bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cauda equina syndrome caused by multiple intraspinal hemorrhage following percutaneous coronary intervention: a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Lim Yong-Kuan , Chen Pin-Yuan , Chen Wei-Siang , Kao Yu-Cheng , Lin Mei-Mei , Zheng Yun-Cong
Published: July 2021

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention and dual antiplatelet therapy are common management for patients with coronary artery disease. Multiple spontaneous intraspinal hematomas mixed with epidural hematoma and subdural hematoma following regular percutaneous coronary intervention is an extremely rare complication. We describe our experiences to treat the elderly who presented with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma and subdural hematoma in different spinal locations after percutaneous coronary intervention. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging were followed to assess the treatment outcomes for more than 2.5 years.
Case presentation:

In this article, we present a 70 years-old male taking dual antiplatelet therapy for 1 year after drug-eluting stents implantation to right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction had a sudden onset of paraplegia then the autonomic dysfunction immediately after another percutaneous coronary intervention. Whole spinal MRI showed mixed spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma and spinal subdural hematoma, included: anterior C5-T3 acute subdural hemorrhage, right lateral T4 to T8 epidural hemorrhage, and L5-S1 intrathecal hematoma. After urgent cauda equina neurolysis and T7-9 laminectomy to evacuate spinal epidural hemorrhage in accordance with the neurological symptoms, the patient regained walking ability immediately. The urination and defecation function recovered then. The surgical results maintained for at less 2.5 years, even after another percutaneous coronary intervention 1 year later.
Conclusions

Intraspinal hematomas in acute coronary syndromes are scarce but critical conditions after percutaneous coronary intervention. Multiple mixed spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma/ epidural hematoma could be fully reversed by circumspect neurolysis and limited laminectomy timely.
Extending Theoretical Understanding for Defining the Capabilities of Big Data Analytics in Organisations: a Thematic Analysis
Authors: Sabharwal Renu , Miah Shah Jahan
Published: July 2021

Big Data Analytics (BDA) have been proliferated to academic researchers and industry practitioners over the past few years. As a prominent data-driven decision application, the BDA capabilities in organisation have been recognised, but limited studies have successfully attempted to communicate an authentic understanding on BDA capabilities that may enhance the current theoretical knowledge. While big data have been defined in various ways with its characteristics of shared definitions, it is important to explore the classification of BDA and its capabilities considering its advantageous opportunities. This study conducts a review study adopting the well-known PRISMA methodology, integrating a thematic analysis approach using NVIVO12. The study analyses 70 elected sample articles for generating new insights of BDA, informing through organisation development theory and leading to this an empirical research model is outlined for further validity assessment. It is anticipated that the findings would be contributing to address dynamic clarity and relevance of adopting BDA application.
Radiographic Assessment of Distal Radius Fracture Treatment Outcomes Following Various Types of Fracture Stabilization in Elderly Patients
Authors: Olech Jarosław , Kopczyński Bartosz , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: July 2021

Background: Distal radius fractures pose a serious problem due to their high incidence and can be treated with various methods. No specific distal radius fracture treatment is acknowledged to be the gold standard by orthopedic surgeons. The aim of study was to conduct a comprehensive radiographic assessment of treatment outcomes in patients with distal radius fractures following various types of stabilization in elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 122patients who underwent treatment for distal radial fracture in the years 2017and2018.There were three study groups: closed reduction with K-wire fixation (37patients),open reduction with volar plate fixation (42 patients),and closed reduction with cast immobilization (43patients).The mean age at the beginning of treatment was 73years.The mean follow-up period was 2 years and 7months.The following radiological parameters were evaluated: union rate, time to union, time of fracture immobilization, fracture stabilization failure, and the development of adjacent-joint arthritis. Results: There were no significant differences between the study groups in terms of union rate, time to union, and the development of adjacent-joint arthritis. After treatment, the lowest rates of posttraumatic intercarpal and carpometacarpal arthritis and the lowest rates of fracture stabilization failure in our study were observed in the plaster-cast group. Volar plate fixation was associated with the shortest duration of fracture stabilization. In comparison to the status from before treatment, all study groups showed increased rates of intercarpal and carpometacarpal arthritis after treatment. Conclusions: Our radiographic assessments demonstrated similar outcomes, regardless of the stabilization method. In treating distal radius fractures, we achieved good radiographic treatment outcomes irrespective of the fracture stabilization method used.
Predicting traffic flow evolution on degraded road networks
Authors: Shen Z.
Published: July 2021

In order to investigate the influence of the forecast information provided by ATIS on the traffic flow evolution of the degraded road network, a weighted moving average based travel time forecasting method is designed, and the path update rule is established in the forecast information environment. The proposed route update rule is used to analyze the effects of prediction information dependency parameters, information quality parameters, weight parameters and network degradation degree on traffic flow evolution for a small test network. The results show that: 1) there is a threshold value for the dependence of travelers on the predicted information in the information environment, when the dependence is less than this value, the traffic flow quickly evolves to a stable state, and when the dependence is greater than this value, the network traffic flow will oscillate; 2) there is a situation where the higher the quality of the predicted information provided by the information system, the worse the traffic flow evolution; 3) for a particular degraded network, there is a certain optimal combination of weights that can be used to guide the release of forecast information of the network; 4) the smaller the degradation of the road network, the greater the role played by the forecast information.
Intralocus conflicts associated with a supergene
Authors: Giraldo-Deck Lina , Loveland Jasmine , Goymann Wolfgang , Tschirren Barbara , Burke Terry , Kempenaers Bart , Lank David , Küpper Clemens
Published: July 2021

Chromosomal inversions frequently underlie major phenotypic variation maintained by divergent selection within and between sexes. Here we examine whether and how intralocus conflicts contribute to balancing selection stabilizing an autosomal inversion polymorphism in the ruff Calidris pugnax. In this lekking shorebird, three male mating morphs (Independents, Satellites and Faeders) are associated with an inversion-based supergene. We show that in a captive population, Faeder females, who are smaller and whose inversion haplotype has not undergone recombination, have lower average reproductive success in terms of laying rate, egg size and offspring survival than Independent females, who lack the inversion. Satellite females, who carry a recombined inversion haplotype and have intermediate body size, more closely resemble Independent than Faeder females in reproductive performance. We inferred that the lower reproductive output of Faeder females is primarily balanced by higher than average reproductive success of individual Faeder males, driven by negative frequency-dependent selection. These findings suggest that intralocus conflicts may play a major role in the evolution and maintenance of supergene variants.
Task and Relationship Orientation of Professionals in Afghanistan and Thailand
Authors: Mujtaba Bahaudin G. , Senathip Tipakorn , Sungkhawan Jatuporn
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the leadership styles and approaches that are linked to Afghan and Thai respondents by exploring their task and relationship orientations to glean best practices for application in the war-torn nation of Afghanistan. To continue gathering more data, we have consistently been using Northouse’s Style Questionnaire to collect responses from different cultures over the past two decades. More specifically, for this latest study, we compared the leadership orientations of working adult respondents from Thailand and Afghanistan based on their nationality and socialization in each culture on the task and relationship-orientation continuum of leadership. To gain practical insights across these two Asian cultures, we reflect and explore the Afghan orientation and compare it with the cultural practices of people in Thailand, where politicians have managed their political affairs more peacefully with their neighbors. Both Afghanistan and Thailand’s cultures are rooted in thousands of years of Asian philosophies, and both are high-context and collective; therefore, people are presumed to be more relationship-oriented, and this study found statistically significant support for this presumption. While respondents from both countries do have a stronger focus on their relationships, data shows that their task orientation is significantly lower. Analysis, recommendations for inclusion training, dealing with societal / workplace mobbing, and the study’s limitations are presented toward the end of the paper. The findings are useful for training purposes with managers, political leaders, and expatriates working in these two South and East Asian countries. For example, currently the political leaders in Afghanistan are working with the international community to unite all Afghans so they can become less dependent on foreign forces to keep the country peaceful. As such, they can capitalize on their task and relationship orientation skills to work on this gigantic task. Similarly, as of May 2021, Thailand has been experiencing another wave of the Covid-19 coronavirus, with about 10,000 infection cases on some days; as such, Thai leaders have to build strong relationships with everyone in the country to effectively manage this task of limiting the spread of this deadly infection through strict quarantine rules and quick vaccination of their large population.
Yellow Squash and Zucchini Cultivar Selection for Resistance to Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Candian Joara Secchi , Coolong Timothy , Dutta Bhabesh , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Sparks Alton , Barman Apurba , Ribeiro da Silva Andre Luiz Biscaia
Published: July 2021

Large populations of sweetpotato whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) have become more regular occurrences during the fall months in parts of the southeastern United States. Large populations of sweetpotato whiteflies have resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of sweetpotato whitefly-transmitted viruses, particularly the cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), which has the potential to cause complete yield loss of fall-planted yellow squash and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). This study evaluated commercial cultivars of yellow squash and zucchini for resistance against CuLCrV and estimated the yield and fruit quality under environmental conditions during the fall growing season in the southeastern United States. A factorial experimental design was conducted with nine yellow squash and 11 zucchini cultivars during Fall 2017, Fall 2018, and Fall 2019 in Tifton, GA. In situ weather stations monitored the weather conditions during growing seasons, and yellow pest monitor cards monitored the sweetpotato whitefly populations in 2018 and 2019. During all growing seasons, yellow squash and zucchini plants were rated weekly for the severity of CuLCrV. Harvests were conducted 12 times during each season, and fruit were graded as fancy, medium, and culls. Rainfall distribution directly affected the sweetpotato whitefly populations during the production year. In 2018, frequent rainfall events created field conditions that reduced the sweetpotato whitefly populations compared with those during 2017 and 2019. The severity of CuLCrV negatively impacted both the yield and quality of fruit of yellow squash and zucchini, and no resistant commercial cultivars of yellow squash or zucchini were identified. Nonetheless, the yellow squash cultivars Lioness, Gold Prize, and Grand Prize, and the zucchini cultivars SV6009YG and SV0914YG had the highest yields when subjected to the highest sweetpotato whitefly populations during the study.
Origin of β-cristobalite in Libyan Desert Glass: The hottest naturally occurring silica polymorph?
Authors: Cavosie Aaron J. , Rickard William D.A. , Evans Noreen J. , Rankenburg Kai , Roberts Malcolm , Macris Catherine A. , Koeberl Christian
Published: July 2021

Identifying and determining the origin of β-cristobalite, a high-temperature silica polymorph, in natural samples is challenging as it is rarely, if ever, preserved due to polymorphic transformation to α-cristobalite at low temperature. Formation mechanisms for β-cristobalite in high-silica rocks are difficult to discern, as superheating, supercooling, bulk composition, and trace element abundance all influence whether cristobalite crystallizes from melt or by devitrification. Here we report a study of α-cristobalite in Libyan Desert Glass (LDG), a nearly pure silica natural glass of impact origin found in western Egypt, using electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The studied grains are mostly 250 μm in diameter and consist of ~150 μm wide cores surrounded by ~50 μm wide dendritic rims. Compositional layering in LDG continues across cristobalite grains and mostly corresponds to variations in Al content. However, layering is disrupted in cores of cristobalite grains, where Al distribution records oscillatory growth zoning, whereas in rims the high Al occurs along grain boundaries. Cristobalite cores thus nucleated within layered LDG at conditions that allowed mobility of Al into crystallographically controlled growth zones, whereas rims grew when Al was less mobile. Analysis of 37 elements indicates little evidence of preferential partitioning; both LDG and cristobalite are variably depleted relative to the upper continental crust, and abundance variations correlate to layering in LDG. Orientation analysis of {112} twin systematics in cristobalite by EBSD confirms that cores were formerly single β-cristobalite crystals. Combined with published experimental data, these results provide evidence for high-temperature (>1350 °C) magmatic crystallization of oscillatory zoned β-cristobalite in LDG. Dendritic rims suggest growth across the glass transition by devitrification, driven by undercooling, with transformation to α-cristobalite at low temperature. This result represents the highest formation temperature estimate for naturally occurring cristobalite, which is attributed to the near pure silica composition of LDG and anomalously high temperatures generated during melting by meteorite impact processes.
Fission-track etching in apatite: A model and some implications
Authors: Jonckheere Raymond , Aslanian Carolin , Wauschkuhn Bastian , Ratschbacher Lothar
Published: July 2021

From their formation, fission tracks are complex structures, onto which their thermal histories come to be imprinted. Track etching leaves elongated voids whose lengths and orientations are used for reconstructing these histories. It is thus important to understand etching for interpreting track data. We revive an existing dissolution model that explains the geometries and dimensions of etched fission tracks in apatite. It implies that on continued etching, the track contours come to reflect the minimum and maximum apatite etch rates, at the same time that all trace of the track structure is erased. We cannot derive valid etch rates from the dimensions of the track openings or from the length increase of step-etched confined tracks. The roundedness of the track tips is not a measure of etching progress. Understanding the contours of confined tracks does permit, in most cases, to calculate their true etch times. We propose to exploit this fact to set an etch-time window and to model the confined-track data in this interval. The excluded measurements will be those of the least-etched and most-etched tracks. This numerical loss is offset by the fact that an etch-time window relaxes the requirement of a fixed immersion time, and a longer immersion multiplies the measurable confined tracks. This calls for no changes to existing procedures if the etch-time windows for different protocols give consistent results. The length data for apatites with different compositions could become comparable if their etch-time windows were linked to a compositional parameter.
DETERMINAN CASH HOLDING BANK YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Murtini Umi , Ukru Mathew Julius
Published: July 2021

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh arus kas, modal kerja bersih, leverage, dan pembayaran dividen terhadap cash holding pada perusahaan bank yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2015-2019. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik purposive sampling. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian asosiatif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji asumsi klasik dan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Leverage berpengaruh signifikan terhadap cash holding dengan nilai signifikan sebesar 0,0366. Sedangkan variabel arus kas, modal kerja bersih, dan pembayaran dividen tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepemilikan kas.Kata kunci: cash holding, arus kas, modal kerja bersih, pembayaran dividen ABSTRACT This research aims to examine the effect of cash flow, net working capital, leverage, and dividend payment on cash holding of bank companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2019. Sampling was done using purposive sampling technique. The type of research is associative research with a quantitative approach, the data analysis used is the classical assumption test and multiple linear regression. The results of this study indicate that leverage has a significant effect on Cash Holding with a significant value of 0.0366. Meanwhile, the variables of cash flow, net working capital, and dividend payment have no significant effect on cash holding.Keywords: cash holding, cash flow, net working capital, dividend payment
Political risk and banking sector performance in Nigeria
Authors: A. Obalade Adefemi , Lawrence Babatunde , Olorunfemi Akande Joseph
Published: July 2021

Political risk is prevalent in Nigeria and tends to influence business outcomes and the stability of the banking system. As a result of this study, it was determined whether political risk matters to the performance of the banking sector in Nigeria. The effect of political risk on different banks’ performance measures, such as return on assets, return on invested capital, credit risk and stock price, were examined in a panel of 12 selected commercial banks for the period 2006–2018. Data was analyzed using a two-stage system of generalized method of moments. The results provided evidence that the effect of political risk on bank performance depends on the performance proxies. Specifically, political risk was found to be negatively related to banks’ returns on invested capital and positively related to deteriorating credit risk. Hence, it can be concluded that political risk induces poor banking system performance in Nigeria. The study provides a critical insight into the management of a country’s political systems in terms of their potential to create unfavorable conditions for banking systems to thrive.
Monitoring intensity, investment inefficiency and institutional shareholders: Evidence from JSE listed companies in South Africa
Authors: Obagbuwa Oloyede , Kwenda Farai , Wilfred Akinola Gbenga
Published: July 2021

This study investigates how variation in monitoring intensity affects the efficiency of firms’ investment decisions in an emerging market in South Africa. The study hypothesis argues that the distraction of institutional shareholders has a statistically significant positive effect on corporate investment inefficiency. Using a more robust Generalized Method of Moments (Sys GMM) estimation approach to analyze data collected for firms listed at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the period 2004–2019, the results showed that the distraction of institutional shareholders has a positive and statistically significant impact on investment inefficiency. That is, when the attention of institutional shareholders is shifted, the intensity of their monitoring drops, and the executive is involved in investment decisions that are not profitable. This insight has an implication for stakeholders and the value-creating corporate governance mechanism. The study concludes that institutional shareholders must always sustain their monitoring intensity to ensure that corporate decisions are consistent with the firm’s value.
Una rara causa de cefalea y fiebre en una mujer sana
Authors: Rocha Arrieta María Concepción , Lambraño-Castillo Darwin , López-Iñiguez Alvaro , Calva –Mercado Juan
Published: July 2021

La criptococosis es una infección por hongos que afecta principalmente a huéspedes inmunodeprimidos; la infección diseminada es infrecuente en pacientes inmunocompetentes. Reportamos el caso de una mujer previamente sana, sin factores de riesgo, ingresada a urgencias por cefalea, fiebre y alteración del estado mental quien posteriormente fue diagnosticada con criptococosis diseminada.
Phase-Changeable Nanoparticle-Mediated Energy Conversion Promotes
Highly Efficient High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation
Authors: Zeng Zeng , Liu Ji-Bin , Peng Cheng-Zhong
Published: July 2021

:

This review describes how phase-changeable nanoparticles enable highly-efficient
high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFU). HIFU is effective in the clinical treatment
of solid malignant tumors; however, it has intrinsic disadvantages for treating some deep lesions,
such as damage to surrounding normal tissues. When phase-changeable nanoparticles
are used in HIFU treatment, they could serve as good synergistic agents because they are
transported in the blood and permeated and accumulated effectively in tissues. HIFU’s thermal
effects can trigger nanoparticles to undergo a special phase transition, thus enhancing
HIFU ablation efficiency. Nanoparticles can also carry anticancer agents and release them in
the targeted area to achieve chemo-synergistic therapy response. Although the formation of
nanoparticles is complicated and HIFU applications are still in an early stage, the potential for
their use in synergy with HIFU treatment shows promising results.
Friend or Foe: UCHL3 Mediated Carcinogenesis and Current
Approaches in Small Molecule Inhibitors’ Development
Authors: Samy Mona Ahmed , Abd El Fatah Nada Mohamady , Yahia Safa Elsayed , Arafa Reem K.
Published: July 2021

:

As cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death, various cancer treatments
are being developed from traditional surgery to the more recent emergence of target
therapy. However, therapy resistance is a restricting problem that needs to be overcome.
Henceforth, the field of research shifts to new plausible drug targets, among which is the
ubiquitin-proteasome system. This review is focused on the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase
(UCH) protease family, which are members of Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs),
specifically Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3). DUBs regulate a broad array
of regulatory processes, including cell-cycle progression, tissue development, and differentiation.
DUBs are classified into seven subfamilies, including ubiquitin-specific proteases
(USPs), JAB1/MPN/Mov34 metalloenzyme, ovarian tumor proteases (OTUs), Josephin and
JAB1/MPN+(MJP), MIU-containing novel DUB (MINDY), zinc finger-containing ubiquitin
peptidase 1 (ZUP1), and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs). Having a significant role in
tumorigenesis, UCHL3 is thus emerging as a therapeutic target. Knowing its involvement in
cancer, it is important to understand the structure of UCHL3, its substrate specificity, and interaction
to pave the way for the development of potential inhibitors. This review covers several
directions of proteasome inhibitors drug discovery and small molecule inhibitors development.
Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Overexpressing the Neuroprotective
Proteins PEDF and GM-CSF to Treat Degeneration of the Neural
Retina
Authors: Bascuas Thais , Zedira Hajer , Kropp Martina , Harmening Nina , Asrih Mohamed , Prat-Souteyrand Cécile , Tian Shuwei , Thumann Gabriele
Published: July 2021

Background:

Non-viral transposon-mediated gene delivery can overcome viral vectors’
limitations. Transposon gene delivery offers the safe and life-long expression of genes such as Pigment
Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
(GM-CSF) to counteract retinal degeneration by reducing oxidative stress damage.

Objective:

The study aimed at using Sleeping Beauty transposon to transfect human Retinal Pigment
Epithelial (RPE) cells with the neuroprotective factors PEDF and GM-CSF to investigate the
effect of these factors on oxidative stress damage.

Methods:

Human RPE cells were transfected with PEDF and GM-CSF by electroporation, using
the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon gene delivery system (SB100X). Gene expression was
determined by RT-qPCR, and protein level by Western Blot as well as ELISA. The cellular stress
level and the neuroprotective effect of the proteins were determined by measuring the concentrations
of the antioxidant glutathione in human RPE cells, and conducting immunohistochemical examination
of retinal integrity, inflammation, and apoptosis of rat Retina-Organotypic Cultures
(ROC) exposed to H2O2.

Results:

Human RPE cells were efficiently transfected showing a significantly augmented gene expression
and protein secretion. Human RPE cells overexpressing PEDF and/or GM-CSF or pretreated
with recombinant proteins presented significantly increased glutathione levels post-H2O2 incubation
than non-transfected/untreated controls. rPEDF and/or rGM-CSF-treated ROC exhibited
decreased inflammatory reactions and cell degeneration.

Conclusion:

GM-CSF and/or PEDF could be delivered successfully to RPE cells with combined
use of SB100X and electroporation. PEDF and/or GM-CSF reduced H2O2-mediated oxidative stress
damage in RPE cells and ROC offering an encouraging technique to re-establish a cell protective
environment to halt age-related retinal degeneration.
Recent Advances in Efficacy of using Doxorubicin Gold Nanoparticles for
Chemo-, Radio-, Photothermal, and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Choubdar Niloufar , Avizheh Sara , Karimifard Seyed Ali
Published: July 2021

:

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in drug delivery systems specifically for chemo-,
radio-, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy. Due to the lack of selectivity toward tumor
cells, the main target in therapies is to deliver drugs to cancer cells to reduce side effects. Gold
nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been described as “promising nanocarriers for therapeutics” due to
many properties such as low inherent toxicity, high water solubility, and biocompatibility. Many research
groups have focused on taking advantage of two or more therapies simultaneously to have
increased efficacy using a lower dosage of the therapeutic drug and reduced multi-drug resistance
(MDR). Alternatively, doxorubicin (Dox) modification has been used as a strategy for increased selectivity
toward target cells. Over the years, many studies have been performed on NPs to eliminate
side effects using polymers, peptides, proteins, DNA, metallic NPs, microgels, and hydrogels
on drug carriers. In this review, recent advances of using Dox-AuNPs for chemo-, radio-, photothermal,
photodynamic, and combination therapy are briefly discussed, and we also highlight recent
progress in the application of Dox-AuNPs for effective cancer therapy.
Data Mining of Differentially Expressed Genes in Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma: Implications in Precise Medicine
Authors: Zhao Jie , Gao Hongjie , He Yun
Published: July 2021

Background:

Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma (EOC) is a ubiquitous gynecological malignancy
with complicated pathogenesis. Genetic risk factors and pathways involved in the prognosis
of this cancer are not yet understood completely. Determining genetic markers with diagnostic and
prognostic values would pave the way for efficient management of cancer.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the genes and the regulatory networks involved in the occurrence
and prognosis of EOC through different bioinformatics analysis tools. In addition, recent
advances in using bioinformatic analysis approaches based on the genes and regulatory networks,
particularly Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in improving the diagnosis and prognosis of
EOC, are discussed.

Methods:

The gene expression profiles of GSE18520, GSE54388, and GSE27651 were downloaded
from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and further analyzed with different analyses
in R language. Current literature on using bioinformatics based on DEGs and associated regulatory
networks to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of EOC was reviewed.

Results:

Analyses of the gene expression levels between the malignant tissue against normal tissue
unveiled 163 DEGs. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and
Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed on the target genes using cluster profile package
and Cytoscape package was employed to assess the protein interaction network of these genes.
The protein-protein interaction network was analyzed using the CytoHubba plug-in to identify 20
hub genes. In addition, we analyzed the prognosis of the hub genes using the Kaplan-Meier survival
analysis that revealed evident differences in the prognosis of 13 genes. The malignant tissues
exhibited a differential expression of 12 genes against healthy tissues as shown by Gene Expression
Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis.

Conclusion:

Findings of this study revealed 12 genes to be significantly up-regulated and the prognosis
was significantly different, which could be employed to potentially target EOC in clinical
practice.
Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Non-cardiac Vascular Procedures, A Narrative Review: Part 2
Authors: Raffort Juliette , Lareyre Fabien , Katsiki Niki , Mikhailidis Dimitri P
Published: July 2021

:

This is Part 2 of a narrative review summarizing the literature on CIN after non-cardiac
vascular diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, focusing on peripheral artery disease (PAD) and renal
artery stenosis (RAS). Part 1 discussed CIN in relation to aortic aneurysms and carotid stenosis.
We comment on the incidence, biomarkers, risk factors and consequences of CIN in patients with
PAD or RAS, as well as on strategies to prevent CIN. Future perspectives in the field ofCIN in relation
to non-cardiac vascular procedures are also considered.
The Importance of Flavonoids and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Plants
with Antiviral Activities
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Sun Wenli , Cheng Qi
Published: July 2021

In this mini-review article, we have mentioned the key roles of some of the most important
herbal plants medicine containing flavonoids and phytochemicals with antiviral activities. All
relevant information was searched by using the terms, influenza, phytochemicals, SARS, SARSCov-
2, flavonoids, and traditional medicinal plants uses, from reliable databases, such as PubMed,
Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The most important medicinal herbs which contain flavonoids
with antiviral activities are Limonium densiflorum, Oroxylum indicum, Tribulus terrestris L., Paulownia
tomentosa Steud., Allophylus africanus, Houttuynia cordata, Moslea Herba, Mosla scabra,
Scutellaria baicalensis, Berries, Genus Psoralea, Sophora tonkinensis, Trollius chinensis, Tilia cordata,
Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Seabuckthorn), Paulownia tomentosa steud, and C. swietenia. Phytochemicals
are chemicals of plant origin produced by plants through primary or secondary metabolism.
The most important medicinal plants, which contain phytochemicals with antiviral activities are
Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), Forsythia suspense, Ligustrum lucidum, Radix Paeoniae
Alba (Bai Shao), Banlangen (Radix Isatidis), Lysiphyllum strychnifolium, Phellinus baumii, Mesona
chinensis, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Isatis indigotica, Pelargonium sidoides, Entada
Africana Guill., Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Lychee
fruit extract, Lycoris radiate, Cistus incanus, Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne (Chinese quince), Geranium
sanguineum L., and Tea polyphenols. Natural products from traditional herbal medicines, especially
traditional Chinese and Persian medicines, have been found to exert antiviral impacts against
influenza and human coronaviruses. The natural plant-derived compounds that have been used for
treating various diseases are flavonoids and phytochemicals.
The Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Sloan Gordon , Alam Uazman , Selvarajah Dinesh , Tesfaye Solomon
Published: July 2021

:

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (painful-DPN) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition, affecting up to one-third of patients with diabetes. This condition can have a profound impact resulting in a poor quality of life, disruption of employment, impaired sleep, and poor mental health with an excess of depression and anxiety. The management of painful-DPN poses a great challenge. Unfortunately, currently there are no Food and Drug Administration (USA) approved disease-modifying treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) as trials of putative pathogenetic treatments have failed at phase 3 clinical trial stage. Therefore, the focus of managing painful- DPN other than improving glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factor modification is treating symptoms. The recommended treatments based on expert international consensus for painful- DPN have remained essentially unchanged for the last decade. Both the serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI) duloxetine and α2δ ligand pregabalin have the most robust evidence for treating painful-DPN. The weak opioids (e.g. tapentadol and tramadol, both of which have an SNRI effect), tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and α2δ ligand gabapentin are also widely recommended and prescribed agents. Opioids (except tramadol and tapentadol), should be prescribed with caution in view of the lack of definitive data surrounding efficacy, concerns surrounding addiction and adverse events. Recently, emerging therapies have gained local licenses, including the α2δ ligand mirogabalin (Japan) and the high dose 8% capsaicin patch (FDA and Europe). The management of refractory painful-DPN is difficult; specialist pain services may offer off-label therapies (e.g. botulinum toxin, intravenous lidocaine and spinal cord stimulation), although there is limited clinical trial evidence supporting their use. Additionally, despite combination therapy being commonly used clinically, there is little evidence supporting this practise. There is a need for further clinical trials to assess novel therapeutic agents, optimal combination therapy and existing agents to determine which are the most effective for the treatment of painful-DPN. This article reviews the evidence for the treatment of painful-DPN, including emerging treatment strategies such as novel compounds and stratification of patients according to individual characteristics (e.g. pain phenotype, neuroimaging and genotype) to improve treatment responses.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Multidetector CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis: Assessment of Disease Extent and Correlation with Disease Activity
Authors: Sarma Kalyan , Handique Akash , Phukan Pranjal , Daniala C. , Chutia Happy , Barman Bhupen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Takayasu’s Arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis with diverse clinical
presentations and arterial vascular bed involvement.It is characterized by chronic, nonspecific inflammation
of all layers of the vessel wall which results in stenosis, occlusion, dilatation, or
aneurysm formation in the involved blood vessels.

Methods:

The study included 36 patients of TA. All patients fulfilled the modified Ishikawa’s diagnostic
criteria for TA. All patients were evaluated for clinical presentation, angiographic findings,
and severity of the disease. The disease activity was assessed based on Erythrocyte Sedimentation
Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and also by CT Angiography (CTA)/Magnetic resonance
angiography (MRA)imaging. The angiographic types were classified based on the International
TA Conference in Tokyo 1994 angiographic classification.

Results:

A total of 36 patients were included in the study, 86%were females and a mean age of
21.6 years. Hypertension (78%) was the most common clinical presentation. Type V was the most
common angiographic type (42%) followed by type III (25%), type IV (14%), type IIb (11%), type
I (5%) and type IIa (3%). Among the aortic arch branches the left subclavian artery (50%), right
subclavian artery (38.8%), left vertebral artery (33.3%) and left common carotid artery (27.7%)
were the most commonly involved arteries. Disease activity based on CT / MR imaging showed a
significant statistical correlation with elevated ESR and positive CRP (p < 0.0001). Mediastinal
lymphadenopathy was seen in 21 patients out of which 11 had active disease. However, no significant
correlation was found between mediastinal lymphadenopathy and disease activity.

Conclusions:

TA presents with varied symptomatology and differing vascular involvement. CT/MR
angiography is effective in diagnosis and accurately predicted the active stage of the disease.
Withdrawal Notice: Investigation of the Use of Neural Networks for Diagnosing Breast Cancer on Mammograms
Authors: Ivanova Galina S. , Golovkov Alexander A. , Petrova Iana S. , Borodin Alexander A. , Shakhlan Anastasia O. , Umnov Alexander V. , Lonshakova Kristina A. , Kelenin Vladimir V.
Published: July 2021

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal Current Medical Imaging.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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Dual-energy Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Acute Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Li Zuoqin , Xiao Jianwei , Xie Yuanliang , Hu Yun , Zhang Shutong , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2021

Aims:

To investigate the diagnostic value of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)
in Acute Gouty Arthritis (AGA) or patients presenting suspected gouty arthritis.

Methods:

This retrospective study was performed in a single centre from May 2017 to August
2018. Two hundred and twenty-six patients with an initial diagnosis of AGA in the preceding 15
days were included. All patients were referred for a DECT scan of the affected joints. The diagnosis
criteria of gout with the American College of Rheumatology Classification Standard were regarded
as the reference standard.

Results:

After filtration, two hundred patients were included in the present study. The sensitivity,
specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of DECT in the diagnosis of all
AGA were 83.83%, 60.61%, 91.5%, and 42.55%, respectively. When AGA was subdivided according
to the joint site, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
value were 80.68%, 61.11%, 91.03%, and 39.29% in feet, 93.55%, 40%, 93.55%, and 40% in
knees and 87.5%, 71.43%, 91.3%, and 62.5% in ankles, respectively.

Conclusions:

DECT had a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of AGA. However, the specificity was
limited, particularly for the diagnosis of acute gouty knee arthritis. Prospective multicenter studies
of large samples will enhance the application of DECT among AGA patients in the future.
The Evaluation of the Maculopathy Using Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Chen Zhiye , Xu Huan , Liu Mengqi , Li Chunfang , Huang Houbin , Ma Lin
Published: July 2021

Background:

Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI)
technique could not only quantify blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown leading to macular edema
associated with diabetes, but also provide a two-dimensional imaging method that is not interfered
by refracting media.

Objective:

The current study was aimed to evaluate the macular change in the patients with diabetic
retinopathy using DCE-MRI technique.

Methods:

Twenty patients with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and 20 Normal Controls (NC) were included.
The fast spoiled gradient echo sequence was used to perform dynamic contrast T1WI enhancement
on 3.0T MR system. The macular region, optic papila and nasal retina were performed
with quantitative DCE-MRI evaluation using Omni-Kinetics software.

Results:

The maximal concentration, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUCconcentration-time)
and maximal slope of macular region were significantly higher in DR [0.270(0.03,1.20)mmol/
100ml, 2.71(0.04,9.91) mmol*min and 0.38(0.06,3.18) mmol/min, respectively] than that
[0.169(0.03,0.72) mmol/1.25(0.13,10.41) mmol*min and 0.245(0.06,1.34) mmol/min] in NC (U
value = 515.00 and P value = 0.080, U value = 433.00 and P value = 0.000, and U value = 563.00
and P value = 0.023, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated
that the area under AUCconcentration-time was 0.729±0.058 with the cut-off value 1.479
mmol*min (sensitivity 80.00% and specificity 62.50%) for macular region.

Conclusion:

The quantitative DCE-MRI technique could be used to evaluate the maculopathy associated
with diabetic retinopathy.
Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Management of Cancer in Karonga District, Northern Malawi
Authors: Tembo David , Mwamatope Bonface , Chikowe Ibrahim , Maliwichi-Nyirenda Cecilia , Kampira Elizabeth , Masumbu Friday Foster
Published: July 2021

Background:

In Malawi, cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This has led to
increased use of herbal medicines for cancer management.

Objective:

This study aimed at identifying medicinal plants that are used for the management of cancer in the southern
area of Karonga district, Northern Malawi.

Methods:

Semi-structured individual questionnaire interviews were used to collect ethnobotanical data from traditional
herbal practitioners in the study area.

Results:

A total of twenty six (26) plant species from seventeen (17) botanical families were reported by Traditional
Herbal Practitioners to be effective in the management of cancer. The botanical families with representation of more
than one plant species were Fabaceae with five species, followed by Combretaceae and the Anacardiaceae with three
species each, and Meliaceaewith with two species. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) showed that Senna singueana
(RFC = 0.833), Lannea discolour (RFC = 0.833), Melia azedarach (RFC = 0.667), and Moringa oleifera (RFC
= 0.667) were the medicinal plant species which were frequently mentioned and used in the study. The recipes could be
a mixture of plant species or plant parts such as the leaves, barks, roots, rhizomes, seeds, flowers, and fruits.

Conclusion:

The study showed that a potential cancer management drug could be developed from the medicinal plant
species found in the area. The results of this study could provide baseline information on medicinal plant species for
further phytochemical studies and other studies to validate their use.
Accurate Assessment of Joule-Thomson Inversion Temperature at Zero Pressure of Imperfect Gases
Authors: Mamedov Bahtiyar Akber , Somuncu Elif
Published: July 2021

Background:

The aim of this work is to propose an approach for estimating the
Joule-Thomson coefficient as an important parameter necessary to the study of changes in
fluid temperature at a given change in pressure at constant enthalpy.

Objective:

The analytical approach presented in this work is very appropriate for detailed
studies of the Joule-Thomson inversion temperature at zero pressure for arbitrary temperature
values.

Methods:

A new approach is suggested for the accurate determination of the Joule-
Thomson inversion temperature at zero pressure using virial coefficient of the Lennard-
Jones (12-6) potential.

Results:

The usefulness and efficiency of the method are tested by application to various
gases Ar, He, Ne, H2, O2, CO2 CO, CH4, Xe, Kr, N2 and Air. The results obtained are in
well agreement with other approximation and experimental data.

Conclusion:

The suggested formula enables correct and rapid calculation of the JT inversion
temperature at zero pressure.
Association Between miR-146a rs2910164 Polymorphism and Breast Cancer
Susceptibility: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 9545 Cases and 10030
Controls
Authors: Moazeni-Roodi Abdolkarim , Aftabi Sajjad , Sarabandi Sahel , Karami Shima , Hashemi Mohammad , Ghavami Saeid , Taheri Mohsen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Several studies have reported a possible association of miR-146a
rs2910164 polymorphism with Breast Cancer (BC) development. However, the correlation between
this polymorphism and susceptibility to BC is under debate. The current meta-analysis was
designed and performed to more conclusively evaluate the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism
and its potential link to BC.

Methods:

Our team has selected eligible studies (published up to October 2, 2020) from several
electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. A total number
of 9,545 BC cases and 10,030 controls extracted from 26 eligible articles were included in this
study. We utilized pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) as well as 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) under
five genetic models for quantitative estimation of any possible association between miR-146a
rs2910164 polymorphism and BC.

Results:

Based on this meta-analysis, our findings suggest that there is no significant association
between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and BC risk. However, stratified analysis revealed
that the rs2910164 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of BC in hospital-based studies
using the homozygous genetic model (OR=1.37, 95%CI=1.01-1.86, p=0.043, CC vs. GG). Neither
Asian nor Caucasian populations showed any significant association between rs2910164 polymorphism
and BC susceptibility.

Conclusion:

In summary, our findings suggest that BC development is not associated with
miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism. However, larger ingenious future investigations might be
needed for a more precise estimation of any association between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism
and BC.