bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria Elimination in West Java, Indonesia: A Descriptive-and-Qualitative Study
Authors: Nisa Fauziah , Ruluwedrata Rinawan Fedri , Fakhri Nugraha Naufal , Lia Faridah , Malaya Jati Karomahul , Angelina Dakosta , Kalya Santika Mahatyanta , Yusuf Zakiyyudin Muhammad , Ahmad Muhsin , Furbani Rizkillah Kiky , Nurun Nisa Miftahul , Bayusantika Ristandi Ryan 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives:
Following the World Health Organization (WHO) plans for 35 malaria-endemic countries, Indonesia will eliminate malaria by 2030. As one of the Indonesian provinces, West Java targeted sub-national malaria elimination in 2022. This article aims to describe malaria surveillance data and elimination programs, including weaknesses in sustaining the program.

Methods:
This study used secondary data from malaria surveillance information system regencies/cities’ case reports for 2019–2022 and achievement data of sub-national malaria elimination certification from each regency/city in 2014–2022. The data was confirmed from the evaluation study document, analysis of reported cases, and interviews.

Results:
Most cases were confirmed by microscopic examination (84.1% in 2021 and 94.4% in 2022) and rapid diagnostic tests (57% in 2019 and 58.1% in 2020). Malaria is more prevalent among men (93% in 2019, 95% in 2020, 96% in 2021, and 95.9% in 2022) and productive ages 15–64 (98.8% in 2019, 100% in 2020, 99.2% in 2021, and 98.8% in 2022), frequently occurs in the military (56.3% in 2019, 75.7% in 2020, 45.2% in 2021) and police (40.5% in 2022), often use passive case detection for identifying cases (97.9% in 2019 and 2020, 95.2% in 2021, and 97.6% in 2022), and the majority undergo inpatient treatment (86.4% in 2019, 81.7% in 2021, and 82.6% in 2022). Most positive cases originated from imported cases, and the last indigenous cases were still found in 2019. Plasmodium vivax dominated malaria cases, and relapses were high (55.0% in 2020, and 47.3% in 2022).

Interpretation & conclusion:
All regencies/cities have obtained sub-national malaria elimination certification in 2022. West Java has the potential to be verified for Java-Bali sub-national malaria elimination targeted in 2023, albeit cases of imported malaria still occur. It is imperative to address the issue of imported cases transitioning into locally transmitted cases (introduced) by effective coordination across all regencies/cities and inter-provincial efforts.
Characterization of Leclercia adecarboxylata isolated from field collected Anopheles subpictus in Berhampur, Odisha, India
Authors: Agrawal Ankita , Barik Tapan Kumar , Patel Amiya Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Background & objectives;
Malaria, a vector-borne disease, is caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted by Anopheles species. Among these vectors, Anopheles subpictus has emerged as a potent malarial vector in coastal areas of India. Numerous studies have highlighted that bacterial communities within mosquito influence vector competence. The present study was designed to isolate and characterize bacterial microbiota from An. subpictus larvae.

Methods:
Isolation and purification of the predominant bacterial strain (ALl) was carried out. Morphological, biochemical, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular characterization of the isolated bacteria was performed.

Results:
Bacterial isolate (AL1) was found to be rod, gram negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative. AL1 was identified as Leclercia adecarboxylata (Accession number: OR649235) through 16S rRNA ribotyping. Further, the leaf extract of Nyctanthes arbortristis showed inhibitory effect against ALl.

Interpretation & conclusion:
The study provided the first report on the isolation of symbiotic bacteria (L. adecarboxylata) from An. subpictus and its control by leaf extract of Nyctanthes arbortristis. Isolated gram-negative bacterial strain might inhibit the development of mosquito vectors and can be implemented for various biological control strategies to combat malaria transmission.
Identification of natural inhibitors targeting trehalase of Anopheles funestus in the management of malaria: A Biocomputational assessment
Authors: Al Ali Amer , Asiri Abdulaziz , Abu-Alghayth Mohammed H , Althobiti Maryam Musleh , Al Hader Bandar Ali , Alhindi Zain 
Published: January 2024

Background & objectives:

Anopheles funestus is playing an increasingly important role in malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Trehalase, an enzyme required for trehalose breakdown, is important for mosquito flight and stress adaptation. Hence, its inhibition has emerged as a promising malaria management strategy.

Methods:
A collection of 1900 natural compounds from the ZINC database were screened against the 3D modeled structure of An. funestus trehalase protein using in silico tools. ADMET-AI, a web-based platform, was used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of the selected compounds.

Results:
We report 5 natural compounds namely, ZINC00488388, ZINC00488525, ZINC00488566, ZINC00488304, and ZINC00488456 that demonstrated strong binding affinity to the trehalase protein. These compounds interacted with critical residues of the trehalase protein and exhibited good drug-like characteristics.

Interpretation & conclusion:
These compounds show promise as trehalase protein inhibitors for malaria management. Nonetheless, additional experimental studies are required to optimize these compounds as potential trehalase inhibitors.
Detection of Plasmodium knowlesi in whole blood samples with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using rhoptry-associated protein 1 specific polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Wan Nazri Wan Siti Maryam , Ling Lau Yee , Wen Cheong Fei 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives:

Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria species, is now known to infect humans. Due to disadvantages in the current diagnosis methods, many efforts have been placed into new method developments to diagnose the disease. This study assessed the ability of the PkRAP-1 sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) to detect P. knowlesi antigens in whole blood specimens.

Methods:
Western blot assay was conducted to evaluate the ability of raised mouse and rabbit anti-PkRAP-1 polyclonal antibodies to bind to the native proteins in P. knowlesi lysate. The polyclonal antibodies were then used in sandwich ELISA to detect P. knowlesi. In the sandwich ELISA, mouse and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as the capture and detection antibodies, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) of the assay was determined using P. knowlesi A1H1 culture and purified recombinant PkRAP-1.

Results:
Western blot results showed positive reactions towards the proteins in P. knowlesi lysate. The LOD of the assay from three technical replicates was 0.068% parasitaemia. The assay performance in detecting P. knowlesi was 83% sensitivity and 70% specificity with positive and negative predictive values of 74% and 80%, respectively. The anti-PkRAP-1 polyclonal antibodies did not cross-react with Plasmodium falciparum and healthy samples, but Plasmodium vivax by detecting all 12 samples.

Interpretation & conclusion:
PkRAP-1 has the potential as a biomarker for the development of a new diagnostic tool for P. knowlesi detection. Further studies need to be conducted to establish the full potential of the usage of anti-PkRAP-1 antibodies for P. knowlesi detection.
Vectors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Relation to Malaria Transmission in Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: Kurmi UM , Nanvyat N , Lapang MP , Mafuyai JM , Isah L , Ombugadu A , Yina GI , Otakpa EO , Simse RL , Mwansat GS 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives:
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and the vectors (Anopheles species) can only be controlled effectively by having good knowledge of its composition and potential for disease transmission. This work aimed at surveying the indoor malaria vectors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in relation to the disease transmission in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Methods:
Mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) between October and December 2019 and were morphologically identified using standard keys. Blood samples were also collected from individuals who slept in the rooms where PSC was conducted. Thick and thin blood smears were made for malaria parasite examination. Questionnaires were administered to 120 participants for the KAP studies.

Results:
Ninety-seven (97) Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified as Anopheles gambiae 76(78.35%), An. funestus 20(20.62%) and An. coustani 1(1.03%). The overall malaria prevalence was 15.8%. The KAP studies revealed that measures and treatment-seeking behaviours against malaria varied significantly (P<0.05) among the respondents. Sleeping under net 55(45.8%) and use of insecticides 24(20.0%) were some of the preventive measures highlighted while treatment-seeking behaviours included visit to pharmacy 74(61.7%) and use of local herbs 11(9.2%).

Interpretation & conclusion:
This work revealed that An. gambiae and An. funestus are predominant malaria vectors in the area. The KAP information demonstrated fair knowledge about the disease by the respondents. Therefore, public enlightenment about malaria prevention, control and treatment is recommended to address the few but highly negative impact knowledge gaps about malaria.
Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detecting 1p and 19q Codeletion in Glioma
Authors: Vo Niem Van Thanh , Truong Diem Dinh-Kieu , Xinh Phan Thi , Vu Hoang Anh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas begin in the gluey supportive cells (glial cells) that surround nerve cells and help them function. Gliomas are classified according to the type of glial cell involved in the tumor, as well as the tumor’s genetic features, which can help predict how the tumor will behave over time and the treatments most likely to work. Among the molecular markers for the classification of glioma, loss of the 1p/19q fragments is by far the most well-characterized and most widely studied. In this study, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as an alternative technique to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect 1p/19q deletion mutations in adult gliomas.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study. Specific primers were designed for target genes represented for 1p and 19q areas. Real-time PCR was performed for 60 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples which were randomly divided into two groups: whole tissue DNA extraction and tumor-only area DNA extraction. FISH was used as a confirmation method.

Results:
Real-time PCR results from DNA isolated from whole tissue showed a low similarity with FISH results (56.6% for 1p and 66.6% for 19q), while real-time PCR results from DNA of tumor-only area showed high similarity with FISH results for both markers (80%). For samples with 1p/19q deletion, real-time PCR showed a relatively low sensitivity as this technique only detected 5 out of 11 samples with 1p/19q deletion.

Conclusions:
Using DNA extracted from the tumor-only area, real-time PCR has a similarity of 80% compared with FISH in detecting 1p/19q deletion.
In Silico Exploration of Phytochemicals as Potential Drug Candidates against Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Target for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Singh Sanjeev , Kancharla Sudhakar , Kolli Prachetha , Mandadapu Gowtham , Jena Manoj Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
The objective of the study was to use docking and pharmacological research to explore phytochemicals as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods:
The 100 plant compounds for the study were selected after a thorough review of the most recent literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. Three-dimensional structure in Structure-Data File Format of all phytochemicals was downloaded and collected from the PubChem platform. In parallel, the three-dimensional structure of the target protein dipeptidyl peptidase-4 in Protein Data Bank (PDB) format was obtained from the website of the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics-PDB. AutoDock Vina software was used for the docking purpose. SwissADME and the admetSAR web server were used to further examine the top docked compounds for the pharmacological investigation.

Results:
Out of 100 phytochemicals, only 15 have shown better or comparable binding affinity above the benchmark medication, sitagliptin (−7.9 kcal/mol). All of these compounds were assessed to determine their viability as potential drugs by predicting their Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. Two of these phytochemicals have proven their potential as medication candidates by passing the ADMET requirements.

Conclusions:

In silico studies help explore and find drug candidates among the enormous pool of phytochemicals and narrow down the screening process, saving time and money on experiments. In vitro and in vivo testing can be used in the future to further validate drug candidature.
Expression Pattern of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Patients with Brain Tumor
Authors: Raghotham Ananthan , Ashwini K. , Rao Chandrika , Souza Neevan D. , Kumari N Suchetha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
The term “brain tumor” refers to a diverse group of neoplasms that originate in intracranial tissues and the meninges and range in malignancy from benign to aggressive. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed at high levels in a variety of cancers, suggesting a role in cancer etiology. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deleted from chromosome 10 is one of the most essential tumor suppressor genes, and it is frequently altered in brain, breast, kidney, lung, and uterine malignancies. Many people with brain malignancies have PTEN gene abnormalities. Brain tumors have proved challenging to treat, largely owing to the biological characteristics of these cancers, which often conspire to limit progress. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of EGFR and PTEN in different types of brain tumor.

Methods:
Tumor samples were collected. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, Western blot, and RNA expression analysis were performed to check the receptor expression.

Results:
IHC analysis showed the expression of EGFR in patients with meningioma, CP angle tumor, and pituitary adenoma, but no expression of PTEN was observed. In glioma, the expression of both the receptors was observed. RNA expression of PTEN was similar to control, and significantly higher expression of EGFR was observed in patients with CP angle tumor, pituitary adenoma, and meningioma. Higher expression of PTEN and EGFR was observed in glioma samples. In the present study, we have also observed the expression of EGFR, p-AKT, and p-STAT 3 in the tumor tissue samples, but no expression of PTEN was observed in CP angle, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma. Expression of both PTEN and EGFR was observed in glioma samples.

Conclusion:
Thus, EGFR and PTEN involved in brain tumors can be considered targets for therapeutic purposes.
The Outright Regarding Abdominal Wall Hernia among Adults in Jazan: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alrashid Fauwaz Fahad , Madkhali Abdullah Yahya , Albarrak Sarah Khalid , Albalawi Ibrahim Ahmed , Almalki Fahad A , Alshamlan Abdulaziz A , Alhawsawi Akram Yhya Mohammed , Banjar Mohammed Salem , Idris Saadeldin Ahmed 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground:Hernias are repeatedly encountered in surgical clinics owing to risks such as constipation, weightlifting, gestation, weight gain, and ongoing ailments similar to bronchial asthma and prostatic enlargement. The study intended to examine various viewpoints of the population’s knowledge and beliefs concerning hernia and its management.Methods:Individuals in this cross-sectional study were randomly picked from those at greater risk of acquiring abdominal wall hernias (AWHs). To report their awareness levels toward AWH, the data were calculated as frequency, expressed as a percentage, and displayed as tables and figures.Results:Eighty-six percent of the patients did not have a hernia during the study, but all had experienced hernias before the study date. About 36.9% of participants showed a poor level of knowledge regarding AWHs. Participants’ knowledge was notably correlated with gender, age, marital status, previous abdominal surgery, presence of interfamilial hernias, and having asthma or chronic cough (P< 0.05). According to 55% of respondents, pain and discomfort after an operation are the most prevalent complications, while 15.1% reported no postoperative complications. According to 41.4% of respondents, laparoscopic surgery was the best treatment option, followed by open surgery and lifestyle modifications in 28% and 24.8%, respectively.Conclusion:Compared to females, males were more likely to suffer from AWHs. Hernia’s risk factors, management methods, and surgical complications were not well understood by participants. This may entail holding seminars to raise awareness of AWHs among the community members.
Purification of Laccase from the Fungus Clitopilus prunulus BV18 and its Application in Bioconversion of Tea Polyphenols to Bioactive Theabrownins
Authors: Vu Dinh Giap , Dang Nhat Minh , Nguyen Phuong Dai Nguyen , Ha Thi Dung , Mac Vinh The 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Theabrownins (TBs), which are produced from tea leaves, have been shown to have biological. To extract biologically active chemicals from polyphenol structures, an oxidizing enzyme (i.e. laccase) is used to oxidize the polyphenol structure, releasing smaller and more soluble molecular compounds, including TBs. This is a biologically active compound that is beneficial to human health. Therefore, using laccase to purify is significant in enhancing the oxidation process of polyphenols from fresh tea leaves to improve the efficiency of harvesting theabrownins.

Methods:
to purify laccase, we use a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE), Sephadex G-75, and Q Sepharose® columns in a three-step column chromatography procedure. In addition, TBs formed by hydrolysis were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a refractive index detector (ultra violet-Vis 271 nm) and ICSep WA-1 Analysis column.

Results:
In this study, CliLac was effectively purified with a specific activity of 7.58 U/mg from strain Clitopilus prunulus BV18. Using DEAE, Sephadex G-75, and Q Sepharose® columns in a three-step column chromatography procedure, the enzyme was purified to a level of 21.4-fold purity. The enzyme with a molecular weight of 55.2 kDa demonstrated increased pH stability in the acidic range. Biochemical properties of CliLac showed that the optimum pH and temperature were 5.0 and 50°C, respectively. The activity retention was over 80% at pH 5.0 for more than 7 h of incubation. CliLac denatured at temperatures over 60°C. TBs production release increased up to 159 ppm after 72 h of incubation using a purified CliLac (10 U/gds) at 50°C.

Conclusions:
The study indicates that CliLac is appropriate for oxidizing the polyphenol structure and releases the TBs, which are smaller and more soluble molecular compounds.
Comparative evaluation of different oil pulling agents and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to full-mouth scaling and root planing in plaque-induced gingivitis: A single-blind randomized control trial
Authors: Bhalerao Pallavi Vilas , Bacchav Triveni Ashok Kale , Mahale Swanpa Arunkumar , Agrawal Amit Arvind , Sethi Kunal , Seth Tejashvi Ashok 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Oil pulling is old Indian natural daily practice which has been written in Ayurveda texts such as Charak and Sushruta Samhita. The act of swishing oil around the mouth removes microbes. Therefore, oil pulling reduces plaque-induced gingivitis. Naturally occurring products like coconut oil and sesame oil are enriched with antimicrobial activity. These oils are cheaper and easily available. Therefore, the aim of this article is to compare the efficacy of coconut, sesame oil, and chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Aim and Objectives:
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of coconut oil sesame oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to SRP in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Materials and Methods:
Sixty patients of plaque-induced gingivitis were randomly divided into four groups: SRP, coconut oil, sesame oil, and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Clinical measurements included plaque index, gingival index (GI), and simplified oral hygiene index at baseline, 7 days, 15 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Microbial analysis was carried out.

Results:
There was a significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 3 months for the chlorhexidine group. Intragroup comparison shows a statistically significant reduction in plaque and GI.

Conclusion:
Oil pulling considers to affect microbes to treat plaque-induced gingivitis.
A comparative evaluation of adipokine VASPIN in female obese and non-obese subjects with periodontitis and health
Authors: Shilpa Akula , Prasanna Jammula Surya 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Periodontitis and obesity are major health hazards. Adiposity stimulates cytokines which aggravate periodontitis. To balance this body secretes an anti-inflammatory adipokine-like visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (VASPIN).

Aims and Objectives:
The study aimed to assess serum VASPIN levels in females with and without periodontitis, categorized by obesity status.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty female subjects with the age range of 35–44 years were included in this observational study. All have been categorized into four groups, 20 in each group. The division was based on the body mass index (BMI) and Russell's Periodontal Index (PI). Group I-with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2; without PD (non-obese without PD) Group II-with BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2; with PD (non-obese with PD). Group III -with BMI ≥30 kg/m2; without PD (obese without PD).Group IV with BMI ≥30 kg/m2; with PD (Obese with PD).

Statistics Used:
Serum VASPIN levels were compared in all the groups. Among the groups were analyzed with ANOVA, Bartlett's test for homogeneity of variances, and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons.

Results:
When VASPIN and BMI were correlated, higher levels were found in Group II, followed by Groups IV, III, and I. Serum VASPIN levels among the groups were statistically significant P < 0.0001.

Conclusion:
Serum VASPIN can be used for predicting the progression of periodontal inflammation associated with obesity and also can act as a good biomarker for the initial stages of obesity.