bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foliar application of esculin and digitoxin improve the yield quality of salt-stressed flax by improving the antioxidant defense system
Authors: Khattab Hemmat I. , Sadak Mervat Sh. , Dawood Mona G. , Elkady Fatma M. A. , Helal Nesma M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Secondary metabolites of several plants, including esculin and digitoxin, which are cardiac glycosides, were previously employed for their therapeutic effects. The current study aims to investigate the functions of the main Na+ /K+ transport inhibitor digitoxin and the antioxidant esculin for enhancing flax plant growth and production under salinity.

Methodology
Flax plants were irrigated with distilled water supplemented with 0.0 and 5000 mg/L salt solution starting from 15 DAS from sowing. Then exogenous treatment with digitoxin and esculin with 50 mg L− 1 and 100 mg L− 1 were used for this work.

Results
According to the results of this work, foliar spraying of esculin or digitoxin increased the salinity tolerance of flax plants.The foliar application of either esculin or digitoxin induced an elevation in the contents of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes including soluble sugar and proline as well as the total phenols in salt-stressed flax plants. Moreover, esculin and digitoxin in particular counteract oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and tyrosine ammonia lyase, leading to a decrease in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels and electrolyte leakage. The efficiency of esculin and digitoxin to sustain ion homeostasis by inhibiting Na+ absorption and increasing potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in flax plants may be the reason for their protective actions towards salinity.As a consequence, esculin and digitoxin increased yield quantity and quality as shown by increases in all investigated yield criteriaas shoot height, root length, their fresh and dry weights as well asseed yield/plant (g), and 1000 seeds weight, especially those that improved the desired oil properties.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this study concluded that digitoxin was more effective in inhibiting Na+ build-up and increasing flax salinity tolerance, particularly at the high investigated dose as compared to esculin. In this study, we reported the recent findings of exogenousapplication of either digitoxin or esculin glycosides which are new investigated salt alleviators never used before for improving the salt tolerance in flax plants.
Baseline level of interleukin-6 is associated with the risk of acute coronary syndrome development in SARS-CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Sedighi Mohsen , Shahabi Mohammad Hasan , Akbarpour Maryam , Amanollahi Alireza , Tavakoli Nader , Mohammad Valipour Aydin , Basir Ghafouri Hamed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is frequently reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cytokine storm induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been suggested to potentially cause myocardial injury in COVID-19. We investigated the association between baseline level of IL-6 and development of ACS in COVID-19 patients.

Methods
Demographic and clinical data of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 2020 to 2022 were reviewed. Extracted data including patient characteristics, laboratory biomarkers, and systemic inflammation indexes in patients with or without ACS were reviewed and analyzed. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze predictors of ACS development and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess discriminatory power of IL-6 and other risk factors for predicting ACS development.

Results
Among 1,753 COVID-19 patients, 37 cases experienced ACS and 159 patients without main COVID-19 complications were randomly selected as controls. ACS patients were older (p = 0.001) and suffered from more comorbidities including diabetes (43% vs. 18%, p = 0.001), hypertension (40.5% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.050), ischemic heart disease (49% vs. 9%, p = 0.001), and hyperlipidemia (19% vs. 5%, p = 0.010). Also, decreased level of consciousness (31.6% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.001), ICU admission (65% vs. 2%, p = 0.001), and mortality events (70% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.001) were more prevalent in the ACS group. Baseline levels of IL-6 (p = 0.001), D-dimer (p = 0.026), troponin (p = 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.002), and creatinine (p = 0.008) were higher in ACS patients but erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.013), hemoglobin (p = 0.033), and red blood cells (p = 0.028) were lower compared with controls. Also, age (OR: 1.06, p = 0.019), IL-6 (OR: 1.44, p = 0.047), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 3.66, p = 0.043) were associated with ACS development. The area under the curve (AUC) of IL-6 and combined predictors respectively was 0.661 (p = 0.002) and 0.829 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
High IL-6 concentration at baseline is a strong predictor for ACS development in COVID-19 patients. Also, elderly and concurrent CVD are significantly associated with ACS development.
Frequent contacts to Emergency Medical Services (EMS): more than frequent callers
Authors: Harring Astrid K. V. , Graesli Ola , Häikiö Kristin , Hjortdahl Magnus , Jørgensen Trine M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
A frequent caller is defined by The Frequent Caller National Network (FreCaNN) as an adult who makes five or more emergency calls in a month or twelve or more in three months, related to individual episodes of care. However, we believe that when limiting the definition to those who call themselves, one underestimates the impact frequent contacts have on the Emergency Medical Communication Center (EMCC) and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Method
We conducted a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional database review of frequent contacts; defined as persons who have ≥ 5 contacts in a month or ≥ 12 contacts in three months. Data were provided from Oslo EMCC, between 1. January 2017 and 31. December 2022. Contrary to the FreCaNN definition, we included all types of contacts and callers, both emergent and non-emergent, regarding patients of all ages.

Results
During the study period, 2.149.400 contacts were registered. Of these 129.700 were contacts from frequent callers, where the patients called themselves. When including contacts frequently made on behalf of a patient, we found that 268.723 fit the definition of frequent emergency contacts. When also taking non-emergent contacts into account, a total of 437.361 contacts fit the definition of frequent contacts.

Conclusion
When limiting the criteria to only frequent callers, one underestimates the impact persons who have frequent contacts, have on the EMCC and the EMS. We were able to distinguish between three categories—contacts from frequent callers, frequent emergency contacts, and frequent contacts. We believe broadening the definition can benefit both research and audits, when accessing the use of emergency resources to patients with frequent requests for help to the EMCCs.
Bacterial and clinical metabolic signatures and their interactions in obese patients post-bariatric surgery
Authors: Hu Mengjie , Xiang Qiaoyuan , Mei Zixuan , Gong Cheng , Pan Dingyu , liu Yumin , Li Zhen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity is a growing health concern in China, closely linked to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is effective in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic outcomes. Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota in metabolic regulation, yet the specific alterations in gut microbiota and their association with metabolic changes post-surgery in Chinese patients remain unclear. Understanding these shifts could provide key insights into optimizing treatment strategies for metabolic improvement following bariatric surgery.

Methods
Stool samples and clinical data were collected from 30 obese patients before and 6 months after surgery. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the association between gut microbiota and clinical indicators.

Results
The analysis of 30 patients showed a significant decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) (36.75 ± 4.09 kg/m2 vs 26.37 ± 3.47 kg/m2, p < 0.0001). Glucose metabolism, including Hemoglobin A1C levels, improved significantly (6.05 ± 0.96 vs 5.05 ± 0.25, p < 0.0001), and liver function as well as serum lipid levels were also notably improved. LSG increased the richness and composition of gut microbiota in obese patients post-surgery. These changes in gut microbiota were closely associated with improved clinical metabolic parameters.

Conclusion
LSG not only significantly reduces body weight while also alleviating metabolic syndrome and comorbidities by altering gut microbiota.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis associated with JAK2 V617F mutation-related pre-primary myelofibrosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Song Jiahao , Huang Chanzi , Jia Lina , Wang Mengqi , Wu Chuanjie , Ji Xunming , Song Haiqing , Meng Ran , Zhou Da 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening subtype of stroke. Prompt and appropriate anticoagulation is crucial for improving the prognosis of CVST and preventing its recurrence. Identifying the underlying cause of CVST is decisive for guiding anticoagulant selection and determining treatment duration.

Case Presentation
A 50-year-old man presented with a 35-day history of headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Digital subtraction angiography performed at another facility revealed CVST. A contrast-enhanced black-blood MRI at our center confirmed the diagnosis, which was supported by a high intracranial pressure of 330mmH2O. Laboratory tests showed elevated leukocytes and platelet counts, raising suspicion of an underlying myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). A bone marrow biopsy demonstrated increased megakaryocytes and granulocytes, and genetic testing identified the presence of the Janus kinase 2 V617F (JAK2 V617F) mutation, leading to a diagnosis of pre-primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF). During hospitalization, anticoagulation with nadroparin calcium and fibrinolytic therapy were initiated. Upon discharge, rivaroxaban and aspirin were prescribed to prevent CVST recurrence and arterial thrombosis.

Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of recognizing dynamic changes in routine blood tests that may link CVST to underlying hematological disorders. The JAK2 mutation is not only associated with MPNs but also increases the risk of thrombosis, including CVST. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms by which JAK2 mutations contribute to thrombosis and to explore the potential benefits of JAK2 inhibitors in reducing this risk.
The relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Abdelrazek Mira Naguib , El-Ashry Ayman Mohamed , Abdelaal Heba Mohamed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
Assess the relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Methods
A descriptive correlational study was conducted on 30 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who were recruited to complete the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire-Long Form.

Results
The results of the study indicate that 66.6% of the 30 subjects exhibited high levels of OCD symptom severity, with a mean score of 33.20 ± 4.67. In terms of early maladaptive schemas, 60% of subjects displayed severe emotional deprivation, 66.7% showed severe emotional inhibition, and 83.3% had severe failure schemas. A strong positive correlation was found between failure schemas and OCD symptoms (r = 0.697, p < 0.001). However, what truly impressed the researchers was the predictive power of the failure schema. It was the only significant predictor of OCD symptoms (Beta = 0.992, p < 0.001), explaining 55.2% of the variance.

Conclusion
The study underscores the crucial influence of early maladaptive schemas on the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It proposes that considering early maladaptive schemas, such as emotional self-awareness, failure, and vulnerability to harm, can aid in gauging the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Moreover, the study’s findings are of significant importance to mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals involved in the treatment and management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as they provide a deeper understanding of the condition and suggest practical approaches for its management.
“Empathy for children is often missing”: a mixed methods analysis of a German forum on COVID-19 pandemic measures
Authors: Nguyễn Văn Kính , Berner-Rodoreda Astrid , Baum Nina , Bärnighausen Till 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The pandemic and its preventive measures disrupted daily routines and posed unforeseen obstacles for families. Users of public online forums chronicled these challenges by freely expressing their sentiments in unrestricted text-length formats. We explored a German COVID-19 forum to understand family perspectives and experiences of pandemic measures, particularly in terms of testing and vaccinating children. Our findings aim to inform future epidemic health policies.

Methods
We retrieved all 11,207 entries from a COVID-19 forum during its lifespan (June 2020 - December 2021), posted during the height of the pandemic. We classified the entries into topic clusters including general pandemic situation, testing, or vaccination using state-of-the-art text embeddings and clustering algorithms. The clusters were selected based on the research’s aims and analysed qualitatively using a health policy triangle framework.

Results
Users generally appreciated pandemic public health safety measures for everyone’s protection, yet voiced concerns about inconsistent policies and disproportional disadvantages for children compared to other societal groups, like the elderly. Non-compliers were overwhelmingly regarded with skepticism and critiqued. Users found COVID-19 (exit) strategies and information about the benefits of vaccination unclear. This created hurdles for parents and caregivers in navigating their children’s school and social life. Users endorsed vaccinating children mainly for “normalising” children’s lives rather than for their physical health benefits. Some users suggested prioritising teachers and early childhood educators on the vaccination eligibility list to speed up a return to “normality”.

Conclusions
During pandemics, governments should prioritize addressing the societal and mental health needs of children by implementing participatory and family-oriented public health measures for schools and kindergartens. Clear communication coupled with consistent design and implementation of safety measures and regulations, would be crucial for building trust in the general population and for ensuring compliance regarding testing and vaccination. Communicating the benefits and risks of vaccinating children is of paramount importance for informed decision-making among parents. In future epidemics, computer-aided analysis of large online qualitative data would offer valuable insights into public sentiments and concerns, enabling proactive and adaptive epidemic responses.
Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and respiratory health in an Inuit community
Authors: Aker Amira , Courtemanche Yohann , Ayotte Pierre , Robert Philippe , Gaudreau Éric , Lemire Mélanie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Concentrations of plasma per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are elevated in the Inuit population of Nunavik and may be causing adverse health effects. Respiratory health outcomes have been associated with PFAS, but have not been explored in Inuit communities. The aim of the study was to examine the association between PFAS and respiratory health outcomes, and the moderating role of nutritional biomarkers.

Methods
We included up to 1298 participants of the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 survey aged 16–80 years. Generalized regression models were used to estimate the associations between six individual PFAS congeners and four self-reported symptoms, four spirometry measures, and physician-diagnosed asthma. Outcomes associated with PFAS from single chemical models were further explored using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). The modifying effect of n-3 PUFA in red blood cell quartiles and vitamin D deficiency were examined on the associations between PFAS and respiratory outcomes.

Results
PFNA and PFOS were associated with asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 2.32; OR 1.45 95% CI 1.04, 2.03). PFOA, PFNA, PFDA and PFHxS were associated with a decrease in the ratio between the forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). No associations were observed with self-reported respiratory symptoms. No associations were observed between a PFAS mixture and asthma. Some associations were modified by nutritional factors, namely, stronger associations between PFOA and PFHxS and asthma with lower n-3 PUFA levels and stronger associations between PFDA, PFUnDA and PFOS and FEV1/FVC with vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion
These findings add to the growing literature on the impacts of PFAS on respiratory health, and the importance of their global regulation. Associations were modified by nutritional factors pointing to the nutritional value of traditional Inuit foods.
Multi-assessed green sustainable chromatographic resolution of nicotine and caffeine; application to in-vitro release from a new quick mist mouth spray co-formula
Authors: Salem Yomna A. , Abbas Ahmed Emad F. , Salem Amgad E. , Abdella Aya A. , El-Masry Amal A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe availability of well-established analytical methods is crucial to cope with the fast-ongoing research for the development of new drug delivery formulations. In this work, a rapid highly green chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nicotine (NIC) and caffeine (CAF) to be applied for an in-vitro release study from a newly prepared quick mist mouth spray co-formula (QMS), as a complementary synergistic fast-onset relief of cravings during smoking cessation. The chromatographic resolution was accomplished on a cyano column using isocratically delivered (1.0 mL/ min) glycerol: orthophosphoric acid (OPA) (0.2 M) adjusted to pH 3.0 using 0.05 M triethylamine (5:95, v/v) and UV detection at 260 nm. Well resolved peaks of NIC and CAF were eluted at 2.1 and 3.9 min (Rs = 5.64), with linear responses between 0.1 and 20.0 µg/mL and 0.2–40.0 µg/mL, and detection limits of 0.03 and 0.07 µg/mL for NIC and CAF, respectively. The developed method showed good analytical performance (accuracy, precision, robustness, and selectivity) as well as superiority in practicality and ecological profile compared to reported methods applying GAPI, analytical eco-scale, AGREE, BAGI, and whiteness metric tool. The developed method was successfully applied for NIC and CAF determination in their pharmaceutical preparations, and artificial saliva with no significant differences from reported method results (F-test and t-test). Moreover, an in-vitro release study of NIC and CAF from QMS was performed employing the developed method that revealed diffusion-controlled release, compared to mixed diffusion/ polymer chain relaxation for marketed single component formulation, showing the superiority of QMS in reducing drug level fluctuations of NIC and CAF and improving their bioavailability.
Graphical Abstract
Erythrocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide concentration is enhanced by systematic sports participation
Authors: Pospieszna Barbara , Kusy Krzysztof , Slominska Ewa Maria , Zieliński Jacek , Ciekot-Sołtysiak Monika 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+), and their reduced forms (NADH and NADPH) are the vital cofactors for most cellular oxidation/reduction reactions and therefore influence most critical pathways in cellular metabolism. This study aimed to predict the trends of age-related changes in erythrocyte NAD+ and NADP+ concentrations in elite athletes compared to untrained controls and to assess whether life-long physical training stimulates favorable adaptations in erythrocyte NAD(P)+ concentrations.

Methods
Erythrocyte concentrations of NAD+ and NADP+ were measured in 68 elite endurance runners (20–81 years), 58 elite sprinters (21–90 years), and 62 untrained individuals (20–68 years). Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate longitudinal relationships and cross-sectional rates of change between age and erythrocyte NAD+ and NADP+ levels. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences between the studied groups.

Results
In all three groups, the erythrocyte NAD+ and NADP+ concentrations significantly decreased with advancing age, suggesting gradual deterioration of NAD-related regulatory functions in older individuals. However, the concentration of erythrocyte NAD(P)+, regardless of age category, was higher in the athletic groups compared to less active controls.

Conclusions
Our research shows that systematic sports participation, especially of a sprint-oriented nature, can be treated as a natural and effective strategy promoting cellular NAD(P)+ anabolism and thus cells’ energy and redox metabolism.

Trial registration
The study was retrospectively registered in the clinical trials registry on 2021-11-09 (NCT05113914).