bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use, variability, and justification of eligibility criteria for phase II and III clinical trials in acute leukemia
Authors: Hantel Andrew , Luskin Marlise R. , Khan Irum , Warner Elizabeth , Patel Anand A. , Walsh Thomas P. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Lathan Christopher S. , Abel Gregory A.
Published: August 2023

Clinical trial eligibility criteria can unfairly exclude patients or unnecessarily expose them to known risks if criteria are not concordant with drug safety. There are few data evaluating the extent to which acute leukemia eligibility criteria are justified. We analyzed criteria and drug safety data for front-line phase II and/or III acute leukemia trials with start dates 1/1/2010-12/31/2019 registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Multivariable analyses assessed concordance between criteria use and safety data (presence of criteria with a safety signal, or absence of criteria without a signal) and differences between criteria and safety-based limits. Of 250 eligible trials, concordant use of ejection fraction criteria was seen in 34.8%, QTc in 22.4%, bilirubin in 68.4%, aspartate transaminase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) in 58.8%, renal function in 68.4%, HIV in 54.8%, and hepatitis B and C in 42.0% and 41.2%. HIV and hepatitis B and C criteria use was concordant with safety data (adjusted odds ratios 2.04 [95%CI: 1.13,3.66], 2.64 [95%CI: 1.38,5.04], 2.27 [95%CI: 1.20,4.32]) but no organ function criteria were (all p>0.05); phase III trials were not more concordant. Bilirubin criteria limits were the same as safety-based limits in 16.0% of trials, AST/ALT in 18.1%, and renal function in 13.9%; in 75.7%, 51.4%, and 56.5% of trials, criteria were more restrictive, respectively, by median differences of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.5 times the upper limits of normal. We found limited drug safety justifications for acute leukemia eligibility criteria. These data define criteria use and limits that can be rationally modified to increase patient inclusion and welfare.
Determination of the center of gravity of multi-functional fire-fighting and rescue motorcycles used in Vietnam
Authors: Le Quang Bon
Published: August 2023

Purpose. To determine a reasonable place for installing the equipment unit for the fire-rescue motorcycle, which allows maintaining the stability of the motorcycle when driving at a speed of v ≤ 70 km/h.
Methods. To calculate the motorcycle motion model Matlab was used.
Findings. The methods have been developed for determining the coordinates of the center of gravity of a multifunctional fire and rescue motorcycle equipped with an equipment unit. The effect of motorcycle speed on its stability when turning around was researched.
Application field of research. The results of the work can be used in recommendations for motorcycles exploitation in case of moving to the fire place.
Взаимосвязь проблемного использования социальных сетей белорусами с виктимизацией, незащищенностью от кибербуллинга и манипулирования
Authors: Шейнов Виктор Павлович , Карпиевич Виктор Александрович , Сапего Екатерина Ивановна
Published: August 2023

Цель. Выявить в белорусском социуме возможные связи между проблемным использованием социальных сетей и виктимизацией, незащищенностью от кибербуллинга и манипулирования.
Методы. Для оценки проблемного использования социальных сетей использовался опросник «Зависимость от социальных сетей», зависимости от смартфона – короткий опросник САС-16, тест на виктимизацию, также применялись опросники незащищенности от манипулирования и кибербуллинга. Для обработки данных использовались количественный и качественный методы.
Результаты. Социальные сети получили широкое распространение в современной действительности. Чрезмерное увлечение ими нередко приводит к формированию зависимости от социальных сетей, связанной с рядом проявлений психологического неблагополучия. Совокупность взаимно связанных явлений – зависимости от социальных сетей и неблагоприятных ее проявлений – положена в основу конструкта «проблемное использование социальных сетей». Основой эмпирического исследования послужили результаты тестирования 557 русскоговорящих белорусских респондентов.
Показано, что проблемное использование социальных сетей и мужчинами, и женщинами положительно коррелирует с зависимостью от смартфона и незащищенностью от кибербуллинга и отрицательно связано с возрастом и незащищенностью от манипулирования, а у женщин – еще и положительно связано с виктимизацией. Установленные корреляции между проблемным использованием социальных сетей и незащищенностью от кибербуллинга подтверждают полученные за рубежом результаты. Обнаруженная обратная связь между проблемным использованием социальных сетей и незащищенностью от манипулирования является новым результатом. Эта связь осуществляется вследствие аналогичных связей между факторами, формирующими эти конструкты. Положительная корреляция проблемного использования социальных сетей с виктимизацией только у женщин отличается от того, что подобная связь установлена в зарубежных исследованиях как для женщин, так и для мужчин. Подобная связь осуществляется аналогичными связями большинства формирующих эти сложные конструкты факторов. Положительная корреляция между проблемным использованием социальных сетей и незащищенностью от кибербуллинга и его отрицательная связь с незащищенностью от манипулирования свидетельствует о том, что при проблемном использовании социальных сетей происходит замена незащищенности от манипулирования на незащищенность от кибербуллинга.
Область применения исследований. Практическим приложением проведенного исследования может стать использование его результатов в разъяснительной работе по профилактике попадания в зависимость от социальных сетей.
Comparison of Accuracy of Six Modern Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas
Authors: Yoon Ji Hyun , Whang Woong-Joo
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of modern intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in predicting refractive outcomes after standard cataract surgery.Methods: The medical records of 203 eyes from 203 patients that received phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were retrospectively reviewed. Partial coherence interferometry was used to obtain the biometric values. The refractive outcomes of Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO) 2.0, Hill-RBF 3.0, Hoffer QST, Kane, and PEARL-DGS formulas were evaluated. Axial length (AL) subgroup analysis was done separately. The correlations between the prediction error calculated by each formula and AL and corneal power were also analyzed.Results: Overall, there was no significant difference between the absolute prediction errors predicted by the six formulas after adjusting the mean prediction error (p = 0.058). AL subgroup analysis of absolute error also showed that there is no significant difference between the formulas. The BUII and Hill-RBF 3.0 formulas showed a higher percentage of eyes with prediction error within ±0.50 diopters compared to the Hoffer QST formula (p = 0.022 and p = 0.035, respectively). However, there was no significant difference after Bonferroni correction was applied. The BUII formula showed the highest IOL Formula Performance Index and therefore the highest accuracy, followed by PEARL-DGS, EVO 2.0, Kane, Hill-RBF 3.0, and Hoffer QST formulas. Out of the six formulas, the prediction error calculated by the Hoffer QST was significantly correlated with the AL (p = 0.011). None of the prediction errors calculated by the six formulas showed correlation to the corneal power.Conclusions: Analysis of the prediction error showed that the six modern IOL power calculation formulas have comparable accuracy overall and across different ranges of AL.
The Role of Ideas and Identities in Shaping Economic Decisions: The Eastern Mediterranean Crisis and Turkey-Greece-Cyprus Triangle
Authors: Alioğlu Çakmak Gizem
Published: August 2023

The discovery of new natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean fueled the tension in the region and led to a highly complicated crisis involving multiple actors. This study adopts a constructivist approach in analyzing the political economy of the Eastern Mediterranean energy crisis by relying on the role of identities and ideas in shaping economic decisions. The historical enmity between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus is at the heart of the crisis. Thus, the study focuses on the Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus triangle to reveal the impact of Turkey’s image constructed by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, on the political-economic aspect of the decisions of Greece and Greek Cypriots. To accomplish this objective, a two-stage content analysis was conducted by filtering the official statements of Greece and the RoC from their respective foreign ministries, utilizing the keyword “Eastern Mediterranean.” By scrutinizing the official discourses and documents, the analysis aims to delve into the image of Turkey held by these actors.
Analisis Kemampuan Berpikir Reflektif Siswa SMP dalam Menyelesaikan Masalah Aritmatika Sosial
Authors: Enrico Vieri  , Hakim Dori Lukman
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini akan memberikan gambaran bagaimana terkait dengan kemampuan berpikir reflektif siswa dalam menyelesaikan masalah matematika. Indikator yang digunakan untuk menggambaran dilakukannya berpikir reflektif pada tahap pertama adalah siswa mengalami kesulitan dan siswa membaca soal berulang-ulang. Indikator pada tahap kedua yaitu siswa dapat menentukan apa yang diketahui dan ditanyakan dari soal. Indikator pada tahap ketiga ialah siswa mampu menentukan saran pemecahan masalah yang mungkin, sebelum melakukan langkah-langkah penyelesaian. Indikator pada tahap keempat yaitu siswa menentukan penyelesaian masalah yang dianggap terbaik. Indikator pada tahap kelima ialah siswa melakukan langkah-langkah penyelesaian masalah berdasarkan penyelesaian masalah yang ditentukan dan dianggap terbaik sebelumnya, kemudian siswa mengecek jawaban serta menarik kesimpulan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat siswa yang mampu berpikir reflektif dan juga terdapat siswa yang tidak mampu berpikir secara reflektif. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa kemampuan berpikir reflektif siswa dalam menyelesaikan permasalahan berbeda-beda.
TREN KEPENULISAN PUBLIKASI PENELITIAN INDONESIA PADA JURNAL SCOPUS
Authors: Ibrahim Cecep
Published: August 2023

This study discusses the trend of authorship publication research indonesia indexed journal Scopus. The focus of this research is divided into four parts, namely the institution of a productive institutions, or the distribution of the subject of the research results, productive author, and the percentage of the productive author indexed journal Scopus. This research method using a Sistematik Literature Review approach to the consisted of three stages, namely planning the review (problem identification), conducting the review (the collection, selection and synthesis of data) and reporting the results of the analysis (review the discussion). The results of this research is divided into four parts based on index Scopus. First, the institution or institutions productive is the Bandung Institute of technology as much as document 10029. Second, the distribution of the subject of the research is the largest Engineering. Third, the productive author was Munir, A. as much as 217 documents. Fourth, the percentage of the author's productive is in the Education category, University/Institute of 77%).
Transformasi Pusat Dokumentasi dan Informasi Ilmiah Menjadi Pusat Data dan Dokumentasi Ilmiah: Perspektif Pimpinan Lembaga
Authors: Trianggoro Cahyo
Published: August 2023

Perkembangan teknologi dan informasi telah banyak merubah tatanan kehidupan, tidak terlepas dalam bidang Ilmu pengetahuan teknologi, dan inovasi atau IPTEKIN. Kebutuhan akan pengelolaan data penelitian yang selama ini belum dikelola oleh negara membuat PDII-LIPI dituntut untuk melakukan transformasi lembaga guna menjalankan tugas tersebut. Selain tuntutan akan kebutuhan pengelolaan data penelitian, potensi tumpang tindih akan tugas dan fungsi terjadi antara PDII-LIPI, Perpustakaan Nasional, dan Arsip Nasional Republik Indonesia turut mendorong PDII-LIPI untuk melakukan refocusing dan repositioning sehingga terdapat posisi, tugas dan fungsi yang jelas antara ketiga lembaga ini. Studi literatur dan wawancara mendalam dilakukan untuk menggali apa yang menjadi latar belakang transformasi PDII-LIPI. Melalui kajian ini, diharapkan dapat memberikan gambaran dan wawasan kepada para praktisi di bidang Dokumentasi, Informasi, dan Perpustakaan terkait dengan transformasi lembaga ini.
PENERAPAN SKEMA METADATA REPOSITORI INSTITUSI PERPUSTAKAAN PERGURUAN TINGGI DI KOTA MALANG
Authors: Hendrawan Muhammad Rosyihan , Pramudyo Gani Nur
Published: August 2023

Purposes of research are to understand, to analyse, and to describe metadata sceme aplication of institutional repository software academic libraries in Malang (UB Library, UM Library, and UMM Library). Insititusional Repository need of UB Library facilitaties by BKG and Eprints UB, UM Library facility by Mulok, and UMM Library facilities by GDL and Eprints UMM. The Research uses qualitative approach with case studies. Metadata sceme aplication on institutional repository are using methods analyses type of metadata scheme, elements of metadata scheme, descriptive metadata and policy of metadata scheme. Results of the research are using stadard of metadata scheme (Dublin Core), and adaptation of metadata scheme (BKG Fields dan GDL Fields). Using standard of metadata scheme are make essier of bibliographic decribe and supporting rank of webometri repository
Effect of Organizational Culture, Motivation, and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance
Authors: Ihsani Nurul , Wijayanto Aris
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine and explain the impact of organizational culture, motivation, and job satisfaction on employee performance at PT Taiyo Sinar Raya Teknik. This is quantitative study. The research population consists of all employees of PT Taiyo Sinar Raya Teknik. It uses a probability random sampling technique with 120 participants. Multiple linear regression analysis is used to analyze the collected data. Organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; and job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, according to the findings. This shows that organizational culture, motivation, and job satisfaction all have a positive and significant impact on employee performance.
Produksi Gas Oxy-Hidrogen dari Air sebagai Energi Baru Terbarukan Melalui Multi Series Cell Elektrolisis
Authors: Mustari Futung , Widodo Bambang , Salebay Jalius
Published: August 2023

Seperti diketahui  bahwa  gas OxyHidrogen mempunyai molekul mono atomik yang dapat digunakan sebagai bahan bakar alternatif atau sumber energi terbarukan yang tiada habisnya untuk dimanfaatkan dalam mesin pembakaran internal maupun untuk Pengelasan (welding). Elektroliser dibuat menggunakan elektroda berupa Plat stainless steel  tebal 0.6 mm dan diameter 6 inchs yang di susun 100 lapis (cel) yang berfungsi sebagai katoda dan anoda Penelusuran kepustakaan  memperlihatkan bahwa,  proses elektrolisa air  dalam menghasilkan Oxyhidrogen gas biasanya menggunakan tegangan searah 12 Volt DC  atau 24 V direct  current dengan  jumlah 6 cel dan 12 cel. Makalah  ini membahas  proses elektrolisa  air  dengan  100 cel  menggunakan tegangan listrik  220 V ac. Hasil  percobaan  memperlihatkan bahwa produksi gas OxyHydrogen, 16  kali lebih besar  jika menggunakan tegangan listrik 220 Volt ac dibandingkan  dengan menggunakan  tegangan listrik searah  12 Volt DC dengan 6 cel, dan 8 kali  besar jika dibandingkan dengan  tegangan  listrik searah dengan  teganan 24 Volt DC dengan 12 cel.
La OIT en Latinoamérica: laboratorio para una regulación internacional y ordenada de las migraciones (1936-1966)
Authors: Pereira Andrés , Alvites Baiadera Angélica
Published: August 2023

This article analyses the treatment that International Labour Organization (ILO) gave to international migration in Latin America—between 1930 and 1960—at the American Labor Conferences. Based on a qualitative methodology, a documentary corpus consisting of memories, statements, and reports produced in the context of the conferences held by the organization was constructed and analyzed. This document aims to contribute to the scarce existing academic production about the treatment that migrations received during the period in question by international organizations. It also shows how the possibility of regulating migration at the regional level was established on the ILO agenda. The article concludes that this agenda, marked by utilitarian thinking schemes on migration, is a laboratory for the incipient promotion of measures aimed at the denationalization of migration policies.
Nanomedicine strategies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases
Authors: Nagri Shreya , Rice Olivia , Chen Yupeng
Published: August 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial part of brain anatomy as it is a specialized, protective barrier that ensures proper nutrient transport to the brain, ultimately leading to regulating proper brain function. However, it presents a major challenge in delivering pharmaceuticals to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases due to this selectivity. A variety of different vehicles have been designed to deliver drugs across this barrier to treat neurodegenerative diseases, greatly impacting the patient’s quality of life. The two main types of vehicles used to cross the BBB are polymers and liposomes, which both encapsulate pharmaceuticals to allow them to transcytose the cells of the BBB. For Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and glioblastoma brain cancer, there are a variety of different nanoparticle treatments in development that increase the bioavailability and targeting ability of existing drugs or new drug targets to decrease symptoms of these diseases. Through these systems, nanomedicine offers a new way to target specific tissues, especially for the CNS, and treat diseases without the systemic toxicity that often comes with medications used currently.
Loyalty as permission to forgive: sport, political, and religious identification as predictors of transgression diminishment
Authors: Towery Nathan A. , Billings Andrew C. , Zengaro Elisabetta C. , Sadri Sean R.
Published: August 2023

A national survey of 314 Americans was employed to determine whether core forms of group identification (sport, political, and religious) predict one's likelihood to forgive a leader within that group for an intentional/preventable transgression. Three forms of transgressions (assault and battery, sex with a minor, stealing money) were presented as possible scenarios for leaders of sport, political, and religious groups. Sports leaders were more likely to be forgiven overall, with each of the three scenarios shifting levels of forgiveness; sex with a minor was more likely to be forgiven for sports figures, while stealing money was less likely to be forgiven for religious leaders. Unaffiliated individuals were less likely to forgive transgressions, with no differences between identified groups.
Developing co-management for conservation and local development in China’s national parks: findings from focus group discussions in the Sanjiangyuan Region
Authors: Ma Ting , Swallow Brent , Foggin J. Marc , Sang Weiguo , Zhong Linsheng
Published: August 2023

Environmental protection in China has progressed significantly in the past decades, including introduction of more collaborative approaches in the management of protected areas and the establishment of a new national park system, and many milestones have been achieved. While such developments are driven largely by national and global goals, the people who are most affected are those who reside in the protected landscapes. A range of strategies have been proposed and tried in relation to local development, with many important lessons learned, yet little has been heard to date directly from the community stakeholders themselves. In this study we report on feedback and recommendations received from focus group discussions in vicinity of China’s first national park, Sanjiangyuan, regarding lived experiences of “community co-management” by Tibetan herders and local officials. Overall, the most recent National Park model is deemed successful, albeit with some notable perceived limitations. Focus group discussions' participants recommend more balanced compensation opportunities including for communities living outside but in close proximity to the park, eased restrictions on ecotourism, provision of public services for communities in the park (especially waste management and health care) and establishing a more effective compensation or insurance system to offset economic losses due to wildlife damage.
Evaluation of left atrial and ventricular remodeling in atrial fibrillation subtype by using speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Lu Shirui , Liu Hongyun , Sun Jie , Zhang Jun , Li Li , Tang Qiaoying , Liu Yani , Deng Youbin
Published: August 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cardiac structural and functional remodeling. We investigated the left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) changes in AF subtypes by using two-dimensional echocardiography strain techniques.

Methods

The study population consisted of 102 subjects with sinus rhythm (control group) and 463 patients with AF, among which 284 patients had paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 179 patients had persistent AF (PerAF). A speckle tracking automatic functional imaging software was used to perform the strain analysis.

Results

Patients with AF had dilated LA maximum and minimum volume, decreased LA reservoir strain, lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS) compared to those of the sinus rhythm control group. In patients with PerAF, the LA maximum and minimum volumes were larger, and the LA reservoir strain [PAF vs. PerAF, 28% (21,33) vs. 19% (14, 28), P < 0.05], LVEF, and absolute GLS value (PAF vs. PerAF, −16.9 ± 3.3 vs. −14.1 ± 3.5%) were lower than those in patients with PAF. Patients with AF regardless of LA enlargement had decreased LA reservoir strain and lower LVEF and absolute GLS value than those in the sinus rhythm control group.

Conclusion

Compared with those with normal sinus rhythm, patients with AF had dilated LA volume and impaired LA function, which were further worsened in patients with PerAF than those in patients with PAF. LA functional impairment occurred before LA enlargement. Left atrioventricular remodeling happened across different stages of AF development.
Diving deeper into seep distribution along the Cascadia convergent margin, United States
Authors: Rudebusch Jane A. , Prouty Nancy G. , Conrad James E. , Watt Janet T. , Kluesner Jared W. , Hill Jenna C. , Miller Nathaniel C. , Watson Sally J. , Hillman Jess I. T.
Published: August 2023

Previous margin-wide studies of methane seep distribution along the Cascadia Subduction Zone indicate peaks in seep density within the landward limit of the of gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ; ≤500 m depth), suggesting a link between current ocean warming, acceleration of hydrate dissociated, and methane emissions. This inferred connection, however, may not account for regional geologic and/or structural complexities driving methane seepage. Expanding upon an existing seep database by adding new seep data, we conducted statistical and spatial analyses to determine margin-wide distribution trends and offer a tectonic framework for understanding the tendency toward non-normality and spatial clustering. We then highlight the role of local-scale drivers of seep formation in addition to the first-order tectonic framework, using systematic geologic/geomorphic characterization of seep emission sites in southern Cascadia and case studies using meta-attribute analysis of seismic reflection data. Seep distribution along the margin is non-random, but instead of clustering along the 500-m isobath, regions of high seep density occur in canyons and topographic highs. New findings from this study conclude that co-location of the outer arc high (OAH) and the landward limit of the GHSZ may explain high concentrations of seeps where deformation is the greatest and hydrates are unstable. Detailed analysis of the spatial relationships between seep sites and geologic-geomorphic features in southern Cascadia reveal a link between seeps and anticlines, with 52% of the seeps found in association with anticlines, 36% found at faults, 16% associated with canyons, and 11% at seafloor failure scarps. Given that a majority of anticlines are located along or seaward of the OAH in the actively deforming outer wedge, we suggest that the location of the OAH is a primary structural control on seep distribution. This scenario is supported by neural network analysis of multichannel seismic data revealing zones of probable fluid migration along vertical pipes, faults, and chimneys in the vicinity of active seep sites on anticlines. Determining linkages between seeps and submarine tectonic geomorphology is a crucial first step for understanding and forecasting the distribution of methane seepage, but also a necessity for evaluating causal relationships between ocean warming and gas hydrate stability.
Elevated morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic idiopathic hypophosphatemia: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Kyoung Jin , Song Ji Eun , Kim Ji Hyun , Hong Namki , Kim Sin Gon , Lee Juneyoung , Rhee Yumie
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic idiopathic hypophosphatemia (CIH) induced by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets or tumor-induced osteomalacia is a rare inherited or acquired disorder. However, due to its rarity, little is known about the epidemiology and natural course of CIH. Therefore, we aimed to identify the prevalence and long-term health outcomes of CIH patients.

Methods

Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims database, we evaluated the incidence of hypophosphatemia initially diagnosed from 2003 to 2018. After excluding secondary conditions that could change serum phosphorus levels, we identified 154 patients (76 men and 78 women) with non-secondary and non-renal hypophosphatemia. These hypophosphatemic patients were compared at a ratio of 1:10 with age-, sex-, and index-year-matched controls (n = 1,540).

Results

In the distribution of age at diagnosis, a large peak was observed in patients aged 1–4 years and small peaks were observed in ages from 40–70 years. The age-standardized incidence rate showed non-statistically significant trend from 0.24 per 1,000,000 persons in 2003 to 0.30 in 2018. Hypophosphatemic patients had a higher risk of any complication (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67–2.69) including cardiovascular outcomes, chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, osteoporotic fractures, periodontitis, and depression. Hypophosphatemic patients also had higher risks of mortality and hospitalization than the controls (aHR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.83–5.81; and aHR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.97–3.16, respectively).

Conclusion

This first nationwide study of CIH in South Korea found a bimodal age distribution and no sex differences among patients. Hypophosphatemic patients had higher risks of complications, mortality, and hospitalization compared to age- and sex-matched controls.
Use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) stabilized in Arabic gum colloidal solution to induce genotoxicity and apoptosis of human breast and lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Al-zharani Mohammed , Alyami Nouf M. , Qurtam Ashraf Ahmed , Aljarba Nada H. , Alkahtani Saad , Mubarak Mohammed , Daoush Walid Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Increased mortality owing to breast and lung cancer is an urgent global medical issue. Nanotherapy is one of the most widely used and recent procedures for combating cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to precisely target breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Multi-walled carbon nanomaterials are considered as a typical biocompatible nanomaterial that can be used in drug delivery without causing side effects. On the contrary, the metallic nanoparticles, even that of noble metals, are reported to have side effects that are still unavoidable.

Methods: The MWCNTs were purified and stabilized using Arabic gum in an aqueous solution under ultrasonic radiation. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) were employed to characterize the morphology of the MWCNTs, and elemental analysis was performed using SEM to determine their chemical composition.

Results: The investigated MWCNTs had an average diameter of 10–12 nm and were mainly composed of 99.4% carbon and other trace elements. The Arabic gum emulsifying agent was found a powerful stabilizing agent for the investigated MWCNTs in aqueous solutions. The cytotoxic effect of the MWCNT/ Arabic gum colloidal solution on MCF-7 and A549 was evaluated by 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and a human apoptosis signaling antibody array. This analysis aimed to clarify additional pathways involved, including those mediated by interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and ceramide signaling pathways enrichments. Concerning the inhibition of cell growth, the efficacy of MWCNT/Arabic gum IC50 of MCF-7 (48.23 μg/mL) was higher than IC50 of A549 (100.1 μg/mL). MWCNT/Arabic gum enhanced the mRNA expression of apoptosis-associated genes encoding P53, Bax, and Caspases (9, 8, and 3). Upregulation of the apoptotic signaling pathway in the MCF-7 cell lysates was observed before and after exposure to the MWCNT/Arabic gum colloidal solution.

Conclusion: The physicochemical properties of MWCNT/Arabic gum exhibited remarkable apoptotic activity in breast and lung cancer cell lines. However, further in vivo investigations are recommended to clarify the other molecular aspects related to the use of MWCNT/Arabic gum.
Pathophysiology and clinical aspects of epiretinal membrane – review
Authors: Ożóg Mateusz Kamil , Nowak-Wąs Marta , Rokicki Wojciech
Published: August 2023

The epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a pathological tissue formed at the vitreoretinal interface. The formation of this tissue is associated with numerous symptoms related to disturbances of vision. These types of lesions may arise idiopathically or be secondary to eye diseases, injuries and retinal surgeries. ERM tissue contains numerous cell types and numerous cytokines, which participate in its formation. The aim of this paper is to summarize information about the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of ERM, with a brief description of the main cells that build the ERM – as well as the cytokines and molecules related to ERM pathogenesis – being provided in addition.
Effect of excessive gestational weight gain before and after 28 weeks on trial of labor after cesarean stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Guangpu , Zhang Jingya , Zhou Chaofan , Zhang Huixin , Shen Haoran
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assess the effect of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) before and after 28 weeks on the mode of delivery in women who attempted a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI. A retrospective analysis of the outcomes of eligible women who attempted trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) in a Chinese hospital from January 2016 to October 2022 was performed. GWG before and after 28 weeks was categorized as ‘excessive’ or ‘non-excessive’ based on the guideline of Institute of Medicine (IOM). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of excessive GWG before and after 28 weeks on mode of delivery in women who underwent TOLAC, stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI. Of the 512 women who underwent term trial of labor, 71.1% achieved a vaginal birth. No correlation was found between excessive GWG before 28 weeks and the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Among women with or without excessive GWG before 28 weeks, excessive GWG after 28 weeks was significantly associated with a reduced rate of VBAC. When stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, women who had excessive gestational weight gain after 28 weeks gestation had lower rates of VBAC than those who did not, regardless of being underweight, normal or overweight (aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.88; aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25, 0.70; and aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04–0.36; respectively). Excessive weight gain after 28 weeks of pregnancy was related to decreased rates of VBAC, irrespective of pre-pregnancy weight status and weight gain before 28 weeks.
Associations between smoke exposure and kidney stones: results from the NHANES (2007–2018) and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Huang Yong , Wang Hexi , Xu Chengwei , Zhou Fulin , Su Huiyi , Zhang Yao
Published: August 2023

Purpose

It is currently controversial whether smoke exposure is associated with the risk of kidney stones. Herein, publicly available databases were combined to explore relationships with the risk of nephrolithiasis in terms of smoking status and serum cotinine concentrations.

Materials and methods

First, we conducted an observational study using data from 2007 to 2018, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, trend testing, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and multiple imputation (MI) were the main analytical methods of our study. Then, A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to explore the causal relationship between serum cotinine and nephrolithiasis. Genetic instruments for serum cotinine and pooled data for kidney stones were derived from publicly available large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was the primary method for our MR analysis.

Results

A total of 34,657 and 31,352 participants were included in the observational study based on smoking status and serum cotinine concentrations, respectively. Under full adjustment of covariates, current smokers had an increased risk of kidney stones compared to non-smokers [OR = 1.17 (1.04–1.31), P = 0.009, P for trend = 0.010]. Compared with serum cotinine of <0.05 ng/ml, serum cotinine levels of 0.05–2.99 ng/ml [OR = 1.15 (1.03–1.29), P = 0.013] and ≥3.00 ng/ml [OR = 1.22 (1.10–1.37), P < 0.001] were observed to have a higher risk of nephrolithiasis (P for trend < 0.001). In addition, a non-linear relationship between log2-transformed serum cotinine and the risk of nephrolithiasis was found (P for non-linearity = 0.028). Similar results were found when serum cotinine (log2 transformation) was used as a continuous variable [OR = 1.02 (1.01–1.03), P < 0.001] or complete data was used to analyze after MI. In the MR analysis, genetically predicted high serum cotinine was causally related to the high risk of nephrolithiasis [IVW: OR = 1.09 (1.00–1.19), P = 0.044].

Conclusion

Current smoking and high serum cotinine concentrations may be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Further research is needed to validate this relationship and explore its underlying mechanisms.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in China: a study protocol for a prospective, national, multi-center, registry study
Authors: Liu Liang , Nguyen Thanh N. , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: August 2023

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Aims

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (DETECT2-China) aims to evaluate real-world outcomes and safety of EVT for LVO-AIS patients in China.

Design

DETECT2-China is a prospective, national, multi-center study registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05092139). This study plans to enroll a total of 3,000 consecutive patients who received EVT for LVO. All eligible patients are adults aged 18 years or older with acute LVO who received EVT and standard medical treatment according to the Chinese stroke guidelines and local practice.

Outcome

The primary outcome is functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days. The secondary outcomes include (1) the proportion of patients with mRS scores of 0–1 at 90 days, (2) distribution of mRS at 90 days, (3) changes in National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) at 24 h, 48 h, and 12 days or discharge (whichever is earlier), (4) the proportion of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 h, and (5) the proportion of death within 7 days.

Discussion

The DETECT2-China will provide real-world data about the effectiveness and safety of EVT for AIS-LVO patients in China.
The role of IGF-1 in exercise to improve obesity-related cognitive dysfunction
Authors: He Yimin , Wang Qian , Wu Huaduo , Dong Yumo , Peng Zifu , Guo Xiangyin , Jiang Ning
Published: August 2023

Obesity is an important factor that threatens human health. The occurrence of many chronic diseases is related to obesity, and cognitive function decline often occurs with the onset of obesity. With the further prevalence of obesity, it is bound to lead to a wider range of cognitive dysfunction (ORCD). Therefore, it is crucial to suppress ORCD through intervention. In this regard, exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing obesity and improving cognitive function as a non-drug treatment. There is sufficient evidence that exercise has a regulatory effect on a growth factor closely related to cognitive function—insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 may be an important mediator in improving ORCD through exercise. This article reviews the effects of obesity and IGF-1 on cognitive function and the regulation of exercise on IGF-1. It analyzes the mechanism by which exercise can improve ORCD by regulating IGF-1. Overall, this review provides evidence from relevant animal studies and human studies, showing that exercise plays a role in improving ORCD. It emphasizes the importance of IGF-1, which helps to understand the health effects of exercise and promotes research on the treatment of ORCD.
Scoping review of the association of plant-based diet quality with health outcomes
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M. , Juszczak Hailey M. , Wong Michele A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The association of plant-based dietary patterns with health outcomes has traditionally been assessed without considering nutritional value. The plant-based dietary index (PDI), first published in 2016, overcomes this limitation with both a healthful PDI (hPDI) and an unhealthful PDI (uPDI), based on the quality of plant foods consumed plus the frequency of animal foods. We sought to summarize the breadth of research using the hPDI and uPDI to gain insight into how the quality of plant-based dietary patterns might be associated with health outcomes.

Methods

Scoping review of studies that used the PDI, hPDI, or uPDI to report associations with health outcomes. Multiple databases were searched from 2010 through April 2023 with 2 authors independently assessing eligibility and extracting data. In addition to assessing the association of the indices to health outcomes, we determined the frequency of concordant or discordant findings for hPDI versus PDI and for hPDI versus uPDI.

Results

We included 95 articles (54% longitudinal, 37% cross-sectional, and 9% case–control) with a median sample size of 3,646. Higher hPDI levels were associated with favorable health outcomes in 36% of comparisons (most often for obesity, mortality, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psychiatric disorders), compared to 25% for the PDI and only 2% for the uPDI. Conversely, higher levels of the uPDI were associated with unfavorable health outcomes in 33% of comparisons, in contrast to under 1% for the hPDI and 2% for the PDI. When the hPDI association to an outcome was discordant with the uPDI or PDI, the significance and directionality always favored the hPDI over the uPDI, and nearly always favored the hPDI over the PDI.

Discussion

Dietary indices that account for the quality of plant foods can show health benefits that might be missed by a generic plant-based index. A greater focus on the quality of plant foods could improve nutrition guidelines, raise awareness about the benefits of adding unrefined plant foods to the diet, and empower consumers to make incremental additions of such foods to displace unhealthy foods. We anticipate increasing use of indices that address food quality in future research.
Impact of active lifestyle on the primary school children saliva microbiota composition
Authors: Mancini Annamaria , Cerulli Claudia , Vitucci Daniela , Lasorsa Vito Alessandro , Parente Daniela , Di Credico Andrea , Orrù Stefania , Brustio Paolo Riccardo , Lupo Corrado , Rainoldi Alberto , Schena Federico , Capasso Mario , Buono Pasqualina
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Active or Sedentary lifestyle on saliva microbiota composition in Italian schoolchildren.

Methods

Male (114) and female children (8–10 years) belonging to five primary schools in the neighborhoods of Turin were classified as active (A) or sedentary (S) based on PAQ-C-It questionnaire. PCR amplification of salivary DNA targeted the hypervariable V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA bacterial genes. DADA2 workflow was used to infer the Amplicon Sequence Variants and the taxonomic assignments; the beta-diversity was obtained by PCoA with the UniFrac method; LEfSe algorithm, threshold at 5%, and Log LDA cutoff at ±0.5 were used to identify differently abundant species in A compared to S saliva sample. Daily food intake was assessed by 3-Days food record. The metabolic potential of microbial communities was assessed by PICRUSt.

Results

No significant differences were found in individual’s gender distribution (p = 0.411), anthropometry, BMI (p > 0.05), and all diet composition between A and S groups (p > 0.05). Eight species were differently abundant: Prevotella nigrescens (LDA score = −3.76; FDR = 1.5×10–03), Collinsella aerofaciens (LDA score = −3.17; FDR = 7.45×10–03), Simonsiella muelleri (LDA score = −2.96; FDR = 2.76×10–05), Parabacteroides merdae (LDA score = −2.43; FDR = 1.3×10–02) are enriched in the A group; Gemella parahaemolysans, Prevotella aurantiaca (LDA score = −3.9; FDR = 5.27×10–04), Prevotella pallens (LDA score = 4.23; FDR = 1.93×10–02), Neisseria mucosa (LDA score = 4.43; FDR = 1.31×10–02; LDA score = 2.94; FDR = 7.45×10–03) are enriched in the S group. A prevalence of superpathway of fatty acid biosynthesis initiation (E. coli) and catechol degradation II (meta-cleavage pathway) was found in saliva from A compared to S children.

Conclusion

Our results showed that active children had an enrichment of species and genera mainly associated with a healthier profile. By contrast, the genera and the species enriched in the sedentary group could be linked to human diseases.
Diagnostic significance of dysregulated miRNAs in T-cell malignancies and their metabolic roles
Authors: Mondal Deepankar , Shinde Sapnita , Paul Souvik , Thakur Suresh , Velu GSK , Tiwari Atul Kumar , Dixit Vineeta , Amit Ajay , Vishvakarma Naveen Kumar , Shukla Dhananjay
Published: August 2023

T-cell malignancy is a broad term used for a diverse group of disease subtypes representing dysfunctional malignant T cells transformed at various stages of their clonal evolution. Despite having similar clinical manifestations, these disease groups have different disease progressions and diagnostic parameters. The effective diagnosis and prognosis of such a diverse disease group demands testing of molecular entities that capture footprints of the disease physiology in its entirety. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of genes and, while doing so, leave behind specific miRNA signatures corresponding to cellular expression status in an altered stage of a disease. Using miRNAs as a diagnostic tool is justified, as they can effectively distinguish expressional diversity between various tumors and within subtypes of T-cell malignancies. As global attention for cancer diagnosis shifts toward liquid biopsy, diagnosis using miRNAs is more relevant in blood cancers than in solid tumors. We also lay forward the diagnostic significance of miRNAs that are indicative of subtype, progression, severity, therapy response, and relapse. This review discusses the potential use and the role of miRNAs, miRNA signatures, or classifiers in the diagnosis of major groups of T-cell malignancies like T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL), and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The review also briefly discusses major diagnostic miRNAs having prominent metabolic roles in these malignancies to highlight their importance among other dysregulated miRNAs.
Deletion of the CYP2D6 gene as a likely explanation for the serious side effects of the antipsychotic drug pimozide: a case report
Authors: Facal Fernando , Portela Begoña , Gil-Rodríguez Almudena , Barros Francisco , Maroñas Olalla , Carracedo Angel
Published: August 2023

CYP2D6 analysis prior to the prescription of pimozide is required above a certain dose by the Food and Drug Administration in order to detect individuals with the poor metabolizer status. This precautionary measure aims to prevent the occurrence of serious adverse drug reactions. This study presents a case of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. The patient suffered re-admission in the psychiatry ward because of severe secondary symptoms due to the antipsychotic drug pimozide, previously prescribed on a first admission. In order to assess the patient’s medication profile, real-time PCR was performed to analyze the main genes responsible for its metabolization, namely, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. The pharmacogenetic study revealed that the patient is a poor metabolizer for CYP2D6, presenting deletion of both copies of the gene (diplotype *5/*5). Fortunately, the symptomatology disappeared after the withdrawal of the responsible drug. In conclusion, abiding by the pharmacogenetic clinical practice guidelines and the pharmacogenetic analysis of CYP2D6 when prescribing pimozide would have probably saved the patient from the consequences of severe side effects and the health system expenditure. There is an important need for more training in the pharmacogenetic field for specialists in psychiatry.