bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abietic acid attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury by restoring Th17/Treg balance
Authors: Li Xiang , Liao Bo , Liu Rongming , Ma Yanli 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of action and effects of abietic acid (AA) in a mouse acute lung injury (ALI) model.
Methods: A mouse ALI model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. Lung tissues were examined for histological alterations and scored based on the degree of injury. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the numbers of Th17 and Treg cells were assessed by immunofluorescence. Protein expression levels of p-STAT3, p-STAT5, RORrt, and FOXP3 were analyzed by immunoblot assay. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was assessed by immunoblot.
Results: AA ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury in mice. Furthermore, AA ameliorated LPS-induced pneumonia in mice (p < 0.05) and restored Th17/Treg balance and Th17/Treg transcription factor expression that was altered by LPS induction. AA also activated PPARγ expression to restore Th17/Treg balance (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that AA attenuates LPS-induced ALI in mice by restoring Th17/Treg balance. Thus, AA is a potential drug for the management of ALI; however, AA must first be evaluated in clinical studies.
Abietic acid ameliorates neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption in traumatic brain injury by inhibiting MAPK pathway
Authors: Xing Kongxue , Jiang Wenrong 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effects of abietic acid (AA) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a rat model, and the underlying mechanisms of action.
Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups of 5 animals each: Sham, TBI, TBI + AA (14 mg/kg), and TBI + AA (28 mg/kg). Controlled cortical impact (CCI) model was used to induce TBI in rats. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of Claudin 3, Occludin, ZO-1, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase3, p65 NF-κB, p-p65 NF-κB, ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK, p38 and p-p38, while the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were determined using the applicable assay kits. Neurological deficit was assessed based on mNSS and brain water content.
Results: Treatment with AA significantly reduced TBI-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, as well as apoptosis and neuroinflammation in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The neuroprotective effect of AA was associated with the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathways and subsequent suppression of NF-κB (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Abietic acid serves as a potential novel candidate for the treatment of TBI, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects are related to the suppression of MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, abietic acid may serve as a novel candidate for the treatment of TBI in humans.
Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model through the suppression of p38MAPK/NF-κB
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Teng Xiaochun 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To examine the protective effect of mimetic peptide Ac2-26 of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) against renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model.
Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomized into three groups with eight mice per group. These included control group (CG), model group (MG) given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and AC2-26 group (AG) given AC2-26, 72 h after the induction of diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipids, and renal function in the mice were determined by Sysmex-180 Biochemistry Analyzer, while serum inflammatory factors in renal tissue were also determined.
Results: Compared with the model group, there was a significant decrease in the levels of FBG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), as well as in 24 h urinary protein, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but a significant increase in body weight in AC2-26 group (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as in mRNA levels and protein expressions of p38MAPK, NF-κBP6, ANXA1 in AC2-26 group when compared with the model group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Annexin A1 is the target gene of p38MAPK. Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammation by suppressing p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thus improving renal function in the diabetic mice model. Hence, the findings of this study provide a potential avenue for the development of an effective treatment for renal disease in diabetics.
Effects of the combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate on osteoarthritis and knee function
Authors: Zou Yi , Hu Song , Yang Xiaozhong , Wang Weilin , You Honglin , Hu Bo , Zhang Dagang 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To determine the treatment efficacy of the combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate in osteoarthritis (OA), and its role in knee joint function.
Methods: 98 patients with OA admitted to Guang'an People's Hospital, Sichuan, China were allocated into control group (CNG, given loxoprofen sodium n, = 51) and study group (SG, given loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate, n = 47). Both groups were compared in terms of the levels of inflammatory factor, Lysholm, VAS, WOMAC scores, treatment effects, serum MDA, NO, SOD levels, adverse effects, and blood rheology indices.
Results: The study group had higher SOD levels, and higher BALP and BGP than CNG (p < 0.05). SG had lower TRACP-5b and blood rheological indices than CNG (p < 0.05). The difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate effectively improves the function and blood rheological indices of knee joints. It reduces the occurrence of adverse reactions and the level of pain in patients with OA, and improves OA prognosis. However further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Targeted silencing of CDX2 gene with siRNA enhanced vincristine-induced inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis of leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Li Hong , Han Zhongjing , Jiang Xue , Ma Lanzhi , Li Yun 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of targeted silencing of CDX2 with siRNA on vincristine-induced inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis induction in leukemia K562 cells.
Methods: K562 cells were divided into untreated group, vincristine group, blank group, and CDX2-siRNA group. The expression of CDX2 gene after CDX2-siRNA transfection was determined by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting, while MTT and flow cytometric procedures were used to evaluate the effect of vincristine on proliferation and apoptotic changes in K562 cells.
Results: Protein expression of CDX2 did not change significantly in non-treated cells, vincristine group and blank group, while the expression of CDX2 protein in cells of CDX2-siRNA group was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) while MTT assay results showed that the absorbance of CDX2-siRNA cells was significantly lower than those of the other three groups at 12, 24 and 48 h after CDX2 gene silencing. Flow cytometry showed markedly higher percentage apoptosis of CDX2-siRNA group than in other groups at 12, 24 and 48 h after CDX2 gene silencing. There was no difference in apoptosis level between vincristine group and blank group, but apoptosis was higher in these groups than in untreated group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Silencing CDX2 gene via targeting with siRNA enhances vincristine-induced suppression of growth and apoptotic changes in leukemia K562 cells, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effect of vincristine.
Phytochemical Investigation, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Pride of Barbados Pod (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Authors: Ogbeide Osahon K. , Omono Efosa D. , Ehizojie Precious O. , Aiwonegbe Anthony E. , Uadia Jeremiah O. 
Published: October 2022

Pride of Barbados is a therapeutic herb which has wide traditional applications in the treatments and management of diverse ailments. Diseases pose great threats to human race. This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados in order to provide a scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic herb. All analyses were carried out using already established methods; the antioxidant potential was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively. Phytochemicals detected were alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The moisture content, crude fibre, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and total ash were 9.02 ± 0.02%, 9.04 ± 0.01%, 2.78 ± 0.02%, 1.20 ± 0.00% and 4.35 ± 0.13%, respectively. The IC50 values for the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the pod extract and ascorbic acid (standard) were 50.05 ± 0.50 and 5.20 ± 0.85 µg/mL, respectively. The oral administration of crude ethyl acetate pod extract of Pride of Barbados to Swiss mice was not toxic even up to a dose of 5,000 mg/kg. The pod extract showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the formation of formalin-induced oedema and the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in a concentration (dose) dependent manner. This study confirms the phytomedicinal use of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados with rich pharmacological and antioxidant properties.
Keywords: Pride of Barbados; Caesalpinia pulcherrima; Anti-inflammatory; Analgesic; Phytochemicals
Characterisation and Antimicrobial Potential of Actinobacteria Isolated from Momela Soda Lakes, Tanzania
Authors: Lema Witness S. , Mahadhy Ally , Damas Modester , Munissi Joan J.E. , Lyimo Thomas J. 
Published: October 2022

Extreme environments such as soda lakes are potential sources of microbes with biotechnological applications in different sectors. This study aimed at isolation, characterization and investigation of antibacterial potential of actinobacteria from Momela Soda Lakes, at Arusha National Park in Tanzania. One hundred and twenty (120) isolates were recovered from soil and water samples using the dilution plate technique. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically characterized, and further, screened for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method as well as the micro dilution technique. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the brine shrimp lethality test. Results showed that, all 120 isolates were Gram-positive rod-coccus shaped. Forty-four out of them showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Streptomyces (101TI) and Dietzia (56BI) strains exhibited exceptionally higher antibacterial activity compared to the rest with inhibition zones of 16.25 and 21.00 mm, respectively. These two strains were toxic against brine shrimp-larvae. Microbacterium (5LI), Hoyosella (113BI), Streptomyces (62BI), Dietzia (117SI), Hoyosella (37SI) and Microbacterium (3BI) strains had low antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. This study therefore revealed that Momela Soda Lakes harbour actinobacteria with antimicrobial potential.
Keywords: Actinobacteria; antimicrobial activity; extremophiles; Momela soda lakes
Lutetium Oxodotreotide (Lutathera)
Authors: CADTH  
Published: October 2022

CADTH recommends that Lutathera should be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated, somatostatin receptor (SSR)–positive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) in adults whose disease has progressed after treatment with a somatostatin analogue (SSA), unless there is a contraindication or intolerance, if certain conditions are met.
Lutathera should only be covered to treat adult patients with unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated, SSR-positive pNETs whose disease has progressed after treatment with a SSA, unless they could not receive an SSA.
Lutathera should only be reimbursed if it is prescribed by clinicians who are experts in radiopharmaceuticals, patients are treated in specialized centres with the infrastructure to safely use radiopharmaceuticals, and the cost of Lutathera is reduced.
PSEUDO-TRIANGULATION OF MONOTONE POLYGON USING SWEEP LINE ALGORITHM
Authors: Ahnaf S.M. Azoad , Islam Md. Saiful , Rahman Md. Anisur 
Published: October 2022

In the field of computational geometry, pseudo-triangulation of a polygon is an interesting topic. Breaking a polygon into pseudo-triangles reduces the calculation cost and increases computational power. The sweep line algorithm also known as the plane sweep algorithm uses an imaginary line or a plain surface on the Euclidean plain to perform various computations. Finding line intersection with sweep line was a revolutionary outcome. As polygons are the combination of edges and vertices, we tried to implement the concept of a sweep line to create pseudo-triangles inside the polygon. Among the vast triangulation algorithms, a few pseudo-triangulation algorithms are available. Using the sweep line algorithm, we have been able to pseudo-triangulate a monotone polygon which uses the time complexity of to execute. As complex polygons can often be divided into a monotone polygon in just so it is possible to chain with our sweep line-based technique, any complex polygon can be pseudo-triangulated in .
Aproximación a la transformación digital en instituciones de educación superior mediante la teoría del cambio
Authors: Restrepo Carvajal Carlos Alberto , Gómez Arenas Natalia Andrea 
Published: October 2022

La transformación digital es una realidad en las Instituciones de Educación Superior en Colombia; potencia y fomenta la gestión de los stakeholders a partir de sus necesidades, que luego se convierten en requisitos. Además, permite desarrollar estrategias de gestión y participación con el cliente interno y externo, que se reflejan en un mejoramiento continuo a la cadena de valor. Por otra parte, mediante la aplicación de la Teoría del Cambio se logra un discernimiento de los requisitos asociados a la situación de estudio, permitiendo una asociación de los resultados finales con las necesidades y expectativas del cliente, resaltando que la investigación se centra en la percepción de éste. El modelo de transformación digital, presentado en esta investigación, se construye en consideración de cuatro dimensiones, a saber: capacidad tecnológica instalada, cultura digital, relación empresa - universidad - Estado y liderazgo institucional y regional. La investigación es de tipo exploratoria y su enfoque está definido bajo el paradigma crítico social; la información primaria proviene de estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado de Instituciones Universitarias del Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá. Este modelo de transformación, desde la investigación, se sugiere que esté a cargo de la oficina de gerenciamiento de proyectos, encargada del diseño del plan de transformación digital, el cual involucra el desarrollo y promoción de la cultura digital en la Institución. El modelo de transformación digital en la educación se sustenta en tres dimensiones, adaptabilidad, flexibilidad y pertinencia.
Anaphylaxis is rare due to CoronaVac in a population of healthcare workers
Authors: Öztürk Betül Özdel , Akdemir İrem , Azap Alpay , Çelik Gülfem , Bavbek Sevim , Mungan Dilşad 
Published: October 2022

Background
CoronaVac, the first coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine administered in our country, was found safe in clinical trials.

Objective
We aimed to reveal the rate and features of CoronaVac vaccine-associated allergic reactions among vaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) in real-life.

Methods
This study was planned as a questionnaire-based study. Participants who reported a postvaccination allergic reaction were interviewed on phone and their medical records were also checked for confirmation.

Results
A total of 2,488 HCWs took part in the study and 4,054 postvaccination complete questionnaire-responses were obtained. Twenty-one HCWs (female: male, 17:4) with a mean age of 40.95 ± 10.09 stated that they had an allergic reaction after a total of 23 vaccine injections. Accordingly, the reaction rate was 0.56% among all vaccine doses. The most common reactions were systemic skin reactions (2.7%) consisting of generalized pruritus, diffuse pruritic erythema, urticaria, and maculopapular rash. That was followed by local injection site reaction (0.12%). Anaphylaxis was reported in 4 cases (0.09%) with a mean onset time of 12 ± 6 minutes. One of them had a history of anaphylaxis with 2 drugs, another had venom and food allergy. Three of the subjects had level 2 diagnostic certainty according to the Brighton Collaboration criteria and one had level 3. All anaphylaxis cases were discharged within 24 hours and none of them required intensive care.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that allergic reactions to CoronaVac were rare and mostly mild. Although anaphylaxis was also rare, the importance of early intervention with close follow-up was once again emphasized.
Legal Issues Inside the Unnatural World of Metaverse
Authors: L. Pate Richard 
Published: October 2022

Metaverse is positioned to be a new world where life, including commerce, befalls in a drastically different manner: virtually instead of physically. The concept of a virtual world is not a new idea, its recent revitalization stems from new blockchain technology which enables its development. Resting on top of such technology, metaverse is seemingly poised to alter commerce along with multiple other human interactions, predictably, legal issues will mature alongside these developments. The objective of this article is to merely introduce the principal legal issues most likely to be created or intensified by the eventual, complete development of metaverse. The principal issues include: (1) privacy and data collection and use; (2) privacy and artificial intelligence (AI); (3) the legal standing of cryptocurrency; and (4) the more distant but likely development of a new ‘natural law’.
metaverse, privacy, data collection, data use, artificial intelligence, natural law, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency
Protection of Resolution Professionals in India: The Frontline Workers in a CIRP
Authors: Garg Nidhisha 
Published: October 2022

Of late, the harsh realities of being an Insolvency Resolution Professional (RP) in the Indian insolvency regime have come to the forefront. RPs have been kidnapped, beaten up, arrested, threatened and prosecuted for criminal charges. Unfortunately, both the United Nations Conference on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Guide on Insolvency and the domestic Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in India, do not provide for a foolproof mechanism required to arm the RPs to defend against such attacks. While the Courts have come to the rescue of RPs who have been victims to such violence, this article argues for a more radical change through a possible amendment in the Code which enables strict corporeal punishment for such violation of personal liberties.
resolution professional, threat, police protection, discharge of duty and insolvency code
Three Steps in the Aftermath of COP26: Trade, Key Players, and Decarbonization
Authors: Leal-Arcas Rafael , Faktaufon Manuliza , Kasak-Gliboff Hannah , Li Cindy , Guantai Lee , Smajic Ervin 
Published: October 2022

This article offers three instruments to effectively mitigate climate change in the context of the Conference of the Parties (COP)26 and beyond. The first is the interaction between the climate and trade regimes. To that end, this article presents a thought-provoking premise – that mega-regional trade agreements (RTAs) can take a significant role in climate change mitigation. It argues that mega-RTAs can go further to galvanize climate change mitigation, in particular in the energy sector. The energy sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the majority of energy consumption being supplied by fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. As such, there are two main arguments made herein. First, mega-RTAs, as tangible indications of what is acceptable to major economies, are the impetus to influencing greater coherence on energy efficiency standards. This contributes to climate action by creating, even if to some extent, the harmonization of an otherwise fragmented status of energy governance. Second, mega-RTAs can create substantive provisions that redirect support from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This is the very essence of the energy transition. It is envisaged that these two roles conveyed effectively through mega-RTAs can substantially support the energy transition and amounts to action that mitigates climate change and promotes sustainable energy. The second instrument to effectively mitigate climate change is the role of two major Asian countries that are key in the fight against climate change, namely India and China. Both countries can play a major role in effectively mitigating climate change in the future, following the agreement at COP26 that coal must be phased down. Lastly, the third instrument is visualizing what a decarbonized future would look like. Two of many possible pathways for decarbonization are examined: clean-energy technologies and shale gas as a bridge to sustainability. The article argues that these pathways can be meaningful for effective climate action and are in alignment with the Glasgow Climate Pact.
energy transition, mega-regional trade agreements, fossil fuels, renewable energy, global energy governance, electrification, clean-energy technologies, shale gas, sustainability
A Critical Analysis of the Proposed EU Regulation on Nature Restoration: Have the Problems Been Resolved?
Authors: Hoek Niels 
Published: October 2022

European biodiversity is on a steep decline, in part due to climate change, pollution, overexploitation and changes in land use. In light of this decline, the Habitats Directive, the cornerstone of EU nature conservation law, has been the subject of critique. It can be observed that the Directive suffers from lacklustre (binding) norms on nature restoration – from connectivity restoration to climate change adaptation. However, in June of 2022, the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration, which supplements the existing regimes withinEUnature conservation law – and introduces regimes meant to restore biodiversity within the EU. In turn, this article discusses whether the gaps, weak norms and systematic issues found within the Habitats Directive, related to the restoration of ecosystems, have been sufficiently addressed by this Proposal. It finds that the introduction of specific norms on nature restoration, which are equipped with a historic baseline and subsequent deadlines, do address key gaps within modern- day nature conservation law – whilst taking on a more holistic approach to restoration. However, additional tweaks are still desirable to fully address the gaps within the Habitats Directive as, for example, quantifiable targets for connectivity restoration and the reintroduction of species are still missing. Further questions can be raised regarding the robustness of the overarching target, the mitigation of pollution in natural habitats, and the comprehensiveness and flexibility of its annexes.
Biodiversity, Nature Restoration Regulation, Restoration, EU biodiversity strategy 2030, EU Nature conservation law, The European Green Deal, Habitats Directive, EU Nature Restoration Law