bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) In Pituitary Adenomas: Preliminary Report.
Authors: GIUDICE GINEVRA DEL , Ventre Itala , De Notaris Matteo , Catapano Giuseppe , Donno Mario Del 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are atypical presentation of pituitary adenomas secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH). However, the non-secreting adenomas may cause alterations of sleep architecture. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and sleep characteristics of OSA in a group of patients with functioning (FPA) and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). Methods: We analyzed 6 patients with SDB and pituitary adenoma during 3 years. SDB were studied by means of overnight polysomnographic study in our sleep lab. Results: SDB were documented in 6 patients (3 M, mean age 50.8 years and mean BMI 35), with pituitary adenoma. In acromegalic patient was found a worsening of sleep parameters (AH index 18.4; AH index supine 29.6; OD index 12.7), successfully treated with CPAP therapy. Conclusion:Our data show that in patients with pituitary adenoma, SDB should be better investigated. Expert consultation and a multidisciplinary approach to sleep disordered are needed in patients with pituitary adenoma.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Forensic Efficiency of 16 X-chromosomal STR&nbsp;Loci for Sri Lankan Population
Authors: Perera Nandika , Galhena Gayani , Ranawaka Gaya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A new 16 X- short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex PCR system has recently been developed for Sr Lankans, though its applicability in evolutionary genetics and forensic investigations has not been thoroughly assessed. In this study, 838 unrelated individuals covering all four major ethnic groups (Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils and Moors) in Sri Lanka were successfully genotyped using this new multiplex system. The results indicated a high forensic efficiency for the tested loci in all four ethnicities confirming its suitability for forensic applications of Sri Lankans. Allele frequency distribution of Indian Tamils showed subtle but statistically significant differences from those of Sinhalese and Moors, in contrast to frequency distributions previously reported for autosomal STR alleles. This suggest a sex biased demographic history among Sri Lankans requiring a separate X-STR allele frequency database for Indian Tamils. Substantial differences observed in the patterns of LD among the four groups demand the use of a separate haplotype frequency databases for each individual ethnicity. When analysed together with other 14 world populations, all Sri Lankan ethnicities except Indian Tamils clustered closely with populations from Indian Bhil tribe, Bangladesh and Europe reflecting their shared Indo-Aryan ancestry.
Use of Remdesivir in The Treatment of&nbsp;COVID-19 Infection Among Sudanese Patients - Case Series
Authors: Yousif Maysoun Ahmed Awad , El-Raheem Ghada Omer Hamad Abd , Mohamed Doaa Salih Ibrahim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 infection is a viral pandemic started in 2019, all societies have the susceptibility of getting infected. Remdesivir is an anti-retroviral agent, with a broad spectrum of activity. Remdesivir activity against COVID-19 had been studied in both in vitro and in vivo, but still considered new for COVID-19 treatment and not available in all countries. The aim of our study was to report the use of remdesivir among Sudanese population and report the adverse events related to the course of treatment. Methods: case series study was conducted in Imperial Hospital reporting the three cases who received Remdesivir for treating COVID-19 infection.Cases presentation: Three cases had received remdesivir for treating COVID-19 infection, side effects reported were elevated liver enzymes, profound hypotension and hypoalbuminemia. Discussion: All three patients were severe cases of COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. Unexpectedly, severe resistant hypotension was the cause of death in 2 cases who received remdesivir. Increased liver enzymes was noticed in one case. In the other hand, hypoalbuminemia was noticed in one case as well.
WITHDRAWN: The Chronic Administration of Persian Herbal Formulas Psycodigest Induced The Antidepressant-Like Effect in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) Mouse Model
Authors: gavzan Hakimeh , Araghi Atefeh , Abbasabadi Behrokh Marzban , Talebpour Nastaran , Golshahi Hannaneh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. Despite the numerous medications, there are still the limitations such as side effects and treatment-resistance in depression treating. Herbal medicine has been considered as supplemental and alternative therapy for psychiatric disorders. Psycodigest is an antidepressant Persian formula composed of Aloysia triphylla, Citrus aurantium, Echium amoneum, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Salix aegyptiaca, Valeriana officinalis, Viola odorata, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum. This survey was performed to evaluate the effect of the chronic administration of Psycodigest in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice behavior and its safety. CUMS-mice orally administered with Psycodigest (0.23ml /mice), Fluoxetine (20mg/kg), and Bupropion (15mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The antidepressant effects were evaluated by sucrose preference, tail suspension, and forced swimming test. The anxiolytic effect was tested by elevated plus maze. Besides, the brain, kidney, liver super oxidase dismutase (SOD) activity, and plasma level of cortisol, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were detected. The histopathological effects evaluated on kidney, liver, intestine and brain. The daily oral administration of Psycodigest as well as Fluoxetine and Bupropion had antidepressant, but no anxiolytic effect. Psycodigest did not change the serum level of cortisol, ALT and creatinine. Also hematological and histological examinations were not affected. Meanwhile, the brain SOD activity increased followed by Psycodigest treatment, the kidney and liver SOD did not change. The chronic administration of Psycodigest significantly ameliorated the depressive-like behaviors and showed the antioxidative effect in the brain with no toxicity in the liver and kidney.
Impact of 1p/19q Codeletion Status in The Outcome of Patients Affected By Oligodendroglioma and Diffuse Astrocytoma: A Retrospective Single Surgeon Series With 1.5 Io-MRI Guided Surgery
Authors: D'Andrea G. , Bruzzaniti Placido , Pesce Alessandro , Picotti Veronica , Carosi Giulia , Marongiu Alessandra , Salvati Maurizio , Santoro Antonio , Frati Alessandro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The real impact of the Extent of Resection in respect to the 1p/19q codeletion status in determining the outcomes of Low Grade Glioma (LGG) patients is extensively debated. The aim of this paper is to retrospectively analyze the oncologic outcomes of a homogeneous cohort of LGG patients who underwent surgery by a single operator, first author of the present paper (GDA).Methods: A total of 66 patients suffering LGG who underwent craniotomy for tumor resection were operated on and retrospectively evaluated between 2008 and 2016 in a single center in which the operative theater was equipped with an Io-MRI system. We compared a subgroup of 37 patients suffering from Diffuse Astrocytoma to a second subgroup of 29 patients affected by Oligodendroglioma. Volumetric analyses of the Extent of Resection (EOR) were performed, PFS and OS were accurately recorded and used as endpoint variable, as well as the 1p/19q codeletion status of every patient included in the final cohort.Results: GTR produced a statistically significant survival advantage in respect to those associated with STR. This finding is confirmed even in patients suffering from Oligodendrogliomas (in the 1p/19q codeletion group 73.27 versus 101.73 months p=.0001). Similar findings were confimed for patients affected by Diffuse Astrocytomas(81.63 versus 60.44 months p < 0.012), despite the globally shorter survival.Conclusions: We can affirm that the EOR is an independent predictor of survival advantage. The 1p/19q codeletion is an independent prognostic factor significantly associated to a globally longer survival and a longer time to malignant transformation.
A Pilot Clinical Study of CUSP9v3: Nine Repurposed Drugs Combined With Temozolomide for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Halatsch Marc-Eric , Kast Richard E. , Karpel-Massler Georg , Mayer Benjamin , Zolk Oliver , Schmitz Bernd , Scheuerle Angelika , Maier Ludwig , Bullinger Lars , Mayer-Steinacker Regine , Schmidt Carl , Zeiler Katharina , Elshaer Ziad , Panther Patricia , Schmelzle Birgit , Hallmen Anke , Dwucet Annika , Siegelin Markus D. , Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Beckers Kristine , Bouche Gauthier , Heiland Tim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The dismal prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) may be related to the ability of GBM cells to develop mechanisms of treatment resistance. We designed a protocol called Coordinated Undermining of Survival Paths combining 9 repurposed non-oncological drugs with metronomic temozolomide - version 3 - (CUSP9v3) to address this issue. The aim of this proof-of-concept clinical trial was to assess the safety of CUSP9v3. Study Design: Ten adults with histologically confirmed GBM and recurrent or progressive disease were included. Treatment consisted of aprepitant, auranofin, celecoxib, captopril, disulfiram, itraconazole, minocycline, ritonavir and sertraline added to metronomic low-dose temozolomide. Treatment was continued until toxicity or progression. Primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity defined as either any unmanageable grade 3-4 toxicity or inability to receive at least 7 of the 10 drugs at ≥ 50% of the per-protocol doses at the end of the second treatment cycle. Results: One patient was not evaluable for the primary endpoint (safety). All 9 evaluable patients met the primary endpoint. Ritonavir, temozolomide, captopril and itraconazole were the drugs most frequently requiring dose modification or pausing. The most common adverse events were nausea, headache, fatigue, diarrhea and ataxia. Progression-free survival after 12 months was 50%. Conclusions: CUSP9v3 can be safely administered in patients with recurrent GBM under careful monitoring. A randomized phase II trial is in preparation to assess the efficacy of the CUSP9v3 regimen in GBM.
CHIP Reverses Hyperglycemia-associated PTEN Stability in Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Promotes Its Therapeutic Potential Against Diabetes-induced Cardiac Injury
Authors: Ali Ayaz , Kuo Wei-Wen , Kuo Chia-Hua , Lo Jeng-Feng , Chen Ray-Jade , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Ho Tsung-Jung , Padma Vijaya V , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Huang Chih-Yang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies indicate that umbilical cord stem cells are cytoprotective against several disorders. One critical limitation in using stem cells is reduction in their viability under stressful conditions, such as diabetes. However, the molecular intricacies responsible for diabetic conditions are not fully elucidated.MethodsEffects of HG on Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) viability was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The mechanism responsible for HG-induced PTEN degradation was assessed using loss and gain of function, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, and western blot analysis. Co-culturing of CHIP-overexpressed WJMSCs with embryo derived cardiomyoblasts was performed to analyze their ameliorative effects. The therapeutic effects of CHIP expressing WJMSCs were further validated in Sprague Dawley male (eight weeks old) STZ-induced diabetic animals by echocardiography, immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin eosin, and masson’s trichrome and TUNEL staining. Multiple comparisons were accessed through one‐way ANOVA and p-Value of <0.05 was considered statistically signiﬁcant. ResultsIn this study, we found that high glucose (HG) conditions induced loss of chaperone homeostasis, stabilized PTEN, triggered the downstream signaling cascade, and induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs). Increased CHIP expression promoted PTEN degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and shortened its half-life during HG stress. Docking studies confirmed the interaction of CHIP with PTEN and FOXO3a with the Bim promoter region. Further, it was found that the chaperone system is involved in CHIP-mediated PTEN proteasomal degradation. CHIP depletion stabilizes PTEN whereas PTEN inhibition showed an inverse effect. CHIP overactivation suppressed the binding of FOXO3a with bim. Co-culturing CHIP overexpressed WJMSCs suppressed HG-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiac cells. Finally, CHIP overexpression and PTEN inhibition minimized blood glucose levels, improved body and heart weight, and rescued hyperglycemia-induced cardiac injury in diabetic rats. ConclusionThe current study suggests that CHIP confers resistance to apoptosis and oxidative stress and modulates PTEN and the downstream signaling cascade by promoting PTEN proteasomal degradation, thereby potentially exerting therapeutic effects against diabetes-induced cardiomyopathies.
Impact of Cardiac Catheterization on the Outcome of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) After Congenital Cardiac Surgery - Two Centers Experience
Authors: Abdelmohsen Gaser , Al-Ata Jameel , Alkhushi Naif , Bahaidarah Saud , Baho Hysam , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Bekheet Samia , Ba-Atiyah Wejdan , Alghamdi Abdulhadi , Fawzy Ahmed , Elakaby Ahmed , Al-Radi Osman , Jamjoom Ahmed , Elassal Ahmed , Shihata Mohammad , Zaher Zaher , Mashali Mohamed , Dohain Ahmed 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiac catheterization performed for patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after congenital heart surgery may affect their clinical outcome, yet its effect in this group of patients is not adequately studied. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the impact of cardiac catheterization on successful weaning from ECMO support and survival after congenital heart surgery and determining predictors that influence successful weaning. Methods : This is a retrospective cohort study conducted on paediatric patients underwent cardiac catheterization while on ECMO support after congenital heart surgery in two cardiac centres from November 2012 till February 2020. Predictors of successful weaning from ECMO support were studied using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 141 patients received ECMO support after congenital cardiac surgery,60 patients underwent 60 cardiac catheterizations (31 diagnostic and 29 interventional). The median age was 6.5 months (range 4 days -20 years), median weight was 5 kg (range 2-53 kg). Thirty-four patients (56.7%) underwent successful decannulation from ECMO support and 22patients (36.3%) survived to hospital discharge. Predictors of successful weaning from ECMO support and survival were shorter duration on ECMO support, absence of bleeding tendency, early cardiac catheterization, and biventricular physiology. Conclusion: Cardiac catheterization is feasible with acceptable risks for patients receiving ECMO after congenital heart surgery. The shorter duration on ECMO support may have a significant influence on successful weaning from ECMO and survival after congenital heart surgery. Early cardiac catheterization could also influence the successful weaning from ECMO.
Bandgap Engineering and Plasmonically Enhanced Sun Light Photocatalyis in Au/Cd1-xZnxS Nanocomposites
Authors: Gotipamul Pavan Prasad , Rajan Karthik Dilly , Khanna Shweta , Rathinam Maheswaran , Siva Chidambaram 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Metal nanoparticles incorporated semiconductor nanomaterials generally holds a series of advantages especially enhanced electron-hole pair lifetime and thus exhibits superior solar energy conversions. In this study, we report a facile solution processing of Au incorporated Cd1-xZnxS, where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 & 1, nanocomposites and their enhanced photocatalytic applications. The Au/CdZnS nanocomposites were investigated for their structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties. The XRD patterns indicated the crystalline sizes of CdZnS are found to fall with the range of 1-3 nm. The electron microscopic images publicized the average particle size of Cd0.25Zn0.75S is 4 nm. The bandgap values of pristine CdS, pristine ZnS, Cd0.75Zn0.25S, Cd0.5Zn0.5S and Cd0.25Zn0.75S are 2.21 eV, 3.4 eV, 2.29 eV, 2.31 eV and 2.53 eV, respectively. The optical band gap of the CdZnS nanomaterials have got reduced for Au incorporation due to the occurrence of red shift and the enhanced visible region absorption for the inclusion of Au. The visible light photocatalytic effect of the nanocomposites have been evaluated with methylene blue (MB) dye degradation reaction under sunlight light exposure. The Au incorporated Cd0.25Zn0.75S nanocompound had exhibited 97 % of photocatalytic degradation of MB dye molecules which is 20% higher than the bare Cd0.25Zn0.75S nanocompound.
Reasons for Delayed Pain Management in Patients With Chronic Migraine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Persson Marie Susanne , Weineland Sandra , Gunnarsson Ronny , Petersson Eva-Lisa , Rembeck Gun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic migraine is often perceived as complex disease and difficult to manage. People with episodic migraine run the risk of developing chronic migraine, leading to great suffering for themselves, their families, and the larger society. The management of each attack may influence the development from episodic to chronic migraine. Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore experiences and management of migraine pain in patients with chronic migraine. Methods: Ten migraine patients participated in open interviews based on functional behavioural analysis within a cognitive behavioural framework. The interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results: Participants’ experiences and management of chronic migraine pain was categorized under four concepts: Migraine pain signal, Hope of false alarm, Guiding assumption, and Delayed medical management. Conclusions: Difficulty distinguishing early migraine pain from other pain signals, neglect of migraine pain signals, and assumption of pain management can lead to delays in initiating emergency medication. Potentially early response to migraine pain signals could alleviate attacks.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution and Obstacle Diagnosis of Resource and Environment Carrying Capacity in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Huang Huan , Wang Rui , Wang Jue , Chai Jixing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the Loess Plateau, natural resources are scarce and the ecological environment is fragile. Sustainable development requires special attention paid to resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC). This paper selects 24 representative cities in five natural areas of the Loess Plateau, uses the entropy-weight-based TOPSIS method to evaluate and analyze the RECC of each city and region from 2013 to 2018, establishes a diagnosis model to identify the obstacle factors restricting the improvement of RECC and constructs the theoretical framework of RECC' system mechanism. Results show that the RECC of Loess Plateau is increasing in general but relatively small. The environmental and social subsystem have the highest and lowest carrying capacity respectively. There is an obvious contradiction between economic development and the environment. Population density, investment in technological innovation, per capita sown area of crops, and per capita water resources are the main obstacles affecting the improvement of RECC in the Loess Plateau. Such evaluation and diagnosis could support ecological civilization and sustainable development.
COVID-19 lockdown led to an unprecedented increase in inequality
Authors: Dasgupta Shouro , Emmerling Johannes 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected households across the globe due to the health impacts but also through indirect socioeconomic effects as a result of the additional stress on the health systems, implications of the lockdowns and other policy measures undertaken by governments. Moreover, there is evidence that these impacts are associated with socioeconomic characteristics of households and could lead to an increase in inequality and poverty. In this paper, we conduct a first assessment based on household surveys in a large set of countries and analyze the determinants of income shocks at the household-level and macroeconomic inequality implications. While the average income losses of on average 4% but up to 27% are already high (similar to GDP losses in 2020 of on average 6% in our sample), we find an even more striking increase in inequality, of up to several points (1.2 points on average) of the typically very flat Gini index. Across countries, we find that on average an additional one percentage point loss in GDP was associated with an increase in theGini by one percentage point. Analyzing the determinants of the income shock, we find strong evidence of heterogeneity with higher likelihood of income shocks for poorer, female-led, and less-educated households. The results indicate that we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis also in terms of economic inequality. The policy response to limit the macroeconomic repercussions therefore should explicitly include reducing inequality. Otherwise, a rebuilt macro-economy, will exhibit a much higher degree of social and economic inequality that are likely to persist.
Can synoptic patterns influence the track and formation of tropical cyclones in the Mozambique Channel?
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The influence of large-scale circulation patterns on the track and formation of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Mozambique Channel is investigated in this paper. The output of the hourly classification of circulation types (CTs), in Africa, south of the equator, using rotated principal component analysis on the T-mode matrix (variable is time series and observation is grid points) of sea level pressure (SLP) from ERA5 reanalysis from 2010 to 2019 was used to investigate the time development of the CTs at a sub-daily scale. The result showed that at specific seasons, certain CTs can persist for a longer time so that their features overlap with other CTs. CTs with synoptic features favorable for the development of TC in the Mozambique Channel were noted. The 2019 TC season in the Mozambique Channel characterized by TC Idai in March and TC Kenneth afterward in April was used in evaluating how the CTs designated to have TC characteristics played role in the formation and track of the TCs towards their maximum intensity. The results were discussed and it generally showed that large-scale circulation patterns might influence the formation and track of the TCs in the Mozambique Channel especially through the different modes of variability associated with the western branch of the Mascarene high.