bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Cannabis Extract Obtained From Cannabis Flowers With Maximum Allowed Residual Level of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin a Have an Impact on Human Safety and Health?
Authors: Serafimovska Tijana , Stefanovski Sasho , Erler Joachim , Keskovski Zlatko , Stefkov Gjoshe , Mitevska Marija , Darkovska Serafimovska Marija , Balkanov Trajan , Tonic Ribarska Jasmina 
Published: November 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the cannabis extract obtained from cannabis flowers that contain the maximum allowed level of mycotoxins affects human safety and health. For that purpose, a novel liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OchA) in cannabis extracts to demonstrate that this analytical method is suitable for the intended experimental design.Methods: Experimental design was done by adding maximum allowed concentration of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) and OchA according to the European Pharmacopeia related to cannabis flowers. The concentration of aflatoxins and OchA was determined using the same LC/MS/MS analytical method in the starting material (dry flower) before preparing the spiked sample and after obtaining decarboxylated extract with ethanol 96%.Results: The results obtained indicate that aflatoxins and OchA, primarily added to the cannabis dried flowers, were also determined into the obtained final extract in amounts much higher (m/m) than in the starting plant material.Conclusion: With this experiment, we have shown that mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins, which are extremely toxic secondary metabolites, can reach critical values in cannabis extracts obtained from dry cannabis flowers with the maximum allowed quantity of mycotoxins. This can pose a great risk to consumers and their health especially to those with compromised immune systems.
The Association Between Lysosomal Storage Disorder Genes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Large Cohort Study in Chinese Mainland Population
Authors: Zhao Yu-wen , Pan Hong-xu , Liu Zhenhua , Wang Yige , Zeng Qian , Fang Zheng-huan , Luo Teng-fei , Xu Kun , Wang Zheng , Zhou Xun , He Runcheng , Li Bin , Zhao Guihu , Xu Qian , Sun Qi-ying , Yan Xin-xiang , Tan Jie-qiong , Li Jin-chen , Guo Ji-feng , Tang Bei-sha 
Published: November 2021

Background: Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of studies indicating an essential role of the lysosomal dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) at the genetic, biochemical, and cellular pathway levels. In this study, we investigated the association between rare variants in lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) genes and Chinese mainland PD.Methods: We explored the association between rare variants of 69 LSD genes and PD in 3,879 patients and 2,931 controls from Parkinson’s Disease &amp; Movement Disorders Multicenter Database and Collaborative Network in China (PD-MDCNC) using next-generation sequencing, which were analyzed by using the optimized sequence kernel association test.Results: We identified the significant burden of rare putative LSD gene variants in Chinese mainland patients with PD. This association was robust in familial or sporadic early-onset patients after excluding the GBA variants but not in sporadic late-onset patients. The burden analysis of variant sets in genes of LSD subgroups revealed a suggestive significant association between variant sets in genes of sphingolipidosis deficiency disorders and familial or sporadic early-onset patients. In contrast, variant sets in genes of sphingolipidoses, mucopolysaccharidoses, and post-translational modification defect disorders were suggestively associated with sporadic late-onset patients. Then, SMPD1 and other four novel genes (i.e., GUSB, CLN6, PPT1, and SCARB2) were suggestively associated with sporadic early-onset or familial patients, whereas GALNS and NAGA were suggestively associated with late-onset patients.Conclusion: Our findings supported the association between LSD genes and PD and revealed several novel risk genes in Chinese mainland patients with PD, which confirmed the importance of lysosomal mechanisms in PD pathogenesis. Moreover, we identified the genetic heterogeneity in early-onset and late-onset of patients with PD, which may provide valuable suggestions for the treatment.
How Does the Gradient Measure of the Lung SBRT Treatment Plan Depend on the Tumor Volume and Shape?
Authors: Duan Yanhua , Lin Yang , Wang Hao , Kang Bodong , Feng Aihui , Ma Kui , Chen Hua , Huang Ying , Gu Hengle , Shao Yan , Zhou Tao , Kong Qing , Xu Zhiyong 
Published: November 2021

PurposeGradient measure (GM) is a critical index related to normal tissue sparing in radiosurgery. This study aims to describe the dependence of GM on target volume and target shape for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment plans.MethodsA total of 307 peripheral and 119 central lung SBRT treatment plans were enrolled for this study. A least-squares regression was used for data analysis. First, the equations with different functional forms were established to determine the dependence of GM on a univariaty (VP or Sp) and bivariaty (VP and Sp), respectively. Then, the correlation coefficients and p-values of variables for all equations were compared and analyzed to determine the dependence of GM on PTV volume (VP) and sphericity (Sp).ResultsThe power equations had the highest coefficient of determination (R2) in the dependence results of GM on univariate VP. The equations were GM=0.674VP0.178 and GM=0.660VP0.185 for peripheral and central lesions, respectively. On the other hand, the R2 of all functional forms were less than 0.25 when the relationship of GM versus univariate Sp was analyzed. Similarly, the power equation also obtained the highest R2 in bivariaty VP and Sp analysis, whether for central or peripheral. However, the R2 of the bivariate equations were not improved compared with those of univariate equations. Moreover, the p-values of the variable Sp were greater than 0.05.ConclusionsThe GM of the lung SBRT plan is shape-independent and volume-dependent. The dependence of GM on PTV volume for peripheral and central lung cancer can be described by two different power equations. The results of this study can be used as a potential tool to assist dosimetric quality control during the radiosurgery process.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Severe Pneumonia in Children Under 5 Years Old With and Without Adenovirus Infection in Guangzhou
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Liao Weiyao , Liang Feng , Li Kuanrong , Li Ling , Liang Huiying 
Published: November 2021

Objectives:To identify the differences of clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe pneumonia in children under 5 years old with and without adenovirus infection.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted in three pediatric hospitals in Guangzhou, China. In total, 1,595 children under the age of 5 with WHO-defined severe pneumonia had adenovirus testing performed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019. Demographics, complications, the first routine laboratory findings, therapeutic records, and clinical outcome were collected from electronic medical records. We compared characteristics of children with and without adenovirus infection.Results:Adenovirus was detected in 75 (4.7%) out of 1,595 children with severe pneumonia. Cases with adenovirus infection were more likely to be boys (74.7 vs. 63.0%), older than 1 year old (78.7 vs. 25.1%), but less likely to have mixed virus infections (25.3 vs. 92.9%) and combined with cardiovascular disease (12.0 vs. 39.7%), and had more abnormal laboratory results than cases without adenovirus infection. Antiviral therapy (4.9%) was rarely used in children with severe pneumonia, but antibiotic therapy (65.3%) was commonly used, especially in cases with adenovirus infection (91.9%). Children infected with adenovirus (9.3 vs. 2.5%) were also hospitalized longer and had a higher mortality within 30 days of hospitalization.Conclusions:Children with severe pneumonia under 5 years old with adenovirus infection had more abnormal laboratory findings and more severe clinical outcomes than cases without adenovirus infection. More attention should be focused on the harm caused by adenovirus infection.
A New Case of de novo Variant c.892C>T (p.Arg298Trp) in NACC1: A First Case Report From China
Authors: Lyu Baiyu , Dong Yan , Kang Juan 
Published: November 2021

Background: The nucleus accumbens associated 1 (NACC1) gene is a transcription factor member of the BTB/POZ family. A de novo heterozygous c.892C&gt;T (p.Arg298Trp) variant in the NACC1 may define a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, infantile epilepsy, congenital cataract, and feeding difficulties.Case Presentation: We report a new case with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, infantile epilepsy, congenital cataract, and feeding difficulties. Brain MRI reveals brain dysplasia. We observe a de novo heterozygous c.892C&gt;T (p.Arg298Trp) variant in the NACC1 gene in this case. Now, the child regularly goes to the hospital for rehabilitation training (once a month). Sodium Valproate (10 mg/kg/day) and Clobazam (10 mg/kg/day) are used in the treatment of epilepsy. A total of three articles were screened, and two papers were excluded. The search revealed one article related to a syndrome caused by a de novo heterozygous c.892C&gt;T (p.Arg298Trp) variant in the NACC1; they screened the main clinical features of eight cases of a syndrome, which were summarized and analyzed.Conclusions: The NACC1 gene is a member of the BTB/POZ family of transcription factors. A de novo heterozygous c.892C&gt;T (p.Arg298Trp) variant in the NACC1 may define a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, infantile epilepsy, congenital cataract, and feeding difficulties. At present, there is no effective cure. In the future, we need more cases to determine the phenotype–genotype correlation of NACC1 variants. Many questions remain to be answered, and many challenges remain to be faced. Future transcriptional studies may further clarify this rare, recurrent variant, and could potentially lead to targeted therapies.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment Before Radiotherapy Protects Against Radiation-Induced Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Ramos Isalira Peroba Rezende , Dias Marlon Lemos , Nunes De Moraes Alan Cesar , Meireles Ferreira Fernanda Guimarães , Souza Sergio Augusto Lopes , Gutfilen Bianca , Barboza Thiago , Ferreira Pimentel Cibele , Paz Batista Cintia Marina , Kasai-Brunswick Tais Hanae , Fortes Fabio Da Silva De Azevedo , De Andrade Cherley Borba Vieira , Goldenberg Regina Coeli dos Santos 
Published: November 2021

Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) remains a major problem resulting from radiotherapy. In this scenario, immunotherapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) arises as an attractive approach that might improve the injured liver. Here, we investigated G-CSF administration’s impact before and after liver irradiation exposure using an association of alcohol consumption and local irradiation to induce liver disease model in C57BL/6 mice. Male and female mice were submitted to a previous alcohol-induced liver injury protocol with water containing 5% alcohol for 90 days. Then, the animals were treated with G-CSF (100 μg/kg/d) for 3 days before or after liver irradiation (18 Gy). At days 7, 30, and 60 post-radiation, non-invasive liver images were acquired by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography. Biochemical and histological evaluations were performed to verify whether G-CSF could prevent liver tissue damage or reverse the acute liver injury. Our data showed that the treatment with G-CSF before irradiation effectively improved morphofunctional parameters caused by RILD, restoring histological arrangement, promoting liver regeneration, preserving normal organelles distribution, and glycogen granules. The amount of OV-6 and F4/80-positive cells increased, and α-SMA positive cells’ presence was normalized. Additionally, prior G-CSF administration preserved serum biochemical parameters and increased the survival rates (100%). On the other hand, after irradiation, the treatment showed a slight improvement in survival rates (79%) and did not ameliorate RILD. Overall, our data suggest that G-CSF administration before radiation might be an immunotherapeutic alternative to radiotherapy planning to avoid RILD.
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2-I) in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Treated by Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting via MiECC: Inflammatory Burden, and Clinical Outcomes at 5 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Sardu Celestino , Massetti Massimo , Testa Nicola , Martino Luigi Di , Castellano Gaetano , Turriziani Fabrizio , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Torella Michele , De Feo Marisa , Santulli Gaetano , Paolisso Giuseppe , Marfella Raffaele 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) reduced inflammatory burden, leading to best clinical outcomes in patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Despite this, the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vs those without T2DM (non-T2DM) have a worse prognosis, caused by over-inflammation and modulated by sodium-glucose transporter 2 receptors. However, we evaluated the inflammatory burden and clinical outcomes in non-T2DM vs T2DM patients under sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I users) vs non-SGLT2-I users at 5 years of follow-up post-CABG via MiECC.Materials and methods: In a multicenter study, we screened consecutive patients with indications to receive CABG. The study endpoints were the inflammatory burden (circulating serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leucocytes count) and the clinical outcomes at follow-up of 5 years in non-T2DM vs SGLT2-I users, in non-T2DM vs non-SGLT2-I users, and SGLT2-I users vs non-SGLT2-I users.Results: At baseline, and at one year and 5 years of follow-up, the non-T2DM vs SGLT2-I users, non-T2DM vs non-SGLT2-I users, and SGLT2-I users vs non-SGLT2-I users had the lowest values of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α (p &lt; 0.05). At one year of follow-up, SGLT2-I users vs non-T2DM and non-SGLT2-I users vs non-T2DM users had a higher rate of all deaths, cardiac deaths, re-myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke, and of the composite endpoint (p &lt; 0.05). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the composite endpoint was predicted by IL-1 [2.068 (1.367–3.129)], TNF-α [1.989 (1.081–2.998)], and SGLT2-I [0.504 (0.078–0.861)].Conclusion: In T2DM patients, the SGLT2-I significantly reduced the inflammatory burden and ameliorated clinical outcomes at 5 years of follow-up post-CABG via MiECC.
Punicalin Attenuates Breast Cancer-Associated Osteolysis by Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway of Osteoclasts
Authors: Li Tao , Jiang Guangyao , Hu Xuantao , Yang Daishui , Tan Tingting , Gao Zhi , Chen Zhuoyuan , Xiang Cheng , Li Shizhen , Ouyang Zhengxiao , Guo Xiaoning 
Published: November 2021

Background: Breast cancer bone metastasis and osteoporosis are both severe diseases that seriously threaten human health. These diseases are closely associated with osteolytic lesions. And osteoclasts are the key targets of this pathological process. Given the lack of effective preventive or treatment options against these diseases, the exploitation of new pharmacological agents is critically required.Method: We assessed the efficacy of punicalin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation, F-actin ring formation, gene expression, bone resorption, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as well as on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and molecular docking in vitro. The impact of punicalin on breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis, breast cancer cell proliferation, and apoptosis were examined. Transwell assays were also performed. Moreover, we evaluated in vivo effects of punicalin in postmenopausal osteoporosis models and breast cancer bone metastasis model by micro-CT scanning and histomorphometry.Results: Punicalin inhibited osteoclast formation, F-actin ring formation, bone resorption, as well as osteoclast-related gene expression by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. In vitro, punicalin also suppressed the breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis, and proliferation, migration as well as invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and dose-dependently promoted their apoptosis. In vivo, punicalin significantly suppressed breast cancer-induced osteolysis, breast cancer-associated bone metastasis, and ovariectomized (OVX)-mediated osteoporosis by repressing osteoclast and breast cancer cell.Conclusion: Punicalin is expected to offer a novel treatment for the prevention of osteolysis diseases, including osteoporosis and breast cancer-associated osteolysis.
Interpersonal Relatedness and Non-suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors in Female Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Guénolé Fabian , Spiers Solène , Gicquel Ludovic , Delvenne Veronique , Robin Marion , Corcos Maurice , Pham-Scottez Alexandra , Speranza Mario 
Published: November 2021

Background:Psychopathological models of adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) suggest that non-suicidal self-injuring (NSSI)—a particularly frequent symptom in girls—may constitute a way of coping with distress resulting from interpersonal concerns they typically experience as a developmental psychopathological feature.Objectives:Our objective was to investigate the relationship in BPD female adolescents between NSSI and the Sidney Blatt two-polarities model of personality development, which focuses on the psychological processes of interpersonal relatedness and self-definition.Methods:The study was conducted within the European Research Network on Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescence, using the Depressive Experience Questionnaire (DEQ).Results:BPD patients (n= 59; mean age = 16.6 ± 1.3) scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the two DEQ sub-factors assessing the more immature forms of Interpersonal Relatedness (Neediness) and Self-definition (Self-criticism) and significantly lower on the more mature form of Self-definition (Efficacy). BPD adolescents with NSSI showed significantly higher scores on both mature and immature forms of Interpersonal Relatedness (NeedinessandConnectedness) compared to BPD adolescents without NSSI. A logistic regression analysis showed that the subfactorNeedinessof the DEQ was the only significant predictor of the presence of NSSI among BPD adolescents.Conclusions:The preliminary results of this study suggests that NSSI in adolescents with BPD is developmentally linked to high developmental concerns in the domain of interpersonal relatedness, which may be taken into consideration in clinical practice. More studies are necessary to better understand the relationships between NSSI and developmental psychopathology in borderline adolescents.
The Family Talk Programme in Ireland: A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of Families With Parental Mental Illness
Authors: Mulligan Christine , Furlong Mairead , McGarr Sharon , O'Connor Siobhan , McGilloway Sinead 
Published: November 2021

Background: Parental mental illness is common, costly, can lead to children developing mental disorders and impaired lifetime outcomes, and places a substantial burden on caregiving partners. Family Talk (FT) is a widely implemented, 7-session, whole-family programme, with promising evidence of effectiveness in targeting the intergenerational transmission of mental illness. However, to date, very little qualitative research of family experiences of FT has been undertaken. The objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the experiences of families attending FT; and (2) explore the key facilitators and barriers to engagement in mainstream mental health settings.Methods: This study was nested within a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Family Talk [N = 86 families (139 parents, 221 children)] implemented in 15 adult, child and primary care mental health sites in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 45 participants, including 23 parents with mental illness (PMI), 7 partners and 15 children/young people aged 9 to 18 years. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constructivist grounded theory.Results: Over two thirds of families across sites reported substantial benefits from participation in FT, including reduced stigma, giving children and partners a voice, increased service-user confidence, and improved family communication/relationships. Key facilitators identified by families included: programme delivery by a competent, non-judgmental clinician; the whole-family approach; and family readiness to engage. Barriers to engagement included stigma, family crises/relapse, service constraints, impact of COVID-19, and a need for further child, family and follow-up sessions/supports.Conclusion: This study is the first qualitative analysis of family experiences of FT to be conducted within the context of an RCT and national programme to introduce family-focused practise for families with PMI. The findings illustrate that FT is beneficial across cultural/policy contexts, different mental disorders and can be implemented across adult and child mental health settings, including children with existing mental health challenges. Key barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified by families, all of which should help to inform the future implementation of FT, and other similar interventions, both in Ireland and elsewhere.
Metabolic Changes After a 24-Week Soccer-Based Adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program in Hispanic Males: A One-Arm Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Frediani Jennifer K. , Li Jianheng , Bienvenida Alan , Higgins Melinda K. , Lobelo Felipe 
Published: November 2021

Aims: One third of the U.S. adult population is estimated to have obesity-associated prediabetes. Hispanics have a 50% higher type 2 diabetes death rate compared to non-Hispanic whites, yet low participation in lifestyle change programs, making this subgroup an important target for prevention. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and the effects of an intervention implementing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) plus recreational soccer (RS) in Hispanic men.Methods: Overweight and obese Hispanic men, aged 30–57 years with prediabetes at screening were recruited (n = 41). Trained soccer coaches led 30-min facilitated discussion of the NDPP modules after each RS session, with two sessions per week for 12 weeks and once per week for the following 12 weeks. The 1-h RS sessions followed the Football Fitness curriculum. Assessments included body mass index, waist circumference, bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 270), blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and validated physical fitness tests. Multilevel mixed models assessed the outcomes as a function of time and cohort and incorporated an unstructured covariance structure to examine the changes from baseline to 24 weeks. All analyses were conducted as intent-to-treat using SAS v 9.4.Results: Hispanic males (n = 41; mean age 41.7 [0.1] years) were obese at baseline (mean BMI 32.7, standard error of mean [0.7], mean weight 93.9 [2.2] kg). Attendance rate was 65% overall at 12 weeks but differed between cohorts. Five mild injuries occurred over the trial. After 24 weeks of the NDPP+RS intervention, there were significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (%change −4.7[SE 2.4]; 95% CI [−11.5, −1.7] and −6.1 [1.7] mmHg; [−9.6, −2.6], respectively), HbA1c (−0.2 [0.1]; [−0.3, −0.1]), Despite significant reductions in weight (−3.8 [0.7]; [−5.2, −2.5]), waist circumference (−6.6 [0.7] cm; [−8.0, −5.1]), body fat % (−1.9 [0.5]; [−2.8, −1.0]), lean body mass was preserved (−0.9 [0.3]; [−1.6, −0.2]).Conclusion: A 24-week soccer-based adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program is safe and feasible among middle-aged Latino men.