bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between hepatic viral infections and cancers: A cross-sectional study in the Taiwan adult population
Authors: Maliko Moreen , Su Fu-Hsiung , Kamiza Abram Bunya , Su Ming-Jang , Yeh Chih-Ching
Published: September 2023

Background
Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are diseases of global public health concern and are associated with liver cancer. Recent studies have revealed associations between hepatic viral infections and extrahepatic cancers. This study aimed to explore the associations between hepatitis B and C viruses and cancer at baseline in the Taiwan Biobank database while controlling for a wide range of confounding variables.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study of adults aged > 20 years, we compared the distribution of demographic factors, lifestyle, and comorbidities between viral and nonviral hepatic groups using the chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to observe the associations between hepatitis B and C viral infections and cancers by estimating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Multivariate regression analysis was adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and comorbidities.
Results
From the database, 2,955 participants were identified as having HCV infection, 15,305 as having HBV infection, and 140,108 as the nonviral group. HBV infection was associated with an increased likelihood of liver cancer (adjusted OR (aOR) = 7.09, 95% CI = 3.48–14.44, P < 0.001) and ovarian cancer (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.68–8.88, P = 0.002). HCV infection was observed to increase the likelihood of liver cancer (aOR = 4.69, 95% CI = 1.34–16.36, P = 0.015), ovarian cancer (aOR = 5.19, 95% CI = 1.17–22.97, P = 0.030), and kidney cancer (aOR = 10.27, 95% CI = 2.06–52.25, P = 0.005).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that hepatic viral infections are associated with intra- and extrahepatic cancers. However, being cross-sectional, causal inferences cannot be made. A recall-by-genotype study is recommended to further investigate the causality of these associations.
Prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorder among Central Sterile Supply Technicians in Thailand
Authors: Chanchai Withaya , Nacglud Ratree , Bunnum Keatkongkrai , Promsorn Nureeya , Duangmusik Laddawan , Suwanrat Warunee , Thonnan Kritsana
Published: September 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among central sterile supply technicians in Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was administered to CSSTs regarding WRMSDs. Technicians were questioned about the presence and severity of disorders throughout the whole body during the sterilization procedure. The survey was sent to the Central Sterilize Supply Department of 33 centers in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand.
Results
The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in various body regions was assessed among technicians at the time of questioning (86.0%), during the week (64.2%), and over one year (59.2%). Workers who had been central sterile supply technicians for over 30 years were factored into the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (OR 8.710, 95% CI 1.444–6.287). CSSTs were also significantly associated with more than ten years of employment (OR 7.859, 95% CI 1.299–5.008). Day shifts (OR 19.196, 95% CI 0.123–0.459), heavy load handling (OR 70.089, 95% CI 10.756-153.554), lifting of instruments (OR 2.007, 95% CI 1.401–5.516), transporting equipment or carts (OR 2.986, 95% CI 1.890–7.273), pushing equipment or carts (OR 9.194, 95% CI 1.401–5.516), carrying instruments (OR 5.584, 95% CI 1.126–4.268), and uncomfortable postures (OR 7.652, 95% CI 1.383–7.570) were factors influencing the causality of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that it would be beneficial to promote intervention programs for CSSTs based on the participatory ergonomic (PE) approach and coping methods for musculoskeletal illnesses.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Inhibits ADAMTS Expression via an ERK-dependent Mechanism in Chondrocytes
Authors: Huang Kai , Cai Haili , Cheng Lin , Huang Kai , Zheng Chunwei , Xu Changfu , Sun Shun-tao
Published: September 2023

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease in which cartilage degradation is the hallmark pathological change. In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effects of DHEA in rabbit chondrocytes.
Methods and Results
Polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, ADAMTS-5, aggrecan and collagen type 2. In addition, ERK1/2 signaling pathway components were analyzed by Western blotting. In IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was enhanced, and the downstream catabolic genes, including ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5, were upregulated, while the anabolic genes aggrecan and collagen type 2 were downregulated. DHEA administration restored the IL-1β-induced imbalance in anabolic and catabolic gene expression. In addition, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was suppressed by DHEA. Then, PD98059 was used to block the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The protective effect of DHEA was significantly increased when ERK1/2 signaling was inactivated.
Conclusions
DHEA may exert its protective effect by suppressing ADAMTS in an ERK1/2-dependent manner in rabbit chondrocytes.
Amino acids exchange in patients with CKD as obtained via exome sequencing differ radically from those of natural variants 1000 genome and genomAD databases
Authors: Biochemistry Edem Associate Professor of , Fazaludeen Feroz , Saglam Fatih
Published: September 2023

Background: Nonsynonymous mutations in the coding regions of human genes are responsible for phenotypic differences between humans and for their susceptibility to genetic disease.
Methods: We performed Exome sequencing on CKD patients’ genomic DNA and put the focus in understanding the role played by the amino-acid mutation spectrum (PAM) in human chronic kidney disease CKD patients. More specifically, using SIFT algorithm, we generated the amino acids substitution on proteins and compared the PAM matrix derived from CKD patients representing the amino-acid mutational spectrum to non-disease PAM matrices representing spectra of mutual amino-acid mutation frequencies derived from 1000 genome and genomAD database.
Results: We found a strong and positive correlation in term of mutabilities of amino acids distribution in human proteome and the average distribution of amino acid mutability remains higher in genomAD dataset as compared CKD and 1000 genome. The results also show a strong correlation of mutability between the three datasets, the coefficient of correlation being: (rCKD vs 1kg = 0.9225, rCKD vs genomAD = 0.9431 and rgenomAD vs 1kg = 0.9486) as well probabilistic distribution of amino acids in human proteome between the three datasets.
Conclusion: The amino acids mutability index in CKD dataset was statistically different as compared with those in 1000 genome and genomAD datasets. There is strong positive correlation in mutabilities of amino acids distribution in human proteome and the average distribution of mutability is higher in genomAD dataset as compared CKD and 1000 genome. In the CKD dataset, Arginine remains a common product of mutability from four amino acids like: Tryptophan, Histidine, Glycine and Lysine and the spike of Arginine in blood samples should be an element to trace in diagnostic profile of CKD. The data paved a way for clinical use for amino acids exchanges in chronic kidney disease using illumine platform.
The empirical structure of psychopathology is represented in large language models
Authors: Kambeitz Joseph , Schiffman Jason , Kambeitz-Ilankovic Lana , Ettinger Ulrich , Vogeley Kai
Published: September 2023

Background: Clinical assessment and scientific research in psychiatry is largely based on questionnaires that are employed to detect and quantify psychopathology. The development of large language models offers a new perspective for the analysis of the language and terminology that these questionnaires are based on.
Methods: In the present study, we employed state-of-the-art large language models to derive numerical representations (so called ‘text embeddings’) of semantic and sentiment content of items from established questionnaires for the assessment of psychopathology. We compared the pairwise associations between empirical data and text embeddings in order to test if the empirical structure of psychopathology can be reconstructed by large language models.
Results: Across four large-scale data sets (n=1555, n=1099, n=11807, n=39755), we found a range of significant correlations between empirical item-pair associations and associations derived from text embeddings (r=0.18 to r=0.57, all p<0.05). Machine learning models based on semantic or sentiment embeddings predicted empirical item-pair associations with moderate to high accuracy (r=0.33 to r=0.81, all p<0.05). Similarly, empirical clustering of items and the grouping to established subdomain scores could be partly reconstructed by text embeddings.
Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that large language models are able to represent substantial components of the empirical structure of psychopathology. Consequently, the integration of large language models into mental health research holds the potential to unlock numerous promising avenues. These may encompass improving the process of generating novel questionnaires, optimising generalizability and redundancy of existing questionnaires or facilitating the development of novel conceptualizations of mental disorders.
Liste der Gefäßpflanzen Deutschlands
Authors: Buttler Karl Peter , Hand Ralf
Published: September 2023

Seit dem Erscheinen der letzten deutschen Florenliste für Farn- und Samenpflanzen im Jahr 1998 haben sich zahlreiche Änderungen ergeben: Erstnachweise, Streichungen und Neubeschreibungen von Sippen, taxonomische Neubewertungen und nomenklatorische Änderungen. Das neue Verzeichnis listet alle in Deutschland etablierten Sippen (Indigene, Archäophyten, Neophyten) der Rangstufen Art und Unterart auf sowie eine Auswahl an Synonymen. Akzeptiert werden 4165 Sippen. Die Kriterien für etablierte Neophyten wurden geringfügig modifiziert. Durch den Bezug zum „Kritischen Band“ der Rothmaler-Exkursionsflora ist im Gegensatz zu früheren Florenlisten eine eindeutige taxonomische Verknüpfung hergestellt; Abweichungen werden kommentiert. Eine Reihe taxonomisch kritischer Taxa wurde von Spezialisten bearbeitet.
Full counting statistics as probe of measurement-induced transitions in the quantum Ising chain
Authors: Tirrito Emanuele , Santini Alessandro , Fazio Rosario , Collura Mario
Published: September 2023

Non-equilibrium dynamics of many-body quantum systems under the effect of measurement protocols is attracting an increasing amount of attention. It has been recently revealed that measurements may induce different non-equilibrium regimes and an abrupt change in the scaling-law of the bipartite entanglement entropy. However, our understanding of how these regimes appear{, how they affect the statistics of local quantities and}, finally whether they survive in the thermodynamic limit, is much less established. Here we investigate measurement-induced phase transitions in the Quantum Ising chain coupled to a monitoring environment. In particular we show that local projective measurements induce a quantitative modification of the out-of-equilibrium probability distribution function of the local magnetization. Starting from a GHZ state, the relaxation of the paramagnetic and the ferromagnetic order is analysed. In particular we describe how the probability distributions associated to them show different behaviour depending on the measurement rate.
Dipyridamole-induced STEMI: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Al Hennawi Hussam , Lakhani Sunita , Khan Shayan Iqbal , Atam Sarin , Sadiq Usama , Rigotti Joseph A , Nair Abhinav
Published: September 2023

Dipyridamole nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging is a safe and useful modality to assess for myocardial ischemia. It is the modality of choice for cardiac risk stratification in patients unable to exercise. Intravenous dipyridamole causes coronary vasodilation and may yield heterogeneity of coronary blood flow in significant coronary artery disease. Ischemic electrocardiographic changes following pharmacologic stress testing are less likely compared to exercise stress tests. Ischemia more likely presents in the form of ST depression, with ST-elevation being exceedingly rare. We present a case of a 73-year-old patient who developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction following pharmacologic stress testing.
Systemic lupus erythematous associated with multi-vessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Kumanayaka Dilesha , Hernandez Ilsen , Ahmad Asrar , Suleiman Addi
Published: September 2023

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), often associated with atherosclerosis. However, SCAD has been increasingly recognized as a distinct entity, especially in young females without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We present a case of a 56-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed multivessel SCAD involving the right coronary artery (RCA) and ramus. The patient's clinical presentation included typical chest pain, elevated troponins, and ST depressions on electrocardiography. Coronary angiography confirmed the presence of SCAD, classified as type 4 in the RCA and type 2 in the ramus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment resulted in a favorable prognosis. This case emphasizes the importance of considering SCAD in SLE patients presenting with ACS symptoms, particularly in younger women without evident cardiovascular risk factors. Early invasive coronary angiography is recommended for accurate diagnosis and timely management. SCAD can lead to significant complications and requires meticulous attention during angiographic procedures. Conservative management is often preferred, as most uncomplicated cases of SCAD heal spontaneously. Further research is needed to determine optimal treatment strategies and long-term outcomes for patients with SCAD, especially in the presence of underlying inflammatory conditions like SLE.
The catastrophic association of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Morais Humberto , Gonçalves Mauer
Published: September 2023

Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a serious complication of valve replacement associated with a high mortality rate. Stroke may be the first symptom of prosthetic valve thrombosis. We present the case of a patient who visited the emergency department with symptoms of dysarthria and left hemiparesis. An examination revealed an ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic transformation, stemming from a thrombosis of their mitral valve prosthesis, which progressed to the patient’s death. We emphasize the difficulty in the therapeutic and diagnostic management of these patients.
Experimental study and comparative analysis of pitting fault in spur gear system
Authors: Yakeu Happi Kemajou Herbert , Tchomeni Kouejou Bernard Xavier , Anyika Alugongo Alfayo
Published: September 2023

This paper uses a dynamic six-degree-of-freedom model that considers torsional and lateral motions to predict the impact of pitting on vibration parameters in a spur gearbox for various operating speeds and torque loads. The study examines the dynamic characteristics of a gearbox with localized pitting damage on a single gear tooth using theoretical and experimental approaches. The research analyzes the forced vibrations of a single-stage spur gear system with pitting damage, which includes variations in mesh stiffness, damping, and gear error excitation, to identify symptoms of default. The equation of motion for the rotary gearbox system is established using the Lagrangian method in tandem with Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and frequency-RPM map fault diagnosis. During real-time vibration monitoring, vibration signals are captured via accelerometers and processed in both the time and frequency domains using the LabVIEW data acquisition signal processing package to extract diagnostic information. The experimental findings demonstrate how vibration analysis combined with time-frequency processing can recognize machine conditions even in harsh operational conditions. Moreover, the experimental results indicate a significant similarity with the theoretical analysis and validate the effectiveness of the RPM frequency technique-based pitting detection method, which can be an asset in gear fault monitoring.
The Role of Religious Commitment, Collectivism, and Long-Term Orientation in Consumer Impulse Buying
Authors: Fasyni Awisal
Published: September 2023

This study examines religion and culture’s influence on impulsive and compulsive buying. The research population is people who have made impulsive and compulsive purchases for fashion products, with a sample size of 212 respondents. Questionnaires were distributed through social media, and the collected data were analyzed using PLS. The study results show that 1) religious commitment negatively affects compulsive buying, 2) collectivism culture has been shown to positively affect impulsive and compulsive buying, 3) religious commitment is not proven to affect impulse buying, and 4) long-term orientation has also been shown not to affect impulsive and compulsive buying. Businesses can encourage impulse and compulsive buying by focusing their target market on collectivists with low levels of religious commitment.
Examining Business Undergraduate Students’ Intention for Creating Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Indonesia
Authors: Pribadi Henry
Published: September 2023

This paper examined how intention to create sustainability entrepreneurship among undergraduate business students is influenced by various variables. Implementing the theory of planned behaviors from previous research, a framework model is created and analyzes a sample of undergraduate students majoring in business at Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Indonesia. The result of this research provides an initial picture of how various antecedents affect the intention of sustainability entrepreneurship compared to previous research in Indonesia. Practical findings suggested that, in order to leverage the intention to participate in sustainability entrepreneurship, it is imperative to focus more on creating intrinsic motivation for next-generation entrepreneurs by implementing an integrative approach in the educational context with a focus on real-life, action-based sustainability projects and focus more in utilizing digital platform and social media.
Crenças, atitudes linguísticas e ensino: um olhar sobre o romance "Maria Dusá", de Lindolfo Rocha
Authors: Oliveira de Souza Damares , Nunes Barreiros Patrício
Published: September 2023

Objetivamos, através do presente artigo, apresentar uma breve investigação e análise, por meio de um questionário de crenças e atitudes linguísticas, de como alunos do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental e alunos do 1º ano do Ensino Médio pensam e avaliam a Língua Portuguesa e suas variações, como também o ensino de língua materna através de obras literárias que abranjam uma linguagem coloquial e regionalista, nesse caso, o romance Maria Dusá. Como fundamentação teórico-metodológica, nos embasamos, principalmente, nos pressupostos da Sociolinguística Variacionista, liderada pelos estudos de Labov (2008 [1972]) e nos estudos sobre crenças e atitudes linguísticas de Lambert e Lambert (1968); Santos (1996); Moreno Fernández; (1998); López Morales (1993); Corbari (2012), dentre outros, bem como da Sociolinguística Educacional, com base em Bagno (2007); Marques e Baronas (2015); Cyranka (2007, 2016); Ribeiro e Pinto (2018). Dessa forma, acreditamos que esta pesquisa contribui para o mapeamento sociolinguístico do português brasileiro na literatura e para o desenvolvimento de políticas educacionais que proporcionam um ensino reflexivo, crítico e investigativo em sala de aula, considerando a heterogeneidade da língua e sua dinamicidade.
Metagêneros: o ensino do gênero resenha acadêmica em manuais de metodologia científica
Authors: Barbosa dos Santos Silva Carliane , Ramos de Melo Barbara Olímpia
Published: September 2023

Os metagêneros são importantes ferramentas para a produção dos gêneros. Consideramos que os manuais de metodologia científica funcionam como metagêneros, uma vez que exercem a função de orientar a produção dos gêneros acadêmicos. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo geral analisar como os manuais de metodologia científica, disponibilizados em Programas de Pós-graduação em Letras stricto sensu, orientam a produção da resenha acadêmica. Para tanto, este estudo está fundamentado nas noções de gênero, propósito comunicativo e comunidade discursiva, propostos por Swales (1990); metagêneros, em Giltrow (2002), Bawarshi e Reiff (2013) e Cantuário (2020); resenha acadêmica, em Araújo (1996), Bezerra (2001, 2009), Ferraz (2007) e Russel (2009), Motta-Roth e Hendger (2010) e Ancieto (2016). Para atingir os objetivos propostos, analisamos a seção resenha acadêmica de três manuais de metodologia científica: Metodologia científica e da pesquisa (2007), Produção textual na universidade (2010) e Fundamentos de metodologia científica (2017). Os dados evidenciaram que todos os manuais analisados propõem orientações para a produção do gênero resenha acadêmica, todavia apontamos variações na abordagem dos três manuais analisados, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao conceito e estrutura do gênero em questão. As conclusões deste artigo contribuem para o reconhecimento dos manuais de metodologia como um metagênero, visto que demonstramos as orientações propostas por eles para construção de um determinado gênero.
A saudação de gaúchos para o neonazismo: o projeto de dominação da organização União Nacional Sulista
Authors: Fernandes Rodrigues Marcos Alexandre , Schwab do Nascimento Silvana
Published: September 2023

Em 2021, observou-se, pelo Telegram, o funcionamento de uma organização gaúcha neonazista chamada União Nacional Sulista (UNS – doravante), fundada em 2019. Notou-se, com respaldo de sua atividade discursiva, haver um projeto de dominação e separação para a região sul-brasileira. Por conseguinte, neste artigo, objetiva-se analisar a constituição do gênero discursivo fotomontagem presente na comunicação da UNS com o intuito de compreender a relação entre forma, conteúdo e campo de atividade. A justificativa desta empreitada evoca os valores da ética bakhtiniana, pois representam uma rejeição da supremacista racial, visto que centrados no conceito de alteridade. O referencial teórico recebe contribuições de Bakhtin (2015, 2016, 2017) e Volóchinov (2018, 2019a, 2019b, 2019c) no que tange à concepção de linguagem, enunciado e discurso. Devido à complexidade do objeto, acrescentam-se reflexões de Charaudeau (2006, 2016) e Lévy (2010, 2011), porque, em interlocução, podem subsidiar apontamentos sobre o discurso político-populista no campo das mídias digitais. O planejamento dos procedimentos metodológicos pauta-se nestes atos: i) caracterização e seleção da organização; ii) observação e registro de interações discursivas; iii) esboço de questões de pesquisa; iv) análise dialógica do material coletado; v) escrita dos resultados finais. Os critérios para a coleta dos enunciados são os temas abordados, o impacto social e a cronologia de sua publicação. A conclusão permite alcançar o entendimento de que o gênero fotomontagem combina, graficamente, enunciados verbovisuais que, tematicamente, correlacionam elementos socioculturais do Rio Grande do Sul, Estados Unidos da América e Alemanha. Com diferentes tradições racistas, visa-se à exclusão, ao assujeitamento e à eliminação de todos aqueles vistos como inferiores, incluindo judeus, negros, LGBTQIAP+, nordestinos e outros grupos. Para esse propósito, a UNS tenta, também, recrutar novos integrantes para instaurar seu projeto de separação e dominação territorial.
O emoji de riso como signo ideológico: compreendendo o sujeito que ri em postagens do Facebook sobre pobreza e precarização do trabalho
Authors: Silva de Oliveira Orlando , Rocha Bessa José Cezinaldo
Published: September 2023

As transformações sociais e políticas no Brasil e no mundo têm influenciado a consciência da população. Nesse contexto, o surgimento e a evolução das redes sociais digitais têm possibilitado compreender a expressão dessa consciência por meio das diversas formas de interações realizadas pelos sujeitos nesses espaços. O emoji, em particular, é uma forma expressiva de interação presente nas publicações nas redes sociais. Neste estudo, pretendemos analisar a utilização do emoji de riso (Haha) como uma forma de reação discursiva em publicações sobre pobreza e precarização do trabalho em perfis da Folha de S. Paulo e do UOL Notícias no Facebook. Nosso objetivo é compreender o sujeito que ri diante desses problemas sociais e o posicionamento axiológico desse riso como uma forma de expressão. A pesquisa se baseia na teoria dialógica do Círculo de Bakhtin e segue uma abordagem metodológica interpretativa e qualitativa. Como resultado, identificamos que a utilização do emoji de riso (Haha) no Facebook serviu como elemento indiciário para a identificação de sujeitos que compartilham valores ideológicos do movimento político-social denominado "bolsonarismo".
A modalidade apreciativa nos discursos do Papa Francisco em língua espanhola
Authors: Oliveira André Silva
Published: September 2023

Este trabalho objetiva descrever a analisar a modalidade apreciativa nos discursos do Papa Francisco proferidos em língua espanhola no ano de 2021. Propõe-se verificar como esse subtipo de modalidade pode ser empregado como ferramenta discursiva e argumentativa. Apoia-se, teoricamente, nos estudos relativos à modalização discursiva, com base em Nascimento e Silva (2012), Adelino e Nascimento (2019) e Deus e Nascimento (2020); e nos estudos de modalidade apreciativa em Neves (2012), Adelino e Nascimento (2017), Mendes e Sousa (2018) e Becker (2020). Pode-se constatar que a modalidade apreciativa pode ser instaurada por meio de auxiliares modais, advérbios, construções modalizadoras e adjetivos em função predicativa, podendo ter escopo de atuação sobre predicados, quando se deseja manifestar polidez e cortesia, e predicações e proposições, quando se pretende expressar algum tipo de juízo de valor de ordem afetiva e emotiva. Em relação aos efeitos de sentido, a modalidade apreciativa pode estar relacionada à patematização eufórica (alegria, contentamento, felicidade, etc.) e à patematização disfórica (tristeza, desalento, infelicidade, etc.), independentemente da temática do discurso, podendo esta ser religiosa (fé e moral católica) ou não-religiosa (economia, política, sociedade, meio ambiente, etc.).
Statin as Repurposed Drug in Ovarian Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ahmad Asmara , Javed Sadia , Kiran Shumaila
Published: September 2023

With a prevalence rate of 6.6 per 100,000 women, ovarian cancer is the third most lethal gynecological
tumor in the world. Several factors like family history, nulliparity, late menopause, genetic mutation, and an
unhealthy lifestyle contribute to increasing the risk of ovarian cancer development. Novel research studies
suggest that ovarian cancer may be caused by changes in the lipid metabolic profile that trigger inflammatory responses.
Moreover, ovarian cancer patients will eventually experience chemoresistance. Statin, a competitive inhibitor
of HMG-CoA reductase that is a lipid-lowering drug with pleiotropic effects, seems to be the best
choice to deal with this therapeutic issue. The aim of this review is to highlight the pharmacotherapeutic potential
of statins, especially the repurposing of statin drugs for antitumor mechanisms. This review will also provide
a brief summary of the meta-analysis, and case-control observational studies carried out to examine the impact
of statins on risk reduction and survival in ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, this review will discuss
the nanotechnological approach for improving the drug's bioavailability and safe and targeted delivery with controlled
release of active ingredients, making statins more effective in preventing and treating ovarian cancer.
MicroRNA-125a-3p Modulate Amyloid β-Protein through the MAPK
Pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Xi-Chen , Zhu Meng-Zhuo , Lu Jing , Yao Qing-Yu , Hu Jia-Wei , Long Wen-Jun , Ruan Sha-Sha , Dai Wen-Zhuo , Li Rong
Published: September 2023

Background:

MicroRNA (miR)-125a-3p is reported to play an important role in some
central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, a study has not been
conducted on the mechanism of miR-125a-3p in the pathological process of AD.

Methods:

First, we assessed the expression of miR-125a-3p in AD cohort. Subsequently, we altered
the expressions of miR-125a-3p to assess its role in cell viability, cell apoptosis, amyloid-β
(Aβ) metabolism, and synaptic activity. Finally, we identified its potential mechanism underlying
AD pathology.

Results:

This study unveiled the potential function of miR-125a-3p through modulating amyloid precursor protein processing. Additionally, miR-125a-3p influenced cell survival and activated synaptic expression through the modulation of Aβ metabolism in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway via fibroblast growth factor receptor 2.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that targeting miR-125a-3p may be an applicable therapy for AD
in the future. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies with more samples are needed to confirm
these results.
MDMB-FUBINACA Influences Brain Angiogenesis and the Expression of
VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2
Authors: AL-Eitan Laith , Alkhawaldeh Mishael
Published: September 2023

Aim:

This study aims to explore the impact of the synthetic cannabinoid methyl 2-(1-(4-
fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (MDMB-FUBINACA) on the angiogenesis
process in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Background:

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are substances that mimic the natural components found in
the cannabis plant. SCs are considered prohibited substances that have a clear impact on the central
nervous system (CNS).

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to explore how MDMB-FUBINACA influences angiogenesis in
human brain microvascular endothelial cells and to clarify the pathways related to the cannabinoid receptors.

Methods::

Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were grown in the medium containing
Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM/F12) using an endothelial cell growth kit. Endothelial
cell viability was evaluated using the MTT test. Migration ability was measured using the Wound healing
test. The angiogenic capability was measured using a Tube Formation assay. Real-time polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to explore the mRNA concentrations following MDMBFUBINACA
treatment. ELISA and Western blotting were also employed to measure the protein levels.

Results:

MDMB-FUBINACA greatly increases tube formation, endothelial cell proliferation, and migration.
Pro-angiogenic factors such as angiopoietins 1 and 2 (ANG-1 and 2) and vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) were shown to be increased at both the RNA and protein levels.

Conclusion:

MDMB-FUBINACA induces the progression of the angiogenesis process by inducing the
expression of pro-angiogenic factors. These findings aim toward developing novel treatments for angiogenesis-
related disorders.
Managing Osteoporosis in COPD
Authors: Shen Lilan , Lv Juanqin , Li Jie , Zhou Jing , Wang Xiaomin
Published: September 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory disease with
high morbidity, disability and mortality worldwide. Every year, many people die from the disease
or its comorbidities. Osteoporosis is a common complication of COPD, which can lead to increased
fractures in COPD patients, aggravate the disease, and then bring great pain and burden
to patients. The possible factors leading to osteoporosis in COPD patients include systemic inflammation,
corticosteroid use, vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, tobacco exposure, lower
bone mineral density, hypogonadism, hypoxia, and anemia. In clinical practice, the rate of diagnosis
and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with COPD is low. Several studies demonstrated
that treating osteoporosis with bisphosphonates could improve bone density, make breathing easier,
and improve the quality of life of COPD patients. However, no studies have examined the effect
of anti-osteoporosis therapy on fracture prevention in COPD patients. More research is needed
to clarify how to implement holistic medical interventions in COPD patients with osteoporosis.
We recommend that every COPD patient be screened for osteoporosis and treated with standard
medications for primary osteoporosis.
Epidemiology and Clinical Course of Chronic Autoimmune Neuropathies During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Latvia
Authors: Glāzere Ieva , Kalniņa Marija Luīze , Rots Dmitrijs , Roddate Marija , Gailīte Linda , Kurjāne Nataļja , Ķēniņa Viktorija
Published: September 2023

Background:

Chronic autoimmune neuropathies are a group of rare neurological disorders caused by the immune response to autoantigens in the peripheral nervous system.

Objective:

This study aimed to report epidemiological data in Latvia on the most common chronic autoimmune neuropathies and evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infections or vaccinations’ impact on our patient’s clinical course of the disease.

Methods:

A single-center observational study was performed, which included all patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) in Latvia since 2015. Prevalence and incidence were calculated by using population data from the corresponding time of the Central Statistics Bureau of Latvia. Detailed clinical evaluation and re-assessment of diagnostic criteria were performed in the whole study group. All patients underwent telephone interviews regarding their SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection status.

Results:

This study included 23 CIDP and 8 MMN patients. The point prevalence and incidence of CIDP were 1.21 per 100 000 people and 1.16 per 100 000 people, respectively. The point prevalence and incidence of MMN were 0.42 per 100 000 individuals and 0.40 per 100 000 individuals, respectively. Most of the patients involved in this study (90%, n=28) with CIDP or MMN were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and none of the patients experienced fluctuations or relapse regarding autoimmune polyneuropathy.

Conclusion:

The incidence and prevalence of CIDP and MMN in Latvia are similar to previously reported European studies. In our study group, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was safe and did not negatively affect the clinical course of CIDP and MMN patients.
Mechanistic Insights on Viral Factors Involved in Asymptomatic COVID-19
Pathogenesis
Authors: Kaur Satinder , Bala Renu , Mishra Prakash Chandra , Singh Vineeta , Hora Rachna
Published: September 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 disease. While symptomatic infections are at the centre stage for disease diagnosis and treatment, asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases heighten the challenge of transmission tracking ultimately leading to failure of control interventions. Asymptomatic cases appear due to a variety of host and viral factors and contribute substantially to the total number of infections. Through this article, we have tried to assemble existing information about the role of viral factors and mechanisms involved in the development of asymptomatic COVID-19. The significance of ‘PLpro’- a protease of Nidovirales order that removes ubiquitin and ISG15 from host proteins to regulate immune responses against the virus and hence disease presentation has been highlighted. PL-pro dampens inflammatory and antiviral responses, leading to asymptomatic infection. 11083G>T-(L37F) mutation in ‘Nsp6’ of SARS-CoV-2 also diminishes the innate immune response leading to asymptomatic infections. It is, therefore, pertinent to understand the role of proteins like PLpro and Nsp6 in SARS-CoV-2 biology for the development of transmission control measures against COVID-19. This review focuses on viral molecular mechanisms that alter disease severity and highlights compounds that work against such regulatory SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Homology Modelling: A Computational Tool in Drug Design and Discovery
Authors: Agarwal Shivangi , Verma Ekta , Kashaw Sushil K.
Published: September 2023

A drug takes many years to develop and reach the market using the conventional drug discovery procedure. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is an emerging technology that accelerates the process of drug discovery and minimizes the total expenditure associated with labour and resources. In the current scenario, the computational aided drug design (CADD) techniques play a significant role in the design and development of lead molecules for the treatment of various lethal pathological conditions. The prediction of the tertiary structure of a protein is a big concern in drug design and discovery. A typical drug discovery procedure starts with the tertiary structure of a protein. At present, a total of 184,407 protein structures are available in the protein data bank, which are determinedusing experimental methods. However, the procedures are difficult and time-consuming. A more advanced technique has been developed for the prediction of the 3D structure of a protein using a computational method. This technique has played a vital role in drug discovery. It has not only facilitated but also hastened the process of drug discovery. The method is named homology modeling since it involves the building of a protein model based on its homology to similar evolutionary proteins. The method is based on the fact that evolutionary related proteins have similar structures. In homology modelling, the 3D structure of a protein is derived from its primary sequence based on its similarity to the existing protein templates. There are many computational tools for homology modelling such as Modeller, Swiss model, Composer, 3D-JIGSAW, etc. The proposed book chapter will cover the introduction to homology modelling, step-by-step guide to building a protein model, various challenges and how to refine and validate the model, different algorithms related to sequence alignment, similarity search, and the applications of homology modelling in drug design and discovery. The chapter would be very fruitful to the readers to get insights into protein modelling, which will facilitate their research activities. It will be of great application in various disciplines,such as bioinformatics, physics, structural biology, and molecular biology. The content of the chapter will cover various research papers, review papers, and corresponding reference books.
Anti-trypanosomatid Drugs/Candidates in Clinical Trials: What's New and What's Missing?
Authors: Fabris Marcieli , Maciel de Santiago-Silva Kaio , Henrique da Silva Lima Camilo , Ferreira Bispo Marcelle de Lima , Camargo Priscila Goes
Published: September 2023

Parasites and infectious agents are responsible for neglected tropical
diseases (NTDs) that affect many countries worldwide. At least one NTD is found 149
countries, mostly in low-income countries with poor sanitation, and it impacts over a
billion people. According to the World Health Organization, trypanosomiasis is a group
of protozoan infections that cause Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), Human
African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness - Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense or
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense), and Leishmaniasis (Leishmania spp. -
Trypanosomatidae family), which are all considered NTDs. It is estimated that
approximately 500,000 deaths from NTD infections occur annually worldwide. Despite
the many cases associated with NTDs, treatments for most of these diseases are
available. However, they are associated with significant adverse effects and a growing
number of drug-resistant microorganisms and require parenteral administration.
Besides that, many trypanosomatid diseases are zoonotic, making eradication
extremely difficult. In this way, despite scientific progress over the years, some drug
discovery goals remain unmet, such as the development of new therapeutic classes,
reduced toxicity, improved administration regimens, or the development of
combination therapies. Therefore, this chapter intends to present the six categories of
drugs, i.e., the currently used therapeutic agents, nitroaromatic compounds, azole
antifungal, benzoxaboroles, nitrogen heterocycles, and miscellaneous agents in clinical
trials for NTDs, focusing on infections caused by trypanosomatids. In addition, the
review approach presents the development process of the new drugs or treatment
regimens in Phase I, II, III, and IV studies of the clinical trials based on the Drugs for
Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) portfolio published in December 2020.
Application of Molecular Markers in Revealing Genetic Stability Among In Vitro Regenerants of Different Valeriana Species- a Pharmaceutically Valued Plant
Authors: Saeed Taiba , Ganie Irfan Bashir , Tahseen Sabaha , Wasi Adla , Ahmad Zishan , Shahzad Anwar
Published: September 2023

Valeriana is an important genus due to its immense medicinal properties.
This plant contains over 150-200 chemical constituents, which make it useful as a
herbal remedy for various ailments. Conventionally, these plant species are cultivated
through seeds; however, poor seed setting coupled with low germination rate restricts
its cultivation in the wild as well as poses a problem for its cultivation. Due to irregular
grazing and excessive harvesting by local people for herbal drugs, the wild population
of Valeriana species are at a high risk of rapid elimination and extinction. Plant tissue
culture is one of the most important methods used for the effective conservation of
many rare, endangered and exploited plant species. However, the induction of genetic
variability in regenerants may limit the purpose of micropropagation. Assessing the
clonal fidelity of in vitro derived regenerants is highly essential to know whether plants
are true to type or not. The development and utilization of molecular markers for the
identification of plant genetic diversity is one of the most important progresses in the
field of molecular genetics studies. Molecular markers are a prevalent tool, due to their
stability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use for a variety of applications in the field of
molecular genetics. Several molecular markers have been efficaciously employed to
evaluate the clonal fidelity of the Valeriana clones so that only the elite, genetically
identical plants are propagated. This chapter highlights the biology, pharmacology,
need for micropropagation and application of DNA molecular markers in clonal fidelity
assessment of the in vitro propagated Valeriana species.
Genetic Variation and Genetical Control of Growth and Flowering in Woody Plants: Molecular Techniques
Authors: Igasaki Tomohiro
Published: September 2023

A genetically modified (GM) poplar (Populusnigra) that overexpresses a
key enzyme in the plant hormone gibberellin (GA) synthesis system was produced by
the Agrobacterium method. Gibberellin is known to control the elongation and growth
of higher plants. GA20-oxidase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of active GAs. The
major gibberellin biosynthetic pathway involving the participation of GA20-oxidase is
shown and described along with other genes and enzymes like GA20ox, GA3ox, GA
3beta-hydroxylase, GA2ox, and GA 2beta-hydroxylase. There are six clades in the GA
oxidase gene subfamily. In this chapter, the production of genetically modified (GM)
poplar overexpressing a known tobacco GA 20-oxidase gene, NtGA20ox and a poplar
gene PnGA20ox, classified under the same GA 20-oxidase gene, is described. This
genetic variant and recombinant poplar showed enhanced above-ground growth and
stem biomass production. In addition, GM poplars with altered expression of genes
controlling flower bud formation. This successfully reduced the long juvenile phase
period to less than one year. Genetic modification has made it possible to control tree
growth and reproduction.
Cellular and Molecular Tools for the Investigation of Somatic Embryogenesis in Medicago Species
Authors: Iantcheva Anelia V.
Published: September 2023

The chapter presents the knowledge accumulated on the recent investigation
of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in genera Medicago. The role of 2,4-D in the process of
induction of embryogenic potential in diploid Medicago and its transport by the
combined action of auxin transporters or diffusion of dissociated molecules is
discussed. Among the many methods for studying the process, this chapter is focused
on cellular and molecular tools – flow cytometry, assessment of expression level of SE
related transcripts of key genes of auxin inducible process and different PCR
techniques. Our recent studies on the process of SE in M. truncatula are focused on the
role of the two genes MtLAX3 (an auxin transmembrane transporter) and a
transcriptional factor MtARF-B3 (an auxin response factor, containing a B3-binding
domain). The transcription profiles of these genes are evaluated and their expression
patterns are assessed during indirect somatic embryogenesis – steps of callus
formation, embryogenic zone formation and the stages of globular, torpedo and
cotyledonary embryos. The localization of expression during the process of SE is
traced by the β-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) under the control of the promoters
of these genes. Inverse PCR (IPCR) and Transposon display (TD) are techniques which
evaluate transposition and new retrotransposon copies in the investigated mutant lines,
and we used these methods as markers for the efficiency of the induction phase of the
process of SE. The use of all these methods turns light on a better understanding of the
process of somatic embryogenesis in the model species Medicago truncatula and other
annual medics.
Genetic Stability in Micropropagated Orchids: Assessment by Molecular Markers and Flow Cytometry
Authors: Tikendra Leimapokpam , Dey Abhijit , Ranjan Sahoo Manas , Nongdam Potshangbam
Published: September 2023

Orchids occupy a significant position in the international floricultural market
because of their spectacularly beautiful flowers with varied sizes, forms, patterns, and
colorations. Apart from their high ornamental values, they are known for therapeutic
application in the traditional medicinal system. However, natural orchid resources are
quickly depleting because of excessive unregulated commercial collection and mass
habitat destruction. Orchid production through conventional propagation methods
cannot meet the present demands for these ornamental plants. Micropropagation of
orchids through plant tissue culture provides an excellent opportunity to propagate
true-to-type quality plants on a large scale rapidly. However, somaclonal variation may
appear in the in vitro clones producing undesired plants with phenotypic and molecular
defects. It is obligatory to test the genetic integrity of the propagated plants to ensure
the production of identical quality orchids. Genetic stable orchids are produced by
evaluating the fidelity of the regenerants using molecular markers. The present chapter
highlights the genetic stability assessment of several micropropagated orchids using
molecular markers and the flow cytometry method.