bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Studies on Tumor Protein 53 Gene Polymorphism, Demographic Attributes and Associated Risk Factors Among Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cirrhosis Patients in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpenyong Blessing B , Kooffreh Mary E. , Ben Florence O. , Ubi Godwin M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mutations in the TP53 gene had been attributed to the development of liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis are liver diseases having high mortality rates in several populations. There is no information on the TP53 gene polymorphism among liver diseases patients in Calabar, Nigeria. This study investigated the genetic polymorphism of TP53 among HCC and liver cirrhosis in Calabar. This research was carried out in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Blood was collected from 35 clinically diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma and 10 cirrhosis patients and 10 healthy controls. DNA was extracted from all blood samples. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed. The amplicon was digested using Hae III restriction enzyme and the genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined. In liver diseases patients, male was 68.9% (31), female (31.1%; 14), sex ratio (2.2: 0.5), mean age was 41.51 ± 2.13 years and odd ratio of 1.25. Marital status of patients were 33(73.3%), 10(22.2%), and 2(4.4%) for married, single, and widowed respectively. Ethnicity of patients were Yakurr, Efik, Boki, Ogoja, Annang, Ibibio and Igbo having 22.2%(10), 20%(9), 13.3%(6), 13.3%(6), 8.8% (4), 2.2%(1) and 2.2%(1) respectively. Approximately, 64.7% (30) of the chronic liver diseases were from the Central and Northern part of Cross River State. The risk factors were HCV infection, HBsAg+, alcoholism, smoking, consumption of groundnuts that may have been contaminated with aflatoxin and family history of the disease. PCR product yielded 254bp and digested PCR product showed homozygous TT mutation (27), heterozygous GT mutation (17) and homozygous GG wild type (1) in cases. The overall TP53 gene mutation frequency was 46.32% (44). The frequency of G allele, T allele, GG, GT and TT genotypes were 0.21, 0.79, 0.04, 0.33 and 0.62 respectively among cases, while GG (wild type) was only detected among controls in the study population. The genotypic and allelic frequencies conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium meaning that the forces of evolution were not acting on the locus. There were significant differences in the genotypic proportions of the TP53 gene polymorphism among patients and controls. This study on the TP53 gene polymorphism will serve as baseline information on the molecular etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis in Cross River State.
miR-526b dysregulates glucose metabolism via the COX2/EP4 pathway
Authors: Nault Braydon D , Majumder Mousumi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Breast cancer (BRCA) remains a primary global health concern, with ongoing research focused on early detection and improving treatment methods. Moving forward, it is crucial to understand cancer cell metabolism and its impact on tumor growth and metastasis. This study aims to identify potential BRCA markers related to glucose metabolism for targeted therapy, focusing on the role of miR-526b. miR-526b promotes BRCA phenotypes, including migration, invasion, hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Further, cell-free secretion of miR-526b-high BRCA tumor cells can alter the tumor microenvironment. This study will investigate the role of miR-526b in the dysregulation of glucose metabolism.
Methods:
We used two immortalized BRCA cell lines, MCF7 and SKBR3, and stable miR-526b overexpressed cells MCF7-miR526b and SKBR3-miR526b and a naturally miR-526b high cell line MCF7-COX2 for in vitro assays. We measured ATP production, oxygen consumption rate, and extracellular acidification rate. We used glycolysis and OXPHOS inhibitors to measure metabolic plasticity induced by miR-526b. A COX-2 inhibitor and EP4 antagonist were used to alter miR-526b-induced functions. For RNA and protein measurement, we used qRT-PCR and western blots. In silico analysis with online datasets validated our findings in human BRCA.
Results:
In silico analysis showed that genes related to glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are enriched in human breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of miR-526b promotes cell proliferation and ATP production. It also contributes to the upregulation of LDHA and PDHA1, which determine the fate of the glycolytic product pyruvate, either producing lactate or entering the TCA cycle to promote OXPHOS. miR-526b overexpressing cells demonstrated increased metabolic plasticity and decreased adverse effects following treatment with glycolysis and OXPHOS inhibitors, showing increased survival and proliferation. The metabolic dysregulation induced by miR-526b, including increased proliferation, ATP production, and marker expression, can be reversed using a COX2 inhibitor and EP4 antagonist.
Conclusion:
miR-526b promotes increased glucose metabolism and ATP production, supporting increased growth and division of BRCA cells. It also increases metabolic plasticity, improving cells' ability to thrive in a complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. The dysregulation observed with miR-526b can be reversed by targeting the COX2/EP4 pathway.
Subsidies alone are not enough to increase adoption of agricultural water management interventions
Authors: Alam Mohammad Faiz , McClain Michael , Sikka Alok , Pande Saket 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The adoption of agricultural water interventions for climate change adaptation has been slow and limited despite their established efficacy and benefits. While several studies have identified socio-economic, biophysical, technological and institutional factors that influence adoption, psychological factors have often been overlooked. This study examines the socio-economic and psychological factors, using RANAS behavioral model, that influence the adoption of agricultural water interventions in the semi-arid region of Saurashtra in India. Two contrasting and dominating agricultural water interventions in the area: drip irrigation and borewells are evaluated. Despite subsidies being available for drip irrigation systems, the adoption rate remains low (~16% adopting rate) compared to borewells (~ 24.5% adoption) with no subsidies reflecting farmer’s preference for supply augmentation measures over demand management. Incorporating psychological factors in the analysis improved the explanatory power of the logistic model by almost threefold, underscoring the significance of psychological factors in explaining farmers' adoption decisions. Based on the logistic model, major factors determining farmers adoption behaviour identified are farmer’s perceived ability, risk preference and positive beliefs about the technologies along with socio-economic (e.g., land size) and biophysical factors (e.g., proximity to water). The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to increase the adoption of interventions, including augmenting subsidies with efforts on extension services, post-adoption services, training, and awareness campaigns to build farmers' capacity and raise awareness.
Ductal Configurations of Annular Pancreas: Embryological Perspectives from CT and MR Imaging of 17 Cases
Authors: BERRE Alice LE , TARDIVEL Anne-Marie , DALLONGEVILLE Axel , FRISON-ROCHE Adrien , ALIAS Quentin , BERANGER-GIBERT Sophie , BOULAY-COLETTA Isabelle , CANEPA Nadia , SILVERA Stéphane , ZINS Marc 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Understanding the embryogenesis of the pancreas is crucial for identifying pancreatic variants and anomalies. This study aims to describe the imaging features of annular pancreas, focusing on whether the ductal configurations support the embryological theories proposed by Lecco and Baldwin.
Methods
We retrospectively studied 17 patients diagnosed with annular pancreas via computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our institution between 2007 and 2019. Two radiologists classified the ductal configurations by consensus using Lin’s classification: Type I (divisional), Type II (branch), and Type III (main duct). Clinical presentations and the impact of annular pancreas diagnosis were recorded.
Results
Among the 17 patients, 5 were Type I, 11 were Type II, and 1 was Type III. The alignment of all patients with Lin’s classification types supports Baldwin's dual-bud theory. None of the patients exhibited symptoms of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction directly attributable to annular pancreas. Pancreatic diseases were diagnosed in 6 patients, with the annular pancreas having a clinically significant impact in 3 patients for diagnosis (n = 2) or treatment (n = 1).
Conclusion
Our findings in 17 patients suggest that Baldwin’s dual-ventral-bud theory may explain most cases of annular pancreas.
Potential Links between ANRIL and MiRNAs in Various Cancers
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Wei Liushan , Wu Shijie , Xie Zhizhong , Lei Xiaoyong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract:
Non-coding RNAs are mainly divided into two categories: small non-coding RNA
represented by miRNA, and the other is long non-coding RNA longer than 200 bp. Further studies
on non-coding RNAs have revealed that long non-coding RNAs not only have carcinogenic
effects but also have potential links with miRNAs. Antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus
(ANRIL/CDKN2B-AS1), one of the five subtypes of long non-coding RNA, has been proven
to play the role of an oncogene in many cancers, such as gastric cancer, cervical cancer, prostate
cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Knockdown ANRIL can significantly inhibit the
proliferation and migration of cancer cells while also negatively regulating the expression of related
miRNAs. This suggests that ANRIL may serve as a potential target for the development of
drugs that provide new strategies to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In our review,
we summarize the current association between ANRIL and miRNAs in various cancers.
Green Propolis: A Review of Pharmaceutical Patents with Potential Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Adriano Carlos Batista Marcos , Rodrigues Nolasco Emanuelle , Pedro Mendes Moura João , Lucas Ramos França Robert , Aparecida Lima de Moura Sandra , Máximo Cardoso Leonardo , Speroni Ceron Carla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract:
Green propolis is a resin produced from Baccharis dracunculifolia, which has as its
main compounds flavonoids, derivatives of cinnamic acids, such as artepillin C and baccarin.
This resin has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
This review aimed to analyze pharmaceutical patents containing green propolis in various formulations.
The search was conducted in the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the
Patent Search of Spain and Latin America (Latipat-Espacenet), the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO), and Google Patents, with a combination of the keywords green propolis,
green propolis extract, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical product. Primary research identified
60 patents, from which 22 were selected after applying the inclusion criteria. The selected patents
referred to products with pharmacological activities, from cancer treatment to food supplements
and included innovations for improved controlled release of the green propolis compounds.
Most of the documents concerned the preparation and/or formulation of the green propolis
extract, followed by innovative extraction methods, treatment and systemic use, and finally
by topical use and quality control techniques and procedures. Thus, the reviewed patents of
green propolis provided valuable insights into the pharmaceutical applications of green propolis,
showing its potential in diverse formulations and treatments.
Insight in Quinazoline-based HDAC Inhibitors as Anti-cancer Agents
Authors: Martino Elena , Thakur Shruti , Kumar Arun , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Boschi Donatella , Kumar Deepak , Lolli Marco 
Published: June 2024

:
Cancer remains a primary cause of death globally, and effective treatments are still limited.
While chemotherapy has notably enhanced survival rates, it brings about numerous side effects.
Consequently, the ongoing challenge persists in developing potent anti-cancer agents with
minimal toxicity. The versatile nature of the quinazoline moiety has positioned it as a pivotal
component in the development of various antitumor agents, showcasing its promising role in innovative
cancer therapeutics. This concise review aims to reveal the potential of quinazolines in
creating anticancer medications that target histone deacetylases (HDACs).
Recent Advances in Immune Regulation by Targeting Dendritic Cells using Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Shahverdi Mahshid , Alamdari-Palangi Vahab , Alipour Shiva , Ghaffari Jolfayi Amir , Masoumi Javad , Aghebati-Maleki Leili , Rostamlou Arman , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract:
Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) technology has provided
forceful therapeutic modalities to specific knockdown of the genes' expression related
to diseases. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can start a process that specifically
degrades and silences the expression of cognate mRNAs. These RNA interference
processes could effectively adjust many biological processes, including immune
responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialist antigen-presenting cells with potent
functions in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. SiRNAs performed vital roles in
coordinating immune processes mediated by DCs. This review describes the findings
that shed light on the significance of siRNAs in DC immune regulation and highlight
their potential applications for improving DC-based immunotherapies
Cucurbitacin: Unveiling its Role as Phytomolecule in Health Benefits
Authors: Paul Reshmi , Nag Sourav , Mondal Sumanta , Panigrahi Naresh , Roy Partha , Sahoo Santosh Kumar , S Raja , Mohiuddin Abu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract:
In recent scientific studies, a variety of phytochemicals, including carotenoids,
polyphenols, isoprenoids, phytosterols, saponins, and dietetic fibers, besides polysaccharides,
have been linked to beneficial health effects, which include reducing the risk of diabetes, obesity,
and cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions. Squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and
melons are just a few examples of the Cucurbitaceae family plants that contain cucurbitacins,
highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes. Since ancient times, various traditional remedies have
been made from plants that contain cucurbitacins. Several cucurbitacins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J,
K, L, O, P, Q, R, S) have an extensive assortment of bioactivities, including hepatoprotective
activity, liver protection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-diabetic properties.
Cucurbitacins, for instance, have a well-known anticancer effect. Specific reports suggest that
cucurbitacins stimulate apoptosis via the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Through cyclin inhibition,
cucurbitacins may inhibit the cell cycle. Besides, they expedite autophagy while preventing
cancer cells from migrating and infecting other tissues. Cucurbitacins have been categorized as
signal transducers and activators of transcription. It is soundly acknowledged that the plant-based
compound cucurbitacin B (CuB) has insecticidal and repellent properties. CuB has been shown to
have non-specific toxicity and limited bioavailability in studies evaluating its toxicity and
pharmacokinetic characteristics. Hence, we aimed to concentrate on the numerous properties of
cucurbitacins in this article, including their chemistry, an analysis of biosynthesis, several types
of bioactivities, and studies on their toxicity.
Neurotrophin-3 Rescues Striatal Synaptic Plasticity in Model of Neurodegeneration by PLC Signaling Activation
Authors: Gómez-Pineda Victor G. , Nieto-Mendoza Elizabeth , Torres-Cruz Francisco M. , Hernández-Echeagaray Elizabeth 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Neurotrophins are essential factors for neural growth and function; they
play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases where their expression levels are altered. Our previous
research has demonstrated changes in synaptic plasticity and neurotrophin expression levels in
a pharmacological model of Huntington's disease (HD) induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). In
the 3-NP-induced HD model, corticostriatal Long Term Depression (LTD) was impaired, but neurotrophin-
3 (NT-3) restored striatal LTD. This study delves into the NT-3-induced signaling pathways
involved in modulating and restoring striatal synaptic plasticity in cerebral slices from 3-NPinduced
striatal degeneration in mice in vivo.

Methods:
Phospholipase C (PLC), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and mitogen-activated
protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways activated by NT-3 were
analyzed by means of field electrophysiological recordings in brain slices from control and 3-NP
treated in the presence of specific inhibitors of the signaling pathways.

Results:
Using specific inhibitors, PLC, PI3K, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways contribute to
NT-3-mediated plasticity modulation in striatal tissue slices recorded from control animals. However,
in the neurodegeneration model induced by 3-NP, the recovery of striatal LTD induced by NT-3
was prevented only by the PLC inhibitor. Moreover, the PLC signaling pathway appeared to trigger
downstream activation of the endocannabinoid system, evidenced by AM 251, an inhibitor of the
CB1 receptor, also hindered NT-3 plasticity recovery.

Conclusion:
Our finding highlights the specific involvement of the PLC pathway in the neuroprotective
effects of NT-3 in mitigating synaptic dysfunction under neurodegenerative conditions.
Pharmacogenetics of Carbamazepine: A Systematic Review on CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 Polymorphisms
Authors: Riffi Rachda , Boughrara Wefa , Chentouf Amina , Ilias Wassila , Brahim Narimene Malika Taieb , Berrebbah Amel Alioua , Belhoucine Fatma 
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective:
The association between carbamazepine (CBZ) metabolism
and resistance in epilepsy and the genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 (rs776746 and rs15524) and
CYP3A4 (rs2242480, rs2740574, rs35599367, rs12721627, and rs28371759) has been the subject of
previous investigations with controversial results. Hence, we conducted a systematic review to assess
the potential link between these polymorphisms and CBZ metabolism and resistance

Methods:
Identifying relevant studies was carried out by searching PubMed, Scopus, PharmGKB,
EPIGAD, and PHARMAADME databases up until June 2023. The studies included in our analysis
investigated the connection between CYP3A5 (rs776746 and rs15524) and CYP3A4 (rs2242480,
rs2740574, rs35599367, rs12721627, and rs28371759) polymorphisms and CBZ metabolism and
resistance.

Results:
This review included a total of 23 studies and more than 2177 epilepsy patients. It was
found that the CYP3A4 (rs12721627 and rs28371759) polymorphisms are associated with reduced
catalytic activity, whereas the CYP3A4 (rs2740574) polymorphism is linked to lower levels of
CBZ-diol and decreased activity. It was also observed that the CYP3A5 (rs776746) polymorphism
influences the dose-adjusted plasma levels of CBZ.

Conclusion:
Although these findings highlight the impact of genetic variations in the CYP3A4 and
CYP3A5 genes on CBZ pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, further studies across diverse
populations are essential to enhance personalized epilepsy therapy in clinical settings.
Thermo-Gravimetric Studies and Specific Heat Capacity Estimations of the Products of Biginelli Reaction using TGA-DSC
Authors: Sawant K.C. , Sarode C.H. , Marathe Y.V. , Gupta G.R. , Dhanmane S.A. 
Published: June 2024

Aims:
In this work, the thermal behavior and specific heat capacities of nine
derivatives which were obtained via Biginellipyrimidone synthesis reaction have been
experimentally determined using thermal gravimetry analysis and differential scanning
calorimetry, and the obtained results have been thoroughly analyzed and discussed. The
influence of the structural variation on the thermal analysis has been discussed along with
the influence of the structure of the derivatives of pyrimidines on the specific heat capacity.

Background:
To date, heterocycles have successfully been switched from synthetic organic
chemistry laboratory to the core of a variety of biomolecules, conducting devices
and so on. Derivatives of 2-hydroxypyrimidine or pyrimidines have a wide window of
pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, attempts have been made to understand the
thermal response of these organic frameworks.

Objectives:
The main objective of this study was to explore thermal methods to understand
heat-induced structural interactions as well as the specific heat capacity (Cp) as a
function of temperature for the synthesized derivatives of 2-hydroxy pyrimidine or pyrimidones.

Methods:
Room temperature condensation of ethyl acetoacetate, urea, and variety of aldehydes
or ketones has been optimized in ionic liquids for the formation of pyrimidones.
Thereafter, the thermal profiles of the synthesized derivatives of pyrimidines have been
studied thoroughly and the thermal response of the synthesized derivatives of pyrimidones
gives sound information about thermal stability of these heterocycles.

Results:
In the present work, the effect of substituents on the thermal behavior of the
synthesized derivatives of pyrimidines has been investigated with the help of TGA-DSC
analysis. Specific heat capacity (Cp) data as a function of temperature for the synthesized
derivatives of pyrimidones have been reported for the first time.

Conclusion:
The specific heat capacity data of the molecules of high commercial and biological
relevance such as pyrimidines like organic frameworks play a subtle role in the
development of the computational methods and molecular modelling, to comprehend the
fundamentals of these molecular frameworks and effectively explore the pharmaceutical
as well as materialistic potentials of these heterocyclic frameworks via simulation.
Global Challenges and Economic Feasibility in Achieving 100% Renewable Energy
Authors: Abo Dahab Ahmed , Elazab Rasha , Abo Adma Maged , Hassan Hany 
Published: June 2024

Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the global transition towards 100% renewable energy
(RE) grids while analyzing associated challenges and economic prospects. The scientific aim of
the work is to examine national and regional plans, revealing shared research challenges such as
neglect of system stability, reliance on specific RE sources, and limitations on capacity share
growth. The subject of the research was to obtain insights into the economic feasibility of this
transition, underscored by projections of creating 24.3 million new jobs by 2050 and substantial
annual savings in air pollution and environmental costs. This study extends the existing research
by analyzing promising examples from countries like Norway and Costa Rica, demonstrating diverse
approaches with hydropower playing a pivotal role, while Canada and New Zealand showcase
adaptability based on local resources. Addressing key research challenges, from technological
uncertainties to socio-economic considerations, the paper emphasizes the need for robust policies
and infrastructure development. Despite challenges, the transition promises economic benefits,
with estimated annual savings in healthcare and global warming costs. The literature and
global examples affirm the technical and financial feasibility of transitioning to 100% RE. In conclusion,
this paper contributes to understanding the intricate economic and technological landscape
of achieving a sustainable global energy transition.