bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NDC80 kinetochore complex serve as a potential prognostic predictor and correlate with immune infiltrates in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer patients
Authors: Yu Xiaodan , Shi Chen , Pan Meizhu , Jiang Lili , Liu Kuiran 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose: This study focus on evaluating the prognostic value of NDC80 Kinetochore Complex (NDC80 complex) in OC underlying the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the Cancer Genome Atlas database and reveal the relationship between NDC80 complex and immune infiltrates in OC.
Methods: We collected data on NDC80 complex expression levels in both OC tissues and normal ovarian tissues from University Of Cingifornia Sisha Cruz Xena and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. The clinicopathological characteristics correlated with overall survival were analysed using Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier method. Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis and cibersort were performed using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Immumohistochemical staining was used to verify higher expression level of NUF2 protein in OC in vitro. Meanwhile, we utilized the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource to analyze the correlation between NDC80 complex and immunocyte infiltration. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
Results: The NDC80 complex expression level was prominently higher in OC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues and correlated with advanced histologic grade characteristics. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and uncovered a close relationship between high expression of NDC80 complex with poor overall survival in OC patients. The unitivariate Cox regression hazard model proved that age, pathologic stage, tumor status, primary therapy outcome, SPC24 expression level and Karnofsky performance score as prognostic factors for OC patients. NDC80 complex expression levels were highly associated with immune cell infiltration, showing NK CD56bright cells and NK cells with negative correlation and Th2 cells with positive correlation( p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings gave the evidence that increased expression level of NDC80 complex was closely associated with the progression of OC and could also serve as a novel target of immunotherapy in OC.
Exploring Effective Strategies: Guided Discovery in Teaching Surface Area of a Cylinder
Authors: Kpotosu Christian Kwame , Cudjoe Nicholas Kofi , Armah Henry Lovejoy Nii 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementing the Guided Discovery approach on students’ ability to determine the Surface Area of a Cylinder. The research study employed an explanatory-sequential mixed-methods design to instruct a sample of 80 students from a school situated in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The participants were put into an experimental group with no control group. Data was collected using MAT and interviews through focus group discussions. The quantitative data was subjected to analysis using two software programs: the Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS version 26.0) and Microsoft Excel 2019 and the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The data was subjected to analysis using descriptive statistics, specifically frequency counts and percentages, as well as inferential statistics, specifically t-tests. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference in the academic achievement of students who were instructed in the concept of the Surface Area of a Cylinder using the Guided Discovery approach. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference observed in the post-test scores between male and female students after their exposure to the Guided Discovery method for teaching the Surface Area of a Cylinder. It was also found that students demonstrated positive experiences (clarity, interest, and lesson presentation) when learning with the Guided Discovery. Hence, it is suggested that mathematics educators should utilise the Guided Discovery approach in order to instruct students on mathematical concepts, to stimulate students' engagement and enthusiasm towards the subject matter.
Whole Mitogenome Sequencing Uncovers a Relation Between Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy and Leprosy Severity
Authors: de Souza Felipe Gouvea , Silva Moisés Batista da , de Araújo Gilderlanio S. , Silva Caio S. , Pinheiro Andrey Henrique Gama , Cáceres-Durán Miguel Ángel , Santana-da-Silva Mayara Natália , Pinto Pablo , Gobbo Angélica Rita , Costa Patrícia Fagundes da , Salgado Claudio Guedes , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Cavalcante Giovanna C. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
In recent years, a mitochondria/immune system interaction has been proposed, so that variants of mitochondrial genome and levels of heteroplasmy might deregulate important metabolic processes in fighting infections, such as leprosy. We sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome to investigate variants and heteroplasmy levels, considering patients with different clinical forms of leprosy and household contacts.
Results
We found 116 variants in at least two of the subtypes of the case group (Borderline Tuberculoid, Borderline Lepromatous, Lepromatous), suggesting a possible clinical significance to these variants. Notably, 15 variants were exclusively found in these three clinical forms, of which five variants stands out for being missense (m.3791T > C in MT-ND1, m.5317C > A in MT-ND2, m.8545G > A in MT-ATP8, m.9044T > C in MT-ATP6 and m.15837T > C in MT-CYB). In addition, we found 26 variants shared only by leprosy poles, of which two are characterized as missense (m.4248T > C in MT-ND1 and m.8027G > A in MT-CO2).
Conclusion
We found a significant number of variants and heteroplasmy levels in the leprosy patients from our cohort, suggesting for the first time that the mitogenome might be involved with the leprosy process, distinction of clinical forms and severity. Thus, future studies are needed to help understand the genetic consequences of this variants.
Using selectivity to evaluate aqueous- and resin-phase denitrification during biological ion exchange
Authors: Edgar Michael , Rangan Srivatsan Mohana , Delgado Anga G. , Boyer Treavor H. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

An increased fertilizer application for agricultural purposes has resulted in increased nitrate (NO3−) levels in surface water and groundwater around the globe, highlighting demand for a low-maintenance NO3− treatment technology that can be applied to nonpoint sources. Ion exchange (IEX) is an effective NO3− treatment technology and research has shown that bioregeneration of NO3− laden resins has the potential to minimize operational requirements and brine waste production that often prevents IEX application for decentralized treatment. In this work, batch denitrification experiments were conducted using solutions with low IEX selectivity capable of supporting the growth of denitrifying bacteria, while minimizing NO3− desorption from resins, encouraging resin-phase denitrification. Although only 15% of NO3− was desorbed by the low selectivity solution, this initial desorption started a cycle in which desorbed NO3− was biologically transformed to NO2−, which further desorbed NO3− that could be biotransformed. Denitrification experiments resulted in a 43% conversion rate of initially adsorbed NO3−, but biotransformations stopped at NO2− due to pH limitations. The balance between adsorption equilibria and biotransformation observed in this work was used to propose a continuous-flow reactor configuration where gradual NO3− desorption might allow for complete denitrification in the short retention times used for IEX systems.
Os povos tradicionais de terreiros e as políticas públicas governamentais face à ascensão dos neopentecostais aos cargos eletivos no Brasil
Authors: Farias Lucy Patrícia da Silva 
Published: October 2023

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar alguns os avanços e retrocessos no tocante às políticas públicas voltadas para os povos tradicionais de terreiro, tendo como parâmetro os Planos Plurianuais de (2016- 2019) e (2020- 2023), as leis promulgadas nesse período que efetivaram direitos e garantias. Salientamos que em 2016 ocorreu uma maior representatividade da bancada evangélica nos cargos eletivos, o que repercutiu diretamente na forma de direcionamento das ações governamentais. Ademais, mostraremos as narrativas dos povos de terreiros diante dessa conjuntura política no país e como isso impactou a liberdade religiosa e a luta diária para que seus direitos sejam respeitados. Por conseguinte, faz-se necessária tanto uma abordagem quantitativa, quanto qualitativa, para maior elucidação da temática, tendo em vista que tais métodos não são excludentes, mas sim complementares. Minayo (2001), afirma que a pesquisa qualitativa consegue responder a certas questões particulares que não podem ser quantificadas, trabalhando com o universo de significados, motivos, aspirações e crenças, valores e atitudes, adentrando num processo mais profundo e fenômenos que não podem ser reduzidos à operacionalização de variáveis. Nesse sentido, tanto a análise documental quanto as narrativas são importantes para demonstrar que nem sempre as ações governamentais procuram diminuir as desigualdades sociais, e reconhecer a importância dos povos tradicional na construção do país.
Metformin Preserves Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β-cells through FGF21/Akt Pathway In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Li Jianting , Jiang Qiang , Wang Xin , Hou Lulu , Wang Lulu , Lou Kai , Pang Shuguang 
Published: October 2023

Background:
In our previous studies, it was found that metformin can elevate the expression of FGF21 in the peripheral blood of type 2 diabetic rats and improve insulin sensitivity
in diabetic rats. However, whether this effect is mediated by increased FGF21 expression in pancreatic islet β-cells is still unknown. Therefore, this study focuses on the effect of metformin on
insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells.

Aims:
Metformin can effectivly improve insulin resistance. Metformin influencing pancreatic βcell function is inclusive. In this study, we sought to analyze possible variations in insulin secretion and possible signaling mechanisms after metformin intervention.

Methods:
The study employed an in vivo model of a high-fat diet in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats and an in vitro model of rat pancreatic β-cells (INS-1 cells) that were subjected to damage
caused by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. After treating INS-1 cells in normal, high-glucose,
and high-glucose+metformin, we measured insulin secretion by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Insulin was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FGF21 expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, as well as that p-Akt and t-Akt expression
were detected by Western blot in INS-1 cells and diabetic rat islets. Finally, to verify the regulation of the FGF21 /Akt axis in metformin administration, additional experiments were carried
out in metformin-stimulated INS-1 cells.

Results:
High-glucose could significantly stimulate insulin secretion while metformin preserved
insulin secretion. Expression of FGF21 and p-Akt was decreased in high-glucose, however, metformin could reverse this effect in INS-1 cells and diabetic rat islets.

Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate a protective role of metformin in preserving insulin secretion through FGF21/Akt signaling in T2DM.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on Mechanisms of Scutellariae Radix in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Mengrong , Yuan Wenting , Feng Yue , Hou Yongqiang , Fang Fei , Duan Shiwan , Bai Lu 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Multiple brain disorders are treated by Scutellaria Radix (SR), including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R). However, more studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanism of SR for CI/R.

Methods:
The active substances and potential targets of SR and CI/R-related genes were obtained through public databases. Overlapping targets of SR and CI/R were analyzed using proteinprotein interaction (PPI) networks. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the pathways of SR against CI/R, and the key components and targets were screened for
molecular docking. The results of network pharmacology analysis were verified using in vitro
experiments.

Results:
15 components and 64 overlapping targets related to SR and CI/R were obtained. The
top targets were AKT1, IL-6, CAS3, TNF, and TP53. These targets have been studied by GO
and KEGG to be connected to a number of signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K-Akt
pathway, and apoptosis. Molecular docking and cell experiments helped to further substantiate
the network pharmacology results.

Conclusion:
The active compound of SR was able to significantly decrease the apoptosis of HT22 cells induced by OGD/R. This finding suggests that SR is a potentially effective treatment for
CI/R by modulating the MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways.
Review on Natural Agents as Aromatase Inhibitors: Management of Breast Cancer
Authors: Singh Sonia 
Published: October 2023

:
Breast cancer is a prevalent type of cancer that is typically hormone-dependent,
caused by estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are frequently utilised in the treatment of hormonereceptor-
positive breast cancer because they prevent the enzyme aromatase from converting androgens
to estrogens. Natural medicines with aromatase inhibitory characteristics have attracted
interest as potential alternatives or complementary therapy to manufactured medications. This
review discusses the function of natural agents as aromatase inhibitors in treating breast cancer.
A variety of natural compounds have been investigated for their capacity to inhibit aromatase
activity and lower estrogen levels. These agents include resveratrol from red wine and grapes,
curcumin from turmeric extract and green teahigh in catechins, and other flavonoids such as
genistein, luteolin and quercetin. It has been demonstrated that by decreasing estrogen synthesis,
they can slow the growth of breast cancer cells that are dependent on estrogen. However, the
clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety in breast cancer treatment is inadequate.
More research is required to investigate the therapeutic potential of natural medicines, such as
aromatase inhibitors, in treating breast cancer. The clinical trials are required to assess their efficacy,
appropriate doses, and potential interactions with other therapies. In conclusion, natural
aromatase inhibitory drugs are promising adjuncts in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive
breast cancer. Their clinical value and safety profile, however, require additional investigation.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-Infected Individuals in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shakib Pegah , Behzadifar Masoud , Mahmoudvand Hossein , Larki Sara , Kalani Hamed , Zivdari Masoomeh , Mardanshah Omid , Cheraghipour Kourosh 
Published: October 2023

Introduction::
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can infect
almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Patients with co-infection with toxoplasmosis
and HIV have a 30-40% risk of developing toxoplasmosis encephalitis. This study aimed to describe
the epidemiology and burden of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-infected individuals in Iran.

Methods::
We searched the five English databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Embase,
and Cochrane) and four Persian databases (Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran
Medex, Iran Doc, and Magiran) with the terms of (Toxoplasma gondii OR “toxoplasmosis”) AND
(HIV OR “AIDS” OR immunodeficiency OR acquired immune deficiency syndrome) AND (Seroprevalence)
AND (Seroepidemiologic Studies) AND (Elisa OR IgG) AND (PCR) AND (Iran) by
two authors up to Feb 2021. Studies were included if they investigated people with HIV infection
and presented data that allowed us to establish the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in
Iran.

Results::
According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected. A total number of
2275 HIV-infected individuals were tested and evaluated for toxoplasmosis from 2005 up to 2018
in different regions of Iran. The weighted overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected individuals
with Elisa was obtained using a random-effects model, which was estimated at 47%
(95% CI = 31% – 62%). Also, the Weighted overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected
individuals with PCR was obtained using a random-effects model, which was estimated at 7%
(95% CI = 3% – 12%).

Conclusion::
According to the results of this study, it can be clearly understood that a large population
of HIV patients living in Iran have toxoplasmosis. Therefore, due to the high susceptibility of
these groups to toxoplasmosis, healthcare professionals must consider measures such as training
in the ways of transmission and prevention of the infection to this high-risk group in order to reduce
the risk of infection.
Drug Repositioning: A Monetary Stratagem to Discover a New Application
of Drugs
Authors: Rohilla Ankur , Rohilla Seema 
Published: October 2023

Abstract:
Drug repurposing, also referred to as drug repositioning or drug reprofiling, is a scientific
approach to the detection of any new application for an already approved or investigational drug. It
is a useful policy for the invention and development of new pharmacological or therapeutic applications
of different drugs. The strategy has been known to offer numerous advantages over developing
a completely novel drug for certain problems. Drug repurposing has numerous methodologies
that can be categorized as target-oriented, drug-oriented, and problem-oriented. The choice of the
methodology of drug repurposing relies on the accessible information about the drug molecule and
like pharmacokinetic, pharmacological, physicochemical, and toxicological profile of the drug. In
addition, molecular docking studies and other computer-aided methods have been known to show
application in drug repurposing. The variation in dosage for original target diseases and novel diseases
presents a challenge for researchers of drug repurposing in present times. The present review
critically discusses the drugs repurposed for cancer, covid-19, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases,
strategies, and challenges of drug repurposing. Moreover, regulatory perspectives related to different
countries like the United States (US), Europe, and India have been delineated in the present review.
Virtual Screening, Docking, and Designing of New VEGF Inhibitors as
Anti-cancer Agents
Authors: Patel Shivkant , Singh Vinay Ranjan , Suman Ashok Kumar , Jain Surabhi , Sen Ashim Kumar 
Published: October 2023

Background:
VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors are receiving a lot of attention as
prospective anticancer medications in the current drug discovery process.

Objective:
This work aims to explore the PubChem library for novel VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors.
1H-Indazole-containing drug AXITINIB, or AG-013736 (FDA approved), is chosen as a rational
molecule for drug design. This scaffold proved its efficiency in treating cancer and other diseases as
well.

Methods:
The present study used the virtual screening of the database, protein preparation, grid
creation, and molecular docking analyses.

Results:
The protein was validated on different parameters like the Ramachandran plot, the ERRAT
score, and the ProSA score. The Ramachandran plot revealed that 92.1% of the amino acid residues
were located in the most favorable region; this was complemented by an ERRAT score (overall
quality factor) of 96.24 percent and a ProSA (Z score) of -9.24 percent. The Lipinski rule of five
was used as an additional filter for screening molecules. The docking results showed values of
binding affinity between -14.08 and -12.34 kcal/mol. The molecule C1 showed the highest docking
value of -14.08 Kcal/mol with the maximum number of strong H-bonds by -NH of pyridine to
amino acid Cys104 (4.22Å), -NH of indazole to Glu108 (4.72), and Glu70 to bridge H of -NH.
These interactions are similar to Axitinib docking interactions like Glu70, Cys104, and Glu102. The
docking studies revealed that pi-alkyl bonds are formed with unsubstituted pyridine, whereas
important H-bonds are observed with different substitutions around -NH. Based on potential
findings, we designed new molecules, and molecular docking studies were performed on the same
protein along with ADMET studies. The designed molecules (M1–M4) also showed comparable
docking results similar to Axitinib, along with a synthetic accessibility score of less than 4.5.

Conclusion:
The docking method employed in this work opens up new possibilities for the design
and synthesis of novel compounds that can act as VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors and treat
cancer.
The Role of Neuronal Pathways in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Targets for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Poudineh Mohadeseh , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Mehrabadi Shima , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Avan Amir 
Published: October 2023

:
In recent decades, the mortality and morbidity of Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer have remarkably increased, especially in younger individuals. Recent studies revealed that neuronal connections play an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Also, studies showed neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural
receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor
malignancy. These studies show that the humoral and nervous pathways can transfer signals of tumors to the brain. But, the exact mechanism of this regulation from the brain to the gut is still unknown. In this review, we summarized the mechanism of the neuronal pathway in the regulation of
promotion or suppression of GI cancer and oncogene activation, and we summarize recent findings
linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression and highlight the importance of targeting neural
mechanisms in GI tumor therapy
In silico Investigation of Identified Major Metabolites from Coffea Arabica Leaves against Parkinson’s Disease Target Proteins for Neuroprotective Drug Development
Authors: Rejano Christine Joyce , Tayo Lemmuel , Chen Bor-Yann , Tsai Po-Wei 
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurological disease characterized
by the gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons leading to a dysfunctional central nervous system.
Recently, major metabolites of Coffea arabica leaves were revealed to exhibit good electronshuttling
potential in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), similar to neurotransmitters dopamine and epinephrine.

Objective:
This In silico study aimed to identify the neuroprotective potentials of plant metabolites
from coffee leaves and to determine their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties for developing
viable anti-parkinsonian drug design.

Methods:
Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the affinity of identified major compounds
in C. arabica against PD-target proteins and compare the results with the binding activity of
existing drugs and natural ligands of the identified protein targets via LibDock scores. The druglikeness
and ADMET profiles of each ligand were also evaluated using bioinformatics tools.

Results:
C. arabica metabolites exhibited various degrees of binding activity against PD targets.
LibDock scores of test compounds showed that catechin, mangiferin, and chlorogenic acid exhibited
higher docking scores than dopamine and levodopa. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetics analysis
of the selected molecules revealed caffeine, catechin, and chlorogenic acid as promising candidates
for drug development with a low risk of drug toxicity.

Conclusion:
The present study indicates that Coffea arabica leaves contain promising neuroprotective
active compounds against Parkinson’s disease.