bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Etiological Evaluation of Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (West Syndrome) Based on the New 2017 International League Against Epilepsy Seizure Classification from Southern India
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Mohanty Shanti Bhusan , Sugumar Kiruthiga , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a term proposed to encompass both West syndrome as well as infants presenting with epileptic spasms who do not fulfill all the criteria for West syndrome. Children with epileptic spasms (ES) typically exhibit ES along with the electroencephalographic pattern known as hypsarrhythmia. Despite advancement, the etiology of ES remains obscure in many cases. To estimate the etiological profile of children, with IESS, and to classify etiologically as per the new International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)-2017 classification.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital in southern India. All patients diagnosed with IESS were included between January 2014 and December 2019. The clinical and laboratory data were collected from the case records and classified according to the 2017-ILAE classifications.

Results and Conclusions:
Of 605 children, 411 (67.93%) were boys, with a male:female ratio of 2.1:1. The mean age presentation was 10 months (1–84 months). We have identified the cause in 509 (84.13%) cases. Various causes identified according to new ILAE classifications were structural 390 (64.46%), genetic 35 (5.78%), infectious 28 (4.62%), metabolic 56 (9.25%), and unknown in 96 (15.86%) cases. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was the single most cause (226/605 [37.35%]). Genetic and inborn errors of metabolism account for 91 (15.04%) of cases, probably due to the high degree of consanguineous marriages in this part of the world, many of them were treated with specific treatment. The cause for IESS was identified in 84% of cases, and in the remaining, the cause was not found despite extensive investigations. The most common cause is symptomatic etiology, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was the leading cause. Inborn errors of metabolism, genetic causes, and neuroinfections contributed to the rest.
An Observational Study of Magnetic Resonance Techniques (Perfusion and Spectroscopy) for Differentiating Low- and High-grade Glioma
Authors: Sinduriyan Hitesh , Sharma Rautesh Kumar , Kundal Gulshan , Bhattacharjee Saikat 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for characterization of glioma into low and high grade.

Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to April 2020 on 50 adult patients of glioma, which were graded into low- and high based on histopathology. MRP characteristics (such as blood volume and flow) and MRS characteristics (choline/creatinine ratio) were compared in low- and high-grade tumors. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), diagnostic accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) of MRS and MRP were calculated for diagnosing high-grade gliomas (HGG).

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 44.04 ± 16.1 years; and 34 (68%) were males and 16 (32%) were females. There were 36 (72%) cases of high-grade and 14 (28%) low-grade tumors. The Sn, Sp, PPV, NPV, diagnostic accuracy, and AUC of MRP were 100%, 92.86%, 97.3%, 100%, 98%, and 0.964, respectively, and MRS was 97.22%, 78.57%, 92.1%, 91.7%, 92%, and 0.879, respectively, for diagnosing HGG.

Conclusion:
MRS and MRP are useful adjuncts to conventional MR imaging in correctly diagnosing high-grade tumors.
Genetic Insights and Genetic Predisposition of Osteoporosis – A Systematic Review
Authors: Subramanyam Krishna , Poornima Subhadra , Saketh A. S. P. V. S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) is a condition characterized by fragile and easily broken bones, impacting around 200 million individuals worldwide. OP is defined by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, both of which greatly heighten the likelihood of fractures. It is now widely recognized that OP is a complex condition resulting from the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences. Identification of markers with a genetic predisposition to OP is crucial in the development of disease prevention. In the recent past, the scientific community has concentrated on understanding the genetic basis of OP. This review focuses on genetic insights of OP and different gene polymorphisms associated with BMD and OP. Molecular screening of individuals could be useful to identify susceptibility genes of OP for better individualized clinical management of the disease.
High Incidence of Spondylolisthesis in Patients with Grade 3 or 4 Osteoarthritis Knees with Spinal Symptoms
Authors: Karumuri Kishore , Pawar Sawankumar , Vecham Ratnakar , Dinakar A. , Reddy M. Venkateshwar , Reddy A. V. Gurava 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The concerted radiographic incidence between lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and knee joint arthritis is not known. Hence, we analyzed the incidence of lumbar DS among severe knee arthritis cases in the outpatient department.

Materials and Methods:
In this observational study, we studied 499 patients (407 females and 92 males) with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The X-rays of the lumbar spine and knee of patients were taken in a standing position. Patients with rheumatoid/ankylosing arthritis, trauma, and infection were excluded. Knee osteoarthritis was classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence scale and spondylolisthesis was classified according to Meyerding’s classification.

Results:
Patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with DS were 30.9%. The statistical significance in the incidence of DS with knee osteoarthritis was found in our study. The level of DS and its relationship with the degree of OA were also studied. L5/S1 is the most prevalent level of listhesis and grade 4 OA is commonly associated with it.

Conclusion:
The DS incidence is significant in severe knee osteoarthritis patients. The degeneration of the lumbar spine leads to L4 nerve root pain that is relatively similar to the knee joint pain due to OA. For patients with knee pain, there is a probability of lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, so a complete examination of the spine and knee is required.
Drug repurposing: Clinical practices and regulatory pathways
Authors: Saranraj K. , Kiran P. Usha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or reprofiling, involves identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs beyond their original indications. Historical examples include sildenafil citrate transitioning to an erectile dysfunction treatment and thalidomide shifting from a sedative to an immunomodulatory agent. Advocates tout its potential to address unmet medical needs by expediting development, reducing costs, and using drugs with established safety profiles. However, concerns exist regarding specificity for new indications, safety, and regulatory exploitation. Ethical considerations include equitable access, informed consent when using drugs off-label, and transparency. Recent advancements include artificial intelligence (AI) applications, network pharmacology, and omics technologies. Clinical trials explore repurposed drugs’ efficacy, with regulatory agencies facilitating approval. Challenges include intellectual property protection, drug target specificity, trial design complexities, and funding limitations. Ethical challenges encompass patient autonomy, potential conflicts of interest due to financial incentives for industries, and resource allocation. Future directions involve precision medicine, AI, and global collaboration. In conclusion, drug repurposing offers a promising pathway for therapeutic innovation but requires careful consideration of its complexities and ethical implications to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Maximum Power Tracking System for Photovoltaic Power Generation in Local Shadow Environment Based on Ant Colony Optimization Fuzzy Algorithm
Authors: Ye Fengshun , Ren Hongjuan 
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION: Photovoltaic power generation, as a rapidly developing new energy technology, is increasingly receiving attention from countries around the world. However, the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation systems is influenced by various factors. Local shadows have become one of the bottlenecks restricting the development of photovoltaic systems.
OBJECTIVES: The research aims to improve the maximum power tracking performance of photovoltaic systems under local shadow conditions.
METHODS: A maximum power tracking system based on ant colony optimization fuzzy algorithm is proposed. Research can effectively solve local optimal problems caused by local shadows through ant colony algorithm. Combining fuzzy algorithms can not only improve the tracking accuracy of the maximum power tracking system, but also enhance the adaptability to complex environments.
RESULTS: In the simulation experiment results, the error between the ant colony optimization fuzzy algorithm and the actual maximum power in four local shadow environments was 0.21W, 0.55W, 0.27W, and 0.98W, respectively. Both stability and accuracy were superior to ant colony algorithm, fuzzy algorithm, and perturbation observation method.
CONCLUSION: Research has confirmed the potential value of ant colony optimization fuzzy algorithm in maximum power tracking of photovoltaic power generation, providing a new solution for the operation and management of photovoltaic power plants.
Prevalence and resistance of Helicobacter pylori in a predominantly Hispanic population
Authors: Tabesh Alireza , Antillon Ricardo Alberto , Kondradzhyan Manvel , Tan Ann Zera 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. The risk of acquiring H. pylori is related to socioeconomic status and living conditions early in life. Treatment regimens must consider local antibiotic resistance patterns. Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital serves a predominantly indigent population in east Los Angeles with a large number of immigrants from South and Central America. Data regarding the prevalence and resistance of H. pylori in this population is scant.
AIM
To evaluate the prevalence and resistance of H. pylori and correlate with country of origin.
METHODS
All gastric biopsies were obtained by a single gastroenterologist at the hospital in a consecutive manner from patients with gastritis from 2017 to 2022 and sent to various labs for evaluation.
RESULTS
Two hundred and sixty-six patients are born in the United States, 450, 171, 70, and 30 patients are immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America (CSA), Asia, and other countries respectively. Overall, 14.65% were found to be infected with H. pylori . Rates of infection in United States-born citizens, immigrants from Mexico, CSA, and Asia are 9.02%, 18.67%, 13.45%, and 11.43% respectively, with Mexican immigrants having a relative risk of 2.3889 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4789-3.8588, P = 0.0004] compared to those born in United States. No correlation seen between infection and length of time immigrants were in United States. Relative risk of infection in patients with no proton pump inhibitor use within the past 30 days found to be 1.9276 (95%CI: 1.3562-2.7398, P = 0.0003). Rates of resistance for clarithromycin and levofloxacin are 21.43% and 31.11%.
CONCLUSION
H. pylori infection appears to be associated with low socioeconomic status and poor living conditions early in life. Clarithromycin and levofloxacin based treatment regimens should be avoided as first line therapy in this region, particularly in patients of Latin American origin.
Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang improves chronic intestinal fibrosis in mice with colitis through CRH-R2-mediated IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Shiyi , Zhang Xudong , Wang Xiaojian , Fan Yihong 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the potential mechanism of action of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF) on inflammation-related intestinal fibrosis in mice. In addition, to examine dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induction and the stimulation of human intestinal fibroblasts (CCD-18Co) by transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1).
Methods: Chronic colitis in C57BL/6 mice was induced by administering 2 % DSS and TXYF extract (11.2 g/kg per day). An intestinal fibrosis cell model was constructed by stimulating CCD-18Co cells with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL). The status and weight loss of colitis of the mice was assessed by Disease Activity Index (DAI) while colonic tissue injury and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Relative expression levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRH-R2) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in colon tissues and CCD-18Co cells were determined using Western blot. A cell model of intestinal fibrosis was constructed by stimulating CCD-18Co cells with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL). At the same time, the cells were subjected to the intervention of TXYF drug-containing serum (TXYF-DS).
Results: TXYF significantly improve the pathological changes, weight loss, and DAI score of colon tissue in DSS induced colitis mice (p < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and p-STAT3 were significantly reduced, while the expression level of CRH-R2 was upregulated in the mouse colon tissue (p < 0.05). At the cellular level, TXYF-DS intervention significantly reduced cell mortality and mitigated the degree of cell fibrosis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression level of CRH-R2 was up-regulated while that of IL-6 and p-STAT3 were down-regulated.
Conclusion: TXYF ameliorates chronic intestinal fibrosis in colitis-afflicted mice by restricting IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway whilst upregulating CRH-R2 expression
Dexamethasone-triggered hepatic and renal impairment in albino rats, and its amelioration through royal jelly intervention
Authors: Alenazi Fahaad S. , Shalan Naeem , Alzarea Sami I. , Alaraj Mohd 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the hepato-renal protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) against dexamethasone (DEX)-induced toxicity in rat models.
Methods: Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats (divided equally into three groups) were administered DEX with or without RJ while control group received normal saline. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and hepatic activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and catalase, as well as levels of glutathione (GSH) and total protein, were measured. Body, kidney and liver weights, as well as blood glucose concentrations, were measured, before and after treatment.
Results: Dexamethasone (DEX) produced significant hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia and significant increases in concentrations of kidney and liver function biomarkers (p < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by decreased liver levels of GSH, total protein and catalase. These alterations were significantly reversed in DEX-treated rats given RJ, compared to rats receiving only DEX (p < 0.05). Body weights were also significantly augmented in DEX-injected rats given RJ, relative to rats given DEX alone (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Royal jelly significantly reduces DEX-induced renal and hepatic toxicities, which suggests its probable therapeutic significance in inhibiting glucocorticoid-mediated adverse reactions. This phenomenon should be further investigated and the possible mechanism elucidated.
Knowledge of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia on the use of topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Alsaiari Soliman Ayed , Al Daghreer Hamad 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate pharmacists’ knowledge and sources of information, as well as identify future interventions concerning the use of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving a survey of pharmacists practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March 2022 to July 2022 using a self-structured questionnaire. Categorical responses were presented in frequency and percentages. Measurement data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and differences were compared using Pearson chi-square. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 288 pharmacists participated in the survey; out of these, 79 % of pharmacists provided incorrect answers, believing that topical corticosteroids (TCS) are used to cure eczema/dermatitis. Mean score of overall knowledge was 10.13 (2.9) while 54.9 % showed poor knowledge of TCS, and 45.1 % had adequate knowledge. Furthermore, pharmacists who were nonSaudi indigenes, senior pharmacists and those having master's degrees had significantly higher knowledge scores than others.Conclusion: Knowledge of TCS for treating atopic dermatitis among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia is poor. There is a significant association of knowledge with being a non-Saudi indigene, pharmacist’s rank, qualification, area of practice, and additional training. Promoting continuous education and implementing formal undergraduate training programs would address this knowledge gap and ultimately improve pharmacists' understanding of topical corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis.
Effect of intestinal microecological agents on perioperative gastrointestinal function and complications in congenital megacolon
Authors: He Kunfeng , Liao Jun , Du Jun , Yang Jiafei , Zhuo Yingquan , Gu Huajian 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of intestinal microecological agents in enhancing gastrointestinal function in perioperative period of Hirschsprung disease.
Methods: 30 cases with surgically managed Hirschsprung in The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, China between March 2020 and March 2022, were randomized into control and study groups comprising 15 patients each. Both groups underwent laparoscopic-assisted megacolon-modified Swenson radical surgery. Control group received preoperative oral cefaclor suspension for three days, while the study group received Bacillus subtilis diphtheriae granules in addition to preoperative oral cefaclor suspension for four days prior to surgery, and continued from day 10 to day 24 after surgery. Symptoms, efficacy, safety, intestinal microecology, gastrointestinal function, inflammation, and nutrition were assessed upon admission, and 10 days after surgery. Postoperative complications were compared.
Results: Bacterial counts in both groups increased significantly on Day 10 after surgery compared to the counts at admission (p < 0.05). The study group exhibited significantly higher counts compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The bacilli- to-cocci ratio in the study group did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Nutritional status was significantly higher in the study group compared to control group 10 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of small bowel colitis was lower in the study group compared to control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications in both groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Perioperative use of intestinal microecological agents effectively corrects dysbiosis, improves gastrointestinal function, regulates nutritional indices, and reduces postoperative complications in patients with Hirschsprung disease. Future studies involving a larger number of participants from different ethnic extractions would be required to improve the quality of results obtained from this investigation.
Uwagi na temat starożytnych źródeł i przesłanek teorii Mikołaja Kopernika
Authors: Rycyk, OFM Konrad Dydak 
Published: September 2024

De revolutionibus [orbium coelestium] Mikołaja Kopernika było dla XVI-wiecznej Europy dziełem przełomowym. Postawiona w nim teza kosmologiczna stała w pewnej opozycji do tezy Ptolemeusza, stąd też opinio communis nie bez błędu określa ją mianem teorii heliocentrycznej. Wydaje się jednak, że kosmologicznej tezy Kopernika nie należy rozumieć jedynie jako prostej negacji dotychczasowej teorii, a do jej powstania przyczyniło się także to, że Kopernik znał dobrze grecką metafizykę i kosmologię. Na jakich zatem przesłankach mógł on się opierać? Czy przesłanek tych można dopatrywać się jedynie w analizach pitagorejczyków i greckich matematyków: Arystarcha i Eudoksosa? Czy dostarczają ich tylko Platon i Arystoteles? Czy można wskazać jeszcze inne greckie źródła teorii Mikołaja Kopernika? Jeśli tak, to czy rzeczywiście dają one podstawę do twierdzenia, że teoria Kopernika jest de facto zapomnianą teorią starożytną?
Próba odpowiedzi na te pytania przebiega następująco: po krótkim omówieniu historycznego tła pojawienia się teorii Kopernika i prezentacji jej głównych wczesnych tez (Commentariolus) przedstawione zostaną stanowiska i poglądy geocentryczne w średniowieczu i ich greckie źródła, a także – historycznie idąc wstecz – kosmologiczne koncepcje niegeocentryczne, również te, które zostały przywołane i zapisane przez Kopernika w jego traktatach. Następnie wskazane i przeanalizowane zostaną te filozoficzne i kosmologiczne stanowiska i poglądy, które – chociaż może Kopernikowi nieznane – w greckim myśleniu, i to już u jego początków, mogą stanowić loci philosophici, przesłanki i źródła kosmologii niegeocentrycznej.
Geohistorical Structural Design Tables for the Building Stones of the Maltese Archipelago
Authors: Bianco Lino 
Published: September 2024

The engineering properties of building materials are essential knowledge when it comes to structural design. In 1885, the Crown Agents for the Colonies published a study on the resistance of Malta stone to cracking and crushing, in an attempt to develop stress design tables for local masonry. This article addresses the evolution of geological maps in the nineteenth century and, then, introduces the content of this publication. The geological formations described in the latest map are still used to this day. Finally, it discusses the usefulness of these tables in establishing the mechanical properties that Maltese stone can withstand. To identify the quality of the stone discussed in this publication, a geological map available at the time, namely that published by Andrew Leith Adams in 1870, which proved to be moderately accurate, was used. The testing procedures applied followed the accepted laboratory practice at the time. A retrospective analysis of the contents of this publication reveals that the results contained some mathematical errors.