bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Crop Production Dynamics in Mizoram
Authors: . Rohlupuii , Kaur Arjinder , Kataria Poonam , Priscilla Laishram 
Published: May 2022

Background: Mizo have been agriculturists from the beginning of the 18th century. They know only the form of farming known as shifting cultivation which forms the major activity of the Mizo economic life even today. Jhuming locally known as ‘Tlangramloneih’ is the only occupation and has a close link to their culture and tradition. It is the way of life and almost all the activities of the Mizo’s revolve around it. Methods: The data in Mizoram with respect to area, production and yield of major agricultural crops, fruits and vegetables were based on secondary data. Decade wise analysis of growth rate, instability index and decomposition analysis were done to study the crop production dynamics in the state. Result: Results revealed that during overall period, the growth rate in area, production and yield was negative for field crops except for sugarcane which was positive. For fruits and vegetables, the growth rate in area and production were positive for cabbage, birdeye chilli and banana whereas yield showed negative growth in all the studied fruits and vegetables. In general, the area effect was higher than the yield and interaction effect for all food grains and fruits and vegetables leading to the suggestion that steps should be taken to improve their productivity.
EFFECT OF SHIN'ISEIHAITO ON LUNG COLONIZATION OF PNEUMOCOCCUS IN MURINE MODEL
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Konishi Toru , Jiang Zhixia , Arai Tetuya , Makino Toshiaki 
Published: May 2022

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) causes various serious diseases including sinusitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. One
serious problem observed recently with pneumococcal therapy is attenuation of the antibiotic effect because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant
pneumococcus. Shin’iseihaito, a traditional Japanese medicine based on ancient Chinese medicine, has been used for treatment of otolaryngeal
diseases in Japan. The objective of this study was to examine the anti-infectious effects of shin’iseihaito and its related mechanism.
Materials and Methods: We evaluated the beneficial effect of shin’iseihaito extract (SSHT) against pneumococcus-infected murine model. The
colonization of bacteria, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) killing activity, the levels of inflammatory cytokine and IgA were investigated.
Results: The pneumococcus from blood was not found in both SSHT-treated mice and untreated mice. However, the pneumococcal colonization of
lung was significantly (p
ZHI-BAI-DI-HUANG-WAN, A CLASSIC CHINESE MEDICINAL FORMULA IN RELIEVING MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS: A MULTI-CENTRE AND CONTROLLED TRIAL FROM UK AND CHINA
Authors: Jiang Dan , Zhou Jian-Hong , Zhou Jue , Gu Ying-Er , Yang Dong-Xia , Weng Qing , Li Yun , Wang Bing , Yu Fang , Qu Fan 
Published: May 2022

Objective: To explore the effects of Zhi-Bai-Di-Huang-Wan (ZBDHW), a classic formula of Chinese medicinal herbs in relieving menopausal symptoms in British and Chinese women.
Patients and Methods: Between May 2011 and May 2013, 224 Chinese and British women were divided into a ZBDHW group with 115 cases and a control group with 109 cases. The clinical menopausal symptoms were assessed by the modified Kupperman Index Scale. The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were respectively detected before and after the treatment.
Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, both groups’ Kupperman index scores markedly decreased (P0.05). The serum levels of FSH did not change significantly after the treatment (P>0.05) and no significant difference existed between them (P>0.05). The serum levels of E2 significantly increased in both of the two groups (P
ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF ESCHRICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS AT PIMS, ISLAMABAD
Authors: Khan Jafar , Khalil Irum , AbdEl-Salam Naser M. , Liaqat Sehrish , Younas Naila , Mushtaq Sameerah , Ullah Riaz 
Published: May 2022

Background: E. coli is the most common producer of extended spectrum beta lactamase enzyme (ESBL) which confers broad spectrum resistance to
antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporin and monobactum.
Methods and Materials: The present study was carried out at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. The marked resistance was viewed
against amoxicilline-clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime. The most effective drugs established were sulbactum-cefoparazone, amikacin,
pepircillin-tazobactum. A total of 220 samples of wide range were selected, i.e., blood, urine, pus, sputum, etc. and were analyzed using various
techniques of Gram staining and biochemical identification.
Results: After performing antibiotic sensitivity tests, 83% samples came out to be ESBL positive and 17% were ESBL negative.
Conclusion: It was concluded that to ensure adequate treatment of infections arising especially from urinary pathogens and controlling spread of
bacterial resistant strains, the continuous monitoring by bacterial susceptibility testing is essential.
ESBL DETERMINATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERN OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE AMONGST PATIENTS AT PIMS ISLAMABAD
Authors: Khan Jafar , Naz Noor , AbdEl-Salam Naser M. , Tabassum Nayab Anum , Hussain Hidayat , Ullah Riaz 
Published: May 2022

Background: A number of life threatening infections due to various bacterial pathogens are major cause of death in Pakistan. In a situation like
the other developing countries, there is a general increase in the drug resistance due to the irrational use of the antibiotics. The present
study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and development of resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae against commonly used
antibiotics.
Methods and Materials: A total of 200 samples from different wards of the hospitals were received by the pathology laboratory of
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, which comprised of urine 65, blood 50 and other miscellaneous samples from
various sources. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated and characterized using morphological, cultural, and biochemical methods and were further
confirmed by using commercially available API 20E kit. The isolates were subjected to culture sensitivity test using Kirby Bauer disc
diffusion method.
Results: The organism was found to be the most prevalent Gram-negative bacilli. K. pneumoniae showed highest resistance against coamoxiclav
and cephalosporins.
Conclusion: The study revealed that ESBL producing strains were resistant to most of the beta-lactam antibiotics. This trend therefore
has become a significant problem and can be controlled with continued surveillance or monitoring for rationally improved antibiotics
usage, in order to prevent the drug resistance and re-emergence of infection.
TOGO TO GO: PRODUCTS AND COMPOUNDS DERIVED FROM LOCAL PLANTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES ENDEMIC IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Tittikpina Nassifatou Koko , Ejike Chukwunonso ECC , Estevam Ethiene Castelluci , Nasim Muhammad Jawad , Griffin Sharoon , Chaimbault Patrick , Kirsch Gilbert , Atakpama Wouyo , Batawila Komlan , Jacob Claus 
Published: May 2022

Background: Many African countries suffer from endemic diseases which are often caused by infections and seriously affect the social and
economic development of these nations. While the access to proper medication is still limited, many of these countries are, at the same time, rich
in medical plants.
Materials and Methods: A review of relevant scientific (and gray) literature was carried out and information obtained from local authorities in
medicinal plants. A synthesis of the data obtained was thereafter performed and recommendations for the future proposed.
Results: Plants such as Cissus aralioides, Securidaca longipedunculata, Piliostigma thonningii, Nauclea latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and
Newbouldia laevis are widely reported to be used in the treatment of endemic diseases in Togo and her neighbouring countries.These plants
often contain highly potent chemical compounds, such as quinones, xanthones, tannins and terpenes and therefore may provide an alternative
avenue to short-term treatment. A combination of further analysis of plant materials and their active ingredients on the one hand, and modern
technology to turn such natural products into commercial equivalents on the other, is required in order to identify the targets and modes of action
of these natural materials, unlock access to them, and ultimately produce valuable medicines and phytoprotectants based on locally grown plant
materials.
Conclusion: The production of plant-derived products, as advocated in this paper, is in line with the WHO’s traditional medicine strategy 2014-
2023, and will eventually yield a sustainable health-and-wealth generating cycle that will benefit a countries in the region, economically and
ecologically.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND BIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF VALERIAN ROOT AS USED BY HERBAL PRACTITIONERS IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE,
Authors: Dyayiya Nelisa , Oyemitan Idris , Matewu Reuben , Oyedeji Opeoluwa , Oluwafemi Samuel , Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta , Songca Sandile , Oyedeji Adebola 
Published: May 2022

Background: Herbal practitioners in the Eastern Cape of South Africa use valerian root (Valeriana capensis, Valerianaceae) to manage pains, arthritis and inflammation. The herb prepared from this plant was studied to determine the chemical composition of it’s essential oil, carried out phytochemical screening and biological activities on its infusion extract as used by the herbal practitioner.
Materials and Methods: Essential oil of Valerian root was obtained by hydrodistillation and subjected to chemical analyses. Infusion extract of the Valerian root was screened to determine its secondary metabolites and the relative abundance of some major metabolites. The infusion extract was further evaluated for acute toxicity (LD50), anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rodents.
Results: The yield of the essential oil was 0.18% w/w. The GC/MS analysis indicated the presence of 42 compounds with major ones being caryophyllene oxide (18.11%), viridiflorol (9.37%) and bornyl acetate (8.84%). Phytochemicals found in the infusion extract were alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids while quantitative screenings showed saponins and flavonoids accounted for 6.39% and 7.40% respectively. The LD50 of the extract was found to be 3808 mg/kg per oral. The infusion extract of the root (250-500 mg/kg, p.o.) caused significant (p
PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PLUMS (cv. Santa Rosa) AFFECTED BY AMINOETHOXYVINYLGLYCINE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Altuntas Ebubekir , Yaldiz Mehmet 
Published: May 2022

Background: The engineering properties (physical, mechanical and chemical) are importance to post harvest technologies of the agricultural materials. To plum fruits quality, the harvest and postharvest applications, the engineering properties of plum fruits should be considered. The effect of AVG (Aminoethoxyvinylglycine) treatments on some physical, mechanical and chemical properties of plum fruits (cv. Santa Rosa) were determined.
Materials and Methods: For this research, the plant material ‘Santa Rosa’ plum (Prunus domestica) fruits were obtained in Tokat/Turkey (39o51' N and 40o55' E), in 2012. AVG treatments were as 0 mg L-1, 100 mg L-1 and 200 mg L-1, and three different harvest dates including 25 July, 1 August and 7 August were used.
Results: The geometric mean diameter, volume of fruit and surface area values increased with AVG doses, whereas, fruit density decreased as AVG doses increased. L* and b* values decreased from 43.75 to 24.14 and 20.24 to 13.21, whereas, a* value increased from -9.03 to -2.63 for flesh plum, respectively. The fruit removal force of plum fruit increased from 19.09 N to 20.20 N in magnitude with an increase in AVG doses. The friction coefficients of fruits increased as AVG doses increased and harvest dates. Total soluble solids content was higher in AVG-0 (0 mg L-1) as compared to AVG-1 and AVG-2 (100 mg L-1 and 200 mg L-1) AVG-2 applications, whereas, pH and titratable acidity were lower in 200 mg L-1 as compared to 0 mg L-1 and 100 mg L-1 treatments. Post-harvest technological applications of the plum fruits must be designed by taking criteria into consideration for plum engineering properties.
ACTIVATION OF DIFFERENT CEREBRAL FUNCTIONAL REGIONS FOLLOWING ACUPUNCTURE AT BOT H TAIXI AND TAICHONG ACUPOINTS AND TAIXI ACUPOINTALONE: AN FMRI STUDY
Authors: Wang Y.J. , Zheng Y. , Zhang G.F. , Zhang J.P. , Wu C.X. , Zhang S.Q. , Ouyang H.L. , Li Z.P , Chen J.R. , Qu S.S. , Chen J.Q. , Huang Y. , Tang C.Z. 
Published: May 2022

Background: To explore the brain function regions characteristics of the acupoint combination, this study observed activity changes in the brain
regions of healthy volunteers after acupuncture at both Taixi (KI3) and Taichong (LR3) (KI3 + LR3) and KI3 alone using resting-state functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Methods and Materials: 30 healthy volunteers were randomly allocated into two groups, one group received acupuncture at KI3 and LR3, the
other only acupuncture at KI3, 15 cases in each group. All volunteers underwent resting-state fMRI of the brain 15 minutes before acupuncture,
and which the needle was retained in place for 30 minutes; 15 minutes after withdrawing the needle underwent a further session of resting-state
fMRI. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to analyze the changes in brain regions.
Results: The KI3+LR3 group compared with the KI3 group, the ALFF analysis indicated that the brain changes relatively concentrated in BA 2,
3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 31, 32, 40, 46 and the cerebellum posterior lobe, the ReHo analysis indicated that the brain changes relatively
concentrated in BA 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 31, 40 and the cerebellum posterior lobe.
Conclusion: Based on this study, compared with acupuncture at KI3, acupuncture at KI3 + LR3 which could specifically influence BA 7, 10, 18,
19, 20, 31, 40 and cerebellum posterior lobe, which may be related to synergy mechanism of two acupoints combination treatment.
ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF LOCAL MEDICINAL PLANTS: TOWARDS A REPOSITORY AND MONOGRAPH OF HERBAL MEDICINES IN LESOTHO
Authors: Mugomeri Eltony , Chatanga Peter , Raditladi Tirelo , Makara ‘Mopane , Tarirai Clemence 
Published: May 2022

Background: Plants are important sources of medicines. Herbal medicines in Lesotho are exposed to excessive exploitation and habitat
destruction. Comprehensive information to promote proper use and conservation of these herbal medicines is lacking. This study described the
uses of medicinal plants in Lesotho with comparative reference between practice and the literature, highlighting important ethno-medicinal
information and conservation status of the plants. Additionally, the study established a repository and monograph for the herbal medicines in
Lesotho.
Materials and Methods: Medicinal plant samples and information on their uses were obtained from herbalists in four districts of Lesotho
between January and May 2014 through questionnaire-based interviews. Samples consisted of roots, bark, stems or leaves and/or combinations.
Voucher samples were processed into powders, labelled, and stored in a repository. Information on the uses, plant parts used, geographical
distribution, known phytochemical components and conservation status of each plant was recorded in a Microsoft Access database.
Results: Seventy-eight local herbalists were interviewed and men (about 84%) dominated the practice of traditional medicine. Fifty-four herbal
medicine samples were collected and stored in a recently established Lesotho Herbal Medicines Repository (LHMR). The herbal medicines were
from 54 medicinal plant species and 46 genera belonging to 29 plant families. Asteraceae (about 20%) was the most common plant family.
Overall, 46% (n=54) of the prescriptions by local herbalists were similar to prescriptions in the literature at least in part. However, traditional
medicinal uses for 9% of the plant samples could not be confirmed from the literature. Local herbalists use different parts of medicinal plants
with roots being the most frequently (57%) used part. Twenty percent of the plants were threatened with extinction while the conservation status
of 7% of the plants was undocumented.
Conclusion: Training of local herbalists on sustainable harvesting and safe use of medicinal plants is recommended. The repository and
monograph is a useful reference and source of herbal medicine samples for researchers, which need to be expanded to include more medicinal
plants in Lesotho. Local herbalists in Lesotho have valuable indigenous information on medicinal plants that needs to be documented.
INTEGRATED TRADITIONAL CHINESE AND WESTERN MEDICINE FOR MENOPAUSAL SYNDROME: META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS
Authors: Liu Yan , Ding Xiu-fang , Kou Mei-jing , Chen Jia-xu , Zou Xiao-juan , Jiang Rui-xue , Dai Hong 
Published: May 2022

Background: To critically assess the evidence of integrated Chinese and western medicine for treating Menopausal syndrome (MPS).
Methods and Materials: A search across the Chinese Biomedical Medicine (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP
database (VIP), Wangfang database (Wanfang), PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted (up to October 31st, 2013) in
commonly used integrated Chinese and western medicine therapies for menopausal syndrome. A number of Randomized Controlled Trials
(RCTs) evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of integrated Chinese and western medicine in patients with PPS were included. The quality of the
included studies was evaluated and a meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan5.0 software.
Results: Twelve RCTs with 1155 patients were evaluated in this review. The results of meta-analysis showed that the therapy of using
integrated Chinese and western medicine was significantly superior to that of western medicine alone towards improving the efficacy, relieving
the clinical symptoms and decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)levels (P
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF ZANTHOXYLUM BUNGEANUM-CAKE-SEPARATED MOXIBUSTION ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RATS
Authors: Lei Xulu , Cheng Shirui , Peng Honglian , He Qin , Zhu Hongyu , Xu Mengqian , Wang Qinqin , Liu Li , Zhang Chengshun , Zhou Qizhi , Ying Jian , Zeng Fang , Yin Haiyan , Yu Shuguang 
Published: May 2022

Background: Zanthoxylum bungeanum-cake-separated moxibustion (ZBCS-moxi), a kind of traditional therapy of moxibustion, has been used
in China since 340 B.C. However, its mechanism remains unclear. So, this study was attempted to reveal the anti-inflammatory effect of
ZBCS-moxi on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats.
Methods and Materials: Forty health SD female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10/group): control group, model group,
Zanthoxylum bungeanum-cake-separated moxibustion group (ZBCS-moxi group) and Aconitum carmichaeli-cake-separated moxibustion group
(ACCS-moxi group). RA model was induced by injecting 0.1 ml Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) into the right hind paw of rats. Eleven days
after CFA injection, the rats in ZBCS-moxi group received Zanthoxylum bungeanum- cake-separated moxibustion on Shenshu (BL23), Zusanli
(ST36) acupoints and the dorsum right hind paw respectively for 3 weeks. The ACCS-moxi group was used as a positive control, while the rats
were treated with Aconitum carmichaeli-cake-separated moxibustion on the same acupoints and courses. After a 3-week treatment, we
investigated anti-inflammatory effect by measuring the paw volume, observing the pathologic morphology of synovial membranes and detecting
the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum.
Results: Compared to model group, the swollen paw volumes, the synovial hyperplasia and pannus formation of synovial membranes and the
concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum decreased obviously (P
BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL EVIDENCES FOR THE ANTITUMOR POTENTIAL OF TEUCRIUM OLIVERIANUM AND RHAZYA STRICTA IN CHEMICALLY-INDUCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Authors: Shahat Abdelaaty Abdelaziz , Alsaid Mansour S. , Kotob Soheir E. , Husseiny Husseiny A. , Al-Ghamdi Amal A. M. , Ahmed Hanaa H. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta are medicinal plants used in traditional and herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes,
liver diseases and inflammatory conditions. The present study was planned to investigate the antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and
Rhazya stricta in chemically-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats weighing 170-200 g were divided into four groups; each group was comprised of ten rats: (1): Normal
healthy animals served as negative control group, (2): Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group in which the rats were orally administered Nnitrosodiethylamine
(dissolved in 0.9% normal saline), in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt. five times a week for six weeks, (3): HCC group treated with
Teucrium oliverianum extract in a dose of 600 mg/kg b.wt for two months and (4): HCC group treated with Rhazya stricta extract in a dose of 750
mg/kg b.wt for two months. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparatate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gammaglutamyl
transferase (γ-GT) activities were estimated. Serum carcinoembyronic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU),
glypican-3 (GPC-3), golgi protein 73 (Gp-73) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined. Histopathological examination
of liver tissue sections was also carried out.
Results: The HCC group showed significant elevation in serum AST, ALT, ALP and γ-GT activities as well as CEA, AFP, AFU, Gpc-3, Gp 73 and
VEGF levels versus the negative control group. Photomicrograph of liver tissue sections of rats in HCC revealed hepatic parenchyma with foci of
anaplastic hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other foci of cystic cholangio carcinoma associated with areas of telangictasis with haemorrhage as
well as individual hepatocellular necrosis.
Conclusion: Treatment of HCC groups with Teucrium oliverianum or Rhazya stricta extract experienced significant improvement in the measured
biochemical parameters as well as in the structural organization of the liver. In conclusion, the current study provided experimental evidences for the
antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta against hepatocellular carcinoma. Such effect could be attributed to
hepatoprotective properties, antiproliferative activity and antiangiogenic potential.
ANTINEPHROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF PERSEA AMERICANA (AVOCADO) AND VIBURNUM OPULUS (GUELDER ROSE) AGAINST ETHYLENE GLYCOL-INDUCED NEPHROLITHIASIS IN RATS
Authors: Erdem Galip , Kesik Vural , Honca Tevfik , Ozcan Ayhan , Uguz Sami , Akgul Emin Ozgur , Aykutlug Omer , Alp Bilal Firat , Korkmazer Nadir , Saldir Mehmet , Bayrak Ziya 
Published: May 2022

Background: Nephrolithiasis is a severe health problem causing morbidity. Chemolisis, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
(SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), retrograde ureterorenoscopy (URS), and open and laparoscopic surgery are used for
treatment with various success rates. Medical treatments with fewer complications were investigated thoroughly.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effects of Persea americana (avocado) leaves and Viburnum opulus (guelder
rose) fruits on nephrolithiasis in an animal model and used 42 rats. The groups received both low and high doses of Persea americana
leaves and Viburnum opulus fruit ethanol extracts orally for 28 days. These two plants have been used for years in Turkey for their
nephrolithiatic effect.
Results: Avocado and guelder rose increased the urine volume and urine citrate levels, decreased urine cystine and oxalate levels, and
lowered the crystal deposits in kidney tissue. Avocado and guelder rose also prevented oxidant damage and crystal formation in kidney
tissue samples.
Conclusion: The two plants that have been used for years for nephrolithiasis treatment in Turkey can safely be used for kidney stones.