bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the analgesic effects of Bungarus fasciatus snake venom from Vinh Phuc and Tien Giang Provinces of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Тhien Vu , Nguyen Trang Thuy Thi , Hoang Anh Ngoc , Utkin Yuri N 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To determine the analgesic activity of Bungarus fasciatus venoms and their fractions from two Vietnamese Provinces.
Methods: Male Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into three groups containing 8 to 10 mice each. Control group was injected subcutaneously with normal saline, standard group received aspirin solution (50 mg/kg) perorally, and study group received a solution of crude venom or isolated fractions in physiological saline. To determine analgesic activity, acetic acid writhing and tail immersion tests were used. The venoms were separated by liquid chromatography and the analgesic activity of the fractions was analyzed.
Results: Both venoms showed analgesic effect in the acetic acid writhing test, but only the venom from Tien Giang showed analgesic effect in the tail immersion test. The bioactive fractions of Vinh Phuc and Tien Giang venoms were significantly different, with most of Vinh Phuc venom fractions being more active (p < 0.05). Thus, 35 min after the injection, the number of writhings decreased from 15 - 16 in the control to 0.85 ± 0.34 for the BF-4VS (Vinh Phuc) fraction compared to 2.67 ± 1.20 (p < 0.05) for the BF-4DT (Thien Giang) fraction. Two proteins with analgesic activity were isolated from Vinh Phuc venom, and one with greater activity matched the known B. fasciatus phospholipase A2.
Conclusion: The analgesic activity of two samples of B. fasciatus venom from two different provinces in Vietnam reveal that their pharmacological profiles differ. The isolates can be explored as leads in the development of new analgesic agents.
Berberine regulates endocrine function in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome through PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β insulin signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Dan , Liu Yaxin 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To study the influence of berberine on endocrine status in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the underlying mechanism of action.
Methods: A total of 80 mice were used in this research. Sixteen mice were randomly selected to serve as control. The remaining 64 mice were subcutaneously given dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) injection to establish a mouse model of PCOS. The PCOS mice were randomly divided into model group, and low-dose-, medium-dose and high-dose berberine groups. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and expression levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 signaling pathway related proteins (PI3K 85, Akt2, p-GSK-3 Tyr216, p-GSK-3β Ser9, and GSK-3) were evaluated.
Results: At 60 and 120 min, OGTT blood glucose level of model group was significantly higher than that of blank control group, but it was significantly lower in the berberine dose groups than in model group (p < 0.05). There were significantly higher protein expression levels of pi3k85, AKT2 and p-GSK-3β tyr116 in berberine dose groups than in model mice, but the protein levels of p-GSK-3β ser9 in berberine dose groups were significantly lower than that in model mice.
Conclusion: Berberine improved endocrine function in PCOS mice through a mechanism involving regulation of the key proteins of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 β insulin signaling pathway. Thus, berberine may potentially play a similar role in humans with PCOS functions. However, clinical trials need to be carried out first.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive impairment after aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Li Junwei , Ren Shaohua , Ren Jinrui , Zhen Zigang , Li Lirong , Hao Xudong , Ji Hongming , Zhao Yuanli 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on cognitive impairment after aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
Methods: The current study was carried out in a regional neurosurgical center in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province of China from January 2019 to September 2020. A total of 150 patients with persistent cognitive dysfunction at 3 months after aSAH onset were enrolled, which were randomly classified into group A (HBOT) and group B (control) via the random number table method. The outcome was evaluated by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA).
Results: There were no significant differences between group A and group B with regard to MoCA score and proportions of normal MoCA patients at 3 months after HBOT (p > 0.05). Both groups showed no significant differences in proportions of normal MoCA patients at 6 months after HBOT (p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between group A and group B with MoCA score of patients at 6 months after HBOT (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in MoCA score and proportions of normal MoCA patients at 9 months after HBOT.
Conclusion: HBOT alleviates cognitive impairment after aSAH, and thus may be used to manage cognitive impairment in patients after aSAH. However, further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Effects of different doses of ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia, incidence of complications and stress factors in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , Liu Yuting , Li Jian , Liu Haihua 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To study the influence of various doses of ropivacaine (Ropi) on postoperative analgesia, incidence of complications and stress factors in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods: One hundred and fifty (150) patients who received TKA treatment in Ganzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to January 2019 were randomly assigned to low-dose Ropi (0.15 %, group A), medium-dose Ropi (0.20 %, group B) and high-dose Ropi (0.30 %, group C), with 50 patients in each group. Changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, MMSE scores, cognitive dysfunction, serum cortisol (Cor) and adverse reactions were determined before and after surgery.
Results: Compared with group A, scores on rest visual analogue scale (RVAS) and passive visual analogue scale (PVAS) were significantly higher in low-dose and high-dose Ropi groups 24 and 48 h postoperatively (p < 0.05). Serum Cor levels in low-dose Ropi-treated patients were significantly lower than those in the other groups at 24 and 48 h after surgery (p < 0.05). The MMSE scores at 48 and 72 h after surgery were significantly higher in low-dose Ropi-treated patients than in the other 2 groups. The number of patients with cognitive impairment after surgery (POCD) was significantly higher in groups B and C than in A (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Low-dose Ropi exerts significant analgesic effect on elderly patients undergoing TKA, and improves their cognitive function without increasing stress response. Therefore, it should be further investigated on a larger scale for its potential as a candidate analgesic for patients after TKA.
Effect of combination of botulinum toxin and electromyographic biofeedback therapy on post-stroke patients with lower limb muscle spasticity
Authors: Wang Honglin , Wang Xueming , Yu Changsheng 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effect of combined use of botulinum toxin type A and electromyographic biofeedback therapy (EMGBFT) on post-stroke patients with lower limb muscle spasticity.
Methods: The data of 91 post-stroke patients with lower limb muscle spasticity who were admitted to Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital (January 2020 -January 2021) were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into control group (COG, n = 45) and study group (STG, n = 46) based on the treatments given. All patients received conventional rehabilitation and training. Patients in COG were treated with EMGBFT, whereas those in STG received botulinum toxin type A as well as EMGBFT. The parameters determined in the two groups were degree of spasticity, lower limb motor function [3m-Timed Up and Go (3m - TUG) and 10m - Walk Test (10 m - WT)], active range of motion (AROM) of ankle dorsiflexion, ability of daily living (based on Barthel Index, BI), and adverse reactions before and after treatment.
Results: The effectiveness of the treatments on spasticity was higher in STG than in COG (p < 0.05). After treatment, the times taken for 3m-TUG and 10m-WT were significantly shorter in STG than in COG (p < 0.05). The AROM of patients in both groups was expanded, but the expansion was significantly greater in STG than in COG (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Combined therapy using botulinum toxin and EMGBFT effectively relieved lower limb muscle spasticity of post-stroke patients, and also improved their lower limb motion function and daily living ability. Thus, the combined therapy provided better management of lower limb spasticity. However, further clinical trials are required prior to its adoption in clinical practice.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of three different drugs combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Haifeng , Wang Ying , Sun Chenggang 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of three different drugs combined with radiotherapy, viz, apatinib mesylate combined radiotherapy (group A), gemcitabine combined oxaliplatin (group B), and Huachansu capsules combined radiotherapy (group C)] in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.
Methods: A total of 174 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated in Yantai Qishan Hospital, Yantai, China from June 2015 to December 2016 were randomly and evenly divided into groups A, B, and C. The incidence of adverse reactions during treatment, immune reaction, efficacy, quality of life, and survival were compared among the three groups after four courses of treatment.
Results: Compared with groups B and C, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher in group A (p < 0.05), but the incidence of other adverse events was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Group A showed higher response rate and disease control rate, higher CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ levels and QOL scores, as well as lower CD8+ level in peripheral blood after treatment than groups B and C (p < 0.05). Group A also exhibited longer median OS and median PFS, and higher 2-year survival than groups B and C (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Among the three different drug treatments combined with radiotherapy, apatinib mesylate combined radiotherapy enhanced efficacy and quality of life, and lengthen the survival time of advanced pancreatic cancer patients. However, additional clinical trials are required to validate these findings.
HSF-1 attenuates isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting TLR2 expression
Authors: Jia Xu , Huang Xuezhu , Duan Mingda , Qiu Wei , Zhang Xuanbo , Wang Xin 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the regulatory effects of heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) in the progression of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
Methods: Isoflurane (ISO)-induced POCD model in rats was established to determine the role of HSF-1 in POCD. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the POCD rats while mRNA and protein levels of HSF-1 were determined by RNA extraction/quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively.
Results: The mRNA and protein levels of HSF-1 were significantly reduced in ISO model, but OE-HSF-1 treatment significantly elevated HSF-1 level (p < 0.05). ISO treatment also significantly decreased escape latency but increased the decreased target quadrant of the rats, while HSF-1 upregulation reversed these effects (p < 0.05). Additionally, HSF-1 alleviated ISO-induced hippocampal injury, improved ISO-induced hippocampal inflammation, and inhibited ISO-induced hippocampal apoptosis. Furthermore, HSF-1 was modulated by POCD via TLR2/NF-κB pathway (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: HSF-1 attenuates ISO-induced cognitive dysfunction by suppressing TLR2 expression. This activity provides a potential strategy to prevent POCD via HSF-1.
Characteristics of Tibetan medicine preparations used in the Chinese-Tibetan Hospital of Derong County
Authors: Zhao Meiling , Zhou You , Fu Ke , Li Xiaoli , Arong Qupi , Xu Min , Luorong Zhenzhui , Liang Yuan , Zeng Xuemei , Fan Gang , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhang 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the Tibetan medicine preparations used in Derong Chinese-Tibetan Hospital. Methods: In this study, 115 preparations were collected from the Chinese-Tibetan Hospital of Derong County. A statistical table of information on medicine preparation was prepared in Excel format, and it included information on the forms of preparations, medicinal materials, medicinal parts used, frequency of use, and clinical applications.
Results: The 115 preparations were mainly pills. In clinics, they were used for treating liver disease, stomach-ache, gastric ulcer, nephrotic pain and fever. It was found that 226 medicines were used in various preparations. The plant components used varied from whole herbs, fruits, seeds, roots, rhizomes, and animal-based medicines, to flowers. The most frequently used plants/herbs were Terminalia chebula Retz., Carthamus tinctorius L., Aucklandia lappa Decne., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata and Phyllanthus emblica L. The most commonly used drug combinations involved three fruits (Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia billerica (Gaertn.) Roxb and Phyllanthus emblica L.). The preparations and medicinal materials used for liver and stomach diseases are described in detail in this article. These include Terminalia chebula Retz., Aucklandia lappa Decne. and Carthamus tinctorius L.
Conclusion: The study has analysed the characteristics and clinical uses of Tibetan medicine preparations and summarised the diseases and medicinal materials in the Tibetan area. These preparations and medicinal materials, with their many years of clinical use, may become invaluable gifts of Tibetan medicine to the world.
Triiodothyronine participates in odontoblast differentiation of apical papilla stem cells through regulation of ERK and p38MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Xu Jiali , He Lei , Yang Haibing 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of triiodothyronine (T3) in odontoblast differentiation of apical papilla stem cells, and the mechanism of action involved.
Methods: Apical unclosed permanent molars extracted from patients due to orthodontics and impaction were selected. The extracted teeth were cultured in the isolation stage of SCAP cells. The cells were exposed to different concentrations of T3. The effects of ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways on activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined. Calcium deposition was measured using a calcium determination kit, while the expression of BMP - 2 protein by T3 was determined by Western blot assay. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FqPCR) method was used to determine the mRNA expression of BMP.
Results: The ALP activities were significantly higher in T3 groups than in control group. Relative to control, there were marked differences in ALP activity and calcium deposition in T3 group, T3 + PD group and T3 + SB group (p < 0.05). Relative to control, the mRNA and protein expressions of BMP-2 in T3 group were increased significantly (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Triiodothyronine regulates the differentiation of apical papilla stem cells into dentin through ERK and p38MAPK signaling pathways. This provides the mechanism underlying odontoblast differentiation of apical papilla stem cells.
Pulsed Lased Deposition of Single-Crystalline (001) Oriented Pb(Zr0.5T0.5)O3 Thin Film on PrScO3 Substrate
Authors: Mtebwa Mahamudu H. , Setter Nava 
Published: October 2022

High quality thin films are important for domain engineering applications such as on-volatile memory applications. Single crystalline (001) oriented Pb (Zr0.5T0.5)O3 thin films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition on PrScO3 with strontium ruthenate (SRO) electrodes. Thin films were prepared from PZT ceramic targets with 15% excess PbO to compensate for lead loss at high deposition temperature. Layer by layer/step flow growth mode observed on AFM images has been realised by using a single terminated PrScO3 substrate as well as optimized deposition parameters. XRD measurements have confirmed the highly (001) oriented tetragonal symmetry. Furthermore, analysis conducted using piezoresponse force microscopy has shown that the thin films are monodomain with spontaneous ferroelectric polarization preferentially pointing upwards, i.e., away from the substrate. The absence of ferroelastic domains and the observed single ferroelectric domain structure are the results of both relatively small compressive misfit strain as well as favourable electrical boundary conditions.
Keywords: PZT; Pulsed Laser Deposition; Epitax; Thin film
Pulse-Field Analysis Diversity of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases Producing Gram Negative Bacteria Isolated from Periplaneta americana (Cockroaches)
Authors: Popoola Omolara D. , Efuntoye Moses O. , Agu Georgia C. , Thomas Benjamin T. 
Published: October 2022

Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are organisms of public health significance that have been implicated in prolonged hospital stay, treatment failures and higher fatalities. These organisms were originally thought to be widely distributed in hospital, but have since grown in terms of their epidemiological coverage. This study was therefore aimed at using pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to understand the diversity of ESBL producing organisms originating from cockroaches in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. The diversity was determined by using a set of twenty six (26) ESBL producing bacterial strains isolated from cockroaches sampled in Ago-Iwoye community, Ogun State, Nigeria. PFGE analysis revealed three pulsotypes (distinct profile) with no distinct isolates present on a pulsotype. It was however observed that no pulsotype had less than two (2) isolates in any case, while isolates from different communities displayed identical profiles. In conclusion, clonal distributions of ESBL producing organisms on cockroaches are without bias to specimens and/or the community sampled.
Keywords: ESBL; Gram negative bacteria; PFGE; Diversity;
Urinary Schistosomiasis and Its Potential for Cancer and Hepato-Renal Function Alterations among the Residents of Asejire Dam, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Adewale Omowumi O. , Odebode Monsurat O. , Mustapha Maryam O. , Adetuyi Oluwatosin A. , Adeleke Monsuru A. 
Published: October 2022

Urinary schistosomiasis is of public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa with its prevalence being linked to carcinogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data to support this relationship. This study explored the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infections and its associations with cancer and hepatorenal function alterations in villages along the Asejire dam in the State of Osun, Nigeria. Urine samples from 152 consented participants (aged 18–75 years) from four communities were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium using the microscopy method. The blood serum of randomly selected infected and non-infected individuals (10 per group) was screened for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers. From the results, only one out of the four communities recorded cases of schistosomiasis with a prevalence of 26.5% (22/83) and overall infection prevalence was 14.47% (22/152). There was no statistical difference (p ˃ 0.05) in kidney, liver antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation markers in the infected and non–infected participants. The concentrations of antioxidants, inflammatory, and tumor markers were higher in Schistosoma infected individuals as compared with non-infected individuals. This justifies the need to monitor schistosomiasis-infected individuals for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers before they develop into cancer, liver, and kidney failure.
Keywords: Urinary Schistosomiasis; tumor; and inflammatory markers; antioxidants; hepato-renal function; Asejire dam Nigeria
Population Characteristics of Selected Small Pelagic Fish Species along the Tanzanian Coast
Authors: Fabiani Godfrey , Chauka Leonard J. , Muhando Christopher A. 
Published: October 2022

Although small pelagic fishing in Tanzania is rising, lack of information on population structure has been a significant concern in its management. This study aimed to determine the species composition, length-weight relationship and length at first maturity of Amblygaster sirm, Encrasicholina heteroloba, Encrasicholina punctifer, Stolephorus commersonii, and Spratelloides gracilis landed at Kilwa Kivinje, Kipumbwi and Shangani along the Tanzanian coast. These landing sites were chosen because of their locations and importance in the small pelagic fishery. Sampling was done monthly from October 2018 to June 2020. The catch composition was site specific such that E. heteroloba dominated at Kilwa Kivinje and Shangani, while E. punctifer dominated at the Kipumbwi site. Further analysis shows allometric coefficient to be greater than 3 for A. sirm and E. punctifer, indicating positive allometric growth, while for S. commersonii and S. gracilis, the allometric coefficient was less than 3, indicating negative allometric growth. Our findings showed that length at first maturity (L50) differed, implying that these species start spawning at different sizes, an essential biological reference for sustainable small pelagic fish exploitation. We recommend seasonal closure of the fishery to maintain reproductive seasons since many species are multiple spawners.
Keywords: Population; Small pelagic; Maturity; Tanzania
Anxiolytic Effects, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Methanol Extract of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf
Authors: Aiwonegbe Anthony E. , Omoruyi Uwaila , Ogbeide Osahon K. , Imoukhuede Blessing O. , Gabrielsson Benjamin O. 
Published: October 2022

The methanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis was analyzed for its bioactive components, in-vitro antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities using established methods. The phytochemicals detected were saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and eugenols. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 36.48 mgGAE/g, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) was 145.92 mgQE/g of the extract. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity gave an IC50 of 185.02 and 5.15 µg/mL for the extract and ascorbic acid (standard), respectively. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, while graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the plant extract relieved depression in mice to 93.3, 100 and 80.8%, respectively when compared with 10 mg/kg amitriptyline (positive control). A significant anxiety reduction, exemplified by a decrease in the frequency of head dip, was observed for animals administered with the plant extract compared with untreated control (p < 0.05). The reduction of formalin-induced paw edema was significant (p < 0.01) at 50 mg/kg of the plant extract, when compared with the control. The methanol extract of J. tanjorensis leaf is therefore a potential source of plant medicine with remarkable pharmacological activities.
Keywords: Jatropha tanjorensis; anxiolytic; antidepressant; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; phytochemicals