Search

Background : Recent studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and cardiovascular diseases; however, the link to AF is inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep duration and AF by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies to provide evidence of the link between insufficient sleep and AF. Methods: A review of the existing literature was conducted to identify the primary studies that examined the association between AF and sleep duration. The inquiry spanned databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, from their inception through October 2023. Results: Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.01) between shorter sleep duration and the incidence of AF (hazard ratio (HR), 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03–1.34; I2 = 89%). Conversely, longer sleep duration did not exhibit a statistically significant association with the incidence of AF (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92–1.14; I2 = 66%, p = 0.02). The sensitivity analysis demonstrated reduced heterogeneity after excluding specific studies. Conclusion: Insufficient sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of AF, whereas a longer sleep duration did not show a significant correlation. Standardized methods for sleep assessment and AF diagnosis as well as adjustments for confounding factors are suggested for future studies to improve the clarity and understanding of these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of the twentieth century, the world has observed a considerable upsurge in carbon emissions as several countries have surfaced as industrial centers and production monsters worldwide. The present study contributes to the existing literature examining the effects of carbon-based emissions, industrial value added, trade openness, transport services, railway lines, and globalization index on per capita GDP growth in China. The study covers a period of 40 years, from 1982 to 2021, introducing the impact of railway transport on GDP growth in contemporary environmental empirics. A vector error correction model (VECM) was applied to achieve the study's envisaged objectives. The findings of this study reveal that carbon emissions are responsible for the reduction of per capita GDP growth in China. On the contrary, industrial value added, transport services, railway lines, and globalization index positively support the per capita GDP growth-dependent variable. The study proposes that pragmatic policies are needed to control pollution resulting from carbon emissions. The eventual effect of maintaining greenhouse gases is expected to assist in achieving sustainable growth of per capita GDP leading to the accomplishment of sustainable development goals in the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high-fat and low-carbohydrate intake, is currently gaining widespread popularity as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). In addition to the traditional ketogenic diet, several variants have been introduced to enhance compliance and flexibility, such as the modified Atkins diet (MAD) and the low glycemic index diet (LGID). These adaptations aim to provide patients with more manageable and sustainable options while harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of DRE. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the KD in pediatric patients who exhibit DRE. In this study, we conducted a thorough review of existing literature by searching Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and PubMed. Our approach involved predefined criteria for data extraction and the assessment of study quality. Eleven RCTs with 788 participants were included in this study. The pooled effect estimates revealed a significant association between dietary interventions and seizure frequency reduction of > 50% (OR 6.68, 96% CI 3.52, 12.67) and > 90% (OR 4.37, 95% CI 2.04, 9.37). Dietary interventions also increased the odds of achieving seizure freedom (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.61, 10.60). The common adverse effects included constipation (39.07%) and vomiting (10%). In conclusion, dietary interventions, notably the KD, hold promise for pediatric DRE, reducing seizures and achieving freedom. These non-pharmacological options improve the quality of life of non-responsive and non-surgical patients. The KD has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach. Further research is needed to address the limitations and investigate their long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined predictors of mental health treatment among Black men while incarcerated. Participants were 76 individuals who identified as Black Americans and were recruited from a correctional setting. Using secondary data analysis (Shaw, L. B., & Morgan, R. D. (2011). Inmate attitudes toward treatment: Mental health service utilization and treatment effects. Law and Human Behavior, 35(4), 249–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10979-010-9233-5.), results indicated that Black men with a mental health diagnosis were more likely than those without a diagnosis to report receiving mental health treatment while incarcerated. Additionally, linear regression analyses indicated that only expectations about treatment (i.e., personal commitment; not therapy fears or history of mental health diagnosis) significantly predicted the current use of mental health treatment. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a collection of old blood in the subdural space and has a relatively high estimated incidence, especially among the elderly and men, possibly due to falls, anticoagulant use, or age as independent factors. The subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) offers a minimally invasive solution for cSDH treatment. Objective: The objective of our meta-analysis is to review the literature and assess the safety and efficacy of SEPS as a first-line treatment for cSDH. Method: We conducted an exhaustive literature search to explore outcomes resulting from the implementation of SEPS as the initial treatment for cSDH. The main focus was on treatment success, comprising both symptom improvement and the absence of additional operating room interventions. Supplementary outcomes encompassed factors such as discharge arrangements, length of hospital stay (LOS), recurrence of hematoma, and any associated complications. Result: A total of 15 studies, involving 1146 patients who underwent SEPS placement, satisfied the inclusion criteria. The combined rate of achieving a successful outcome stood at 0.79 (95% CI 0.75–0.83). The occurrence of delayed hematoma recurrence was found to be 0.155 (95% CI 0.101–0.208). Meanwhile, the aggregated inpatient mortality rate was 0.017 (95% CI 0.007–0.031). In terms of complications, the rates were 0.02 (95% CI 0.00–0.03) for any acute hemorrhage, 0.01 (95% CI 0.00–0.01) for acute hemorrhage necessitating surgery, and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03) for seizures. Notably, SEPS placement is associated with a success rate of 79% and exceptionally low incidences of acute hemorrhage and seizure. Conclusion: SEPS is a viable first-line treatment for cSDH, supported by its minimally invasive nature, avoidance of general anesthesia, high success rate, and favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This critique evaluates a letter to the editor discussing prognostic factors in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), focusing on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-to-lymphocyte ratio. While the letter provides valuable insights, limitations including reliance on a single-center dataset, lack of consideration for potential confounders, insufficient contextualization within existing literature, and limited discussion of clinical implications are identified. Addressing these limitations is crucial for enhancing the relevance and applicability of the findings in PCNSL management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter to the editor discusses the permanent deterioration of fine motor skills that can occur after the resection of tumors in the supplementary motor area (SMA). While advancements in neurosurgical techniques have allowed for successful tumor removal and targeted interventions, damage to the SMA can lead to persistent difficulties in activities requiring precise coordination and dexterity. Rehabilitation efforts may help individuals adapt and compensate for motor deficits, but complete restoration of preoperative function may not always be possible. The psychological impact of motor skill deterioration should also be addressed to promote holistic well-being. [Extracted from the article]

The letter to the editor discusses a research article on the effect of continuous hypertonic saline infusion on clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury. The authors express their gratitude to the researchers for their valuable findings but raise concerns about confounding factors that were not adequately addressed in the study. They also highlight the importance of considering surgical procedures in shaping patient outcomes. While the article provides valuable information, the authors suggest that future studies should address these concerns to improve the clarity and clinical relevance of the findings. [Extracted from the article]

This letter to the editor discusses a recent paper on the long-term outcome of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The authors commend the comprehensive design of the study but note that the discussion of comorbidities was somewhat neglected. They emphasize the importance of considering conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are often associated with trigeminal neuralgia. The authors also suggest comparing the results of radiofrequency ablation with other existing interventions and identifying cases of drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia. They hope that future research will consider these aspects to enhance patient care in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Global climate change brings environmental quality sensitivity, especially in European countries. In this context, European countries are striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Renewable energy use can be an effective way to curtail the increasing environmental degradation. How the oil prices shape the energy use pattern and environmental quality remains unclear to date. Therefore, the present research examines the linkage between energy use (non-renewable and renewable energy), oil prices, and CO2 emissions in 30 European countries between 1997 and 2017. The study applied fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), Westerlund (2007) cointegration and the Driscoll-Kraay Regression tests to explore these associations. The result of individual samples and the full sample provides the same intimations for the use of energy in Europe. The outcomes of the research ratify the existence of a long-run relationship among variables and found that non-renewable energy consumption increases CO2 emissions, while renewable energy consumption mitigates CO2 emissions. Furthermore, when the oil prices rise, people switch towards substitute energy sources that reduce CO2 emissions. Based on the results, the study suggests that European countries should increase the share of renewable energy, promote the use of clean energy resources, and discourage fossil fuel energy consumption to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a controversy on the three fundamental growth determinants. It contributes to the literature by divulging the effects of foreign direct investment and financial development on energy consumption in Central and Eastern European countries from 1990 to 2016. In doing so, second-generation multi-econometric methodological methods are adopted to conclude this study. The Pooled Means Group (PMG) estimation approach confirms that foreign direct investment is adversely associated with energy consumption. A one-point rise in FDI in the CEE region reduces energy consumption by 0.0172 points in the long run. Congruently, the globalization index also mitigates energy consumption. Conversely, financial development and economic growth stimulate energy consumption in the CEE region. Energy consumption boosts by 0.0626 points when a one-point escalation in financial development occurs. The U-shaped link between energy consumption and economic growth is revealed. The country-wise results show that energy consumption rises due to financial development and FDI in nine countries and one country. However, reduction in energy consumption occurs due to an upsurge of financial development in seven and FDI in six countries. Moreover, the causality results suggest that energy consumption causes financial development, and FDI. The policy suggestions are included to mitigate unsustainable energy consumption and renovate the energy policy in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter to the editor responds to a research article on the use of thiopental and decompressive craniectomy as last-tier treatments for elevated intracranial pressure in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The author raises several concerns about potential biases and limitations in the study. These include a lack of information about the location of bleeding before admission, potential variations in the effect of thiopental on different treatments, an unintentional gender bias in the participant selection, and a lack of information on comorbidities and potential confounding factors. The author suggests that addressing these concerns in future studies would enhance the credibility of the findings and contribute to a better understanding of the topic. [Extracted from the article]

Nanotechnology deals with the synthesis of materials and particles at nanoscale with dimensions of 1–100 nm. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles, using microbes and plants, is the most proficient method in terms of ease of handling and reliability. Core objectives of this study were to synthesize metallic nanoparticles using selenium metal salt from citrus fruit extracts, their characterization and evaluation for antimicrobial activities against pathogenic microbes. In methodology, simple green method was implicated using sodium selenite salt solution and citrus fruit extracts of Grapefruit and Lemon as precursors for synthesizing nanoparticles. Brick red color of the solution indicated towards the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Nanoparticle's initial characterization was done by UV–Vis Spectrophotometry and later FTIR analysis and DLS graphs via Zetasizer were obtained for the confirmation of different physical and chemical parameters of the nanoparticles. Different concentrations of SeNPs were used for antimicrobial testing against E. coli, M. luteus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae comparative with the standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. SeNPs possessed significant antimicrobial activities against all the bacterial pathogens used. Conclusively, SeNPs made from citrus fruits can act as potent antibacterial candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions have become a severe threat to our ecosystem. Prior studies on environment posit that ample exhaustion of fossil fuels for energy is one of the fundamental causes of environmental degradation and naturally replenished energy sources are affordable over fossil fuels. This study set out to examine the role of financial sectors and globalization (in the presence of energy and renewable energy consumption) for a sustainable environment in the panel of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in One Belt and One Road initiative perspective. The current study uses annual data of 16 CEE countries covering the period of 1980 to 2016. After confirmation of cross-sectional dependency and co-integration among variables, we applied the Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality approach for long-run estimations and to check the causal relationship, respectively. The empirical findings of the study certify the existence of an environmental Kuznets curve for the selected panel countries. Globalization is enhancing the environmental quality of the CEE economies. It is important to note that energy consumption and renewable energy consumption have a positive and statistically significant whack on carbon emission. In addition, we do not find a significant link between financial development and carbon emission. Granger casualty test confirms a two-way causal relationship between economic growth and carbon emission, globalization and environmental degradation, globalization and renewable energy consumption, economic growth and renewable energy consumption, and between financial development and energy consumption. Moreover, we found one-way causality from energy consumption (renewable and non-renewable) to carbon emissions. Based on the findings, a number of appropriate policy suggestions are presented in the perspective of Central and Eastern European Countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plethora of empirical work explored finance-income-environment nexus, aims to investigate high CO2 emissions determinants, over the last few couples of decades. The prior empirical work assist the idea that finance and income have diverse impacts on the environment. The lack of consensus on finance-income-environment nexus in the Central and Eastern European Countries in the perspective of Belt and Road Initiative need to be examined. Therefore, the present study explores the nexus between financial development, income level, and environmental quality for a panel of eighteen Central and Eastern European Countries, over the period of 1980–2016. The Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression, the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares, and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel casualty approaches are employed. The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis also investigated for both time series panel and country-wise. The Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression long-run panel results reveal that (i) financial development index and income negatively impact on environmental quality; (ii) energy consumption is the key determinant of CO2 emissions and reduces environmental quality; (iii) urbanization and trade both enhance environmental quality via reduction of carbon emissions; and (iv) the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis supported for the selected panel countries. The country-wise results depict that increase in environmental quality occurs due to increase in financial development (in four countries), income level (in five countries), trade (in five countries), and urbanization (in eight countries). However, the environmental quality decreases due to the increase in financial development (in six countries), income level (in eight countries), energy consumption (in twelve countries), trade (in six countries), and urbanization (in five countries). The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis supported for five Central and Eastern European Countries. Additionally, the causality results confirmed the presence of feedback relationships among income and environmental quality, and financial development and energy consumption. Thus, we conclude that income level and financial development are the main drivers behind high carbon dioxide emissions in CEECs. The finding of the study opens up new insight for appropriate policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: To review the current literature focusing on the indications, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of bile duct stones. Summary/recent findings: • EPBD without EST is associated with a higher risk of post-procedural pancreatitis and lower rate of stone clearance than EST alone. • EPBD without EST should be at least 2 min in duration, and placement of a pancreatic stent and other measures to reduce pancreatitis risk should be considered. • EPBD without EST is most useful to reduce risk of bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. • EPLBD combined with EST can be used as an alternative or adjunct to mechanical lithotripsy in the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones. • EPLBD combined with EST results in fewer complications than EST alone for removal of bile duct stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to examine the impact of ICTs (i.e., internet usage and mobile cellular subscriptions), globalization, electricity consumption, financial development, and economic growth on environmental quality by using 1994–2014 panel data of BRICS economies. This study employed a second-generation panel unit root test accounting for the presence of cross-sectional dependence and indicated that carbon dioxide emissions, electricity consumption, financial development, internet usage, mobile usage, globalization, and economic growth have integration of order one. The results from Westerlund panel co-integration test confirms that the variables are co-integrated and revealed that ICT-finance-globalization-electricity-GDP-CO2 nexus has long-run equilibrium relationship. The results from dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR) indicate that internet usage and mobile cellular subscriptions (ICTs) have significant, adverse impact on carbon dioxide emissions. To put it simply, ICT positively contributes towards environmental quality. Similarly, economic growth also has an adverse effect on carbon dioxide emissions. On the other hand, electricity consumption, globalization, and financial development have a significant positive effect on carbon emissions. In addition, Granger causality test results show the presence of a bidirectional causal relationship between internet usage and environmental quality, financial development and electricity consumption, ICT and financial development, mobile cellular subscription and globalization, economic growth and environmental quality, and internet usage and economic growth. A unidirectional causal link is detected running from mobile cellular subscriptions towards environmental quality, ICT towards electricity consumption, financial development towards environmental quality, globalization towards environmental quality, and globalization towards economic growth. Moreover, time series analysis has also been done in this study to analyze the findings for each of BRICS countries which are directed towards important policy implications. For instance, ICT policy can play an integral part in improving environmental quality policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the impact of financial development, foreign direct investment, economic growth, electricity consumption, and trade openness on environmental quality for a panel of 59 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, over the period of 1980-2016. The presence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is investigated. The cross-sectional augmented Dickey-Fuller (CADF) and cross-sectional Im, Pesaran, and Shin panel unit root test; the Westerlund cointegration test, the dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR) approach; and the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (Econ Model 29:1450-1460, 2012) panel causality approach are employed. It is found that the analyzed variables are stationary at first differences and are cointegrated. It is also found that an increase in financial development, foreign direct investment, and trade openness enhance environmental quality, while the increase in economic growth and electricity consumption degrade environmental quality. The presence of the EKC hypothesis for the selected panel countries is validated. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (DH) panel causality test result confirmed the presence of bidirectional causality among economic growth, foreign direct investment, financial development, electricity consumption, and trade openness with environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of energy consumption, financial development, globalization, economic growth, and urbanization on carbon dioxide emissions in the presence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model for BRICS economies, by using a family of econometric techniques robust to heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. Results from LM test, CIPS and CADF unit root test, Westerlund Cointegration test, the Dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR), and Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality test show that (i) the data is cross sectionally dependent and heterogeneous; (ii) carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, financial development, globalization, economic growth, square of GDP and urbanization have integration of order one; (iii) the examined variables are co-integrated; (iv) energy consumption and financial development contribute to the carbon dioxide emissions whereas globalization and urbanization have negative but insignificant relationship with carbon dioxide emissions; (v) supports the EKC hypothesis in BRICS economies; (vi) bidirectional causality exists among energy consumption, financial development, economic growth and square of GDP with carbon dioxide emissions whereas globalization and urbanization have unidirectional relationship with carbon dioxide emissions. Since these panel techniques account for heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence in their estimation procedure, the empirical results are robust and reliable for policy recommendations. Furthermore, this study also uses time series tests (ADF, P-P, and FMOLS) to find the empirical results for each of the country and finds mixed results. Empirical findings directed towards some important policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are no studies that have established a microRNA (miRNA)-based signature profile in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (rad-axial SpA), and we hypothesized that these patients may have aberrantly expressed circulating miRNAs reflective of underlying disease and inflammation. This study aims to determine the expression profile of miRNAs in plasma of patients with rad-axial SpA and compare it with healthy, age, and sex-matched controls. Fifteen subjects with rad-axial SpA based on ASAS classification criteria and 5 controls were recruited from our local SpA registry. Demographic data were collected and disease activity was measured using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDI). Peripheral blood samples (5 ml) were obtained from eligible consenting patients and controls. RNA from the plasma was prepared using miRNeasy kit (Qiagen) by a modified protocol. Expression of 175 miRNAs was screened in the plasma of all 15 patients and 5 controls using serum/plasma miRNA PCR arrays (Exiqon Inc. Woburn, MA) essentially following the manufacturer's instructions. Real-time PCR was carried out on StepOne Plus (Applied Biosystems) and the data was extracted and analyzed using ExiGen Enterprise software (MultiD, Göteborg, Sweden). Potential miRNA targets were identified using bioinformatics. ESR and CRP levels were measured by standard laboratory methods. We identified 7 differentially expressed miRNAs (2 upregulated and 5 downregulated). miR-34a, which was overexpressed in patients with rad-axial SpA, was predicted to target BMP-3 mRNA by TargetscanS and PicTar miRNA target algorithms. miR-150 was downregulated in all of the samples analyzed by us using the TaqMan Gene Expression assay. The most repressed miRNA was miR-16 and is predicted to regulate the expression of activin A receptor (ACVR2B), a receptor for growth, and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5). Our data indicates that (1) patients with axial SpA, as compared to controls, have dysregulated expression of selected miRNAs in the plasma; and (2) the differentially expressed miRNAs are predicted to target genes that play a role in bone morphogenesis, growth, and immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study $$\textit{CR}$$ -submanifolds and Lorentzian contact $$\textit{CR}$$ -products of a Lorentzian para-Sasakian manifold endowed with a quarter symmetric semi-metric connection. Moreover, we also obtain leaves and integrability conditions of the distributions on $$\textit{CR}$$ -submanifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the gravitational collapse of type I matter has been investigated in the context of higher dimensional spherically symmetric spacetime. The equation of state $P_{R}=\frac{1}{b}\rho$ with b>0 is assumed. The effects of more than four dimensions on the nature of the singularity are being discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the association of the Pro12Ala and C1431T polymorphisms of PPARγ with diabetes and obesity have revealed extensive population-dependent variations. However, association of these polymorphisms with the metabolic syndrome and its individual components has not been well investigated in the Indian population. The Indian population harbours the maximum number of diabetics in the world who are thus more susceptible to metabolic disorders. We screened a South Indian population (N = 699) for a possible association of these polymorphisms with the metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes. We also investigated the correlation of these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with plasma resistin levels. The C1431T SNP was associated with higher levels of plasma resistin (P = 0.017). Furthermore, C1431T was associated with resistin in different tertiles. Prevalence of the 'Pro-C' haplotype decreased with increasing tertiles of resistin (84.1% to 75.4%, P = 0.037). Plasma resistin levels were not found to be associated with MS and type 2 diabetes. These results point to a likely association of plasma resistin levels with PPARγ polymorphisms in the Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder with varying degrees of inflammation and sustained oxidative stress. The root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (SBE) has been used for the treatment of inflammatory and other diseases. Here, we performed activity-guided HPLC-fractionation of SBE, identified the active ingredient(s) and investigated its chondroprotective potential. We found that the Wogonin containing fraction-4 (F4) was the most potent fraction based on its ability to inhibit ROS production and the suppression of catabolic markers including IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 in IL-1β-treated OA chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes treated with F4 in the presence of IL-1β showed significantly enhanced expression of anabolic genes ACAN and COL2A1. In an in vitro model of cartilage degradation treatment with F4 inhibited s-GAG release from IL-1β-treated human cartilage explants. The inhibitory effect of F4 was not mediated through the inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB activation but was mediated through the suppression of c-Fos/AP-1 activity at transcriptional and post transcriptional levels in OA chondrocytes. Purified Wogonin mimicked the effects of F4 in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes. Our data demonstrates that a Wogonin-rich fraction of SBE exert chondroprotective effects through the suppression of c-Fos/AP-1 expression and activity in OA chondrocytes under pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]