bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of Allium scorodoprasum L. ethanolic extract in cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats
Authors: Gungor Huseyin , Ekici Mehmet , Karatas Ozhan , Dik Burak 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent and immunosuppressant drug; however, it damages the liver. This study investigates the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Allium scorodoprasum (ASE) on cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury.

Methods
Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 per group): healthy rats, cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) + ASE (100 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) + ASE (200 mg/kg). ASE was administered for 14 days, and the rats were euthanized 24 h after cyclophosphamide administration.

Key findings
Cyclophosphamide treatment leads to an increase in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein, as well as an increase in the liver levels of malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, while high-density lipoprotein levels decrease. Treatment with cyclophosphamide caused liver necrosis and postnecrotic cell infiltration; however, pathological changes were prevented by ASE. 8-Hydroxy-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine, anti-4-hydroxynenal antibody and anti-dityrosine levels increased in rats treated with cyclophosphamide and decreased in the groups treated with ASE. These changes were dose dependent in the ASE-treated groups.

Conclusions
Treatment with cyclophosphamide caused liver damage due to oxidative stress and inflammation. ASE regulated the damage at high doses because it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. In future studies, it may be beneficial to administer ASE in higher doses or for longer periods of time.
Handling Missing Values in Surveys With Complex Study Design: A Simulation Study
Authors: Kalpourtzi Natasa , Carpenter James R , Touloumi Giota 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe inverse probability weighting (IPW) method is commonly used to deal with missing-at-random outcome (response) data collected by surveys with complex sampling designs. However, IPW methods generally assume that fully observed predictor variables are available for all sampled units, and it is unclear how to appropriately implement these methods when one or more independent variables are subject to missing values. Multiple imputation (MI) methods are well suited for a variety of missingness patterns but are not as easily adapted to complex sampling designs. In this case study, we consider the National Survey of Morbidity and Risk Factors (EMENO), a multistage probability sample survey. To understand the strengths and limitations of using either missing data treatment method for the EMENO, we present an extensive simulation study modeled on the EMENO health survey, with the target analysis being the estimation of population prevalence of hypertension as well as the association between hypertension and income. Both variables are subject to missingness. We test a variety of IPW and MI methods in simulation and on empirical data from the survey, assessing robustness by varying missingness mechanisms, proportions of missingness, and strengths of fitted response propensity models.
Musculoskeletal Injuries at the Chinese Peacekeeping Level II Hospital in Wau, South Sudan, 2018-2022
Authors: Sun Chao , Xiong Chengjie , Xu Feng 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are common among U.N. military personnel and cause a substantial toll, but little is known about the actual risks and changes of MSIs. The Chinese level II hospital (CHN L2H) was the highest-level hospital in the Western Sector of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This study reviewed and analyzed the MSIs managed by the CHN L2H in UNMISS.

Methods
Medical records of MSIs in CHN L2H from September 2018 to July 2022 were identified. We analyzed all the MSIs and treatment procedures.

Results
A total of 857 patients from more than 40 countries were included (86.8% men, average age of 37.83 years), consisting of 457 troop-contributing country, 231 U.N. local, and 169 U.N. international personnel. The most common injury was lumbar muscle strain (14.2%). Sports-related mechanism (29.2%) was the most frequent cause of MSIs. The most significant proportions of anatomical regions were the lumbar spine (22.52%), hand (13.77%), and foot (10.97%). No-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (43.99%), physical therapy (20.54%), and immobilization (11.32%) were the most used treatments.

Conclusions
MSIs are common diseases in the CHN L2H in the Western Sector of UNMISS. The universality and complexity of MSIs demonstrate the urgent need to improve prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
KDG 64: a large dwarf spheroidal or a small ultradiffuse satellite of Messier 81
Authors: Afanasiev Anton V , Chilingarian Igor V , Grishin Kirill A , Makarov Dmitry , Makarova Lidia , Fabricant Daniel , Caldwell Nelson , Moran Sean 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTLow-mass early-type galaxies, including dwarf spheroidals (dSph) and brighter dwarf ellipticals (dE), dominate the galaxy population in groups and clusters. Recently, an additional early-type population of more extended ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) has been identified, sparking a discussion on the potential morphological and evolutionary connections between the three classifications. Here, we present the first measurements of spatially resolved stellar kinematics from deep integrated-light spectra of KDG 64 (UGC 5442), a large dSph galaxy in the M 81 group. From these data, we infer stellar population properties and dark matter halo parameters using Jeans dynamical modelling. We find an old, metal-poor stellar population with no young stars and a dark matter mass fraction of ∼90 per cent within the half-light radius. These properties and the position of KDG 64 on the Fundamental Plane indicate that it is a local analogue of smaller UDGs in the Coma and Virgo clusters and is probably a transitional dSph-UDG object. Its evolutionary path cannot be uniquely established from the existing data, but we argue that supernovae feedback and tidal heating played key roles in shaping KDG 64.
Proteasomal pathway inhibition as a potential therapy for NF2-associated meningioma and schwannoma
Authors: Bhattacharyya Srirupa , Oblinger Janet L , Beauchamp Roberta L , Yin Zhenzhen , Erdin Serkan , Koundinya Priya , Ware Anna D , Ferrer Marc , Jordan Justin T , Plotkin Scott R , Xu Lei , Chang Long-Sheng , Ramesh Vijaya 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an inherited disorder caused by bi-allelic inactivation of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. NF2-associated tumors, including schwannoma and meningioma, are resistant to chemotherapy, often recurring despite surgery and/or radiation, and have generally shown cytostatic response to signal transduction pathway inhibitors, highlighting the need for improved cytotoxic therapies.

Methods
Leveraging data from our previous high-throughput drug screening in NF2 preclinical models, we identified a class of compounds targeting the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP), and undertook studies using candidate UPP inhibitors, ixazomib/MLN9708, pevonedistat/MLN4924, and TAK-243/MLN7243. Employing human primary and immortalized meningioma (MN) cell lines, CRISPR-modified Schwann cells (SCs), and mouse Nf2−/− SCs, we performed dose response testing, flow cytometry-based Annexin V and cell cycle analyses, and RNA-sequencing to identify potential underlying mechanisms of apoptosis. In vivo efficacy was also assessed in orthotopic NF2-deficient meningioma and schwannoma tumor models.

Results
Testing of three UPP inhibitors demonstrated potent reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis for ixazomib or TAK-243, but not pevonedistat. In vitro analyses revealed that ixazomib or TAK-243 downregulates expression of c-KIT and PDGFRα, as well as the E3 ubiquitin ligase SKP2 while upregulating genes associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). In vivo treatment of mouse models revealed delayed tumor growth, suggesting a therapeutic potential.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the efficacy of proteasomal pathway inhibitors in meningioma and schwannoma preclinical models and lays the groundwork for use of these drugs as a promising novel treatment strategy for NF2 patients.
The Bible in China
Authors: Yeo K.-K. 
Published: February 2023

The “Bible” and “China” may appear to be incompatible. Yet a challenging and creative mutual impact of the Bible and the Chinese world is evident in the storied and torrid landscape interconnecting the Bible, world Christianity, and Chinese society in the last fourteen centuries. Since 635 ce, China’s Emperor Tang Taizong (唐太宗) commissioned Alouben (阿羅本), the Syrian monk, to translate the “true sutra” of the Church of the East for the Chinese Imperial Library. In the Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties, Jews, synagogue, and stone and scroll inscriptions were already in Kaifeng. In the Yuan dynasty, John of Montecorvino (b. 1247–d. 1328), an Italian Franciscan, arrived in China in 1291 ce and began translating some of the New Testament and Psalms texts into Chinese and Mongolian. Other Catholic missionaries, Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans arrived in China in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, including Michele Ruggieri (羅明堅, b. 1543–d. 1607) and Matteo Ricci (利瑪竇, b. 1552–d. 1610). Robert Morrison (馬禮遜, b. 1782–d. 1834) arrived in Macau in 1807, and the Chinese Protestant missions expanded biblical translation to publishing, education, and welfare services. The Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in China at the end of the seventeenth century, and they translated the liturgical and catechesis texts into Chinese. Foreign missionaries and scholars together with national Chinese leaders and lay believers collaborated on the works of: (1) the Bible translations in various Chinese versions; (2) the Bible expressions in diverse Chinese literary and religious contexts; (3) the Bible interpretations in wide-ranging mediums of readings; and (4) the Bible receptions in China’s multiple cultural life, social institutions, and the arts. The four-fold paradigm of the relationship between the “Bible” and “China” ebbs and flows on the tides of historical flux and encounter, as it navigates through the ever-shifting cultural and linguistic changes, institutional metamorphoses, sociopolitical shifting contexts. The challenge of any researcher in this field is to interpret the data and explain the seemingly illogical characteristics of the Bible in China. Further research may show how the Bible is not a relic of the past but a culturally enlivened writing for the world, including China for centuries past, for the present, and even for its future prospects.
Receipt of Smoking Cessation Medications Among People With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (2003–2018)
Authors: Shahrir Shahida , Crothers Kristina , McGinnis Kathleen A , Chan Kwun C G , Baeten Jared M , Wilson Sarah M , Butt Adeel A , Pisani Margaret A , Baldassarri Stephen R , Justice Amy , Williams Emily C 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundNicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline are smoking cessation medications (SCMs) shown to be similarly effective in people with and without human immunodeficiency virus (PWH and PWoH, respectively), although rates of receipt of these medications are unknown.MethodsWe identified patients in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study with electronic health record-documented current smoking using clinical reminder data for tobacco use (2003–2018). We measured receipt of SCMs using Veterans Affairs pharmacy data for outpatient prescriptions filled 0–365 days after current smoking documentation. We used log-linear, Poisson-modified regression models to evaluate the relative risk (RR) for receiving SCM by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, the annual rate of receipt, and rate difference among PWH relative to PWoH.ResultsThe sample included 92 632 patients (29 086 PWH), reflecting 381 637 documentations of current smoking. From 2003 to 2018, the proportion receiving SCMs increased from 15% to 34% for PWH and from 17% to 32% among PWoH. There was no statistical difference in likelihood of receiving SCM by HIV status (RR, 1.010; 95% confidence interval [CI], .994–1.026). Annual rates of receiving SCM increased for PWH by 4.3% per year (RR, 1.043; 95% CI, 1.040–1.047) and for PWoH by 3.7% per year (RR, 1.037; 95% CI, 1.036–1.038; rate difference +0.6% [RR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.004–1.009]).ConclusionsIn a national sample of current smokers, receipt of SCM doubled over the 16-year period, and differences by HIV status were modest. However, fewer than 35% of current smokers receive SCM annually. Efforts to improve SCM receipt should continue for both groups given the known dangers of smoking.
The WEST Study: A Retrospective and Multicentric Study on the Impact of Steroid Therapy in West Nile Encephalitis
Authors: Colaneri Marta , Lissandrin Raffaella , Calia Matteo , Bassoli Cecilia , Seminari Elena , Pavesi Alessandro , Rovida Francesca , Baldanti Fausto , Muzzi Alba , Chichino Guido , Regazzetti Angelo , Grecchi Cecilia , Pan Angelo , Lupi Matteo , Franceschini Erica , Mussini Cristina , Bruno Raffaele 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of steroid therapy in potentially life-threatening neuroinvasive forms of West Nile infection (WNND) is controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of steroid therapy in reducing intrahospital mortality, length of stay, and neurological sequelae at discharge.MethodsThis was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study conducted in 5 hospitals in Northern Italy, headed by the Fondazione IRCSS Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia). We extracted all patient data with WNND diagnoses, comparing patients who received steroid treatment with patients who did not receive steroid treatment between January 2014 and January 2022. Comparisons between the 2 groups were performed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney tests for non-normal continuous data, and a generalized linear model for the binomial family was carried out.ResultsData from 65 WNND patients were extracted. Among these patients, 33 (50.7%) received steroid therapy at any point during their hospitalization. Receiving steroid therapy did not significantly reduce intrahospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% CI, 0.3–13.8; P = .89) or neurological sequelae at discharge (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.16–1.76; P = .47).ConclusionsSteroid treatment is currently used on a single-case basis in severe WNND. More prospective data are needed to demonstrate a protective effect on mortality and neurological sequelae.
Long-Term Career Earnings in Academia Might Offset the Opportunity Cost of Full-Time PhD and Postdoctoral Education for Physical Therapists Who Hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
Authors: Garbin Alexander J , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E , Gritz R Mark , Tucker Carole A , Bade Michael J 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objective
Rigorously trained physical therapy researchers are essential for the generation of knowledge that guides the profession. However, there is a current and projected dearth of physical therapy researchers capable of sustaining research programs in part due to perceived financial barriers associated with pursuit of a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree, with and without postdoctoral training, following doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree completion. This study aimed to evaluate the financial impact of PhD and postdoctoral training, including opportunity cost, years to break even, and long-term earnings.

Methods
Clinical and academic salaries were obtained via the 2016 APTA Median Income of Physical Therapist Summary Report and 2019 CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report. Salaries were adjusted to total compensation to account for benefits and compared over a 30-year period starting after DPT education. Total compensations were also adjusted to the present value, placing greater weight on early career earnings due to inflation and potential investments.

Results
Relative to work as a clinical physical therapist, 4 years of PhD training result in an earnings deficit of $264,854 rising to $357,065 after 2 years of additional postdoctoral training. These deficits do not persist as evidenced by a clinical physical therapist career earning $449,372 less than a nonmajority scholarship academic career (DPT to PhD to academia pathway) and $698,704 less than a majority scholarship academic career (DPT to PhD to postdoctoral training to academia pathway) over a 30-year period. Greater long-term earnings for PhD careers persist when adjusting to present value.

Conclusions
Although there is an initial opportunity cost of PhD and postdoctoral training represented by a relative earnings deficit, advanced research training results in greater long-term earnings.

Impact
The findings of this study allow physical therapists interested in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral training to be better informed about the associated financial ramifications.
Combining Cell Technologies With Biomimetic Tissue Engineering Applications: A New Paradigm for Translational Cardiovascular Therapies
Authors: Motta Sarah E , Martin Marcy , Gähwiler Eric K N , Visser Valery L , Zaytseva Polina , Ehterami Arian , Hoerstrup Simon P , Emmert Maximilian Y 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and, to date, the clinically available prostheses still present several limitations. The design of next-generation regenerative replacements either based on cellular or extracellular matrix technologies can address these shortcomings. Therefore, tissue engineered constructs could potentially become a promising alterative to the current therapeutic options for patients with cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we selectively present an overview of the current tissue engineering tools such as induced pluripotent stem cells, biomimetic materials, computational modeling, and additive manufacturing technologies, with a focus on their application to translational cardiovascular therapies. We discuss how these advanced technologies can help the development of biomimetic tissue engineered constructs and we finally summarize the latest clinical evidence for their use, and their potential therapeutic outcome.
Characterization of Blast Resistance in a Diverse Rice Panel from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mutiga Samuel K. , Orwa Philemon , Nganga Everlyne M. , Kyallo Martina M. , Rotich Felix , Gichuhi Emily , Kimani John M. , Mwongera David T. , Were Vincent M. , Yanoria Mary Jeanie , Murori Rosemary , Mgonja Emmanuel , Ziyomo Cathrine , Wasilwa Lusike , Bachabi Famata , Ndjiondjop Marie-Noëlle , Ouedraogo Ibrahima , Correll James C. , Talbot Nick J. 
Published: February 2023

There is a recent unparalleled increase in demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its production is affected by blast disease. Characterization of blast resistance in adapted African rice cultivars can provide important information to guide growers and rice breeders. We used molecular markers for known blast resistance genes ( Pi genes; n = 21) to group African rice genotypes ( n = 240) into similarity clusters. We then used greenhouse-based assays to challenge representative rice genotypes ( n = 56) with African isolates ( n = 8) of Magnaporthe oryzae which varied in virulence and genetic lineage. The markers grouped rice cultivars into five blast resistance clusters (BRC) which differed in foliar disease severity. Using stepwise regression, we found that the Pi genes associated with reduced blast severity were Pi50 and Pi65, whereas Pik-p, Piz-t, and Pik were associated with increased susceptibility. All rice genotypes in the most resistant cluster, BRC 4, possessed Pi50 and Pi65, the only genes that were significantly associated with reduced foliar blast severity. Cultivar IRAT109, which contains Piz-t, was resistant against seven African M. oryzae isolates, whereas ARICA 17 was susceptible to eight isolates. The popular Basmati 217 and Basmati 370 were among the most susceptible genotypes. These findings indicate that most tested genes were not effective against African blast pathogen collections. Pyramiding genes in the Pi2/9 multifamily blast resistance cluster on chromosome 6 and Pi65 on chromosome 11 could confer broad-spectrum resistance capabilities. To gain further insights into genomic regions associated with blast resistance, gene mapping could be conducted with resident blast pathogen collections. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Gap-Free Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes of Fusarium verticillioides Strain HN2
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhai Haoyu , Yang Lei , Yang Qun , Song Le , Wu Jianyu , Lai Zhibing , Li Guotian 
Published: February 2023

Fusarium ear rot (FER) and Fusarium stalk rot (FSR), caused by the filamentous fungus Fusarium verticillioides, have become increasingly serious around the world. Additionally, fumonisins produced by F. verticillioides threaten food and feed security. By adding the contribution of genomic resources to better understand the pathosystem, including the mechanisms of F. verticillioides-maize interactions, and further improving the quality of the F. verticillioides genome, the gap-free nuclear genome and mitochondrial genome of F. verticillioides strain HN2 were sequenced and assembled. Using Oxford Nanopore long reads and next-generation sequencing short reads, the final 42.81-Mb genome was assembled into 12 contigs (N50 = 4.16 Mb). A total of 13,466 protein-coding genes were annotated, including 1,076 secreted proteins that contain 342 candidate effectors. In addition, we assembled the complete 53,764-bp mitochondrial genome. F. verticillioides strain 7600 genome assemblies are fragmented, and high-quality reference genomes were needed. The genomes presented here will serve as an important resource for F. verticillioides research. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .