bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotating Magnetic Fields Inhibit Mitochondrial Respiration, Promote Oxidative Stress and Produce Loss of Mitochondrial Integrity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Sharpe Martyn A. , Baskin David S. , Pichumani Kumar , Ijare Omkar B. , Helekar Santosh A.
Published: November 2021

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) raise intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be toxic to cancer cells. Because weak magnetic fields influence spin state pairing in redox-active radical electron pairs, we hypothesize that they disrupt electron flow in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). We tested this hypothesis by studying the effects of oscillating magnetic fields (sOMF) produced by a new noninvasive device involving permanent magnets spinning with specific frequency and timing patterns. We studied the effects of sOMF on ETC by measuring the consumption of oxygen (O2) by isolated rat liver mitochondria, normal human astrocytes, and several patient derived brain tumor cells, and O2 generation/consumption by plant cells with an O2 electrode. We also investigated glucose metabolism in tumor cells using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and assessed mitochondrial alterations leading to cell death by using fluorescence microscopy with MitoTracker™ and a fluorescent probe for Caspase 3 activation. We show that sOMF of appropriate field strength, frequency, and on/off profiles completely arrest electron transport in isolated, respiring, rat liver mitochondria and patient derived glioblastoma (GBM), meningioma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) cells and can induce loss of mitochondrial integrity. These changes correlate with a decrease in mitochondrial carbon flux in cancer cells and with cancer cell death even in the non-dividing phase of the cell cycle. Our findings suggest that rotating magnetic fields could be therapeutically efficacious in brain cancers such as GBM and DIPG through selective disruption of the electron flow in immobile ETC complexes.
Factors that Facilitate and Hinder the Comprehension of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs): A Brief Scoping Review
Authors: Medina-Córdoba Mariana , Cadavid Sara , Pérez-Acosta Andrés M. , Amaya-Giraldo Valentina
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Patient information leaflets (PILs) of medicinal products are informative documents that accompany medicines and explain their components, modes of use, interactions with other medicines, and other relevant issues. When patients do not adequately understand the information in the leaflets, they may engage in behaviors that affect their health (e.g., self-medication).

Objective: To identify patient-related factors and characteristics of PILs that can promote cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that lead to appropriate drug use practices. Additionally, we aimed to determine strategies that could be implemented to design leaflets that convey adequate information and are easier to understand.

Method and Results: We evaluated scientific articles published in databases and containing information on PILs suitability to be used in a patient population. A total of 51 articles were selected as the sample. Certain leaflet factors that favored or hindered understanding were identified (e.g., format in which the leaflets are presented, their structure, their adaptation to the sociodemographic and linguistic characteristics of the population, their wording…). Similarly, we also identified patient factors, such as previous experience taking the drugs referred to in the leaflet; the type of emotions experienced when reading the leaflets; the emphasis on the adverse effects of the medications; sociodemographic variables (i.e., age or educational level); and degree of interest in their own healthcare.

Conclusion: Patient and leaflet factors influence the comprehension of information in the PIL; hence, emphasis should be placed on these factors to increase treatment and medication adherence and to reduce health-risk behaviors.
Case Report: The Added Value of Liquid Biopsy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer From Clinical Case Experiences
Authors: Ulivi Paola , Passardi Alessandro , Marisi Giorgia , Chiadini Elisa , Molinari Chiara , Canale Matteo , Pasini Luigi , Ferroni Fabio , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Bartolini Giulia , Monti Manlio
Published: November 2021

Liquid biopsy represents a valid strategy for tumor molecular characterization. It gives the opportunity to bypass tumor heterogeneity, to monitor tumor characteristics during the course of treatment, and to perform the analysis even when tumor tissue is not available or inadequate. In the clinical practice of metastatic colorectal cancer, tumor molecular characterization is crucial for patient management, as RAS and BRAF status could influence the treatment choice. Although for this type of cancer tumor tissue is usually available at diagnosis, liquid biopsy could give complementary information and could permit monitoring of the mutation status during the course of treatment. At present, there are no clinical indications for its use in clinical practice. However, we report four clinical cases for which liquid biopsy analysis gave integrative information with respect to tumor tissue characterization, which permits us to understand the unresponsiveness of patients to treatment, with potential implications in patient’s management.
Eye Movements and Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Network Analysis
Authors: Shmukler Alexander , Latanov Alexander V. , Karyakina Maria , Anisimov Victor N. , Churikova Marina A. , Sukhachevsky Ivan S. , Spektor Valery A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Eye movement parameters are often used during cognitive functioning assessments of patients with psychotic spectrum disorders. It is interesting to compare these oculomotor parameters with cognitive functions, as assessed using psychometric cognitive tests. A network analysis is preferable for understanding complex systems; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the multidimensional relationships that exist between oculomotor reactions and neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Materials and Methods: A total of 134 subjects (93 inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD-10) and 41 healthy volunteers) participated in this study. Psychiatric symptom severity was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, and the Young Mania Rating Scale. Extrapyramidal symptoms were assessed using the Simpson-Angus Scale, and akathisia was assessed using the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale. Eye movements were recorded using an eye-tracker SMI RED 500, and cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. The statistical analyses were conducted using Minitab 17 Statistical Software, version 17.2.1. Data visualization and additional analyses were performed in the R 4.0.3 environment, using RStudio V 1.3.1093 software.

Results: A network model of neurocognitive and oculomotor functions was constructed for the patients. In the full network (which includes all correlations) the median antisaccade latency value is the central element of the oculomotor domain, and the Symbol Coding test, the Digit Sequencing test, and the Verbal Fluency test are central elements in the neurocognitive domain. Additionally, there were connections between other cognitive and oculomotor functions, except for the antisaccade error latency in the oculomotor domain and the Token Motor Task in the neurocognitive domain.

Conclusion: Network analysis provides measurable criteria for the assessment of neurophysiological and neurocognitive abnormalities in patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders and allows to select key targets for their management and cognitive remediation.
The Ego Phenomenon and the Doping Problem in Sport: A Historical Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Steyn Barend J. M. , Nolte Kim
Published: November 2021

The concept of ego has various meanings in the field of psychology, depending on the paradigmatic and theoretical framework point of departure. The ego phenomenon as operationalized and measured in the theoretical framework of goal orientation will be the contextual framework for a historical conceptual analysis. In the past three decades, research in the theoretical framework of goal orientation has revealed a positive relationship between ego involvement and the tendency to use the prohibited substances to enhance performance in sport. The concept of the ego phenomenon as operationalized within goal orientation theory and meanings attached to the concept can be connected to the historic oriental writings that were written ~2,500 years ago. These attached meanings to the ego phenomenon include elements of extreme competitiveness and outcome orientation, as well as social comparisons and the external norms for the measurement of success and failure. These meanings can be traced back to the classical works involving the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, and the Eastern Origins of Mindfulness that are part of the broader Buddhist philosophical system. Meister Eckhart, a 12th century German theologian, in his significant contribution on the analysis of the having mode as opposed to the being mode also provides insight into the ego phenomenon that can explain why the ego phenomenon can be linked to some of the deeper psychological motives of using the prohibited substances. The researchers in psychology do not yet have a full understanding of why certain athletes dope or have a susceptibility to use the prohibited substances or performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) and thus the motivation for this historical conceptual analysis of the ego phenomenon. Therefore, this article aimed to deepen the understanding of psychological motives of the athletes who exhibit tendencies toward cheating in general and the proclivity to use the prohibited substances.
Nutrient Deficiencies Are Key Constraints to Grain Legume Productivity on “Non-responsive” Soils in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Baijukya Frederick P. , Van Heerwaarden Joost , Franke Angelinus C. , Van den Brand Greta J. , Foli Samson , Keino Ludy , Seitz Thobias , Servan Lenoir , Vanlauwe Bernard , Giller Ken E.
Published: November 2021

Leguminous plants are known to require phosphorus fertilizers and inoculation with nitrogen fixing rhizobia for optimum yield but other nutrients may also be lacking. In this study, the most limiting nutrients for legume growth were determined in soils where the crops had not responded to P and rhizobial inoculation in field trials, using the double pot technique. Soils were collected from 17 farmers' fields in West Kenya, Northern Nigeria, Eastern and Southern Rwanda, South-west and North-west Sierra Leone. Plant growth and mean biomass were measured on soils to which a full nutrient solution, containing phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) and micronutrients (MN) were added, and which were compared to a control (no nutrient added), and individual omissions of each nutrient. The relationship between soil properties and nutrient deficiencies was explored. Nutrient limitations were found to differ between soils, both within and across countries. Generally, each soil was potentially deficient in at least one nutrient, with K, P, Mg, MN and S emerging as most limiting in 88, 65, 59, 18, and 12% of tested soils, respectively. While K was the most limiting nutrient in soils from Kenya and Rwanda, P was most limiting in soils from Nigeria. P and K were equally limiting in soils from Sierra Leone. Mg was found limiting in two soils from Kenya and three soils from Rwanda and one soil each in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Micronutrients were found to be limiting in one soil from Nigeria and one soil from Rwanda. Estimates of nutrient deficiency using growth and mean biomass were found to be correlated with each other although the latter proved to be a more sensitive measure of deficiency. With few exceptions, the relation between soil parameters and nutrient deficiencies was weak and there were no significant relations between deficiency of specific nutrients and the soil content of these elements. Although our results cannot be translated directly to the field, they confirm that individual and multiple nutrient deficiencies were common in these “non-responsive” soils and may have contributed to reported low yields. This highlights the need for balanced nutrition in legume production in SSA.
Natural Resource Dependence of Communities around the Giant Panda Protected Land Based on Livelihood Capital
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Qin Qing , Zou Qingchi , Wang Yue , Wen Yali
Published: November 2021

As the flagship species of biodiversity protection, the giant panda has an umbrella protection function. China is committed to building a natural protection system with national parks as the main body to achieve sustainable development. In this paper, the sustainable livelihood analysis framework is used to study the livelihood of farmers in the surrounding communities of the giant panda protected land. Based on the data obtained from the field survey, the evaluation index of the natural resource dependence of the community farmers is established, and then the measurement model is constructed to analyze the main factors affecting the natural resource dependence of the communities. The results showed that: (1) The food dependence of farmers around the giant panda protected area is the highest (46.32%), followed by energy dependence (37.67%), and income dependence is the lowest (27.91%). (2) In terms of regional characteristics, the natural resource dependence of farmers is the lowest in Minshan and Qionglai, followed by Daxiangling and Xiaoxiangling, and Liangshan is the highest. (3) Physical capital has no significant effect on the natural resource dependence. The influence of human capital, natural capital, and social capital on the natural resource dependence is significant.
Experimental Study of the Velocity of the Electrovortex Flow of In-Ga-Sn in Hemispherical Geometry
Authors: Teplyakov Igor , Vinogradov Dmitrii , Ivochkin Yury
Published: November 2021

The paper describes the application of the thermocorrelation method for measuring the velocity in a current-carrying liquid. An electrovortex flow occurs when the current passing through a conducting medium interacts with its own magnetic field. Measurements of the velocity of the turbulent electrovortex flow of the liquid metal (eutectic alloy In-Ga-Sn) were carried out in a hemispherical container in the range of currents of 100–450 amperes in the presence and absence of compensation of the Earth’s magnetic field. The efficiency of the thermocorrelation method in a current-carrying liquid has been demonstrated. The dependences of the axial velocity on the current and the velocity profiles along the axis were obtained. It was found that the presence of the Earth’s magnetic field leads to a significant decrease in the average value of the axial velocity in the entire range of currents.
Biological Activity of Triazolopyrimidine Copper(II) Complexes Modulated by an Auxiliary N-N-Chelating Heterocycle Ligands
Authors: Ruta Lavinia L. , Farcasanu Ileana C. , Bacalum Mihaela , Răileanu Mina , Rostas Arpad Mihai , Daniliuc Constantin , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Măruțescu Luminița , Popa Marcela , Badea Mihaela , Iorgulescu Emilia Elena , Olar Rodica
Published: November 2021

Novel complexes of type [Cu(N-N)(dmtp)2(OH2)](ClO4)2·dmtp ((1) N-N: 2,2′-bipyridine; (2) L: 1,10-phenantroline and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) were designed in order to obtain biologically active compounds. Complexes were characterized as mononuclear species that crystallized in the space group P-1 of the triclinic system with a square pyramidal geometry around the copper (II). In addition to the antiproliferative effect on murine melanoma B16 cells, complex (1) exhibited low toxicity on normal BJ cells and did not affect membrane integrity. Complex (2) proved to be a more potent antimicrobial in comparison with (1), but both compounds were more active in comparison with dmtp—both against planktonic cells and biofilms. A stronger antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect was noticed against the Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae studies indicated that the complexes were scavengers rather than reactive oxygen species promoters. Their DNA intercalating capacity was evidenced by modifications in both absorption and fluorescence spectra. Furthermore, both complexes exhibited nuclease-like activity, which increased in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Epidemiology of modern coronavirus infection: features and problems
Authors: Nechaev Vitaliy Vladimirovich , Lobzin Yuriy Vladimirovich , Gusev Denis Aleksandrovich , Vasilieva Yuliya Anatolievna , Vinogradova Nadezhda Valerievna , Tagirova Enzhe Rafikovna , Gorziy Egor Sergeevich , Pavlov Igor Alekseevich , Shirokova Anna Yurievna , Yaremchuk Mariya Sergeevna , Yatsenko Anastasiya Mikhailovna
Published: November 2021

The paper presents data on the epidemiological analysis of all cases of coronavirus infection-19 in the world by WHO and Russia regions during the 2020–2021 pandemic and monitoring of diseases registered by WHO in the world and on the Internet resources «Stopcoronavirus» on the territory of the Russian Federation from January 2020 to May 2021. To assess the epidemiological situation, we used registration data in absolute figures from 209 daily and more than 40 weekly reports of the World Health Organization from January 21 to May 30, 2021. Intensive indicators of morbidity and mortality were calculated, which made it possible to identify the regions and countries most affected by coronavirus infection and the features of the epidemic process in them.
Analysis of laboratory methods for monitoring of tick-borne encephalitis natural foci
Authors: Melnikova Olga Vitalievna , Trushina Yuliya Nikolaevna , Adelshin Renat Viktorovich , Yakovchits Nikolay Vasilievich , Andaev Evgeniy Ivanovich , Leonova Galina Nikolaevna
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Ixodid ticks simultaneously are hosts and vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), presenting a high risk to humans. Monitoring of the vectors part of TBEV population is usually held by means of express analysis methods (ELISA and PCR), but only isolation and identification of infectious virus is reliable evidence of TBEV circulation in the natural foci. Objectives — to demonstrate the TBEV infection rates of Ixodid ticks from natural TBE foci of Baikal Region, based on comprehensive study, including ELISA, PCR and isolation of virus on laboratory mice (LM) model. Methods. Questing adult Ixodid ticks (n = 20 111, mainly — Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930), were collected in TBE natural foci of Baikal Region during 2013–2020. The suspension on saline solution was prepared from the each tick and analyzed by ELISA first. The samples with positive ELISA results were verified in PCR-RT. Furthermore, randomly selected samples with negative ELISA results were analyzed by PCR. Suspensions with positive ELISA and PCR results have been inoculated to suckling LM intracerebrally. Results. The samples with positive PCR results have been divided into two groups: group 1 — all suspensions with positive ELISA results, group 2 — randomly selected samples with negative ELISA results. The positive PCR results in group 1 made up 70.5 % with average Ct rate 24.9. The positive PCR results in group 2 have been obtained in 2.2 % of cases with average Ct rate 30.7. The isolation on LM model was more successful in group 1 (25.8 vs 13.0 %; р < 0.01; df = 69). Conclusion. ELISA is more useful for study of large amounts of ticks during monitoring of natural TBE foci, offering insight into the epidemically important vectors rate. To get the more full assessment of the ticks’ infection rate one must use ELISA and PCR simultaneously, and sum the results into general rate. For high strains isolation results the LM should be inoculated with the suspensions, which had shown positive both ELISA and PCR results.
Transmissible tick-borne infections in the south of the Far East
Authors: Lubova Valeriya Alexandrovna , Shutikova Anna Leonidovna , Leonova Galina Nikolaevna
Published: November 2021

Natural foci of tick-borne infections associated with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), borrelia (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato), including Borrelia miyamotoi, anaplasma, ehrlichia and rickettsia are widespread in the Primorsky Krai. The carriers of these pathogens are ixodid ticks. The population of Primorsky Krai meets with ticks in natural biotopes, as well as in anthropurgic foci. The aim of the study is to give a comparative assessment of the epizootic activity in the natural foci of transmissible tick-borne infections in the south of Primorsky Krai in the epidemic seasons of 2017–2020. In this periodixodid ticks (3778 samples), taken from humans in natural foci in the Primorsky Territory, were studied. The TBEV antigen was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), genetic markers of pathogens were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The incidence of tick-borne infections has been analyzed. Based on the results of monitoring the infection of ixodid ticks, we found that 26.9 % of the studied samples were infected with various pathogens of tick-borne infections. Low infection rate of TBEV in ixodid ticks and high infection with pathogens of a bacterial nature were established. TBEV antigen was detected in 30 cases (1.4 %), TBEV RNA was detected in 20 cases (0.7 %), Borrelia burgdorferis. l. DNA — in 820 cases (30.7 %), ehrlichia — in 64 (2.4 %), anaplasma — in 55 (2.1 %).Genetic marker of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 3 cases (0.9 %) out of 322 examined ixodid ticks, B. miyamotoi — in 26 cases (6.9 %) out of 373 examined samples. A positive correlation was noted between the incidence rates and the cases of detection of TBEV and Lyme borreliosis in ticks. The results obtained indicate the need for annual epidemiological monitoring of infections transmitted by ixodid ticks, to determine the real epidemic situation and the activity of the functioning natural foci transmissible tick-borne infections on the territory of Primorsky Krai.
Implementation of cholera monitoring tasks in 2020 under COVID-19 restrictive measures
Authors: Levchenko Dariya Aleksandrovna , Kruglikov Vladimir Dmitrievich , Nepomnyaschaya Natalya Borisovna , Podoinitsyna Oksana Andreevna , Ezhova Mariya Ivanovna
Published: November 2021

In connection with the development of the epidemic process of coronavirus infection on the territory of Russia in 2020, monitoring studies of environmental objects for the presence of Vibrio cholerae in surface water bodies and drains were carried out against the background of restrictive measures, the volumes and time of introduction of which were not the same in different regions of Russia. The purpose of the study was to assess the implementation of cholera monitoring tasks in 2020, in the context of the introduction of restrictive measures associated with the new coronavirus infection. Materials and methods. We used 25 nontoxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae isolated from water bodies of the environment in 2020 on the territory of Russia. Identification was carried out in accordance with MUK 4.2.2218–07 «Laboratory diagnostics of cholera», including using the MALDI-TOF method to establish the genus and species of the isolated cultures. PCR genotyping was performed using an extended spectrum of genes. Cluster analysis was performed using the UPGMA method. Results and discussion. Against the background of the introduction of restrictive measures, the intensity of monitoring studies did not decrease. On the territory of four federal districts in seven constituent entities of Russia, 25 strains of cholera vibrios O1 and R-variant were isolated from environmental objects, which is comparable to the indicators of previous years. A comprehensive study of biological properties was carried out that revealed the distribution of isolates into groups according to the criterion of combined distinctive features (phenotypic and genotypic), as a result of which the isolated V. cholerae O1 strains were divided into seven groups. It was shown that the largest number of V. cholerae O1 strains isolated from water bodies fell on the territory of the Southern Federal District. Relationships have been established between a certain group of Vibrio cholera strains and the place of their isolation. Thus, the restrictive measures introduced in Russia in 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the intensity and effectiveness of monitoring studies, the tasks of monitoring cholera in the country were implemented.
Comparative studies of the functioning of the respiratory system in children in conditions of health institutions
Authors: Antonova Alena Anatolievna , Yamanova Galina Aleksandrovna
Published: November 2021

Summer health camp is a seasonal preventive institution for recreation, preservation and strengthening of the health of children and adolescents, which allows you to cover a large contingent of the child population with health-improving activities. The article presents the dynamics of the functional indicators of the respiratory system in children and adolescents who were in a summer health camp. On the basis of the children’s health camp «Young railroad worker» and the camp on the basis of a secondary educational school, research was carried out, in which children aged 7–10 years took part. Respiratory function was measured using a spirometer. The data obtained were analyzed using generally accepted methods of mathematical statistics. To identify the level of significance of differences, we used Student’s t-test.In children with round-the-clock stay in the camp, there is a statistically significant increase in Lung Capacity by 101.97 ml and a daytime stay — by 80.55 ml. At the end of the shift, summer health-improving recreation led to an increase in the indicators of the Respiratory Minute Volume (at the time of arrival, the Respiratory Minute Volume indicator in children 7–10 years old was 3,71 ± 1,03 l/min, and at the end 4,31 ± 1,88 l/min with round-the-clock stay; 3,65 ± 1,04 l/min and 4,1 ± 1,54 l/min with a daytime stay) due to an increase in Tidal Volume, which indicates a favorable respiratory response.The results of the functional study revealed an increase in the reserve capacity of the respiratory organs, which indicates the positive effect of the camp on the child’s body.The results obtained in the study of the functional state of respiration will make it possible to determine the directions and forms of organization of medical care in order to prevent deviations in the state of health. These results can serve as a basis for further in-depth research in summer camps of various types and the development of control measures and means of strengthening and maintaining the health of children. Thus, summer health camps are an effective measure of recreation and preservation, strengthening the health of the child population.
Antibiotic resistance and bacteriophages commercial drugs susceptibility of Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains
Authors: Sedova D. A. , Kaljuzhin A. S. , Romanovskaya Juliya Alexandrovna
Published: November 2021

The article provides information about hemolytic activity, susceptibility to different groups of antibiotics and bacteriophages commercial drugs of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains. The analysis of the obtainedresults showed a high degree of hemolytic activity dissemination among Pseudomonas aeruginosa (78,60 % of strains), as well as their high resistance to cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, azithromycin and tetracycline (82,14–100 % of resistant strains). K. pneumoniae clinical isolates were resistant to cefazolin, azithromycin, and the nitrofuran group (66,67–81,48 %). In turn, specific phagolysates for treatment deseases of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa etiology showed the greatest efficiency against both groups of microorganisms among the studied commercial preparations of bacteriophages.
Functional Roles and Biological Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and Their Encoded Peptides in Glioma: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bakhti Seyedeh Zahra , Dadashi Sana , Dah Pahlevan Anahita , Kafshresan Fatemeh
Published: November 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a complicated class of non-coding RNAs that have a covalently closed loop structure and are very stable and cautious. Multiple biological processes of malignancy, including tumorigenesis, development, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and vascularization, are disrupted by an increased number of circRNAs. Recent research has showed that circRNAs, functioning as microRNA (miRNA) sponges or protein scaffolds, interacting with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and autophagy regulators, affect the transcription and splicing regulation. Many circRNAs have tissue-specific expression patterns and are heavily conserved. CircRNA levels in neurons are dynamically modulated. Growing evidence suggests that circRNAs are highly abundant in neural tissues, perhaps owing to the proliferation of particular genes that promote circularization, implying that circRNA dysregulation is linked to nervous system disorders including glioma. The most widespread and deadly primary malignant brain tumor is glioma. CircRNA has a close connection to glioma, according to reported research. Here, the current knowledge about the properties of circRNAs is introduced and the biological and molecular functions of circRNAs are described. Then, the clinical association of circRNAs with glioma/glioblastoma and their level of expression and their regulatory mechanisms in tumorigenesis are discussed. Moreover, the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and predictors of brain cancer risk and possible therapeutic targets in medicine is examined.
Factors Associated With Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Severity in Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mohammadi Ida , Akhlaghpasand Mohammadhosein , Tavanaei Roozbeh , Golmohammadi Maryam , Zali Alireza , Oraee-Yazdani Saeed
Published: November 2021

Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major life limiting issue for many patients. However, studies detailing the factors contributing to bowel problems are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was to evaluate the associations between different aspects of bowel problems and characteristics of SCI, such as time since injury (TSI), level of injury (LOI), and the cause of injury. Methods: Two questionnaires (the NBD score questionnaire and the Cleveland clinic constipation system score questionnaire) were administered to complete, traumatic patients with SCI that matched the designated criteria. The total scores and the subscales were then regressed to TSI and LOI, and the distribution patterns of NBD score severity according to LOI and cause of injury were shown in a diagram. Results: Within the subscales of the NBD score, frequency of defecation, digital stimulation or evacuation of the anorectum, and perianal skin problems were all significantly and positively correlated with the TSI, yet the frequency of fecal incontinence was negatively associated with this variable. Moreover, uneasiness, headache, or perspiration during defecation and regular use of drops against constipation were negatively associated with the LOI. In the diagrams, patterns of NBD score severity were similar according to LOI, but visibly differed according to cause. With respect to the CCCS score (Cleveland Clinic Constipation Scoring System), the score itself was shown to be positively associated with TSI. Within the subscales, difficulty, time spent in lavatory, and duration of constipation were positively correlated with TSI. Furthermore, type of assistance was negatively associated with the LOI. Conclusion: Different characteristics of SCI, TSI, LOI, and cause, each are significantly and distinctly associated with different aspects of the bowel problems that patients with SCI face.
Evaluating the Components of Alexithymia in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Bozorg Mina , Rahimi Changiz , Mohammadi Nurallah
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in alexithymia components between patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and normal individuals. Methods: In this ex-post facto study, 23 obsessive-compulsive outpatients’ selected by available sampling method and 22 personnel of the same hospitals (Taft Comprehensive Psychiatric Hospital, Imam Ali, Shahid Rahnemoon, and Baghayipoor Clinics) were selected as a control group in 2015 in Yazd, Iran. Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 were used in this study. Results: Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results showed that patients with OCD were significantly different from the control group in the total alexithymia score (F=7.232, P=0.01). However, both groups had significant differences only in the subscale of difficulty in identifying feelings. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both groups had significant differences in the total alexithymia score and one of its subscales.
A Novel Spike-Wave Discharge Detection Framework Based on the Morphological Characteristics of Brain Electrical Activity Phase Space in an Animal Model
Authors: Lashkari Saleh , Moghimi Ali , Kobravi Hamid Reza , Younessi Heravi Mohamad Amin
Published: November 2021

Background: Animal models of absence epilepsy are widely used in childhood absence epilepsy studies. Absence seizures appear in the brain’s electrical activity as a specific spike wave discharge (SWD) pattern. Reviewing long-term brain electrical activity is time-consuming and automatic methods are necessary. On the other hand, nonlinear techniques such as phase space are effective in brain electrical activity analysis. In this study, we present a novel SWD-detection framework based on the geometrical characteristics of the phase space. Methods: The method consists of the following steps: (1) Rat stereotaxic surgery and cortical electrode implantation, (2) Long-term brain electrical activity recording, (3) Phase space reconstruction, (4) Extracting geometrical features such as volume, occupied space, and curvature of brain signal trajectories, and (5) Detecting SDWs based on the thresholding method. We evaluated the approach with the accuracy of the SWDs detection method. Results: It has been demonstrated that the features change significantly in transition from a normal state to epileptic seizures. The proposed approach detected SWDs with 98% accuracy. Conclusion: The result supports that nonlinear approaches can identify the dynamics of brain electrical activity signals.
Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training and Assertiveness Training on Resilience and Clinical Symptoms of Students with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Ahmadi Masoud , Ghasemi Masoud , Shahriari Ahmadi Mansoureh
Published: November 2021

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder is among the most common psychiatric disorders. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and assertiveness training on resilience and clinical symptoms of students with generalized anxiety disorder. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group. The statistical population included all 16-18 years old male high school students in Karaj who were studying in the academic year 2019-2020, of whom 75 were selected by multi-stage random sampling and assigned to two groups of 25. Participants in experimental group 1 received eight sessions of assertiveness training for 60 minutes per week. Participants in experimental group 2 received five sessions of emotion regulation training for 60 minutes per week, and participants in the control group did not receive any intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Resilience questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that both assertiveness and emotion regulation training programs increased resilience and reduced clinical signs of generalized anxiety disorder in the experimental groups (P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two training programs. Conclusion: It is suggested that assertiveness and emotion regulation training be provided for students and included in their curriculum, to enhance assertiveness and emotion regulation skills.
The Research Status of Neurological Surgery Residents; A Survey of Iranian Residency Programs
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad Hossein , Mehri Afsaneh , Jabbaripour Sama , Kazemi Fatemeh , Khosravi Zahra , Ahmadi Sayedali
Published: November 2021

Background: Research activities promote the appreciation for evidence-based medicine (EBM), quality patient care and clinical competence of resident physicians. We decided to investigate the research background of Iranian neurological surgery residents and their attitude toward research through a survey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on Iranian neurological surgery resident physicians between February and April 2020. We provided an online survey, including 13 questions, using Google form and then sent the link to survey via WhatsApp application. Following the first post, two more reminders were sent to the groups after 2 and 4 weeks. Results: Responses were received from 89 respondents from which about 88% used to spend two hours or less per week for research. Almost equal numbers of resident physicians chose academic position (n=43) or private practice (n=39) as their future job. Only seven respondents stated immigration for assumed future job position. Clinical research (47%) was the most frequent type of research done by participants and clinical research education (43.2%) during medical school was the most common way of obtaining research experience. Agreement with doing research during residency program (45.6%) was more than disagreement (22.4%) and neutral attitude (32%). Conclusion: There is a low tendency among Iranian neurological surgery residents for conducting research projects during their programs. Lack of a proper research curriculum, heavy clinical duties and consequent shortage of time as well as insufficient encouraging points, are the main reasons. Designing a research plan for residency programs may successfully increase the research involvement rate.
A prospective case-control study on the association of intrauterine devices and cervical cancer risk; data from two educational centers
Authors: Hedayat Pegah , Derakhshan Maryam , Kassab Zeinab
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women all over the world. Objectives: This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of intrauterine devices (IUDs) on cervical cancer and precancerous lesions development. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in two different hospitals in Isfahan on 200 samples, since 100 of them had results indicating cervical cancer, and the rest had no abnormal lesions. For both groups, a questionnaire was filled out for IUD users and some related risk factors such as age, parity, abortions, smoking, previous Pap smear results contained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) infections and the contraception method. Results: In this study, more cases of IUD use were recorded in the control group. We found that the use of natural methods did not prevent the development of precancerous lesions. In the results of the Pap smear, a large number were recorded as having a history of human papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, a high percentage of cervical cancer patients’ smoking or passive smoking. We also recorded that 53% had more than two children, while the percentages of women at the birth of their first child and who did not have an abortion were almost equal in the two groups. Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrated that IUD use is a contraceptive method with the capability of lowering the risk of cervical cancer progression. There is also an association between HPV infection, smoking, age, the number of parity and the usage of natural birth control methods with the development of cancerous lesion development.
Adjunctive simvastatin treatment in schizophrenia patients; a double blind randomized and placebo controlled trial
Authors: Ashrafi Somaieh , Ghaffari Seyyed Mohammad , Boostani Hatam , Raz Somaieh , Ebadi Negar , Ashrafi Zahra , Nazari Pedram
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Statins such as simvastatin are recently introduced as agents that may have beneficial effects in schizophrenia regarding their prominent anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of simvastatin on schizophrenia symptoms. Patients and Methods: In a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 40 hospitalized schizophrenia patients (according to the DSM-IV-TR criteria) were studied for 6 weeks. One group of the patients (n=20) received simvastatin (with the dose of 40 mg/d) and the other group received (n=20) placebo. The patients were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia symptoms. Data were analyzed with mixed model repeated measure ANOVA, t test, and χ2 test or Fischer’s exact test by SPSS software. The significant cutoff was considered at P<0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.05±9.74 years and 50% of them were men. There was not a significant difference between the two groups regarding negative symptoms reduction. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that adding simvastatin on atypical antipsychotic treatment had no significant beneficial effects on the negative and positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia disorder. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT2017052034046N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/26134, ethical code; ETH-457).
A review of the reasons for high prevalence and rapid progression of COVID-19 in men
Authors: Taghizabet Neda , Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh , Roghani‐Shahraki Hossein
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between gender and COVID-19 outcomes. In addition, this is confirmed that men have more danger of progressing an acute type of the illness than women, specifies the significance of miscellaneous data related to male and female patients with COVID-19. In other words, some factors like hormonal levels and immune function may interact with each other. A perception of the fundamental reasons for gender diversities in COVID-19 patients can beget a chance for disease prevention and faster treatment. The present study evaluates the role of gender in the incidence and progression of the COVID-19 disease. It has been explained that how gender affects angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is a basic factor for the COVID-19 pathogenesis introducing the sex diversities in platelet function, immune reactions and how sex hormones affect immune functions, also the effect of androgens on transmembrane protein serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptor in COVID-19 patients was investigated.
The five-year survival of gastric cancer patients with a focus on its prognostic factors
Authors: Talaiezadeh Abdolhassan , Noroozi Mahsa , Nazari Pedram , Ehsanpour Ali
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Despite extensive advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, it is still one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In addition to stage and recurrence, the degree of tumor differentiation affects the survival of patients. Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the prognostic factors and survival rate of patients with gastric cancer. Patients and Methods: The current prospective study was conducted on patients with gastric cancer from 2010 to 2017 in Imam Khomeini and Apadana hospitals in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran. For each patient, curative (total or subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy) or palliative surgery (partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy) were carried out based on clinical indications. Then Cox model was used to analyze factors affecting survival and the Kaplan-Meier test was also utilized to analyze the five-year survival of patients with SPSS version 21. Results: Around 154 patients with gastric cancer, including 101 males (65.6%), with a mean age of 62.21±13.76 years, were studied. The two- and five-year overall survival (OS) of patients were 57.7% and 28.5%, respectively (median OS=28 m). Lower stage, well-differentiated tumors, absence of metastasis, lack of recurrence, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and curative surgery were significantly associated with greater OS (P<0.05). Conclusion: OS rate of patients with gastric cancer undergoing surgery, especially in the ones with high-grade tumors, metastasis and recurrence, is relatively low, hence careful implementation of screening programs should be considered as the most important preventive strategy.
The effect of exercise during hemodialysis on serum levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dashtidehkordi Alireza , Shahgholian Nahid , Sadeghian Jaleh
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Disorders in the levels of blood electrolytes are often considered as complications of kidney illnesses which are responsible for various systemic problems experienced by patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of an exercise program during hemodialysis on serum levels of biochemical factors such as albumin, calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Patients and Methods: Sixty patients undergoing hemodialysis were evaluated in the clinical trial. The patients in the intervention group pedaled on a stationary bicycle for one hour in every hemodialysis session for eight weeks. At the beginning of the study and at the end of it, the patients’ blood samples were sent to hospital’s laboratory to measure the levels of biochemical factors in blood. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The serum levels of electrolytes showed no significant improvement between the study groups before and after the exercise program (P>0.05). A significant improvement was observed after the program in serum phosphorus and iPTH (P=0.04). In contrast, serum albumin (P=0.3) and calcium (P=0.5) did not alter significantly after the exercise program. Conclusion: Exercise improved some biochemical factors of blood in the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Exercise is therefore a complementary procedure for these patients. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (#IRCT20150116020675N4; https://en.irct.ir/trial/50492, ethical code# IR.MUI.MED.REC.1399.212).