bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forebrain excitatory neuron-specific loss of Brpf1 attenuates excitatory synaptic transmission and impairs spatial and fear memory
Authors: Zhao Baicheng , Zhang Hang , Liu Ying , Zu Gaoyu , Zhang Yuxiao , Hu Jiayi , Liu Shuai , You Linya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00045/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Bromodomain and plant homeodomain (PHD) finger containing protein 1 (Brpf1) is an activator and scaffold protein of a multiunit complex that includes other components involving lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) 6A/6B/7. Brpf1, KAT6A, and KAT6B mutations were identified as the causal genes of neurodevelopmental disorders leading to intellectual disability. Our previous work revealed strong and specific expression of Brpf1 in both the postnatal and adult forebrain, especially the hippocampus, which has essential roles in learning and memory. Here, we hypothesized that Brpf1 plays critical roles in the function of forebrain excitatory neurons, and that its deficiency leads to learning and memory deficits. To test this, we knocked out Brpf1 in forebrain excitatory neurons using CaMKIIa-Cre. We found that Brpf1 deficiency reduced the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and downregulated the expression of genes Pcdhgb1, Slc16a7, Robo3, and Rho, which are related to neural development, synapse function, and memory, thereby damaging spatial and fear memory in mice. These findings help explain the mechanisms of intellectual impairment in patients with BRPF1 mutation.
Conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells treats spinal cord injury by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis
Authors: Liu Tao , Ma Ziqian , Liu Liang , Pei Yilun , Wu Qichao , Xu Songjie , Liu Yadong , Ding Nan , Guan Yun , Zhang Yan , Chen Xueming 
Published: September 2023

AbstractJOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00041/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiffHuman dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury. However, whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear. In the present study, we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells. We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury, decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3, GSDMD, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β, promoted axonal and myelin regeneration, and inhibited the formation of glial scars. In addition, in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model, conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1β pathway. These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1β pathway, thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury. Therefore, conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.
Cortical activity in patients with high-functioning ischemic stroke during the Purdue Pegboard Test: insights into bimanual coordinated fine motor skills with functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Siyun , Mao Mengchai , Zhu Guangyue , Chen Yufeng , Qiu Yuqi , Ye Bin , Xu Dongsheng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00040/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

After stroke, even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity, leading to reduced functional independence. Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits. However, the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear, limiting the development of more targeted interventions. To address this gap, our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination. Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke (7 women, 17 men; mean age 64.75 ± 10.84 years) participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test, which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity. We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks, with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask. Importantly, patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks. Notably, the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask. In the unaffected hand task, the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere. In contrast, the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task, respectively. While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks, no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks. This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke, highlighting task-dependent neural responses. The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation. Therefore, incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes. The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
Coronavirus Disease 2019-induced Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy
Authors: Osman Mohamed , Mehana Omar , Eissa Mahmoud , Zeineldin Sara , Sinha Akatya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) is a rare entity characterized by acute multifocal macular detachment with polymorphous subretinal vitelliform deposits. The disease is a presumed retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction and is reported to occur with malignancies. We report a case of a 32-year-old otherwise healthy woman who presented with an acute bilateral visual disturbance a few days after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Her initial visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multifocal round yellowish subretinal deposits. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed bilateral foveal serous retinal detachment with subretinal hyperreflective materials consistent with vitelliform deposits. Systemic workup to exclude malignancies and genetic diseases was unremarkable. The patient was observed without treatment, and the vitelliform materials gradually resolved over 18 months of follow-up. In our era of the global pandemic, AEPVM may be associated with COVID-19 infection.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Using Modified Urethral Stricture Surgery: Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy and Nontransecting Urethroplasty for Short Nontraumatic Bulbar Urethral Stricture – A Prospective Comparative Observational Study from a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Sitaram Mummalaneni , Reddy Suraj Jayadeva , Chawla Arun , Rosette Jean J M C H de la , Laguna Pilar , Bhaskara Sunil Pillai , Reddy Bathi Sourabh , Pandit Shruti , Choudhary Anupam 
Published: September 2023

Purpose:
To evaluate the patient-reported outcomes of primary direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and nontransecting bulbar urethroplasty techniques (NTBU) for the short segment (<2 cm) nontraumatic bulbar urethral stricture using the modified urethral stricture surgery patient-reported outcome measures (USS PROMs).

Materials and Methods:
The USS PROM questionnaire used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) was modified by adding a six-item International Index of Erectile Function and a four-item version of MSHQ-EjD to evaluate erectile and ejaculatory domains. All cases of short nontraumatic bulbar urethral stricture who underwent primary DVIU and NTBU who consented were asked to fill the modified PROM at initial evaluation, at 6 months, and at 1 year.

Results:
The LUTS score for NTBU at 12 months is significantly better (1.93 ± 2.13 vs. 8.76 ± 5.92, P = 0.000). The Peeling score of the NTBU is significantly better at 12 months (1.41 ± 0.68 vs. 2.67 ± 0.73, P = 0.000). The erectile function score at 12 months for NTBU is better than DVIU (24.37 ± 3.2 vs. 21.143 ± 2.86, P = 0.001). The Ejaculatory function score at 6 months and 12 months is significantly better for the NTBU. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) AND Odd's Ratio analysis for analyzing patient satisfaction showed erectile function (area under ROC [AUROC] - 0.889, P < 0.001), ejaculatory function (AUROC - 0.957, P < 0.001) at 1 year and maximum flow rate of urine on uroflometry (Qmax) (AUROC - 0.928, P < 0.001) at 6 months and (AUROC - 1.000, P < 0.001) at 1 year. The overall satisfaction rates in patients undergoing NTBU is 96.5%.

Conclusion:
NTBU shows superior outcomes in almost all domains of USS-PROM with better overall satisfaction rates. Improvement of sexual function domain, followed by the LUTS domain was the best predictor of overall patient satisfaction and improvement in the quality of life at 1 year.
Synthesis of biologically active xanthene, chromene, thiazole, thiophene, pyrazole, and isoxazole derivatives from camphor
Authors: Alwan Ensaf Sultan , Mohareb Rafat Milad 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. Xanthene, chromene, thiazole, thiophene, pyrazole, and isoxazole derivatives were synthesized from camphor-D monoterpene using multi-component reactions. Camphor has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to mitigate pain, treat skin diseases, and improve respiratory functions. In this research, we focus on the effectiveness of the produced compounds from the biologically active camphor. The produced compounds were formed according to various reactions such as a Knoevenagel condensation, Michael adduct, Gewald reaction, a nucleophilic attack, substitution, addition, elimination and cyclization reactions. Furthermore, the novel produced compounds have been tested towards the six cancer cell lines namely A549, MKN-45, U87MG, HT-29, H460 and SMMC-772. Compounds 5, 11, 15b, 16, 25b and 27b displayed the highest inhibitions compounds toward the mentioned cancer cell lines. In addition, compounds 3, 13, 15a, 22a, 27a and 28 showed moderate inhibitory effects against the cancer cell lines.
KEY WORDS: Camphor, Xanthenes, Pyrimidine, Heterocyclic, Anti-cancer
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1539-1552. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.18
Synthesis, characterisation and structural elucidation of novel 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazone and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes
Authors: Anarado Chigozie J. O. , Onyilogwu Ebuka H. , Ibeji Collins U. , Anarado Charity E. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. 4-Tert-butylbenzohydrazone ligand was synthesised by reacting 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazide with dehydroacetic acid. Afterward, the Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) complexes of 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazone were synthesised. All the synthesised compounds were characterised using elemental analysis, ESI-MS, IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods. ESI-MS studies revealed ligand to metal stoichiometry of 1:1 for the Cu(II) complex, 2:1 for the Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) complexes. IR studies showed that the ligand was coordinated to the metal ions through ONO donor atoms. The 1H NMR revealed that deprotonation did not occur in the ligand. Thus, the hydroxyl oxygen and the secondary amine nitrogen did not participate in the coordination. The proposed structures of the compounds conform with the analytical results.
KEY WORDS: 4-Tert-butylbenzohydrazone, Metal complexes, Structure, Elucidation
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1411-1422. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.9
Radiographic Evaluation of Impacted Third Mandibular Molar According to the Classification of Winter, Pell and Gregory in a Sample of Cameroonian Population
Authors: Jacques Edouma , Ebogo Messina , Eng Yann-Chris , Donald Ntenkeu , Odile Zeh 
Published: September 2023

Background: The extraction of impacted third molars (M3) is a common surgical procedure in dentistry and oral surgery. Various complications, including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage, may occur during and after extraction of this tooth. Radiographic examination should provide information about the M3 itself, but also about the surrounding bony structure and the relationship of the roots to the IAN and the adjacent second molar, which is often traumatized during this extraction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the depth and angulation of impacted mandibular third molars (M3) from panoramic radiographs, according to the classifications proposed by Winter and Pell & Gregory.
Methods: Radiographic signs present on the orthopantomogram showing M3 depth, and retromandibular available space according to the Pell & Gregory classification were evaluated. Evaluation of the M3 angulation relative to the M2 according to Winter's classification was also done. Student's t test was used to determine the association between side or sex and different variables.
Results: The depth of impaction of the M3 crown was level A accounting for 54.4% (n=260) of the PR while level B constituted 35.7% (n=171) of the images. Regarding the availability of retromandibular space, Class I constituted 36.8% (n=176). The Class II accounted for 55.9% (n=267) of PR.
Conclusion: Our study showed that 54.4% of M3 were located at the same level as the occlusal plane of the second molar, while in 56% of PR the space between the second molar and the ramus of the mandible is less than the mesiodistal diameter of the third molar. This research showed that 23.1% of M3 had a level of vertical angulation, a level that allows for less painful luxation of the impacted molars. These results seem to show a relatively high level of difficulty in mobilizing and extracting M3 from Cameroonian patients
The Role of Probiotics in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zahedifard Tahere , Khadivzadeh Talat , Rakhshkhorshid Marzieh 
Published: September 2023

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common vaginal infections worldwide. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Methods: A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Scientific Information Database (SID), IranMedex, and Google Scholar search engine was performed. The search was conducted from inception to 1 October 2022, to identify published English or Persian language randomized control trials (RCTs) of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis who received probiotics as medical treatment. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine checklist. All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) version 2.
Results: Six RCTs were included in this review. The results showed that treatment with probiotic was not different from placebo regarding the rate of positive culture (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.390 to 3.26, P=0.825); treatment with probiotic was more effective compared to placebo regarding the rate of recurrence. (OR: 0.14; P= 0.01; 95 % CI: 0.028–0.7).
Conclusion: Probiotics have a beneficial effect in the treatment of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Our results provide evidence for an alternative treatment modality for vaginal candidiasis using probiotics.
Prevalence of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Pulmonary Disease in HIV-1 Patients with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Western Kenya
Authors: Ochayo Anne , Wamalwa Ronald , Barasa Erick , Zablon Jeremiah , Sowayi George , Were Tom , Gitonga Godfrey , Shaviya Nathan 
Published: September 2023

Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous, free-living, environmental saprophytic microorganisms. NTMs belong to the genus Mycobacterium which includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). NTMs have lately been a major cause of pulmonary disease (PD) in immuno-compromised individuals including HIV-1 patients. NTMs and MTB appear similar based on microscopy, radiology, and clinical symptoms; consequently, this may lead to misdiagnosis. This study sought to establish the prevalence of NTM pulmonary disease in HIV-1 patients presumed to have pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical laboratory study design was used targeting 617 adult HIV-1 infected patients presenting with presumptive pulmonary TB at Bungoma County Hospital Comprehensive Care Clinic in Western Kenya between July 2021 to June 2022.
Results: A total of 75 (12.2%, 4.6 -9.8 CI) of the participants presented with presumptive MTB and had TB-like symptoms while 542 (87.8%, 12.5 -30.7 CI) were negative. Additionally, 56 (9.1%) were infected with NTMs. HIV-positive participants had a significantly higher prevalence of NTMs 62 (11.8%, 5.6 -9.2 CI) compared to 2 (2.1%, 0.4 -1.8 CI). In HI 10 (13.3%) as well as M. kansasii 8 (10.7%). V + study participants P<0.0001. M. avium was the most prevalent NTM, 25(33.3%), followed by M. fortuitum 20 (26.7%). A significant number of the isolates were M. tuberculosis
Conclusion: There seems to be a high prevalence of NTMPD in HIV-1 patients which is assumed to be pulmonary TB. Differential diagnosis of the mycobacterium species is necessary to help improve disease management and outcomes in this group of patients.
Assessment of Liver Antioxidant Profile in <i>Plasmodium Berghei</i> Infected Mice Treated with Curative Ethanol Leaf extract of <i>Musa paradisiaca</i>
Authors: George-Opuda Maureen Ibitoroko , Adegoke Olugbenga Adebayo , Odeghe Bensandy Othuke , Awopeju Abimbola Temitayo , Okeahialam Ngozi Margret 
Published: September 2023

Background: The increasing resistance to most antimalarial drugs suggests a need for better alternatives. This study evaluated in vivo antimalarial and liver antioxidant profile of dry plantain leaf extract (Musa paradisiaca) on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.
Methods: Six groups of ten mice each grouped as control, P. berghei, artesunate, and P. berghei infected mice were orally administered 250,500 and 1000mg/kg Musa paradisiaca leaf extract for 5 days. Blood smears were evaluated for parasitaemia on the 10th day and the mice sacrificed. Catalase, Malondialdehyde, protein, Glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione was estimated using Colorimetric, Biuret and spectrophotometric methods respectively with data analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: Catalase activity (umol/ml/mins) was 24.62 ± 0.99, 10.04 ± 0.50, 19.35 ± 0.38, 22.13 ± 0.00, 22.79 ± 0.00 and 23.66 ± 0.20 while Glutathione Peroxidase(u/l) was 332.34± 0.64, 205.22± 4.61, 218.26± 0.63, 310.59± 0.00, 305.20± 0.00. and 295.97± 0.02 at Control, P.berghei, artesunate, 250mg, 500mg and1000mg extracts. Glutathione (mM) was 1.60 ± 0.12, 0.64 ± 0.09, 1.06 ± 0.16, 0.72 ± 0.00, 0.92 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 while Malondialdehye (uM) was 16.93 ± 3.59, 61.65 ± 1.72, 27.80 ± 0.26, 36.90 ± 0.00, 34.30 ± 0.00 and 32.68 ± 0.27 and Protein(g/dl) was 22.37 ± 1.87, 7.91 ± 0.13, 11.78 ± 1.19, 11.79 ± 0.00, 13.20 ± 0.00 and 17.04 ±0.03 at control, P.berghei, artesunate, 250mg, 500mg and1000mg respectively.
Conclusion: The study suggested that ethanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca reduced liver oxidative stress caused by P.berghei
The Real Estate Market in Ghana: The Driving Factors and Housing Price.
Authors: ANEWUOH FIRMIN , Gyadu-Asiedu William , Appiadu-Boakye Kennedy 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The pricing of real estate houses in Ghana is a great concern to most Ghanaians. Numerous factors contribute to this. The purpose of this study was to discover the key variables influencing Ghanaian real estate pricing. Members of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) were given a total of 196 sets of structured questionnaires. The members comprised of contractors, consultants, the client’s team, and others. Out of these questionnaires distributed, 130 completed questionnaires were returned. The results of the analysis showed the following as the main factors driving real estate prices: construction cost, financial market, structural features, government policies, macroeconomic determinants, and shifting population demography to be the major factors driving the pricing of real estate residential houses in Ghana. The value of R (the correlation coefficient of the regression analysis) was 0.846, indicating a very high positive correlation existing between the dependent and independent variables. This suggests that the two variables are moving in the same direction. The study concludes that population demographics, construction cost, structural feature, macroeconomic variables, government policy, and financial market explain 62.9 percent of the variability in the pricing of real estate residential dwellings in Ghana.
Presencia de Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae) en la dieta de Leopardus guigna (Carnivora: Felidae), en una zona suburbana del sur de Chile
Authors: Escobar Alvaro , Jackson Douglas 
Published: September 2023

Se analizó el contenido estomacal de una Güiña (Leopardus guigna) que fue encontrada atropellada en una zona suburbana-rural de la ciudad de Pucón. En el estómago del félido se encontró solo un individuo de Guarén (Rattus norvegicus), roedor exótico que no se había descrito previamente en la dieta de este félido. Se discute el potencial de la Güiña como controlador biológico de roedores exóticos y portadores de enfermedades.
The Impact of Trisodium Phosphate on Chloride-Driven Under Deposit Corrosion in Steam Generators
Authors: Sliem M. , Laycock N. , Hefny A. , Shenai P. , Abdullah A.M. , Pedrazzini S. , Ryan M.P. 
Published: September 2023

Carbon or low alloy steel tubes in steam generators (or boilers) are potentially vulnerable to under deposit corrosion (UDC), arising from the formation of porous magnetite deposits on the waterside heat-transfer surfaces. Beneath these deposits, “wick-boiling” causes a concentration of contaminants (such as chlorides), which eventually leads to rapid corrosion. In this work, the corrosion of carbon steel has been investigated in hot acid chloride solutions that simulate the concentrated local environments formed during UDC. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is sometimes dosed into boilers for pH control. This work has shown that TSP addition such that the phosphate concentration equals the chloride concentration dramatically reduces the corrosion rate in these simulated environments from &gt;20 mm/y to &lt;0.1 mm/y. Additionally, a model of wick-boiling beneath deposits has been used to analyze the concentration of chlorides and phosphates during the initiation stages of UDC, suggesting that dosing of only 100 ppb of TSP into bulk boiler water should be sufficient to increase the critical deposit thickness (required for UDC) by &gt;100 µm across a wide range of operational scenarios.