bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution of hyperin, astragalin, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide from rats with multiple administrations of Semen Cuscutae processed with salt solution with effect of treating recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Yang Zhitong , Chen Kaiwen , Zhang Yuting , Xu Baiyang , Huang Yu , Zhang Xue , Liu Zilu , Wang Tongsheng , Wu Deling , Peng Tangyi , Lu Tulin , Cai Hao , Wang Xiaoli 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSemen Cuscutae is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that tonifies the kidneys and prevents miscarriage. According to Chinese medicine theory, kidney deficiency is one of the main causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The previous studies showed that raw product of Semen Cuscutae (SP) and Semen Cuscutae processed with salt solution (YP) have ameliorative effects on RSA, and that YP is superior to SP. However, the active components of YP to ameliorate RSA remain unclear and require further studies. The objective of this study is to investigate the active components of YP in ameliorating RSA.MethodsFirst, a rat model of RSA was established using hydroxyurea in combination with mifepristone. Aqueous decoction of YP was given by gavage to rats. Second, pregnant rats were sampled on days 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12 during the modelling period. The content of Hyperin (HY), astragalin (AS) and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (KA) in blood and liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney tissues were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The pharmacodynamic indicators including progesterone (P), chorionic gonadotropin β (β-HCG), estradiol (E2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TFN-α), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and tryptophan (TRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Pearson's correlation analysis and grey relational analysis were used to establish the relationship between the pharmacodynamic indexes and chemical constituents.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic results showed that the area under curve (AUC) value of KA was the largest. The tissue distribution results showed that astragalin was widely distributed in liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney in the RSA model rats, while HY was detected only in the uterus, and KA was detected only in the kidney. The pearson correlationl analysis showed that KA was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of E2, P, β-HCG and TRP. Both AS and HY were significantly negatively correlated with the content of TNF-α, respectively.DiscussionThis study reveals the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of KA, AS and HY in rats with RSA. It was elucidated that all three were involved in the regulation of progesterone levels and immune function. It initially revealed the mechanism of action of YP in enhancing the improvement of RSA, and it provided a theoretical basis for the quality assessment of YP.
Oleuropein enhances proteasomal activity and reduces mutant huntingtin-induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Huang Zih-Ning , Lee Sin-Yi , Chen Jie-Mao , Huang Zih-Ting , Her Lu-Shiun 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionHuntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the striatum, a brain region responsible for movement control. The disease is characterized by the mutant huntingtin (mHtt) proteins with an extended polyQ stretch, which are prone to aggregation. These mHtt aggregates accumulate in neurons and are the primary cause of the neuropathology associated with HD. To date, no effective cure for HD has been developed.MethodsThe immortalized STHdhQ111/Q111 striatal cell line, the mHtt-transfected wild-type STHdhQ7/Q7 striatal cell line, and N2a cells were used as Huntington's disease cell models. Flow cytometry was used to assess cellular reactive oxygen species and transfection efficiency. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell viability, while fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify aggregates. Immunoblotting analyses were used to evaluate the effects on protein expression.ResultsPolyphenols are natural antioxidants that offer neuroprotection in neurological disorders. In this study, we provide evidence that oleuropein, the primary polyphenol in olive leaves and olive oil, enhances cell viability in HD cell models, including. STHdhQ7/Q7STHdhQ7/Q7 striatal cells, N2a cells ectopically expressing the truncated mHtt, and STHdhQ111/Q111 striatal cells expressing the full-length mHtt. Oleuropein effectively reduced both soluble and aggregated forms of mHtt protein in these HD model cells. Notably, the reduction of mHtt aggregates associated with oleuropein was linked to increased proteasome activity rather than changes in autophagic flux. Oleuropein seems to modulate proteasome activity through an unidentified pathway, as it did not affect the 20S proteasome catalytic β subunits, the proteasome regulator PA28γ, or multiple MAPK pathways.DiscussionWe demonstrated that oleuropein enhances the degradation of mHtt by increasing proteasomal protease activities and alleviates mHtt-induced cytotoxicity. Hence, we propose that oleuropein and potentially other polyphenols hold promise as a candidate for alleviating Huntington's disease.
Integrated GWAS, linkage, and transcriptome analysis to identify genetic loci and candidate genes for photoperiod sensitivity in maize
Authors: Jiang Yulin , Guo Shuang , Wang Dong , Tu Liang , Liu Pengfei , Guo Xiangyang , Wang Angui , Zhu Yunfang , Lu Xuefeng , Chen Zehui , Wu Xun 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMaize photosensitivity and the control of flowering not only are important for reproduction, but also play pivotal roles in the processes of domestication and environmental adaptation, especially involving the utilization strategy of tropical maize in high-latitude regions.MethodsIn this study, we used a linkage mapping population and an inbred association panel with the photoperiod sensitivity index (PSI) phenotyped under different environments and performed transcriptome analysis of T32 and QR273 between long-day and short-day conditions.ResultsThe results showed that PSIs of days to tasseling (DTT), days to pollen shedding (DTP), and days to silking (DTS) indicated efficacious interactions with photoperiod sensitivity for maize latitude adaptation. A total of 48 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 252 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were detected using the linkage population and the inbred association panel. Thirteen candidate genes were identified by combining the genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, linkage analysis, and transcriptome analysis, wherein five critical candidate genes, MYB163, bif1, burp8, CADR3, and Zm00001d050238, were significantly associated with photoperiod sensitivity.DiscussionThese results would provide much more abundant theoretical proofs to reveal the genetic basis of photoperiod sensitivity, which would be helpful to understand the genetic changes during domestication and improvement and contribute to reducing the barriers to use of tropical germplasm.
The relationship of academic procrastination on non-English majors’ English classroom anxiety: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Jiang Feng 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveAcademic procrastination is negatively associated with English classroom anxiety among non-English major college students. However, current research has less explored the underlying mechanisms. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between academic procrastination and college students’ English classroom anxiety as well as the mediating role of learning engagement and the moderating role of appraisals of intrinsic values.MethodsThe academic procrastination scale, English classroom anxiety scale, learning engagement scale and appraisals of intrinsic values scale were used to measure 1,079 non-English majors in Jiangsu Province, China.Results(1) There was a significant positive correlation between academic procrastination and English classroom anxiety of non-English majors. (2) Learning engagement plays a part of mediating role between academic procrastination and English classroom anxiety; (3) When the appraisals of intrinsic values are high, the impact effect of learning engagement on English classroom anxiety is greater.ConclusionAcademic procrastination can affect university students’ English classroom anxiety through learning engagement, and this relational pattern is modulated by appraisals of intrinsic values. This finding provides an important theoretical basis and practical insights for understanding and intervening in academic procrastination and classroom anxiety among college students.
Understanding “Childhood Poly-Victimization” to help uncover abuse during child investigative interviewing: a systematic review
Authors: Morlat Pantxika Victoire , Alison Laurence 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIt is well established that child victims are some of the most challenging populations to interview. Indeed, children tend to feel ashamed, scared or in denial, leading to difficulties for law enforcement when gathering information, and subsequently with prosecuting offenders. Moreover, with crimes against children increasing, it is common for interviewed victims to have experienced several abuses (poly-victimization). Thus, the main goals of this study are to (1) identify the facets that are included in poly-victimization, in order to (2) provide a clear definition that can be used by law enforcement during child interviews, which could lead to (3) a better identification of cases of abuse to maximize safeguarding and protect children.Materials and methodsA systematic review was used to establish the differences in conceptualizations of poly-victimization as well as the measurements chosen by research to measure this concept. The current systematic review included research articles on childhood poly-victimization using a quantitative measuring instrument published as of 2007, that focused on populations under 18 years of age.ResultsThe findings were divided into (1) conceptual dimensions, (2) characteristics of studies’ populations and (3) measures and psychometrics properties. It was found that research used various terms for poly-victimization, yet with numerous definitions implying differences in number of abuses, time frame, and mental health aspects to be considered in the identification of poly-victimization. The included papers (n = 6) were from Europe, Asia, and the United States. Over half of the studies used the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ) but adapted either (i) to the study’s population, (ii) possible answers, (iii) wording of questions, or (iv) by the removal of questions.ConclusionOur findings highlight the need for a more theoretically coherent definition of childhood poly-victimization. Questions regarding number of abuses, time consideration (past year vs. lifetime), mental health and severity of abuse should be addressed to develop a unified definition of poly-victimization. Rapport-based interviews should be the focus to uncover the truth and to avoid a secondary trauma in the crisis of a child’s disclosure of abuse. A new definition of “Childhood Poly-Victimization” is proposed by the authors as well as a “Decision Tree for Identifying Childhood Poly-Victimization” designed to be used by law enforcement during child investigative interviews.
Transanal intersphincteric under direct view in the jackknife position combined with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for treating ultra-low rectal cancer
Authors: Zhong Guobin , Chen Zhiyu , Li Zhenfeng , Zhao Bin , Deng Junhui 
Published: September 2024

AimTo investigate the effect and clinical advantage of transanal intersphincteric (ISR) under direct view in the jackknife position combined with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for treating ultra-low rectal cancer. Additionally, the feasibility of this surgical technique was evaluated.MethodThis was a retrospective, single-center, single-arm pilot study. Ten patients with ultra-low rectal cancer underwent treatment by the same surgical team for direct view transanal ISR combined with laparoscopic TME in the Department of Anorectal Surgery, Huizhou Central People's Hospital between January 2021 and June 2021. The relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed.ResultsAll the patients underwent complete mesenteric resection without conversion to laparotomy. The circumferential and distal resection margins (CRM and DRM) were negative. The mean distance between the lower margin of the tumor and the anal margin was 2.8 ± 0.8 cm, and the mean margin of distal resection was 1.2 ± 0.2 cm. TNM pathological stages I, II, III, and IV were observed in 6, 2, 2, and 0 cases, respectively. The median follow-up period was 15 months (interquartile range, 8 months). The mean Wexner and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome scores at 12 months after ileostomy were 8.1 ± 2.1 and 22.4 ± 5.7, respectively.ConclusionTransanal ISR under direct view in the jackknife position combined with laparoscopic TME is safe and feasible for the treatment of ultralow rectal cancer.
Effect of coated-benzoic acid on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal functions in weaned pigs challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Qi Jiawen , Yu Bing , Hu Youjun , Luo Yuheng , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Zhao Xiaonan , He Taiqian , Yan Hui , Wu Aimin , He Jun 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionBenzoic acid (BA) could be added to the diets of weaned pigs to prevent diarrhea due to its antibacterial function. However, BA may be absorbed or decomposed before it can reach the hindgut. This study was conducted to explore the effect of a novel coated benzoic acid (CBA) on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal barrier functions in weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge.MethodsIn a 21d experiment, 32 piglets were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: (1) a basal diet (CON), (2) CON added with CBA at 3  g/kg (CBA); (3) CON and challenged by ETEC (ECON); (4) CON added with CBA at 3 g/kg and challenged by ETEC (ECON). On d 22, all piglets were euthanised to obtain samples.ResultsDietary CBA supplementation elevated the average daily gain (ADG) of the ETEC-challenged pigs (p &lt; 0.05). CBA also improved the digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, and ash (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, CBA elevated the ratio of blood basophil and the serum concentration of total cholesterol of the ETEC challenged pigs (p &lt; 0.05). Importantly, CBA increased the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and IgM (p &lt; 0.05). CBA not only decreased the crypt depth but also increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V:C) in the jejunum and ileum (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, CBA increased the activities of jejunal and ileal sucrase, and the activities of duodenal and ileal maltase (p &lt; 0.05). Importantly, CBA elevated the expression levels of critical functional genes such as the claudin-1, occluding, glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2), and sodium/glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT-1) in the jejunal epithelium upon ETEC challenge (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, CBA increased the abundances of total bacteria and Bacillus, and increased the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (acetic acid, propanoic acid, and butyric acid) in cecum (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionThese results suggested a beneficial role for CBA in alleviating intestinal injury in weaned pigs following ETEC challenge. Such effects may be tightly associated with elevated immunity and improved intestinal epithelium functions and microbiota.
Contact Hole Shrinkage: Simulation Study of Resist Flow Process and Its Application to Block Copolymers
Authors: Kim Sang-Kon 
Published: September 2024

For vertical interconnect access (VIA) in three-dimensional (3D) structure chips, including those with high bandwidth memory (HBM), shrinking contact holes (C/Hs) using the resist flow process (RFP) represents the most promising technology for low-k1 (where CD=k1λ/NA,CD is the critical dimension, λ is wavelength, and NA is the numerical aperture). This method offers a way to reduce dimensions without additional complex process steps and is independent of optical technologies. However, most empirical models are heuristic methods and use linear regression to predict the critical dimension of the reflowed structure but do not account for intermediate shapes. In this research, the resist flow process (RFP) was modeled using the evolution method, the finite-element method, machine learning, and deep learning under various reflow conditions to imitate experimental results. Deep learning and machine learning have proven to be useful for physical optimization problems without analytical solutions, particularly for regression and classification tasks. In this application, the self-assembly of cylinder-forming block copolymers (BCPs), confined in prepatterns of the resist reflow process (RFP) to produce small contact hole (C/H) dimensions, was described using the self-consistent field theory (SCFT). This research paves the way for the shrink modeling of the enhanced resist reflow process (RFP) for random contact holes (C/Hs) and the production of smaller contact holes.
A rare case of Yhwag gene mutation causing developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Gheorghita Karina Lidia , Ciurea A.V. , Rizea R.E. 
Published: September 2024

Background: epileptic encephalopathy 56 or DEE is a rare disease characterized by early-onset treatment-refractory epilepsy accompanied by global developmental regression that has been shown to be caused by various mutations of the YWHAG gene.
Case presentation: We report a novel of a heterozygous mutation of YHWAG c.170G>A, p.(Arg57His), in a Caucasian male.
Conclusions: Our report further confirms that mutation of YWHAG results in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
A prospective observational study on evaluating the efficacy of bedside optic nerve sheath diameter in assessing clinical progression of patients admitted in neurosurgical ICU with comparisons to CT scans and GCS score
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Chaulagain Dipak , Bhattarai Binod , Shah Shashi Bhushan 
Published: September 2024

Background: Ultrasound of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a non-invasive, repeatable tool that can be used to measure intracranial pressure in a dynamic way with high diagnostic accuracy. The goal of this study was to find out if a bedside ultrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) can accurately predict the computed tomography (CT) findings of high intracranial pressure (ICP) and changes to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in adult head injury patients in the Neurosurgery ICU.
Methods: For 54 patients in the neurosurgical intensive care unit, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of cranial ultrasounds. Those under the age of 18 and those with apparent visual injuries were ineligible. Both horizontal and vertical optic nerve sheath diameters were measured 3 mm beneath the globe in each eye using a 7.5-10MHz ultrasonographic probe. A binocular change in optic nerve sheath diameter of more than 2.00 mm was deemed abnormal in two consecutive readings in the same patient. Patients in the neurosurgical ICU were given a GCS score, which was used to classify their level of brain damage as mild, moderate, or severe. The accuracy of the optic nerve sheath diameter was evaluated using cranial CT findings of shift, oedema, or effacement that suggested an increased intracranial pressure.
Results: The research has 54 participants. According to the results, 68.5% of those who took the study were men, while 31.5% of those who did so were women. Nearly 16.7 per cent of respondents were between the ages of 18 and 40, while 40.7% of respondents were between the ages of 40 and 60, and 42.6% of respondents were above 60. The significant change in ONSD- fall in GCS and CT-progression scan-findings correlation was very strong. When compared to CT scan progression, the ONSD bedside sonographic test had an 86.7% sensitivity and an 89.7% specificity for detecting elevated ICP. The Positive Predictive Value of the reduction in GCS with advancement in CT scan was 80% and the Negative Predictive Value was 89.7%, respectively.
Conclusions: The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of bedside ONSD ultrasonography in predicting high intracranial pressure are significant to those of progression in CT scan and drop in GCS. An ONSD bedside measurement may be used to determine elevated ICP since it is non-invasive and repeatable.
From low back pain to ochronosis
Authors: Turgay Turkan , Yayla Erdal , Baloglu Murat 
Published: September 2024

Background: Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic autosomal recessive disorder. Its aetiology involves homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase (HGD) deficiency resulting in homogentisic acid accumulation in the connective tissues (ochronosis). The classic triad of the disease is: i) homogentisic aciduria, ii) bluish-black pigmentation in tissues such as the sclera, cornea, cartilage and skin, and iii) degenerative arthropathy usually in the fourth decade of life.
Case: In this case report, we present a 41-year-old man with diffuse musculoskeletal pain and additional clinical features in tissues such as the ear and urinary tract who was diagnosed late (>30 years). He was diagnosed with alkaptonuria based on clinical findings and elevated urinary homogentisic acid levels.
Conclusion: This case report underscores the need for early diagnosis of alkaptonuria, which can help in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. Further research is needed to develop more targeted therapies for alkaptonuria, which can help slow down the progression of joint degeneration and improve overall patient.
Iatrogenic spinal cord herniation
Authors: Derou Louis , Landry Konan , Kounde Michum , Konan Serge , Teti Landry , Tokpa André , Haidara Aderehime 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Spinal cord herniation occurs idiopathically or is due to defective or weakened dura mater resulting from iatrogenic or traumatic lesions. Although there have been many reports of idiopathic cases, there are few reports of postoperative iatrogenic spinal cord herniation. The authors describe a rare case of postoperative spinal cord herniation in the cervical spine, with an extensive analysis of reported cases
Materials and methods: This article reports a documented case of postoperative spinal cord herniation. The case description is followed by an analysis of the literature.
Results: A 67-year-old woman who had cervical laminectomy 3 weeks before for cervical laminectomy, presented with neck pain and torticollis after coughing. The MRI findings showed a cervical medulla herniation with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The patient underwent surgery to reduce the herniation and duroplasty with subsequent complete resolution of symptoms. Over the previous 50 years (1973–2023), 16 post-operative spinal cord herniation cases were reported. The mean patient age was 43.3 years (range 15–67 years). There was a male predominance (80%). The mean onset period after surgery was 292 weeks (range, 1 week to 728 weeks). Clinical symptomatology was polymorphic with non-specific signs.
Conclusion: Iatrogenic spinal cord herniation is an extremely rare occurrence after spine surgery. The diagnosis must be evoked in case of any neurological degradation after surgery of the cervical spine, thoracic spine or thoracolumbar junction. The surgical management gives satisfactory clinical results.