bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review: Potential of Curcumin Compounds as Immunostimulants in the Prevention of SARS-CoV 2 Virus
Authors: Ma’arif Burhan , Suryanto Suryanto , Lestari Arianti , Batrisyia Asna Defi
Published: March 2023

Curcumin is a compound from the turmeric rhizome plant (Curcuma longa), which has immunostimulating activity. This activity has been tested pre-clinically in vitro, in vivo, and in silico. It can be used as raw material for drugs in the development of new drugs to prevent the SARS-CoV 2 virus. The purpose of this study was to examine the immunostimulatory activity of turmeric in vitro, in vivo, and in silico and to explore the mechanism of curcumin compounds as immunostimulants. The method used in this systematic review is Systematic-Meta Analysis by identifying articles from several journal databases (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Garuda Dikti). Furthermore, the article selection process used a PRISMA guideline flow chart. This process found 15 articles as the main reference, five articles containing in vitro research, five in vivo, and five in silico from the turmeric rhizome plant. In vitro, preclinical tests show that curcumin compounds have an immunostimulating effect characterized by the occurrence of proliferation and activation in several types of immune system cells. In vivo study was proven by increased phagocytic activity and increased leukocyte production in experimental animals. Whereas in silico was demonstrated by the binding of various SARS-CoV 2 receptors.
In Silico Antiosteoporosis Activity of 96% Ethanol Extract of Chrysophyllum cainito L. Leaves
Authors: Ma’arif Burhan , Muslikh Faisal Akhmal , Najib Luqman Alfani , Atmaja Ria Ramadhani Dwi , Dianti Meilina Ratna
Published: March 2023

Estrogen deficiency causes various health problems in postmenopausal women, including osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens are emerging as potential estrogen alternatives with minimal side effects. This study aimed to predict the antiosteoporosis activity of the compounds from 96% ethanol extract of Chyrsophyllum cainito L. leaves through in silico study on 3OLS protein, an X-ray protein of ERβ. In silico analysis was carried out on the compounds from metabolite profiling results of 96% ethanol extract of C. cainito leaves from previous studies. The structure of compounds resulting from metabolite profiling of 96% ethanol extract of C. cainito leaves was made using Avogadro 1.0.1 software, geometry optimization with Chemdraw molecular docking was carried out using PyRx 0.8 software, and Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer 2021 software was used to visualize the structure of compounds against 3OLS proteins. The physicochemical characteristics of the compounds were analyzed using the SwissADME webtool. From the result, it was known that there were seven compounds in the leaves of C. cainito, which were suspected to be phytoestrogens that had ERβ agonist properties against 3OLS protein. It was an ERβ agonist because the compound had similar parameters to 17β-estradiol in its interaction with the 3OLS protein, which had a pharmacophore distance of about 10,862, and bound to the amino acids His 475 and Glu 305 or Arg 346. The 96% ethanol extract of C. cainito leaves contained seven compounds thought to be phytoestrogen with an ERβ agonist that handled its antiosteoporosis activity.
Acetylation of Emodin and Cytotoxic Activity Effect Against HepG2 Cell Lines
Authors: Firdayani Firdayani , Nuralih Nuralih , Kusumastuti Siska Andrina , Hasan Hasan
Published: March 2023

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone) is an anthraquinone bioactive compound used as a lead compound because it exhibits potential anticancer properties. Structural modifications were made at the C3 position and its relationship to cytotoxic activity against the HepG2 cell line to determine the pharmacophore group of this compound. The hydroxy group at C3 emodin is converted to an ester group to produce 3-acetyl emodin. In addition, docking simulations into the cancer target protein casein kinase-2 were also carried out to predict molecular interactions. Emodin was reacted with anhydrous acetate and confirmed the product confirmation using LCMS/MS, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. Emodin and 3-acetyl emodin were tested for cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells in vitro. Cytotoxic emodin and 3-acetyl emodin tests on HepG2 cells resulted in Cytotoxic concentrations 50 (CC50) of 0.54 mM and 0.42 mM, respectively. The results showed that modifying the C3 hydroxyl group with acetyl can increase the cytotoxic effect more than emodin. This research is expected to provide information regarding the structure-activity relationship of emodin in cancer cells and the expansion of new drug applications for additional cancers.
The Benefits of Removing Dirty Blood with Traditional Cupping Treatment
Authors: Amiruddin Muhammad , Syafitri Layla Intan , Rabbani Afif , Muthmainnah Aisya Kayla , Salsabila Ainun Tusamma
Published: March 2023

In daily life, Muslims are ordered to behave by the teachings in the Al-Quran and the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, including regarding health. In the world of health, it is known that alternative medicine in the style of Rasulullah SAW is known as At-Thibb Al-Nabawi; one example is cupping therapy. The purpose of preparing this paper is to master the meaning of cupping, the procedures for carrying out cupping, and knowing the urgency and virtues of cupping. The research method used is a literature study. Cupping is the oldest traditional medicine method in the world, believed to have existed since 3000 BC. It aims to remove blood contaminated with toxins resulting from metabolism through the skin's surface by using a tube or glass placed on the skin's surface as a place to collect the dirty blood. There are five types of cupping: dry cupping, wet cupping, sliding cupping, fire cupping, and synergy cupping. Cupping features include pain relief, increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, overcoming cardiovascular disease, lowering cholesterol, treating diabetes mellitus, and many more.
Terapi Bekam (Hijamah) dalam Perspektif Islam dan Medis
Authors: Hidayat Hakmi , Amiruddin Muhammad , Aktifa Ana Fadilia , Haryadi Mahardika Chory , Azzahra Nabila
Published: March 2023

Muslims have the holy book Al-Quran and Hadith as the main source of law in various issues, including health. One of the medical therapies mentioned in the Al-Qur'an and Hadith is cupping, which removes dirty blood from the body through a wound process carried out on the surface of the skin. This study aims to discover the history of cupping until it becomes a form of health therapy as well as views from the Islamic and medical side of cupping therapy. The method used is a literature study. Cupping therapy has existed since ancient Egypt and developed in various civilizations in various countries in the world, from Egypt, China, Europe, and America. The law of cupping in Islam is permissible and has been found in the books of nine hadith figures, special discussion of cupping is mentioned 275 times. The Prophet SAW recommended cupping in the middle of the month or after the middle of the month, but it is customary to do it in the third week. Cupping therapy in the medical world is explained using the approach of traditional medicine and modern medicine. Both agree that cupping therapy at certain points in the body can cure several diseases where the cupping is done or far from the area where the cupping is done. The benefits of cupping from a medical point of view are curing local ailments (neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, headaches, and migraines) and systematic diseases (Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis). In cupping therapy, it is mandatory to carry out infection control (washing hands before starting therapy, wearing complete PPE, disinfecting the skin and the place of therapy, managing waste, and trying to use disposable therapy equipment).
The Educational Epistemology Of Traditional Pesantren
Authors: Ahmad Sulton
Published: March 2023

This study aims to explore the reasons al-Maqbul pesantren maintains the traditional education system in the educational epistemology perspective. This research is qualitative, describe data obtained from the field and literature related to the discussion. To get the data used data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. This study resulted in the findings, namely: (1) The reason al-Maqbul pesantren maintains the traditional education system cannot be separated from the epistemological construction of education; (2) The influence of the epistemological foundation of education at the al-Maqbul pesantren on its educational goals can be identified from Bayani's tendency to place sources of knowledge instead of logical reasoning, empirical observations, and scientific methods. However, the texts of the Qur'an, Hadith, and the Yellow Book; (3) According to the view of al-Maqbul pesantren, truth, knowledge, and educational methods are obtained from the texts of the Qur'an, Hadith, and the Yellow Book. The conclusion of this study is that al-Maqbul pesantren still maintains the purity of its original identity as a place to study religious sciences for its students. All knowledge learned in this pesantren is entirely religious in nature, sourced from Arabic-language books, does not include general knowledge in the education system.
Perbaikan Beberapa Karakteristik Limbah Cair Tahu Menggunakan Variasi Jumlah Tanaman Kangkung (Ipomoea Aquatica) dan Tanaman Kiambang (Pistia Stratiotes)
Authors: HM Erika Irfan Rusyadi , Setiawati Tri Candra
Published: March 2023

Industri pabrik tahu menghasilkan limbah cair tahu sebagai bahan sisa produksinya. Limbah cair tahu yang tidak dikelola akan menimbulkan permasalahan seperti pencemaran ketika dibuang ke sungai. Bahan organik di dalam limbah cair tahu sangat tinggi, proses dekomposisi diperlukan supaya dapat terdegradasi. Karakteristik limbah cair tahu memiliki konsentrasi DO yang rendah, TSS tinggi, dan pH asam. Penggunaan tanaman kangkung dan kiambang berfungsi untuk mengelola limbah cair tahu supaya sesai dengan Peraturan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup No. 05 Tahun 2014 tentang baku mutu air limbah tahu. Tanaman kangkung dan kiambang memiliki potensi untuk memperbaiki karakteristik limbah cair tahu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu mengetahui pengaruh variasi jumlah tanaman kangkung dan kiambang, serta konsentrasi limbah cair tahu terhadap perbaikan beberapa karakteristik limbah cair tahu. Penelitian disusun dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) faktorial menggunakan dua faktor dan pengulangan sebanyak tiga kali. Faktor pertama yaitu jumlah tanaman terdiri dari tanpa tanaman (T0), 15 tanaman kangkung (T1), 30 tanaman kangkung (T2), 15 tanaman kiambang (T3), dan 30 tanaman kiambang (T4) dan faktor kedua yaitu konsentrasi limbah cair tahu terdiri dari konsentrasi 75% (K1) dan konsentrasi 100% (K2). Variabel yang diamati yaitu DO, TSS, TDS, pH, tinggi tanaman, berat basah tanaman, jumlah daun, persentase kematian tanaman. Data dianalisis dengan ANOVA jika berbeda nyata dilakukan uji Duncan dengan taraf 5%. Faktor tunggal jumlah tanaman hari ke-7 menunjukkan pengaruh berbeda sangat nyata pada DO dan TSS, berbeda nyata pada TDS, serta berbeda tidak nyata pada pH. Faktor tunggal konsentrasi limbah hari ke-7 menunjukkan pengaruh berbeda sangat nyata pada TSS, berbeda nyata pada TDS, serta berbeda tidak nyata pada DO dan pH. Perlakuan terbaik adalah T4K1 dengan konsentrasi DO tertinggi dan TSS terendah. Tanaman kiambang tidak efektif digunakan untuk limbah dengan pH asam karena akan mengalami kematian serta tanaman kangkung masih belum efektif untuk memperbaiki beberapa karakteristik limbah cair tahu.
Three Body Mass Index Classification Comparison In Predicting Hypertension Among Middle-Aged Indonesians
Authors: Tri Sutanti Puji Hartati  , Emyr Reisha Isaura
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular disease is one of the severe causes of death in low-middle-income countries. Being overweight and obese relates to a higher risk of hypertension, which further increases the risk of CVD. Therefore, determining body mass index (BMI) cut-off points is essential to provide a new scale for early and accurate screening. This study aimed to compare three classifications of BMI defined by WHO, Indonesia, and Asian criteria in predicting hypertension in middle-aged Indonesians. We used the 2014 Indonesian Family Life Survey data and included a total sample of 9737 respondents aged 40-60-year-old. We compared values (specificity, sensitivity, negative and positive predictive value, false-positive rate, negative and positive likelihood ratio, Youden index, and prevalence) of three BMI criteria (WHO, Indonesian, and Asian) between groups (Group 1: normal BMI vs overweight + obese BMI; group 2: normal + overweight BMI vs obese BMI) to determine the cut-off points of BMI related to hypertension. The hypertension prevalence was significantly higher in women (48.3%) than in men (42.0%). Respondents’ BMI was positively associated with hypertension.  The Asian BMI classification showed better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, FPR, LR+, LR-, and Youden index in group 1 than in group 2. Thus, this study proposed a fitted BMI cut-off point for overweight was ≥23 kg/m2 and for obesity was ≥25 kg/m2 as the early screening of overweight and obesity related to hypertension among the middle-aged population in Indonesia.
Risk Factors Affecting Stunting of Toddlers in Murtajih Village, Pamekasan District
Authors: Fikri Arifah Annisa , Komalyna I Nengah Tanu
Published: March 2023

The incidence of stunting in toddlers is still high which is caused by inadequate nutritional intake in the long term. The purposed of this study is to analyze the risk factors for stunting in children under five. This research was conducted from November 24 - December 7, 2021, in Murtajih Village, Pamekasan Regency. This research design uses the case control method. Respondents as the case group in this study were mothers with toddlers aged 12 – 59 months with nutritional status in the stunting category, and respondents as control groups were mothers with toddlers of the same age with normal nutritional status. Data analysis used the Chi-square test and logistic regression. The results of the analysis showed that the risk factors for stunting in children under five were the respondents consuming the amount of blood-added tablets during pregnancy that did not meet the standard (OR= 11; 95% CI= 1.998–60.572), birth length (OR= 4; 95% CI= 0.983–16.271), breastfeeding status (OR = 7.364; 95% CI= 1.337 – 40.548), basic immunization status (OR= 6; 95% CI= 1.082–33.274), history of diarrheal disease (OR= 0.074; 95% CI = 0.013 – 0.411), and a history of ARI (OR= 0.095; 95% CI= 0.021 – 0.440). It can be concluded that the consumption of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablet does not match the standard and is the most dominant risk factor for stunting in children under five. Meanwhile, toddlers who do not have a history of diarrhea and ARI can prevent the risk of stunting in toddlers.
The Influence of Parents Behaviour and Practice on Their Family Health
Authors: Bushara Mohamed Osman Elamin
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Parents’ behavior and practices affect many aspects of family life, including health, and many studies have proven that children's bad habits are associated with parents’ behavior and practices.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify parents’ negative behaviors that might affect their families’ health and social development.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the influence of parents’ behavior and practices on their family health, in which 192 respondents participated.

Results: The results clarified the influence of parents on family health in several aspects. On the behavioral side, approximately 90% of the participants agreed that the behavior of parents may affect the behavior of their families, and the social and educational side results clarified the relationship between parents' illiteracy and support for the cognitive and social health of the family.

Discussion: This study clarified that there is a significant relationship between illiterate parents and their ability to support their families, illustrating that the majority of participants thought that the development of the cognitive and social health of families depends on the presence of supportive parents, which has many implications for family social and psychological health.

Conclusion: Parental behaviors and practices have a strong effect on their family’s health, which affects the development of the families’ cognitive and social health.

Recommendation: The study recommends the need for supportive, friendly hospitals for family social health and the provision of specialized programs that support the family’s social and psychological health.
The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements on the Cryptocurrency
Industry Through a Multi-Level Latent Class Analysis and
Multidisciplinary Study
Authors: Shah Rushil
Published: March 2023

This research paper aims to examine the various aspects of cryptocurrencies, from their inception to their current status in the financial market, using a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates mathematical and psychological methods to explore the factors that contribute to the success of celebrity endorsements and the potential risks associated with them. The first section (1.1) of this research paper will provide an overview of cryptocurrencies, exploring their history, functionality, and impact on the global financial market. This will involve examining the technical details behind cryptocurrencies, such as blockchain technology, and the differences between various types of virtual assets. The research will also discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of investing in cryptocurrencies, as well as the regulatory challenges they face. The second section (2.1) of the research paper will focus on the psychological aspect of cryptocurrency investing, analyzing the connection between personality traits and the likelihood of purchasing a cryptocurrency based on a celebrity endorsement. This will involve investigating Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences to understand the qualities that make people more susceptible to investing in a cryptocurrency without prior knowledge (Gardner, 1983). The third section (3.1) of the research paper will delve into the mathematical side of cryptocurrency investing, examining the factors that contribute to the success of celebrity endorsements and the artificial growth of cryptocurrencies. This will involve developing software to calculate the artificial growth of a cryptocurrency over a 24-hour period and analyzing the data to understand the underlying factors driving its value. By taking a multidisciplinary approach, this research will shed light on the complexities of investing in virtual assets and help inform investors of the potential risks and benefits of investing in cryptocurrencies through qualitative and quantitative analyses and through the use of a Multi-Level Latent Class Analysis (LCA).
Pudendal Neurapraxia After Proximal Hamstring Repair
Authors: Imam Nareena , Grace Zachary T. , Cherian Chris , Alberta Frank G. , Bassora Rocco
Published: March 2023

Case:

The pudendal nerve lies near the origin of the hamstring muscles, placing it at increased risk of injury during proximal hamstring tendon repair. In this study, we report on a 56-year old man who experienced intermittent unilateral testicular pain after a proximal hamstring tendon repair presumably due to pudendal nerve neurapraxia. At the 1-year follow-up, he continued to experience discomfort in the pudendal nerve distribution but reported significant improvement in symptoms and complete resolution of hamstring pain.

Conclusion:

Although the risk of pudendal nerve injury during proximal hamstring tendon repair is rare, surgeons should be aware of this potential complication.
Self- and Parent-Reported Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes for Children with Arthrogryposis
Authors: Millar Kelsey , Manske M. Claire , James Michelle A.
Published: March 2023

Background
Children with arthrogryposis have impaired motion and strength; however, they develop compensatory strategies to achieve better function than may be anticipated. Impairment measures, such as range of motion and strength, describe physical function, but do not characterize a person’s psychosocial function, or their ability to perform activities and participate in life roles. The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) measures domains of function from the perspective of people with a chronic disease, compared to a reference population. We hypothesized that PROMIS® scores would discriminate between children with arthrogryposis and a pediatric reference population, and that children with arthrogryposis would report impaired upper extremity function and mobility, but normal pain interference with activities and normal peer relationships.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of children with arthrogryposis aged 5-17 years who responded to four pediatric PROMIS® physical and psychosocial domain questionnaires (Mobility, Upper Extremity (UE) Function, Pain Interference, and Peer Relationships) during clinic visits at Shriners Hospital for Children, Northern California from April 2017-May 2019. Responses were converted to a T-score for comparison to the reference population (mean score = 50, standard deviation = 10).
Results
PROMIS® questionnaires were administered to 65 children with arthrogryposis with a mean age of 9.5 years. Participants reported moderately impaired Mobility (38±9) and UE Function (32±12), both significantly lower than the reference population; 63% reported moderate or severe mobility impairment, and 77% reported moderate or severe impairment with UE Function.
Regarding psychosocial function, participants reported excellent Peer Relationships (average 54±8), with 98% reporting excellent or good Peer Relationships. They also reported normal Pain Interference (average 49±10), with 82% reporting normal or mild Pain Interference.
Conclusions
PROMIS® effectively discriminates between children with arthrogryposis and the reference population. Children with arthrogryposis report moderately impaired physical function (Mobility and UE Function) but normal psychosocial function (Peer Relationships and Pain Interference.) PROMIS® is a useful tool to evaluate and understand the challenges that children with arthrogryposis face.
Dependency on the host vitamin B12 has shaped the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex evolution
Authors: Gonzalo-Asensio Jesus , Campos-Pardos Elena , Uranga Santiago
Published: March 2023

Human and animal tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, which have evolved a genomic decay of cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthetic genes. Accordingly, and in sharp contrast to environmental, opportunistic and ancestor mycobacteria; we demonstrate that M. tuberculosis (Mtb), M. africanum, and animal-adapted lineages, lack endogenous production of cobalamin, yet they retain the capacity for exogenous uptake. A B12 anemic model in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice, demonstrates improved survival, and lower bacteria in organs, in anemic animals infected with Mtb relative to non-anemic controls. Conversely, no differences were observed between mice groups infected with M. canettii, an ancestor mycobacterium which retains cobalamin biosynthesis. Interrogation of the B12 transcriptome in three MTBC strains defined L-methionine synthesis by metE and metH genes as a key phenotype. Expression of metE is repressed by a cobalamin riboswitch, while MetH requires the cobalamin cofactor. Thus, deletion of metE predominantly attenuates Mtb in anemic mice; although inactivation of metH exclusively causes attenuation in non-anemic controls. These phenotypes are specific of Mtb, which unlike M. canettii and environmental mycobacteria, is unable to consume exogenous L-methionine. Here we show how suboptimal host B12 antagonizes Mtb virulence, and describe a host-pathogen cross-talk with implications for B12 anemic populations.
Fatal outcome in a patient with an unknown mitochondrial disease after anesthetic exposure. A clinical literatura review from the anesthetic perspective
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Arango Akemi , Franco Daniela , Granados Ana M , Diaz-Ordoñez Lorena , Aguirre Marisol , Rodriguez Lisa Ximena , Nastasi-Catanese Jose Antonio , Cuervo Andres , Pachajoa Harry
Published: March 2023

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) (OMIM:540000) is one of the most frequent mitochondrial maternal inheritance disorders. MELAS syndrome involves multiple organs, which generates a broad spectrum of manifestations, including stroke-like episodes, dementia, seizures, lactic acidaemia, myopathy, recurrent headaches, hearing impairment, diabetes, and short stature. The most common mutation associated with this phenotype is m.3243A>G in the MT-TL1 gene, which encodes for a mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR). This mutation affects mitochondrial protein translation process, transduce into protein synthesis impairment and cause deficits of essential proteins for ATP production such as transport chain complex subunits leading to impairment in energy production and multi-organ dysfunction. This lack of energy proficiency could stimulate mitochondrial growth in the smooth muscle and endothelial cells, causing angiopathy and impaired blood perfusion of several tissue and organs, leading to metabolic complications and stroke-like episodes. In this case report, we present a female patient with hearing impairment as the only manifestation, who underwent an anesthetic procedure for cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, developed metabolic acidosis and hyperlactatemia, and died. Finally, the biopsy revealed a post-mortem genetic variant for MELAS syndrome.
Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst individuals with severe mental health conditions and caregivers in South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Rapiya Bongwekazi , Myers Bronwyn , Petersen Inge , Hanlon Charlotte , Repper Julie , Asher Laura
Published: March 2023

Background

People with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia are an underserved and under-researched group in low and middle income countries, requiring evidence to promote development of services for their needs. This study investigated the experiences and coping strategies of people with lived experience of this condition, and their family caregivers, in South Africa during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Telephonic qualitative interviews were conducted with people with schizophrenia (n = 14) and caregivers (n = 15) from the Nelson Mandela Bay District in the Eastern Cape, South Africa between April and June 2020, the most restrictive period of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated to English from isiXhosa. Thematic analysis was conducted with NVivo12.

Results

Participants described several negative impacts including increased material hardship, intensified social isolation and heightened anxiety, particularly among caregivers who had multiple caregiving responsibilities. Coping strategies included finding ways to get and give social support from others, engaging in productive activities and taking care of physical health. Main limitations of the study are inclusion only of people with access to a telephone, and the use of telephonic interviews, which may have limited richness of data.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that support needs for people with mental health conditions and their families should include opportunities for social interaction and sharing coping strategies. Current support is likely to be inadequate with the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, implementation of additional community-based recovery-focused services for families must be prioritized.
Ischaemic stroke with multi-focal venous and arterial thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia: anabolic androgenic steroid use and MTHFR c.667C>T variant.
Authors: Chen Jian Peng Kieran , Rees Abigail , Coughlan Charles Hamish , Goodison Will , Murphy Elaine , Chandratheva Arvind
Published: March 2023

Background
Severely elevated serum homocysteine is a rare cause of ischaemic stroke and extra-cranial arterial and venous thrombosis. Several factors can lead to mild elevation of homocysteine including dietary folate and B12 deficiency, and genetic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme. Use of Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is under reported, but increasingly linked to ischaemic stroke and can raise homocysteine levels.
Case Report
We present a case of a man in his 40s with a large left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory ischaemic stroke and combined multifocal, extracranial venous and arterial thrombosis. His past medical history was significant for Crohn’s disease and covert use of AAS. A young stroke screen was negative except for a severely elevated total homocysteine, folate and B12 deficiencies. Further tests revealed he was homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme thermolabile variant (MTHFR c.667C > T). The aetiology of this stroke was a hypercoagulable state induced by raised plasma homocysteine. Raised homocysteine in this case was likely multifactorial and related to chronic AAS use in combination with the homozygous MTHFR c.677C > T thermolabile variant, folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Conclusion
In summary hyperhomocysteinemia is an important potential cause of ischaemic stroke and may result from genetic, dietary, and social factors. Anabolic steroid use is an important risk factor for clinicians to consider, particularly in cases of young stroke with elevated serum homocysteine. Testing for MFTHR variants in stroke patients with raised homocysteine may be useful to guide secondary stroke prevention through adequate vitamin supplementation. Further studies looking into primary and secondary stroke prevention in the high risk MTHFR variant cohort are necessary.
Pharmacogenetic analysis of inter-ethnic variability in the uptake transporter SLCO1B1 gene in Colombian, Mozambican, and Portuguese populations
Authors: Nega Mulata Haile , Berhe Derebew Fikadu , Ribeiro Vera
Published: March 2023

Background: Statin-induced myopathy is reported to be associated with the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism, c.521T>C. There is no epidemiologic data on this gene polymorphism in several countries. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the genotype and allele frequencies of the gene variant in three countries.
Methods: This study involved healthy individuals from Colombia, Mozambique, and Portugal. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the Qiamp DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen). The isolated DNA was genotyped using novel Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Microstat and GraphPad quick cal software were used for the Chi-square test and evaluation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium respectively.
Results: A total of 181 individuals’ blood sample was analyzed. Overall, TT (74.0%) genotype was the highest and CC (7.8%) was the lowest. Country wise genotypic frequencies were Colombia 47(70.2%) TT, 12(17.9%) TC and 8(11.9%) CC; Mozambique 47(88.7%) TT, 5(9.4%) TC, and 1(1.9%) CC; and Portugal 40(65.6%) TT, 16(26.2%) TC, and 5(8.2%) CC. The reference (T) allele was highest among Mozambicans (93.4%) compared to Colombians (79.1%) and Portuguese (78.7%). Mozambicans showed statistically significant genotypic and allelic frequency differences compared to Colombians (p<0.01) and Portuguese (p <0.01).
Conclusions: Overall and country-wise, CC genotype was less frequent and it is relatively high for Colombians and Portuguese populations. This finding may imply statins risk-benefit variability associated with CC genotype among these populations that needs further understanding.
SOX1 acts as a tumor hypnotist rendering nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells refractory to chemotherapy
Authors: Lei Xin-Xing , Xia Ying , Wang Shu-Lan , Yan Min , He Bin , Wang Bo , Long Zi-Jie , Liu Quentin
Published: March 2023

SOX1 delays tumor progression in most non-brain cancers and is regarded as a tumor suppressor. However, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with high expression levels of SOX1 are inclined to experience recurrence after initial therapy and suffer from poor prognosis. Here, we first report that an intrinsic transcription factor SOX1 induces individual nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells to enter a quiescent state. We applied a model to mimic the process of therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence in clinical. In a stressful culture environment, a subpopulation of SOX1-induced NPC cells was refractory to paclitaxel, a cell cycle-specific chemo drug. After treatment with chemotherapeutics, NPC cells with high levels of SOX1 maintained the quiescent state, with characteristics of low activity in protein synthesis and down-regulated cell growth signaling. Once SOX1 expression was decreased, the NPC cells could recover to a proliferative state. As cell cycle-specific chemotherapeutics targeted the proliferative state of cells, SOX1-induced drug resistance couldn’t be inherited in the reactivated NPC cells. When switching to a stress-free culture environment, the decreased SOX1 lost its transcriptional function and re-expressed MYC, a critical gene controlling cell growth. Proliferative NPC cells with low levels of SOX1 would form the dominant population again. Our study demonstrates an evolutionary trade-off between tumor progression and chemoresistance orchestrated by MYC and SOX1 in NPC. According to the dynamic role of SOX1 in different stages of cancer development, we suggest sorting SOX1 as “tumor hypnotist” instead of “tumor suppressor”.
Genome-wide association analysis uncovers novel rice blast resistance alleles
Authors: Greenwood Julian , Lacorte-Apostol Vanica , Kroj Thomas , Padilla Jonas , Telebano-Yanoria Mary , Glaus Anna , Roulin Anne , Padilla Andre , Zhou Bo , Keller Beat , Krattinger Simon
Published: March 2023

One of the most critical steps following genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is the identification and validation of candidate genes underlying genetic associations. Gene presence-absence and copy number variations can significantly hamper candidate gene discovery if high-quality genomic resources from specific crop cultivars are unavailable. This is particularly true for disease resistance genes, which are often located in highly dynamic genomic regions. Here, we perform a genome-wide association analysis of rice blast resistance in 500 genetically diverse rice accessions. To facilitate candidate gene identification, we produced de-novo genome assemblies of ten rice accessions that showed rice blast resistance associations. These assemblies facilitated the identification and validation of novel alleles of the rice blast resistance genes Ptr and Pia. Our work shows that GWAS in combination with whole-genome sequencing are powerful tools for gene cloning and uncovers an allelic series for the unusual Ptr rice blast resistance gene.
Are you thinking of establishing a Clinical Ethics Support Service? Lessons from the first 18 months of a new Australian service – A case study
Authors: Hoon Elizabeth , Edwards Jessie , Harvey Gill , Eliott Jaklin , Merlin Tracy , Carter Drew , Moodie Stewart , O’Callaghan Gerry
Published: March 2023

Background
Although the importance of clinical ethics in contemporary clinical environments is established, development of formal clinical ethics services in the Australia health system has, to date, been ad hoc. This study was designed to systematically follow and reflect upon the first 18 months of activity by a newly established committee, to examine key barriers and facilitators to establishing a new service in an Australian hospital setting.
Methods: how the study was performed and statistical tests used
A qualitative case study approach was utilised. The study gathered and analysed data using observations of committee meetings, document analysis of agendas and minutes, and semi-structured interviews with committee members to generate semantic themes. By interpreting the thematic findings in reference to national capacity building resources, this study also aimed to provide practice-based reflections for other health agencies.
Results: the main findings
An overarching theme was a strong shared commitment to supporting clinicians with difficult decisions about patient care, and with navigating difficult discussions with patients and families. The role of the new committee in providing a pathway to raise with senior managers system-wide issues experienced by clinicians was also a key theme. Consumer and community participation in the new service remained a challenge in spite of strong clinical engagement, as did unresolved governance issues and a need for clearer policy relationship between the committee and the organisation.
Conclusions: brief summary and potential implications
Considering these themes in relation to the national capacity building resources, three areas are likely to require ongoing negotiation and further development: the clinical ethics committee as link between workforce and Executive; incorporating consumers and patients; and ethical reasoning. There is scope to increase clarity for the committee on its role at a governance and policy level, and on how to engage consumers, patients and families in the practices of the service. The capacity of the committee to reflect on complex cases may be enhanced by explicitly discussing different ethical frameworks and ways of deliberating.
Interfacial and mechanical performance of chemically modified high content MWCNT/PEEK thermoplastic composites
Authors: Jin Ziang , Sun Shouzheng , Joshi Sunil Chandrakant , Han Zhenyu , Fu Hongya
Published: March 2023

It is difficult to increase the content of carbon nanotubes in carbon nanotubes/polyether ether ketone (CNTs/PEEK) thermoplastic composites prepared by doping carbon nanotubes into highly viscous PEEK resin using conventional methods. In this paper, a multi-walled carbon nanotubes/PEEK (MWCNT/PEEK) thermoplastic composite film with high MWCNTs content is prepared by vacuum suction filtered and hot-pressing methods. The microstructure and interfacial bonding performance of chemically modified and unmodified composites in the form of films are analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation and experiment. The results show that MWCNT can significantly improve the crystallinity of PEEK resin. Compared with the MWCNT/PEEK composites without chemical modification, the MWCNT-COOH/PEEK-OH composite film has a denser structure, and the tensile strength and elastic modulus are increased by 94.5% and 15%, respectively. The MWCNT-COOH/PEEK-OH composite films are expected to be used for interlaminar mechanical performance enhancement of CF/PEEK high-performance thermoplastic composites, which are widely used in aerospace.
On the radial limits of mappings on Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Cristea Mihai
Published: March 2023

We study the geometric properties of the mappings for which a generalized inversePoletsky modular inequality holds. Our approach is on Riemannian manifolds and we generalize some known theorems from the theory of analytic mappings concerning radial limits, such as the theorems of Fatou and M. and F. Riesz and their extensions given for quasiregular mappings by Martio and Rickman.
AMS 2010 Subject Classification: 30C65, 31A15.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the pods of green broad bean (Vicia faba L.), in vitro
Authors: Elbadrawy Elsayed , Mostafa Mona Y.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to benefit from the pods’ byproduct of the broad bean (the outer shell). The chemical composition of the green pods was estimated. The methanolic extract of the broad bean pods (BBPs) activity was investigated in vitro as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer against prostate cancer (Pc3) and liver cancer (HepG2) cells. The findings revealed that BBPs have high contents of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The total phenols and flavonoids of BBPs extract were 286 mg GAE / g and 105 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the BBPs methanolic extract was measured by 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The highest value of DPPH scavenging activity (80.5%) was achieved by the extract concentrations of 1000 ug/ml. The concentrations of 500 and 250 ug/ml of BBPs extract also showed high levels of DPPH scavenging activity (73.7 and 65.7%), respectively. The methanolic extract of BBPs has an anti-inflammatory effect as it significantly reduces RBCs hemolysis. The maximum inhibition percentage reached 66.7% with a concentration of 1000 ug/ml. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, it was noticed that BBPs extract prevented the growth of B. Subtilis, Staph. aureus and E. coli in addition to the two fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The effect of the methanolic extract of BBPs against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) and prostate cancer (PC3) cells showed significant decreases in their cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. It also caused significant changes in cell shape compared to the control.
Nitroalkanes as Thioacyl Equivalents to Access Thioamides and Thiopeptides
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Xu Silong , Tang Yuhai , Lear Martin , He Wanxiao , Li Jing
Published: March 2023

Thioamides are an important, but a largely underexplored class of amide bioisostere in peptides. Replacement of oxoamide units with thioamides in peptide therapeutics is a valuable tactic to improve biological activity and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. This tactic, however, has been hampered by insufficient methods to introduce thioamide bonds into peptide or protein backbones in a site-specific and stereo-retentive fashion. Herein, we developed an efficient and mild thioacylation method to react nitroalkanes with amines directly in the presence of elemental sulfur and sodium sulfide to form a diverse range of thioamides in high yields. Notably, this convenient method can be employed for the controlled thioamide coupling of multifunctionalized peptides without epimerization of stereocenters, including the late stage thioacylation of advanced compounds of biological and medicinal interest. Experimental interrogation of postulated mechanisms currently supports the intermediacy of thioacyl species.
Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on salivary and serum bone turnover markers in periodontitis
Authors: Javed Faraha , Zia Afaf , Khan Asad Ullah , Bey Afsha , Hakim Seema , Ateeq Hira , Yusufi Faiz Noor Khan , Salati Nasir
Published: March 2023

Objective: Determining whether non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) will affect bone turnover biomarkers (BTMs) concentration in individuals with periodontitis.
Materials and Methods: 60 females aged 18-45 years were divided into two groups Normal (N) (n= 20) and Chronic periodontitis (CP) (n= 40) after recruitment. Participants with periodontitis were assigned (NSPT). Full mouth clinical periodontal parameters, salivary and serum BTMs including C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) were recorded for both groups and 21 days and 3 months after NSPT.
Results: Except for BALP_ SER (p<0.023), all variables had highly significant differences (p<0.001). Except for CP (21 days) vs. CP (3 months), groups showed significantly greater levels of PI, PPD and CAL. Correlations between BTMs and periodontal measurements were weak to moderate after NSPT. The multiple linear regression model explained 46.7% of the total variability for PI, 50.1% for PPD, 54.1% for CAL and 29.3% for GI signifying association with BTMs among groups
Conclusion: Our research showed the concentration of BTMs is greatly impacted by NSPT demonstrating the significance of NSPT on bone health in periodontitis. Additionally, we discovered that serum instead of salivary samples can be utilized as a diagnostic tool to measure BTMs concentration.
Clinical Relevance- This study emphasizes the significance of regular periodontal evaluation and the use of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) to manage periodontitis and prevent further bone loss. It also highlights the value of using serum samples as a diagnostic tool to monitor bone health in periodontitis patients.
Impact of oral frailty prevention program with textured lunch gatherings on attitude and behavior towards eating habits and improving oral frailty: The Comprehensive Awareness Modification of Mouth, Chewing And Meal (CAMCAM) program
Authors: Hidaka Rena , Masuda Yuji , Ogawa Koichi , Tanaka Tomoki , Kanazawa Manabu , Suzuki Kenji , Stading Mats , Iijima Katsuya , Matsuo Koichiro
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Preserving sufficient oral function and maintaining adequate nutrition are essential for preventing frailty and the following long-term care. We recently developed the 6-month Comprehensive Awareness Modification of Mouth, Chewing And Meal (CAMCAM) program, in which participants gather monthly to learn about oral health and nutrition while eating a textured lunch together. This study examined whether the CAMCAM program could improve attitude and behavior towards oral health, mastication, and diet as well as ameliorate oral frailty in community-dwelling older adults.

Design

Single-arm pre-post comparison study

Setting and Participants:

A total of 271 community-dwelling adults in 4 Japanese municipalities were recruited, of which 249 participants (92%) were assessed at the final evaluation.

Intervention

Participants gathered once a month at community centers to learn about oral health and nutrition while eating a textured lunch with ingenious cooking recipes.

Measurements

Oral frailty, frailty, and eating behavior were evaluated with the Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8), Kihon checklist (KCL), and CAMCAM checklist, respectively. Participants were divided into Oral frailty (OF) and Robust groups according to OFI-8 scores. The differences in KCL and CAMCAM checklist results between the OF and Robust groups were statistically tested along with changes in scores after the program.

Results

KCL and CAMCAM checklist scores were significantly lower in the OF group at the initial assessment. OFI-8 and KCL findings were significantly improved in the OF group after completing the program (all P < 0.05). Regarding the CAMCAM checklist, awareness of chewing improved significantly in the Robust group (P = 0.009), with a similar tendency in the OF group (P = 0.080).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that individuals with oral frailty have problems with chewing and meals, and harbor the risk of frailty. The CAMCAM program may be an effective means of changing attitudes towards eating behavior and oral frailty in the community setting.