bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOW TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY HERBAL MATERIALS IN MARKET? A CASE STUDY BASED ON DNA BARCODES
Authors: Zhang Dequan , Yang Yongshou , Jiang Bei , Duan Lizhen , Zhou Nong 
Published: June 2023

Background: Traditional methods for identifying herbal medicines have many shortcomings. In this study, we aim to test discriminating ability of DNA barcodes and explore feasible method on evaluating identification results.
Materials and Methods: Materials of whole-plant medicines were sampled from herbal market. 111 samples were used for DNA sequencing of ITS2 and trnH-psbA regions. Assembled sequences were searched against reference database using the BLAST method. Comprehensive evaluation based on pharmacognostic investigation, macroscopic identification and identification of DNA barcodes were performed for authentication of the herbal materials.
Results: As a result, ITS2 had better identifying power than trnH-psbA in species-specific level (55.86% & 45.95%), as well as worse success rate of DNA sequencing (74.58% & 94.59%). In total, 89.19% individuals could be identified in genus level at least.
Conclusion: It was revealed that DNA barcoding was useful tool in identifying herbal materials. Both ITS2 and trnH-psbA should be incorporated into the standard regions of DNA barcodes for identifying herbal materials.
POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT EVALUATION OF THE STEM BARK EXTRACT OF PELTOPHORUM AFRICANUM SOND (FABACEAE)
Authors: Okeleye B I , Nongogo Vuyokazi , Mkwetshana Noxolo T , Ndip Roland N 
Published: June 2023

Background: Peltophorum africanum has been traditionally used to relief stress induced diseases. The study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract.
Material and methods: The in vitro antioxidant activities of Peltophorum africanum stem bark extract was examined in this study by means of +radical scavenging and ferric reducing power analysis using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) kit, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), iron (iii) chloride (Fe3+) and nitric oxide (NO). In assessing the likely effects of secondary metabolites on the activities observed; total proanthocyanidins, phenolics, flavonols, and flavonoids were determined using standard phytochemical methods. Data was analyzed by ANOVA test and the p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Extract scavenging activity of 88.73± 6.69 % (25 µg mL-1), 53.93±1.09 % (25 µg mL-1), 87.293±6.64 % (25 µg mL-1), 10.55±2.16 mM (0.42 mM) and 3.8115±0.06 (25 µg mL-1) were recorded for H2O2, NO, DPPH, ABTS and Fe3+ reducing power respectively. These values were comparable to the standard compounds; DBPC*BHT, L (+) - Ascorbic acid and Trolox™ (p < 0.05). Proanthocyanidins (92.18±4.68 mg/g) occurred more (p < 0.05) in the extract when compared to all other compounds tested: phenolics (60.53±1.46 mg/g) > flavonoids (18.37± 2.11 mg/g), > flavonols (11.20±3.90 mg/g). However the difference between flavonols and flavonoids was not significant (p > 0.05) at 95% confidence interval.
Conclusion: The results of this study validated the folkloric use of P. africanum which could be exploited as an easily available and a cheaper source of natural antioxidants.
ACUPUNCTURE AND BEE VENOM THERAPY IN THE CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A SHORT REVIEW
Authors: Lucache Beatrice , Albu Elena , Mungiu Ostin C 
Published: June 2023

Background: Many pharmacological and nonpharmacologic therapies are available for the treatment of the low back pain (LBP). Despite medications are the most frequently prescribed therapy for LBP, the use of various complementary medicine techniques is increasing. The paper summarizes the latest evidence on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions (with special focus on chronic LBP) by using acupuncture and bee venom therapy (BVT).
Methodology: The overview is based on English-language studies and articles found by searches of Medline over more than last 10 years. All the paper found that refer to LBP and at least one of the analyzed therapies have been taken into account.
Results: The mechanism of action, efficiency, harms, toxicity and contraindications are highlighted for the two therapies. The literature on these topics is extensive and controversial. There are trials in favour of using the two complementary therapies for rheumatic diseases, as well trials arguing that the observed analgesic effects are related to a strong placebo response.
Conclusions: The choice of using acupuncture and BVT for chronic LBP depends on various factors related to patient features and preferences, but nowadays an increased attention and support has to be noted.
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF ZIZIPHUS MUCRONATA AND RICINUS COMMUNIS LEAVES EXTRACTS
Authors: Nemudzivhadi Vhutshilo , Masoko Peter 
Published: June 2023

Background: Plants have always been a successful source of remedy from nature. With the widespread use of medicinal plants by indigenous people, the search for biologically active agents is relevant as these plants have the potential to provide pharmacologically active compounds. This study aimed for investigating the effect of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Ziziphus mucronata Willd (Rhamnaceae) and Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae).
Materials and methods: Antibacterial activity was evaluated using microdilution assay and bioautography. Antioxidant activities were determined by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). In vitro cytotoxicity was determined using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay.
Results: R. communis leaves had eight secondary metabolites. Quantitative assay for R. communis, chloroform and methanol extracts had very high antioxidant activity compared to vitamin C. Plants extracts from all solvents exhibited high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 0.21 and 1.05 mg/ml. Most of the antibacterial compounds observed on bioautography had Rf values ranging from 0.21 to 0.88. Z. mucronata had LC50 of 105.5 μg/ml and R. communis 131.8 μg/ml on Vero cells.
Conclusion: This study revealed that both plants had free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF RADIATION AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE RHIZOMA TYPHONII ETHANOL EXTRACTS DEPENDS ON P53 EXPRESSION IN TREATMENT OF LEWIS MOUSE LUNG CANCER CELLS
Authors: Zhao Yinlong , Zhao Lingjun , Luo Yunxiao , Li Xin , Zhang Yifan , Liu Xiaodong , Luo Yungang , Zhong Lili 
Published: June 2023

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, and it is the most common cancer in terms of both incidence and mortality. There is an urgent need on novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have potential valuable for cancer treatment.
Materials and Methods: Lewis mouse lung cancer cell line and Lewis cells tumors xenograft were used in this experiment. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and Western blotting to detect cell apoptosis, and colony formation assay to evaluate the effect of combined therapy of RT+IR.
Results: Our data showed that Rhizoma typhonii (RT) obviously inhibited the proliferations of Lewis cells in time and dose dependent manners by MTT assay and enhanced radiosensitivity by colony formation assay. The effects of RT to Ionizing radiation (IR) therapy were demonstrated radiosensitivity on tumors xenograft experiment. In our study, RT induced apoptotic in Lewis cells directly and enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of IR by regulating the expression of p53.
Conclusions: These data suggested that RT may be a great potential anti-tumor medicine and the combination of RT and IR may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Lewis lung cancer.
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT INVESTIGATIONS OF A CLAUSENA ANISATA HOOK, A SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICINAL PLANT
Authors: Lawal Ibraheem Oduola , Grierson Don S , Afolayan A J 
Published: June 2023

Background: Clausena anisata (Willd). Hook (Rutaceae), also known as Iperepesi in Xhosa language is a medicinal plant widely used by herbalists for the treatment and/or management of several ailments such as chronic cough, tuberculosis and lung ulceration in Eastern Cape, South Africa. With reference to the information gathered in our previous study, we investigated the plant’s phyto-constituents, as well as its inhibitory effects using aqueous and two different organic solvent of extractions in order to justify its folkloric usage.
Methods: Antioxidant activity of the plant was screened through 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) diammonium salt, nitric oxide (NO), and ferric reducing power. Total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, tannins, alkaloids and saponins were investigated using spectroscopic techniques.
Results: There were no significant differences in the flavonoid and proanthocyanidins contents between the leaves and bark extracts of C. anisata respectively, while the total phenolic content of the bark extract of C. anisata was significantly higher than that of the C. anisata leaf. The acetone extracts of both the leaf and bark indicated strong antioxidant activities.
Conclusion: The observed activities of the plant extracts could be attributed to the high contents of the phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, proanthocyanidins and tannin. The acetone extracts of the plants have also exhibited strong antioxidant activities in vitro. It has been established scientifically that oxidative stress is linked with several degenerative conditions and diseases; the inhibitory effects of these plant extracts on the free radicals could logically justify the folkloric usage of C. anisata leaf and bark in the Eastern Cape for the treatment of respiratory infection diseases.
COMPARATIVE PROFILING OF BIOMARKER PSORALEN IN ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVE EXTRACTS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF GENUS FICUS BY VALIDATED HPTLC METHOD
Authors: Alam Perwez , Basudan Omer A. , Alqasoumi Saleh I. , Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Donia Abd El Raheim M. , Al-Rehaily Adnan , Alam Prawez , Siddiqui Nasir A. , Shakeel Faiyaz 
Published: June 2023

Background: A simple but sensitive HPTLC method was developed for the comparative evaluation of psoralen in antioxidant active extracts of leaves of five different species of genus Ficus (Ficus carica, Ficus nitida, Ficus ingens, Ficus palmata and Ficus vasta).
Materials and Methods: HPTLC studies were carried out using CAMAG HPTLC system on Glass-backed silica gel 60F254 HPTLC pre-coated plates using selected mobile phase toluene: methanol (9:1). The antioxidant activity was carried out, using DPPH free radical method.
Results: Among all the five species of genus Ficus, F. palmata and F. carica exhibited comparatively good antioxidant activity in DPPH assay. The developed HPTLC method was found to give a compact spot for psoralen (Rf = 0.55±0.001) at 305 nm. The regression equation and r2 for psoralen was found to be Y= 4.516X+35.894 and 0.998. The quantification result revealed the presence of psoralen in only two species, F. carica (0.24%, w/w) and F. palmata (1.88%, w/w) which supported their supremacy for anti-oxidant potential over other species. The statistical analysis proved that the developed method was reproducible and selective.
Conclusion: The developed method can be used as an important tool to assure the therapeutic dose of active ingredients in herbal formulations as well as for standardization and quality control of bulk drugs and in-process formulations. This method can also be employed for the further study of degradation kinetics and determination of psoralen in plasma and other biological fluids.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT AND GC-MS ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONALLY USED BOSWELLIA SACRA OLEO GUM RESIN (FRANKINCENSE) EXTRACT IN RATS
Authors: Asad Mohammed , Alhumoud Meshal 
Published: June 2023

Background: The water extract of oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia sacra Fleuckiger (Burseraceae) is used in the treatment of liver problems in the
Middle East and Arab-African countries. The present study was carried out to evaluate its effect on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in
acute and chronic liver injury models.
Materials and Methods: The Boswellia sacra extract was administered at doses of 2 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg. Silymarin, a known hepato-protective
agent was used as standard. The extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to determine the presence of various phyto-constituents.
Results: The Boswellia sacra extract at tested doses of 2 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg significantly reduced the elevated serum levels of biomarkers in liver
damage. The hepatoprotective effect was supported by changes in histopathology. The GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of
several phyto-constituents that included menthol, 3-cyclohexen-1-ol and octanoic acid.
Conclusion: The water extract oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia sacra possesses hepatoprotective activity, as claimed by traditional healers within the
Middle East and Arab-African countries.
High Biodiversity and Low Dominance in Insect Species on Marsegu Island: A Case Study
Authors: Savdurin Berlindus , Latumahina Fransina , Wattimena Cornelia 
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess the diversity and abundance of insect species in the coastal forest of Marsegu Island in the Western Seram Regency. The data was collected using an exploratory method, which involved direct observation and sampling in the field between October 2020 and the completion of the study. A total of 321 individuals representing 20 species from six orders (Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Aranae) were identified, distributed across 20 families. The Diptera family Muscidae was most commonly found. The insect diversity index (H') was 4.371, indicating high species diversity within the region. The evenness index (E) was 0.931, suggesting that no single family dominated the population due to a balanced ecosystem. The dominance index was 0.155, implying low dominance and equitable abundance among species. The findings emphasize the importance of Marsegu Island's ecological balance, which may be threatened by chemical interventions. It is crucial to conserve these diverse and abundant insect communities, which play a significant role in maintaining ecosystem health and complexity.
Highlights:

The study revealed a high diversity of insect species (H' index = 4.371) on Marsegu Island, highlighting its rich ecological complexity.
The even distribution of insect species (E index = 0.931) underlines the balanced ecosystem, free from chemical interventions.
Despite the high diversity, no species dominates the ecosystem, as reflected by a low dominance index (0.155), emphasizing the importance of species equality in maintaining ecosystem health.

Keywords: Insect Diversity, Marsegu Island, Ecosystem Balance, Species Abundance, Dominance Index.
Cannabinoid type 2 receptor inhibition enhances the antidepressant and proneurogenic effects of physical exercise after chronic stress
Authors: Xapelli Sara , Rodrigues Rui , Moreira João , Vaz SH , Barateiro Andreia , Paulo Sara , Mateus Joana , Lourenço Diogo , Ribeiro Filipa , Loureiro-Campos Eduardo , Bielefeld Pascal , Fitzsimons Carlos , fernandes Adelaide , Sebastião Ana , Pinto Luísa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Chronic stress is a major risk factor of neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) has emerged as a promising target to counteract stress-related disorders given the ability of newborn neurons to facilitate endogenous plasticity. Recent data sheds light on the interaction between cannabinoids and neurotrophic factors underlying the regulation of AHN, with important effects upon cognitive plasticity and emotional flexibility. Since physical exercise (PE) is known to enhance neurotrophin levels, we hypothesized that PE could engage with cannabinoids to influence AHN and that this would result in beneficial effects under stressful conditions. We therefore investigated the actions of modulating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), which are devoid of psychotropic effects, in combination with PE in chronically stressed animals. We found that CB2R inhibition, but not CB2R activation, in combination with PE significantly ameliorated stress-evoked emotional changes and cognitive deficits. Importantly, this combined strategy critically shaped stress-induced changes in AHN dynamics, leading to a significant increase in the rates of cell proliferation and differentiation of newborn neurons, and an overall reduction in neuroinflammation. Together, these results show that CB2Rs are crucial regulators of the beneficial effects of PE in countering the effects of chronic stress. Our work emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind the actions of cannabinoids and PE and provides a framework for future therapeutic strategies to treat stress-related disorders that capitalize on lifestyle interventions complemented with endocannabinoid pharmacomodulation.
The Covid Response Study (COVRES) Protocol: a comprehensive genomic, immunological, proteomic and phenotypic comparison of hospitalised versus non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 patients in Northern Ireland
Authors: English Andrew , McDaid Darren , Lynch Seodhna M. , McLaughlin Joe , Cooper Eamonn , Wingfield Benjamin , Kelly Martin , Bhavsar Manav , McGilligan Victoria , Irwin Rachelle E , Bucholc Magda , Zhang Shu-Dong , Shukla Priyank , Rai Taranjit Singh , Bjourson Anthony J , Murray Elaine , Gibson David S , Walsh Colum 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
The Covid Response Study (COVRES, NCT05548829) aims to carry out an integrated multi-omic analysis of factors contributing to host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 among a patient cohort of 1000 people from the geographically isolated island of Ireland.
Background
Health organisations and countries around the world have found it difficult to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019. To minimise the impact on the NHS and improve patient care, there is a drive for rapid tests capable of detecting individuals who are at high risk of contracting severe COVID-19. Early work focused on single omic approaches, highlighting a limited amount of information.
Study Design
The protocol below describes the study to be carried out in Northern Ireland (NI-COVRES) by Ulster University, the Republic of Ireland component will be described separately. All participants (n = 519) were recruited from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, forty patients are also being followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to assess the longitudinal impact of infection on symptoms, general health, and immune response, this is ongoing.
Methods
Data will be sourced from whole blood, saliva samples, and clinical data from the Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record, general health questionnaire, and the GHQ12 mental health survey. Saliva and blood samples were processed for DNA and RNA prior to whole genomic sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation, microbiome, 16S, and proteomic analysis. Multi-omics data will be combined with clinical data to produce sensitive and specific prognostic models of severity risk.
Results
An initial profile of the cohort has been completed: n = 249 hospitalised and n = 270 non-hospitalised patients were recruited, 64% were female, the mean age was 45 years. High levels of comorbidity were evident in the hospitalised cohort, with cardiovascular disease and metabolic and respiratory disorders (P < 0.001) being the most significant.
Conclusion
This study will provide a comprehensive opportunity to study multi-omic mechanisms of COVID-19 severity in re-contactable participants.
Trial Registration -
The trial has been registered as an observational study on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05548829. An outline of the trial protocol is included; SPIRIT checklist (Supplementary Fig. 1).
Physical Activity, Sleep Disorders, and Type of Work in the Prevention of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Jiao Huachen , Wang Cong , Qu Ying , Lv Shunxin , Zhao Dongsheng , Zhong Xia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Hypertensive patients are likelier to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to explore physical activity level, sleep disorders, and type of work that influenced intervention effects on mild cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients and to establish a decision tree model to analyze their predictive significance on the incidence of MCI in hypertensive patients.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 733 hypertensive patients, consisting of 356 males and 377 females with a mean age of 67.72 ± 10.79 years. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Moreover, we obtained information on the patients' type of work through a questionnaire and their level of physical activity through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using various methods, including T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, logistic regression, and decision tree. Finally, the ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive ability of the decision tree model.
Results
The logistic regression analysis results indicate that sleep disorder is a significant risk factor for MCI in hypertension patients. Mental workers and those who perform manual and mental workers work exhibit protective effects against MCI. Compared to low-intensity and moderate physical activity, high-intensity physical activity protects against MCI in hypertension patients. The importance of predictors in the decision tree model was ranked as follows: physical activity level (54%), type of work (27%), and sleep disorders (19%). The area under the ROC curves the decision tree model predicted was 0.719 (95% CI: 0.677–0.761, p ＜0.001).
Conclusion
The probability of MCI is the largest in hypertensive patients with low-intensity activities or less. Sleep disorders is a risk factor for MCI in hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients who engage in mental work and high-intensity physical activity effectively mitigate the onset of MCI in hypertensive patients.
Trace elements contamination of marine sediments in the Mediterranean Sea: a defining moment for healthy sea
Authors: Ardila Pedro Agustín Robledo , Alonso Rebeca Álvarez , Valsero Juan José Durán , García Raquel Morales , Cabrera Flor Árcega , Cosío Elizabeth Lamas 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The alteration of marine sediments plays a key role in the global health of the seas as consequence of anthropogenic pollution in highly populated coastal areas. This research analyses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in coastal and marine sediments of the Mediterranean Sea. Research has highlighted that Hg, Ni and Cu are present in very high concentrations in sediments, while Cr, Zn, Cd, Ba and V have slightly more moderate values. Sediment quality guidelines and the pollution indexes (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) have been used to evaluate the trace element results, revealing a general trend of decreasing concentrations from the littoral coast to the open sea. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the chemistry of metals in sediments is mainly regulated by the sequence Cu, Pb, Zn, Ba, and Cr. This study suggests that heavy metals distribution patterns are related to strong pressured tourist areas and management strategies are needed to ensure the health of the Mediterranean Sea.