bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Educational Burnout, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among medical students of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Elyasi Qazal Aghajani , Nejad Sanaz Mahdi , Sami Nafiseh , Khakpour Shahrzad , Yekta Batool Ghorbani 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Psychological disorders have negative consequences on students' learning and academic performance. In addition, academic burnout is one of the common challenges that affects students’ motivation and academic eagerness; however, the determinant is not clear. Medical students, meanwhile, demand special attention due to their professional responsibilities. In this regard, this study is conducted to investigate the academic burnout, rate of depression, anxiety and stress as well as related factors among undergraduate medical students at the Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University.Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed on medical students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran in 2017. In phase I, conducted on all stager students, Maslach Burnout questionnaire was used. In phase II, the DASS-42 questionnaire was provided for 123 students, 120 of whom met the inclusion criteria. In addition, another questionnaire including gender, age, lifestyle, marital and financial status, nutrition style, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, study hours per week, work efficiency and distance from the place of residence to the teaching hospital was used. Finally, the data extracted by SPSS version 23 was analyzed at the significance level of 0.05.Results: In phase I of the study, 17 subjects showed academic burnout (16.3%). Out of all, 76.5% of students with academic burnout did not focus on the study and students' academic burnout was associated with a decrease in their focus (P < 0.05). However, the relationship between academic burnout and other factors was not significant (P > 0.05).In phase II, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 37.5%, 41.1% and 30.3%, respectively. The prevalence of severe and very severe degrees that required psychiatric follow-up were 10.5%, 10.5% and 7% for depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. According to statistical analyzes, there is a significant direct relationship between anxiety and the distance from the place of residence to the teaching hospital (P = 0.040).Conclusion: The present study estimated the prevalence of academic burnout to be between 9.2% and 23.4%, and the level of anxiety was related to the distance from the place of residence to the hospital. This high prevalence indicates that this part of medical education needs more attention.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome among Medical Students in Jordan: A cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yousef Salsabeel , Jadallah Khaled , Kheirallah Khalid A. , Nsour Mohannad Al , Batieha Anwar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. IBS is not a life-threatening condition; however, it considerably reduces the quality of life of sufferers. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of IBS, its subtypes, and associated factors among medical students at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST).Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among medical students at JUST from November 2019 to February 2020. A structured, pre-validated, comprehensive, self-administered, and anonymous questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consists of three parts: sociodemographic and behavioral factors related questions, Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 396 students participated in our study.Results The prevalence of IBS among medical students at JUST was 28.5%. The predominant IBS subtype was IBS-mixed (IBS-M), which constituted 42.5% of the cases. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that gender, family history of IBS, academic level, residence, stress level, anxiety level, and depression level were the main predictors of IBS. Males were fifty percent less likely to suffer from IBS compared to females. Students who had a family history of IBS were two and half times more likely to suffer from IBS. Students who had extremely severe stress were five times more likely to have IBS than those with normal stress levels. Students who had extremely severe depression were three and half times more likely to suffer from IBS than those who had normal depression level. Students who had extremely severe anxiety levels were two and half times more likely to suffer from IBS than those of normal anxiety level. The odds of having IBS were highest among fifth-year students, followed by sixth-year students compared to first-year students. The anxiety level regression model revealed that students living with their families have a reduced risk for IBS by 50% than students living in a private house.Conclusion IBS is highly prevalent among medical students at JUST. Sex, family history of IBS, academic level, residence, stress level, anxiety level, and depression level were the risk factors of IBS. Offering emotional and psychological support and stress management courses may be needed to enhance students' ability to deal with stress, reduce anxiety and depression.
Blood leukocyte count as a systemic inflammatory biomarker associated with a more rapid spirometric decline in a large cohort of iron and steel industry workers
Authors: Kong Nan , Chen Guoshun , Wang Haitao , Li Jianyu , Yin Shuzhen , Cao Xue , Wang Tao , Li Xin , Li Yanan , Zhang Huanling , Yu Shanfa , Tang Jinglong , Sood Akshay , Zheng Yuxin , Leng Shuguang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Iron and steel industry workers are exposed to high levels of inhalable dust particles that contain various elements, including metals, and cause occupational lung diseases. We aim to assess the relationship between occupational dust exposure, systemic inflammation, and spirometric decline in a cohort of Chinese iron and steelworkers.Methods: We studied 7,513 workers who participated in a Health Surveillance program at Wugang Institute for Occupational Health between 2008 and 2017. Time-weighted exposure intensity (TWEI) of dust was quantified based on self-reported dust exposure history, the experience of occupational hygienists, and historical data of dust exposures for workers with certain job titles. A linear mixed-effects model was used for association analyses.Results: The average annual change of lung function was -50.78 ml/year in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and -34.36 ml/year in forced vital capacity (FVC) in males, and -39.06 ml/year in FEV1 and -26.66 ml/year in FVC in females. Higher TWEI prior to baseline was associated with lower longitudinal measurements of FEV1 and FVC but not with their declines. Higher WBC and its differential at baseline were associated with lower longitudinal measurements and a more rapid decline of FEV1 and FVC in a dose-dependent monotonically increasing manner. Moreover, the elevations of WBC and its differential post-baseline were also associated with a more rapid decline of FEV1 and FVC.Conclusions: Our findings strongly support the important role of systemic inflammation in affecting the temporal change of lung function in iron and steel industry workers.
Dietary quercetin ameliorates TPT-induced hepatic oxidative damage and apoptosis in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Chunnuan , Wang Yuheng , Ren Hongtao , Wang Junhui , Jiang Dongxue , Yuan Xiaoyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of quercetin on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by TPT in zebrafish. 240 fish were divided into 4 groups with three repeats. D1: fish fed with the basal diet as the control group. D2: fish fed with basal diet and exposed in 10 ng/L TPT. D3: fish fed diets containing 100 mg/Kg quercetin and exposed in 10ng/L TPT. D4: fish fed diets containing 100 mg/Kg quercetin. The results showed that quercetin could ameliorate oxidative stress, which decreased MDA, NO levels and improved antioxidant enzyme activities. The key apoptotic gene expressions, including caspase3, Bax and caspase9 mRNA expression were significantly induced by TPT exposure as compared with the control group, while notably decreased the Bcl-2 gene. However, dietary quercetin prevented a significant increase in Bax, caspase3 and caspase9 mRNA levels induced by TPT exposure, but increased Bcl-2 mRNA levels. The results of our study also demonstrated that 10 ng/L TPT significantly up-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and NF-kB p65 gene expression and down-regulated IL-10 and IkB expression compared to the control group. However, TPT-induced inflammation was significantly mitigated in the quercetin treatment group. In conclusion, our findings suggested that quercetin might alleviate hepatic oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by TPT.
MiR-424-5p&nbsp;and miR -142-3p&nbsp;Combination Synergistically Regulates the Biological Features of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Dastmalchi Narges , Safaralizadeh Reza , Khojasteh Seyed Mahdi Banan , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: combination treatment was identified as a valuable procedure to decrease breast tumorigenesis. It has been confirmed that microRNAs (miRs) can be considered as a therapeutic agent in breast cancer (BC) combination treatment. Our aim was the examination of potential action and underlying molecular activity of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p combination in the human BC cells. Methods and results: MiR-424-5p and miR-142-3p mimics were transfected into MCF-7 cells, in a combination or separate manner. The proliferation of the cells was assessed through the MTT test. Also, apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot and qRT-PCR determined the expression levels of downstream molecular factors of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p. The results exhibited that miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p synergetically inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation via apoptosis and autophagy induction and regulation of apoptotic factors, Bax and Bcl-2, and autophagy-associated gene, Beclin1 as well as proliferative factor c-Myc. Also, miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p combination treatment reduced MCF-7 cell colony numbers via modulating Oct-3 and resulted in G2 arrest through controlling STAT3 expression. Conclusions: The simultaneous restoration of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p showed more cytotoxic effects on BC cells as compared to mono-treatment. Thus, the combination of two miRs (miR-424 and miR-142) could be used us as a new method for breast carcinoma treatment.
Does Thoracic Kyphosis Have Any Importance in Selective Versus Nonselective Fusion Preference in Patients With Lenke Type 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?&nbsp;A Contribution to the Guidance of the Lenke Classification
Authors: Karademir Gökhan , Sarıyılmaz Kerim , Özkunt Okan , Demirel Mehmet , Dikici Fatih , Domaniç Ünsal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough Lenke classification analyses the sagittal plane as (+), N, and (-), it does not consider it in the choice of treatment, and it has limitations with overall thoracic kyphosis (TK). To investigate the importance of TK for treatment preference in patients with Lenke 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by comparing radiological outcomes of the patients who underwent selective fusion (SF) or nonselective fusion (NSF). MethodsThirty-two patients with Lenke type 5C AIS were included and then divided into two groups as per the fusion procedure used in the surgical treatment. SF group including 17 patients (15 females; mean age = 16 years, age range, 14–21) with normal TK and NSF group including 15 patients (11 females; mean age = 17 years, age range, 13–26) with thoracic hyper-kyphosis. Thorocolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) Cobb, thoracic (T) Cobb, TK and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured on standing spine radiographs preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The correction rates (CR) of each radiographic parameter were calculated.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the mean CR of all radiographic parameters, except TK and LL correction rates. The mean CR of TK was significantly higher in NSF group (-17% [range, -100–69]) than in SF group (67% [range, 9–100]) (p = 0.000). Likewise, the mean CR of LL was found significantly higher in NSF group (12.47% [range, -100–51]) than in SF group (-2.41% [range, -75–47]) (p = 0.036).ConclusionIn patients in whom Lenke's sagittal modifier is N, SF can be performed efficiently. NSF should be preferred in those with Lenke's sagittal modifiers (+) as TK can be better controlled with NSF.Level of Evidence: 3
Photoinhibition and β-Carotene Production From Dunaliella sp. Isolated From Salt Pans of Goa
Authors: Joseph Steffy , Dineshram R , C Mohandass 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The microalgae Dunaliella is a commercially viable species and well known for its extreme environmental tolerance and β-carotene production under stressful conditions. We examined the effect of salinity and light intensity on the growth and β-carotene production, respectively, in two different species of Dunaliella: Dunaliella. sp. and D. salina, isolated from the salt pans of Goa. Both the species were cultured in growth media with different salinity levels to establish the optimum salinity favouring maximum cell growth. Thereafter, the cells were cultured under optimum NaCl concentration, exposed to a range of light intensity and monitored for β-carotene production. The two species, identified based on their molecular characteristics, displayed a significant difference in growth and β-carotene production. Both D. salina and D. sp achieved a maximum cell density of 11.82×106 cells/ml and 18.76×106 cells/ml at 0.75 M and 0.5 M salinity, respectively. D. salina accumulated a large amount of total carotenoid (36.95 pg. cell-1) when cultured at 0.75 M salinity and exposed to high light intensity (1000 µmol m− 2 S− 1). In contrast, the carotenoid content per cell was low in Dunaliella sp. (3.07 pg. cell-1) when cultured under optimal salinity (0.5M) and high light intensity, indicating photoinhibition. We found that different Dunaliella species exhibit different photo-physiological properties that need further evaluation to identify the right candidate for industrial applications.
Acceptance and Perceived Value of Non-Invasive Malaria Diagnostic Tests in Malaria-Endemic Countries
Authors: Owusu Ewurama Dedea Ampadu , Campillo Ana , Daily Jennifer , Ding Xavier 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background The diagnosis of malaria, using microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), requires the collection of capillary blood. This procedure is relatively simple to perform but invasive and poses potential risks to patients and health workers, arising from the manipulation of potentially infectious bodily fluids. Less or non-invasive diagnostic tests, based on urine, saliva or requiring no sampling, have the potential to generate less discomfort for the patient and to offer simpler and less risky testing procedures that could be safely performed by untrained staff or even self-performed. To explore the potential acceptance and perceived value of such non-invasive tests, an online, international survey was conducted to gather feedback from National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) representatives. Methods An online survey comprising nineteen questions, available in English, French or Spanish, was emailed to 300 individuals who work with NMCPs in malaria-endemic countries. Answers were collected between November and December 2017; responses were qualitatively analysed to identify key themes and trends and quantitatively analysed to determine average values stratified by region. Results Responses were received from 70 individuals, from 33 countries. Approximately half of the respondents (52%) considered current blood-based tests for malaria to be minimally invasive and non-problematic in their setting. For these participants, non-invasive tests would only be of interest if they brought additional performance improvements, as compared with the performance of microscopy and RDTs. Most respondents were of the view that saliva-based (80%) and urine-based (66%) tests would be more readily acceptable among children than blood-based tests. Potential use-case scenarios of interest for both saliva- and urine-based tests were ease-of-testing by community health workers, additional surveillance, self-testing, and outbreak investigation. Many respondents (41%) thought that if saliva-based tests retailed at <$0.50 per unit they could largely replace conventional RDTs, whereas only 25% of respondents thought a similarly priced urine-based test would do so. Conclusion Although limited to NMCP stakeholders, this survey indicated that current tests for malaria, based on capillary blood, are generally perceived to be minimally invasive and non-problematic. Non-invasive tests, especially if saliva-based, would be welcome if they could match or out-perform the price and performance of current blood-based tests.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by mesoporous silicalite-1 synthetized using carboxymethyl cellulose as template
Authors: Radoor Sabarish , Karayil Jasila , Jayakumar Aswathy , Shivanna Jyothi Mannekote , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present work, we have developed a mesoporous silicalite-1 using CMC as a template for the removal of MB from aqueous solution. The synthesized silicalite-1 were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm (BET). XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of crystallinity and development of MFI structure in the mesoporous silicalite-1. The adsorption of MB dye on mesoporous silicalite-1 was conducted by batch adsorption method. The effect of various parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time and temperature on the dye uptake ability of silicalite-1 was investigated. The operating parameters for the maximum adsorption are silicalite-1 dosage (0.1 wt%), contact time (240 min), initial dye concentration (10 ppm) and temperature (30°C). The MB dye removal onto mesoporous silicalite-1 followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm. The silicalite-1 exhibits 86% removal efficiency even after six adsorption-desorption cycle. Therefore, the developed mesoporous silicalite-1 is an effective eco-friendly adsorbent for MB dye removal from aqueous environment.
Eplerenone inhibites atrial autonomic nerve remodeling via the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway in a rabbit model of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Ding-yu , Gao Qiang , Zhang Yun , Yuan Yue , Shi Jing , Liu Guang-zhong , Li Yue 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims:Aldosterone is closely associated with atrial fibrillation, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been proved to be effective in preventing atrial structural remodeling. Atrial autonomic nerve system (ANS) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effects of MRAs on ANS remodeling in AF and the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.Main methods:Twenty-one rabbits were randomized into sham, pacing(P), and pacing + eplerenone(P + E) groups. HL-1 cells were subject to control treatment or rapid pacing with or without eplerenone or U0126 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2). Atrial sympathetic and parasympathetic remodeling was detected by immunohistohistochemical analysis, western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Circulating neurohormone levels and atrial electrophysiology were also assessed.Key findings:The ERK1/2 MAPK pathway was significantly activated in AF rabbit/HL-1 cell models, resulting in the upregulation of key downstream proteins; this effect was significantly restored by eplerenone(P<0.05). Eplerenone also prevented the changes in circulating neurohormone levels, reduced the mRNA levels of sympathetic- and parasympathetic-related growth factors, and inhibited the inducibility and duration of AF.Significance:Eplerenone inhibited atrial autonomic nerve remodeling and the occurrence of AF by modulating the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway.
Prognostic lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs Form a Competing Endogenous RNA Network in CESC
Authors: Li Lang , Guo Qiusheng , Lan Gaochen , Liu Fei , Wang Wenwu , Lv Xianmei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) tumorigenesis involves a combination of multiple genetic alteration processes. Constructing a survival-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and a multi-mRNA-based prognostic signature model can help us better understand the complexity and genetic characteristics of CESC.Methods: The RNA-seq data and clinical information of CESC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs were identified by edgeR package. Constructing prognostic model used the differentially expressed RNAs. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed to assess survival rates. The relationships between overall survival (OS) and clinical parameters were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. A survival-associated ceRNA network was constructed by multiMiR package and miRcode database. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) were used to identify the functional role of the ceRNA network in the prognosis of CESC.Results: Differentially expressed 298 mRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 29 lncRNAs were significantly associated with the prognosis of CESC. The prognostic signature model based on 4 mRNAs (OPN3, DAAM2, HENMT1, and CAVIN3) was constructed. The prognostic ability was 0.726 for this model. Patients in the high-risk group were significantly associated with worse OS. The KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the TGF-β and Cell adhesion molecules signaling pathways.Conclusion: This study identified several potential prognostic biomarkers to construct a multi-mRNA-based prognostic model for CESC.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Carboxylesterase EstQ7 from a Soil Metagenomic Library
Authors: Yan Zhenzhen , Ding Liping , Zou Dandan , Wang Luyao , Tan Yuzhi , Guo Shuting , Zhang Yingchen , Xin Zhihong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A novel lipolytic gene, estq7, was identified from a fosmid metagenomic library. The recombinant enzyme EstQ7 consists of 370 amino acids with an anticipated molecular mass of 42 kDa. Multiple sequence alignments showed that EstQ7 contained a pentapeptide motif GHSMG, and a putative catalytic triad Ser174–Asp306–His344. Interestingly, EstQ7 was found to have very little similarity to the characterized lipolytic enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EstQ7 may be a member of a novel family of lipolytic enzymes. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme revealed that it constitutes a slightly alkalophilic, moderate thermophilic and highly active carboxylesterase against short chain fatty acid esters with optimum temperature 50 ℃ and pH 8.2. The Km and kcat values toward p-nitrophenyl acetate were determined to be 0.17 mM and 1910 S-1, respectively. Moreover, EstQ7 was demonstrated to have acyltransferase activity by GC-MS analysis. Homology modeling of the three-dimensional structure of this new enzyme showed that it exhibits a typical α/β hydrolase fold, and the catalytic triad residues are spatially close. Molecular docking reveled the interactions between the enzyme and the ligand. The high levels of lipolytic activity of EstQ7, combined with its moderate thermophilic property, and acyltransferase activity, render this novel enzyme a promising candidate biocatalyst for food, pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.