bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis Use Among Patients Attending A Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinic In Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ngarachu Elizabeth Wambui , Kiburi Sarah Kanana , Owiti Frederick R. , Kangethe Rachel N. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cannabis use is common among patients with opioid use disorder receiving methadone treatment. Research has shown that cannabis use during methadone treatment may impact negatively on treatment outcome. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of cannabis use and the associated socio-demographic characteristics among patients on methadone treatment. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 984 patients on methadone therapy at a methadone maintenance treatment clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and drug use patterns based urine drug screens was collected from patients’ files. Data was analyzed using SPSS for windows version 23.0. Results: Prevalence of cannabis use was 84.8% at baseline and 62.8% during follow up. Polysubstance use pattern was observed with heroin, cannabis and benzodiazepines being the commonest drugs. Majority of cannabis users were male (88.1%), aged 28-37 years (42.2%), unemployed (74.3%), had low level of education (87.7%) and single (72.4%). Cannabis use was associated with loss to follow up (p<0.001). Females were more likely to drop out of treatment and less likely to stop using cannabis during follow up compared to males. Sociodemographic factors associated with reduced risk for cannabis use were; being in older age group 48-57 years (OR 0.51, 95%CI, 0.30-0.87, p=0.013) and university education (OR 0.15, 95%CI, 0.05-0.69, p=0.005) while being in age group 18-27 years and being married were associated with increased risk for cannabis use (OR 2.62,95%CI, 1.78-3.86,p=0.001 and OR 1.50, 95%CI, 1.7-2.10,p=0.021 respectively). Conclusion: There is a prevalence of cannabis use among patients in receiving methadone treatment in Kenya is similar. In addition, cannabis use was associated with loss to follow up and sociodemographic characteristics. Cannabis use screening and targeted interventions for management should be incorporated in methadone treatment programs to improve outcomes for patients on methadone. Key words : cannabis, opioid use disorder, methadone maintenance treatment, Kenya
Dietary Curcumin Supplement Promotes Browning and Energy Expenditure in Postnatal Overfed Rats
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Du Susu , Yan Qinhui , Min Cuiting , Zhou Nan , Zhou Wei , Li Xiaonan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Early postnatal overfeeding could result in metabolic imprinting that decreases energy expenditure and induces white adipose tissue (WAT) gain throughout life. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) on thermogenesis and WAT browning in postnatal overfed rats.Methods and results: Litter sizes were adjusted to three (small litters, SL) or ten (normal litters, NL) to mimic early postnatal overfeeding or normal feeding from postnatal day 3. After weaning, the SL rats were fed with a standard diet (SL) or a diet supplemented with 1% (SL1%CUR) or 2% (SL2%CUR) CUR for ten weeks. At postnatal 13 weeks, SL rats with 1% or 2% CUR supplement had lower body weight and less WAT gain, had increased lean mass ratio, and their glucose tolerance and blood lipid levels had recovered to normal when compared to SL rats that did not receive the supplement. Moreover, increased respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and heat production were consistent with the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and other browning-related genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of the SL2% CUR rats but not of the SL1% CUR rats. In addition, 2% CUR dietary supplement enhanced the serum norepinephrine (NE) levels in SL rats, which was accompanied by upregulated mRNA levels of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) in SAT.Conclusion: Dietary CUR supplement attenuates body weight gain and metabolic disorders of SL rats. The beneficial effects were probably induced by promoting browning of SAT and energy expenditure, and it was more effective in SL with 2% CUR supplement.
Liver-transplantation-corrected coagulation dysfunction and neurological impairment in patients with argininemia
Authors: Cui Bin , Sun Li-Ying , Wei Lin , Qu Wei , Zeng Zhi-Gui , Liu Ying , Tan Yu-Le , Wang Jun , Zhu Zhi-Jun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Argininemia is a rare disease caused by inborn errors of metabolism. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have increased the number of patients receiving effective management. Argininemia is characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia, mental retardation, failure to thrive and irritability, and patients with coagulopathy are paid more attention. We studied the changes in coagulation dysfunctions and neurodevelopment in patients with argininemia before and after liver transplantation(LT).
Methods

The data in this study were obtained from the Liver Transplantation Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University between January 2015 and November 2019. We identified data related to argininemia in all patients diagnosed with urea cycle disorder, and extracted the details on coagulation, liver function, neurodevelopmental outcomes, histopathological and morphological examination, and other clinical presentations. The patients were followed up by telephone and/or in the clinic.
Results

Nine patients with argininemia diagnosed by tandem mass spectrometry and symptoms, and confirmed by gene sequencing. The symptoms deteriorated after dietary restriction in all patients with argininemia. Coagulopathy manifested before surgery, and no significant correlation was detected with plasma ammonia concentration. The coagulation dysfunction was completely resolved and progressive neurological impairment was prevented in seven patients with LT.
Conclusions

Coagulation dysfunctions are common manifestations of patients with
The Pathological Features and Prognoses of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm and Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm After Surgical Resection: A Single Institution Series
Authors: Li Yuqiong , Zhu Zhongfei , Peng Lisi , Jin Zhendong , Sun Liqi , Song Bin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) represent the tumors with malignant transformation potential. The objective of the study was to verify their pathological characteristics, prognoses, and recurrence factors. Methods: 218 IPMNs and 27 MCNs resected at a single institution were included. The demographic, preoperative, histopathological and follow-up data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of the 218 IPMN and 27 MCN patients, 93 (42.7%) and 8 (29.6 %) cases were malignant, respectively. IPMNs occurred in older patients compared with MCN patients (median 63 years vs 54 years, P<0.0001) and MCNs occurred exclusively in females (100%). Of the overall study cohort, the pathological specimens presented peripheral invasion in 37 (15.1%) patients and incisal margin invasion was observed in 46 (18.8%) patients. After a median follow-up of 34 months, 37(14.9%) patients relapsed. The 1, 3, 5 -year overall survival rate (OS) and diseases-free survival (DFS) rate for IPMNs were 98.75%, 98.75%, 97.5%, and 85.7%, 81.1%, 80.6%; and for MCNs the rates were 95.7%, 95.7%, 95.7%, and 91.3%%, 87.0%, 87.0%, respectively. There were four independent risk factors associated with recurrence: pathological diagnoses with malignancy (Odds rate, OR=3.65), presence of oncocytic type for IPMN (OR=1.69), peripheral invasion (OR=12.87) and incisal margin invasion (OR=1.99). Conclusions: IPMNs and MCNs are indolent tumors with favorable prognoses after surgical resection in terms of their relatively high OS and DFS rate. Patients with malignant pathological-related diagnoses should accept strict tumor surveillance in view of their higher risk of recurrence.
CircTP63 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Sponging miR-155-5p and Upregulating ZBTB18
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Che Jinbiao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of tumor-related death worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality, yet still lacking biomarkers and therapies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through interacting with miRNAs, implicating in the tumorigenesis and progression. A novel circRNA, circTP63, was reported to be an oncogene in HCC. However, its role in HCC remains unclear.Methods: qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of CircTP63 in 90 pairs of tumor and adjacent normal tissues from HCC patients, one human normal hepatic epithelial cell line and HCC cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the cellular function of circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18 in HCC cells. Bioinformatic analysis, RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were used to determine the interaction among circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18. Results: circTP63 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. High circTP63 expression is closely associated with the tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, knockdown of circTP63 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis of HCC. Meanwhile, overexpression of circTP63 enhanced HCC progression. Mechanically, circTP63 was a sponge of miR-155-5p to facilitate the ZBTB18 expression, and the ZBTB18 expression in HCC tissues was negatively associated with the survival rate of HCC patients. Furthermore, the reduced tumor-promoting effect on HCC cells induced by knockdown of circTP63 can be reversed by miR-155-5p inhibitor or ZBTB18 overexpression. Conclusion: Our data highlight a critical circTP63-miR-155-5p-ZBTB18 regulatory network involved in the HCC progression, gaining mechanistic insights into the function of CircRNAs in HCC progression, and providing effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
miRNA-24 Down-Regulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Inhibits Endothelial Cell Tube Formation
Authors: Luo Xuelan , Chen Wei , Qin Yuwang , Gan Na , Lvy Dongning , Liu Zhenguo , Ou Hesheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study is to investigate the effects of miR-24 on expression of eNOS and Sp1, the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: After transfection with miR-24 overexpression plasmid or anti-miR-24, miR-24 was successfully over-expressed or inhibited. Compared with the control group, the HUVEC proliferation and cell number in the miR-24 high expression group was significantly decreased. Moreover, for the miR-24 high expression group, the cell motility was slower, and the migrating cells were significantly decreased by 61.20%, with very few capillaries in the Matrigel assay. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of eNOS were decreased by 44.44% and 47.00 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 were significantly decreased by 34.88% and 68.00%, respectively. In the miR-24 interference group, the above indexes were decreased compared with control group, while significantly increased compared with the miR-24 high expression group, especially concerning the number of branches and the tube length. Moreover, the Sp-1 and eNOS mRNAs were found to be the direct targets of miR-24 by a luciferase reporter system.Conclusion: Over-expression of miR-24 significantly suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of HUVECs, via regulating eNOS expression. The transcription factor Sp1, a target of miR-24, might contribute to the eNOS expression regulation and the inhibiting effects on HUVECs.
Designing a Wellness-Based Tourism Model for Sustainable Rural Development
Authors: Esfandiari Hossein , Choobchian Shahla 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Wellness tourism, which is a fast-growing sector in the tourism industry, is a sub-branch of health tourism. In this type of tourism, tourists travel to get rid of the stresses of their daily life and rejuvenate without medical intervention and supervision. These tourists usually have no specific physical illness; rather, they are interested in enjoying the healing nature of other areas. These people travel to use the natural facilities available at the destination. These facilities, which may include favorable climate, hot springs, pristine nature of rural areas, and so on, are provided to tourists so that they can relax. The present study is a non-experimental survey in which the structural equation modeling method (AMOS22) is used to analyze the data. The statistical population was composed of the tourists visiting the natural attractions of Sarab County, Iran. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. To measure the reliability of the research instrument, 30 copies of the questionnaire were completed by some wellness tourists in Sarein Township, Ardabil province in Iran. The results confirmed the good reliability of the questionnaire. Also, the average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR) calculated for the studied variables were greater than 0.5 and 0.7, respectively. The results showed that among the studied factors, the location of the place had the greatest impact on choosing a wellness-based tourism destination. Also, among the different dimensions of wellness, the physical aspect was the most prominent dimension in choosing this kind of tourism. The research contributes approaches to developing wellness tourism in Iran in particular and in the world in general. Based on these approaches and strategies, effective steps would be taken to reduce life stress and move towards improving quality of life in the COVID-19 conditions.
Regime equations development for the design of Egyptian sandy canals
Authors: Arafa Ahmed A. , AboulAtta Nahla M. , El-Samman Tarek A. , Saad Neveen Y. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The construction of the High Aswan Dam in Egypt led to reducing the solids suspension in water from more than 3,500 p.p.m. to less than 100 p.p.m. As the regime of Egyptian canals has been changed completely after the construction of the High Aswan Dam, the previous derived equations are not applicable any more, and using them leads to a shortage in the carrying capacity of the canals. In the current study, extensive field measurements have been carried out on 15 stable Egyptian canals, which cover various discharges of irrigation canals with sandy soils starting from 5 m3/s to 50 m3/s and d50 ranging from 0.196 to 0.538 mm. Then, applicable regime relationships for designing stable sandy channels were determined. The new equations are useful for designing new stable canals and redesigning unstable canals within the same range. The new regime equations were verified by using the HEC- RAS program. Finally, sensitivity analysis has been performed in order to investigate the effect of changing the deduced parameters on the discharge.
Real-Life Impact on Lipid Profile of a Switch from Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate to Tenofovir Alafenamide in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Lagoutte-Renosi Jennifer , Flammang Mylène , Chirouze Catherine , Beck-Wirth Geneviève , Bozon Fabienne , Brunel Anne-Sophie , Drobacheff-Thiebaut Marie-Christine , Foltzer Adeline , Hustache-Mathieu Laurent , Kowalczyk Jakub , Michel Catherine , Davani Siamak , Muret Patrice 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a prodrug of tenofovir diphosphate that
exposes patients to renal toxicity over the long term. Tenofovir alafenamide, a new prodrug, now
makes it possible to reduce toxicity, but at the cost of an alteration in lipid profile. There is currently
no recommendation for follow-up of lipid profile when switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
to tenofovir alafenamide.

Objective:
Our study aimed to evaluate the effects on renal function and lipid profile of a switch
from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide, and the consequences for patient management.

Methods:
Demographic, clinical and biological data was recorded from a retrospective clinical cohort
study in real-life, including patients who switched from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir
alafenamide. A descriptive analysis of the study population, with a comparison of biological
parameters using the paired Student t test for paired data was performed.

Results:
From January 2016 to January 2019, a total of 103 patients were included. There was no
significant difference in renal function before vs after the switch in therapy (p=0.29 for creatinine,
p=0.30 for phosphoremia). We observed a change in lipid profile, with a significant increase in total
cholesterol (p=0.0006), HDL cholesterol (p=0.0055) and triglycerides (p=0.0242). Four patients
received lipid-lowering therapy after switching.

Conclusion:
In patients who switch from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide,
lipid profile is altered, and may require initiation of lipid-lowering therapy. It seems necessary to
monitor lipid parameters after this switch, despite the absence of an official recommendation.
Evaluating the Risks of Systemic Maternal Ivermectin Exposure During Pregnancy in Human and Vertebrate Animals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Westlake Camille S. , Aronoff David M. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Ivermectin is widely used for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases
associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes when the infection complicates the pregnancy.
However, the United States FDA classification and current distribution protocols limit
ivermectin treatment in pregnant women because antepartum safety has not been well-established.

Objective:
We conducted a scoping review to address the question of what is known from both human
and vertebrate animal studies about the safety of systemic ivermectin exposure during pregnancy.

Methods:
We searched PubMed for adverse outcomes related to systemic ivermectin exposure in
human and vertebrate animal pregnancies, including English-language primary articles from 1900 -
2019.

Results:
We identified 23 primary articles for evaluation, including 10 human studies and 13 vertebrate
animal studies of interest. One prospective randomized, controlled trial investigating the safety
of systemic ivermectin exposure during pregnancy and four retrospective human studies did not
identify a significant association with adverse birth outcome metrics. Out of the three human case
reports, two reported uncomplicated prenatal courses and one reported stillbirth and maternal
death. A retrospective cross-sectional study concluded a positive association between onchocerciasis
and spontaneous abortion, mitigated by ivermectin mass drug administration. While adverse
pregnancy outcomes were observed at high doses in mice, rats, and rabbits, there was overall a lack
of evidence to support concerns that therapeutic doses of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) cause adverse
pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion:
Further research is warranted to address safety concerns regarding the use of
ivermectin in pregnant women in treating and preventing neglected helminth infections that threaten
maternal-child health.
A New Series of Antileukemic Agents: Design, Synthesis, In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Thiazole-Based ABL1 Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Zeytün Ebru , Altıntop Mehlika D. , Sever Belgin , Özdemir Ahmet , Ellakwa Doha E. , Ocak Zeynep , Ciftci Halil I. , Otsuka Masami , Fujita Mikako , Radwan Mohamed O. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
After the milestone approval of imatinib, more than 25 antitumor agents targeting kinases have been approved,
and several promising candidates are in various stages of clinical evaluation.

Objectives :
Due to the importance of thiazole scaffold in targeted anticancer drug discovery, the goal of this work is the design of new
thiazolyl hydrazones as potent ABL1 kinase inhibitors for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Methods:
New thiazolyl hydrazones (2a-p) were synthesized and investigated for their cytotoxic effects on K562 CML cell line.
Compounds 2h, 2j and 2l showed potent anticancer activity against K562 cell line. The cytotoxic effects of these compounds on other
leukemia (HL-60, MT-2 and Jurkat) and HeLa human cervical carcinoma cell lines were also investigated. Furthermore, their cytotoxic
effects on mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MA-PBMCs) were evaluated to determine their selectivity. Due to its
selective and potent anticancer activity, compound 2j was benchmarked for its apoptosis-inducing potential on K562 cell line and inhibitory
effects on eight different tyrosine kinases (TKs) including ABL1 kinase. In order to investigate the binding mode of compound 2j into the
ATP binding site of ABL1 kinase (PDB: 1IEP), molecular docking study was conducted using MOE 2018.01 program. The QikProp module
of Schrödinger’s Molecular modelling package was used to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 2a-p.

Results:
4-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-[2-((1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]thiazole (2j) showed
antiproliferative activity against K562 cell line with an IC50 value of 8.87±1.93 μM similar to imatinib (IC50=
6.84±1.11μM). Compound 2j was found to be more effective than imatinib on HL-60, Jurkat and MT-2 cells.
Compound 2j also showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell line similar to imatinib. The higher selectivity
index value of compound 2j than imatinib indicated that its antiproliferative activity was selective. Compound
2j also induced apoptosis in K562 cell line more than imatinib. Among eight TKs, compound 2j showed the
strongest inhibitory activity against ABL1 kinase enzyme (IC50= 5.37±1.17μM). According to molecular
docking studies, compound 2j exhibited high affinity to the ATP binding site of ABL1 kinase, forming
significant intermolecular interactions. On the basis of in silico studies, this compound did not violate Lipinski's
rule of five and Jorgensen's rule of three.

Conclusion:
Compound 2j stands out as a potential orally bioavailable ABL1 kinase inhibitor for the treatment of CML.
A Review of the Potential Receptors of Migraine with a Special Emphasis on CGRP to Develop an Ideal Antimigraine Drug
Authors: Naduchamy Krishna P. , Parthasarathy Varadarajan 
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective:
Migraine is a neurovascular syndrome associated with unilateral, throbbing headache accompanied with nausea, vomiting and photo/phonophobia. Several proteins are involved in the etiopathogenesis of migraine headache. The aim of the present review is to give an insight into the various target proteins involved in migraine headache pertaining to the development of a potential anti-migraine drug molecule. Proteins/receptors such as serotonin (5-HT), Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV1), cannabinoid, glutamate, opioid and histamine receptors play various roles in migraine. The nature of the proteins, their types, binding partner membrane proteins and the consequences of the reactions produced have been discussed. The studies conducted on animals and humans with the above mentioned target proteins/receptors and the results obtained have also been reviewed.

Conclusion:
Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) significantly contributed to the progression of migraine. CGRP antagonist inhibits the release of CGRP from trigeminal neurons of trigeminal ganglion. Based on the study results, the present review suggests that the inhibition of CGRP receptor might be a successful way to treat migraine headache. Currently, researchers across the world are focussing their attention towards the development of novel molecules to treat migraine headache by targeting CGRP receptor which can be attributed to its specificity among the several proteins involved in migraine.