bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global longitudinal strain detects subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers
Authors: Shehta Mahmoud , Rayan Mona Mostafa , Fahmy Nagia Aly , Onsy Ahmed , Bastawy Islam 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
With the continuous improvement of the respiratory care of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, cardiac manifestations (heart failure and arrhythmias) become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Early identification of cardiac muscle affection is crucial to start anti-failure drugs that reverse remodeling and improve prognosis. This study aimed to detect subtle cardiac changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers using electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Results
This study included genetically diagnosed Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients (28 males) and carriers (25 females) and compared them to healthy gender-matched control groups. All study participants underwent clinical assessment, 12-lead electrocardiography, and global longitudinal strain augmented echocardiography. In the current study, Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients had higher heart rates, smaller left ventricular internal diameters, left atrial diameter, lower ejection fraction, and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain in comparison with the control group. The global longitudinal strain inversely correlated with the age of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. The number of exon mutations did not affect electrocardiography and echocardiographic findings. Exon mutations 45–47 and 51–54 were significantly associated with an ejection fraction less than 60%. Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers had smaller left ventricular wall diameters, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain could detect subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers before the decline of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Substance use patterns among university students in Egypt
Authors: Khafagy Manar , Gomaa Zeinab , Elwasify Mohamed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
In the past few years, there has been an expanding global interest in the problem of substance use. A variety of studies conducted within the past decade have investigated the prevalence of substance use among university students. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and associates of substance use among Egyptian students at Mansoura University. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted during the period from February to July 2019 on 1138 university students at Mansoura University in Egypt. The university students were randomly divided into three classes (medical, practical, and theoretical). The data were assembled using questionnaires of sociodemographic, clinical attributes, and drug use disorders identification test (DUDIT).

Results
Lifetime substance use among students was 6.5%. Of the users, 18 (24.3%) used cannabis, 14 (18.9%) used tramadol, 10 (13.5%) used alcohol, 5 (6.8%) used benzodiazepines, and 1 (1.4%) used heroin. Only 35.1% used polysubstance, of those, 10 (13.5%), 12 (16.2%), 3 (4.1%), and 1 (1.4%) used cannabis and tramadol; cannabis and alcohol; cannabis and inhalant; and cannabis, alcohol, and tramadol respectively. There was a substantial association between substance use and male sex, age above 20 years, smoking, and living in urban areas. In the group that used substances, 50 (4.4%) suffered substance-related problems and 6 (0.5%) encountered dependency.

Conclusion
In total, using the mono substance is more than using poly substances in which cannabis, tramadol, and alcohol were the most often utilized substances. The highest percentage of drug-related problems was among medical students while dependence was highest among practical students. These results should be considered in future substance preventive programs.
Serum Beclin 1 and autophagy-related protein-5 and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among cirrhotic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Shayeb Ayman El , Deghedy Akram , Bedewy Essam Saeed , Badawy Sahar , Abdeen Nermeen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background

The most common primary liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is commonly presented with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to explore effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC patients. Autophagy is involved in the development and prevention of cancer. Mammalian Beclin-1 is needed for an autophagic vesicle in HCC. Autophagy-related protein-5 (ATG5) is an important molecule involved in cell death during autophagy. The objective is to investigate serum ATG 5 and Beclin 1 levels in HCV-induced liver cirrhosis with and without HCC. The study was conducted on 80 individuals classified into 3 groups:

Group 1: 30 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis without HCC.

Group 2: 30 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis with HCC.

Group 3: 20 healthy subjects (control group).

Results
Serum ATG 5 was significantly lower in HCC than liver cirrhosis patients. Serum Beclin 1 was significantly higher in HCC than liver cirrhosis patients. A cutoff value of < 95.7 and > 5.3 of serum ATG5 and Beclin 1 could be suggested for diagnosis of HCC among patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.

Conclusion
Serum Beclin 1 and ATG 5 could be used as a novel diagnostic marker for HCC. Moreover, scoring of serum BECLIN 1, ATG 5, and cachexia might be a future promising tool to predict the risk of HCC development.
Qualitative and quantitative estimation of Diosgenin in coded ayurvedic formulation and its ingredient Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. seeds used in diabetics
Authors: Meena Ajay Kumar , Swathi K. N. , Ilavarasan R. , Singh Arjun , Bharthi Vandana , Srikanth N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundTrigonella foenum-graecum(Methi) is a leguminous plant and botanically known asTrigonella foenum-graecumLinn, belong to the family Fabaceae.Trigonella foenum-graecumis used for a variety of health conditions, including digestive problems, bronchitis, tuberculosis, fevers, sore throats, wounds, arthritis, abscesses, swollen glands, skin irritations, diabetes, loss of appetite, ulcers, and menopausal symptoms, as well as in the treatment of cancer.Trigonella foenum-graecumseeds mainly contain Diosgenin [(3β,25R)-spirost-5-en3-ol], a plant-derived steroid sapogenin.ResultsThe identification and quantification results by HPTLC and HPLC studies ofTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds, coded formulation, hydrolysed coded formulation extract with standard Diosgenin biomarker showed a significant highest peak in hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The standard Diosgenin is observed in the hydrolysed form of hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The literature onTrigonella foenum-graecumconfirms its activity as antidiabetic, and the peak of standard biomarker Diosgenin is seen after derivatization with anisaldehyde sulphuric agent, which possesses medicinal phytoconstituents value. Further related to future scientific aspects, more studies on its potent antidiabetic activity and multipurpose action need to be carried out with medicinal composition and its effects on the human body.ConclusionThis study aims to establish the qualitative and quantitative estimation of standard Diosgenin in reliable with coded ayurvedic formulation andTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and its activity as antidiabetic by HPTLC and HPLC.
Evaluation of the impact of COPD severity grading and oxygen saturation on the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness in COPD patients
Authors: Ahmed Noha Othman , Shaaban Yasmine Maher , Ezzelregal Hieba Gamal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Retinal and choroidal blood vessels are involved in many systemic diseases because they are complex vascular systems. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is considered as an inflammatory disease that affects many systems and coexists with several co-morbidities. Systemic inflammation and hypoxia affect the macula, choroid, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and blood vessels. Ocular co-morbidities have been detected in COPD patients. These can be quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT) is a quite new technique that utilizes light with an extended wavelength. An apparent relation has been found between chronic pulmonary disease and low corneal endothelial cell density preoperatively. So this work aimed to assess the impact of COPD severity grading and oxygen saturation on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.

Results
This was a case-control study, recruited 50 COPD patients and another 50 healthy volunteers as a control group. Measuring the thickness of the RNFL (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) in the four quadrants as well as the subfoveal choroidal thickness was done to both groups. The RNFL thickness in all quadrants and the SFCT in the COPD group were statistically significantly thinner in comparison to the control group. The RNFL thickness (mean) was 79.16 ± 10.49 μm compared to 96.30 ± 4.66 μm in the control group (p value 0.001). The SFCT (mean) was 213.12 ± 25.61 μm compared to 354.62 ± 53.82 μm in the control group (p value 0.001). The degree of thinning of the RNFL (superior, inferior, and temporal) and the SCFT was related to COPD (GOLD) stages severity (p value 0.001). Nasal RNFL was thinned out in all stages of COPD (GOLD) but with no statistical significance (p value 0.264).

Conclusion
The choroid and retina seem to be of the affected tissues during the progressive inflammatory course of COPD. Ocular pathologies should be evaluated in patients with systemic hypoxia. The eye examination for COPD patients can be carried out via a non-invasive procedure such as the OCT and the changes in the RNFL and SFCT thickness could be used as indicators for the severity of COPD.
Structure of cross-correlation between stock and oil markets
Authors: Yan Shuang , Li Shan , Wang Haiying , Gu Changgui , Yang Huijie 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We displayed in this paper the structure of cross-correlation between the S&P 500 stock market and the Brent Oil market and its evolutionary behavior. Technically, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition is adopted to separate the two series into components. Let a window slide along the multi-variate series of the components, generating a series of segments. For each segment, one calculates the mutual entropies between the components to describe the coupling strengths, resulting into a network between/within the two markets. The networks corresponding to the successive segments form a temporal network. It is found that the characteristic period of intrinsic mode for each series grows exponentially from several days to more than ten years. The couplings between long-term components (with periods larger than one year) form the stable backbone of the network. The shocks of short-term events on the long-term components determine mainly the evolutionary behavior, especially the changes of the coupling structure. This method can be extended straightforwardly to display the cross-correlation structures and their evolutions for complex systems composed of multi-subsystems.
Early manifestations and differential gene expression associated with photoreceptor degeneration in Prom1-deficient retina
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Watanabe Shizuka , Ong Agnes Lee Chen , Shirai Manabu , Yamashiro Chiemi , Ogata Tadahiko , Higashijima Fumiaki , Yoshimoto Takuya , Hayano Takahide , Asai Yoshiyuki , Sasai Noriaki , Kimura Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular dystrophy (MD) are characterized by gradual photoreceptor death in the retina and are often associated with genetic mutations, including those in the prominin-1 (Prom1) gene. Prom1-knockout (KO) mice recapitulate key features of these diseases including light-dependent retinal degeneration and constriction of retinal blood vessels. The mechanisms underlying such degeneration have remained unclear, however. We here analysed early events associated with retinal degeneration in Prom1-KO mice. We found that photoreceptor cell death and glial cell activation occur between 2 and 3 weeks after birth. Whereas gene expression was not affected at 2 weeks, the expression of several genes was altered at 3 weeks in the Prom1-KO retina, with the expression of that for endothelin-2 (Edn2) being markedly upregulated. Expression of Edn2 was also induced by light stimulation in Prom1-KO mice reared in the dark. Treatment with endothelin receptor antagonists attenuated photoreceptor cell death, gliosis and retinal vessel stenosis in Prom1-KO mice. Our findings thus reveal early manifestations of retinal degeneration in a model of RP/MD and suggest potential therapeutic agents for these diseases.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
YAP1-mediated regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in IDH1 mutant gliomas
Authors: Patrick Shruti , Gowda Pruthvi , Lathoria Kirti , Suri Vaishali , Sen Ellora 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Mutation of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene leads to the production of oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) from α-ketoglutarate and is associated with better prognosis in glioma. As Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is an important regulator of tumor progression, its role in glioma expressing IDH1 with an R132H mutation was investigated. Diminished nuclear levels of YAP1 in IDH1 mutant glioma tissues and cell lines were accompanied by decreased levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the functionality of the TEAD2-binding site on the TFAM promoter in mediating its YAP1-dependent expression. YAP1-dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and ROS generation were accompanied by decreased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) levels and increased mitochondrial TERT localization in IDH1 R132H cells. Treatment with the Src kinase inhibitor bosutinib, which prevents extranuclear shuttling of TERT, further elevated ROS in IDH1 R132H cells and triggered apoptosis. Importantly, bosutinib treatment also increased ROS levels and induced apoptosis in IDH1 wild-type cells when YAP1 was concurrently depleted. These findings highlight the involvement of YAP1 in coupling mitochondrial dysfunction with mitochondrial shuttling of TERT to constitute an essential non-canonical function of YAP1 in the regulation of redox homeostasis.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Pneumococcal carriage and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in mother-baby pairs in a rural community in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madut Akech Gabriel , Naloli Mercy , Sebwami Paul , Kazibwe Patrick , Atwikiriize Maureen , Onyait Julius , Oboth Paul , Nteziyaremye Julius , Nekaka Rebecca , Iramiot Jacob Stanley 
Published: October 2021

Background: Pneumococcal carriage predisposes children to pneumonia. Pneumonia poses a significant threat to the lives of children below five years old worldwide, contributing to a high number of hospitalizations and death. Morbidity and morbidity are especially common in children under five and the elderly, although any age group can be affected. This study aimed to estimate pneumococcal carriage and determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the pneumococci isolated from mother-baby pairs in Ngora district after the rollout of the pneumococcal vaccine. We hypothesized that high carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in mothers leads to carriage in their babies and hence a greater chance of contracting pneumonia. Methods: Consecutive sampling was used to select 152 mother-baby pairs from community visits and those seeking care at the health facility. We collected nasal swabs from both baby and mother for culture and sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer’s agar disc diffusion method. Results: This study found that there was a low prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in the mother-baby pair in the Ngora district. We also observed high rates of microbial resistance to penicillin, which is the first-line drug for the management of pneumonia in Uganda. Conclusions: The relationship between pneumococcal carriage and immunization status suggests that the pneumococcal vaccine is protective against the pneumococcal carriage. Resistance of S. pneumoniae to commonly used antibiotics was high.
Case Report: Intracranial hypertension in an adult-onset Still’s disease patient initially presented with prolonged fever
Authors: Eleftheriotis Gerasimos , Skopelitis Elias 
Published: October 2021

This article describes the case of a 19-year-old woman who presented with prolonged fever, positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and splenomegaly. Pulmonary infiltrates were discovered and the patient was treated for community-acquired pneumonia, with no clinical amelioration. A more thorough evaluation was subsequently made, revealing elevated serum IgE and IgG4 levels and negative ANA tested by the hospital’s laboratory with two methods. During hospitalization thrombocytopenia, liver function test impairment, and evanescent rash during some febrile episodes developed. Vomiting also presented without any concomitant symptoms or signs; a funduscopic examination was consequently ordered, showing bilateral papilledema. Brain imaging was totally normal but a lumbar puncture revealed elevated opening pressure and lymphocytic pleocytosis along with low cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase (CSF LDH). The patient was empirically treated with antimicrobials, dexamethasone, and acetazolamide and had immediate clinical and laboratory improvement. Diagnostic workup, however, was negative for an infectious agent; antimicrobials were ceased but the patient continued to improve. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) was considered as the working diagnosis because the patient fulfilled Yamaguchi criteria, responded to corticosteroids, and an alternative diagnosis was lacking. Nevertheless, because of the patient’s atypical features a trial to discontinue dexamethasone was undertaken, leading to immediate recurrence; the possibility of a self-limiting viral illness was excluded. Thrombocytopenia was attributed to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that complicated AOSD. Corticosteroid reinitiation combined with methotrexate fully controlled all clinical and laboratory parameters. One month later papilledema had disappeared and the patient remained symptom-free even without acetazolamide. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of an AOSD case presenting intracranial hypertension without cerebral imaging abnormalities and neurological or meningeal symptoms and signs, as well as with the initial observation of serum IgG4 elevation. A classic regimen combined with acetazolamide led to a positive outcome.
The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey
Authors: McCarron Mary , Allen Andrew , McCausland Darren , Haigh Margaret , Luus Retha , Bavussantakath Fathima Rosmin , Sheerin Fintan , Mulryan Niamh , Burke Eilish , McGlinchey Eimear , Flannery Fidelma , McCallion Philip 
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Methods: A structured questionnaire for people with intellectual disability participating in the IDS-TILDA longitudinal study, to be administered by telephone/video in summer 2021. Where participants are unable to respond independently, a proxy respondent will be invited to either assist the participant or answer questions on their behalf. This questionnaire will include questions from the first COVID-19 questionnaire, with extra questions assessing “long COVID” (i.e. COVID-19 lasting for 12 weeks or longer), infection control behaviours, changes in mental health, social contacts and loneliness, frailty, healthcare, and incidence of vaccination. Impact: The results of this survey will be used to inform healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability during the latter stages of the lockdown and into the future.
Oral ulceration and vesiculobullous conditions in the paediatric patient
Authors: Clarke Lisa , Maroke Tara , Srinivasan Vidya , Rudralingam Meenakshi 
Published: October 2021

Deviations from the normal appearance of pale, pink and healthy mucosa require close monitoring or intervention and may be a sign of an underlying systemic disorder. Therefore, it is important that there is timely identification of abnormalities, appropriate management in primary care and onward referral for investigation to specialist services when required. Oral ulceration is the most common soft tissue abnormality in children, with recurrent aphthous stomatitis being the most common type of ulceration. This article discusses the various causes of oral ulceration in addition to vesiculobullous conditions, which may affect the paediatric patient. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that GDPs are aware of the range of causes of ulcers and blisters presenting in children and are aware of when to refer.
Phenotyping Architecture Traits of Tree Species Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Sangjan Worasit , Sankaran Sindhuja 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsTree canopy architecture traits are associated with its productivity and management.Understanding these traits is important for both precision agriculture and phenomics applications.Remote sensing platforms (satellite, UAV, etc.) and multiple approaches (SfM, LiDAR) have been used to assess these traits.3D reconstruction of tree canopies allows the measurement of tree height, crown area, and canopy volume.Abstract. Tree canopy architecture is associated with light use efficiency and thus productivity. Given the modern training systems in orchard tree fruit systems, modification of tree architecture is becoming important for easier management of crops (e.g., pruning, thinning, chemical application, harvesting, etc.) while maintaining fruit quality and quantity. Similarly, in forest environments, architecture can influence the competitiveness and balance between tree species in the ecosystem. This article reviews the literature related to sensing approaches used for assessing architecture traits and the factors that influence such evaluation processes. Digital imagery integrated with structure from motion analysis and both terrestrial and aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems have been commonly used. In addition, satellite imagery and other techniques have been explored. Some of the major findings and some critical considerations for such measurement methods are summarized here. Keywords: Canopy volume, LiDAR system, Structure from motion, Tree height, UAV.