bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of propolis on 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac toxicity in rats
Authors: Barary Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Liang Jackson J. , Mansouri Razieh , Sio Terence T. , Hosseini Mohammad , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in treating solid tumors, and the 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity is the second cause of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Propolis (Pro) has vigorous anti-inflammatory activity. Its cardio-protective characteristic against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was previously proven. The current study aimed to appraise the effect of Pro on 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, 5-FU, 5-FU + Pro 250 mg/kg, and 5-FU + Colchicine (CLC) 5 mg/kg. Different hematological, serological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular assays were performed to assess the study aim. Moreover, rat myocardium (H9C2(2 − 1)) and human skin fibroblast (HNFF-P18) cell lines were also used to assess this protective effect in-vitro.
Results
5-FU resulted in significant cardiotoxicity represented by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, cardiac enzyme levels, and histopathological degenerations. 5-FU treatment also decreased bodyweight, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) levels, blood cell counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In addition, 5-FU disrupted ECG parameters, including increased elevation in the ST-segment and increased QRS complex and QTc duration. Treating with Pro reduced oxidative stress, cardiac enzymes, histopathological degenerations, and COX-2 expression in cardiac tissue alleviated ECG disturbances and increased the number of blood cells and TAC levels. Moreover, 5-FU-induced bodyweight loss was ameliorated after treatment with Pro.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that treatment with Pro significantly improved cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU in rats.
Is Calcium the Main Nutrient in the Diet Plan for Sarcopenia among the Elderly? ：A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Yang , Oh Chorong , No Jaekyung 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The effect of nutrients such as vitamin D, protein and calcium, to increase muscle mass and stimulate muscle synthesis has been verified. While the latent association between these nutrients and sarcopenia was poorly investigated. Therefore, this study summarized current studies reporting vitamin D, protein and calcium among patients with sarcopenia vs. people without sarcopenia (controls) with meta-analysis to explore their possible relationship. Methods: An electronic search of PubMed and Science Direct from January 1, 1989 to May 30, 2018 was conducted for data collection and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies was performed. Out of 105,700 initial hits, 6 studies with a total of 6,221 participants (1,156 with sarcopenia vs. 5,065 without) were meta-analyzed. Results: Sarcopenic participants had significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D (SMD = 0.791; 95%CI 0.073, 1.510; p < 0.05; I2 = 98.790%), protein (SMD = 0.574; 95%CI 0.088, 1.060; p < 0.05; I2 = 97.276%) and calcium (SMD =1.258; 95%CI 0.429, 2.087; p < 0.01; I2 = 99.067%) than controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, sarcopenia is associated with intake level of vitamin D, protein and calcium. Among these nutrients, calcium has the greatest impact. Therefore, the significance of calcium to the prevention of sarcopenia should be well-focused.
Effects of cognitive behavior therapy on patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Kondo Yu , Kurakata Hiroshi , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Takasaki Hiroshi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: To determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone and a combination of physical interventions and CBT on pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological parameters in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). Methods: Several databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled effects were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.Results: In total, 2,287 RCTs were found; among them, eight were included. Two RCTs, we found low evidence that CBT was better than the wait-and-see control group in improving disability (SMD, −0.61; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.01) and psychological status, such as fear of physical activity (SMD, −1.04; 95% CI, −1.67 to −0.41), in the short-term. In addition, two RCTs, we found moderate evidence that CBT combined with physical interventions was better than what was advised in improving disability (SMD, −0.29; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.06) in the long-term. Conclusion: The study found moderately favorable evidence of the combined effect of physical interventions and CBT against advice alone in long-term disability.
Pre-stack Seismic Inversion with L1-2-norm Regularization Via a Proximal DC Algorithm and Adaptive Strategy
Authors: Chen Shuangquan , Wang Guoquan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Seismic inversion in geophysics is an effective way to obtain underground rock properties from seismic survey data on the Earth’s surface. Especially, we can obtain much more information to characterize subsurface geological structure and lithology via pre-stack seismic inversion due to offset information added to the inversion than by post-stack seismic inversion. However, pre-stack seismic inversion is usually a nonlinear and complicated process. In this article, we adopt a \({L_{1 - 2}}\)-norm as a constraint on pre-stack seismic inversion, promoting the generation of a sparse solution. We also propose a novel pre-stack seismic inversion method that reduces the complexity of the solving method by utilizing an objective function decomposition scheme. Comparison of calculation time, accuracy and sparsity of the inversion solutions indicates that the proposed algorithm has better accuracy and robustness. Moreover, considering the difficulty of regularization parameter selection, we develop an adaptive parameter selection strategy based on Generalized Stein unbiased risk estimation (G-SURE) and incorporate it into the solving algorithm. The adaptive approach finds an appropriate regularization parameter in each iteration, and obtains the optimal solution directly, which is beneficial for improving computational efficiency. A synthetic data test verifies that the adaptive method can converge to the optimal solution iteratively in the case of arbitrary initial regularization parameters. Finally, in application to real field data, we explain why the adaptive method is the better choice even though adaptive and non-adaptive methods can obtain solutions with similar accuracy.
Predictors of Viral Load Test Result over Time among HIV Adult Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART): A Retrospective Study in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Agegn Ayitenew , Abebe Mengistu , Belay Kidist 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
HIV attacks the CD4 cell which is responsible for the body's immune response to infectious agents. The main objective of this study was to identify Predictors of Viral Load Result over time among HIV Patients Initiated HAART in Zewditu Memorial Hospital.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study design was conducted on 161 HIV infected patients under HAART whose follow-ups were from January 2014 up to December 2017. Generalized linear mixed-effects model (Binary logistic regression model) for status of viral load result was used for inferential data analysis. The Hosmer and Lemeshow Goodness of fit Test and the likelihood ratio tests were used for measures of goodness of fit for categorical data
Results
The descriptive statistics revealed that the longitudinal response variable which was viral load status among HIV patient’s, in the study 90 of the patients were detected at baseline and 71 of them were not detected at baseline measurements. The estimated odds of the detected patients who lived in rural area was found to be about 6.3 (AOR = 6.30) times that of the odds of detected patients in urban area controlling for the other variables in the model. The estimated odds of the detected disclosed patients was found to be about 80.5% (AOR = 0.195) less likely than the odds of detected not disclosed Patients by controlling for the other variables in the model.
Conclusions
The predictor variables; observation time, weight, residence, age, educational level, clinical stage, functional status, baseline CD4 cell count and disclosure were statistically and significantly associated with status of viral load. The proportional odds model assumption was also checked numerically using Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistics. The results justified that the assumption was fulfilled.
Identification of a novel vitivirus from pineapple in Reunion Island
Authors: Lett Jean-Michel , Massé Delphine , Filloux Denis , Candresse Thierry , Massart Sébastien , Marais Armelle , Verdin Eric , Cassam Nathalie , Fernandez Emmanuel , Roumagnac Philippe , Teycheney Pierre-Yves , Lefeuvre Pierre 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We report the complete genome sequencing of a novel member of the genus Vitivirus in the family Betaflexiviridae (subfamily Trivirinae) infecting pineapple. The full genome of this virus was obtained from total RNAs extracted from pineapple leaf samples collected in Reunion Island, using a combination of high-throughput sequencing technologies. It is 6,757 nt long, excluding the poly(A) tail, and shares all the hallmarks of vitiviruses. Phylogenetic analyses performed on the replication-associated protein and capsid protein gene sequences unambiguously place this new virus, for which we propose the name “pineapple vitivirus A”, in the Vitivirus genus.
Increased household transmission and immune escape of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant: evidence from Norwegian contact tracing and vaccination data
Authors: Jalali Neda , Brustad Hilde , Frigessi Arnoldo , MacDonald Emily , Meijerink Hinta , Feruglio Siri , Nygård Karin , Rø Gunnar , Madslien Elisabeth , de Blasio Birgitte 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Understanding the rapid epidemic growth of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is critical for public health management. We compared the secondary attack rate (SAR) of the Omicron and Delta variants in households using Norwegian contact tracing data from December 2021 to January 2022. Omicron SAR was higher (51%) than Delta (36%), with a relative risk (RR) of 1.41 (95% CI 1.27–1.56). We observed increased susceptibility to Omicron infection in household contacts compared to Delta independent of vaccination status; however, considering booster vaccinated contacts, the mean SAR was lower for both variants. We found increased Omicron transmissibility in all vaccination groups of primary cases, except partially vaccinated, compared to Delta. In particular, Omicron SAR for boosted primary cases was high, 46% vs 11% for Delta (RR 4.34; 95% CI 1.52–25.16). In conclusion, booster doses decrease the infection risk of Delta and Omicron but have limited effect in preventing Omicron transmission.
Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in the Serum Sample of Individuals in Akpakpa, Cotonou
Authors: Ezeobi Dennis Peace , Maduka Amarachi Godgift 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world with severe complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the serum samples of individuals in Akpakpa, Cotonou.
Study design:
A cross-sectional study, using serological testing to perform the analysis in Akpakpa, Cotonou. The sample used was whole blood. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire.
Method
A random sample of about 11 adults aged 15–30 years was taken. The separated sera were subjected to anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (IgG) and anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (IgA) using ELISA techniques. Consenting men and women were issued questionnaires to collect information related to the study such as age, sex, lifestyle, symptoms associated with Chlamydia, family history, and past genital tract infection. Risk factor analyses were carried out for chlamydial infection
Results
Chlamydia antibodies were found in 27.27% of the individuals tested. The presence of Chlamydia antibodies was associated with unprotected sex, a history of genital tract infection, having more than one sexual partner, and a young age for both men and women. At the population level, the prevalence of chlamydial infection correlated well with reported rates of partner change.
Conclusion
The present study revealed the prevalence of chlamydia among women, individuals with a past history of genital tract infection, individuals associated with unprotected sex, individuals who have more than one sexual partner, and young people. A high percentage of individuals were unaware of the infection and its complications which was also associated with the prevalence of the infection.
Herpes Simplex Virus Gene Variants among Asymptomatic Women in Ghana: a pilot study
Authors: Debrah Oksana , Harry Asmah Richard , Ama Essuman Gabriella Amoakoma , Timmy Donkoh Emmanuel , Francis Agyemang-Yeboah 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Herpes simplex virus infections account for a large burden of disease worldwide. HSV-1 is traditionally considered to cause orofacial infections, whereas HSV-2 is known for genital infections. A number of studies have suggested an increase of genital herpes infections caused by HSV-1. As reporting of diseases caused by herpes simplex virus is not mandatory in Ghana, reliable statistics on the epidemiology of infections are not available. We took advantage of the Cervicare program in Ghana to screen for the presence of HSV variants 1 and 2 among a convenient subset of asymptomatic women presenting for cervical screening in Accra, Ghana (n = 94). Genetic markers for both HSV 1 and 2 were detected in cervical swabs. There was a preponderance of HSV-1 (12.8%) genital infections in our study sample: compared to HSV-2 (4.8%). HSV-1 and 2 co-infection was detected in 4.3% of study population. Among positive cases for HSV-1 DNA, 92% had confirmed seropositive HSV-1 status and 8% were borderline result. All positive HSV-2 DNA were confirmed seropositive HSV-2 status. We have successfully demonstrated the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 gene variants in genital swabs. Owing to the lack of epidemiological data on genital HSV-1 infection in Ghana, the role of sexual transmission for HSV-1 is unclear: the findings of our pilot study have important public health implications. A bigger surveillance study is recommended in Ghana to identify the etiology of genital herpes and estimate the true burden of asymptomatic herpes infection in the population.
Chemotherapy Choice in Neoadjuvant Dual Her2 Blockade; Is It Really Necessary to Add Anthracycline?
Authors: Ozveren Ahmet , Erdogan Atike , Ekinci Ferhat , Kirdok Kutay , Almuradova Elvina , Karabulut Bulent 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
1. Background
Addition of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER-2 positive patients is the current clinical standard today. In studies on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the primary endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR). The aim of our study is to answer the following questions: Does the anthracycline containing chemotherapy which will be used alongside dual HER-2 blockade in neoadjuvant treatment has additional benefit?
2. Methods
52 patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Three centers participated in the study (İzmir Kent Hospital, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Ege University). The effects of chemotherapy regimen and several other factors such as age, stage, menopause status, lymph node positivity, hormone receptor positivity on pCR were evaluated. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
3. Results
The mean age of diagnosis was 46 ± 9 (range: 26-67). The pCR rate was 71.2% (37) in the entire study group. In terms of pCR, no significant difference between those who use an anthracycline containing and non-anthracycline containing regimens (71.4% vs 70%, p=1.000), those with negative and positive hormone receptors (64.7% vs 74.3%, p=0.525), and Ki67 levels of %20 or less and those over 20% (60% vs 73.8%, p=0.447), premenopausal and postmenopausal ones (76.9% vs 65.4%, p=0.054).
4. Conclusions
As a result of the data we obtained, it was concluded that adding anthracycline regimen to dual HER-2 blockade in the neoadjuvant period did not bring additional benefits in terms of pCR. Additional studies are needed on whether the use of anthracycline-containing regimen contributes additionally in patients who will use the neoadjuvant pertuzumab-trastuzumab combination.
Role of detrusor PDGFRα+ cells in Cyclophosphamide-induced Detrusor Overactivity
Authors: Lee Haeyeong , Koh Byoung H. , Peri Lauren E. , Woodward Holly J. , Perrino Brian A. , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis is a rodent model that shares many features common to the cystitis occurring in patients, including detrusor overactivity (DO). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα+) cells regulate muscle excitability in murine bladders during filling. PDGFRα+ cells express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (predominantly SK3) that provide stabilization of membrane potential during filling. We hypothesized that down-regulation of the regulatory functions of PDGFRα+ cells and/or loss of PDGFRα+ cells generates the DO in CYP-treated mice. After CYP treatment, transcripts of Pdgfrα and Kcnn3 and PDGFRα and SK3 protein were reduced in detrusor muscle extracts. The distribution of PDGFRα+ cells was also reduced. Inflammatory markers were increased in CYP-treated detrusor muscles. An SK channel agonist, CyPPA, increased outward current and hyperpolarization in PDGFRα+ cells. This response was significantly depressed in PDGFRα+ cells from CYP-treated bladders. Contractile experiments and ex vivo cystometry showed increased spontaneous contractions and transient contractions, respectivley in CYP-treated bladders with a reduction of apamin sensitivity, reflecting the reduction in the SK conductance expressed by PDGFRα+ cells. In summary, PDGFRα+ cells were reduced and the SK3 conductance was downregulated in CYP-treated bladders. These changes are consistent with the development of DO after CYP treatment.
Conformational Studies of Bioactive Peptides by NMR
Authors: Craik D. J. , Jarvis J. A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
Peptides are responsible for the regulation of a wide range of physiological functions. Their diverse biological roles, ranging from neurotransmitters to hormones, make them ideal targets for novel drug design. To utilize this potential it is necessary to determine the conformations of these potent bioactive molecules. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides a means for determining conformations of peptide species, both free in solution and, in appropriate cases, when bound to their
receptors. In this article, NMR-based methods for determining conformations of bioactive peptides are described and illusrated with specific examples. This includes a discussion of qualitative and quantitative methods for assessment of NMR data, as well as methods used to investigate dynamics.
Development of 2',5'-Oligonucleotides as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Torrence P. F. , Xiao W. , Li G. , Khamnei S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
The unique 2',5'-phosphodie.ster bond-linked oligonucleo­ tide known as 2-5A (Pn5'A2'(p5'A2')mp5'A) plays a key role in mediation of the anti-encephalomyocarditis virus action of interferon. 2-5A acts as a potent inhibitor of translation through the activation of a constituent latent endonuclease, the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease (RNase) , which degrades RNAs. This 2-5A system, as part of a natural defense mechanism against virus infection, provides a paradigm for a new approach to the regulation of gene expression. Realization of this poten­
tial requires an understanding of the 2-5A oligoribonucleotide-associated structural parameters which govern its lifetime in biological systems and its interaction with the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease responsible for RNA destruction. In this review, we describe the partial realization of such an understanding and the resulting development of a new approach to the specific and targeted cleavage of RNA by directing 2-5A-dependent RNase action to a precise target with an antisense DNA. The synthesis and mechanism of action of these novel composite nucleic acids permits exploration of the potent RNA destruction ability of the 2-5A-dependent RNase coupled with the specificity of antisense oligonucleotides as potential therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases.
Chirality and Computational Chemistry: A New Direction
Authors: Schmidt W. F. , Gassner George 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
Physical and biological responses to natural and synthetic chemicals occur only at molecular distances and at molecular dimensions. Computational chemistry calculates results in molecular dimensions, but has serious difficulties in accurately predicting chiral interactions between diastereoisomers and/or enantiomers. Prediction of structures and conformations for more complicated chiral interactions such as in protein folding and protein binding may be intrinsically inaccurate because the molecular consequences of the forces between these spatially close chiral centers are not explicitly taken into account. Molecular forces are calculated
within and between molecules by optimizing the variables of distance, shape, and time. Symmetry in space over a distance is not the same as symmetry in space over a period of time. Thus for asymmetrical chemical structures, time distorts the mirror of chirality. The physical chemical properties of unequal population of R-and S- isomers of any compound are not directly predictable from those of binary mixtures containing equal amounts of opposite isomers. Only if the corresponding populations of R- and S- isomers are exactly equal can molecular properties be explained by time independent variables. Ignoring time-dependent variables inherently precludes understanding time dependent conformational and configurational changes which occur in xenobiotics, hormones, peptides and other chiral compounds which occur in an asymmetrical chemical environment.
Current Developments in the Chemistry of Artemisinin and Related Compounds
Authors: Jung Mankil 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
Malaria is the most widespread infectious disease in the world today. This shocking reality is due largely to the emergence of drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Although the eradication of the disease is not an attainable goal in the near future, many attempts to discover and develop new and more efficient antimalarial drugs have been made recently. Artemisinin (Qinghaosu) isolated from Artemisia annua is a novel sesquiterpene lactone bearing an unusual endoperoxide
function. It has been shown to be a fast-acting, safe and effective drug against chloroquine- resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The main objective of this article is to review the literature of recent progress taken place in the chemistry of artemisinin and related compounds during the last two years(1991-1992).