bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilocal Genotyping of Sugarcane White Leaf phytoplasma in Thailand.
Authors: Watcharachaiyakup Jutatape , Burns Parichart , Chaphakdee Patchara , Boonsonti Wuttitharuk , Saengmanee Pimpilai , Kositratana Wichai
Published: July 2023

Sugarcan white leaf (SCWL) phytoplasma is a pathogen associated with sugarcane white leaf, a severe disease causing yield losses in sugarcane plantations, particularly in Asian countries. In this study, 174 SCWL symptomatic sugarcane samples were collected from sugarcane growing areas in the North, Northeastern and Central plain of Thailand. The genotyping was performed using partial 16s rDNA and partial internal transcribed spacer and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) based on six genes including tuf, secY, leuS, secA, AAA1 and GroES. The analysis indicated that partial 16s rDNA and partial internal transcribed spacer and other six genes could divide SCWL phytoplasma within sugarcane samples into two groups: 16SrXI-B and 16SrXI-D. Sugarcane samples found throughout the country consisted of SCWL phytoplasma in 16SrXI-B group (85.6%) while 16SrXI-D group was only found in the Northeastern regions. It was either found with 16SrXI-B in Roi et, Kalasin and Mookdahan provinces or alone in Surin province. The outcome of MLST offered extensive diversity studies of SCWL phytoplasma in Thailand which further information for disease management, detection method development and monitoring.
Clinical Performance Improved by Near-Peer Education: What a Powerful Tool!
Authors: Alves André S. , Taramarcaz Victor , Cerutti Bernard , Genevay Stéphane , Schiffer Eduardo , Perron Noelle Junod
Published: July 2023

Introduction
Near-Peer education has been shown to be beneficial in medicine. The aim of the study was to create a near-peer led formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and assess its impact on students’ performance.
Method
The formative OSCE consisted of a 2-hour session during which 3rd year students (junior) practiced clinical skills under the supervision of a tutor (4th -6th year medical student). The tutor facilitated a group of three students playing successively the roles of the clinician, the observer or the patient in three situations. Both groups were asked to respond to an online survey evaluating their self-perceptions regarding the usefulness of the OSCE (Likert scale 1–5). Junior students’ scores (0-100) at the summative 3rd year OSCE were collected.
Results
115 junior students (72%) attended the formative OSCE. 26 tutors were recruited for teaching. Response rates to the online survey were respectively 46% and 61%. Junior students considered they improved their clinical history taking (mean = 4.55 (SD 0.64)), physical exam (mean = 4.60 (SD 0.63)) and clinical reasoning skills (mean = 4.60 (SD 0.69)). They valued tutors’ feedback (mean = 4.81(SD 0.82) and facilitation skills (mean = 4.42 (SD 1.02)). Those who participated to the OSCE had higher global scores (mean = 79.00(7.24)) than non-participants (mean = 75.54 (SD 6.11)) at the summative OSCE (p = 0.015). Tutors perceived they improved their clinical skills (mean = 3.98(SD 0.94)) and learned teaching skills (mean = 4.80 (SD 0.41)).
Conclusion
Near-peer OSCE is a valuable way to improve junior students’ clinical skills and their performance at summative OSCEs. It allows senior students to enhance their own clinical skills and develop teaching skills.
Development of a fatty acid metabolism-related genes predictive model in colon cancer patients
Authors: wang xuan , Chen Min , Bai Shuheng , Li Rong , Lan Ning , Li Wenyang , Wu Fang , Liu Wanyi , Hu Fengyuan , Zhang Xiangxiang , yang yiping , gao ying , ren juan
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Colon cancer (CC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Fatty acid metabolism, has attracted more attention as an essential part of tumor metabolic reprogramming. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fatty acid metabolism-related genes and clinical survival outcomes in CC.
Method
We downloaded the mRNA expression profiles and clinical information of CC from the TCGA data portal. Expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes and survival data of CC samples were extracted. Univariate Cox analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to identify the fatty acid metabolism-related genes correlated with the prognosis of CC patients. Then, those six prognostic fatty acid metabolism-related genes were used to construct a prognostic model to predict the survival probability of CC patients. Patients were divided into two groups at high and low risk, and the differences in GSEA enrichment, drug sensitivity, immune cell infiltration, the efficacy of immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint expression level between the two groups were discussed. Finally, a novel nomogram integrating the risk score, age, gender, and clinical stages was established to predict the prognosis of CC patients. The Nomogram prediction model's accuracy was evaluated by using calibration plots, ROC curve, and DCA.
Result
449 CC and 41 normal samples were included in this study. A prognostic model based on six fatty acid metabolism-related genes was built to evaluate the prognosis of CC patients. Patients in the high-risk group had poorer overall survival than those in the low-risk group (P < 0.001). The expression level of macrophages and T helper cells were higher, and the expression level of Tregs was lower in the high-risk group. The expression levels of PD-1, LAG3, and CTLA4 were higher in high-risk patients, and the high-risk group had a higher TIDE score, indicating a worse response to immunotherapy. The Calibration plots, ROC curve, and DCA have all proved that the Nomogram system can accurately predict the survival rate of CC patients.
Conclusion
Fatty acid metabolism-related genes can be used as a new therapeutic target for CC and further improve the survival rate of CC patients through individualized therapy.
Induced polarization imparts piezoelectricity in non-crystalline polymer films
Authors: Yang Zhengbao , Yan Xiaodong , Li Xuemu , Long Zhihe , Peng Zehua , Fu Jing , Zhang Zhuomin , Liu Shiyuan , Hong Ying , Li Qi , Zhang Shujun , Damjanovic Dragan
Published: July 2023

Piezoelectric materials produce linear deformation in response to an applied electric field and are essential for precision control devices. The conventional view is that polymers must be crystalline and possess a remanent polarization after an artificial poling in order to gain piezoelectricity. For ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene difluoride), the required poling field is exceptionally high, up to 150–200 volts per micron. Here, we circumvent this limitation by utilizing the elastic displacement of the electric dipoles and creating a net polarization. In this case, the dielectric acts as a piezoelectric as long as a bias electric field is applied, with its piezoelectric coefficient increasing proportionally to the strength of the electric field until polarization saturation sets in. Experiments indicate that a sub-coercive field of 68 volts per micron can induce a high piezoelectric coefficient d33 of − 36 picometers per volt in an unpoled poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) film. The proposed methodology is further extended to amorphous polymers, providing an opportunity to discover new piezoelectrics within the dielectric family.
Conservation tillage promotes crop productivity by changing soil aggregation in oasis farming ecosystems
Authors: Han Chenglong , Zhou Weidi , Gu Yanjie , wang junqiang , Zhou Yanfang , Xue Yunyin , Shi Zhigou , Siddique Kadambot H.M.
Published: July 2023

Background Aims
Conservation tillage benefited soil aggregate function—essential for soil nutrient cycling and plant growth. Nevertheless, little is known about tillage practices' impact on soil particle aggregation, particularly soil nutrients and distribution of enzymes and microbes among different-sized aggregates, and their possible later influence upon other soil functions and processes.
Methods
We conducted a long-term experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) in a region of oasis farming in Northwest China, in which tillage was applied in four treatments: no-tillage, minimal tillage, fold-tillage, and sub-tillage. Soil aggregates were categorized as follow: <0.25 mm (‘micro’), 0.25–2 mm (‘small’), and > 2 mm (‘macro’), whose corresponding nutrient contents, enzymatic activity and stoichiometry were measured, as well as the structure of soil microbial community of those fraction, along with crop productivity.
Results
The no-tillage treatment increased the amount of N, P, and C in soil, the biomass of microbiota, and the availability P and N within micro-aggregates and bulk soil. It also augmented enzymatic activity for acquiring C- and P as well the enzymatic ratio of C: N but decreased that of N: P in micro-aggregates, and promoted crop productivity compared with conventional tillage. Additionally, microbial community structure differed under the four tillage regimes and between the aggregate fractions, especially under conventional tillage, but the tillage system did not affect alpha diversity.
Conclusions
Our results showed that no-tillage restructured the soil microbial community composition of aggregate fractions. Thus, long-term conservation tillage promotes soil functioning and crop productivity by changing soil aggregates in oasis farmland ecosystems.
Histidine reduces the risk of diabetic nephropathy in women by affecting tryptophan metabolism: A cross-sectional study in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: luo weiming , xie mingzhe , wang bowen , zhang wei , zheng jun , Fang Zhong-Ze , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2023

Objective：This study explored the effect of histidine on the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy in different gender populations and it’s specific possible pathway, as well as the influence of Metformin on the pathway.
Methods：This study retrieved 1031 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University in Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China. We used stepwise logistic regression to analyze the association between histidine and diabetic nephropathy in the general population and in gender-stratified populations. And the mediating effect analysis was used to explore the specific pathway of this relationship in the female population.
Results：The protective effect of histidine on diabetic nephropathy was influenced by gender, and it is significant in woman (univariable: OR: 0.68 (95%CI: 0.5,0.93), multivariable: OR: 0.54 (95%CI: 0.38,0.78)). And the specific pathway of its effect was partly through affecting tryptophan metabolism.
Conclusions：The protective effect of histidine against diabetic nephropathy in the female population was stronger than that in the general population, and was negatively affected by Metformin. This helps us pay more attention to the clinical nutritional and preventive value of histidine and tryptophan in female diabetic patients.
Evaluation of Neuroprotective effect of Cassia occidentalis L. against colchicine induced memory impairment in Wistar rats
Authors: Jadhav Devika , Saraswat Nikita , Vyawahare Neeraj , Shirode Devendra
Published: July 2023

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that develops with aging.
Objective: In this research, we have examined the anti - Alzheimer’s effect of ethanolic extract from roots of Cassia occidentalis L. on colchicine induced Alzheimer’s in Wistar rats.
Methods: Ethanolic extract was obtained and spectroscopic, chromatography analysis was performed. Acute toxicity studies using OECD Guidelines 423 were performed to examine and make sure that there were no signs of toxic effects. The induction of AD was done using colchicine which leads to symptoms like neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Body weight, behavioral parameters, locomotor activity, biochemical evaluation was performed.
Results: Pharmacognostic analysis showed the presence of vascular bundles, starch grains, fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, elongated parenchyma, and collenchyma mucilage. Presence of phytoconstituens as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenols was detected. Locomotor activity, Escape latency time, Conditioned avoidance response, Transfer latency were improved with treatment. Interleukin- 6 levels were reduced significantly in treatment Group V (739.2±0.37) than in Group - II (850.6±0.40). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was decreased in Group - V (1030.93±0.00) than in Group - II (1455.06±1.25). A significant decrease in beta-amyloid protein level was observed in Group- II (2.52± 0.10), (3.33±0.90) as compared to Group- V (5.27±0.09), (5.01±0.10) respectively, in the Hippocampus and Entorhinal cortex. Histopathology of the Hippocampus and Entorhinal cortex showed reduced neuroinflammation, diminished amyloid plaques, and neurodegeneration in the treatment groups.
Conclusions: The ethanolic extract from roots of Cassia occidentalis L. improved memory damage, was neuroprotective in Alzheimer’s induced rats. It restored neuronal degeneration in the Hippocampus, and Entorhinal cortex and reduced oxidative stress.
Accuracy and Safety of Carpometacarpal Joint Injection Using Anatomical Landmarks: A Cadaver Study and Review of Literature Running title: Carpometacarpal Joint Injection Using Anatomical Landmarks
Authors: Namazi Hamid , Sadeghi Roohollah , Akbarzadeh Armin
Published: July 2023

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is one of the non-operative treatments for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis that can performed with or without imaging guidance.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carpometacarpal joint injection regarding anatomical landmarks in a cadaveric investigation and reviewing the current literature about this issue.
Materials and methods: Forty wrist specimens from 20 fresh cadavers without any gross scar or deformity in their wrists were recruited. We applied four palpation-based techniques for CMC joint injection using the anatomical snuffbox or the most proximal margin of the metacarpal in neutral or ulnar deviation position of the wrist. After intra-articular injection of methylene blue, the specimens were dissected and checked for accuracy of injection (staining of the CMC joint) and safety of the injection (staining of adjacent neurovascular structures).
Results: The specimens that injections were performed at the proximal part of 1st metacarpal bone, CMC joint was stained accurately in nine specimens in neutral position and seven specimens in ulnar deviated position of the wrist. The specimens that injections were performed at the distal part of anatomical snuffbox, CMC joint was stained accurately in 8 specimens in neutral position and six specimens in ulnar deviated position of the wrist. Comparison of each methods of injection (in both wrist position) did not show significant difference (P=0.478). Also, comparison of each wrist position during injection did not show significant difference between two methods of injection (P=0.152). Neurovascular structures had not been stained after injections.
Conclusion: The results reveal that CMC joint injection without imaging guidance using anatomical landmarks is a safe; however different methods of injection or wrist position did not significantly affect the accuracy of injection.
Comparison of Structural Stability of Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on Choline chloride/Fatty acids and Thymol/Fatty acids in Aqueous Solutions: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies
Authors: pour Samaneh Barani , Sardroodi Jaber Jahanbin , Ebrahimzadeh Alireza Rastkar , Pazuki Gholamreza , Rezvan Vahideh Hadigheh
Published: July 2023

In this work, intermolecular interactions among the species of fatty acids-based DESs and based DESs with fatty acids as hydrogen bond donors (HBD) in the adjacent water have been investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results of this work provide deep insights to understand the water stability of thymol-based DESs and the eutectic mixtures of choline chloride and fatty acids at a temperature of 353.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The strength of the hydrogen bond as well as the distribution of the HBA and HBD around each other was attributed to the alkyl chain length of FAs and the type of HBD. Assessed structural properties include the combined distribution functions (CDFs), the radial distribution functions (RDFs), the angular distribution functions (ADFs), and the Hydrogen bonding network between species and Spatial distribution functions (SDF). The reported results show the remarkable role of the strength of the hydrogen bond between THY molecules and fatty acids on the stability of DES in water. The transport properties of molecules in the binary mixtures in the water was analyzed by using the mean square displacement (MSD) of the centers of mass of the species, self-diffusion coefficients, vector reorientation dynamics (VRD) of bonds and the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) for the center of the mass of species.
Prospective evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid levels of β-Endorphin as a predictor of opioid use after scheduled cesarean delivery
Authors: Pham Amelie , Osmundson Sarah S , Pedowitz Alex , Wickersham Nancy , Sorabella Laura L , Bruehl Stephen
Published: July 2023

Background
Prior laboratory work indicates that lower endogenous opioid function is associated with greater analgesic and subjective responses to opioid analgesics. We evaluated whether lower preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the analgesic endogenous opioid β-Endorphin (BE) were associated with increased opioid use after cesarean delivery (CD).
Methods
We enrolled 136 pregnant women without opioid use or chronic pain who were undergoing CD under regional anesthesia. Preoperatively, participants completed validated pain measures and biospecimens were collected to assess BE levels in plasma and CSF. Postoperatively, pain measures at 48 hours and 2 weeks postpartum were assessed. We evaluated the association between CSF BE levels and total opioid use (in morphine milligram equivalents; MMEs) using linear regression controlling for confounding factors (primary analysis). In secondary analyses, we examined: 1) associations between plasma BE levels and total opioid use, and 2) associations between CSF and plasma BE levels and secondary outcomes (inpatient versus outpatient opioid use, pain intensity).
Results
Participants completed surveys with 100% response rate. The majority were non-Hispanic white (65%), college educated (58%), had private insurance (71%), and had a prior cesarean delivery (69%). Psychiatric diagnoses (depression or anxiety) were common, both currently (22%) and in the past (26%).The median total opioid use across the inpatient and 2-week postpartum follow-up period was 89.1 milligram morphine equivalents (IQR 25–138). Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid β-Endorphin levels were not associated with total opioid use (beta = -0.05, SE 0.45, p = 0.64). Similar findings were noted for plasma β-Endorphin levels. cerebrospinal fluid β-Endorphin levels were only weakly correlated with plasma β-Endorphin levels (r = 0.30, p < .01). Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid and plasma β-Endorphin levels were both positively associated with postpartum pain measures (cerebrospinal fluid: at 48 hours, beta = 0.19, SE 0.16, p < 0.05; Plasma: at 48-hours, beta = 0.02, SE 0.03, p = 0.02, and at 2-weeks, beta = 0.27, SE 0.03, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Lower preoperative cerebrospinal fluid levels of β-Endorphin are not associated with increased opioid analgesic use after scheduled cesarean delivery. It is possible that unassessed variability in baseline opioid receptor sensitivity may have confounded ability to test associations between β-Endorphin levels and opioid use outcomes.
Existence and concentration of solutions for nonlinear Schrödinger-Poisson system with steep potential well
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wu Yunshun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider the existence and concentration of solutions of the Schrödinger-Poisson system −∆u + λV(x)u + K(x)φu = f (x, u), in R 3 , −∆φ = K(x)u 2 , in R 3 , where λ > 0 is a parameter. Under some suitable assumptions on V, K, and f , the existence and concentration of solutions are obtained by using variational methods.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 35A15, 35B38, 35D30
Hydrophobic and mechanical strength enhancement of hemp fabric and paper enabled by waterborne polyurethane-derived functional coating
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Sui Zhihui , Zhang Qi , Sun Lijian , Zu Bin
Published: July 2023

Cellulosic-based materials such as hemp fabric and paper have combined characteristics of renewability, biodegradability, flexibility, and recyclability. However, regular products are not suitable for use in unconventional applications due to inherent limitations, and accordingly, enabling new capabilities is a necessity. To this end, the conversion of regular hemp fabric and paper into high-strength product with hydrophobic function via surface engineering was explored. The fluorinated waterborne polyurethane (FWPU) emulsions were first synthesized as functional coatings by in-situ polymerization. The structure and properties of the FWPU emulsion and film were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM TG, XPS. The results showed that the grafting of perfluorooctanol imparts WPU film excellent hydrophobicity, the water contact angle increases from 71.2º to 105.95º. After the FWPU coating, the water contact angle of the hemp fabric and paper increases from 0º to 117.10º and 112.77°, respectively. Quite encouragingly, the coating generation of waterborne polyurethane-derived functional additives led to the increase of mechanical strength by more than x and x times, in the case of qualitative filter paper and hemp fabric. Overall, this functionalized waterborne polyurethane coating would direct paper and hemp fabric toward diversified applications.
Comparative Study of Bi2 O3 , MgO and ZrO2 Nanomaterials designed by Polymer Sacrificial Method for Amoxicillin delivery and Bone Regeneration: In-Vitro Studies
Authors: Soliman Yasser M. , Mabrouk Mostafa , Raboh Ahmed. S. Abd , Ereiba Khairy T. , Beherei Hanan H.
Published: July 2023

Hard tissue scientists face many difficulties, including persistent osteomyelitis and diseased bone abnormalities. Inorganic mesoporous nanomaterials are excellent candidates for the adsorption and loading of bioactive medicinal substances because to their chemical-physical characteristics. Recently, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide and bismuth oxide nanoparticles are of great surface area and biocompatibility, and they have been described as a new drug delivery carrier. In this study, amoxicillin antibiotic was loaded into the prepared mesoporous nanomaterials (ZrO2, MgO and Bi2O3) to form a local antibiotic delivery system. The prepared mesoporous nanomaterials were investigated by XRD, FTIR, TEM, zeta potential and BET surface area measurements. Amoxicillin antibiotic was released from the prepared mesoporous nanomaterials in PBS. The effectiveness of the antibacterial study against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains was assessed. The cytotoxicity study of the human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) was tested for all prepared mesoporous nanomaterials utilizing MTT assay. ZrO2 demonstrated particle diameters in the range of (5.26– 11.47nm), MgO was (70–80nm) and Bi2O3 was (9.79– 13.7nm). The greater surface area was confirmed for Bi2O3 sample (3.99 m2g− 1) by BET surface area. Amoxicillin loaded mesoporous nano powders exhibited impressive antibacterial and antifungal activities. MgO and Bi2O3 mesoporous nanoparticles exhibited better antimicrobial activities compared to ZrO2 sample. The proliferation for all samples gave good results especially for MgO and Bi2O3. As a result, the produced mesoporous nanomaterials have a significant potential for use as medicine delivery systems for bone regeneration and for enhancing the properties of other products in medical applications.
Global boundedness and large time behavior in a signal-dependent motility system with nonlinear signal consumption
Authors: Tian Ya , Xie Guoqing
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we deal with the following system with nonlinear signal consumption
under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a smooth bounded domain
$\Omega \in {\mathbb{R}^n} \left( {n \ge 2} \right)$. It shown that whenever $r > 0,\mu > 0,\alpha > 2, \beta > 0 \text{ and } \frac{\alpha }{\beta } > \frac{{n + 2}}{2}$,then the original system will produce a global classical solution and the solution converges to equilibrium
\\
\noindent{\bf Keywords}: Global existence; Boundedness; Signal-dependent motilities; Large time behavior. \\
\noindent{\bf AMS(2020) Subject Classification}: 35A01, 35B65, 35K65, 35Q92, 92C17.
Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fang Jianxun , Cao Yuze , Ni Jun
Published: July 2023

Background
Intracranial aneurysm (IA) accounts for a substantial source of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, with inflammation postulated as a potential factor in its pathogenesis. The present study aims at evaluating the association between circulating inflammatory cytokines and risk of IA under a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design.
Methods
For primary analysis, summary statistics of inflammatory regulators was obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 8,293 Finnish participants. Summary data of IA was extracted from a GWAS which comprised 7,495 cases and 71,934 controls in European descent. For targeted analysis, summary statistics were extracted from two proteomic studies, which recruit 3,301 and 5,368 European participants, respectively. Summary data of IA were acquired from FinnGen study with 5,342 cases and 342,673 controls. We employed inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as main approach, with sensitivity analyses using weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO methods. Reverse MR analyses were conducted to minimize bias from reverse causality.
Results
No causation of cytokines with IA was identified in both primary and targeted analysis after Bonferroni correction. In primary analysis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor basic (bFGF) levels were suggestively associated with IA [(VEGF→IA: odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.02–1.20, P = 0.01; bFGF→IA: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48–0.96, P = 0.03]. Statistical significance failed to replicate in targeted analysis. Instead, suggestive protective effects for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) were identified in FGF-9 (FGF-9→aSAH: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62–0.89, P = 0.001) and FGF-16 (FGF-16→aSAH: OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72–0.97, P = 0.017). Furthermore, reverse analyses identified suggestive effect of IA and its subtypes on IL-10, RANTES, MIF, GRO-alpha, FGF-16, and FGF-19. Result remained robust after applying sensitivity tests.
Conclusions
Our study provided novel insights into the potential protective role of FGF-9 and FGF-16 in aSAH. Future studies are in need to evaluate the temporal dynamics of cytokines in conjunction with IA.
The Causal Role of Esophageal Cancer and Gut Microbiota: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Su Wei , Chen Han , Ye Bixing , Si Xinmin , Zhang Weifeng , Li Xueliang , Zhang Guoxin
Published: July 2023

Aims
Esophageal cancer (EC) and gut microbiota are reported to be clinically relevant but their genetic association is unclear. We carried out a bidirectional MR analyses to assess the casual relationship between EC and gut microbiota from fecal samples.
Methods
The microbiome genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 18,340 individuals provided by MiBioGen consortium and the EC GWAS data (740 esophageal cancers cases and 372,016 controls) provided by UK Biobank were respectively utilized as exposure and/or outcome data. Reliable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained after rigorous screening. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. The sensitivity analyses including the MR-Egger method, weighted median, MR-PRESSO and mode methods were performed to examine the stability, heterogeneity and pleiotropy of the results.
Results
Forward MR analysis revealed genetic liability to gut microbiota was associated with a higher risk of EC (Coprobacter (OR 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002); Ruminococcus1 (OR 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002); Turicibacter (OR 0.999, 95%CI 0.998-1.000); Senegalimassilia (OR 1.002, 95%CI 1.000-1.003); Veillonella (OR 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002)) or a significantly lower risk of EC (Eubacterium oxidoreducens (OR 0.999, 95%CI 0.998-1.000); Lachnospira (OR 0.998, 95%CI 0.996-1.000); Romboutsia (OR 0.999, 95%CI 0.998-1.000)). Reverse MR analysis showed that genetic liability to EC was also causally linked to increased susceptibility of gut microbiota dysbiosis (genera Eggerthella (Beta 37.63, 95%CI 4.76–70.50); Coprococcus2 (Beta 23.90, 95%CI 1.65–46.15); ChristensenellaceaeR.7 (Beta 22.75, 95%CI 4.22–41.28); genera Intestinimonas (OR -33.24, 95%CI-54.90–11.58)).
Conclusions
Our findings supported a bidirectionally causal relationship between gut microbiota and EC, implying the potential of gut microbiota as novel biomarkers and therapeutic drugs for EC.
Melatonin protects ovarian function in whole cryopreserved rat ovarian transplantation via the MT1/Nrf2/ARE pathway
Authors: Xie Lingyun , Hua Keqin , Zhang Xuyin , Ding Yan
Published: July 2023

Background: Whole ovarian transplantation has the potential to restore fertility in cancer patients, but ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury following transplantation causes decreased graft function. Melatonin protects against antioxidant damage and has anti-inflammatory effects, but its effects in whole ovarian transplantation have not been investigated.Objective:This study was aimed to verify the beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin in whole ovarian transplantation.Methods: The cryopreserved whole ovaries were allotransplanted in LEWIS rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: control group, sham surgery group, saline group; low-dose (25 mg/kg) melatonin group; high-dose (50 mg/kg) melatonin group; melatonin (50 mg/kg) + ML385 group; melatonin (50 mg/kg) + luzindole group, and melatonin+ 4P-PDOT group. The estrous cycle recovery was evaluated by vaginal exfoliative cell monitoring and serum hormone. Follicle morphology was observed by HE. The levels of eoxidative stress factors, antioxidant factors, and inflammatory factors in both serum and ovarian tissues were measured by ELISA, RT-qPCR, western blot and fenton detection. RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure the levels of MT1 and Nrf2.Results: The rats in high-dose and low-dose melatonin groups recovered estrous cycle faster and lost fewer follicles, and the serum endocrine hormone levels were close to normal. The serum and ovarian tissue antioxidant capacity were significant higher, while the levels of inflammatory factors were significant lower in the high-dose and low-dose melatonin groups. In addition, the melatonin receptor MT1 was found to be involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes. Melatonin also triggered the Nrf2/ARE pathway activity via receptor MT1. Blocking Nrf2 or MT1 receptors could eliminate the beneficial effects of melatonin on whole transplanted ovaries. These findings suggest that melatonin can attenuate oxidative stress injury and inflammatory responses in whole transplanted ovaries via the MT1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, thereby effectively protecting whole transplanted ovarian function.
Caregiver Perspective in a Mental Diagnosis of Hyperreligiosity
Authors: Akintobi Aminat
Published: July 2023

Until the 20th century, religion was often seen from a negative perspevctive in the psychiatric treatment of mental illnesses. However, this has changed within the last fifty years to a more positive perspective, with psychiatrists overlapping religious beliefs of patients in psychiatry treatments. Family menbers are usually the primary caregivers of persons with mental health disorders. Caregiving for the mentally ill takes a physical as well as mental toll on the carer. Activities carried out by the caregiver include monitoring the administration of drugs; commuting the patient to and from hospital vistis; the fincial burden and many others. In a mental illness scenario, the caregiver bears the brunt of the behavioral pattern of the mentally ill patient, this includes giving emotional support to the ill family member. This study joins a body of research that documents the perspective of caregivers in the observation, diagnosis and treatment plan of mania hyperreligiosity. This study presents the case of a 55-year old middle aged female, who presented with a diagnosis of mania hyperreligiosity. Having carried out caregiving activities for the family member, the author concludes that the role of a caregiver include administration of medicines, observing and reporting improvement of the patient; observing and reporting side effect; and since this a behavioural defect illness, conversing with the patient to determine their mental status; and motivating the patient to udnergo treatment. Following the importance of the caregiver role, the author documenta that it is important for psychiatrists to view caregivers as a resource rather than a medical care seeker. Psychiatry physicians will do well to involve the perspective and advice of the caregiver in care plans.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Prevalence in the Hospital and University Environment in Damascus and the Relation Thereof to Risk Factors
Authors: Alchaar Lujain H. , Badra Yaman B. , Rachid Modar H. , alhweidi Raghd A. , Badra Selim B. , Ali Ayman
Published: July 2023

AIM
the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of GERD in relation to the risk factors in hospital and university environment.
METHODS
a multi-centered cross sectional study that included 1357 participants of different age groups and a questionnaire was given out to each participant, where it asked about risk factors and the GERD. A questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence, where a score of 8 was presumed ill.
RESULT
18.7% were diagnosed with GERD the risk factors related to GERD with P-value of 0.05 or below, were male sex, smoking, caffeine intake, eating only one meal per day, medium exercise, being stress most of the time and taking medications.
Estimating epidemiological parameters and underreporting of Covid-19 cases in Brazil using a multi-wave mathematical model
Authors: Lima Hélder , Tupinambás Unaí , Guimarães Frederico
Published: July 2023

In this study, we reproduce the first four waves of Covid-19 in Brazil and present a comprehensive analysis. Using a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Dead-Susceptible (SIRDS) model with breakpoints, we estimated the Basic Reproduction Number (R0), Infection Fatality Rate (IFR), and immunity period. Our model inferred an R0 of 1.8, decreasing to 1.02 during the first wave, aligned with early outbreak stages characterized by reduced human mobility. Our model suggests that approximately half of the Brazilian population was exposed in the first two waves, indicating substantial underreporting (1:5) for this period. For the third and fourth waves, the model estimated 17 and 19 times more infections than reported cases, suggesting increasing underreporting in these waves. Furthermore, our model estimates an IFR of 0.57% for the first two waves and 0.03% for the third and fourth waves. In conclusion, Brazil successfully reduced the R0 during the first wave; however, the absence of public health measures, such as the reduction of human mobility and a most effective vaccine campaign, during the second wave resulted in higher mortality rates. The third and fourth waves exhibited lower mortality rates, which we attribute to vaccination coverage, prior exposure to the virus, and lower lethality of the Omicron variant.
Youth, political violence and ZANU-PF politics in Zimbabwe, c.1950-2018
Authors:   , Munyarari Tinashe
Published: July 2023

This study is a socio-political aspect of Zimbabwean history. It examines the development of youth political violence starting from the late 1950s when violent forms of African political mobilisation emerged to 2018 when the first election without Robert Mugabe was held. It explores how early nationalist parties such as the Salisbury City Youth League (SCYL), Southern Rhodesia African National Congress (SRANC), National Democratic Party (NDP), Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and later the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) mobilised and socialised youths into political violence to understand the roots of the violent political culture in Zimbabwe. This study shows that youths were an important part of the strategies of these political parties in countering the violence of the colonial state as well as mobilising mass support for the movements during the liberation struggle. It reveals that war collaborators (mujibhas and chimbwidos) were central role players in instigating political violence against innocent and defenceless people during the war. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Youth brigades and the ZANU-PF Youth League became a key constituent for state-socialist developmental goals but they were at times manipulated as a resource for political violence when Mugabe’s power was challenged. The study shows that more grotesque violence occurred in the 2000s era when the National Youth Service (NYS) was introduced and state-sanctioned vigilante groups like Chipangano in Mbare emerged in response to the rise of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and diminishing of consensual power. This study argues that youth were not mere victims and perpetrators of political violence, but they were a collection of various interest sub-groups with diverse agendas and a sense of agency. Some joined violent groups for their social mobility, power, impunity and economic opportunities availed to the group members. Data for this study was drawn from Mbare and Highfields (in Harare Province) and Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe (in Mashonaland East Province).
The Value of Epicardial Adipose Tissue for Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaocong , Zeng Hailong , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background:

Recently, some clinical researches have shown epicardial adipose tissue to
play a pivotal role in prognosis for patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI),
but the results are still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate
the value of epicardial adipose tissue for the prognosis of patients treated with PCI.

Method:

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane
Library for studies evaluating the association of EAT and patients treated with PCI published up to
January 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the studies.
Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager V.5.3.

Result:

Thirteen studies enrolling 3683 patients were eventually included in our study. The thickness
or volume of EAT measured were significantly higher in the ISR group compared to those in
the non-ISR group (the standard mean difference of 0.34, 95% CI, 0.18-0.49, p<0.0001; I2=36%).
The incidence of no-reflow was significantly higher in the thicker EAT group compared to the thin
EAT group (pooled relative ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.29-1,80, p<0.0001; I2 =0%). Thicker EAT was
significantly associated with MACEs (pooled relative ratio 1.50, 95% 1.18-1.90, p=0.008). A lower
EAT volume was associated with larger infarct size in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI
(standard mean difference -5.45, 95% CI -8.10, -2.80; p<0.0001; I2=0%).

Conclusion:

In summary, our systemic review and meta-analysis suggests that high EAT is related
to a significantly increased risk of non-reflow, MACEs, and decreased infarct size in patients with
CAD treated with PCI. This paradox phenomenon demonstrates that the quality of EAT may play a
more important role than the sole thickness or volume of EAT.
RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SINONASAL, INTRAORBITAL AND INTRACRANIAL EXTENSION OF MUCORMYCOSIS IN POSTCOVID PATIENTS
Authors: Kalekar Tushar , Rangankar Varsha , Karanjule Pooja , Jaipuria Radhika , Kathuria Sahil , Patil Neeraj , NK Girish
Published: July 2023

Background: Mucormycosis is a fatal and progressive condition that affects immunocompromised patients in the post-COVID state. Radiological assessment by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is useful to determine the severity and extent of the disease. Objective: The objective of this research is to evaluate mucormycosis in post-COVID patients using radiological investigations like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and also to study the extent of disease in patients with diabetes and with steroid/ immunosuppressant use. Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken at Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital and Medical College, Pimpri Pune from March-June 2021. All patients who presented with mucormycosis were either COVID-19 positive or recovered from COVID-19 infection. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in these patients. Results: The association between the status of diabetes mellitus and extent of involvement, steroids/immunosuppressant use and extent of involvement was statistically significant with a p value of <0.001. Conclusion: Patients with post COVID-19 status and diabetic status with steroid therapy during the treatment of COVID-19 may increase the risk of developingopportunistic infections like mucormycosis. Post COVID-19 related mucormycosis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
THE DEPICTION OF GENERAL PHYSICIAN’S KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Raisa Neila , Insanitaqwa Adeliza Firzarosany , Rahayu Masruroh
Published: July 2023

Background: Parkinson's disease still requires special attention considering that this condition is a progressive disease that leads to a decrease in the quality of life and life expectancy of the patient. Objective: This study aims to determine the level of understanding of general practitioners regarding Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Methods: We conducted a one group pretest posttest design study on 124 general practitioners who attended the World Parkinson Day Seminar. . The research instrument was a questionnaire with 20 questions, filled in by the participants independently. Knowledge level categories are good (76-100), sufficient (56-75), and poor (<55). Results: The result of the study showed that 18% [22 respondents] had a good level of understanding, 58% [72 respondents] had sufficient knowledge, and 24% [30 respondents] had poor knowledge in terms of the pretest score. There was an increase in the average score (from 65.93 to 78.9) of the respondents after attending the seminar (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study identified that there was a significantly increased level of knowledge of Parkinson's disease symptoms after the seminar for general practitioners in Indonesia.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING DURING SCOLIOSIS SURGERY: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Tanumihardja Sylvia , Supantini Dedeh , Gunadi Julia Windi , Sanjaya Ardo , Marcella Katherine
Published: July 2023

Mechanical damage to nerve fibers during scoliosis correction can result in severe neurological disorders. It has been demonstrated that intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during spinal surgery reduces the risk of motor deficits or paraplegia. Despite significant advances in the technique and application of IONM (intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring), data reporting the impact of implementing intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring on scoliosis surgery intervention remains very limited. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the correlation between the application of IONM and the risk of neurologic deficits in scoliosis patients undergoing surgery. The database sourced from PubMed (Jan 2010 to Jan 2022) was used to identify all studies evaluating the effectiveness and impact of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during scoliosis surgery and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. This systematic review included five studies. Multimodal IONM, with its high sensitivity and specificity, provides an objective benchmark that surgeons can implement to review surgical strategies to reduce the risk of permanent neurologic deficits. Multimodal IONM can be considered the gold standard of IONM in scoliosis surgery to prevent neurological damage and provide a more satisfactory result of surgical intervention.
PANCOAST TUMOR PRESENTING WITH HORNER SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tedjo Raden Andi Ario , Hillary Hillary , Tjung Vivienne , Putra Stefanus Erdana , Hafizhan Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Case Report: A 50-year-old man was referred to Dr. Moewardi General Hospital with history of right chest pain that radiate to the right back and hand for 2 months. His complaint did not improve with medication and physical therapy. On physical examination we observed multiple nodules on the right axilla, scapula, and colli region. Neurological examination revealed right sided partial ptosis, anisocoria, ipsilateral weakness, and ipsilateral allodynia, and anhidrosis T1 dermatome. CT-scan showed a right lung mass in the superior lobe of the apical segment. The diagnosis of Horner syndrome is then established caused by multiple lymphadenopathies. His symptoms then relieved after lymphadenectomy. Conclusion: Horner syndrome, characterized by ipsilateral pupillary anisocoria, ptosis and anhidrosis, is one of the complications of Pancoast tumor invasion to the sympathetic nervous system in the C8, T1, and T2 nerve territory.
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LACUNAR ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS
Authors: Khairunnisa Anindyta Murfia , Amalia Lisda , Aristiady Eppy Buchori , Nugraha Harry Galuh , Hermawan Asep Nugraha
Published: July 2023

Background: Stroke is the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Ischemic stroke covered 85% of stroke types. Based on the subtypes of ischemic stroke, lacunar ischemic stroke encompassed 20% of them. Knowing the characteristics help physicians to diagnose patients clinically and offer management to treat risk factors. Objective: This study aimed to know the characteristics of lacunar ischemic stroke based on patients risk factors, ischemic location on CT-scan, clinical syndrome, and NIHSS score. Methods: Using retrospective analytical study with cross sectional approach, medical record data from 2019-2022 were collected from RSUP DR. Hasan Sadikin Bandung. Results: From 60 patients, 35% (21) are 55-64 years old. Both sexes are equally distributed. 50 patients (83.3%) have multiple risk factors. Out of 60 patients, 57 (95%) have hypertension, 8 (13.3%) have diabetes mellitus, 44 (73.3%) have dyslipidemia, 6 (10%) have hyperuricemia, and 14 (23.3%) smoke. On admission, out of 60 patients, 34 (56.7%) have mild stroke, 23 (38.3%) have moderate stroke, 2 (3.3%) have moderate to severe stroke, and 1 (1.7%) has severe stroke. 44 (73.3%) out of 60 patients have pure motor hemiparesis. 41 (68.3%) out of 60 patients have basal ganglia ischemic. Conclusion: Lacunar ischemic stroke patients were equally distributed in sex with peak incidence occur between 55-64 years old. Most patients have multiple risk factors, basal ganglia lesion, pure motor hemiparesis, and history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. On admission, most patients have mild stroke, followed by moderate stroke.