bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of circulating miR 194-5p, miR 106b, and miR 146a as potential biomarkers for epilepsy: a case-control study
Authors: Moustafa Mervat , Abokrysha Noha T. , Eldesoukey Nermeen A. , Amin Dalia Gamil , Mounir Nesma , Labib Dalia M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease. A suitable biomarker for epilepsy diagnosis remains lacking. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were pronounced as promising biomarkers for epileptogenesis.

Objectives
To analyze the expression levels of miR 194-5p, miR 106b, and miR 146a in Egyptian epileptic patients compared to control subjects and to detect their correlation to clinical characteristics.

Subjects and methods
We evaluated the expression levels of miR 106b, miR 146a, and miR 194-5p using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 50 subjects: 15 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, 15 patients with focal epilepsy (3 idiopathic and 12 cryptogenic), and 20 healthy controls.

Results
miR 106b and miR 194-5p were upregulated in the generalized epilepsy group compared to control; miR 194-5p was significantly downregulated in the focal epilepsy group compared to the generalized epilepsy group and control (p ˂ 0.05). miR 194-5p was negatively correlated to disease duration in patients with focal epilepsy; the three microRNAs were positively correlated to each other (p ˂ 0.05).

Conclusion
Serum miR 194-5P and miR 106b can be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers in the evaluation of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Study of ethion and lipopolysaccharide interaction on lung in a mouse model
Authors: Verma Geetika , Sethi R. S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEthion is an organophosphate used commonly in India despite being banned in many other countries. The present study was designed to study the interaction of ethion and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) together on lung after single low dose ethion exposure. Mice (n = 20) were alienated into control and treatment groups (n = 10 each). The treatment group was orally fed ethion (8 mg/kg/animal/day) dissolved in corn oil. The animals (n = 5 each) from both the groups were challenged with 80 μg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intranasally and the remaining animals (n = 5 each) were administered normal saline solution after 24 h. Ethion along with LPS induced lung inflammation as indicated by increased neutrophils and total leukocyte count (TLC) in broncheoalveolar lavage fluid. Ethion induced histomorphological alterations in lung as shown by increased pulmonary inflammation score in histopathology. Real time PCR analysis showed that ethion followed by LPS resulted significant (p < 0.05) increase in pulmonary Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (48.53 fold), interleukin (IL)-1β (7.05 fold) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (5.74 fold) mRNA expression. LPS co-exposure suggested synergistic effect on TLR4 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Ethion alone or in combination with LPS resulted genotoxicity in blood cells as detected by comet assay. The data suggested single dietary ethion exposure alone or in conjunction with LPS causes lung inflammation and genotoxicity in blood cells.
Brain Factor-7® improves learning and memory deficits and attenuates ischemic brain damage by reduction of ROS generation in stroke in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Noh Yoohun , Ahn Ji Hyeon , Lee Ji-Won , Hong Junkee , Lee Tae-Kyeong , Kim Bora , Kim Sung-Su , Won Moo-Ho 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBrain Factor-7® (BF-7), silk fibroin peptide, is known to be effective in improvement of memory and learning ability. In this study, the effects of BF-7 (10 mg/kg, p.o., pre-treatment for 7 days and post-treatment for 7 days) on neuroprotection and memory and learning functions were investigated in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia and a gerbil model of transient global forebrain ischemia. Furthermore, to find the mechanism of BF-7, we examined the neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of BF-7 in vitro using neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. In vivo model, treatment with BF-7 significantly reduced the number of errors in 8-arm maze test and significantly increased latency time in passive avoidance test at 7 days after focal ischemia compared to those in the vehicle-treated group. In addition, treatment with BF-7 significantly decreased the infarct size or neuronal death at 7 day following transient ischemia compared to that in the vehicle-treated group. In vitro model, 10 or 20 μg/ml of BF-7 treatment significantly increased cell viability in dose-dependent manner. In addition, oxidative stress was significantly attenuated in the ischemic cells, showing that 10 or 20 μg/ml of BF-7 treatment significantly reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to that in the ischemic cells. These results indicate that BF-7 treatment can attenuate ischemic damages and improve memory deficits via reduction of ROS generation.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with mites phoretic on bark beetles in Qinghai, China
Authors: Chang Runlei , Duong Tuan A. , Taerum Stephen J. , Wingfield Michael J. , Zhou XuDong , de Beer Z. Wilhelm 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBark beetle galleries are complex ecosystems where many microbes and other arthropods co-exist with the beetles. Fungi isolated from these galleries are often referred to as ‘beetle associates’, but the nature of these associations are poorly understood. The possibility that many of these fungi might in fact be mite associates is often overlooked. Several recent studies explored the diversity of fungi from conifer-infesting bark beetles and their galleries in China, but only one study considered phoretic mites and their fungi from conifer-infesting bark beetles in Yunnan, southwestern China. We studied the mites and fungi from galleries of four spruce-infesting bark beetle species in the high altitude forests of Qinghai province, western China. Mites were identified based on morphological characteristics, and fungi based on DNA sequences of four gene regions. In total, 173 mite individuals were collected belonging to 18 species in 11 genera. A total of 135 fungal isolates were obtained from the mites, representing 14 taxa from theOphiostomatales.The most frequently isolated fungus wasOphiostoma nitidum, which represented 23.5% of the total isolates. More fungal species were found from fewer mites and bark beetle species than from the study in Yunnan. Although we could not elucidate the exact nature of interactions between mites and their fungi, our results re-enforce that these organisms should not be ignored in pest risk assessments of bark beetles, that often focus only on the beetles and their fungi. Three new species are described:Grosmannia zekuensis,O. manchongi,andO. kunlunensespp. nov., and our data revealed thatO. typographi, recently described from China, is a synonym ofO. ainoae.
Serum sclerostin in rheumatoid-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Gharbia Ola , Hegazy Aliaa , Elhelaly Rania , ElGhaweet Atif 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by presence of localized and generalized osteoporosis. The mechanism of decreased bone mass is complex and multifactorial, a possible mechanism behind increased bone loss in RA is upregulation of sclerostin. The aim of this work was to evaluate serum sclerostin level in RA patients and its relation with bone mineral density (BMD) and disease activity.ResultsSerum sclerostin level in RA patients was significantly higher than the controls (p< 0.001). Osteopenia and osteoporosis were more prevalent in RA patients (22.5% and 7.5% respectively) compared to controls (15% and 2.5% respectively) (p= 0.006). Serum sclerostin level was significantly correlated with tender joint count (p= 0.014), swollen joint count (p= 0.036), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (p= 0.010), C reactive protein serum level (p= 0.025), disease activity score (DAS) 28-ESR (p= 0.018), DAS28-CRP (p= 0.005), and radiological modified Sharp erosion score (p= 0.049). The correlation of serum sclerostin level in RA patients with BMD and with T-score in all sites revealed an inverse relationship withpvalues insignificant.ConclusionSerum sclerostin is a major player in bone metabolism as a negative regulator of bone growth through inhibition of Wnt signaling that is largely influenced by the disease activity. Controlling the disease activity is a major factor for prevention of local as well as generalized osteoporosis and is essential for the reparative local and systemic bone health.
Mapping UK mental health services for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: national survey with comparison of reporting between three stakeholder groups
Authors: Price Anna , Janssens Astrid , Newlove-Delgado Tamsin , Eke Helen , Paul Moli , Sayal Kapil , Hollis Chris , Ani Cornelius , Young Susan , Dunn-Morua Susan , Asherson Philip , Logan Stuart , Ford Tamsin 
Published: July 2020

Background
UK clinical guidelines recommend treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults by suitably qualified clinical teams. However, young people with ADHD attempting the transition from children's to adults’ services experience considerable difficulties in accessing care.

Aims
To map the mental health services in the UK for adults who have ADHD and compare the reports of key stakeholders (people with ADHD and their carers, health workers, service commissioners).

Method
A survey about the existence and extent of service provision for adults with ADHD was distributed online and via national organisations (e.g. Royal College of Psychiatrists, the ADHD Foundation). Freedom of information requests were sent to commissioners. Descriptive analysis was used to compare reports from the different stakeholders.

Results
A total of 294 unique services were identified by 2686 respondents. Of these, 44 (15%) were dedicated adult ADHD services and 99 (34%) were generic adult mental health services. Only 12 dedicated services (27%) provided the full range of treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Only half of the dedicated services (55%) and a minority of other services (7%) were reported by all stakeholder groups (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test).

Conclusions
There is geographical variation in the provision of NHS services for adults with ADHD across the UK, as well as limited availability of treatments in the available services. Differences between stakeholder reports raise questions about equitable access. With increasing numbers of young people with ADHD graduating from children's services, developing evidence-based accessible models of care for adults with ADHD remains an urgent policy and commissioning priority.
Pancreatic Steatosis Associates With Impaired Insulin Secretion in Genetically Predisposed Individuals
Authors: Wagner Róbert , Jaghutriz Benjamin Assad , Gerst Felicia , Barroso Oquendo Morgana , Machann Jürgen , Schick Fritz , Löffler Markus W , Nadalin Silvio , Fend Falko , Königsrainer Alfred , Peter Andreas , Siegel-Axel Dorothea , Ullrich Susanne , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Pancreatic steatosis leading to beta-cell failure might be involved in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis.

Objective
We hypothesized that the genetic background modulates the effect of pancreatic fat on beta-cell function and investigated genotype × pancreatic fat interactions on insulin secretion.

Design
Two observational studies.

Setting
University hospital.

Patients or participants
A total of 360 nondiabetic individuals with elevated risk for T2D (Tuebingen Family Study [TUEF]), and 64 patients undergoing pancreatectomy (Pancreas Biobank [PB], HbA1c &lt;9%, no insulin therapy).

Main Outcome Measures
Insulin secretion calculated from 5-point oral glucose tolerance test (TUEF) and fasting blood collection before surgery (PB). A genome-wide polygenic score for T2D was computed from 484,788 genotyped variants. The interaction of magnetic resonance imaging-measured and histologically quantified pancreatic fat with the polygenic score was investigated. Partitioned risk scores using genome-wide significant variants were also computed to gain insight into potential mechanisms.

Results
Pancreatic steatosis interacted with genome-wide polygenic score on insulin secretion (P = 0.003), which was similar in the replication cohort with histological measurements (P = 0.03). There was a negative association between pancreatic fat and insulin secretion in participants with high genetic risk, whereas individuals with low genetic risk showed a positive correlation between pancreatic fat and insulin secretion. Consistent interactions were found with insulin resistance-specific and a liver/lipid-specific polygenic scores.

Conclusions
The associations suggest that pancreatic steatosis only impairs beta-cell function in subjects at high genetic risk for diabetes. Genetically determined insulin resistance specifically renders pancreatic fat deleterious for insulin secretion.
To be or not to be an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Authors: Ahmed Iffat , Ashar Abid 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore motivational sources of physicians, at the time of selection and while pursuing ObGyn career. Secondary aim was to explore challenges and strategies adapted by these physicians to overcome these challenges.
Methods: This is qualitative study with constrictive worldview. ObGyn residents and consultants of Aga Khan University, Karachi, were interviewed from July 2017 till Jan 2019, after ethical approval, using purposeful maximum variation sampling. Analysis were conducted by identifying keywords and phrases, these unedited verbatim with no assumptions provided basis for codes, which then clustered as trends. Emerging findings were discussed among authors and themes were finalized with consensus. Conclusion was formulated by linking these themes.
Results: Four themes emerged were, ‘grounds for selecting ObGyn as career’, ‘Motivational Factors’, ‘Demotivating Factors’ and ‘Strategies to Cope with Challenges’. Results showed that aptitude and passion not only have pivotal role in career selection but also helped in pursuance. Personal fulfilment and hands-on experience satisfy emotional needs, while family and friends supported participants in maintaining work-life balance and in over-coming challenges.
Conclusions: Considering personal preference and aptitude at the time of career selection helps in endurance and keep motivations high, while challenges in pursuance can be overcome by strong support system.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.3080
How to cite this:Ahmed I, Ashar A. To be or not to be an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1165-1170. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.3080
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cost analysis of implementing HIV drug resistance testing in Kenya: a case study of a service delivery site at a tertiary level hospital in Kenya
Authors: Gachogo Rachael W. , Mwai Daniel N. , Onyambu Frank G. 
Published: July 2020

Background: HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) threatens progress achieved in response to the HIV epidemic. Understanding the costs of implementing HIVDR testing programs for patient management and surveillance in resource-limited settings is critical in optimizing resource allocation. Here, we estimate the unit cost of HIVDR testing and identify major cost drivers while documenting challenges and lessons learnt in implementation of HIVDR testing at a tertiary level hospital in Kenya. Methods: We employed a mixed costing approach to estimate the costs associated with performing a HIVDR test from the provider’s perspective. Data collection involved a time and motion study of laboratory procedures and interviewing laboratory personnel and the management personnel. Cost analysis was based on estimated 1000 HIVDR tests per year. Data entry and analysis were done using Microsoft Excel and costs converted to US dollars (2019). Results: The estimated unit cost for a HIVDR test was $271.78 per test. The main cost drivers included capital ($102.42, 37.68%) and reagents (101.50, 37.35%). Other costs included: personnel ($46.81, 17.22%), utilities ($14.69, 5.41%), equipment maintenance costs ($2.37, 0.87%) and quality assurance program ($4, 1.47%). Costs in relation to specific laboratory processes were as follows: sample collection ($2.41, 0.89%), RNA extraction ($22.79, 8.38%), amplification ($56.14, 20.66%), gel electrophoresis ($10.34, 3.80%), sequencing ($160.94, 59.22%), and sequence analysis ($19.16, 7.05%). A user-initiated modification of halving reagent volumes for some laboratory processes (amplification and sequencing) reduced the unit cost for a HIVDR test to $233.81 (13.97%) reduction. Conclusions: Capital expenditure and reagents remain the most expensive components of HIVDR testing. This cost is bound to change as the sequencing platform is utilized towards maximum capacity or leveraged for use with other tests. Cost saving in offering HIVDR testing services is also possible through reagent volume reduction without compromising on the quality of test results.
A Moment to Celebrate? Art of the Caribbean at the Venice Biennale
Authors: Asquith Wendy , Wainwright Leon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In recent years, the sporadic presence of various Caribbean national pavilions at the Venice Biennale – Jamaica (2001), Haiti (2011), Bahamas (2013), Grenada (2015, 2017, 2019), Antigua and Barbuda (2017, 2019), Dominican Republic (2019) – has on each occasion been almost unanimously applauded as marking some sort of moment of ‘arrival’ or ‘becoming’ for artists of the Caribbean, and for the local institutional structures and professionals that surround them. This article critically explores what the gains are of such a presence beyond the fleeting ‘Venice effect’ – mega-hyped exposure to international audiences, curators, gallerists and other market actors. The alleged benefits-for-all of contemporary cultural exchange, in an expanding globalizing field such as Venice, are by no means shared equally, and such discourses gloss over layers of uneven privilege embedded within the institution.
Effect Of Processing, (Boiling, Frying and Roasting) On The Nutrient, Antinutient And Phytochemical Composition Of Two Varieties Of Cocoyam
Authors: OLY-ALAWUBA NKEIRUKA , Uzochukwu Idam Prosper 
Published: July 2020

The importance of food processing in enhancing nutrients contained in foods, cannot be overemphasized. The study evaluates the effect of different processing methods (boiling, frying and roasting), on the nutrient, antinutrient and phytochemical compositions of two varieties of cocoyam, (Colocasia antiquorum and Xanthosoma sagittifolium ).
Anti-nutrients are chemical compounds evolved by plants for their defence, among other biological functions. Anti-nutrients reduce the maximum utilization of nutrients (especially proteins, vitamins and minerals), thus preventing optimal exploitation of the nutrients present in food and decreasing the nutritive value.
Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) is a non-indigenous species, widely grown in the subtropical parts of Africa, as a traditional food crop. Cocoyam makes a significant contribution to the diet of local people in Nigeria, where it is easily available.
Cocoyam varieties (X.sagittifolium and C.antiquorum), were harvested from the farm, cleaned and divided into three equal parts, (those to be boiled, fried and roasted). Thereafter, were subjected to different processing techniques before analysis. Standard assay methods were used to analyse for antinutrients, nutrients and phytochemical composition.
The proximate and mineral composition of the Cocoyam varieties revealed improved values in some nutrients. Phosphorus improved (from 52.36mg/g to 65.39mg/g) Calcium (21.mg/g to 26.02mg/g), sodium (41.66 to 52.34mg/g), magnesium (11.66mg/g to 13.4mg/g), iron, (from 2.72mg/g to 5.72mg/g).
The different processing methods used, especially boiling, had a diverse effect in reducing the levels of tannin, phytate, oxalate, phenols, cyanogens, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids in relation to the other processing methods. Boiling for 30minutes was also found to be highly effective in reducing the anti-nutrient content in both varieties of cocoyam. (Tannin reduced from 0.62mg/100g to 0.15mg/100g; Phytate, from 1.83mg/100g to 0.12mg/100g and Oxalate, from 2.99mg/100g to 0.13mg/100g respectively). Alkaloid concentration decreased from 1.44mg/100g to 0.10mg/100g. Processing was effective in substantially reducing the cyanogens to low levels, from 1.44mg/100g (in raw Xanthosoma sagittifolium) to 0.07mg/100g (in boiled).
The result of the study showed that some, nutrients contained in food crops, could be improved and made more available to the body, through the application of some processing methods.
RPI inflation rate from 1% to 5% – Mathematical Reasoning of Economic Intervening Principle Based on Yin Yang Wu Xing Theory in Traditional Chinese Economics (II)
Authors: Zhang Yingshan 
Published: July 2020

RPI (Retail Price Index) is useful in understanding economic disease. By using mathematical reasoning based on Yin Yang Wu Xing Theory in Traditional Chinese Economics (TCE) or Traditional Chinese Science (TCS), this paper demonstrates that for the RPI inflation rate of industry economic society, the normal range of theory is nearly to . The first or second transfer law of economic diseases changes according to the different RPI inflation rate whether in the normal range or not. The treatment principle:“Don’t have economic disease cure cure non-ill” () is abiding by the first or second transfer law of economic diseases. Assume that the range of the RPI inflation rate is divided into four parts from small to large. Both second and third are for a healthy economy. Our works are the prevention or treatment for a more serious relation economic disease which comes from the first transfer law. And both first and fourth are for an unhealthy economy. Our works are the prevention or treatment for a more serious relation economic disease which comes from the second transfer law. Economic disease treatment should protect and maintain the balance of two incompatibility relations: the loving relationship and the killing relationship.
Global existence and finite time blowup for a nonlocal semilinear pseudo-parabolic equation
Authors: Wang Xingchang , Xu Runzhang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the initial boundary value problem for a nonlocal semilinear pseudo-parabolic equation is investigated, which was introduced to model phenomena in population dynamics and biological sciences where the total mass of a chemical or an organism is conserved. The existence, uniqueness and asymptotic behavior of the global solution and the blowup phenomena of solution with subcritical initial energy are established. Then these results are extended parallelly to the critical initial energy. Further the blowup phenomena of solution with supercritical initial energy is proved, but the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic behavior of the global solution with supercritical initial energy are still open.