bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Health Among Children With Haematological Malignancies In Syria
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Mustafa Khattab , Alsabbagh Samira , Alhaffar Ola , Kakaje Ameer 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Since 2011, Syria has been facing a conflict that impacted all aspects of life. Haematological malignancies are mainly treated with chemotherapy which can further harm oral health. This study evaluates oral health of children with haematological malignancies and on chemotherapy in Syria.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of (40) patients from the major paediatric hospital in Damascus. Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) indices were used to evaluate oral health. Data about cancer was collected from medical records. Results: Patients aged between 3-14 years. Three types of paediatric cancer were included; acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 52.2%, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) 27.5%, and Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) 20%. Average DMFT was (6.7 ± 3.2) and average OAG index was (10.8 ± 1.7). DMFT was significantly correlated with OAG (r=0.021). In patients undergoing chemotherapy, better DMFT and OAG indices were reported in males who had cancer for shorter periods, had higher frequency of toothbrushing, or/and were helped while toothbrushing. However, age and cancer type did not significantly affect DMFT and OAG.Conclusion: Children undergoing chemotherapy in Syria had worse oral health and pain compared to other children from the same age in similar studies. More attention should be given to these patients in order to improve their overall health and their quality of life especially during the ongoing conflict.
Therapeutic natural compounds Enzastaurin and Palbociclib inhibits MASTL kinase activity preventing breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Polisety Aneesha , Misra Gauri , Rajawat Jyotika , Katiyar Amit , Singh Harpreet , Bhatt Anant Narayan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) regulates mitotic progression and is an attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this study, novel inhibitory molecules were screened against MASTL kinase, a protein involved in cell proliferation in breast cancer. Natural source-derived drugs Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were selected to identify their role as MASTL kinase inhibitors. Cytotoxic activity, kinase activity and other cell-based assays of Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were evaluated on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. The potential natural compounds caused cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Further analysis by Annexin V and PI staining indicated that both drugs are potent inducers of apoptosis. Enzastaurin induced G2/M phase arrest while, Palbociclib caused G1 arrest. MASTL kinase activity was significantly abrogated with both the compounds showing EC50 values of 17.13µM and 10.51µM respectively. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Enzastaurin and Palbociclib possess the ability to inhibit MASTL kinase activity and induce cell death in breast cancer cells, thus exhibiting significant therapeutic potential.
Investigating the relationship between economic growth, agricultural expansion and chemical pollution in Iran through decoupling index analysis
Authors: Najafabadi Mostafa Mardani , Mirzaei Abbas , Laskookalayeh Somaeh Shirzadi , Azarm Hassan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The balance between the growth of the agricultural economy and the spread of pollution due to consumption of chemical inputs is one of the major challenges in agricultural sector. In this regard, the use of decoupling index to decouple the link between agricultural production and pollution caused by the consumption of chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, is emphasized. Therefore, in the present study, the decoupling index is first calculated in relation to the emission of pollution caused by the use of chemical inputs in the process of agricultural production during the period of 1991-2016 in Iran. Then, by systematically reviewing the existing literature, the factors affecting the decoupling index in the agricultural sector of Iran are evaluated using the ARDL model. The results showed that in recent years, pollution indicators in relation to chemical inputs have not had an ideal trend and despite the further growth of agricultural production, the quality of the environment has experienced a declining trend. The results of the decoupling index related to the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in Iran show that during a 26-year period, only 5 and 4 years of use of these inputs have had a sustainable state compared to production growth. Also, among the factors affecting the decoupling index, the value-added variable of the agricultural sector has the most positive effect on this index and thus, increases the level of pollution in the agricultural sector in the long run. The variables of gross domestic production (GDP) and the area under cereal cultivation in the agricultural sector will also increase the decoupling index.
Project SCANCER: An Open-access Drug Repurposing and Data-mining Platform to Enhance Target Validation and Optimize International Research Efforts against Highly Progressive Cancers
Authors: Dora David , Dora Timea , Szegvari Gabor , Gerdán Csongor , Lohinai Zoltan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The expanding body of potential therapeutic targets requires easily accessible, structured, and transparent real-time interpretation of molecular data. We invite research teams to join and aim to enhance the cooperative work of more experienced groups to harmonize international efforts to overcome less prevalent, devastating malignancies. We show how we integrated our previous expertise in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with data mining approaches to initiate a new platform to overcome highly progressive cancers such as triple-negative breast and pancreatic cancer. Here, we integrate available fundamental data and present a novel, open access, data-mining, drug repurposing platform, deriving our searches from the entries of Clue.io. Through the front end, users can create their drug-target list to select the clinically most relevant targets for further functional validation assays or drug trials. SCANCER integrates searches from publicly available databases, such as PubChem, Drug Bank, PubMed, and EMA; and complementing them with background information on compounds using entities like UniProt, String, and genecards. Cancer drug discovery requires a convergence of complex, often disparate fields. We present a simple, transparent, and user-friendly drug repurposing database.
Transverse drill lead angle and positioning during tibial tunnel creation in the anatomical single-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Yan Jingtong , Fan Zheyuan , Hu Gaojian , Gao Yu , Li Yuhuan , Tang Jinshuo , Wang Xingxing , Yang Modi , Lv Jiayin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
To determine the optimal tibial insertion orientation for guiding the transverse drill lead angle and tibial positioner during reconstruction of a single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Methods
A total of 48 patients (26 males; 22 females) with normal knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were screened. Ultimately, 46 patients underwent bilateral knee MRI examination.
Results
For right vs the left knees, the tibial ACL insertion area was 120.10±5.40 mm2 and 119.46±6.59 mm2, respectively in males, and 114.76±7.01 mm2 and 113.68±8.30 mm2, respectively, in females. The angle between the long axis of the tibial ALC insertion area and the anteroposterior line of the tibial plateau was 20.47±3.91° and 20.95 ± 4.15°, respectively, in males, and 19.96±4.00° and 20.60±4.54°, respectively, in females. Additionally, the angle formed by the ACL and the tibial plateau in the sagittal plane was 43.82±4.56° and 44.76±3.58° respectively, in males, and 45.20±3.43° and 44.46±2.17°, respectively, in females. The distance between the midpoint of the tibial ACL insertion and the anterior edge of the tibial plateau in the sagittal plane was 21.59±2.32 mm and 21.79±2.02 mm, respectively, in males, and 18.93±1.12 mm and 20.13±1.84 mm, respectively, in females. Similarly, the length of this point from the posterior edge of the tibial plateau was 34.56±3.36 mm and 34.54±3.04 mm, respectively, in males, and 28.85±2.18 mm and 29.03±2.18 mm, respectively, in females. The coronal angle between the ACL and the tibial plateau was 66.37±4.44° and 66.49±4.96°, respectively, in males, and 66.70±4.84° and 66.39±2.79°, respectively, in females, and the length from the midpoint of the tibial ACL insertion in the coronal plane to the inner edge of the tibial plateau was 34.28±1.70 mm and 35.90±1.62 mm, respectively in males, and was 30.21±1.59 mm and 31.84±1.71 mm respectively, in females. The length of this point from the outer edge of the tibial plateau was also 43.82±2.09 mm and 41.70±1.85 mm, respectively, in males, and 37.50±1.72 mm and 35.64±2.29 mm, respectively, in females. Finally, the width of the tibial ACL insertion in the coronal plane was 9.90±1.66 mm and 9.54±1.64 mm, respectively in males, and 8.50±1.03 mm and 8.53±1.18 mm, respectively, in females.
Conclusion
This study determined the optimal drill lead angle for tibia positioning during ACL reconstruction in Chinese patients.
Cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-migratory activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. supercritical carbon dioxide extract on primary human endothelial cells
Authors: Giordo Roberta , Cossu Annalisa , Porcu Maria Cristina , Cappuccinelli Roberto , Biosa Grazia , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Pretti Luca , Nasrallah Gheyath K , Pintus Gianfranco , Posadino Anna Maria 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Green chemistry is emerging as a useful tool for producing valuable chemicals from biomass. However, extracted compounds need to be tested for safety, quality, and efficacy before their use in humans. Here we investigate the chemical composition and biological effects of leaves Pistacia lentiscus L. essential oil (EO) extract obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2). Extract's phytoconstituents profiling was performed by GC-MS/MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated on human primary endothelial cells (ECs) using the reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe H2DCFDA. Potentil extract toxicity and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress were investigated using LDH-leakage and BrdU-proliferation tests. Extract’s effect on ECs migration was determined by trans-well assay. Terpenes represented the main extraction process fraction yielding 0.14% of EO. Germacrene D (11.18%), delta-cadinene (10.54%), and alpha-pinene (8.7%) were the most abundant OE molecules. Challenged with ECs, increasing extract concentrations failed to affect cell proliferation or promote cell death. ROS assessment in unstressed and H2O2-treated ECs demonstrated an extract dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The exposure of H2O2-treated ECs to increasing extract concentrations dose-dependently rescued cells from the H2O2-induced impairments of cell proliferation and death. Extract was able to significantly counteract fetal calf serum-induced ECs migration. For the first time, we report that a SCCO2 extract obtained from PL leaves is safe on ECs and may be a useful source of valuable compounds with vasculoprotective properties.
Modelling multiple time-scales with flexible parametric survival models
Authors: Batyrbekova Nurgul , Bower Hannah , Dickman Paul W. , Landtblom Anna Ravn , Hultcrantz Malin , Szulkin Robert , Lambert Paul C. , Andersson Therese M-L. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: There are situations when we need to model multiple time-scales in survival analysis. A usual approach in this setting would involve fitting Cox or Poisson models to a stacked time-split dataset. However, this leads to large datasets and can be computationally intensive, especially if interest lies in displaying how the hazard rate or survival change along multiple time-scales continuously. Methods: We propose to use flexible parametric survival models on the log hazard scale as an alternative method when modelling data with multiple time-scales. By rewriting one of the time-scales as a function of the other time-scale, there is no need to split the data into categories of time along one or both of the time-scales. Result: Through case-studies we demonstrate the usefulness of this method and provide examples of graphical representations of estimated hazard rates and survival proportions. The model gives nearly identical results to using a Poisson model, without requiring time-splitting. Conclusion: Flexible parametric survival models are a powerful tool for modelling multiple time-scales. This method does not require splitting the data into small time-intervals, and therefore saves time, helps avoid technological limitations and reduces room for error.
Construction and validation of the remote teaching quality perception scale in the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory factor analysis and item response theory approach.
Authors: Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Luz Rosana Maria do Nascimento , Reis Daniela Castro dos , Luz Marc Augusto Lima da , Guimarães Gabriella Vitorino , Bornia Antônio Cezar , de Andrade Dalton Francisco 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The biosafety protocols adopted to ensure social distancing between people during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic changed social interaction behavior and led educational institutions to adopt the emergency remote teaching format. To understand the impact on the learning process, this article aims to develop and build a measurement tool to measure the perception of students regarding the adequacy of remote teaching, offered by the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), to the detriment of onsite teaching previously adopted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this being the latent trait to be measured. For content-based validation, the study conducted three phases: 1) initial construction of the measurement tool and literature search; 2) conducting focus groups with students; and 3) analysis by judges to outline factors and potential items. The tool presented for the content validity index a mean of 94.16% of acceptance per item and values above 93.43% of acceptance for the factors and domains. For validation based on the internal structure, this study applied the concepts of item response theory, factor analysis, and dimensionality. The overall precision of the tool scores was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, whose value obtained was 96.64%, indicating high precision. Besides the coefficient, the precision of the tool was analyzed through the information function of the IRT test, whose result is in the interval between (-1.5 and 2.5) approximately. Finally, a standardized measurement scale was created with the metric (0,10) from 501 respondents, and it was possible to observe that a profile associated with a perceived negative loss of teaching quality is positioned at levels lower than -10 and referring to that 30.2% of students, at the levels (-5 to 5), are more likely to be positioned at a level of equivalence and refer to 45.7%, and at higher levels to 7, with 24.1% of the respondents, are associated with a positive perceived gain in teaching quality.
Transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Meng Xiangjun , Mi Qiwu , Chen Derong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background—We aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts.Methods—The clinical data of 65 patients with parapelvic renal cysts were retrospectively analyzed between October 2017 and April 2021. Among them, 31 patients with parapelvic cysts (group 1) underwent a transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser, and the other 34 patients (group 2) underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing. The clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. The surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, complications and cyst size at 1 year postoperatively were recorded and statistically analyzed.Results—All patients were successfully treated with flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage or retroperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing. No statistically significant difference was found between group 1 and 2 in terms of clinical characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), location, cyst size, and Bosniak classification of renal cysts. Group 1 demonstrated shorter surgery time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter hospitalization time than the control group (group 2) (p < 0.001). However，no significant differences in complications and cyst size at 1 year postoperatively was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions—The transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts has obvious advantages over traditional surgery, and is worthy of promotion and application, but its long-term effect needs further follow-up.
Accessing Antenatal Care (ANC) services during the COVID-19 First Wave - Insights into decision-making process from rural India
Authors: Bankar Shweta , Ghosh Deepika 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Antenatal Care (ANC) services are a prime focus of the National Health Mission (NHM) of the Government of India, with emphasis on promoting maternal and child health. The services are designed to reach villages with the appointment of Frontline Health Workers (FLHWs) and the establishment of a network of health centres at the primary level for uninterrupted service delivery. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcomes of the national lockdown from late March to June 2020 the decisions to access these services were impacted. Methods Using a qualitative design, data were collected through 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and 17 IDIs with frontline health workers in the selected six districts under study. The narratives were analysed using inductive coding in Atlas.ti. Results Pregnant women, most of whom belonged to poor and marginalised groups, were left with limited access to health centres and FLHWs. Respondents from the study areas of rural Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh extensively reported concerns stemming from the lockdown that influenced their decision around accessing ANC services . These included anxieties around meeting their families’ daily needs due to a loss of livelihood (in particular, abject food insecurity), inability to access healthcare, and a sense of mistrust in public health systems and functionaries. All of these, coupled with the real threat to health posed by COVID-19, threw their plans for pregnancy and delivery into jeopardy. Conclusion This study identified a number of behavioural, social and structural factors deeply entrenched in the communities, which resulted in confusion and anxiety, leaving pregnant women and FLHWs feeling hapless and helpless. To ensure ANC services in times of crisis, strategies to address the behavioural, social and structural concerns and place ANC services as essential services in the study area and in similar contexts need to take into account the factors identified by this study.
Enhanced Parasympathetic Cholinergic Activity Inhibited Lipid-induced Oxidative Stress in Obese African Americans
Authors: Parsa Dena , Aden Luul A. , Pitzer Ashley , Ding Tan , Yu Chang , Diedrich Andre , Milne Ginger L. , Kirabo Annet , Shibao Cyndya A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are 20% more likely to die from CVD than whites, chronic exposure to inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to CVD. In previous studies, enhancing parasympathetic cholinergic activity has been shown to decrease inflammation. Considering that AAs have decreased parasympathetic activity compared to whites, we hypothesize that stimulating it with a central acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, galantamine, would prevent lipid-induced oxidative stress.Objective: To test the hypothesis that acute dose of galantamine, an AChE inhibitor, decreases lipid-induced oxidative stress in obese AAs.Methods: Proof-of-concept, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study that tested the effect of a single dose of 16 mg of galantamine versus placebo on lipid-induced oxidative stress in obese AAs. Subjects were studied on two separate days, one week apart. In each study day, 16 mg or matching placebo was administered before 20% intralipids infusion at doses of 0.8 mL/m2/min with heparin at doses of 200 U/h for 4 hours. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 and 4 hours during the infusion.Main Outcome Measures: Changes in F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoPs), marker of oxidative stress, measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in plasma at baseline, 2, and 4-hrs post-lipid infusion. Secondary outcomes include changes in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF alpha).Results: A total of 32 obese AA women were screened and fourteen completed the study (age 37.8±10.70 years old, BMI 38.7±3.40 kg/m2). Compared to placebo, 16 mg of galantamine significantly inhibited the increase in F2-IsoPs in PBMC (0.007±0.008 vs. -0.002±0.006 ng/sample, P=0.016), and plasma (0.01±0.02 vs. -0.003±0.01 ng/mL, P=0.023). Galantamine also decreased IL-6 (11.4±18.45 vs. 7.7±15.10 pg/mL, P=0.021) and TNFα levels (18.6±16.33 vs. 12.9±6.16 pg/mL, P=0.021, 4-hrs post lipid infusion) compared with placebo. These changes were associated with an increased plasma acetylcholine levels induced by galantamine (50.5±10.49 vs. 43.6±13.38 during placebo pg/uL, P=0.025).Conclusions: In this pilot, proof-of-concept study, enhancing parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) cholinergic activity with galantamine inhibited lipid-induced oxidative stress and inflammation induced by lipid infusion in obese AAs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT02365285
Electrical conduction and noise spectroscopy of sodium-alginate gold-covered ultrathin films for flexible green electronics
Authors: Barone Carlo , Maccagnani Piera , Dinelli Franco , Bertoldo Monica , Capelli Raffaella , Cocchi Massimo , Seri Mirko , Pagano Sergio 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Green electronics is an emerging topic that requires the exploration of new methodologies for the integration of green components into electronic devices. Therefore, the development of alternative and eco-friendly raw materials, biocompatible and biodegradable, is of great importance. Among these, sodium-alginate is a natural biopolymer extracted from marine algae having a great potential in terms of transparency, flexibility, and conductivity, when functionalized with a thin gold (Au) layer. The electrical transport of these flexible and conducting substrates has been studied, by DC measurements, from 300 to 10 K, to understand the interplay between the organic substrate and the metallic layer. The results were compared to reference bilayers based on polymethyl-methacrylate, a well-known polymer used in electronics. In addition, a detailed investigation of the electric noise properties was also performed. This analysis allows to study the effect of charge carriers fluctuations, providing important information to quantify the minimum metallic thickness required for electronic applications. In particular, the typical noise behavior of metallic compounds was observed in samples covered with 5 nm of Au, while noise levels related to a non-metallic conduction were found for a thickness of 4.5 nm, despite of the relatively good DC conductance of the bilayer.