bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism and Adequacy of Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy in Them: A Nationwide Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamrul-Hasan A. B. M. , Mustari Marufa , Hannan Muhammad Abdul , Hoque Md Azizul , Chowdhury Emran Ur Rashid , Kabir Md Lutful , Kabir Md Ahamedul , Asaduzzaman Md , Hannan Mohammad Abdul , Mondal Ershad , Rahman Mohammad Motiur , Talukder Samir Kumar , Gaffar Md Abu Jar , Singha Swapan Kumar , Hassan Khaled , Selim Shahjada
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite the huge burden of primary hypothyroidism in Bangladesh, no nationwide study has been conducted describing the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients; data on the adequacy of levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement are also lacking. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with primary hypothyroidism attending the endocrinology outpatient clinics of several hospitals throughout Bangladesh from July 2023 to December 2023. Adults with primary hypothyroidism who had been on L-T4 replacement for at least 1 year were included. Data on their demographic and disease-related characteristics were collected. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured; TSH 0.4–4.0 μIU/mL was considered the therapeutic target for nonmalignant thyroid cases.

Results:

Two thousand six hundred and forty-one patients (median age 37 years, 86.4% female, and median disease duration 5 years) were included. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was the most common (40.9%) cause of hypothyroidism; 1.9% had differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and the etiology was not established in many (40.2%). Only 26.8% of patients had high adherence to L-T4. Among the non-DTC cases (n = 2590), over half (53.9%) had TSH within the target range, whether the disease was uncontrolled in the remaining 46.1% (TSH was below the target range in 5.6% and above the target range in 40.5%). Among the DTC cases (n = 51), only a few (9.8%) had a TSH within the target range; TSH was below and above the range in 2% and 88.2% of these patients, respectively. In the nonmalignant hypothyroid cases, vegetarian diet, smokeless tobacco use, disease duration >5 years, iron or calcium supplements consumption within 4 h of L-T4 intake, and low or medium adherence to L-T4 were associated with uncontrolled hypothyroidism.

Conclusion:

For nearly half of Bangladeshi patients with primary hypothyroidism, L-T4 replacement is not optimal. Physicians should address the barriers to reaching the therapeutic goal for these patients.
Evaluation and comparison of the efficiency of ultrasonically activated intracanal irrigants grapeseed and pineapple extract in removing smear layer from the apical third of the root canal: An in vitro SEM analysis
Authors: Sebastian Nikita , Ashwini T. S. , Mahendran B. , Sowmya H. K.
Published: September 2024

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of grapeseed and pineapple extract in removing smear layer from the apical third of root canal, with and without ultrasonic activation.

Methods:

Eighty single-rooted permanent teeth were divided into two main groups: Group I: conventional syringe irrigation and Group II: ultrasonic activation. Each group was subdivided into two experimental groups, i.e. grapeseed and pineapple extract and one control group, i.e., 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). For each subgroup, instrumentation was done using ProTaper Gold up to size F3 and irrigated with 5 mL of the respective irrigant, followed by a final rinse of 2.5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl. For Group II, the respective irrigant was ultrasonically activated for 1 min, followed by a final rinse of 2.5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl. Smear layer evaluation was done with scanning electron microscope, and data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

In Group I, both pineapple and grapeseed extracts were more effective than 17% EDTA in removing smear layer from the apical root canal. However, in Group II, 17% EDTA showed highest efficacy in smear layer removal, followed by pineapple and grapeseed extracts (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Natural extracts such as pineapple and grapeseed seeds extracts exhibit potential for smear layer removal in the apical third, without the disadvantage of dentinal erosion from synthetic smear layer removing agents.
Comparative evaluation of postoperative pain after root canal obturation using resin-based sealer (AH plus) and bioceramic sealer (IROOT SP) in adult mandibular molars: A double blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jain Ashish , Sivasailam Shreya , Rao Rahul , Punjabi Akshay , Naik Vishal
Published: September 2024

Aim:

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the occurrence and intensity of postoperative pain following root canal obturation using a bioceramic (IROOT SP, Innovative BioCeramix, Inc.,) and a resin-based endodontic sealer (AH plus) using visual analog scale (VAS).

Methods:

A total of 40 subjects with chronic irreversible pulpitis needing root canal treatment were included in this double blinded randomized clinical trial. Randomization was done using manually generated sealed envelopes. According to the sealers used, the patients were divided into 2 groups where in Group 1 (n = 20): AH plus sealer and Group 2 (n = 20): Bioceramic sealer. Postoperative pain was assessed using VAS scale. Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The occurrence of postoperative pain was similar in both groups. Postoperative pain intensity decreased in both the groups after 48 h. No statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of postoperative in either group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

AH Plus and bioceramic sealer perform similarly in terms of the occurrence and intensity of postoperative pain with no significant difference. The average pain levels and number of rescue medication taken were similar in both the groups.
Selectively Isolation and Molecular Identification by dnaJ Gene of Legionella pneumophila Found in Various Water Sources in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Iqbal , Ahmed Miraz Uddin , Toni Jahinur Rahman , Khan Md. Tanvir , Hassan Md. Nabil , Jame Jannatul Ferdaus , Rayhan A. B. H. , Alam Seemi Tasnim
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Legionella spp. are the etiological agents of Legionnaires’ disease, often severe pneumonia. After the first severe outbreak of Legionella spp., it was found widely dispersed in natural water sources and humid environments and has become a concern for these sources’ water quality and safety. The fecal indicators used for water quality assessment do not predict the presence of these pathogens; thus, in the absence of targeted analysis, the risk is unobserved until the emergence of infections. There is no study on the presence of Legionella in unattended water bodies in Bangladesh, such as swimming pools, air-conditioned cooling water, and stagnant circulatory water systems.

METHODS:

A total of 42 water samples were collected from 12 different sites in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Acid, heat, and chlorine treatment were applied to reduce the load of non-Legionellae in water samples. Chlorine treatment was used to kill unwanted organisms in water samples. After successful pretreatment, samples were cultured on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar (BCYE) media. Optimum pH, concentrations of chlorine, and temperature were set up by extensive trial and error culturing of Legionella on BCYE media to minimize other bacterial growth and maximize Legionella growth. Isolated colonies were confirmed primarily by morphological characteristics on BCYE media. Isolates were then confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis techniques. We detected the presence of 16S rDNA for Legionella spp. and the dnaJ gene for Legionella pneumophila species identification. Antibiotic sensitivity tests (minimum inhibitory concentration) were also conducted to see if it was alarming for our community’s health.

RESULTS:

Most of the Legionella spp. could grow at various temperatures, such as 45°C, 50°C, and 55°C, and they could also survive at the normal levels of chlorination, such as 0.25 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L. We have found that, out of 12 different sites, 4 out of 5 (80%) isolates from cooling tower water, 1 out of 4 (25%) from the swimming pool, and 1 out of 3 (33%) household stagnant water are contaminated with Legionella. However, 3 out of 5 isolates found are L. pneumophila from cooling water sites. Furthermore, strains of Legionella spp. were resistant to many antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and tetracycline.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serious and fatal Legionella spp. (L. pneumophila) infections may be transmitted because of the widespread presence of these water sources and the large number of users in the community. This threat is worsened by the survival of Legionella under various commonly used antibiotic conditions and further exacerbated by their antibiotic resistance. Health-care professionals may face great challenges due to the lack of studies about its prevalence and treatment procedures.
Human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Zhao Mengke , Fu Dong , Wang Meina , Han Chao , Lv Zhongyue , Wang Liang , Liu Jing
Published: September 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00028/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff

Human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells, and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy, thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell–derived treatments. This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear, presenting challenges for clinical translation. To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside, we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke. We found that administration of human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis. The human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and protein kinase B, and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor. These findings suggest that human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Finally, we showed that human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile. Therefore, human neural stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Interaction of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A with the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Ma Yilun , Dong Taiwei , Luan Fei , Yang Juanjuan , Miao Feng , Wei Peifeng
Published: September 2024

The functional and structural integrity of the blood–brain barrier is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the brain microenvironment; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the blood–brain barrier remain poorly understood. The major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A has been identified as a key regulator of blood–brain barrier function. It plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the formation and functional stability of the blood–brain barrier, in addition to the transport of lipids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, across the blood–brain barrier. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies have suggested that major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A is involved in the molecular mechanisms of blood–brain barrier dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases; however, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A affects the blood–brain barrier. This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the close relationship between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins and the blood–brain barrier, including their basic structures and functions, cross-linking between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A and the blood–brain barrier, and the in-depth studies on lipid transport and the regulation of blood–brain barrier permeability. This comprehensive systematic review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the important role of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins in maintaining the structure and function of the blood–brain barrier and the research progress to date. This will not only help to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, improve the accuracy of laboratory diagnosis, and optimize clinical treatment strategies, but it may also play an important role in prognostic monitoring. In addition, the effects of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A on blood–brain barrier leakage in various diseases and the research progress on cross-blood–brain barrier drug delivery are summarized. This review may contribute to the development of new approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Current trends in root canal treatment: An online survey of dentists working within the primary health-care corporation-Qatar
Authors: Alemam Amin A. H. , Syed Mohamed Ahmed , Alnuaimi Ahmed S. , Dummer Paul M. H.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Studies in many countries have reported that dentists do not always comply with treatment quality guidelines when undertaking root canal treatment (RCT). However, there is no information on the compliance of dentists in Qatar with quality guidelines. Using an online questionnaire, this study aimed to collect baseline information on how dentists working within the Primary HealthCare Corporation (PHCC), Qatar, carried out RCT.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire was E-mailed to general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialists. The questionnaire collected demographic information, continuous professional development (CPD) hours, information on early stages of RCT, RCT protocols, use of technology and materials. Statistical analyses were undertaken using version 27 SPSS software.

Results:

The response rate was 55% of GDPs and 83% of specialists. Twenty-six percent of GDPs never used rubber dams whereas specialists always used rubber dam (P < 0.001). The 57% of GDPs who undertook a complete RCT reported they treated mostly anterior and premolar teeth with few molars (12%), few attempted RCT retreatment (4%). All specialists treated molars (P < 0.001) and 50% undertook retreatment (P < 0.001). The majority of specialists reported using magnification (55%) with only 23% of GDPs using loupes (P < 0.001). During the past 2 years, 42% of specialists earned > 20 CPD hours which was significantly more than the 50% of the GDPs who undertook < 5 h (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Half of the GDPs working within the PHCC do not carry out RCT nor rubber dam isolation due to short duration of treatment session. Specialists generally follow the current guidelines when providing RCT, while the GDPs do so less often.
Evaluation of the stress generated during biomechanical preparation with nickel–titanium rotary endodontic file using finite element analysis
Authors: Keerthi M. , Sridevi E. , Sankar A J Sai , Nagesh B , Pranitha K. , Sankar K. Siva
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Adequate biomechanical preparation of root canals is the essence of successful endodontic therapy. Roots with curved canal framework led to endodontic complexity. The hassles in the preparation of such complex canals have prompted the inauguration of nickel–titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments with properties of shape memory and superelasticity. They benefit root canal preparation with causing less aberration, yet intracanal separation due to fatigue remains a concern. The study was intended to evaluate and compare the stresses developed during biomechanical preparation with Ni-Ti rotary file in straight, moderate, and severely curved root canals using finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods:

Six real sizes, three-dimensional root models were designed in SolidWorks software with varying angles of curvature (2°–45°), and using the same software, ProTaper Gold F2 rotary file was developed. All the designed root models with the rotary file inserted into each model were subjected to FEA. ANSYS Software (version 17.2 Company, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA) 2015 was used to simulating root canal shaping, and the stresses generated in all the root canal models were observed.

Results:

Highest mean stress was observed with 45° models which was 235.95 MPa, followed by a 30° simulated model showed 220.36 MPa and least stress of 125.22 MPa was observed with 2° models (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Increased canal curvature has definitely resulted in generation of more amount of stress.
Comparative evaluation of the fracture resistance of roots after the application of three different root canal sealers
Authors: Muraleedhar Aparna V. , Satish Sarvapelli Venkata , Uthappa Roshan , Patil Ashwini M. , Gowda Basavana
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Root canal fillings using Gutta-percha and root canal sealers are considered the gold standard in endodontics. Bondable root canal sealers help in strengthening the root by penetrating into the dentin.

Aim:

The aim was to compare and evaluate the fracture resistance of root dentin following the application of AH Plus sealer, MTA Fillapex sealer, and BioRoot RCS sealer.

Materials and Methods:

Decoronation was performed on 70 extracted single-rooted premolars at the cementoenamel junction. The samples were divided into three experimental and two control groups. Fourteen samples served as the negative control (Group 4), which were left unprepared. The remaining 56 samples were prepared with ProTaper rotary files up to F3. The roots were obturated using cold lateral compaction using Gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer (Group 1), MTA Fillapex (Group 2), and BioRoot RCS (Group 3). Group 5 served as the positive control group. A universal testing machine was used to compress the samples until fracture occurred. One-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's test was used to analyze the data.

Results and Discussion:

The highest resistance to fracture was shown by Group 4 (negative control), followed by Group 1 (AH Plus), Group 3 (BioRoot RCS), Group 2 (MTA Fillapex), and the least by Group 5 (positive control). There was a statistically significant difference between all the groups (P = 0.00) except between AH Plus and BioRoot RCS (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Samples in all the groups fractured when vertical force was applied. The maximum resistance to fracture was shown by the roots which were neither instrumented nor obturated. AH plus sealer showed the highest resistance to fracture among the three experimental groups, followed by BioRoot RCS and MTA Fillapex.
Dental caries level among patients attending dental clinics complex at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study
Authors: Nasir Elwalid Fadul
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Dental caries or tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in adults and children worldwide, as it affects 60–90% of school-aged children and the vast majority of adults, and it is the primary cause of pain and tooth loss in the oral cavity.

Aims:

This retrospective study aimed to assess the level of dental caries among patients attended the King Faisal University dental clinics complex during the study period.

Materials and Methods:

This hospital-based study includes all patients who attended from September-December 2021. Secondary data included the level of dental caries experience, calculus level, plaque level using the oral hygiene index, and an assessment of dietary habits and oral health-related behaviors. We used frequencies for the categorical variables while mean (SD ±) for the quantitative variables, t-test with mean differences, and Pearson Correlation with 95% Confidence Intervals and 0.05 P-values as the significance level.

Results and Discussion:

255 patients with a mean age of 28.21-year (SD ± 12.9), (42%) of them had generalized plaque, (25.9%) had generalized calculus, and (81.6%) had oral hygiene index scores ranging between 2 to 4. The prevalence of dental caries among the patients was (99.2%) with a DMFT mean of 9.51-teeth (SD ± 5.6). DMFT was significantly associated with the level of calculus as those with generalized calculus had a higher DMFT compared to localized, and was significantly associated with health education received (P-value 0.005, P = 0.028). Self-care evaluation and weekly dietary practices significantly correlated to dental caries’ level (Pearson Correlation - 0.28 and 0.14, P-values 0.00 and 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion:

This study reported a high level of dental caries experience, which is in accordance with the level in Saudi Arabia reported by other studies. The study also demonstrated the relation of the level of dental caries with the level of calculus as well as behavioral aspects such as self-care evaluation, weekly diet practices, and dietary habits factors.
Allium sativum
Authors: Chugh Nidhi , Desai Vela , Sharma Rajeev , Chandwani Paresh
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

India is known for practicing different systems of medicine like allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, naturopathy, siddha, unani, and yoga.(1) Herbal medicine is quite popular in India and among various herbal drugs Garlic;[Allium sativum] is among the oldest of all cultivated plants. Garlic is cultivated almost all over the world, originated in central Asia, and then spread to other countries. As there are limited articles that summarizes the effects of garlic, on oral health the hidden role of garlic needs to be acknowledged.

Aim:

To highlight role of garlic in oral medicine.

Materials and Methods:

Various search engines (sky hub, Google scholar etc.) were used and data was collected from January 2021 to March 2021 for conducting this narrative review using the term “garlic” with combination of term “oral disease”.

Results and Discussion:

Garlic was found to be highly safe and effective remedy for various Oro-mucosal disorders as it causes less economic burden

Conclusion:

Garlic increases patient compliance because of the herbal approach and fewer side effects making in an effective nutraceutical.
The effect of thermocycling on the color stability of high translucency monolithic lithium disilicate and cubic zirconia materials
Authors: Mezied Maha Suliman
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The color stability and esthetic is an important factor of the long-term clinical success of dental ceramic restorations. However, the impact of thermocycling on the color stability of high translucency monolithic lithium disilicate and cubic zirconia materials is not well known.

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the color stability of three types of monolithic cubic zirconia compared with one type of lithium disilicate.

Materials and Methods:

A Four groups of 10 disc-shaped specimens (10 mm x 1.2 mm) were made from: One brand of lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD® HT (E.max)) as a control, and three brands of cubic zirconia (Katana UTML, Cercon XT, and Ceramill Zolid FX UT) as experimental groups. Color analysis of specimens were performed before and after thermocycling by using a Spectrophotometer (Hunterlab, EasyMatch QC. Ver 4.90). Then, same discs were subjected to thermocycling for 10000 cycles. The data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test. Data analyses were evaluated at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results and Discussion:

Parameters L*, a*, and b* were statistically significant differences before and after AAA among groups (P<0.001). The IPS e.max CAD® HT showed the greatest change in color (ΔE= 2.15±0.24), followed by Cercon XT (ΔE= 1.70±0.22), Ceramill Zolid FX UT (ΔE= 1.44±0.25), and least change in color was Katana UTML (ΔE= 1.41±0.41). The Tukey's post hoc test, showed that the IPS e.max CAD® HT had significant changes when compared to the other materials (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The effect of thermocycling on the color stability in this study results were significant effect in the (ΔE) of the four tested materials. The IPS e.max CAD® HT the greatest change in color and the and least change in color was Katana UTML. The color difference was significant within all groups, but changes were not a clinically perceivable.
Comparison of Vitamin-D binding protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid of pre- and postmenopausal women with and without chronic periodontitis: A clinico-biochemical study
Authors: Balasubramaniyam Kaviya , Sree Sankar Lakshmi , Jayavel Kavitha , Krishnan V. , Sundaram Rajasekar
Published: September 2024

Background:

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, and menopause can contribute to its progression. Vitamin-D Binding Protein (DBP) is a multifunctional protein that acts as an acute phase reactant and plays a key role in bone metabolism.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare DBP levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) of pre- and postmenopausal women with and without chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-two female participants aged 35–60 were selected from outpatients’ clinics and divided into premenopausal and postmenopausal groups. Plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured. GCF DBP levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between menopausal status and periodontal status in relation to GCF DBP levels (P = 0.000). However, regardless of the menopausal status, participants with periodontitis exhibited a five-fold increase in mean GCF DBP levels compared to those without periodontitis. There was a significant positive correlation existed between the periodontal parameters and GCF DBP levels.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings, we conclude that GCF DBP is influenced more by participants’ periodontal health than by their menopausal status, and it correlates favorably with the degree of periodontal destruction.
A review on cardiac manifestation of parasitic infection
Authors: Mishra Animesh , Ete Tony , Fanai Vanlalmalsawmdawngliana , Malviya Amit
Published: September 2024

Parasites are uncommon causes of heart diseases except in endemic areas, and very few data are available which deals with parasites infecting human heart. However, literatures demonstrated that certain parasites such as protozoan and helminths can lead to significant cardiac complications. Although all organs can be affected, the heart and the lungs are the most frequently affected organs either directly or indirectly. It may involve all layers of the heart including pulmonary vasculature, thus producing a wide variety of clinical manifestations, which may present as myocarditis, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, endomyocardial fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
Hydatid cyst of the infraspinatus muscle
Authors: Nivasarkar Sanat D. , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Silodia Ashutosh
Published: September 2024

Muscle hydatidosis is rare accounting only for 3%–5% of cases. Until now, only one case of muscular hydatidosis involving the infraspinatus muscle has been recorded. Hereby, we present a case report of primary hydatidosis of infraspinatus muscle in a 32-year-old woman from Central India who presented with painful soft-tissue swelling. Ultrasonography appearance was consistent with that of hydatid cyst; while serology was negative, pericystectomy was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed. The patient was followed up for a period of 6 months, and no recurrence was noted. Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue swellings, particularly in endemic regions.
Ixodidae – A rare cause of blepharitis
Authors: Alekhya C. , Rajalakshmi A. R. , Nagarajan Swathi
Published: September 2024

Hard ticks are mainly responsible for more “tick-borne” diseases in humans when compared to soft ticks. Tick infestation of ocular and periocular tissues is rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old male with left upper eyelid edema with erythema and live parasite on the lid margin.
Health Problems of Nepalese Labor Migrants
Authors: Karkee Rajendra , Gurung Minani , Poudel Lisasha , Baral Chiranjivi , Adhikary Pratik , Krishna KC Radheshyam , Gurung Sundip , Gajdadziev Vasil , Duigan Patrick , Inkochasan Montira , Wickramage Kolitha , Gurung Ganesh
Published: September 2024

Labor migrants (LMs) often work in precarious work environments and are exposed to various health risks. There is a lack of information on the health of international Nepalese LMs (NLMs). This scoping study was conducted to assess the health problems of international NLMs based on the six-stage scoping review process of Arksey and O'Malley. A literature review and stakeholders consultation related to NLMs' health information were conducted. A total of 455 studies were identified of which 38 studies were potentially relevant based on title and/or abstract screening, and a total of 16 studies were finally included and assessed. The literature showed that the health problems incurred by NLMs are mainly mental health problems; accidents, injuries, and infectious diseases. The Foreign Employment Board is the main public stakeholder which records deaths and disabilities of NLMs. The record showed that there were a total of 3,752,811 labor permits approval, a total of 7467 deaths, and a total of 1512 disabilities among NLMs during the 11 years from 2008-2018. There is a need to have a better investigation of causes of death and disability among NLMs to assign scientific causes of death. Predeparture orientation on mental health coping strategies, labor rights, health-care accessibility options in destination countries, traffic safety, and infectious diseases should be instituted.
Matching traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine-based research: Advanced nutraceutical development for proactive gastric cancer prevention
Authors: Micucci Matteo , Xiang Bian-Zhao , Ting Chen-Min , Kwan Hiu-Yee , Mari Michele , Retini Michele , Burattini Sabrina , Osman Riham , Okeke Udodinma Jude , Abdullah Fuad Othman , Gianfanti Federico , Battistelli Michela
Published: September 2024

Gastric cancer (GC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally, is complex and heterogeneous. This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medical practices, emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention. Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques, this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development. Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways, particularly the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas, extracts, and isolated compounds. These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation, underscoring their potential in preventive strategies. The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework. This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.
Construction and evaluation of a liver cancer risk prediction model based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Ying-Ying , Yang Wan-Xia , Du Qia-Jun , Liu Zhen-Hua , Lu Ming-Hua , You Chong-Ge
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, and its early detection and treatment are crucial for enhancing patient survival rates and quality of life. However, the early symptoms of liver cancer are often not obvious, resulting in a late-stage diagnosis in many patients, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Developing a highly targeted, widely applicable, and practical risk prediction model for liver cancer is crucial for enhancing the early diagnosis and long-term survival rates among affected individuals.

AIM

To develop a liver cancer risk prediction model by employing machine learning techniques, and subsequently assess its performance.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 550 patients were enrolled, with 190 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 195 cirrhosis patients serving as the training cohort, and 83 HCC and 82 cirrhosis patients forming the validation cohort. Logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models were developed in the training cohort. Model performance was assessed in the validation cohort. Additionally, this study conducted a comparative evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy between the ASAP model and the model developed in this study using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to determine the optimal predictive model for assessing liver cancer risk.

RESULTS

Six variables including age, white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet counts, alpha-fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II levels were used to develop LR, SVM, RF, and LASSO regression models. The RF model exhibited superior discrimination, and the area under curve of the training and validation sets was 0.969 and 0.858, respectively. These values significantly surpassed those of the LR (0.850 and 0.827), SVM (0.860 and 0.803), LASSO regression (0.845 and 0.831), and ASAP (0.866 and 0.813) models. Furthermore, calibration and DCA indicated that the RF model exhibited robust calibration and clinical validity.

CONCLUSION

The RF model demonstrated excellent prediction capabilities for HCC and can facilitate early diagnosis of HCC in clinical practice.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor II: A possible biomarker of poor prognosis and mediator of immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Hui-Yuan , Jing Yi-Ming , Shen Xue , Tang Ming-Yue , Shen Hong-Hong , Li Xin-Wei , Wang Zi-Shu , Su Fang
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The incidence of primary liver cancer is increasing year by year. In 2022 alone, more than 900000 people were diagnosed with liver cancer worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for 75%-85% of cases. HCC is the most common primary liver cancer. China has the highest incidence and mortality rate of HCC in the world, and it is one of the malignant tumors that seriously threaten the health of Chinese people. The onset of liver cancer is occult, the early cases lack typical clinical symptoms, and most of the patients are already in the middle and late stage when diagnosed. Therefore, it is very important to find new markers for the early detection and diagnosis of liver cancer, improve the therapeutic effect, and improve the prognosis of patients. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 2 (PTPN2) has been shown to be associated with colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and prostate cancer, but its biological role and function in tumors remain to be further studied.

AIM

To combine the results of relevant data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to provide the first in-depth analysis of the biological role of PTPN2 in HCC.

METHODS

The expression of PTPN2 in HCC was first analyzed based on the TCGA database, and the findings were then verified by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and immunoblotting. The value of PTPN2 in predicting the survival of patients with HCC was assessed by analyzing the relationship between PTPN2 expression in HCC tissues and clinicopathological features. Finally, the potential of PTPN2 affecting immune escape of liver cancer was evaluated by tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The results of immunohistochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and immunoblotting in combination with TCGA database analysis showed that PTPN2 was highly expressed and associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that PTPN2 was associated with various pathways, including cancer-related pathways, the Notch signaling pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that PTPN2 was highly expressed in various immune-related pathways, such as the epithelial mesenchymal transition process. A risk model score based on PTPN2 showed that immune escape was significantly enhanced in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated PTPN2 from multiple biological perspectives, revealing that PTPN2 can function as a biomarker of poor prognosis and mediate immune evasion in HCC.
Senegenin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating O-GlcNAcylation
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Li-Qiong , Liu Zhi-Yong
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Based on current knowledge, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a condition with numerous etiologies and risk factors. However, the pathogenesis of HCC remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the roles of senegenin and O-GlcNAcylation in the growth and metastasis of HCC.

METHODS

The levels of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcylation in HCC cells and tissues were detected using western blot analysis. The effects of senegenin and O-GlcNAcylation on the proliferation of HCC cells were investigated in vitro using cell counting kit-8 and clonogenic assays. The potential effects of senegenin and O-GlcNAcylation on HCC metastasis were examined using the transwell migration assay. O-GlcNAcylation levels were altered via drug treatment and lentiviral infection, and western blot analysis was used to detect proteins involved in various pathways.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis revealed that OGT and O-GlcNAcylation levels were significantly elevated in HCC tissues and cells. O-GlcNAcylation levels in HCC cells were significantly altered by drug treatment and lentiviral infection. An increase in the glycosylation level was linked to enhanced proliferation, invasiveness, clonogenicity, and metastatic potential of cancer cells. O-GlcNAcylation induced by senegenin was found to slow the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. The levels of proteins involved in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, which are associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, were altered.

CONCLUSION

Senegenin lowers O-GlcNAcylation levels, decreases OGT expression, and inhibits cancer cell growth and metastasis by regulating proteins involved in NF-κB and JNK pathways.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded with gemcitabine inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by enhancing apoptosis
Authors: Tang Zu-Gui , Chen Tie-Mei , Lu Yi , Wang Zhe , Wang Xi-Cheng , Kong Yi
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies, and has limited effective treatment. Gemcitabine (GEM), a chemotherapeutic agent, is commonly used for clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer, but it has characteristics of low drug delivery efficiency and significant side effects. The study tested the hypothesis that human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes loaded with GEM (Exo-GEM) would have a higher cytotoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells by enhancing their apoptosis.

AIM

To investigate the cytotoxicity of MSC-derived Exo-GEM against pancreatic cancer cells in vitro .

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from MSCs and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Exo-GEM through electroporation, sonication, or incubation, and the loading efficiency was evaluated. The cytotoxicity of Exo-GEM or GEM alone against human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 and MiaPaca-2 cells was assessed by MTT and flow cytometry assays.

RESULTS

The isolated exosomes had an average size of 76.7 nm. The encapsulation efficacy and loading efficiency of GEM by electroporation and sonication were similar and significantly better than incubation. The cytotoxicity of Exo-GEM against pancreatic cancer cells was stronger than free GEM and treatment with 0.02 μM Exo-GEM significantly reduced the viability of both Panc-1 and MiaPaca-2 cells. Moreover, Exo-GEM enhanced the frequency of GEM-induced apoptosis in both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Human bone marrow MSC-derived Exo-GEM have a potent cytotoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells by enhancing their apoptosis, offering a promising drug delivery system for improving therapeutic outcomes.
Retrospective Analysis of Transfusion-Related Adverse Reactions: A 15-Month Study of a Single Center’s Experience
Authors: Çalışkan Kamış Şule , Tuncel Defne Ay , Begül Küpeli Ganiye
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate transfusion-related adverse reactions (TRARs). In this study, all adverse reactions (ARs) related to blood/blood product transfusions conducted between 01.01.2022 and 31.03.2023 at the Health Sciences University Türkiye, Adana City Training and Research Hospital were evaluated. In total, 97,926 records of blood and blood component transfusions were evaluated during the study period. The distribution of blood components used was as follows: 57,066 (58.2%) red blood cell concentrates, 27,345 (28%) fresh frozen plasma, 12,282 (12.5%) pooled platelet concentrates, 564 (0.6%) apheresis platelet concentrates, and 669 (0.7%) cryoprecipitates. In total, 40 AR reports were associated with transfusions. The probability levels of the relationship degrees of reactions for these 40 cases were as follows: 2 cases; not likely (5%); 32 cases; likely (80%); 2 cases; highly likely (5%); and 4 cases, unassessable (10%). All unwanted reactions were acute, and there were no delayed reactions. No transfusion reaction (TR) leading to death occurred. Of the patients who developed reactions, 60% (n=24) were female, and 40% (n=16) were male. The ages of patients with unwanted reactions ranged from 2 to 86 years, with a median age of 33. Among the cases with unwanted reactions, 8 were children (20%) and 32 were adults (80%). In our study, the frequency of allergic TR was 8.1 per 100,000 children and 32.6 per 100,000 adults. A statistically significant difference in the distribution of blood component types among cases based on the types of unwanted reaction was observed (p=0.003).
In this retrospective evaluation of 15 months of data from a single center, 97,926 blood component transfusions were performed, and the prevalence of TRAR was 40.8 per 100,000 blood components.
Improved Quantum Rebound Attacks on Double Block Length Hashing with Round-Reduced AES-256 and ARIA-256
Authors: Lee Dongjae , Hong Seokhie
Published: September 2024

At EUROCRYPT 2020, Hosoyamada and Sasaki proposed the first dedicated quantum collision attacks on hash functions. Their proposal presented a quantum adaptation of the rebound attack and revealed that differential trails, which have too low probability for use in classical settings, might be exploitable in quantum settings. After their work, subsequent research has actively delved into analyzing the security of hash functions in the quantum setting.In this paper, we revisit the quantum rebound attacks on the double block hash function Hirose instantiated with 10-round AES-256 (HCF-AES-256) and 7-round ARIA-256 (HCF-ARIA-256) proposed by Chauhan et al. and Baek et al., respectively. Initially, we identify the flaws in their work and reevaluate the complexity of the attacks. We reveal that the flaws stem from not considering the issue that the S-box differential equation has one solution on average. Earlier research addressed this problem by adding auxiliary bits to the search space. If this method is used to correct the flaws, the resulting time complexities are 217.36 and 220.94 times higher than their proposals. Consequently, in some settings, their attacks become less efficient than generic attacks.Subsequently, we propose improved quantum rebound attacks using nested quantum amplitude amplification and quantum state preparation. Our improved attack efficiently pre-filters the search space, leading to a reduction in overall time complexity. We first classically reduce the search space and employ quantum state preparation to generate a superposition state over the pre-filtered search space. We then use nested quantum amplitude amplification to further reduce the search space quantumly. As a result, we achieve a reduction in the time complexity of the quantum rebound attacks on HCF-AES-256 and HCF-ARIA-256 by factors of 211.2 and 219.5, respectively, making the attacks more efficient than generic attacks again.
Peculiarities and ways of resolving the military-political conflict
Authors: Reznik Nadiia
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the article is to analyse the causes of the war that spread across the entire territory of Ukraine in February 2022. The main purpose of the study is to substantiate the essence of international economic and political conflicts, as well as scientific and theoretical approaches to resolving the political conflict that is the root cause of the russian-Ukrainian war. Various methods were used in the research, including the comparative-historical method, the method of source analysis, as well as induction, deduction, synthesis and analysis. This made it possible to gain a deeper understanding of the essence of political and political-economic conflict, as well as to divide political-economic conflicts into conflicts of values, interests, and identification, determining their essential causes. An armed conflict that turns into a war is the most dangerous form of political conflict, as it causes a transition to destructive actions on the territory of the country, involves the involvement of a large number of participants and significant losses among the military and the civilian population. The historical and modern reality in Ukraine since 2014 is characterized by the presence of political and armed conflicts that arose as a result of serious contradictions that were not resolved within the framework of the post-Soviet system. It is because of this that armed, political, economic and inter-ethnic conflicts became more frequent in the 21st century. For a long time, domestic science believed that state power and politics were aimed at finding a balance of the interests of seizing natural, energy and human resources, which was supposed to completely eliminate the conflict. However, the authorities of Ukraine did not cope with the invasion of certain territories, which has been going on for more than eight years. The article analyzes the prerequisites and nature of a full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine as a political conflict, and suggests key ways to resolve it. The conclusion states that Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO is a significant prospect for ensuring future guarantees of peace and protection against further or new invasion of the Russian Federation on our territory.