bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (rs34377097) of TBXA2R gene and pollen induced bronchial asthma susceptibility in West Bengal population, India
Authors: Ganai Indranil , Saha Ishita , Banerjee Priyajit , Laha Arghya , Sultana Saheen , Sultana Nasima , Biswas Himani , Moitra Saibal , Podder Sanjoy 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionPrevalence of asthma is increasing steadily among general population in developing countries over past two decades. One of the causative agents of broncho-constriction in asthma is thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R). However few studies of TBXA2R polymorphism were performed so far. The present study aimed to assess potential association of TBXA2R rs34377097 polymorphism causing missense substitution of Arginine to Leucine (R60L) among 482 patients diagnosed with pollen-induced asthma and 122 control participants from West Bengal, India. Also we performed in-silico analysis of mutated TBXA2R protein (R60L) using homology modeling.MethodsClinical parameters like Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were assessed using spirometry. Patients’ sensitivity was measured by skin prick test (SPT) against 16 pollen allergens. Polymerase chain reaction-based Restriction fragment length polymorphism was done for genotyping. Structural model of wild type and homology model of polymorphic TBXA2R was generated using AlphaFold2 and MODELLER respectively. Electrostatic surface potential was calculated using APBS plugin in PyMol.ResultsGenotype frequencies differed significantly between the study groups (P=0.03). There was no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in control population (χ2=1.56). Asthmatic patients have significantly higher frequency of rs34377097TT genotype than control subjects (P=0.03). SPT of patients showed maximum sensitivity in A. indica (87.68%) followed by C. nusifera (83.29%) and C. pulcherima (74.94%). Significant difference existed for pollen sensitivity in adolescent and young adult (P=0.01) and between young and old adult (P=0.0003). Significant negative correlation was found between FEV1/FVC ratio and intensity of SPT reactions (P&lt;0.0001). Significant association of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR was observed with pollen-induced asthma. Furthermore, risk allele T was found to be clinically correlated with lower FEV1/FVC ratio (P=0.015) in patients. Our data showed R60L polymorphism, which was conserved across mammals, significantly reduced positive electrostatic charge of polymorphic protein in cytoplasmic domain thus altered downstream pathway and induced asthma response.DiscussionThe present in-silico study is the first one to report association of TBXA2R rs34377097 polymorphism in an Indian population. It may be used as prognostic marker of clinical response to asthma in West Bengal and possible target of therapeutics in future.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with stroke during COVID-19: A role in the signaling pathway leading to platelet activation
Authors: Capozzi Antonella , Riitano Gloria , Recalchi Serena , Manganelli Valeria , Longo Agostina , Falcou Anne , De Michele Manuela , Garofalo Tina , Pulcinelli Fabio M. , Sorice Maurizio , Misasi Roberta 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundSeveral viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, may lead to both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Previously, it has been demonstrated an “in vitro” pathogenic effect of “antiphospholipid” antibodies (aPLs), which are able to activate a proinflammatory and procoagulant phenotype in monocytes, endothelial cells and platelets. This study analyzed the occurrence of aPL IgG in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during COVID-19, evaluating the effect of Ig fractions from these patients on signaling and functional activation of platelets.Materials and methodsSera from 10 patients with AIS during COVID-19, 10 non-COVID-19 stroke patients, 20 COVID-19 and 30 healthy donors (HD) were analyzed for anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2-GPI, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin and anti-vimentin/CL antibodies by ELISA. Platelets from healthy donors were incubated with Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG and analyzed for phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 by western blot. Platelet secretion by ATP release dosage was also evaluated.ResultsWe demonstrated the presence of aPLs IgG in sera of patients with AIS during COVID-19. Treatment with the Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG induced a significant increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In the same vein, platelet activation was supported by the increase of adenyl nucleotides release induced by Ig fractions.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the presence of aPLs in a subgroup of COVID-19 patients who presented AIS, suggesting a role in the mechanisms contributing to hypercoagulable state in these patients. Detecting these antibodies as a serological marker to check and monitor COVID-19 may contribute to improve the risk stratification of thromboembolic manifestations in these patients.
Sensitive and rapid detection of Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus
Authors: Wei Xiao , Meng Biao , Li Yan , Peng Hong , Zhao Xiangna 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundCulex pipiens and Aedes albopictus are closely related to human life, and transmit a variety of viruses, causing serious harm to human health. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene has been selected as a marker gene for studying phylogeny and molecular evolution of species and is also an effective molecular marker for studying the evolutionary mechanism and systematic reconstruction of diptera insects.MethodsA loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the rapid and sensitive detection of Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus were first described in this study. The experimental results were verified by real-time PCR.ResultsOur study showed the lower limit of sample concentration that can be detected by LAMP method is 0.5 pg/μl within 20 min for Cx. pipiens, and 1 pg/μl within 20 min for Ae. albopictus, which were more sensitive than PCR method. Validation tests with field samples showed LAMP method had good specificity and sensitivity and could identify the target species quickly and accurately.ConclusionThe LAMP method developed in this study allowed the rapid and sensitive detection of Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus, which will be expected to be used for mass screening in batches of the field.
Dislocation-driven growth of WS2/WSe2 quantum well superlattices
Authors: Yang Hang , Zeng Li , Huang Ziwei , Zhang Tian , Zhang Shunhui , Zhang Xuyang , Ao Zhikang , Lan Xiang , Zhang Baihui 
Published: March 2023

The synthesis of two-dimensional lateral heterojunctions with nanoscale characteristic width and sharp interfaces remains challenging. The quantum confinement effects are still difficult to create on 2D materials since widths smaller than 5 nm are necessary for quantum confinement effects and quantum well applications. In this study, we demonstrated the growth of a sub-2-nm tungsten sulfide quantum well array in a monolayer of tungsten selenide, driven by the climb of mismatch dislocation in a heterointerface due to the lattice mismatch. Width-controllable 2D quantum well superlattices are theoretically formed by the mismatch dislocation-driven growth mechanism, according to our analysis. Thus, abundant photonic electronic properties can be obtained in 2D quantum well superlattices formed at varied lateral heterointerfaces, which will support the study of topological insulators and superconductors.
Impact of COVID-19 on inpatient care related to skin conditions
Authors: Kalanj Karolina , Orbanić Ante , Peček Mirta , Orešković Stjepan , Marshall Rick , Šitum Mirna 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected our society and healthcare system. This study aims to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the number of hospitalized patients with dermatological diseases in Croatia, as well as the number of these patients treated surgically and conservatively, before (2017–2019) and during the pandemic (2020–2021).Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective, comparative study of the hospital admission rate for patients with skin, subcutaneous tissue, and breast disorders both before and during the pandemic. This study used data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (CIPH) and the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF). Inpatient data for the CHIF data collection were categorized using the Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (AR-DRGs). All hospital admissions for dermatology patients at all non-specialized hospitals in Croatia were tracked during two periods, before (2017–2019) and during the pandemic (2020–2021).ResultsThe average number of dermatology patients in all hospitals fell by 29% during the pandemic. The overall number of dermatological patients admitted to hospitals fell by 32% in 2020 and by 26% in 2021 when compared to the number of patients admitted each year on average over the preceding 3 years. Additionally, there was an average 22% fall in surgical procedures performed during the pandemic. The only exception for surgical procedures is Major Breast Reconstruction for which is noted an increase, as also for Malignant Breast Disorders, Minor Complexity and Major Skin Disorders, Minor Complexity in a group of non-surgically treated patients.ConclusionExamining the all consequences of the Croatian dermatological patient care interruption will require more investigation. Reduced access to medical care during the pandemic is anticipated to lead to later illness diagnosis, a later start to treatment, a poorer disease prognosis, as well as higher medical expenditures.
Effect of real-world fear on risky decision-making in medical school-based students: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Sheng , Xiao Wei 
Published: March 2023

Objective: To explore the effect of real-world fear on risky decision-making under certainty and uncertainty.Methods: This quasi-experimental study enrolled non-psychology undergraduate volunteers aged between 17 and 20 years old from the Preventive Medical Institute medical school in Xi’an. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, and each group received a two-stage crossover design intervention (of a calm and fearful situation) and completed the tasks of risky decision-making under uncertainty (the balloon analog risk task: BART) and certainty (the Cambridge gambling task: CGT), respectively. The primary outcomes included the behavioral impulsivity measured by the BART value, and the speed of decision-making, the quality of decisions, the adventure index, behavioral impulsivity, and risk adjustment measured by CGT. The secondary outcome was the concentration of cortisol in the saliva.Results: A total of 60 questionnaires and data were obtained from 60 participants (28 males and 32 females, aged 19.55 ± 0.75). Compared with the calm situation, participants were more likely to have a lower BART value (p = 0.013), slower speed of decision-making (p &lt; 0.05), and higher adventure index (p = 0.018) in the fearful situation. The quality of decisions (p = 0.189), behavioral impulsivity index (p = 0.182), and risk adjustment (p = 0.063) between subjects in the fearful and calm situations were comparable. Furthermore, the mean value of the adventure index of CGT in male subjects was significantly higher than that in female subjects (p &lt; 0.05), and the cortisol concentration in saliva during the fearful situation was significantly higher compared to the calm situation (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Fear might reduce behavioral impulsivity under uncertainty, and increase the adventure index under certainty in risky decision-making. Risky behavior might be influenced by gender: under certainty in risky decision-making, men were more adventurous. Additionally, fear increased the secretion of cortisol in saliva.
Good multiple sclerosis (MS) care and how to get there in Canada: Perspectives of Canadian healthcare providers working with persons with MS
Authors: Petrin Julie , Marrie Ruth Ann , Devonshire Virginia , Jichici Draga , Hrebicek Olinka , Metz Luanne M. , Morrow Sarah A. , Oh Jiwon , Smyth Penelope , Donkers Sarah J. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThe literature that has examined healthcare access and needs of the multiple sclerosis (MS) population is limited. Currently, no research has engaged healthcare providers delivering services to this population to examine their perspectives on the provision of MS care in Canada. We aimed to summarize what good MS care should look like according to Canadian healthcare providers working with people with MS, and to identify the supports and resources required, within their care setting, to enable this standard of care.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was taken to analyze data from participants who responded to additional open-ended survey questions, within a larger “MS Models of Care Survey” targeting Canadian healthcare providers working with persons with MS.ResultsCurrently, a gap exists between what healthcare providers working with persons with MS believe MS care should encompass and what they are able to offer. Participants emphasized that their MS clinics are currently understaffed and patient-to-provider ratios are high, leaving very little time to address the array of healthcare concerns their patients present with. The healthcare providers overwhelmingly described that moving toward multidisciplinary team-based MS care that includes appropriate numbers of MS-trained neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health providers working within one location would be their prioritized approach to comprehensively managing MS care. This model of care enables all professionals to effectively coordinate care and use their time efficiently by only focusing on their area of expertise, all while meeting the needs of their patient in one setting, reducing wait-times and improving overall care.ConclusionTo meet the care needs of Canadians with MS, the healthcare system must consider standardizing and funding multidisciplinary team-based MS clinics, comparable to Stroke units, which continue to show favorable health outcomes after years of implementation.
Transarterial arterial sclerosing embolization for the treatment of propranolol-resistant subglottic hemangioma: Feasibility and effificacy
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Song Dan , Wang Liang , Zhou Jie , Wang Changfeng , Li Jing , Sun Jiali , Zhang Xian , Guo Lei 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial sclerosing embolization (TASE) for the treatment of subglottic hemangiomas that did not respond appreciably to propranolol.Materials and MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis. Of the 101 patients with subglottic hemangiomas admitted to our center, 10 (4 male and 6 female) patients were included in this study. All these patients underwent arterial embolization using Pingyangmycin and polyvinyl alcohol particles (300–500 μm). All patients were examined 1 month after the last treatment and monthly thereafter.ResultsTASE treatment was technically successful in all patients. Ten lesions were located in the subglottic region. The blood supply included the superior thyroid artery, brachiocephalic trunk, facial artery, and ascending pharyngeal arteries. The median maximal diameter of the hemangiomas significantly decreased from 8.5 mm before treatment to 2 mm after TASE (P &lt;.05). The degree of laryngeal obstruction improved in all patients. No serious complications were noted. One patient developed fever postoperatively, and three patients had a mild cough.ConclusionsFor even subglottic hemangiomas with suboptimal efficacy of propranolol, TASE significantly reduced the size of hemangiomas with minimal adverse effects. It had a positive effect on the improvement of airway stenosis caused by subglottic hemangioma with poor effect of oral propranolol.
Chemopreventive effects of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang on paclitaxel-induced leucopenia and neuropathy in animals
Authors: Shiah Her-Shyong , Lee Chia-Jung , Lee Fang-Yu , Tseng Sung-Hui , Chen Shih-Han , Wang Ching-Chiung 
Published: March 2023

Paclitaxel frequently induces peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression during cancer treatment. According to the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, traditional Chinese medicine doctors widely use Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (XSLJZT) to treat breast cancer patients who have received paclitaxel. We explored the combined therapeutic effects of XSLZJT with paclitaxel. XSLJZT did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on P388-D1 cells; however, the combination of XSLJZT (100 and 500 mg/kg) with paclitaxel prolonged the survival rate in P388–D1 tumor-bearing mice compared to paclitaxel-only. In addition, XSLJZT was found to enhance white blood cells (WBC) counts and promote leukocyte rebound in paclitaxel-induced leukopenia in mice. XSLJZT also reduced paclitaxel-induced mechanical pain and inhibited c-Fos protein expression in the L4-6 spinal cords of Wistar rats. Moreover, paclitaxel-induced shortening of the nerve fibers of dorsal root ganglion cells was ameliorated by pre-treatment with XSLJZT. Therefore, we suggest that XSLJZT could be used as an adjunct for cancer patients, as the formula could decrease paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and myelosuppression.
Sacubitril–valsartan versus enalapril for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure in Chinese settings: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Hu Tianyang , Liu Yiting , Lou Yake 
Published: March 2023

Background: The episode of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the main cause of hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Sacubitril–valsartan has been proven to be effective in reducing the risks of hospitalization for HF in ADHF. When to initiate sacubitril–valsartan in ADHF to make it the most cost-effective in China remains unclear.Methods: A lifetime Markov model with a 1-month cycle length was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early or late initiation of sacubitril–valsartan versus enalapril in ADHF. Early initiation of sacubitril–valsartan meant that it was initiated after stabilization from ADHF, and late initiation of sacubitril–valsartan meant that it was initiated after stabilization from HF, which includes no hospitalization for at least three consecutive months. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as the ratio of incremental cost to incremental effectiveness. The secondary outcomes were total costs and total effectiveness. Three times of per capita GDP of China in 2021 was set as the willingness-to-pay threshold. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were employed to test the robustness of the results.Results: The early initiation of sacubitril–valsartan treatment resulted in an ICER of 3,662.4 USD per quality-adjusted life year, lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold, and the late initiation of sacubitril–valsartan treatment gained an ICER of 4,444.4 USD/QALY, still lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that our results were robust, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that early initiation of sacubitril–valsartan in ADHF was cost-effective under a 97.4% circumstance.Conclusion: Early initiation of sacubitril–valsartan after stabilization of ADHF is highly cost-effective compared with the use of enalapril; late initiation of sacubitril–valsartan after stabilization of HF is still cost-effective but not as cost-effective as early initiation of sacubitril–valsartan in ADHF. For Chinese ADHF patients, the time to initiate sacubitril–valsartan should be when the patient is stabilized from ADHF rather than when stabilized from HF, from the perspective of economic evaluation.
Adjustment and maladjustment to later life: Evidence about early experiences in the family
Authors: Alcaide Marta , Garcia Oscar F. , Queiroz Pablo , Garcia Fernando 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionPrevious parenting studies with European-American families have identified optimal parenting as being based on warmth combined with strictness (i.e., authoritative parenting). The present study analyzes, in adolescents and adults, their adjustment and maladjustment related to age and their early experiences in the family.MethodsThe sample consisted of 2,158 Spanish people (58.29% women): 624 adolescents, 630 young adults, 504 middle-aged adults, and 400 older adults. The families were classified into one of the four parental typologies (authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful) based on their scores in the two main dimensions (warmth and strictness). Child functioning was measured as components of adjustment (self-esteem, emotional self-concept, and empathy) and maladjustment (aggression and hostile sexism).ResultsOverall, only adolescents and adult children raised in indulgent families reported the highest self-esteem, emotional self-concept, and empathy, and the lowest aggression and hostile sexism. Authoritative parenting (warmth with strictness) was related to a lower emotional self-concept and greater aggression and hostile sexism than indulgent parenting (warmth without strictness). The worst scores corresponded to authoritarian and neglectful parenting.DiscussionThe present findings provide new evidence about early experiences in the family, even after parental socialization has ended. Interestingly, contrary to the main findings from classic studies with European-American families, only high parental warmth combined with low parental strictness (i.e., indulgent parenting) is always positive for greater adjustment and less maladjustment in all age groups.
Always look on the bright side of life: Individual differences in visual attentional breadth for understanding temperament and emotion regulation in adolescents
Authors: Van Beveren Marie-Lotte , Braet Jolien , De Raedt Rudi , Grol Maud , Wante Laura , Braet Caroline 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionCognitive-affective models of depression show that negative and positive emotionality differentially confer risk for depression through maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies respectively. Yet, no research has examined the mechanisms through which these temperament traits shape individual differences in ER. The current study explored the mediating role of attentional breadth for emotional information in the distinct pathways from temperament to ER strategies in adolescents.MethodsThe hypotheses were tested in a selected sample of 71 adolescents (M = 14.15, SD = 1.90; 62% girls) using a previously validated measure of visuospatial attentional breadth.ResultsFirst, positive emotionality was positively associated with attentional breadth for positive stimuli and temperamental vulnerable adolescents showed deficits in the processing of positive stimuli when presented far from the center of the visual field. Second, attentional breadth towards neutral stimuli was positively related to adaptive ER strategies. Third, no evidence was found for the proposed mediation models. However, post-hoc analyses provided preliminary evidence for a reversed mediation model in which adaptive ER strategies mediate the relationship between temperament and attentional breadth towards neutral stimuli.DiscussionThe results underscore the apparent complexity of the relations between temperament, attentional breadth, and ER and point out the need for further research in order to inform early intervention.