bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Bioactivity of Siddhalepa Asamodagam Spirit from Seeds of Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) H. Wolff
Authors: Jayawantha Dilan , Hettigoda Lankani , Mudalige Tharindya Dinethri , Paranagama Priyani Ashoka 
Published: August 2024

Objectives The water distillate derived from Trachyspermum roxburghianum seeds has been traditionally employed in medicine for treating stomach infections and gastric ulcers. However, no systematic study has been conducted to evaluate its efficacy. Therefore, the present study focused on evaluating the potential health benefits, including the chemical constituents of the distillate. This distillate was prepared and identified as Siddhalepa Asamodagam Spirit (Sid.AS). Methods The chemical constituents of Sid.AS were identified and quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The antioxidant potential of Sid.AS samples was assessed in vitro using DPPH and ABTS assays. Various concentrations of Sid.AS were subjected to antimicrobial, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and urease inhibition assays according to the standard methods specified by the Ayurvedic Department in Sri Lanka. Results Thymol was identified as the major compound in Sid.AS through GC-MS analysis. Sid.AS demonstrated significant anti-urease, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipase, and antioxidant activities, as evidenced by low IC50 values compared to the positive controls. This suggests its potential in controlling gastric-related disorders, scavenging free radicals, and managing obesity by inhibiting the breakdown and absorption of fats. Additionally, Sid.AS exhibited inhibitory effects against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, indicating potential anti-diabetic activity by regulating blood sugar levels. Sid.AS displayed strong antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms, with higher zones of inhibition and lower MIC and MLC values, indicating its effectiveness in combating microbial infections. Findings from the anti-lipase assay demonstrated activity comparable to that of the positive control, Orlistat. Conclusion The findings of Sid.AS suggest its potential as a multi-functional bioactive herbal distillate with various pharmacological activities. Our results highlight that Sid.AS is a promising natural herbal extract with diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-urease, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. Further research and development could explore its potential applications in various therapeutic areas.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light chain as biomarkers in pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Saucier Laura , Healy Brian C , Saxena Shrishti , Sanon Eunnindy , Chitnis Tanuja 
Published: August 2024

Background Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a marker of neuroaxonal injury, and serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) reflects reactive astrogliosis. In adult multiple sclerosis (MS), sNfL correlates with relapsing disease activity while sGFAP correlates with progressive disease. Objectives We evaluate sNfL and sGFAP as biomarkers in pediatric-onset MS (POMS) compared to pediatric healthy controls (PHC), and correlations with the disease course. Methods In this single-center observational cross-sectional study, we extracted data from a longitudinal database and measured NfL and GFAP from bio-banked serum using single-molecule array technology. Results The analysis included 61 POMS patients and 45 PHC. Controlling for age and BMI, sNfL was 414% higher and sGFAP was 42.3% higher in POMS. Disability (EDSS) is associated with higher sNfL ( β = 0.32, p = 0.002) and higher sGFAP ( β = 0.11, p = 0.03). sNfL is associated with MRI lesion burden, recent disease activity ( β =0.95, p < 0.001), and untreated status ( β = 0.5, p = 0.006). Conclusion sNfL and sGFAP are elevated in POMS compared to PHC. Both biomarkers are associated with clinical disability. Elevated sGFAP may reflect early neurodegeneration in POMS, while sNfL reflects disease activity and DMT response. Elevated sNfL among some clinically and radiographically stable POMS patients suggests ongoing neuroaxonal injury with a potential role for sNfL monitoring disease stability.
Impact of race and socioeconomic deprivation on clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization in pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Poisson Kelsey E , Cofield Stacey S , Ness Jayne M 
Published: August 2024

Background Health disparities in adult-onset multiple sclerosis have been identified in the Black/African American (AA) population. A higher relapse rate has been suggested in Black/AA patients with pediatric-onset MS (POMS), but little work explores healthcare utilization and social determinants of health (SDOH). Objective To evaluate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in POMS outcomes. Methods Retrospective chart review identified 31 eligible patients diagnosed with POMS at Children's of Alabama between 2013 and 2023. Demographics, outcomes, and healthcare utilization over 2 years from diagnosis were collected. Patient addresses were connected to SDOH measures from the US Census. Bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact Test, Wilcoxin Test, and 2-sided t-test. Results Black/AA children had a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at first presentation (p = 0.0276) and were more likely to initiate fingolimod vs. glatiramer acetate (p = 0.0464). Living further from Children's of Alabama was associated with a higher most recent EDSS (p = 0.0301) and fewer neurology appointments (p = 0.0167). Families living in more socioeconomically deprived census tracts had significantly more hospital admissions. Conclusion Black/AA POMS patients had a more severe initial presentation and were started on higher efficacy medication. We identified disparities in EDSS and healthcare utilization based on SDOH data linked to a child's home address.
A Characteristic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding to Identify Morton Neuroma: The Slug Sign
Authors: Horita Masahiro , Saiga Kenta , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Nakata Eiji , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: August 2024

Background: Morton neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain and sensory disturbances, but it is difficult to identify on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of a characteristic MRI finding (slug sign) for identifying Morton neuroma and to clarify the relationship between excised neuroma characteristics and preoperative MRI findings. Methods: Twenty-two web spaces were retrospectively assessed from the second and third intermetatarsal spaces of 11 feet of 10 patients (7 women and 3 men, aged average 59.5 years) who underwent surgical excision of Morton neuroma between 2017 and 2022. Asymptomatic web spaces were used as control. Neuromas with 2 branches of the plantar digital nerves on axial T1-weighted MRI (MRI-T1WI) were considered the slug sign. We investigated the preoperative presence of the slug sign in Morton neuroma and asymptomatic control web spaces. We also investigated the relationship between the maximum transverse diameter of the excised specimen and that estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI. Results: A total of 15 Morton neuromas were excised and assessed. The slug signs were present in 10 intermetatarsal spaces in 15 web spaces with Morton neuroma whereas the sign was found in 1 intermetatarsal space in 7 asymptomatic web spaces. The sensitivity and specificity for the slug sign to diagnose Morton neuroma was 66.7% and 85.7%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 90.9% and 54.5%, respectively. The mean maximum transverse diameter of excised neuromas was 4.7 mm. The mean maximum transverse diameter of neuromas on coronal MRI-T1WI was 3.4 mm. A significant positive correlation was found between the maximum transverse diameters of excised specimens and diameters estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI ( r = 0.799, P < .001). Conclusion: The slug sign may be a useful indicator of Morton neuroma on MRI to confirm nerve involvement after bifurcation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective series.
Prevalence of Tobacco Products’ Use and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Morocco: A Systematic Review
Authors: MOUTAWAKKIL Salma Ghofrane , EL-AMMARI Abdelfettah , EL MALKI Hicham , RAGALA Mohammed El Amine , EL RHAZI Karima , ZARROUQ Btissame 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Tobacco use is the major preventable cause of premature death worldwide, responsible for about 8 million deaths per year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Morocco. Adolescents’ tobacco use is a matter of concern, because early initiation increases the risk of becoming a lifelong user. There exists a notable gap in the synthesis of evidence concerning tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of the prevalence of tobacco products’ use and associated factors among adolescents in Morocco. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect for relevant studies reporting prevalence rates of tobacco products’ use among Moroccan adolescents, published until June 2024, using inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional searches were completed on other sources to reach unpublished reports. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. Results: After the final screening, 22 papers met the inclusion criteria. Life-time prevalence of tobacco use ranged from 7.8% to 20.4% for cigarettes smoking, from 10.6% to 21.9% for waterpipe, from 7.9% to 9.1% for chewing tobacco and from 9.2% to 12.4% for snuff. The last 12-month prevalence of cigarette smoking was comprised between 6.9% and 10.8%. As for the prevalence of current use, ranges of (1.8%-16.4%) and (4.9%-8.4%) were noted for cigarettes and waterpipe, respectively. The most commonly highlighted risk factors for tobacco use included male sex, older age, having friends or family members who use tobacco and low perception of risk associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: Our findings reveal an alarming situation of tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial that all stakeholders engage in concerted efforts to develop and implement evidence-based preventive interventions among early adolescents.
The silent epidemic: exploring the link between loneliness and chronic diseases in China’s elderly
Authors: Meng Lingbing , Xu Ruofan , Li Jianyi , Hu Jiabin , Xu Hongxuan , Wu Dishan , Hu Xing , Zeng Xuezhai , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Juan , Liu Deping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability. Loneliness is linked to a greater risk of chronic disease. However, the lack of loneliness may change this relationship.

Methods
The 4th Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China (SSAPUR) was performed. 222,179 people over 60 years old were recruited. Chronic disease was defined by self-reported tumble incidents using the fourth SSAPUR questionnaire. We found that the residuals were well normally distributed. Subsequently, we analyzed the association between each studied factor and chronic disease by univariate logistic regression analysis. Finally, we stratified the population by age, gender, and urban and rural.

Results
77,448 individuals experienced loneliness, while 137,593 did not. Loneliness correlated significantly with urban-rural classification, age, and gender (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between chronic diseases and loneliness (P < 0.05). Compared to lonely individuals, those with low level of loneliness had a lower incidence of gastric diseases (OR = 0.752, 95% CI, 0.736–0.769, P < 0.001), osteoarthritis (OR = 0.685, 95% CI, 0.673–0.697, P < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 0.678, 95% CI, 0.659–0.698, P < 0.001), asthma (OR = 0.608, 95% CI, 0.583–0.633, P < 0.001), malignant tumors (OR = 0.892, 95% CI, 0.822–0.968, P = 0.006), and reproductive system diseases (OR = 0.871, 95% CI, 0.826–0.918, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
In summary, loneliness is an important risk factor in the occurrence and development of chronic diseases in the elderly in China, and it has adverse effects on hypertension, stomach disease, cataract or glaucoma, osteoarthrosis, chronic lung disease, asthma, malignant tumor, and reproductive system diseases.
Monitoring the VDPV2 outbreak in Egypt during 2020–2021 highlights the crucial role of environmental surveillance and boosting immunization in combating Poliovirus
Authors: Shabana Menna R. , Zaghloul Amira Y. , El Shaarawy Tamer H. , Elleboudy Nooran S. , Aboshanab Khaled M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Poliovirus is a highly infectious enterovirus (EV) that primarily affects children and can lead to lifelong paralysis or even death. Vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) are a great threat since they are derived from the attenuated virus in the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) and can mutate to a more virulent form. The purpose of this study was to identify VDPV serotype 2 through the year 2020–2021 via surveillance of sewage samples collected from different localities and governorates in Egypt and stool specimens from Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases. Both were collected through the national poliovirus surveillance system and according to the guidelines recommended by the WHO.

Methods
A total of 1266 sewage samples and 3241 stool samples from January 2020 to December 2021 were investigated in the lab according to World Health Organization (WHO) protocol for the presence of Polioviruses by cell culture, molecular identification of positive isolates on L20B cell line was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). Any positive isolates for Poliovirus type 2 and isolates suspected of Vaccine Derived Poliovirus Type 1 and type 3 screened by (VDPV1) or Vaccine Poliovirus Type 3 (VDPV3) assay in RT-PCR were referred for VP1 genetic sequencing.

Results
The outbreak was caused by circulating VDPV2 (cVDPV2) strains started in January 2021. By the end of February 2021, a total of 11 cVDPV2s were detected in sewage samples from six governorates confirming the outbreak situation. One additional cVDPV2 was detected later in the sewage sample from Qena (June 2021). The first and only re-emergence of VDPV2 in stool samples during the outbreak was in contact with Luxor in June 2021. By November 2021, a total of 80 VDPVs were detected. The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), in collaboration with the WHO, responded quickly by launching two massive vaccination campaigns targeting children under the age of five. Additionally, surveillance systems were strengthened to detect new cases and prevent further spread of the virus.

Conclusion
The continued threat of poliovirus and VDPVs requires ongoing efforts to prevent their emergence and spread. Strategies such as improving immunization coverage, using genetically stable vaccines, and establishing surveillance systems are critical to achieving global eradication of poliovirus and efficient monitoring of VDPVs outbreaks.
Association of monoaminergic gene polymorphisms in chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease patients with successful smoking cessation
Authors: Mikaczo Angela , Papp Csaba , Erdei Tamas , Posa Aniko , Zahuczky Gabor , Varga Csaba , Szabo Janos , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Szilasi Maria , Zsuga Judit 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Albeit smoking cessation has unequivocal health benefits, attempts to quit are not unanimous, even in patient populations at high risk for smoking-related diseases cessation. Allelic variations of enzymes involved in dopamine metabolism are being considered as candidates for nicotine addiction. We set out to assess whether rs4680 G/A and rs2235186 G/A polymorphisms of COMT and MAO-A, respectively are associated with the ability to quit smoking in chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease patients.

Methods
Patients managed for chronic inflammatory pulmonary disease by the Department of Pulmonology (University of Debrecen, Hungary), with a current or past smoking habit were included in the current analysis. The study was designed in line with the STROBE statement for cross-sectional studies and was approved by the National Center for Public Health, Hungary. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood specimens. SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.

Results
rs4680 COMT polymorphism showed significant effect for successful smoking cessation in patients with pulmonary disease. Accordingly, A/A subjects had lower odds for successful smoking cessation (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.69, p = 0.002 (additive model). On the other hand, patients homozygous for the minor allele (A) at rs2235186 of MAO-A showed a non-significant trend toward increased odds for successful smoking cessation.

Conclusions
The presence of the minor allele for rs4680 COMT was shown to decrease the odds for successful smoking cessation, a finding that may be interpreted in view of the altered balance between tonic and phasic dopamine release.
Leveraging implementation science theories to develop and expand the use of a penicillin allergy de-labeling intervention
Authors: Alagoz Esra , Saucke Megan , Balasubramanian Prakash , Liebenstein Tyler , Kakumanu Sujani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPenicillin allergy is the most frequently reported drug allergy, yet most patients can tolerate the drug if challenged. Despite this discrepancy, large scale penicillin allergy de-labeling interventions have not been widely implemented in many health care systems. The application of a multi-method implementation science approach can provide key tools to study this evidence to practice gap and provide insight to successfully operationalize penicillin allergy evaluation in real-world clinical settings.MethodsWe followed a four-step process that leverages qualitative analysis to design evidence-based, actionable strategies to develop an intervention. First, we specified the clinician-perceived barriers to penicillin allergy de-labeling (intervention targets). We then mapped intervention targets onto Theoretical Domains Framework (domains and constructs) and found the root causes of behavior. Next, we linked root causes of behavior with intervention functions (BCW). In the final step, we synthesized participants’ suggestions for process improvement with implementation strategies aligning with the intervention functions.ResultsEvidence-based strategies such as focused education and training in penicillin allergy evaluation can address knowledge and confidence barriers reported by frontline clinicians. Other key strategies involve developing a system of champions, improving communications systems, and restructuring the healthcare team. Implementation mapping can provide a powerful multi-method framework to study, design, and customize intervention strategies. Conclusion: Empowering clinicians beyond allergy specialists to conduct penicillin allergy assessments requires designing new workflows and systems and providing additional knowledge to those clinicians.
No evidence that ACE2 or TMPRSS2 drive population disparity in COVID risks
Authors: Pearson Nathaniel M. , Novembre John 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEarly in the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, in this journal, Hou et al. (BMC Med 18:216, 2020) interpreted public genotype data, run through functional prediction tools, as suggesting that members of particular human populations carry potentially COVID-risk-increasing variants in genes ACE2 and TMPRSS2 far more often than do members of other populations. Beyond resting on predictions rather than clinical outcomes, and focusing on variants too rare to typify population members even jointly, their claim mistook a well known artifact (that large samples reveal more of a population’s variants than do small samples) as if showing real and congruent population differences for the two genes, rather than lopsided population sampling in their shared source data. We explain that artifact, and contrast it with empirical findings, now ample, that other loci shape personal COVID risks far more significantly than do ACE2 and TMPRSS2—and that variation in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 per se unlikely exacerbates any net population disparity in the effects of such more risk-informative loci.
Adulthood weight changes, body mass index in youth, genetic susceptibility and risk of atrial fibrillation: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Du Yufeng , Qi Lu , Borné Yan , Sonestedt Emily 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological evidence on weight change and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited and inconsistent. Previous studies on body mass index (BMI) in youth and AF rarely considered subsequent BMI. This study aimed to assess the associations of AF with weight change and BMI in youth, as well as modified effect by genetic susceptibility of AF.

Methods
The study included 21,761 individuals (mean age 57.8 years) from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Weight information was obtained at three time points, including recalled weight at age 20 years, measured weight at baseline (middle adulthood), and reported weight at 5-year follow-up examination (late middle adulthood). A weighted genetic risk score of AF was created using 134 variants.

Results
During a median follow-up of 23.2 years, a total of 4038 participants developed AF. The association between weight change from early to middle adulthood and AF risk was modified by sex (Pinteraction = 0.004); weight loss was associated with a lower AF risk in females, but not in males. Conversely, weight gain was positively associated with AF risk in a linear manner in females, whereas increased AF risk appeared only when weight gain exceeded a threshold in males. Participants with weight gain of > 5 kg from middle to late middle adulthood had a 19% higher risk of AF relative to those with stable weight, whereas weight loss showed a null association. Compared to individuals with a lower BMI at age 20 years, those with a BMI above 25 kg/m2 had an increased risk of AF (HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.28), after controlling for baseline BMI; this association was more pronounced in males or those with a lower genetic risk of AF.

Conclusions
Weight gain in middle adulthood was associated with higher AF risk. Weight loss from early to middle adulthood, but not from middle to late middle adulthood, was associated with a lower risk of AF only in females. Higher BMI in youth was associated with an increased risk of AF, particularly among males or those with a lower genetic risk of AF.