bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Cognitive Recovery in Stroke Patients: A Comparative Single-centered Study in the Indian Context
Authors: Kumar Sanyal , Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Anjani , Kumar Ranjeet , Kumar Niraj , Kumar Siddharth , Kumar Amresh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective:
Strokes frequently result in post-stroke cognitive impairment; however, this can take many different clinical forms. Deficits exist in a number of cognitive domains, including language, executive function, memory, and visuospatial abilities. This study explores the feasibility and scalability of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation interventions within the Indian healthcare setting, considering factors such as accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and cultural appropriateness.

Materials and Methods:
This study employed a randomized controlled trial design to compare the impact of VR integration with conventional therapy on cognitive recovery in stroke patients. The study was conducted at tertiary care rehabilitation centers in the eastern region of India. Thirty patients were enrolled, with 15 patients allocated to each group. Patients were assessed at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits following the interventions, during which their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), memory span (MSPAN), SCWT, and FTT scores were recorded.

Results:
The results indicate that the VR group exhibited significantly greater improvements in MMSE and MOCA scores compared to the conventional therapy group. In addition, the VR group demonstrated a smaller decline in MSPAN scores. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of changes in FTT and SCWT scores. These findings underscore the specific cognitive domains in which stroke patients undergoing VR rehabilitation may experience more significant improvements compared to those undergoing conventional therapy.

Conclusion:
The findings from this study contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of VR technology in stroke rehabilitation programs, offering new avenues for improving cognitive outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals recovering from stroke-related cognitive impairments.
Tetanus in a Child Due to Otogenic Source: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Vikram Anupama , Viagulam J. Christy Maria , Varadharajan Poovazhagi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
In adults, tetanus typically follows trauma, while in children, it often results from ear infection.

Clinical Description:
A 7-year-old boy presented with difficulty opening his mouth and generalized rigidity, developing over 10 days. He had a history of left ear discharge for a month, but no associated headache, vomiting, and abnormal movements. He was unvaccinated except for the birth dose. On examination, he was conscious and afebrile, but presented with generalized stiffness, risus sardonicus, and tachycardia, maintaining oxygen saturation.

Management and Outcome:
Tetanus was suspected clinically, and the child was kept in a sound-proof, dark isolation room. Equine immunoglobulin 10,000 IU and tetanus toxoid vaccine along with intravenous antibiotics were administered. Muscle spasms were managed with diazepam, chlorpromazine, and phenobarbitone. Clostridium tetani was confirmed from an ear swab culture. The child’s muscle rigidity and spasms gradually decreased after 3 weeks, with improved oral intake. Intravenous sedation was transitioned to oral antispasmodics and he was discharged in a normal neurological status with no residual spasms.

Conclusion:
Tetanus in children is not obsolete, and needs to be kept in mind in case of chronic suppurative otitis media.
Giant Axonal Neuropathy in a Child with Stop-Gain Variant in GAN Gene
Authors: Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Manisha Rani , Nilay Mayank , Bhakhri Bhanu Kiran , Singh Dharmendra Kumar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) type 1 is a rare autosomal recessive, progressive neuro-degenerative disorder, caused by biallelic variants in Gigaxonin (GAN) gene.

Clinical Description:
An 11-year-old boy born out of consanguineous marriage presented with features of regression of milestones, initially motor, followed by cognitive and speech abnormality, associated with seizures and hearing impairment progressing over past 2–3 years. On examination, he had kinky hair, nystagmus, with diffuse muscle atrophy, absent tendon reflexes, positive cerebellar signs as well as impairment of higher mental functions.

Management and Outcome:
Laboratory investigations were largely normal, with magnetic resonance imaging showing features of diffuse white matter abnormality with signal changes noted in the dentate nuclei. Exome sequencing identified a homozygous likely pathogenic stop-gain variant in GAN gene. Parents were counselled and child was provided supportive care.

Conclusion:
The case creates awareness among pediatricians regarding the rare disorder of GAN. A thorough neurological assessment with careful physical examination along with a knowledge of this disorder will help in making an early diagnosis.
Allgrove Syndrome with Absent Adrenal Gland in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Mittal Medha , Agrawal Ishani , Rai Anuradha , Singh Gulab , Prasad Priyanka , Gulati Parveen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Allgrove syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in AAAS gene and characterized by alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency. Subtle clinical features may be the only findings and need good workup.

Clinical Description:
A 5-year-old boy, product of third-degree consanguineous marriage, presented with diffuse hyperpigmentation of the skin for the past 2 years, along with difficulty in swallowing and absence of tears. He was conscious, with average built, stable vitals, and a normal neurological examination. There was marked hyperpigmentation of the skin, lips, and nails. Rest of the examination was noncontributory.

Management and Outcome:
Investigations revealed normal hemogram, renal and liver functions with normal electrolytes. There was marked cortisol deficiency and high adrenocorticotrophic hormone with low normal serum aldosterone. Barium studies suggested achalasia, confirmed on esophagoscopy and manometry. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a complete absence of adrenals. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a pathogenic homozygous missense mutation in AAAS gene confirming the diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome. The child was started on oral hydrocortisone supplementation with low-dose fludrocortisone, along with lubricating eye drops. Endoscopic myotomy has been planned for achalasia.

Conclusion:
Allgrove syndrome, a rare disorder, needs keen clinical suspicion to detect and prevent devastating complications.
Factors associated with the endothelial cell density of the donor corneas
Authors: Torres-Parada Laura S. , Tello Alejandro , Díaz-Martínez Luis A. , Carreño Néstor I. , Calderón-Gutiérrez Heidy C. , Galvis Virgilio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

PURPOSE:
Identify the factors associated with endothelial cell density in donor corneas.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional analytical study of the records of 269 corneas procured between December 2016 and September 2021 in an eye bank of an ophthalmological institute in Colombia.

RESULTS:
The median age of the 269 donors was 47 years (range: 18–72 years). A negative correlation was identified between donor age and endothelial cell density. On average, for each additional year of age, the median density decreased by 15.44 cells/mm2
(95% confidence interval: 11.14–19.74). No significant difference was found in endothelial cell density based on the sex of the donor or the time between death and preservation (within 12 h). There was no clear association between endothelial cell density and the cause of death. Differences in endothelial cell density were observed based on the site of corneal procurement and the technician responsible for the procedure. A history of diabetes was associated with a lower endothelial count.

CONCLUSION:
The primary factor affecting the endothelial cell density of the corneas was the age of the donor. The data indicated a negative correlation with the presence of diabetes. Density levels differed depending on the procurement site and the individual responsible for the procedure.
Determination of neurophysiological P300 and P50 in patients with schizophrenia at a tertiary hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Adebisi A.S. , Onwuchekwa C. , Usman U.Z. , Shiitu B.S. 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe and complex mental disorder. It currently lacks an objective biological diagnostic test. Neurophysiological markers like P300 and P50 event-related potentials have shown some diagnostic usefulness in previous studies. However, very few of these studies have been done among Africans. The objective of the study was to evaluate neurophysiological P300 and P50 eventrelated potentials in 70 schizophrenia patients and 70 healthy controls at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: The instruments used were the Electroencephalogram (EEG) machine, laptop with installed auditory P300 and P50 tones, headphones, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Results: Schizophrenia patients were significantly associated with higher amplitude of P300 and prolonged P300 peak latency auditory event-related potential compared to healthy controls (U = 1077.000, P=<0.001 and U= 1191.000, P=<0.001) respectively. Schizophrenia patients were also significantly more associated with higher P50 amplitude ratio (U= 1342.500, P=<0.001). The P300 event-related amplitude had the highest area under the curve of 0.78. P300 peak latency was the most specific (Specificity=0.93) while P50 ratio was most sensitive (Sensitivity=0.76). The determined cut-off points for P300 amplitude, P300 peak latency, and P50 ratio were 6.84μv, 445ms, and 0.89 respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between P50 ratio and age of participants among schizophrenia patients (rs=0.29, P=0.02).
Conclusion: The study has determined the cut-off points for P300 and P50 neurophysiological markers in patients with schizophrenia. These will serve as an adjunct for diagnosis and for forensic purposes in these patients. Further studies including neuroimaging, biochemical, and genetic aspects are recommended in African countries.
Biofilm Inhibitory Activity of <i>Nauclea latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum</i> and <i>Garcinia kola</i> Extracts Against Enteroaggregative <i>Escherichia coli</i>
Authors: Aderibigbe S.A. , Kwasi D.A. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), a biofilm-forming E. coli pathotype, is recognized as one of foremost causes of diarrhea in children under five years old, traveller’s diarrhea and persistent diarrhea. Biofilm complicates treatment as it enhances the pathogen’s ability to undermine host immune responses, often resulting in emergence of resistant mutant.
Objectives: In search for potential therapeutic leads against EAEC with less selection pressure, the study was designed to investigate selected medicinal plants for biofilm inhibitory activity against EAEC.
Material and Methods: Pulverised dry plant materials of Nauclea latifolia (leaf), Ocimum gratissimum (leaf) and Garcinia kola (seed) were macerated in acetone for 24 hrs. The supernatants were concentrated at reduced pressure and dried in vacuo. Thereafter, varying concentrations (0.31-5.0 mg/mL) of the extracts were evaluated for growth and biofilm inhibitory activities against EAEC 042 strain using the crystal violet-based biofilm assay method. Biofilm inhibitory data were analysed using 2-way ANOVA, while the most bioactive of the extracts was profiled by phytochemical analysis.
Results: Nauclea latifolia reproducibly inhibited biofilm formation by greater than 30% (defined biofilm inhibition cut-off) while inhibiting growth by under 10% (defined growth inhibition cut-off). The other two plants showed relatively weak biofilm inhibitory activities. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides.
Conclusions: Nauclea latifolia exhibited good biofilm inhibitory activity against EAEC 042 strain with less selection pressure. The plant represents a potential source of novel antibiofilm compounds against enteroaggregative E. coli.
Effect of Semi-Synthetic Bases and Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) Of Mixed Surfactants on In-Vitro Release Profile of Ibuprofen Suppositories
Authors: Adeleke A.A. , Oladimeji F.A. 
Published: February 2025

Background: The emphasis on the use of surfactants in enhancing drug release from fatty suppository bases has always been on the concentration and type of surfactants. However, the Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) of the surfactants added, the concentrations and the type of suppository base used have significant effects.Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of HLB of incorporated mixed surfactants, the concentration, and the type of base used on the physical and release properties of Ibuprofen suppository formulations.Methodology: Ibuprofen suppositories (200mg) were prepared using Witepsol® H15, Suppocire® CM, Witepsol® W35, Witepsol® E85 semi-synthetic bases. Mixed surfactants (Span® 80 and Tween® 80) were added at 4 %w/w in varied ratios to give HLB values of 4.3 to 15.0, and at 2 and 6% w/w at optimum HLB. The suppositories' physical properties and release profiles were evaluated using established procedures.Results: The release followed Witepsol® W35>Witepsol® H15>Suppocire® CM>Witepsol® E85. Release from Suppocire® CM and Witepsol® E85 was favored at lipophilic HLB while release from Witepsol® W35 and Witepsol® H15 was favored at hydrophilic HLB. There was a general increase in the release of Ibuprofen with the increase in the concentration of mixed surfactants at the optimum HLBs. The release kinetics were majorly fitted for Higuchi’s kinetic model and followed Fickian and Non-Fickian (anomalous) drug transport mechanisms depending on the HLB of the mixed surfactants.Conclusions: The HLB, concentration of mixed surfactants, and the type of base greatly influenced the variation in the release profile of the Ibuprofen suppository.
Physicochemical and Lipid Peroxidation Evaluation of Fabricated Extract from <i>Securidaca longipedunculata</i> Root Bark
Authors: Nnamani N.D. , Iginomwahia E. , Adedokun O.A. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Modification of some crude extracts have improved the stability, functional properties and process ability of their bioactive.
Objective: To fabricate bioactive from Securidaca longipedunculata root bark and compare its activities with the crude extract.
Methods: Modified extract was fabricated from Securidaca longipedunculata root bark using microencapsulation and freeze-drying technique, and evaluated.
Results: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy evaluation showed similar leading peaks in the crude and fabricated extracts, indicating absence of chemical alteration from modification. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) of the fabricated extract revealed no new detectable element from the EDX of the crude extract, indicating chemical similarities in the crude and fabricated extracts. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of crude extract revealed flatbed surface with no observed particles, while SEM of fabricated extract revealed distinct, larger and sharp-edged particles, indicating structural changes from modification. In comparison to crude extract, fabricated extract showed controlled dissolution, starting with lower dissolution over 30 min, on to higher dissolution after 45 min. At 20 – 100 mcg / ml actives, Vitamin E showed 60 – 80 % lipid peroxidation, while crude and fabricated extracts both showed 12 – 20 % lipid peroxidation, indicating that modification did not significantly alter the antioxidant efficacy of Securidaca longipedunculata crude extract material.
Conclusion: The physicochemical and biological properties of fabricated Securidaca longipedunculata root bark extract showed promise in fast delivery of bioactive. There is need for further in vivo studies to ascertain the therapeutic potential of this fabricated form.
Cobalt Modulates Healing of Gastric Ulceration in Male Wistar Rats: iNOS/COX-2 Crosstalk
Authors: Salami A.T. , Akpamu U. , Iyiola T.O. , Olaleye S.B. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Information on the interplay between gastric iNOS and COX-2 expression by Cobalt (CoCl2) during gastro-protection is unclear.
Objective: Cobalt activities on iNOS and COX-2 interplay was investigated using Reserpine (RGU), and Pyloricligation (PLGU) gastric ulcer models.
Materials and Methods: In RGU, 50 Wistar rats grouped; 1-control, 2-ulcerated untreated (RUU), 3, 4, and 5 were ulcerated pre-treated with 62mg/kg, 25mg/kg CoCl2 and 3.6mg/kg omeprazole for 5 days and sacrificed 3 and 8 hours after reserpine administration. In PLGU, 25 Wistar rats grouped; A-25mg/kg Cocl2, B-62mg/kg Cocl2, C-Cimetidine (36.88mg/kg), D-ulcerated untreated (UU), and E–control, were pretreated for 8 days prior 18 hours pyloric-ligation. Thereafter, macroscopic gastric ulceration (GU), biochemical analysis with histology, and immunohistochemistry were evaluated on excised stomach. Data were expressed as Mean+SEM, and p<0.05 was significant.
Results: In RGU model, significant increase in GU score, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and degranulated mast cells but a decrease in sulfhydryl, hydrogen peroxide levels in RUU by 3H and 8H were ameliorated by CoCl2. Histology revealed increased degranulated mast cells in the RUU compared with CoCl2-treated groups. CoCl2 treatment significantly decreased gastric acid secretion, ulcer index, parietal cell count, H+ /K+ATPase and Na+ /K+ATPase activities compared with UU. Gastric sulfhydryl, mucin, pepsin, with mucous cell count significantly increased in CoCl2-treated groups compared with UU. Gastric iNOS positive reactivity was upregulated while COX-2 positive reactivity was downregulated in CoCl2-treated groups compared with UU .
Conclusion: Cobalt chloride exerted gastrointestinal cytoprotective action via mast cell stabilization, mucus production, with modulated expressions of gastric iNOS and COX-2 reactivity at the ulcerated site.
Diversité des acariens ravageurs de la famille des Tetranychidae présents sur Manihot esculenta dans la commune de Brazzaville : état des lieux et perspectives
Authors: Okassa Mireille Belle Mbou , Louzeymo Jessica bénie , Bikouta Grâce Nianga , Lenga Arsène 
Published: February 2025

Description du sujet: Les acariens phytophages sont responsables d’énormes pertes agricoles à travers le monde. Peu de données récentes existent sur la biodiversité des Tétranyques présente sur la culture de manioc (Manihot esculenta) en République du Congo (RC).
Objectif: L’objectif de cette étude est d’effectuer un état des lieux récent de la biodiversité des acariens Tétranyques présents sur le manioc.
Méthodes: Plusieurs prélèvements d’acariens ravageurs présents sur la culture de manioc doux ont été effectués dans la commune de Brazzaville pendant une période de quatre mois.
Résultats: Les résultats obtenus ont mis en évidence une surreprésentation (près de 80 %) des espèces appartenant au genre Mononychellus et Oligonychus identifiées sur le manioc. Pour la première fois, l’espèce Eutetranychus orientalis a été observée en République du Congo.
Conclusion: L’inventaire des acariens ravageurs présents sur la culture de manioc constitue l’une des premières étapes avant la mise en place des stratégies de lutte biologique efficace contre ces bioagresseurs. Des alternatives aux pesticides pourront ainsi être proposées aux agriculteurs congolais, car les effets négatifs de ces produits sur la santé humaine et l’environnement sont connus et de plus en plus décriés.

English title: Diversity of destructive mites of the Tetranychidae family present on Manihot esculenta in the commune ofBrazzaville: status report and perspectives
Description of the subject: Phytophagous mites are responsible for enormous agricultural losses worldwide. Little recent data exist on the biodiversity of spider mites present on cassava (Manihot esculenta) crops in the Republic of Congo (ROC).Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out a recent inventory of the biodiversity of spider mites present on cassava cropsMethods: Several samples of mites on sweet cassava crops were taken in the commune of Brazzaville over a period of four months.Results: The results showed an overrepresentation (almost 80 %) of species belonging to the genera Mononychellus and Oligonychus identified on cassava. The species Eutetranychus orientalis was observed for the first time in the Republic of Congo.Conclusion: An inventory of cassava pests is one of the first steps before implementing an effective biological control strategy against these pests. Alternatives to pesticides can be offered to Congolese farmers, as the negative effects of pesticides on human health and the environment are well known and increasingly questioned.
Exploring the Nexus Between Technological Innovation, Environmental Regulation, Human Capital, and Low-Carbon Economy
Authors: Guo Jianquan , Zhao Xuning 
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the panel data from 43 countries along the “Belt and Road” Initiative from 2000 to 2022 against the backdrop of global green low-carbon economic development. First, it explores the mechanism of action between technological innovation (TN) and the low-carbon economy (LE) using a panel fixed effects model. Second, by introducing environmental regulation (ER) and human capital (EDU) as moderating variables, it constructs a panel threshold model to investigate the nonlinear moderating effects in the relationship between TN and low-carbon economic development. Finally, the paper further categorizes these countries into samples to analyze the potential heterogeneity of the aforementioned effects. The empirical results indicate that: (1) TN has a negative effect on the LE of countries along the “Belt and Road”; (2) ER plays a positive moderating role in the influence of TN on the LE of these countries, while EDU exhibits a negative moderating role. Further research reveals a significant double-threshold effect of EDU in the relationship between TN and the LE, indicating that the negative effects of TN on the LE diminish as EDU increases. (3) This threshold effect displays significant heterogeneity at different levels of economic development and EDU.

Received: 9 November 2024 | Revised: 20 December 2024 | Accepted: 23 January 2025

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The data that support this work are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Author Contribution Statement
Jianquan Guo: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Supervision, Project administration. Xuning Zhao: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Data curation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization.