bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Early and Late Postoperative Outcomes Between Chordal Reconstruction and Quadrangular Resection in Patients with Posterior Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Song Xiangwei , Wu Qingsong , Zhang Guican , Dai Xiaofu , Lin Feng , Chen Liangwan , Wang Qimin
Published: August 2022

Background: To compare the early and late postoperative outcomes of chordal reconstruction (CR) and quadrangular resection (QR) in patients with posterior mitral valve prolapse (PMPL).Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2018, 305 patients with PMPL who underwent mitral valve plasty (MVP) were included in this retrospective analysis. The CR procedure was used in 169 patients (CR group), and the QR procedure was used in 136 patients (QR group). Early and late postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Follow-up was complete in 96.4% (294/305) of patients, with a mean follow-up of 81.2±30.4 months. No 30-day mortality was observed in any of the patients. The success rate of the mitral valve repair was similar in both groups (99.4% vs. 98.5%, p=0.850). The incidence of early postoperative hemolysis was lower in the CR group than that in the QR group (0.00% vs. 3.0%, p=0.024). Postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased more significantly in the CR group than in the QR group at 3 months (8.15 [1.30,12.65] vs. 3.25 [-0.05, 8.75] mm, p<0.001). During follow-up, the overall survival rates were 95.1% and 94.6%, respectively. The incidence of reoperation for moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was similar in both groups (4.3% vs.5.4%, p=0.653), but the time interval between the initial operation and reoperation was shorter in the QR group than in the CR group (84.3±36.1 vs. 120.9±27.6 months, p=0.026). The LVEDD enlargement was more significant in the QR group than in the CR group (4.5 [3.6, 4.5] vs. 2.4 [1.3, 2.8] mm, p<0.001). Conclusions: CR and QR are effective techniques for patients with PMPL. Both techniques resulted in a low incidence of recurrent MR. However, CR can reduce early postoperative hemolysis and LVEDD more significantly. During the long-term follow-up, reoperations due to recurrent MR were performed at a longer interval after the initial operation. LVEDD expansion was better avoided in the CR group.
Global patterns and trends in multiple myeloma incidence: Age, period and birth cohort analysis
Authors: Li Chenyang , Lin Xiao , Fan Zeyu , Li Junxian , Kang Wenjuan , Liu Ya , Song Fangfang , Song Fengju
Published: August 2022

Background
The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) are increasing in some countries. This study aimed to examine global differences in MM incidence and temporal trends from 1978 to 2012, In addition, the effect of birth cohort was analyzed.
Patients and methods:
The incidence of MM in 43 countries was extracted from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database (CI5), Joinpoint regression and age - period - cohort models were applied.
Results
From 2008 to 2012, the incidence rates of MM were generally 1- to 2-fold higher in males than in females, except for Bahrain. Rates were highest in North America, Oceania and Northern Europe. Twenty countries showed significant increasing trends, except for Costa Rica in the period 1978 to 2012 (P < 0.05). The incidence rates increased with age in all birth cohorts and most age groups increased steadily with birth cohorts in most countries. Pronounced cohort-specific decreases in risk for recent birth cohorts were only seen in eight countries for both sexes. The cohort-specific incidence rate ratios increased rapidly in Belarus, Bulgaria, and Philippines cohorts born before 1920 for males, and in Ireland, and Slovakia cohorts born before 1990 for females. Cohort-specific incidence rate ratios for both sexes decreased in Iceland for cohorts born since 1960.
Conclusion
Disparities in MM incidence and increasing trends persist worldwide. Further studies are warranted to investigate the prevention and control of MM from population level.
Blunted rest-activity circadian rhythm increases the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in US adults: the NHANES 2011-2014 linked mortality study
Authors: Xu Yanyan , Su Shaoyong , Li Xinyue , Mansuri Asifhusen , McCall William V. , Wang Xiaoling
Published: August 2022

Background: Abnormality in rest-activity rhythm is now considered as a manifestation of long-term mild disruption of circadian rhythm in the daily real-world setting. However, whether blunted rest-activity circadian rhythm is associated with increased mortality risk in the general U.S. has not been assessed. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters can predict all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality in a general adult population of the US. We further compared the mortality predictive performance of these parameters with that of traditional risk factors.Methods: This study included 7,252 adults from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2011-2014, who had wrist accelerometer data obtained at baseline and follow-up status linked to the National Death Index records (2011-2019). Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to estimate Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% CIs, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health status and sleep parameters obtained from the same set of accelerometer data. Predictive performance was assessed using 10-fold cross-validated concordance for Cox regression models.Results: Among the 7252 individuals (3826 female (53.4%); median [IQR] age, 49 [36-62] years) in the study, during a median of 81 months (interquartile range, 69-94 months) of follow-up, 674 (9.3%) deaths occurred. There were inverse associations between RA and all-cause mortality, CVD and cancer mortality with increased quartiles of RA associated with lower mortality risk (all P<0.05). The HR ranged from 0.61 to 0.79. Furthermore, RA outperformed all the tested traditional predictors of all-cause mortality with the exception of age.Conclusions: This study suggests that participants with blunted rest-activity circadian rhythms had a higher risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality. Future studies will be needed to test whether interventions that regulate rest-activity circadian activity rhythms will improve health outcomes.
The Fire Under the Ash: Parasitic infections as potential risk factors for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children
Authors: Elmehy Dalia , Elmansory Basma M. , Gamea Ghada A. , Abdelhai Dina I. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief M. , Salamah Abeer M. , Ata Dina S. , Mahmoud Eman F. , Ibrahim Hoda A. , Salama Amina M.
Published: August 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represents a mysterious neuropsychiatric alarming concern due to indefinite etiopathogenesis among children. Notably, the studies which investigated the correlation between ADHD and parasitic infections are insufficient. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the correlation between ADHD and some tissue dwelling and intestinal parasitic infections in children. The study was conducted on 200 children, including 100 children suffering from ADHD (Group I) and 100 healthy children as a control group (Group II). All caregivers fulfilled predesigned sociodemographic form and Conners parent rating scale (CPRS-48) questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin level as well as relative eosinophilic count. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxocara IgG in serum by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was further investigated. Also, micronutrients as zinc, iron, and copper levels were measured. Schistosoma antigen was investigated in urine samples. Stool samples were subjected to direct wet smear, concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining for coccidian parasites detection. Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica antigens were investigated in stool samples. Group I expressed more liability to sociodemographic risk factors, decreased levels of Hb, iron, zinc, and copper with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Comparison between Group I and Group II regarding the detected parasitic infections exhibited statistically significant difference except Schistosoma antigen positivity which expressed no statistical significance. The present study concluded that the parasitic infections with their consequences are potential risk factors in children with ADHD indicating that their early diagnosis and treatment may help in ADHD prevention.
Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng against OGD/R-treated injury in Pericytes via regulating PI3K/AKT and JNK/ERK/P38 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Tong , Liu Wenjie , Yang Juan , Xu Haiying , Sun Jin , Liang Bing , Cao Yushuang , Guo Lichen , Du Xinyuan , Chai Lijuan , Yuan Qing , Hu Limin
Published: August 2022

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SAL) and Panax notoginseng (PNS) is widely used for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, what components of SAL and PNS protect brain microvascular pericytes after ischemic stroke remains unclear. We evaluated protective effects and mechanisms of the components of SAL and PNS in pericytes subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation /reoxygenation (OGD/R). Pericytes were subjected to OGD/R. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was performed to evaluate cell viability. ROS and SOD kits were performed to detect oxidative stress. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cells apoptosis. Scratch assay was performed to evaluate cells migration. Western blot was performed to detected expression of apoptosis proteins, VEGF, Ang-1, PDGFRβ, PI3K/AKT and JNK/ERK/P38 signaling pathways. Results showed Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), Salvianolic acid B (Sal D), Notoginsenoside R1(R1), Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) and Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) increased cell viability of pericytes subjected to OGD/R, reduced the level of ROS and increased the expression of SOD. The components reduced cells apoptosis, increased the proteins level of Bcl-2/Bax, reduced the level of Cleaved caspased3/caspase3, increased cells migration and enhanced the levels of Ang-1, PDGFR-β and VEGF. The components could activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, inhibit JNK/ERK/P38 pathway. Studies found that Sal B, Sal D, R1, Rb1 and Rg1 inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis, increased release of pro-angiogenic regulators of pericytes-related to PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JNK/ERK/P38 signaling pathways. This provides a candidate basis for the development of monomeric drugs for treatment of ischemic stroke.
Association studies between chromosomal regions 1q21.3, 5q21.3, 14q21.2 and 17q21.31 and numbers of children in Poland
Authors: Clark Jeremy S.C. , de Wetering Thierry van , Marciniak Błażej , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Ciechanowicz Andrzej , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Boroń Agnieszka , Rydzewska Kamila , Posiadło Konrad , Strapagiel Dominik
Published: August 2022

Number of children is an important human trait: studies have indicated associations with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Aim: evaluate further evidence for four associations using a large sample of Polish subjects. POPULOUS genetic data provided from anonymous, healthy, unrelated, Polish volunteers of both sexes (N=5760). SNPs (n=173): (a) 69 from the chromosome 17 H1/H2 inversion; (b) six from 1q21.3, 5q21.3 and 14q21.2; and (c) 98 random negative controls. Zero-inflated negative-binomial regression (z.i.) was performed (0-3 children/individual (NCI) as non-events; adjustors: year of birth, sex). Significance level p=0.05 with Bonferroni correction. With both sexes combined, no positive results were obtained from negative-control SNPs or (b). Statistically-significant differences (combined or male data) were obtained from highly-linked inversion SNPs: representative rs12373123 gave combined mean NCI: TT: 2.31 (n=1418); CT: 2.35 (n=554); CC: 2.44 (n=43) (genotype p=0.01; TTvs.CC p=0.004; CTvs.CC p=0.009). Recessive modeling indicated H2-homozygotes had 0.118 more children than H1-homozygotes+heterozygotes (z.i.-count estimates+standard errors: CT, -0.508+0.194; TT, -0.557+0.191). The non-over-dispersed count model detected no interactions. Conclusions: association between the H1/H2 inversion and numbers of children (previously reported in Iceland) has been confirmed, albeit using a different statistical model. One limitation is the small amount of data, despite initially ~6000 subjects. Causal studies require further investigation.
“Factors predicting admission of psychiatric emergency contacts after presenting to the emergency department – results of a regression analysis.”
Authors: Kirchner Heribert , Schäfer Martin , Ullrich Heiko , Hulsmans Nik , Juckel Georg , Brzoska Patrick , Pajonk Frank Gerald
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPsychiatric emergency patients have great relevance in the interdisciplinary emergency department. Emergency physicians in this setting often have to make decisions under time pressure based on incomplete information regarding the patient's further treatment. The aim of this study was to identify possible predictors associated with an increased likelihood of inpatient psychiatric admission, thereby facilitating future decision-making processes for clinicians regarding further treatment.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study of all psychiatric emergency contacts in an interdisciplinary emergency department (ED) of a general hospital in a large German city was conducted for 2015. A binary regression analysis was performed to identify possible predictors.ResultsFactors associated with an increased probability of inpatient psychiatric admission were previously known patients, patients under a legal care order (guardianship), and previous outpatient medical contact. No association for gender or age was found. Data demonstrated a negative relationship between a neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorder diagnosis and admission.ConclusionsThe conducted study showed some significant characteristics associated with an increase likelihood of emergency admission. Particularly noteworthy is the negative relationship between a neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorder diagnosis and admission. To improve the treatment of patients in emergency units, these factors should be taken into account. Further studies should be undertaken in order to develop specific emergency admission algorithms comparable to internal medicine.
Effectiveness of low-dose radiation therapy to improve mortality in coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sayfollahi Sahar , Momeni Zeinab , Bagherzadeh Sakineh , Goli-Ahmadabad Foad , Banaei Amin , Rashidi Mehdi , Bijari Salar
Published: August 2022

Background
Before antibiotics were available, X-ray therapy was used to treat pneumonia, but its effectiveness is unknown. It was not fully understood how low-dose radiation could reduce inflammation in early attempts to treat pneumonia with X-rays. Exposure to low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) may activate anti-inflammatory molecules such as TGF-b1 and IL-10. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether LDRT effectively treats COVID-19-associated pneumonia.
Methods
This study followed the PRISMA guidelines (Principles for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A search was conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed for articles published before June 12, 2022. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the included research quality.
Results
In these studies, patients were given lung radiation at doses ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 Gy. Except for one study, all clinical, radiological, and survival outcomes improved. The study showed that whole-lung radiation at doses of 0.5–1.5 Gy was beneficial to patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia who were oxygen-dependent. In these studies, the reported SR was 59% (95% CI, 44–75%).
Conclusions
LDRT has the potential to be a viable therapy option, although large-scale randomized trials are necessary, particularly in the elderly, who are more at risk of mortality from COVID-19.
Systematic analysis of the expression profile and prognostic significance of m6A regulators and PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Fanhua , Wang Kunpeng
Published: August 2022

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and its incidence has increased in recent decades. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of HCC by changing gene expression and function at multiple levels, such as ribonucleic acid (RNA) splicing, stability, translocation and translation. Methods The ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, Kaplan–Meier plotter, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics, STRING and TIMER2 databases were used for bioinformatic analyses. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators in HCC tissues. Results The transcription of m6A RNA methylation regulators was upregulated in patients with HCC, and overexpression of YTHDF1/2, YTHDC1, RBM15 and METTL3 was significantly correlated with clinical stages of HCC. In addition, downregulation of ZC3H13 and METTL14 and upregulation of other m6A RNA methylation regulators were associated with a poor prognosis. A high mutation rate (89%) of m6A RNA methylation regulators was also observed in patients with HCC, and mutations in methylation regulators were associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. Finally, the expression of the YTHDF family was significantly associated with immune infiltration in the HCC microenvironment. Conclusion m6A RNA methylation regulators and programmed death-ligand 1 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and immune invasion and escape of HCC and may be risk factors affecting the survival of patients with HCC.
Assessment of mineral composition and health status of five honey samples from southern Nigeria: drifting towards food quality control
Authors: OBIGBA SYLVESTER ONORIODE , EDEMA Noyo E. , JOHN Annette E. , ENEBELI Blessing N.
Published: August 2022

Mineral composition, interaction and safety index of five honey samples from southern Nigeria was investigated. Agilent 720 ICP-OES was used for the determination of mineral element concentrations (mg/l). Honey sample from Akure was highest in concentration (570.06 mg/l) while Ijala-Ikeren was lowest (90.25 mg/l). The mean and ranges for minerals were: Akure; 27.15 (0.35–277.14), Ogunmakin; 13.13 (0.26–91.81), Ibadan; 9.05 (0.42–114.53), Agbor; 5.50 (0.01–58.02) and Ijala-Ikeren; 4.11 (0.14–39.81). The coefficient of variance ranged from 12.48–180.27% revealing variations in concentration. The most abundant mineral elements were Ca, 116.26 (39.82–277.14); Mg, 41.05 (3.43–173.05); Na, 33.67 (11.09–70.59); K, 30.08 (11.43–75.14); Zn, 4.60 (0.58–14.04); Al, 3.89 (1.05–8.03); U, 3.17 (2.11–4.53) and Fe, 2.85 (1.88–3.52). Heavy metals like Fe, Ba, Pb, Cr, Ni, Ag, As, Cu, Mn and Cd were above maximum permissible limits. The mineral ratio for Zn/Cu, Fe/Cu, Fe/Pb, and Zn/Cd indicated possible unhealthy interaction. The K/[Ca + Mg] values revealed potential hypomagnesaemic effect if continually consumed. The safety indices were all within recommended range except for Se. The principal component plot showed no particular mineral distribution pattern. Thallium had the highest hazard quotient (2.00–50.00) while the hazard indices were between 3.24 and 53.97 showing potential non-carcinogenic effect. The presence of essential trace and major minerals revealed potential usefulness of the honeys as food supplement; however, the heavy metals presence resonate the need for quality control, food safety and health risk assessment before open marketing.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction affects left ventricular global longitudinal strain response to dipyridamole stress echocardiography: a pilot study
Authors: Tagliamonte Ercole , Sperlongano Simona , Montuori Caterina , Riegler Lucia , Scarafile Raffaella , Carbone Andreina , Forni Alberto , Radmilovic Juri , Vilio Alessandro , Astarita Roberta , Cice Gennaro , D’Andrea Antonello
Published: August 2022

Aim: to investigate, by means of speckle tracking echocardiography, left ventricular (LV) contractile function at rest and during dipyridamole stress in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Methods and Results: 59 patients (39% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.1 years) with history of chest pain and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Coronary flow was assessed in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was determined as the ratio of hyperaemic to baseline diastolic coronary flow velocity. CMD was defined as CFR < 2. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured at rest and at peak dose. Nineteen patients (32%) among the overall population showed CMD. Baseline GLS was significantly lower in patients with CMD (-16.8 ± 2.7 vs. -19.1 ± 3.1, p < 0.01). A different contractile response to dipyridamole infusion was observed between the two groups: GLS significantly increased up to peak dose in patients without CMD (from -19.1 ± 3.1 to -20.2 ± 3.1, p < 0.01), and significantly decreased in patients with CMD (from -16.8 ± 2.7 to -15.8 ± 2.7, p < 0.01). There was a significant inverse correlation between CFR and DGLS (r = -0.82, p < 0.01).Conclusion: rest GLS and GLS response to dipyridamole stress are markedly impaired among patients with chest pain syndrome, non-obstructive CAD and CMD, reflecting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and lack of LV contractile reserve due to underlying myocardial ischemia.
Differential effects of healthcare worker burnout on psychotropic medication use and misuse by occupational level
Authors: Hoopsick Rachel , Las Sylvia , Sun Rachel
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Burnout has been well-examined among physicians and other high-wage, high-autonomy healthcare positions. However, lower-wage healthcare workers with less workplace autonomy (e.g., medical assistants, nurses’ aides) represent a substantial proportion of the workforce but remain understudied. We aimed to examine the effects of burnout on psychotropic medication use and misuse and whether these effects differed by occupational level.
Methods
In March 2022, we collected data from a diverse sample of US healthcare workers (N = 200) and examined the cross-sectional relationship between burnout and changes in prescribed psychotropic medication (i.e., starting, stopping, and/or having a change in the dose/frequency) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also separately examined the relationship between burnout and psychotropic medication misuse (i.e., without a prescription, in greater amounts, more often, longer than prescribed, and/or for a reason other than prescribed). We stratified models by occupational level (prescribers/healthcare administrators vs. other healthcare workers).
Results
Greater burnout was associated with higher odds of changes in prescribed psychotropic medication among physicians/administrators (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.48), but not among other healthcare workers (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.10). Greater burnout was not associated with psychotropic medication misuse among physicians/administrators (aOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.12) but was associated with increased odds of psychotropic medication misuse among other healthcare workers (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14).
Conclusions
Potential disparities in help-seeking and healthcare access might manifest in non-medical use of prescription drugs among some healthcare workers, which has implications for worker safety and well-being.
Down-regulation of PEAR1 and its regulatory factor, LINC00271, as the potential novel tumor suppressors in breast cancer: bioinformatics and experimental approach
Authors: Sedighi Katayoun , Eskandari Fatemeh , Boushehri Parisa Ghanizade , Abari Sara Kiani , Saharkhiz Shaghayegh , Azadeh Mansoureh
Published: August 2022

In addition to coding region, non-coding genes can also be involved in the development of cancer cells. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the expression level of the coding gene PEAR1 and non-coding gene LINC00271 in breast tumors. Using bioinformatics approaches, the DE genes and miRNAs in breast cancer tissue were extracted from datasets. MiRNA-target regulatory network visualization in Cytoscape along with applying Cytohubba lead to identifying hub-miRNAs and their targets in breast tumors. Functional enrichment analysis was done using MIEAA database. The co_lncRNA and lncBASE databases were utilized to find effective lncRNA. Verifying the PEAR1 and LINC00271 expression in breast tumor and adjacent healthy cells was carried by Real-Time PCR assay. Analysis of array-based non-coding expression profile resulted in 96 significant DE miRNAs which 15 out of them were collected as hub-miRNAs due to the number of their target genes. 4 common genes were identified between targets of hub-miRNAs and DE genes in breast tumors; among them, PEAR1 was considered as novel DE gene which also was one of the targets of upregulated hub-miRNAs, hsa-miR-34a-5p. LINC00271 was selected as correlated lncRNA with PEAR1 and hsa-miR-34a-5p. qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression level of both PEAR1 and LINC00271 were significantly down-regulated (Fold change PEAR1 = 0.00798/P-Value < 0.0001, Fold change LINC00271 = 0.09/P-Value = 0.0094) in breast tumors compared to controls. Due to a significant reduction in PEAR1 and LINC00271 expression and array-based reported, the association between these genetic factors can be considered as new molecular markers in the prognosis and metastasis of breast cancer.
Intracranial Investigation of Piriform Cortex Epilepsy During Odor Presentation
Authors: Bearden Donald J. , Selawski Robyn , Chern Joshua J. , Valle Eva , Bhalla Sonam , Al-Ramadhani Ruba , Ono Kim E. , Pedersen Nigel P. , Zhang Guojun , Drane Daniel L. , Kheder Ammar
Published: August 2022

The piriform cortex is part of the olfactory system, principally receiving input from the lateral olfactory tract and projecting to downstream components of the olfactory network, including the amygdala. Based on preclinical studies, the piriform cortex is vulnerable to injury and can be easily kindled as an onset site for seizures. While the role of the piriform cortex in human epilepsy has been studied indirectly and the subject of speculation, cases of demonstrated piriform cortex seizure onset from direct intracranial recording are rare. We present a pediatric patient with drug-resistant focal reflex epilepsy and right mesial temporal sclerosis with habitual seizures triggered by coconut aroma. The patient underwent stereoelectroencephalography with implantation of olfactory cortices including the piriform cortex. We examined the field potential effects of odorant presentation, the location of seizure onset and ability to recapitulate habitual seizures from olfactory cortices. Surgical workup resulted in resection of the patient’s right amygdala, piriform cortex, and mesial temporal pole, following which she has been seizure free for 20 months without functional decline in cognition or smell.
Genetic Variation and Association of Grain Quality Traits in Tetraploid Wheat (Triticum turgidum spp,) Landraces and Some Improved Cultivars of Ethiopia
Authors: Fufa Miheretu , Gedebo Andargachew , Letta Tesfaye
Published: August 2022

A total of 196 tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum spp) germplasm, representing 174 landraces and 22 improved cultivars, of Ethiopia were evaluated assess to the variation and correlation of traits using 8 grain quality traits, There was a highly significant (p < 0.001) variation among the genotypes for all traits. Except for vitreousness percentage, all the traits were highly significantly (p < 0.001) affected by the environment. Range values revealed that there was high variability among the genotypes in their thousand kernel weight, Zeleny index, and vitreousness percentage; medium variability in gluten content and low variability in seed yield, and protein content. The mean values of thousand kernel weight, seed yield, gluten content, protein content, Zeleny index, and vitreousness percentage respectively was 34.24 ± 0.28,3.25 ± 0.06, 26.49 ± 0.21,13.3 ± 0.06, 41.57 ± 0.57, and 68.44 ± .1.12. The values of PCV and GCV were high for seed yield, Zeleny index, vitreousness percentage; intermediate for gluten content and thousand kernel weight and low for protein content. Estimate of broad sense heritability (H2) ranged from 33.57% for seed yield to 66.36% for Zeleny index. The observed genetic advance and GAM were high for seed yield and Zeleny index; intermediate for thousand kernel weight, gluten content, and vitreousness percentage, and low for protein content. Seed yield showed a highly significant positive correlation with thousand kernel weight and vitreousness percentage and a positive correlation with protein content and gluten content (0.1). The present result concluded that there was high variation among the genotypes in their grain quality. The implication for breeding was discussed.
Benchmarking a Large Twitter Dataset for Arabic Emotion Analysis
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed El-Sayed , Lazem Shaimaa , Abougabal Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Emotion analysis of social media content, e.g., Twitter, is a useful tool forunderstanding people’s reactions during critical events such as Covid-19pandemic. Arabic annotated emotion datasets are nonetheless scarce, whichconsequently affects the accuracy of emotion detection applications, and limittheir usefulness. During the first year of the pandemic, a large Arabic EgyptianCOVID-19 Twitter Dataset (ArECTD) was collected and annotated employing amix of manual annotation and semi-supervised self-learning technique. ArECTDis compromised of approximately 78K tweets and ten emotion labels making itone of the largest available Arabic emotion datasets. The mixed annotationapproach is particularly promising for handling the demanding annotation taskand potentially growing the number of Arabic emotion datasets. The paper aimsto examine the quality of the annotation of ArECTD by measuring the lexicalcorrelates of each emotion. Moreover, content-based analysis was conducted as apractical case study to identify correlations between the detected emotions andthe Egyptian government’s decisions during the pandemic. Furthermore,classification models are developed for ArECTD by fine-tuning thestate-of-the-art Arabic deep learning transformer models, AraBERT andMARBERT, achieving accuracies of 70.01% of 72.5%, respectively. Thegeneralization of the best ArECTD classification model to two other datasetsfrom different domains was studied using transfer learning.
A new educational grading system based on fuzzy techniques
Authors: He Xingxing , Li Yingfang , Yang Bin
Published: August 2022

In this article, the authors propose a new educational grading system based on fuzzy techniques including five interrelated modules. Through an example used to illustrate the process of the proposed fuzzy educational grading system, we find that the proposed system satisfy the essential needs for educational grading systems as well as can overcome the limitations of some existing fuzzy educational grading systems. After making a discussion between the marks obtained from the proposed fuzzy educational grading system and the marks by the traditional method, we find that the proposed evaluation system can evaluate students' answer sheets in a more objective and intelligent manner. The aim of the proposed method is not to replace existing fuzzy educational grading systems but to enrich the present systems for students' learning achievement evaluation.
Fracasso escolar no Ensino Médio de uma escola do campo: causas e razões identificadas nas vozes de estudantes e professores
Authors: LIMA Francisco Renato , MELO Raimunda Alves , FRANÇA Jilton Vitorino de
Published: August 2022

A educação no Brasil enfrenta diversos problemas, dentre eles, o fracasso escolar no Ensino Médio, cujas dimensões causam preocupação na comunidade escolar. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as concepções de estudantes e de professores do Ensino Médio da Unidade Escolar José Rodrigues da Silva sobre o fracasso escolar. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, na qual se utilizou o questionário como técnica e instrumento de produção dos dados, junto aos estudantes; e de conversas informais, junto aos professores. Os resultados, a partir das vozes de estudantes e de professores, apontam que as causas e as razões do abandono e da reprovação escolar estão diretamente ligadas ao fracasso escolar. Este, então, é um fenômeno multifacetado, resultado dos reflexos da sociedade brasileira, marcada pelas desigualdades educacionais que repercutem negativamente no acesso e no sucesso dos alunos, imperando, ainda, a lógica da exclusão social, necessitando, portanto, da edificação de discursos e práticas de inclusão social, sobretudo, em escolas do campo.
Green Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Biofilms Doped with AgNPs with Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Pereira Arthur , Silva Rafael , Marques Clara , Nascimento Mayra Aparecida , Soares Nilda de Fatima , Lopes Renata
Published: August 2022

In this work, cellulose-based composite biofilms doped with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been produced by eco-friendly process. The AgNPs were synthesized from Ilex paraguariensis with an average size of 45 nm, a characteristic plasmon band at 450 nm and zeta potential of -23 mV. The biofilm has been synthesized by casting method, using different volumes of AgNPs suspension with glycerol plasticizing agent (T6-T10) or not (T1-T5). The AgNPs were successfully incorporated into the biofilms that was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical and optical structural and the antimicrobial properties of the biofilms have been determined. In the presence of AgNPs, the mechanical properties, thermal stability and water vapor barrier of the biofilms have been not altered. However, the addition of glycerol decreased the tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity, in addition to increasing the elongation of the biofilms and the water vapor barrier. The biofilm T10 showed a transmittance of ca. 10%, with high potential to be used as a UV light blocker. Finally, the biofilms doped with AgNPs showed activity against the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Given the above, this work presented a new biofilm with activity against the bacterium Pseudomonus fluorescens obtained by eco-friendly process.
Overcoming the Impact of COVID-19 in the Densely Populated Area through “Taman Momong”
Authors: Istiadah Istiadah , Rosdiana Aprilia Mega , Muallifah Muallifah
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia attacked public health and disrupted child care, especially for those in dense settlements and classified as low-income households. This research aims to help densely populated communities provide care facilities to optimize children's playgrounds and learning spaces for free to optimize children's physical and psychological growth and development during the Pandemic. By using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, this study resulted in three “Taman Momong” facilities equipped with children's play facilities, a mini library for children, the implementation of various educational activities needed by the community in the form of parenting workshops, the importance of parenting based on the fulfillment of children's rights, training on the use of Moringa and aloe vera plants to improve family nutrition, fulfill children's nutrition and herbal medicines to maintain family health. Thus, “Taman Momong” as green space can be beneficial in improving the physical and mental health of the community. Community activities at “Taman Momong” such as community parenting, gardening, recreation, and learning together show that psychologically and sociologically Taman Momong is the answer in overcoming parenting problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows that other communities can also use the existing vacant land to build “Taman Momong”. The society collaborates with the government to facilitate the park as a public space to support optimal care for their children
Consequences of anthropogenic activities and beach dynamics on vertical distribution of microplastics in the mid-intertidal sediments of Donghai Island, China
Authors: Machendiranathan Mayakrishnan , Hu Yaoqiang , Chen WeiCong , Tan Ao , Xie Lingling , Chen Fajin , Jin Guangzhe , Ranith Rajamohanan Pillai , Senthilnathan Lakshmanan
Published: August 2022

Microplastic accumulation and resulting degradation are significant threats to the coastal ecosystems around the world. Baseline information on microplastics and their sources is of great importance for a permanent waste management system. The present study focused on the vertical distribution and characteristics of microplastics in the mid-intertidal zone of Donghai Island, China. At eight locations, sediment samples were collected from surface to a depth of 30 cm at intervals of 5 cm. Overall, we found five different polymer types, and vertical distributions of microplastics varied ranging from 0 to 200 particles/kg, with the mean value of 32.92±41.35 particles/kg. Sediment samples collected from all stations contained microplastics with high contribution of fibres. Intruded microplastic materials recorded in sediment samples at a depth of 30 cm demonstrate that microplastics may be present at depths greater than 30 cm. Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDAX) analysis revealed presence of common elements in the microplastics surface (silicon, aluminium, magnesium, copper, and calcium). Based on the observations and results from this study, we suggest implementing a robust microplastic removal management program in Donghai Island to avoid serious microplastic intrusion effects on benthos and environmental contamination.
The Molecular Mechanism of CoenzymeQ10 on Pyroptosis and its Related
Diseases: A Review
Authors: Xiang Qiong , Fu Chuan-Jun , Li Xian-Hui
Published: August 2022

Background:

In recent years, cell pyroptosis has made it widely concerned. Pyroptosis is
characterized by the activation of pathways leading to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and its
downstream effector, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which has close relationship with
inflammation. Recent evidence supports that CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) reduces related inflammatory
factors (NLRP3、IL-1β and IL-18), which are associated with cell pyroptosis.
This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of CoQ10 inhibiting pyroptosis of different cells and its
possible mechanism. Further research is needed to better define the response effects of CoQ10 on
specific aspects of cell pyroptosis (such as priming, promotion, and signaling), and to further
investigate the organizational and cellular mechanisms by which CoQ10 reduces pyroptosis in different
cells.
Heterocycles in Breast Cancer Treatment: The Use of Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Ardevines Sandra , Marqués-López Eugenia , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: August 2022

Among the aromatic heterocycle rings, pyrazole –a five-membered ring with two adjacent nitrogen atoms in its structure has been postulated as a potent candidate in the pharmacological context. This moiety is an interesting therapeutic target covering a broad spectrum of biological activities due to its presence in many natural substances.
Hence, the potential of the pyrazole derivatives as antitumor agents has been explored in many investigations, showing promising results in some cases. In this sense, breast cancer, which is already the leading cause of cancer mortality in women in some countries, has been the topic selected for this review, which covers a range of different research from the earliest studies published in 2003 to the most recent ones in 2021.
Nanotechnological Systems and Lung: A Perfect Combination for Lung Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Santonocito Debora , Puglia Carmelo
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, lungs are the most common organs affected by diseases due to climate change, tobacco smoking, pollution and genetic factors. Conventional pharmacotherapy (oral medication or injection) is poorly selective; this causes toxicity problems and numerous systemic side effects. Furthermore, although pulmonary administration is an interesting drug administration route for treating lung diseases, inhalation therapy is complex mainly due to the lung defense mechanisms leading to rapid drug elimination. Pulmonary drug delivery using nanocarriers appears to be the best therapeutic strategy to overcome these issues. In fact, these nanosystems can reduce both drug therapeutic dose and side effects, improving patient compliance, avoiding alveolar macrophage clearance, protecting the drug from degradation processes, and providing a controlled and targeted drug release. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the scientific literature regarding the use of nanocarriers to treat the main lung diseases (cancer, asthma, infections). In particular, attention was devoted to liposomes and polymer- and lipid-based nanoparticles, being the topic of most published articles in the last decade.
Pitongshu Alleviates the Adverse Symptoms in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia
Through Regulating Visceral Hypersensitivity Caused by 5-HT
Overexpression
Authors: Chen Su-Hong , Zhu Li-Jie , Zhi Yi-Hui , Wu Han-Song , Li Lin-Zi , Li Bo , Shen Shu-Hua , Lv Gui-Yuan , Wang Kun-Gen
Published: August 2022

Aim:

The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy as well as the mechanism of action
of Pitongshu (PTS) on rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) induced by iodoacetamide gavage and
tail clamping.

Methods:

The bioactive components of PTS were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine
Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), whereas the potential targets of
PTS were obtained from the Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA), TCMSP, and Swiss Target Prediction
Database. The disease targets were obtained from the DisGeNET database, whereas Gene
Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were
performed using the R Software. The method of iodoacetamide gavage combined with tail clamping
was used to establish the FD rat model in this study. Body weight, food intake, gastrointestinal motility,
gastric acidity and secretion, and the mechanical pain threshold of rats were measured. The
open-field test was also performed. The stomach and duodenum were histologically observed. The
levels of serotonin (5-HT), Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), Motilin (MTL), and Gastrin
(GAS) in gastric tissues were detected by ELISA.

Results:

A total of 139 bioactive components and 17 potential targets of PTS were identified through a
network pharmacology approach. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that
PTS could reduce the 5-HT secretion of gastric tissues through the serotonergic synaptic pathway and
alleviate the symptoms of FD, indicating that PTS plays a therapeutic role. The results of animal experiments
showed that PTS could increase body weight and food intake, improve autonomous activity,
and decrease gastric acidity and secretion in FD rats. Furthermore, gastric sensitivity increased in FD
rats, and PTS treatment could significantly decrease it. The results of ELISA showed that the overexpression
of 5-HT and CGRP was decreased after PTS treatment in FD rats. Lastly, PTS could significantly
improve gastrointestinal motility, as well as the levels of GAS and MTL in FD rats.

Conclusion:

PTS may reduce 5-HT secretion by regulating the serotonergic synaptic pathway,
thereby reducing visceral sensitivity and alleviating the symptoms of FD.
WITHDRAWN: Anti-lung cancer mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Li Xian , Huang Fuhao , Xu Liansong , Niu Wenwen , Pang Jinlong , Li Shanshan
Published: August 2022

Background:

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among all cancer types. Traditional Chinese medicines with heat clearing and detoxification efficacy have been extensively studied for the treatment of lung cancer. However, the inhibitory effect of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW), with heat clearing and detoxification efficacy, on lung cancer and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.

Objective:

To explore the potential mechanism of action of HDW in the treatment of lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

Methods:

The pharmacological database of the traditional Chinese medicine system and the analysis platform (TCMSP) were used to search for the active components and targets of HDW. Disease targets were collected using the GeneCard and OMIM databases. Construction of “active ingredient-target-disease” and protein interaction (PPI) networks was performed using Cytoscape Software and the STRING Database. GO (gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses were carried out using the R language, and visualisation was performed. Finally, Molecular docking was performed between the bioactive components and core targets. The molecular mechanism underlying the effects of Hedyotis diffusa injection (HDI) treatment on lung cancer was verified in vitro and in vivo by culturing lung cancer A549 cells.

Results:

The “active ingredient-target-disease” network screened five core active components of HDW; the PPI network screened 23 core targets. Through enrichment analyses, it was found that the mechanism of action mainly involved PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the main active components and the core target could strongly associate. In vitro experimental results showed that HDI inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells and can regulate apoptosis of lung cancer A549 cells through PI3K / Akt signaling pathway. The results based on tumour-bearing nude mice showed that HDI could significantly reduce the volumes and weights of tumours without affecting the body weight and no significant toxic effects and that HDI significantly increased tumour tissue cell apoptosis.

Conclusion:

This study revealed the mechanism through which HDW affects lung cancer through multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway means and provides a scientific basis and research ideas for follow-up studies on HDW for the treatment of lung cancer.
P2RY12 Increased Neuroinflammation to Accelerate Depression-like
Behaviors by the NLPR3 Inflammasome
Authors: Yu Enyan , Liu Jie
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Depression is a class of important mental illness, which has become a severe
health problem perplexing the world due to its high morbidity rate, high disability rate, and
great disease burden. This study aimed to evaluate the role and possible mechanisms of P2RY12 in
the depression-like behaviors model.

Methods:

Serum samples of patients with depression-like behaviors were used to analyze the expression
of P2RY12. Models of mice were given LPS via intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. Behavioral
tests were executed in this experiment.

Results:

The expression of P2RY12 in models of depression-like behaviors or mice with depression-
like behaviors were induced. The inhibition of P2RY12 presents depression-like behaviors and
reduces inflammation in the model of depression-like behaviors. P2RY12 induced NLRP3 expression
and suppressed NLRP3 ubiquitination in a model of depression-like behavior. The inhibition of
NLRP3 reduced the effects of P2RY12 in mice model of depression-like behaviors. The regulation
of NLRP3 controlled the effects of the P2RY12 in vitro model of depression-like behaviors.

Conclusion:

We conclude that P2RY12 increased neuroinflammation to accelerate depression-like
behaviors by NLPR3 inflammasome, providing novel information for the treatment of depressionlike
behaviors.