bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mucuna pruriens on brain NMDA receptor and tau protein gene expression in cerebral ischemic rats
Authors: Parvatikar Prachi P. , Patil S. M. , Patil Bheemshetty S. , Reddy R. Chandramouli , Bagoji Ishwar , Kotennavar Manjunath S. , Patil Sumangala , Patil Aravind V. , Das Kusal K. , Das Swastika N. , Bagali Shrilaxmi 
Published: February 2023

Present study aimed to assess effect of pre-treatment with Mucuna pruriens seed extract and its bioactive molecule(s) on NMDAR and Tau protein gene expression in cerebral ischemic rodent model. Methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds was characterized by HPLC, and β-sitosterol was isolated by flash chromatography. In vivo studies to observe the effect of pre-treatment (28 days) with methanol extract of M. pruriens seed and β-sitosterol on the unilateral cerebral ischemic rat model. Cerebral ischemia induced by left common carotid artery occlusion (LCCAO) for 75 min (on day 29) followed by reperfusion for 12 h. Rats (n = 48) divided into four groups. GroupI (control,Untreated + LCCAO)-No pre-treatment + cerebral ischemia; GroupII(β-sitosterol + Sham)-pre-treatment with β-sitosterol, 10 mg/kg/day + sham-operated; GroupIII(β-sitosterol + LCCAO)-pre-treatment with β-sitosterol, 10 mg/kg/day + cerebral ischemia; GroupIV(methanol extract + LCCAO)-pre-treatment with methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds, 50 mg/kg/day + cerebral ischemia. Neurological deficit score was assessed just before sacrifice. Experimental animals were sacrificed after 12 h reperfusion. Brain histopathology was performed. Gene expression of NMDAR and Tau protein of left cerebral hemisphere (occluded side) was performed by RT-PCR. Results revealed that the neurological deficit score was lower in groups III and IV compared to group I. NMDAR and tau protein mRNA expression in left cerebral hemisphere were upregulated in Group I, downregulated in groups III and IV. Histopathology of left cerebral hemisphere (occluded side) in Group I showed features of ischemic brain damage. Groups III and IV, left cerebral hemisphere showed less ischemic damage compared GroupI. Right cerebral hemisphere showed no areas of ischemia-induced brain changes. Pre-treatment with β-sitosterol and methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds may reduce ischemic brain injury following unilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats.
Seed color represents salt resistance of alfalfa seeds (Medicago sativa L.): Based on the analysis of germination characteristics, seedling growth and seed traits
Authors: Xie Jin , Li Yao , Jiang Gaoqian , Sun Hongyong , Liu Xiaojing , Han Lipu 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has significant feed value and ecological improvement function of marginal land. The difference in the maturity period of seeds in the same lots may be a mechanism of environmental adaptation. Seed color is a morphological trait associated with seed maturity. A clear understanding of the relationship between the seed color and seed stress resistance is helpful for seed selection for marginal land.MethodsThis study evaluated the seed germination parameters (germinability and final germination percentage) and subsequent seedling growth (sprout height, root length, fresh and dry weight) of alfalfa under different salt stress, measured the electrical conductivity, water uptake, seed coat thickness, and endogenous hormone content in alfalfa seeds with different colors (green, yellow and brown).ResultsThe results showed that seed color significantly influenced the seed germination and seedling growth. The germination parameters and seedling performance of brown seeds were significantly lower than that of green and yellow seeds under different salt stress. The germination parameters and seedling growth of brown seed declined most obviously with the aggravation of salt stress. The results suggested that brown seeds were less resistant to salt stress. Seed color had a significant effect on electrical conductivity, and it indicated that the yellow seeds had higher vigor. The seed coat thickness of various colors did not differ significantly. The seed water uptake rate and hormone content (IAA, GA3, ABA) in brown seeds were higher than that in green and yellow seeds, while the (IAA+GA3)/ ABA in yellow seeds were higher than green and brown seeds. The alterations in seed germination and seedling performance among seed colors are likely due to the combination effect of the content and balance between IAA+GA3 and ABA.DiscussionThese results could improve the understanding of stress adaptation mechanisms of alfalfa and provide a theoretical basis for screening alfalfa seeds with high stress resistance.
Academic achievement is more closely associated with student-peer relationships than with student-parent relationships or student-teacher relationships
Authors: Yu Xiaodan , Wang Xufei , Zheng Haoyue , Zhen Xin , Shao Min , Wang Haitao , Zhou Xinlin 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPersonal relationships have long been a concern in education. Most studies indicate that good personal relationships are generally positively correlated with academic performance. However, few studies have compared how different types of personal relationships correlate with academic performance, and the conclusions of existing studies are inconsistent. Based on a large sample, the current study compared how the three closest types of personal relationships among students (with parents, teachers, and their peers) compared with their academic performance.MethodsCluster sampling was used to issue questionnaires to students in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China in 2018 (Study 1) and in 2019 (Study 2). The actual sample size included 28168 students in Study 1 and 29869 students in Study 2 (both studies, Grades 4 and 8), thus totaling 58037 students. All students completed a personal relationship questionnaire and several academic tests.ResultsThe results showed that: (1) the quality of personal relationships significantly and positively correlated with academic performance; (2) Among the three types of relationships tested, the quality of student-peer relationships was the most closely associated with academic achievement.DiscussionThis study gives insights into future research directions in this field and also reminds educators to pay attention to the personal relationships among their students, especially peer relationships.
Probable depression and its correlates among undergraduate students in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Croock Jeremy , Mpinganjira Mafuno G. , Gathoo Kaashifa , Bulmer Robyn , Lautenberg Shannon , Dlamini Qhayiyakazi , Londani Pfanani , Solontsi Azola , Stevens Chanel , Francis Joel M. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundDepression is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Globally, depression is higher among university students than the general population—making it a significant public health problem. Despite this, there is limited data on the prevalence in university students in the Gauteng province, South Africa. This study determined the prevalence of screening positive for probable depression and its correlates among undergraduate students at the university of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study, using an online survey was conducted among undergraduate students at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2021. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess the prevalence of probable depression. Descriptive statistics was computed and conducted bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with probable depression. Age, marital status, substance use (alcohol use, cannabis use, tobacco use, and other substance use) were included in the multivariable model apriori determined confounders and other factors were only added if they had a p-value &lt;0.20 in the bivariate analysis. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe response rate was 8.4% (1046/12404). The prevalence of screening positive for probable depression was 48% (439/910). Race, substance use, and socio-economic status were associated with odds of screening positive for probable depression. Specifically reporting white race (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.96), no cannabis use (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.44–0.99), higher spending power in the form of having the most important things but few luxury goods (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80) and having enough money for luxury goods and extra things (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.76) were associated with lower odds of screening positive for probable depression.Discussion:In this study, screening positive for probable depression was common among undergraduate students at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and associated with sociodemographic and selected behavioral factors. These findings call for strengthening the awareness and use of counselling services among undergraduate students.
Prevalence of self-medication and associated factors among female students of health science colleges at Majmaah University: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Loni Shamshad Begum , Eid Alzahrani Raed , Alzahrani Mansour , Khan Mohammad Owais , Khatoon Rafia , Abdelrahman Huda Hakim , Abd-Elhaleem Zeinab A. , Alhaidari Munira Mohammed 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionGlobally, the prevalence of self-medication among young people has increased exponentially. Due to the basic knowledge and easy access to medicines, undergraduate students at health science colleges are likely to self-medicate. This research was undertaken to assess self-medication prevalence and its contributing factors among female undergraduate students in health science colleges at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 214 female students from the Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia's health science colleges—Medical: (82, 38.31%) and Applied Medical Science College (132, 61.68%)—was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire with sociodemographic information, drugs used, and reasons for self-medication was used for the survey. Non-probability sampling techniques were used to recruit participants.ResultsOf the 214 female participants, 173, 80.84 % (medical: 82, 38.31% and applied medical science: 132, 61.68%) confirmed that they were on self-medication. The majority of participants (42.1%) were between the ages of 20 and 21.5 years (mean ± SD: 20.81 ± 1.4). The main reasons for self-medication were quick relief from the illness (77.5%) followed by saving time (76.3%), minor illnesses (71.1%), self-confidence (56.7%), and laziness (56.7%). The use of leftover drugs at home was common among applied medical science students (39.9%). The main indication for self-medication included menstrual problems (82.7 %), headache (79.8%), fever (72.8%), pain (71.1%), and stress (35.3%). The most common drugs used included antipyretic and analgesics (84.4%), antispasmodics (78.9%), antibiotics (76.9%), antacids (68.2%), multivitamins, and dietary supplements (66.5%). On the contrary, the least used drugs were antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedatives (3.5, 5.8, and 7.5 %, respectively). Family members were the main source of information for self-medication (67.1%), followed by self-acquired knowledge (64.7%), social media (55.5%), and least were friends (31.2%). For adverse effects of the medication, the majority of them consulted the physician (85%) followed by consulting the pharmacist (56.7%) and switched to other drugs or decreased drug dosage. Quick relief, saving time, and minor illness were the main reasons for self-medication among health science college students. It is recommended to conduct awareness programs, workshops, and seminars to educate on the benefits and adverse effects of self-medication.
Health related quality of life among people with mental illness: The role of socio-clinical characteristics and level of functional disability
Authors: Defar Semira , Abraham Yacob , Reta Yared , Deribe Bedilu , Jisso Meskerem , Yeheyis Tomas , Kebede Kurabachew Mengistu , Beyene Bereket , Ayalew Mohammed 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPeople with mental illness (PWMI) have declining health related quality of life (HRQoL), which is frequently equivalent to or greater than that of medical disorders. Although, HRQoL is rapidly being recognized as an essential treatment outcome indicator in modern psychiatry, research on the identification and significance of factors impacting QoL in PWMI is still in its early stages.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify predictors of HRQoL among people with mental illness who underwent outpatient follow-up in Sidama region, southern Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study from April-1, to May-30, 2022. A total of 412 participants took part in the study, using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The HRQoL was measured using the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey-Version 2 (SF-12v2) scale. To describe different variables, descriptive statistics were employed. To find independent HRQoL predictors, we used multivariable linear regression analysis. P-value of &lt;0.05 were declared statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultOut of 412 participants, nearly two-third 261 (63.3%) were male and nearly half 203 (49.3%) were diagnosed as schizophrenia. HRQoL was positively associated with social support (β = 0.321) and being single (β = 2.680). Conversely, functional disability (β = −0.545), being a student (β = −4.645) and jobless (β = −3.279) by occupation, and being diagnosed with depression (β = −2.839) were negatively impacted HRQoL among PWMI.ConclusionHRQoL of people with mental disorders in this study was significantly associated to social support, marital status, occupation, diagnosis and level of functional disability. Therefore, the mental health care system should develop HRQoL promoting measures that enhance PWMI functioning, social support and employment.
Factors related to earthquake preparedness of households based on social-cognitive theory constructs: A systematic review
Authors: Rezabeigi Davarani Esmat , Nekoei-Moghadam Mahmood , Khanjani Narges , Iranpour Abedin , Chashmyazdan Mohammadreza , Farahmandnia Hojjat 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundEarthquakes cause many casualties worldwide. Taking preventive measures and improving community preparedness is critical to reducing earthquake damage. The social cognitive theory explains how individual and environmental factors cause behavior. This review was conducted to identify the social cognitive theory structures, in research on the preparedness of households against earthquakes.Materials and methodsThis systematic review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was conducted from January 1, 2000, to October 30, 2021 in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The initial search yielded 9,225 articles, and finally, 18 articles were selected. Articles were assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.ResultsEighteen articles about disaster preparedness behaviors based on the socio-cognitive constructs were identified and reviewed. The essential constructs used in the reviewed studies included self-efficacy, collective efficacy, knowledge, outcome expectations, social support, and normative beliefs.ConclusionBy identifying the dominant structures that have been used in studies related to the preparedness of households against earthquakes, researchers can implement appropriate and more cost-effective interventions by focusing on improving suitable structures.
Risk factors of caesarean deliveries in urban–rural areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Abdulla Faruq , Hossain Md. Moyazzem , Rahman Md. Mahabubur , Rahman Md. Siddikur , Rahman Azizur 
Published: February 2023

Background and aimsThe key interest of this research is to identify the causes of the ongoing increasing trends in caesarean section or C-section (CS) deliveries in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.MethodsThis study analyzed all Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) datasets through Chi-square and z tests and the multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsCS deliveries were found to be more prevalent in urban than in rural areas of Bangladesh. Mothers above 19 years, above 16 years at first birth, overweight mothers, those with higher educational levels, those who received more than one antenatal care (ANC) visit, fathers having secondary/higher education degrees and employed as workers or in business, and mothers living in wealthy households in the cities of Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, and Rangpur divisions had a significantly higher likelihood of CS deliveries in urban areas. Contrastingly, mothers with ages between 20 and 39 years, above 20 years at first birth, normal weight/overweight mothers, those with primary to higher level of education, those in the business profession, fathers who also received primary to higher education, mothers who received more than one ANC visit, and those living in wealthy households in Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, and Rangpur divisions were more likely to have CS deliveries in rural areas. The 45–49 age group mothers had a five times higher likelihood of CS deliveries [odds ratio (OR): 5.39] in urban areas than in rural areas. Wealthy mothers were more likely to be CS-delivered in urban (OR: 4.84) than in rural areas (OR: 3.67).ConclusionThe findings reveal a gradual upward alarming trend in CS deliveries with an unequal contribution of significant determinants in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Therefore, integrated community-level awareness programs are an urgent need in accordance with the findings on the risks of CS and the benefits of vaginal deliveries in this country.
Protonation of apolar species: From Cl2H+ to (E)-NCCHCHCNH+ through computational investigations
Authors: Alessandrini Silvia , Bizzocchi Luca , Melosso Mattia , Puzzarini Cristina 
Published: February 2023

Radioastronomy is a powerful tool for the discovery of molecules in space but it requires molecular species to be polar. The observation of apolar species can be however enabled by protonation, which occurs from reaction with the abundant H3+ ion whenever the proton affinity of the species under consideration is greater than that of H2. This property can be easily investigated by computational chemistry and, in this work, it has been used to asses the potential protonation of simple homo diatomics, such as Cl2, P2, and Si2, as well as apolar species containing two equivalent CN moieties, such as diisocyanogen (CNNC) and (E)-1,2-dicyanoethene. Quantum chemistry has also been exploited to investigate the mechanisms of three protonation reactions of H3+ with Cl2, P2, and CNNC. To support laboratory measurements and astronomical observations of the resulting transient species, their rotational spectroscopic parameters were accurately computed together with fundamental vibrational frequencies. For this purpose, we have employed CCSD(T)-based computational methodologies, which provide equilibrium structures with errors smaller than 0.001 Å and 0.1° for bond distances and angles, respectively. Such an accuracy is expected to lead to rotational constants predicted, in relative terms, with uncertainties better than 0.2%. Instead, the expected accuracy on vibrational frequencies is ∼10 cm−1, thus being well suited to guide band assignments.
The Quintuple Helix Model: Cooperation system for a sustainable electric power industry in Mexico
Authors: González-Carrasco Verónica , Robina-Ramírez Rafael , Gibaja-Romero Damián-Emilio , Sánchez-Oro Sánchez Marcelo 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionAchieving an energy transition in the power industry in Mexico is a complex task. Despite being one of the most promising countries in Latin America and the world for developing wind and solar photovoltaic energy, energy and climate change efforts are insufficient; therefore, changes are generated slowly and leisurely. This article attempts to make a proposal based on the Quintuple Helix Model as an analytical and decision-making framework to encourage the production and consumption of clean/renewable electric energy and reduce GHG emissions. It proposes the sum of strategic interactions to promote a cooperation system and knowledge transfer, know-how, and innovation through the active and committed collaboration of government, academia, industry, civil society, and the environment to achieve the sustainable development of the electricity industry in Mexico.MethodsThese hypotheses are the result of the development of a singular methodology based on Partial Least Squares (PLS), according to Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results point out that the five-helix approach is valid to solve the energy transition problem in the electricity industry in Mexico.DiscussionAlthough it is not fully developed and consolidated, it can be replicated in scenarios with similar socioeconomic characteristics. Furthermore, the government is the most opportune intermediary driving agent for the development of the energy transition in the electricity industry, since it is the one that can lead and drive the energy transition process by modifying the electricity sector through structural change in the energy market.
Comparison of transabdominal wall specimen retrieval and natural orifice specimen extraction robotic surgery in the outcome of colorectal cancer treatment
Authors: Houqiong Ju , Ziwen Wan , Chonghan Zhong , Penghui He , Hongxin Yu , Weijie Lu , Dongning Liu , Taiyuan Li 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundNatural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES), as a new star of minimally invasive techniques, has been increasingly favored and promoted in the field of surgery around the world. Most previous studies were comparative studies of laparoscopic NOSES and conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, there is little research on comparing robotic colorectal cancer NOSES with conventional robotic-assisted colorectal cancer resection surgery.Participant and methodsThis study is a retrospective study of propensity score matching (PSM). This study included Ninety-one propensity score-matched pairs of the participant who had undergone robotic colorectal cancer resection surgery at our center between January 2017 and December 2020. The covariates used in the propensity score included gender, age, BMI, ASA score, maximum tumor diameter, the tumor's height from the anal verge, histological differentiation, AJCC stage, T stage, N stage, and history of previous abdominal surgery. The outcome measurement criteria included postoperative complications, inflammatory response, pelvic floor function, anal function, cosmetic outcome, quality of life, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsThe robotic NOSES group had faster recovery time from gastrointestinal function (P = 0.014), shorter abdominal incision length (P &lt; 0.001), less pain (P &lt; 0.001), less additional analgesia required (P &lt; 0.001), and lower postoperative indicators of white blood cell count (P &lt; 0.001) and C-reactive protein content compared to the robotic-assisted resection surgery (RARS) group (P = 0.035). Additionally, the robotic NOSES group had significantly better body imagery (P &lt; 0.001), cosmetic scores (P &lt; 0.001), somatic function (P = 0.003), role function (P = 0.039), emotional function (P = 0.001), social function (P = 0.004), and overall function (P &lt; 0.001) than the RARS group. The two groups demonstrated no significant difference between DFS and OS.ConclusionRobotic colorectal cancer NOSES is a safe and feasible minimally invasive procedure and offers shorter abdominal incisions, less pain, less surgical stress response, and better postoperative quality of life. Therefore, this technique can be further promoted for colorectal cancer patients eligible for NOSES.