Genetic drift, migration processes or selection pressure may
mediate such a shift. For the myostatin gene, no statistically significant
differences were found between the theoretically expected and empirical
distributions of genotypes. Females with the GHAA genotype had a higher live
weight than their peers with the GHgenotype. The study of reindeer
exterior measurements and physique indices in conjunction with somatotropin
gene polymorphism found that individuals with the GHAA genotype outperform
their peers with the GHgenotype, while low variability of indicators for
these traits was observed. In the studied sample of both sex and age groups,
a rather high value of the Gregory index (0.86...0.99) was found, which is
typical for beef cattle. The obtained results can serve as the basis for the
development of a system of genetic assessment in reindeer breeding and
indicate the priority groups of animals for further breeding.
The Strategy Formulation to Confine the Escalating Wage Bill: A Case of Limpopo Provincial Government
Authors: Mudogwa Mbavhalelo Robert , Moeti Kabelo Boikhutso , Mukonza Ricky Munyarazi 
Published: February 2025

Many African countries face difficult choices in managing the size of their public sector wage bill, which poses an acute threat to fiscal and macro-economic stability. The wage bill accounts for a growing share of government expenditures across Southern Africa and threatens to stifle the government's normal operations. The high public sector wage bill compromises service delivery because a substantial amount is committed to employees' salaries and benefits. Governments need to restrain the rising public sector wage personnel expenditure while at the same time taking into account the government's significant priorities as far as development is concerned. Most countries worldwide that struggle to compete effectively in the global economy review their compensation practices to return to fiscal balance. The proper control over the public purse is fundamental to any responsible government. This includes all spheres of government such as National, Provincial and Local Government.
Government departments must focus on delivering quality public services by effectively managing their wage bill through adequate fiscal planning and employment flexibility. In addition, with the rise of technological innovation, governments need to relook at the size of public service and alternative service delivery approaches that will drastically lower the wage bill without hampering the provisioning of services.
The paper aims to formulate a strategy to confine the government's escalating wage bill by strengthening resource planning, estimating, costing, budgeting, and controlling personnel expenditure. The setting for this study is Limpopo Province in South Africa. Empirical data were collected by administering semi-structured interviews, and the gathered data were thematically presented and analyzed.
Robert Holschuh Simmons. Demagogues, Power, and Friendship in Classical Athens. Leaders as Friends in Aristophanes, Euripides, and Xenophon. London: Bloomsbury, 2023. 177 pp., ISBN 978-1-350-21448-4
Authors: Franco San Román Mariana 
Published: February 2025

Reseña de Demagogues, Power, and Friendship in Classical Athens. Leaders as Friends in Aristophanes, Euripides, and Xenophon de R. Holschuh Simmons por M. Franco San Román.
Risk Factors Associated with Canine Heartworm Infection
Authors: Selby Lloyd A. , Corwin Robert M. , Hayes Howard M. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
Risk factors associated with canine heartworm infection were determined by screening medical records from the Veterinary Medical Data Program of June 1964–May 1976. Data represented were from 14 colleges and schools of veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada. A total of 3,655 dogs were infected. Intact male dogs 4 to 7 years old and of the larger hound breeds had the highest relative risk, whereas dogs of smaller breeds, those less than 2 years old, spayed females, and castrated males were at least risk.
Clinical Use of Echocardiography in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Pipers Frank S. , Hamlin Robert L. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
Echocardiograms were obtained from unanesthetized cats positioned in left lateral recumbency. Information regarding chamber wall thickness, lumen dimensions, valve motion, and indices of contractility was obtained. In three cases, echocardiographic manifestations typical of cardiac dilatation, cardiac hypertrophy, and pericardial effusion were recorded. Unlike thoracic radiographs, which portray pulmonary features as well as a cardiac silhouette, the echocardiogram provided an opportunity to measure each component comprising the cardiac silhouette-namely, the pericardial sac, cardiac musculature, and the cardiac chambers.
Teratoma and Cyst Formation of the Equine Cryptorchid Testicle
Authors: Stick John A. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
In three horses with abdominally retained testicles, teratomas with cyst formation were found. Bone development in the head of the epididymis, near the vascular supply of the tumor, was a consistent finding. Aspiration of the cystic portion of the tumor was necessary for surgical removal in two cases. Although germinal carcinoma cells have been suggested as the cause of teratomas, evidence of malignancy was not seen in any of the three tumors.
Basilar Skull Fractures in Three Horses
Authors: Stick John A. , Wilson Therese , Kunze Dolores 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
Of three horses with basilar skull fractures, two died within 48 hours. The remaining horse was euthanatized because of a locomotion deficit. Clinical signs included epistaxis followed by ataxia. In each case, occipital the basioccipital bone and ventral portion of the calvarium were involved in the fracture. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs or radiographic appearance of guttural pouches, or both.
Occlusion of Internal Carotid Artery in the Horse by Means of a Balloon-Tipped Catheter: Clinical Use of a Method To Prevent Epistaxis Caused by Guttural Pouch Mycosis
Authors: Freeman David E. , Donawick William J. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
An intravascular procedure was used to occlude the internal carotid artery of two horses with epistaxis caused by guttural pouch mycosis. In each horse, the affected internal carotid artery was ligated close to its origin. A balloon-tipped catheter was introduced into the artery distal to the ligature, and its tip was advanced beyond the site of infection. The balloon was then inflated so that the infected segment of artery was isolated from the cerebral vascular system. The catheters were removed at 14 and 51 days, and both horses were returned to training and racing. Neither horse had further episodes of epistaxis.
Hyperthyroidism in the Cat: Ten Cases
Authors: Holzworth J. , Theran P. , Carpenter J. L. , Harpster N. K. , Todoroff R. J. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
In ten neutered crossbred cats 10 to 14 years old and of both sexes, hyperthyroidism was evidenced by hyperactivity, weight loss despite increased appetite, frequent defecation with bulky stools, thirst, polyuria, moderately elevated temperature, increased heart rate and size, sometimes with murmurs and arrhythmias, and palpable enlargement of one or both thyroid lobes. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was confirmed on the basis of high serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In seven cats (6 treated by total thyroidectomy, 1 studied at necropsy), both thyroid lobes were variably enlarged, mottled, cystic, or nodular; in three cats, only one lobe required removal. Adenomatous goiter was diagnosed microscopically in all. In two, there also were foci of adenocarcinoma and in two others, foci suggestive of adenocarcinoma.
Three of the nine cats having surgery were treated preoperatively to stabilize cardiac function. Most cats recovered from surgery rapidly and without complications but although every effort was made to spare at least one parathyroid gland in cats having bilateral thyroidectomies, two cats had transient signs of hypoparathyroidism, requiring careful monitoring of serum electrolytes and treatment with calcium and vitamin D2. All having bilateral thyroidectomies were subsequently maintained on treatment with l-thyroxine or, in one case, liothyronine (triiodothyronine).
Primary Hypoparathyroidism in the Dog
Authors: Sherding Robert G. , Meuten Donald J. , Chew Dennis J. , Knaack Kenneth E. , Haupt Kirk H. 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
Primary hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed in six dogs with profound hypocalcemia. Muscle tremors, tetany, generalized seizures, ataxia, and behavioral aberrations were the most common clinical signs. Lymphocytic parathyroiditis was found in four of five dogs that were biopsied. The serum concentration of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone was abnormally low in one dog in which it was measured. Treatment with vitamin D and calcium was successful in restoring and maintaining normal concentration of serum calcium in all six dogs. During treatment, large daily doses of vitamin D were required, dose response was unpredictable, serum calcium concentration fluctuated while treatment remained unchanged, and hypercalcemia occurred frequently.