bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calotropis induced Ocular toxicity Insilco Strategy.
Authors: Harke Shivali S , Bagchi Preenon , Shinde Ashok A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The Calotropis Procera plant is a soft-wooded evergreen, perennial shrub, and its medicinal value has been described in older pharmacopeias. Accidental contact with Calotropis latex can lead to violent kerato-conjunctivitis, which is associated with corneal edema and significant vision impairment without causing pain. The ocular toxicity is primarily attributed to the alkaloids present in the latex. Our objective is to identify the specific alkaloid responsible for causing ocular toxicity and to investigate the corneal proteins involved in the cause of Ocular toxicity. To achieve this, we conducted Receptor-Ligand molecular docking using Maestro software. In this analysis, the alkaloids Calotoxin, Gigantin, Calotropin, and Calcin were considered as ligands, while different layers of the cornea's proteins serve as receptors. The docking scores were carefully analyzed, and we were able to conclude that Calotoxin exhibited the highest docking score and appeared to bind to numerous corneal proteins.
Effects of Tai Chi on lower limb motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lou Lijie , Yang Jiapeng , Hu Yingliang , Xiang Chunyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of Tai Chi on the balance function, mobility function, and gait function (including gait endurance, gait amplitude, and gait speed) of the lower limbs in patients with Parkinson's disease. The “PICOS” principle was used to search seven English and six Chinese databases. Search for relevant studies published up to September 11, 2023, from the date of database creation. Two authors independently screened all eligible studies. The included studies were assessed for risk of bias based on the criteria outlined in Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0. Quantitative statistics and meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software. The 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 16 of which were included in the meta-analysis, included a sample of 963 cases from four countries. The meta-analysis revealed that Tai Chi was effective compared with conventional medication in improving balance function (MD = 2.06, 95% CI [1.35, 2.78], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), mobility function (MD = -1.59, 95% CI [-2.28, -0.91], P < 0.00001, I2 = 14%), and gait speed (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI [0.28, 0.91], P = 0.0002, I2 = 29%). However, there was no significant improvement in gait endurance (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [-0.41, 0.68], P = 0.62, I2 = 0%) or gait amplitude (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI [-0.00, 0.61], P = 0.05, I2 = 0%). Compared with other exercise therapies, Tai Chi was significantly superior in improving balance function (MD = 3.05, 95% CI [1.94, 4.16], P < 0.00001, I2 = 38%), mobility function (MD = -0.70, 95% CI [-1.23, -0.17], P = 0.01, I2 = 0%), and gait range (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI [0.14, 0.58], P = 0.002, I2 = 45%). However, the advantage of improving gait speed (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI [-0.28, 0.29], P = 0.98, I2 = 0%) was uncertain. Tai chi is a safe and effective rehabilitation intervention that can enhance the balance and mobility functions of the lower limbs in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Post-transcriptional RNA stabilization of telomere-proximal RNAs FRG2, DBET, D4Z4 at human 4q35 in response to genotoxic stress and D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat length
Authors: Salsi Valentina , Losi Francesca , Salani Monica , Kaufman Paul , Tupler Rossella 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Reduced copy number of the D4Z4 macrosatellite at human chromosome 4q35 is associated with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). A pervasive idea is that chromatin alterations at the 4q35 locus following D4Z4 repeat unit deletion lead to disease via inappropriate expression of nearby genes. Here, we sought to analyze transcription and chromatin characteristics across 4q35 and how these are affected by D4Z4 deletions and exogenous stresses.
Results
We found that the 4q subtelomere is subdivided into discrete domains, each with characteristic chromatin features associated with distinct gene expression profiles. Centromere-proximal genes within 4q35 (ANT1, FAT1 and FRG1) display active histone marks at their promoters. In contrast, poised or repressed markings are present at telomere-proximal loci including FRG2, DBE-T and D4Z4. We discovered that these discrete domains undergo region-specific chromatin changes upon treatment with chromatin enzyme inhibitors or genotoxic drugs. We demonstrated that the 4q35 telomere-proximal FRG2, DBE-T and D4Z4-derived transcripts are induced upon DNA damage to levels inversely correlated with the D4Z4 repeat number, are stabilized through post-transcriptional mechanisms upon DNA damage, and are bound to chromatin.
Conclusion
Our study reveals unforeseen biochemical features of RNAs from clustered transcription units within the 4q35 subtelomere. Specifically, the FRG2, DBE-T and D4Z4-derived transcripts are chromatin-associated and are stabilized post-transcriptionally after induction by genotoxic stress. Remarkably, the extent of this response is modulated by the copy number of the D4Z4 repeats, raising new hypotheses about their regulation and function in human biology and disease.
ANN Based Clusterhead Selection Process in WSN
Authors: GANGAL Volkan , SESLI Erhan , HACIOGLU Gokce 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Wireless sensor networks often face a significant challenge due to their limited energy capacity. To address this challenge, numerous studies are currently underway to explore innovative ways to optimize energy usage. This study proposes an energy-efficient cluster head selection method that is supported by artificial neural networks for cluster-based sensor networks, thereby enhancing their energy efficiency. The neural network is placed in each sensor node. The nodes decide to be the cluster head according to the threshold they set using the ANN, without the need for centralized control. According to the simulation studies conducted, the ANN trained with 5-5-5 neurons survived for 3497 rounds and successfully transmitted 96757 packets to the sink. In contrast, the LEACH algorithm could only survive for 1773 rounds and transmitted 61766 packets to the sink under the same conditions. The study confidently concluded that there was a significant and noteworthy improvement in both the network lifetime and the number of packets sent to the base station. On the other hand, it was also observed that the proposed method showed a notable improvement when compared with similar recent studies conducted with the same parameters by a factor ranging from 3.63 to 6.26.
Prediction of Meteorological Drought in Xinjiang at Multiple Temporal Scales Based on GWO-SA-ConvBiLSTM
Authors: Gu Lei , Ma Wen Yu , Yu MeiShuang , Chen PengYu , Hou Shuo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Drought is one of the most serious climatic disasters affecting human society. Effective drought prediction can provide a reliable basis for the formulation of anti-drought measures. According to drought characteristics, we construct a multi-time scale GWO-SA-ConvBiLSTM network. In this model, we combine Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and add the self-attention mechanism (SA). On this basis, the grey Wolf optimizer(GWO) is added to make the model choose the optimal hyperparameter faster. We selected Atel region of Xinjiang as the research object, sorted out the meteorological data of 5 meteorological stations in the study area from 1960 to 2018, and imported their SPEI values of 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months into the model for training. Compared with other models, our model has better performance in the scenario of drought prediction.
Catharanthine, an anticancer vinca alkaloid: an in silico and in vitro analysis of the autophagic system as the major mechanism of cell death in liver HepG2 cells
Authors: Gholami Farnoosh , Seyedalipour Bagher , Heidari-Kalvani Nafiseh , Nabi-Afjadi Mohsen , Yaghoubzad-Maleki Mohammad , Fathi Zeinab , Alipourfard Iraj , Barjesteh Fereshte , Bahreini Elham 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Catharanthine, a component of the anticancer drug vinblastine along with vindoline, disrupts the cell cycle by interfering with mitotic spindle formation. Apart from their antioxidant properties, vinca alkaloids like catharanthine inhibit phosphodiesterase activity and elevate intracellular cAMP levels.
Methods
This study conducted experiments on HepG2 liver carcinoma cells with varying doses of catharanthine to evaluate cell death rates, viability, and determine the IC50 concentration via MTT assays. The apoptotic and autophagic effects of catharanthine were assessed using flow cytometry with annexin V and PI staining, while the expression of autophagy-related genes was analyzed through quantitative PCR. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to further investigate catharanthine's impact on autophagy mechanisms.
Results
The study showed that catharanthine reduced oxidative stress and triggered apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Catharanthine also upregulated the expression of autophagy-related genes like LC3, Beclin1, and ULK1. Notably, catharanthine increased sirtuin-1 levels, a known autophagy inducer, while decreasing Akt expression compared to untreated cells. Molecular docking results indicated rapamycin had a stronger binding affinity with FRB (-10.7 KJ/mol⁻¹) than catharanthine (-7.3 KJ/mol⁻¹). Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that catharanthine interacted effectively with the FRB domain of mTOR, displaying stability and a strong binding affinity, although not as potent as rapamycin.
Conclusions
In summary, besides its cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects, catharanthine activates autophagy signaling pathways and induces autophagic necrosis by inhibiting mTOR.
Socio-demographic and clinical determinants of self-care in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: LAN XUEFEN , Ji Xiaozhen , Zheng Xiaojia , Ding Xiaoyu , Mou Hongyi , Lu Shunfei , Ye Bin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Self-care is essential for the management of type 2 diabetes. This study aims to explore self-care level as a dynamic process and investigate its socio-demographic and clinical determinants among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.
Methods
In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we enrolled 495 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes from outpatient settings of three tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang province, China. The Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI) was used to measure self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, self-care management, and self-care confidence as four critical components of the dynamic self-care process. Multiple quantile regression models were used to identify the determinants of each self-care dimension.
Results
The median scores for self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management were 66.67, 47.06, and 53.13, respectively. Over half of the participants exhibited inadequate self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management (score less than 70), whereas their self-care confidence was adequate (median = 70.45). Lower level of self-care maintenance was associated with being male (p = 0.002), younger (p = 0.006), having at least one complication (p = 0.014), not living in city A (p < 0.001), and lower self-care confidence (p < 0.001). Lower level of self-care monitoring was associated with being female (p = 0.035), belonging to ethnic minorities (p = 0.002), not attending diabetes self-management education in the last year (p = 0.003), not living in city B (p < 0.001), and having lower self-care confidence (p < 0.001). Lower level of self-care management was associated with not having any complications (p = 0.003), not living in city B (p < 0.001), and having lower self-care confidence (p < 0.001). Lower level of self-care confidence was associated with not having any complications (p = 0.009), not attending diabetes self-management education (p = 0.004), and not living in city B (p < 0.001) or C (p = 0.001).
Conclusions/interpretation:
Among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes, the degree of self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management was poor, whereas self-care confidence was relatively sufficient. More attention should be paid to the self-care of younger male patients belonging to ethnic minorities who live in less-developed cities. Modifiable determinants, such as self-care confidence and participation in diabetes self-management education, can be targeted to develop tailored self-care interventions.
Effect of methylparaben on the expression of genes involved in the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes
Authors: Barajas-Salinas Adyeni , Bahena Iván , Rodríguez-Mercado Juan José , Juárez-Rojas Lizbeth , Betancourt Miguel , López Alma , Casas Eduardo , Bonilla Edmundo , Salazar Zayil , Casillas Fahiel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Parabens (PBs) are widely used due to their antimicrobial properties in drugs, cosmetics, and food; however, previous studies have reported that methylparaben (MePB) may adversely interfere with female reproduction. MePB decreases oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) at a maturation inhibition concentration 50 (MIC50) of 780.31 µM but also their viability at a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 2028.38 µM. It was reported that PBs are endocrine disruptors (EDs), affecting steroidogenesis as well as the cumulus cells (CC) expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate some of the mechanisms by which MePB alters CC expansion and decreases oocyte maturation through the evaluation of gene expression, Has2 for CC expansion, and Stard1, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Pr, for progesterone (P4) synthesis. Also, CC expansion and P4 concentrations in culture media were evaluated.
Methods
Oocytes were exposed to different MePB concentrations of 0 (control), 650, 780 and 1000 µM during 20 and 44 h of IVM. After 44 h of IVM, CC expansion, and IVM rates were evaluated. Gene expression of Has2, Stard1, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Pr were evaluated by qPCR at 20 and 44 h. P4 concentrations in culture media were evaluated at 20 and 44 h of IVM.
Results
MePB decreased CC expansion and the IVM of porcine oocytes. The expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis and CC expansion were also altered by MePB, as well as P4 concentrations in culture media, suggesting its potential role as ED.
Conclusions
This study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying MePB influence on IVM of porcine oocytes. Maturation is an important event that provides the oocyte the capacity to be fertilized, so any alteration produced during this period can impair fertility. Porcine oocytes are P4-dependent and require the CC expansion to reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. At sublethal concentrations of MePB, subexpression of Has2 resulted in decreased CC expansion and IVM. Also, MePB altered the expression of the genes involved in the first step of steroidogenesis from cholesterol to P4, suggesting its role as ED. These findings could partially explain some of the mechanisms by which MePB alters female fertility.
Precise Fiducial Marker Placement for CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Superficial Tumor
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Ruijie , Chen Cheng , Jiang Wen , Dai ZhiTao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The CyberKnife, a renowned non-invasive stereotactic radiotherapy technique, has gained widespread adoption for its effective treatment of various cancers. The success of CyberKnife treatment relies significantly on the accurate placement of fiducial markers. This study introduces a Fiducial marker placement planning algorithm, specifically for superficial tumors that are located 20-50 mm beneath the epidermis. Three patients with treatment sites of thymus, breast, and submandibular gland were retrospectively selected for this study. The algorithm proposes numerous potential implantation sites by constructing and optimizing a B-spline surface. The site selection is predominantly based on the distance between markers, the angles among them, and the necessity for all fiducial markers to be visible in 45° oblique views without overlap. By leveraging the kd-tree, we enhanced spatial querying and addressed the challenge using graph theory, specifically through the Bron-Kerbosch algorithm. The time complexity of the algorithm proposed in this study is \(O(m\log m + m^2 + 3^{\frac{n}{3}})\), significantly faster than the brute-force \(O(n^3)\) approach. Experimental outcomes show that our algorithm can efficiently plan Fiducial marker placements, simplifying the planning process and providing valuable technical support for CyberKnife treatments.
Proposed intelligent learning algorithm to improve the diagnosis and classification of breast cancer masses
Authors: Eftekharian Mohsen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In today's world, intelligent medical diagnostic systems, with their remarkable advances, have greatly contributed to the medical world and have accelerated and increased the accuracy of many diagnoses, including the system for diagnosing and classifying breast cancer masses. Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases and has led to many deaths among women. Early detection can, firstly, increase treatment options and, secondly, increase life expectancy in women with earlier treatment. Early detection methods include mammography, MRI and ultrasound. Early detection methods for breast cancer, include mammography, MRI, and ultrasound. In all diagnostic methods, image processing and artificial intelligence methods can be significantly effective in the process of noise detection and reduction, tumor area detection and classification. In this paper, first we reduce the noise in mammographic images using Directional filters, then extract the tumor area by combining the support vector machine and the Evolutionary Algorithms, and finally, using deep learning, To classify the type of mass. The proposed method has better performance compared to previous methods and offers 99.1% accuracy, 98.4% sensitivity and specificity with 100%. in diagnosis and classification.
Cyclin E and p53: The Dynamic Duo in Ovarian Tumor Pathogenesis
Authors: Zahran Amal , Abu-Salih Abdel Qader , Al-Bdour Mohammad , Abu-Salih Leen , Bani-Hani Kamal E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to report on the expression of p53 and cyclin E in ovarian tumors and to analyze their correlations with the clinicopathological parameters. Another aim is to examine if aberrant expression of both cyclin E and p53 might increase the malignant potential of ovarian tumors.
Methods: Seventy-two paraffin-embedded ovarian tumor tissues were immuno-histochemically investigated for expression of p53, and cyclin E. The tumor tissues were benign (15), borderline (12), and malignant ovarian tumors (45). The expression of these two markers was analyzed with the correlations with the clinicopathological parameters in a subgroup of 34 epithelial ovarian cancers.
Results: p53 and cyclin E expression was markedly increased in malignant ovarian tumors as compared to benign tumors p-value= (0.002, 0.014) respectively. Expression of p53 in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues was significantly correlated with the stage of the tumor (p=0.015), whereas cyclin E expression was significantly associated with the histomorphologic tumor type (p= 0.001). There was significant correlation between p53 and cyclin E expression in the 72 ovarian tumor tissues p= 0.019.
Conclusions: There was a positive association between the expression of p53 and cyclin E and malignant progression of ovarian tumors. In epithelial ovarian cancers, p53 and cyclin E expressions were significantly correlated with the stage and histomorphologic tumor type, respectively.
Primary cutaneous nocardiosis of the ankle caused by N. brasiliensis: a case report
Authors: Şahin Suzan , Fidan Ebru , Tekol Serap Demir , Kaya Bülent 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Nocardia is a genus of aerobic, Gram-positive bacteria known for their filamentous and branching morphology. N. brasiliensis is the most common species causing cutaneous nocardiosis. We present a 67-year-old woman who developed abscess-like lesions on the back of her right ankle after walking barefoot on soil. Cultures from the cutaneous lesions grew N. brasiliensis. Antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole given for a month provided near-complete resolution of her lesions.
Tricuspid valve rupture after blunt thoracic trauma
Authors: Shah Savan , Khan Arsalan , Bishop Michael , Alex Gillian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Tricuspid valvular injuries are rare and often go undiagnosed, which can lead to right ventricular failure and death.
Case Presentation:
A 35-year-old female who presented after motor vehicle collision with multiple injuries was discovered to have a tricuspid valve rupture requiring valve replacement. In the case presented, the diagnosis was made with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), however a subtler finding of new onset right bundle branch block was present during initial evaluation. The tricuspid valve rupture was managed with early valve replacement.
Conclusions
Although rare, tricuspid valve injuries can occur after blunt chest trauma and can be difficult to diagnose. Early recognition and swift treatment can prevent deadly complications.
Fires in the Mediterranean Ecosystem (Turkey) in July 2021
Authors: YILMAZ Fatma KAFALI , BOZYURT Okan , AVCI İlyas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Turkey has an ecologically rich ecology, including three main climate zones and three transition zones. Main climate zones; Black Sea, Mediterranean and Continental climate zones, and transition zones are Marmara, Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions. Of these ecological regions, a large area was damaged by the fire that broke out in July 2021 in the Mediterranean region in the south of Turkey and the Aegean region in the west (Mediterranean climate zone). The fire first started in Manavgat and Gündoğmuş districts of Antalya, and then broke out in various parts of Adana, Osmaniye and Muğla provinces. The fires that occurred in Adana took place in a wide area in the north of Adana, within the borders of four districts. In Osmaniye, fires occurred in the central district and Kadirli. These fires, which occurred in Osmaniye and Adana, took place in the forest area at an altitude of 500–1000 m. Since the fires that occurred in Antalya and Mersin were effective in the altitude zone starting from the coast and up to 1500 m, the mountain belt forest as well as the climax vegetation of the Mediterranean were burned. The fires that occurred in Muğla reached up to 2000 m and damaged a wide forest ecosystem. Due to the fire being at different altitude levels, Pinus brutia within the orobiome, Pinus nigra, Cedrus libani and Cedrus cilicia, which are mountain forests, and the understory were damaged. The fire also destroyed underground and aboveground fauna within the forest ecosystem, which could not be recorded statistically.