bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kynurenine pathway in post-mortem prefrontal cortex and cerebellum in schizophrenia: relationship with monoamines and symptomatology
Authors: Afia Amira Ben , Vila Èlia , MacDowell Karina S. , Ormazabal Aida , Leza Juan C. , Haro Josep M. , Artuch Rafael , Ramos Belén , Garcia-Bueno Borja 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The cortico-cerebellar-thalamic-cortical circuit has been implicated in the emergence of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia (SZ). The kynurenine pathway (KP) has been linked to alterations in glutamatergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission and to SZ symptomatology through the production of the metabolites quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KYNA).

Methods
This work describes alterations in KP in the post-mortem prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum (CB) of 15 chronic SZ patients and 14 control subjects in PFC and 13 control subjects in CB using immunoblot for protein levels and ELISA for interleukins and QA and KYNA determinations. Monoamine metabolites were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and SZ symptomatology was assessed by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The association of KP with inflammatory mediators, monoamine metabolism and SZ symptomatology was explored.

Results
In the PFC, the presence of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 together with IDO2 and KATII enzymes decreased in SZ, while TDO and KMO enzyme expression increased. A network interaction analysis showed that in the PFC IL-10 was coupled to the QA branch of the kynurenine pathway (TDO-KMO-QA), whereas IL-10 associated with KMO in CB. KYNA in the CB inversely correlated with negative and general PANSS psychopathology. Although there were no changes in monoamine metabolite content in the PFC in SZ, a network interaction analysis showed associations between dopamine and methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol degradation metabolite. Direct correlations were found between general PANSS psychopathology and the serotonin degradation metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Interestingly, KYNA in the CB inversely correlated with 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the PFC.

Conclusions
Thus, this work found alterations in KP in two brain areas belonging to the cortico-cerebellar-thalamic-cortical circuit associated with SZ symptomatology, with a possible impact across areas in 5-HT degradation.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 regulates microglial polarization via recruitment of PRC2 and epigenetic modification of PGC-1α expression
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Yi , Chen Yimeng , He Xiaoqin , Qian Yiwei , Xu Shaoqing , Gao Chao , Mo Chengjun , Chen Shengdi , Xiao Qin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it exerts proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects depending on the M1/M2 polarization phenotype. Hence, promoting microglia toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype is a potential therapeutic approach for PD. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about their role in microglial polarization in PD.

Methods
In our study, we profiled the expression of lncRNAs in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PD patients using a microarray. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the lncRNA levels and mRNA levels of cytokines and microglial cell markers both in vitro and in vivo. RIP and ChIP assays were analyzed for the underlying mechanism of lncRNA regulating microglial polarization.

Results
We found that HOXA-AS2 was upregulated in the PBMCs of PD patients and negatively associated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1a (PGC-1α) expression. Moreover, HOXA-AS2 knockdown significantly repressed microglial M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization by regulating PGC-1α expression. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that HOXA-AS2 could directly interact with polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and modulate the histone methylation of the promoter of PGC-1α.

Conclusions
Our findings identify the upregulated lncRNA HOXA-AS2 promotes neuroinflammation by regulating microglial polarization through interacts with the PRC2 complex and epigenetically silencing PGC-1α. HOXA-AS2 may be a potential therapeutic target for microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in patients with PD.
Small extracellular vesicles encapsulating CCL2 from activated astrocytes induce microglial activation and neuronal apoptosis after traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Rong Yuluo , Ji Chengyue , Wang Zhuanghui , Ge Xuhui , Wang Jiaxing , Ye Wu , Tang Pengyu , Jiang Dongdong , Fan Jin , Yin Guoyong , Liu Wei , Cai Weihua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic disease which causes high disability and mortality rates. The molecular pathological features after spinal cord injury mainly involve the inflammatory response, microglial and neuronal apoptosis, abnormal proliferation of astrocytes, and the formation of glial scars. However, the microenvironmental changes after spinal cord injury are complex, and the interactions between glial cells and nerve cells remain unclear. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may play a key role in cell communication by transporting RNA, proteins, and bioactive lipids between cells. Few studies have examined the intercellular communication of astrocytes through sEVs after SCI. The inflammatory signal released from astrocytes is known to initiate microglial activation, but its effects on neurons after SCI remain to be further clarified.

Methods
Electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting were applied to characterize sEVs. We examined microglial activation and neuronal apoptosis mediated by astrocyte activation in an experimental model of acute spinal cord injury and in cell culture in vitro.

Results
Our results indicated that astrocytes activated after spinal cord injury release CCL2, act on microglia and neuronal cells through the sEV pathway, and promote neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation after binding the CCR2. Subsequently, the activated microglia release IL-1β, which acts on neuronal cells, thereby further aggravating their apoptosis.

Conclusion
This study elucidates that astrocytes interact with microglia and neurons through the sEV pathway after SCI, enriching the mechanism of CCL2 in neuroinflammation and spinal neurodegeneration, and providing a new theoretical basis of CCL2 as a therapeutic target for SCI.
Coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes in heart transplant recipients: a single-center case series
Authors: Naghashzadeh Farah , Shafaghi Shadi , Sharif-Kashani Babak , Tabarsi Payam , Saliminejad Leila , Noorali Sima 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
With the rapidly expanding pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, a chronic immunosuppressed state in solid organ transplant recipients is a concern. We reported coronavirus disease 2019 in heart transplant recipients and described the patients’ course from diagnosis to either hospital admission or improvement in symptoms.

Case presentation
This study retrospectively identified 13 white (Iranian) heart transplant patients with coronavirus disease 2019 between December 2019 and October 2020. The mean age of patients was 43.7 years (19–65 years); seven (70%) were men. Laboratory and treatment data were collected for those admitted or managed as outpatients. Outcomes were also recorded for all patients. This report demonstrates a range of symptoms, clinical severity, and disease course in heart transplant recipients with coronavirus disease 2019, including ten hospitalized patients and three patients, managed entirely in the outpatient setting. One patient passed away, and none of them experienced an episode of clinically overt rejection.

Conclusions
We would like to emphasize the importance of being alert in these patients to consider testing in a broad range of clinical presentations and gathering more data for better management.
Foreign direct investment and productivity spillovers: a firm-level analysis of Bangladesh in comparison with Vietnam
Authors: Arif-Ur-Rahman Md , Inaba Kazuo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) is expected to generate external effects—usually termed FDI spillovers—for a host country, and these spillovers are thought to have consequences on the productivity of domestic firms. Despite this strong expectation, the empirical findings on FDI spillover are still indecisive. This study examines firm-level panel data to determine the effects of FDI spillover on firms’ productivity in Bangladesh in comparison to Vietnam. We consider both the horizontal and vertical (backward and forward) spillover effects of FDI. We find evidence that Bangladeshi firms gain productivity improvement through intra-industry or horizontal linkages, whereas Vietnamese firms gain through backward linkages. Our findings suggest that increases in foreign presence in the same industry for Bangladesh and in downstream industries for Vietnam are related with increase in output of domestic firms.
Temperament and character traits in substance use disorder in Iran: a case control study
Authors: Shahini Najmeh , Talaei Ali , Salimi Zanireh , Adinepour Sarab Moussalreza , Gholamzad Shakiba , Teimouri Ali , Hajebi Khaniki Saeedeh , Kamkar Mohammadzaman 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with Substance use disorder have distinct personality traits, they were high score in novelty seeking (NS) and sensation seeking and lower in Self-directedness and higher in Self-transcendence, so we aim to investigate the relationships of temperament and characteristics with related some variables such as substance of choice.

Design and setting
A case–control study enrolling 70 Substance use disorder patients and 70 controls was conducted at Mashhad University of medical sciences.

Methods
Using a case–control design, a group of 70 Substance use disorder patients and 70 controls was conducted at Mashhad university of medical sciences. All participation completed the 240 questions of Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed to compare the relationship between temperament and character traits and patterns of substance use.

Results
The scores of reward dependence, persistence, self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence were significantly lower in the case group compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.05). In contrast, the score of novel seeking was significantly higher in the case group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, harm avoidance was not significantly different between the two studied groups (P = 0.637).

Conclusions
Higher NS in patients with substance use disorder is common and different traits, and temperaments would choose different substance combinations.
Investigating the effectiveness of nanotechnologies in environmental health with an emphasis on environmental health journals
Authors: Aghalari Zahra , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Sillanpää Mika 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective
The use of nanotechnologies is important to reduce environmental health problems in Iran, so the present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nanotechnologies in environmental health. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study for 11-year periods (2008–2018) on all articles published in three specialized journals of environmental health with emphasis on the use of nanotechnologies in various fields of environmental health (water, air, sewage, waste, food, radiation, etc).

Results
In this study, 774 articles related to 114 issues of 3 specialized environmental health journals were reviewed. A review of 774 articles showed that 80 articles (10.3%) were published in the field of nanotechnologies. Out of 80 articles published in the field of nanotechnology, 66 articles (82.5%) were published on the subject of water, 9 articles (11.3%) on wastewater and 5 articles (6.2%) on air pollution. Subject review of articles showed that articles using carbon nanotubes to remove natural organic pollutants, surfactants, hydroxybenzenes, phenol, dimethyl phthalates, use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, iron-magnesium nanoparticles for wastewater treatment, Silver nanoparticles were used to remove air pollution. The results showed that published articles on nanotechnology in the field of environmental health were few.
Orthodontic apps: an assessment of quality (using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)) and behaviour change techniques (BCTs)
Authors: Siddiqui N. R. , Hodges S. J. , Sharif M. O. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Apps have been shown to be an effective tool in changing patients’ behaviours in orthodontics and can be used to improve their compliance with treatment. The Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) and quality (using MARS) within these apps have previously not been published.

Objectives

To evaluate the quality of these apps aiming to change behaviour.

To assess BCTs used in patient focused orthodontic apps.

Methods
The UK Google Play and Apple App Stores were searched to identify all orthodontic apps and 305 apps were identified. All 305 apps were assessed for the presence of BCTs using an accepted taxonomy of BCTs (Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW)), widely utilised in healthcare. Of those containing BCTs, the quality was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), a validated and multi-dimensional tool which rates apps according to 19 objective criteria. Data collection was carried out by two calibrated, independent assessors and repeated after 6 weeks for 25% of the apps by both assessors.

Results
BCTs were found in 31 apps, although only 18 of them were analysed for quality and 13 apps were excluded. Six different BCTs were identified: these were most commonly ‘prompts/cues’, and ‘information about health consequences’. All apps were shown to be of moderate quality (range 3.1–3.7/5). Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for BCT and quality assessment were excellent.

Conclusions
The current availability of orthodontic apps of sufficient quality to recommend to patients is very limited. There is therefore a need for high-quality orthodontic apps with appropriate BCTs to be created, which may be utilised to improve patients’ compliance with treatment.
Cutaneous involvement in diffuse large B cell lymphoma at presentation: report of two rare cases and literature review
Authors: Kilaru Sindhu , Panda Soumya Surath , Mishra Sourav , Mohapatra Debahuti , Baisakh Manas , Kolluri Spoorthy , Devaraj Suma , Moharana Lalatendu , Biswas Ghanashyam 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can occur at nodal and/or extra-nodal sites. After the gastrointestinal tract, cutaneous involvement predominates in extra-nodal DLBCL. Skin involvement at presentation can be in the form of plaques, papules, nodules or ulcers. Differentiating primary cutaneous DLBCL from systemic DLBCL with cutaneous involvement is important for appropriate patient management.

Case presentation
We describe here, two interesting cases of skin involvement in DLBCL- one primary cutaneous DLBCL and the other, cutaneous involvement in systemic DLBCL with different clinico-pathological profiles. Though both cases had almost similar morphology of the skin lesions (ulcero-proliferative) at presentation, the disease was confined to the skin in the former, while the latter had involvement of lymph nodes and bone marrow.

Conclusions
Meticulous clinical evaluation, appropriate histopathological and immunohistochemical workup helped in their diagnosis and correct classification of the disease status, guiding the further treatment decisions.
Prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia in an Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Soliman Hend , Ibrahim Amany 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are commonly found metabolic abnormalities in diabetic children and adolescents and both increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the pattern of dyslipidemia in Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and determine its relation with the glycemic control.

Results
This retrospective study included 806 children and adolescents with T1DM; 358 (44.42%) males and 448 (55.58%) females. Their mean age was 11.71 ± 3.6 years. Clinical and laboratory data were recruited from patients’ files. Laboratory data include the most recent fasting lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), and the mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over the preceding year presented in percentage were calculated. Dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with T1DM represented 70.47% (568 patients). No statistically significant differences were detected between patients with and without dyslipidemia. As regards the pattern of dyslipidemia, high LDL and low HDL were the most frequent abnormalities in the study group; 62.16%, 60.21%, respectively. Patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.5%) represent 73.45% and they were significantly older, with longer diabetes duration and higher TC, TG, and LDL compared to patients with good glycemic control. Significant positive correlations were found between HbA1c, TG, TC, and LDL with the age and diabetes duration.

Conclusion
We detected high prevalence of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with T1DM. Therefore, dyslipidemia should be screened for in earlier ages in Egyptian children and adolescents suffering from T1DM. Programs directed to the prevention of dyslipidemia should be conducted, particularly for this group, in order to prevent/delay cardiovascular complications related to dyslipidemia. Also, parents should receive proper education targeting the prevention, control, and care of their diabetic children with dyslipidemia.
Massively bleeding Dieulafoy lesion and unique rescue: a video based case report from National Liver Institute, Menoufia University
Authors: Alhaddad Omkolsoum , Elsabaawy Maha , Elfaioumy Ahmed , Eljaky Ashraf 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Dieulafoy arteriole is a lamina propria vessel that unlike the other arterioles is getting bigger and bending into the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Such anatomic aberration is unusual cause for life threatening gastrointestinal bleeds.

Case presentation
Herein, we report a case of an elderly gentleman, who had massively bleeding Dieulafoy lesion and endoscopic hemostasis of the spurting Dieulafoy by the use of the over-the-scope clip (OVESCO, Tübingen, Germany) has been successfully undertaken.

Conclusion
The endoscopic management of Dieulafoy related bleeds can be enriched by the use of over-the-scope clip, OVESCO, technique.
Survival benefits of adding simvastatin to standard therapy for secondary prevention of bleeding esophageal varices in patients with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Elshazly Helmy , Zaghlah Hasan , Tharwa El-Sayed , Abuamer Ahmed , Nor-Eldin Dina , El Sheemy Reem , El Kassas Mohamed 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The combination of endoscopic band ligation and beta-blockers is the standard of care treatment for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding; however, rebleeding still occurs with associated high mortality. Simvastatin (a lipid-lowering agent) was found to reduce portal hypertension and decrease hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the effect of adding simvastatin to the standard therapy to prevent variceal rebleeding and its impact on survival in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Results
This single-center randomized controlled clinical trial included 80 patients with cirrhosis receiving the standard secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding composed of endoscopic variceal ligation and non-selective β-blockers (either propranolol or carvedilol). Two weeks after the first attack of hematemesis, patients were randomized into two groups: group I who received the standard therapy (40 patients) and group II who administered simvastatin (20 mg daily for 2 weeks and 40 mg daily after that). Patients were followed up for 1 year. The primary endpoints were rebleeding and overall survival. Thirty patients of group I completed the study while ten patients died during the follow-up period. The simvastatin group showed a significantly better overall 1-year survival (3 deaths during follow-up) compared to the control group (37/40, 92.5% vs. 30/40; 75%) (p-value 0.034); however, this was lacking in Child C patients. No similar difference was present in rebleeding rates between the two groups (5/40, 12.5% vs. 3/40, 7.5%) (p-value 0.456) in groups I and II, respectively.

Conclusions
Adding simvastatin to the standard therapy in secondary prevention of variceal bleeding could be associated with survival benefits in patients with Child A and B cirrhosis, while was incapable of reducing rebleeding.
Long-term clinical and biochemical residue after COVID-19 recovery
Authors: Gameil Mohammed Ali , Marzouk Rehab Elsayed , Elsebaie Ahmed Hassan , Rozaik Salah Eldeen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The long-term health consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still unclear. The majority of previous trials addressed the post-COVID-19 symptoms through comprehensive medical questionnaires for relatively short periods after recovery. We tried to detect the potential pathological clinical signs and biochemical residue which persist for more than 3 months after the negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of SARS-CoV-2.

Results
Among 120 COVID-19 survivors of mean age 38.29 and 55.6% male proportion, systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated (P=0.001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer showed higher values in COVID-19 survivors (P< 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl trans-peptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated in contrast to serum albumin that was reduced in COVID-19 survivors (P ≤0.001). Serum lipase, amylase and albuminuria were higher in COVID-19 survivors (P ≤0.001). Regression analysis (AOR, 95% CI) showed that ESR (P = 0.014), haemoglobin concentration (P = 0.039), serum lipase (P= 0.018), blood urea nitrogen (P= 0.003), albuminuria (P= 0.046), 25(OH) vitamin D (P= 0.002), and serum uric acid (P= 0.005) were the significant predictors of COVID-19 survivors (94.8% an overall prediction).

Conclusion
COVID-19 survivors experienced residual significant clinical and biochemical alterations that necessitate comprehensive medical care and close follow-up for longer periods.