bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese Medicine for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer: Taohong Siwu Decoction
Authors: Jiang Huajuan , Li Minmin , Du Kequn , Ma Chuan , Cheng Yanfen , Wang Shengju , Nie Xin , Fu Chaomei , He Yao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe high incidence of breast cancer is the greastest threat to women’ health all over the world. Among them, HER-2 positive breast cancer has the characteristics of high malignancy, easy recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a rich theoretical basis and clinical application for breast cancer. TCM believes that blood stasis syndrome is one of the important pathogenesis of breast formation and development. Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSHWD) is based on the “First Prescription of Gynecology” Siwu Decoction. It is widely used in various blood stasis and blood deficiency syndromes, mainly in gynecological blood stasis. Clinical studies have found that THSWD can treat breast cancer by reducing blood vessel and lymphangiogenesis with auxiliary chemotherapy. In this study, we aim to explore the material basis and mechanism of THSWD in the treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer through literature review and network pharmacology studies. Through a literature review of the traditional application, chemical composition of Chinese herbal medicine of THSWD, as well as its clinical reports and pharmacological research on breast cancer treatment. Meanwhile, we conducted “component-pathway-target” network through network pharmacology reveals the main material basis, possible targets and pathways of THSWD in inhibiting HER-2 positive breast cancer. Literature review and network pharmacology research results had predicted that, baicalein, kaempferol, caffeic acid, amygdalin, quercetin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, catalpol, hydroxysafflor yellow A, paeoniflorin in THSWD are the main effective chemical composition. THSWD regulates 386 protein targets and 166 pathways related to breast cancer. The molecular mechanism is mainly to improve the microenvironment of tumor cells, regulate the process of tumor cell EMT, and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This study revealed the mechanism of action of THSWD in the treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer through literature review and network pharmacology studies, providing a scientific basis for clinical application.
RASopathies and hemostatic abnormalities: key role of platelet dysfunction
Authors: Di Candia Francesca , Marchetti Valeria , Cirillo Ferdinando , Di Minno Alessandro , Rosano Carmen , Pagano Stefano , Siano Maria Anna , Falco Mariateresa , Assunto Antonia , Boccia Giovanni , Magliacane Gerardo , Pinna Valentina , De Luca Alessandro , Tartaglia Marco , Di Minno Giovanni , Strisciuglio Pietro , Melis Daniela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Bleeding anomalies have been reported in patients affected by Noonan syndrome. No study has been performed in patients with molecularly confirmed RASopathy. We aimed to characterize the frequency and types of bleeding disorders in patients with RASopathies and evaluate any significant association with laboratory findings.

Patients and methods
Forty-nine individuals (PTPN11, n = 27; SOS1, n = 7; RIT1, n = 3; SPRED1, n = 1; LZTR1, N = 3; RAF1, n = 2; BRAF, n = 4; MEK1, n = 1; MEK2, n = 1), and 49 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. The “Paediatric Bleeding Questionnaire Scoring Key” was administered to patients and families. Laboratory screening tests including clotting factors dosing, platelet count, Prothrombin Time and Partial Thromboplastin Time, were employed both in patients and controls to characterize the bleeding diathesis. A subgroup of 29/49 patients and 29/49 controls was also tested for platelet function.

Results
Regardless of the gene involved, pathological paediatric bleeding scores were recorded in 14/49 (28.5%) patients. Indeed, 7 were mutated in PTPN11, 3 in SOS1, 2 in RIT1, 1 in BRAF, and 1 in MEK1. Compared to patients with normal bleeding scores, those with pathologic bleeding score showed higher prevalence of splenomegaly (p = 0.006), prolonged aPTT (p = 0.04), lower levels of coagulation factor V (FV, p = 0.001), FVII (p = 0.003), FX (p = 0.0008) and FXIII (p = 0.002), higher vWAg (p = 0.04), and lower platelet sensitivity to Ristocetin (p = 0.001), arachidonic acid (AA) (p = 0.009) and collagen (p = 0.01). The presence of hematomas inversely correlated with factor V (p = 0.002), factor VII (p = 0.003), factor X (p = 0.002) and factor XIII (p = 0.004) levels, and directly correlated with platelet response to collagen (p = 0.02) and AA (p = 0.01). The presence of splenomegaly directly correlated with the presence of hematoma (p = 0.006), platelet response to Ristocetin (p = 0.04) and AA (p = 0.04), and inversely correlated with factor V levels (p = 0.03).

Conclusions
Patients with RASopathies and a bleeding tendency exhibit multiple laboratory abnormalities, including platelet-related disorders. Splenomegaly is frequently detected and might be a suggestive sign for qualitative platelet dysfunction. A comprehensive clinical assessment should be carried out at diagnosis, during the follow-up and before any surgical procedures. Since there is currently no consensus on management of bleeding complications, it is important that physicians closely monitor these patients.
Changes in psychosocial functioning among urban, school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Spencer Andrea E. , Oblath Rachel , Dayal Rohan , Loubeau J. Krystel , Lejeune Julia , Sikov Jennifer , Savage Meera , Posse Catalina , Jain Sonal , Zolli Nicole , Baul Tithi D. , Ladino Valeria , Ji Chelsea , Kabrt Jessica , Mousad Lillian , Rabin Megan , Murphy J. Michael , Garg Arvin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
There is concern about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial functioning among school-age children, who have faced unusual stressors during this time. Our goal was to assess mental health symptoms and social risks during COVID-19, compared to before the pandemic, for urban, racial and ethnic minority school-age children, and investigate the relationship between mental health and social risks.

Methods
We conducted a cohort study from September 2019 until January 2021 of children age 5–11 years old recruited from an urban safety net hospital-based pediatric primary care practice. We measured emotional and behavioral symptoms (including attention, internalizing, and externalizing symptoms) before and during the pandemic with the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17). We measured social risks (including food and housing insecurity) before and during the pandemic with the THRIVE screener. We measured additional mid-pandemic COVID-related stressors with items on school participation, screens/media use, illness exposure, and caregiver mental health. We compared pre- and mid-pandemic PSC-17 symptom scores across 4 domains (total, attention, internalizing, and externalizing) and used path analysis to examine the relationship between mental health and social risks pre- and mid-pandemic.

Results
Caregivers of 168 children (54% non-Hispanic Black, 29% Hispanic, and 22% non-English speaking) completed the study. Children had significantly higher levels of emotional and behavioral symptoms midpandemic- vs. pre-pandemic in all domains. Significantly more children had a positive PSC-17 total score (18% vs. 8%, p < 0.01) and internalizing (depression and anxiety) score (18% vs. 5%, p < 0.001) during the pandemic vs. before, indicating clinical concerns in these areas. Caregivers reported significantly more social risks during vs. before the pandemic (p < 0.001). Mental health symptoms significantly correlated with number of social risks before the pandemic, but not during the pandemic. Less school assignment completion, increased screen time, and caregiver depression were all significantly associated with worse mid-pandemic mental health in children.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in depression/anxiety problems and social risks among urban, racial and ethnic minority school-age children compared to before the pandemic. More research is needed to understand if these changes will persist.
Insights into high-risk multiple myeloma from an analysis of the role of PHF19 in cancer
Authors: Ghamlouch Hussein , Boyle Eileen M. , Blaney Patrick , Wang Yubao , Choi Jinyoung , Williams Louis , Bauer Michael , Auclair Daniel , Bruno Benedetto , Walker Brian A. , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDespite improvements in outcome, 15-25% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients have treatment resistant high-risk (HR) disease with a poor survival. The lack of a genetic basis for HR has focused attention on the role played by epigenetic changes. Aberrant expression and somatic mutations affecting genes involved in the regulation of tri-methylation of the lysine (K) 27 on histone 3 H3 (H3K27me3) are common in cancer. H3K27me3 is catalyzed by EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). The deregulation of H3K27me3 has been shown to be involved in oncogenic transformation and tumor progression in a variety of hematological malignancies including MM. Recently we have shown that aberrant overexpression of the PRC2 subunit PHD Finger Protein 19 (PHF19) is the most significant overall contributor to HR status further focusing attention on the role played by epigenetic change in MM. By modulating both the PRC2/EZH2 catalytic activity and recruitment, PHF19 regulates the expression of key genes involved in cell growth and differentiation. Here we review the expression, regulation and function of PHF19 both in normal and the pathological contexts of solid cancers and MM. We present evidence that strongly implicates PHF19 in the regulation of genes important in cell cycle and the genetic stability of MM cells making it highly relevant to HR MM behavior. A detailed understanding of the normal and pathological functions of PHF19 will allow us to design therapeutic strategies able to target aggressive subsets of MM.
Surveying family access: kangaroo mother care and breastfeeding policies across NICUs in Italy
Authors: Artese Claudia , Ferrari Fabrizio , Perugi Silvia , Cavicchioli Paola , Paterlini Giuseppe , Mosca Fabio ,   the Developmental Care Study Group of Italian Society and Neonatology, Bertoncelli Natascia , Chiandotto Valeria , Strola Paterizia , Simeoni Natascia , Calciolari Guido , Colombo Grazia , Rovei Serena , Arenga Immacolata , Arpi Elena , Montirosso Rosario 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Studies on the application of developmental care initiatives in Italian NICUs are rather scarce. We aimed to assess parental access to the NICUs and facilities offered to the family members and to test “the state of art” regarding kangaroo mother care (KMC) and breastfeeding policies in level III Italian NICUs.

Methods
A questionnaire both in paper and in electronic format was sent to all 106 Italian level III NICUs; 86 NICUs (i.e., 80% of NICUs) were completed and returned.
The collected data were analysed. In addition, a comparison between the 2017 survey results and those of two previous surveys conducted from 2001 to 2006 was performed.

Results
In total, 53 NICUs (62%) reported 24-h open access for both parents (vs. 35% in 2001 and 32% in 2006). Parents were requested to temporarily leave the unit during shift changes, emergencies and medical rounds in 55 NICUs (64%). Some parental amenities, such as an armchair next to the crib (81 units (94%)), a room for pumping milk and a waiting room, were common, but others, such as family rooms (19 units (22%)) and adjoining accommodation (30 units (35%)), were not. KMC was practised in 81 (94%) units, but in 72 (62%), i.e., the majority of units, KMC was limited to specific times. In 11 (13%) NICUs, KMC was not offered to the father. The average duration of a KMC session, based on unit staff estimation, was longer in 24-h access NICUs than in limited-access NICUs. KMC documentation in medical records was reported in only 59% of questionnaires. Breastfeeding was successful in a small proportion of preterm infants staying in the NICU.

Conclusion
The number of 24-h access NICUs doubled over a period of 13 years. Some basic family facilities, such as a dedicated kitchen, rooms with dedicated beds and showers for the parents, remain uncommon. KMC and breastfeeding have become routine practices; however, the frequency and duration of KMC sessions reported by NICU professionals still do not meet the WHO recommendations.
Validation of a method of broth microdilution for the determination of antibacterial activity of essential oils
Authors: Vanegas David , Abril-Novillo Andrea , Khachatryan Aleksandr , Jerves-Andrade Lourdes , Peñaherrera Eugenia , Cuzco Nancy , Wilches Isabel , Calle Jessica , León-Tamariz Fabián 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
The aim of the present study was to adapt and optimize a broth microdilution method and compare it to the agar dilution method for the evaluation of activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against Gram-negative bacteria. Based on bibliographic research, active and not active oils were selected. The sensitivity and specificity were established as parameters for validation. The comparison between both methods was made using contingency analysis tables, based on the observed frequencies. For both methods, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined against Escherichiacoli strains, in an essential oil concentration range between 0.03 and 0.48% (v/v).

Results
A stable emulsion formation was achieved with the addition of Tween 80 and constant agitation, guaranteeing the continuous contact of oil with bacteria (critical step in the microdilution method). The statistical analysis of results obtained with both methods presented a good sensitivity and specificity (100% in both cases), which let us correctly discriminate between active and non-active oils. The values obtained for the minimal inhibitory concentration were independent of the technique used. Finally, the obtained results show that the validated microtechnique allows important diminishment of time and resources for investigations dealing with essential oils or lipophilic extracts evaluation.
An accelerated and robust algorithm for ant colony optimization in continuous functions
Authors: de Freitas Jairo G. , Yamanaka Keiji 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThere is a wide variety of computational methods used for solving optimization problems. Among these, there are various strategies that are derived from the concept of ant colony optimization (ACO). However, the great majority of these methods are limited-range-search algorithms, that is, they find the optimal solution, as long as the domain provided contains this solution. This becomes a limitation, due to the fact that it does not allow these algorithms to be applied successfully to real-world problems, as in the real world, it is not always possible to determine with certainty the correct domain. The article proposes the use of a broad-range search algorithm, that is, that seeks the optimal solution, with success most of the time, even if the initial domain provided does not contain this solution, as the initial domain provided will be adjusted until it finds a domain that contains the solution. This algorithm called ARACO, derived from RACO, makes for the obtaining of better results possible, through strategies that accelerate the parameters responsible for adjusting the supplied domain at opportune moments and, in case there is a stagnation of the algorithm, expansion of the domain around the best solution found to prevent the algorithm becoming trapped in a local minimum. Through these strategies, ARACO obtains better results than its predecessors, in relation to the number of function evaluations necessary to find the optimal solution, in addition to its 100% success rate in practically all the tested functions, thus demonstrating itself as being a high performance and reliable algorithm. The algorithm has been tested on some classic benchmark functions and also on the benchmark functions of the IEEE Congress of Evolutionary Computation Benchmark Test Functions (CEC 2019 100-Digit Challenge).
Dark urine as the initial manifestation of COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Egoryan Goar , Chaudry Sana , Yadav Kritika , Dong Tianyu , Ozcekirdek Emre , Ozen Ece , Rodriguez-Nava Guillermo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Rhabdomyolysis is defined as a syndrome consisting of muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle components into the bloodstream. Although rhabdomyolysis has been previously reported as an initial presentation or late complication of COVID-19, the data on it is still limited, and currently, there is no single case of COVID-19 in the literature that describes creatine kinase levels of more than 30,000 IU/L.

Case presentation
A 50-year-old African–American male presented to the hospital with decreased urine output, dark urine color, and constipation for the past couple of days. He was found to have acute kidney injury, liver injury, and creatinine kinase of 359,910 IU/L, for which aggressive intravenous fluid therapy was given. Infectious workup resulted in positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction. Two days after admission, the patient became symptomatic from a coronavirus disease 2019: he developed fever and hypoxia, and was placed on supplemental oxygen and started on a 10-day course of dexamethasone. The patient responded well to the treatment and supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019 and was successfully discharged.

Conclusion
Clinicians should be cognizant of atypical coronavirus disease 2019 presentations. The spectrum of damage of coronavirus disease 2019 is still an evolving topic, and more research is required to reveal the exact mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 leads to rhabdomyolysis.
Food solidarity economy: evaluating transition community initiatives in Friuli Venezia Giulia region
Authors: Piani Lucia , Carzedda Matteo , Carestiato Nadia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractClimate change, ecological challenges, and economic and social crises imply paradigmatic and structural innovations. In the effort to drive transition toward sustainability, local communities often take the lead, mobilize support, and organize initiatives based on the principles of solidarity economy. Our study presents a qualitative evaluation and comparison of three local bottom-up initiatives from Friuli Venezia Giulia, a Northern Italian region, each following alternative and unique models of production and consumption of wheat and flour. The reconstruction of the transition paths of the experiences, together with documental analysis and interviews, allowed us to deduce the influence of alternative approaches and subsequent degree of effectiveness in building a community and driving it toward sustainability.
Sequestration of P fractions in the soils of an incipient ferralisation chronosequence on a humid tropical volcanic island
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yu , Baillie Ian , Jien Shih-Hao , Hallett Liam , Hallett Stephen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhosphorus (P) is the limiting nutrient in many mature tropical forests. The ecological significance of declining P stocks as soils age is exacerbated by much of the remaining P being progressively sequestered. However, the details of how and where P is sequestered during the ageing in tropical forest soils remains unclear.ResultsWe examined the relationships between various forms of the Fe and Al sesquioxides and the Hedley fractions of P in soils of an incipient ferralitic chronosequence on an altitudinal series of gently sloping benches on Green Island, off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. These soils contain limited amounts of easily exchangeable P. Of the sesquioxide variables, only Fe and Al crystallinities increased significantly with bench altitude/soil age, indicating that the ferralisation trend is weak. The bulk of the soil P was in the NaOH and residual extractable fractions, and of low lability. The P fractions that correlated best with the sesquioxides were the organic components of the NaHCO3and NaOH extracts.ConclusionsThe amorphous sesquioxides, Feoand Alo,were the forms that correlated best with the P fractions. A substantial proportion of the labile P appears to be organic and to be associated with Aloin organic-aluminium complexes. The progression of P sequestration appears to be slightly slower than the chemical and mineralogical indicators of ferralisation.
Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists’ readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Al-Azzam Sayer , Alqudah Rajaa , Nassar Razan , Alzubaidi Hamzah , Abu-Samak Mahmoud S. , Abu-Gharbieh Eman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
With the outbreak of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), pharmacists play an important role in supporting local health during this emergency.

Aim
To assess the knowledge and to identify information sources regarding COVID-19 used by pharmacists, to investigate the active and public perceived roles of pharmacists, to explore the role of the pharmacy facilities and health authorities, and to identify barriers that would hinder pharmacists from performing their duties optimally in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in the UAE during the COVID-19 outbreak, from 18 May to 20 June 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants’ current knowledge about pandemics and COVID-19, source of information, and their perspectives of their role was used. Participants were licensed pharmacists practising in community and hospital pharmacies in UAE, academics, and pharmacy students.

Results
Almost two-thirds of the participants (71.2%) were aged 18–30 years, with 76.2% females. Only 57.5% of participants believed that they got enough education about pandemics, and 88.3% of them followed on the latest coronavirus updates regarding treatments, and that is mainly from the World Health Organization reports (53.9%), followed by health authorities (44.8%). Two-thirds of participants (69.7%) had good/very good current knowledge regarding COVID-19. Knowledge of pharmacy students compared to pharmacists was significantly higher (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students reported that they have a major role in managing pandemics executed through the community pharmacies and that it is their role to ensure the availability of key medications. Policymakers and health authorities are called upon to train pharmacists in advance of emerging situations, supporting and helping them to optimally fulfill their role.
Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the potential mechanism for the inhibition of Penicillium digitatum by X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide
Authors: Lin Shuhua , Wang Yuanxiu , Lu Qunlin , Zhang Bin , Wu Xiaoyu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPenicillium digitatum is the primary spoilage fungus that causes green mold during postharvest in citrus. To reduce economic losses, developing more efficient and less toxic natural antimicrobial agents is urgently required. We previously found that the X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide (X33 AMOP), produced by Streptomyces lavendulae X33, exhibited a sterilization effect on P. digitatum. In this study, the effects, and physiological mechanisms of X33 AMOP as an inhibitor of P. digitatum were investigated. The transcriptional and metabolome profiling of P. digitatum exposed to X33 AMOP revealed 3648 genes and 190 metabolites that were prominently changed. The omics analyses suggested that X33 AMOP mainly inhibited P. digitatum growth by affecting cell integrity, genetic information delivery, oxidative stress tolerance, and energy metabolism. These findings provide helpful information regarding the antimicrobial mechanism of X33 AMOP against P. digitatum at the molecular level and indicate that X33 AMOP is a potential candidate to control P. digitatum.
Graphical Abstract