bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcoholic Drinking Practices During the Late Neolithic Longshan Culture in the Central Plains, North China
Authors: Li Lina , Liu Chunyang , Cao Yanpeng , Zhu Shuzheng , Wei Jiyin , Liu Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Neolithic China witnessed a major sociopolitical transition during the third millennium BC in the Yellow River valley. One notable development was the exchange and dispersal of objects associated with ritual activities and ideology at an interregional level. This is exemplified by diverse pottery types linked to fermented beverages discovered at many walled regional centers of the late Longshan culture. To delve into the drinking practices intertwined with ritualistic activities, we undertook a comprehensive examination of microfossil remains (starch, phytolith, and fungi) on pottery vessels excavated from the Pingliangtai site, a walled settlement in eastern Henan (ca. 2300 − 2000 cal. BC). Our analyses revealed the functions of diverse vessel types, demonstrating that most vessel forms were associated with the production and consumption of fermented alcoholic beverages. The fermentation method involved the use of a qu starter compound containing mainly Monascus mold, yeast, and cereals to brew cereal-based beer. The drinking rituals involved several sequential steps, from heating and pouring, to serving individualized drinks to the living and deities. This form of ritual feasting emphasized individual status, differing sharply from the group drinking tradition of the previous local Yangshao culture. This practice originated in the east coast region and dispersed to the Central Plains as a component of the regional interaction sphere. This research provides fresh insights into the functionality of pottery and the significance of alcohol-related rituals as societies evolved towards greater complexity and stratification, setting the stage for the emergence of early dynastic states in the Central Plains.
Spectrum of Morphological Changes in the Placenta of Women with Preeclampsia/Eclampsia and Correlation with Neonatal Morbidity
Authors: Oluwasegun Folaranmi Olaleke , Olayinka Buhari Mikhail , Kazeem Ibrahim Olatunde , Muibat Ibiyeye Kehinde , Olayinka Fodeke Isreal , Salman Isa Abdulazeez , Lukman Abdulkadir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Preeclampsia/eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality; the prevailing theory is that it is a consequence of disordered placentation with the resultant underperfusion of the placenta triggering release of cytokines and vascular factors which cause widespread endothelial damage. The placental changes are manifested as vascular and villous abnormalities with consequences in the developing foetus. The objective of this study was to compare the gross and microscopic changes in the placentas of women with preeclampsia/eclampsia and healthy mothers.
Methods
146 pregnant women were recruited; 73 were normotensive (control group) while 73 were diagnosed with preeclampsia/eclampsia (study group). The macroscopic and microscopic placental changes in the two groups were further examined.
Results
34% of the women in the study group had mild-moderate preeclampsia, 44% had severe preeclampsia and 22% had eclampsia. The placental weights were lower in the study group than the controls (556.82 grams ± 169.72 vs. 649.93 grams ± 116.38, p < 0.001). The major pathologic lesions with strong associations with preeclampsia/eclampsia in this study were decidual vasculopathy, infarction, increased syncytial knots (Tenney-Parker changes), accelerated villi maturity, stromal fibrosis and microcalcifications (p < 0.001). There was also a strong association between disease severity and Apgar scores in the 1st minute. The study group had 11% neonatal mortality.
Conclusion
There were distinct microscopic changes consistent with maternal vascular malperfusion changes in the placentas of mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia and demonstrable neonatal morbidity depicted by high incidence of preterm birth and low birth weights.
Effectiveness of Salivary Sampling for the Detection and Quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 Genotype in Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Khzam Nabil , Kujan Omar , Haubek Dorte , Arslan Aysen , Johansson Anders , Oscarsson Jan , Razooqi Zeinab , Miranda Leticia Algarves 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of unstimulated saliva in detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 genotype, and to compare the saliva, subgingival and mucosa membrane occurrence of this periopathogen in patients diagnosed with advanced periodontitis.
Materials and Methods
One hundred and fifty-six patients (mean age: 54.03 ± 03 years) with advanced forms of periodontitis (stage-III/IV) were sampled. Unstimulated saliva, buccal cheek mucosa and pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected. Identification of A. actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 genotype was performed using polymerase chain reaction. A descriptive analysis and chi-square test evaluation were performed.
Results
A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 32% of the subjects. A total of 468 samples were obtained, 156 from unstimulated saliva, buccal cheek mucosa surfaces, and pooled subgingival plaque samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 23.07% of unstimulated saliva samples, 19.87% of buccal cheek swab samples, and 17.30% of subgingival samples. The total 468 samples were negative for the JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans in this cohort of patients.
Conclusions
These results suggest that in advanced periodontitis, unstimulated saliva is representative of pooled subgingival plaque/buccal cheek samples and its use is adequate in the oral detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a cohort of patients with stage-III and IV periodontitis.
Clinical Relevance:
Data related to the oral colonization of periopthogens can be crucial to the diagnosis, vaccination, maintenance, and treatment of advanced forms of periodontitis. A. actinomycetemcomitans is a key periopathogen implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In the presence of inflammation, advanced bone loss and deep periodontal pocketing, saliva samples seem to be an effective and conservative alternative to other methods of sampling in detecting the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Neutrophile-to-Ferritin Ratio: A Potential Tool for Identifying Hematological Causes of Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Öztop Hikmet , Hunutlu Fazıl Çağrı 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Despite advancements in diagnostic modalities, delineating the etiology of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) remains a significant challenge for clinicians. Notably, cases with hematological malignancies often have a poor prognosis due to delayed diagnosis. This study investigated the potential of readily obtainable laboratory markers to differentiate hematological causes from other etiologies during the early stages of FUO. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 100 patients who fulfilled the modified FUO criteria between January 2010 and April 2023. Hematological etiologies were identified in 26 of the 100 patients. Peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, and the systemic immune inflammation (SII) index, were significantly lower in the hematological group compared to the non-hematological group. Conversely, serum ferritin levels were demonstrably higher in the hematological group. ROC analysis identified a neutrophil-to-ferritin ratio (NFR) cutoff value of <8.53 as optimal for predicting hematological etiology. Subsequent multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NFR was the sole independent predictor of hematological etiology (p=0.013).This study proposes a novel approach for early diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening subset of FUO patients. The NFR presents as an inexpensive and readily available marker for predicting hematological etiology in FUO cases.
Mediated Factors Associated with Metabolic Health among Obese Adolescents
Authors: Lev Hadar , Sternfeld Ron , Lazmi Rotem , Ohayon Rivka , Dudi Rivka , Brener Avivit , Sagi Shira Zelber , Cohen Shlomi , Lubetzky Ronit , Gepner Yftach 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

background
Obesity is highly associated with metabolic risk. Yet, subset of individuals maintains metabolic health despite obesity. This study aims to identify key factors potentially associated with a metabolically healthy obese (MHO) status in adolescents.
Methods
Cross-sectional study included 31 adolescents with obesity [median age:14 y, median body mass index (BMI) Z-score:2.58] categorized into MHO (n = 16) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO, n = 15), based on the presence of at least one metabolic syndrome criteria. A comprehensive evaluation included assessments of abdominal adipose tissue distribution, physiological performance, blood markers, prenatal and sociodemographic characteristics, and dietary habits.
Results
Compared to the MUO, MHO individuals exhibited significantly lower hepatic fat content (HFC, 14.0 ± 9.8% vs. 6.1 ± 3.2%, p = 0.01), liver enzymes (p = 0.004), and experienced a lower risk of complications during birth (p = 0.03). MHO participants consumed fewer total calories (p = 0.04), animal protein (p = 0.005), red meat (p = 0.02), sodium (p = 0.027), palmitic acid (p = 0.04), stearic acid (p = 0.029), arachidonic acid (p = 0.005) and calories from ultra-processed grains (p = 0.049) compared to their MUO counterparts.
Conclusion
HFC emerges as a primary mediator of metabolic health, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for early risk assessment in adolescents with obesity. In addition, dietary composition exerts a notable influence on metabolic health during early stages of life.
Trial registration:
NCT06032312.
Correlation between the upregulation of circulating FABP4 and prognosis of joint replacement in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Lin Silong , Zhang Xianqi , Xia Xishang , Xu Guishui , Pan Hong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential significance of FABP4 in predicting prognosis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Method
This study selected patients undergoing THA/TKA aged >18 years who were hospitalized in Anqing First People’s Hospital of Anhui Medical University. A total of 400 patients and 100 healthy subjects were finally included. Based on the results of 90-day follow-up data were included in the complication group, otherwise, they were classified as the no complications group. The demographic and clinical data of the two groups were compared, and the clinical characteristics and risk factors of local complications within 90 days of TKA/THA were evaluated.
Results
FABP4 concentration (odds ratio (OR)=1.521 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.190–1.944, P =0.001), ASA class (OR=0.064 95% CI=0.005–0.811, P =0.034) and estimated intraoperative blood loss (OR=1.070, 95% CI=1.008–1.135, P=0.027) were found to be predictors of 90-Day Local Complications.
Conclusions
Higher FABP4 concentration is very common in patients with adverse events occurring locally within the 90 days of TKA/THA and the prevalence of adverse events occurring locally within the 90 days of TKA/THA was higher in patients combined with higher FABP4 concentration, higher ASA class or EIBL. FABP4 concentration, ASA class and EIBL are risk factors for the development of adverse events occurring locally within the 90 days of TKA/THA, but validation in larger sample studies is still needed.
The HMGCS2-associated hub genes as promising targets for ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Yan Jing , Guo Mingxiao , Nie Jiao , Zhang Jinming , Shao Shuai , Lu Lin , Du Chao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of colon with unclear pathogenesis. Studies have shown that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoAsynthase 2 (HMGCS2) may play an important role in inflammation, but its role in UC especially those in remission phase has not been investigated. The transcriptional profile of normal and UC patients was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), and the results revealed that HMGCS2 was significantly downregulated in both inflamed and remission samples of UC patients as compared to controls. We generated Caco-2 and HT-29 cells lacking HMGCS2 by lentivirus shRNA vectors. The analysis of RNA-seq data of the cells showed that knockdown of HMGCS2 significantly downregulated fatty acid (FA)-metabolism pathway by KEGG analysis, and HMGCS2-associated FA-metabolism-related hub genes (HubHMGCS2−FA) were retrieved. Further validation in GEO datasets showed that the HubHMGCS2−FA panel were significantly correlated with FA-metabolism pathway. The risk score modelHMGCS2−FA was then established, and its prediction effect in distinguishing UC patients in active as well as remission phase from normal controls is good (AUC:0.85-1). Therefore, HMGCS2 plays an important role in patients with UC in not only active but also remission phase and may serve as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the future.
Poor sleep quality, cardiometabolic risk factors and physical activity, among paramedical staff in Douala,Cameroon
Authors: Ndongo Jerson Mekoulou , Lele Elysée Claude Bika , Njoya Emmanuel Guilou Njimongna , Manga Léon Jules Owona , Tabunguia Ange Ulrich LeRoi , Mbian William Mbang , Guessogo William Richard , Ahmadou . , Foko Pradel Loick Kojom , Bilog Nadine Carole , Guyot Jessica , Ayina Clarisse Noel Ayina , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Bongue Bienvenu , Ndemba Peguy Brice Assomo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Paramedical personnel used to night shift predisposing them to poor sleep (PS) and its health consequences. Their work requests an important physical demand associated to physical activity (PA).
Objectives: This study aimed at determining prevalence of PS, its association with cardiometabolic risk factors (CFRs), and PA among paramedical staff.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and medical-health technicians (MTH) in reference hospitals of Douala, Cameroon. PS and PA were assessed with standard questionnaires. CFRs included overweight, obesity, waist circumference (WC), Waist-to-height ratio (WhtR), Waist-to-hip ratios (WhR), hyperglycemia and sedentary behaviors.
Results: A total of 331 participants were enrolled, including 53.4% nurses. The overall prevalence of PS was 68.3% (95%CI:63.01-73.01). PS was higher in women (73.5%,95%CI:67.3-78.8, p=0.04) and nurses (58.8%; 95%CI: 52.3-65.1, p=0.01). Among participants with PS, more than half more affected were overweight and obese (39.9% and 34% respectively) with abnormal WC (55.8%), abnormal WhR (78.2%), and sedentary behaviors (65.5%). However, 28.4% had abnormal WhtR, 40.6% had hyperglycemia, and 47.7% had low moderate level of PA. Among nurses with poor sleep, ponderal status appeared more normal among those with moderate PA (64.7%, p=0.009). Nurses with low and high levels were more overweight and obese (48.5%, p=0.009; 15.2%, p=0.009 respectively). Still among paramedical staff with poor sleep, it was noted that nurses with low levels of activity had more abnormal WhR (50.9%, p=0.0008), while WhR was more abnormal among nurses with moderate (51.9%, p=0.0008) and high (29.6%, p=0.0008) levels of PA. MTH were less in risk to suffer from PS quality (OR: 0.48.95%CI: 0.29-0.80; p= 0.004) but in risk of short sleep duration (OR= 2.4; 95%CI: 1.45-3.8; p=0.0006). Paramedical personnel with work seniority more than 5 years were at risk of PS (OR= 1.67, 95%CI :1.04-2.70, p=0.03). Eventhose aged under 30 years were protected against sleep duration (OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.31-0.94; p=0.03). No association was found between PA level and PS and cardiometabolic risk cluster factors.
Conclusion: PS is a reality with alarming prevalence among paramedical staff, with high value in females and nurses. No associations were found with CRFs and PA.
Evaluation of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Salvage Treatment of Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumours
Authors: TOPAL Alper , ERTURK Ismail , KOSEOGLU Caglar , DUMLUDAG Aysegul , KUZU Ömer Faruk , KARADURMUS Berkan , TUZUN Esmanur KAPLAN , ATACAN Huseyin , MAMMADZADA Nurlan , YILDIRIM Gizem , ACAR Ramazan , KARADURMUS Nuri 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
We aimed to evaluate the survival analysis, response rates and factors affecting response to high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (OSCT) in patients with relapsed/refractory extragonadal germ cell tumours.
Methods
The study included patients diagnosed with extragonadal germ cell tumors who underwent HDCT + ASCT between November 2016 and January 2023 at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital. Clinical characteristics and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed from patient records and the hospital electronic system. Patients under 18 years of age and those without medical records were excluded. Patient characteristics, post-HDCT progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) data, factors affecting survival, and treatment-related mortality (TRM) were examined. The relationship between clinical factors and OS/PFS was analyzed.
Results
Twenty-five patients were included. After HDCT + ASCT, complete response (CR) was observed in 6 patients (24%), partial response (PR) in 15 patients (60%) and progressive disease (PD) in 4 patients (16%). TRM was observed in 1 (4%) patient. Median follow-up was 25.4 months. Median PFS and OS after HDCT + ASCT were calculated to be 4.9 months and 12.2 months, respectively.
Conclusions
Salvage HDCT + ASCT is an option in the treatment of extragonadal germ cell tumours, offering the potential for prolonged survival and cure.
A higher shadow ratio of the living environment on the remote sensing digital image is possibly protective for adolescent myopia
Authors: Zhang Hanze , Zhang Ningyuan , Li Zeyu , Yang Jingyuan , Zhu Yucheng , Liu Zhao , Chen Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study aims to assess how the construction patterns within residential communities influence the adolescent myopia using cluster sampling. In a private high school from a megacity in mid-west China, a questionnaire gathered data on the 10th-grade students' level of myopia, home address, and some potential confounding factors. Additionally, satellite digital images were utilized to calculate the proportion of shadow area (PSA) and the proportion of greenness area (PGA) within a 500m×500m area centered on each student's home address. Correlations between myopia levels and PSA, along with other variables, were analyzed. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and high myopia were 39.2%, 32.5%, and 8.3%, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between myopia levels and PSA, albeit marginally significant (r=-0.189*, P = 0.05). Upon dividing the sample into higher and lower PSA groups using a cut-off point of 20%, a significant difference in myopia levels was evident (χ2 = 8.361, P = 0.038), while other confounding factors remained comparable. In conclusion, high-rise apartment constructions, which often cast more shadows on digital satellite maps, may not exacerbate myopia progression. Instead, they could potentially serve as a protective factor against adolescent myopia in densely populated megacities, as they allow for more ground space allocation.
Computational identification of PDL1 inhibitors and their cytotoxic effects with silver and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ali Syed Hammad , Ali Hiba , Aziz Mohammad Azhar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for cancer that aims to boost the immune system's response to cancer cells. This can be achieved by blocking PD1(Programmed cell death 1)/PDL1(Programmed death-ligand 1), which activates T cells. In this work, the aim was to find high-affinity drugs against PDL1 using computational tools and conjugate them with nanoparticles. The cytotoxic activity of the drug-conjugated nanoparticles was then tested.
Methods
The screening of one hundred thousand drugs from the ZINC database and FDA-approved drugs was done computationally. The physicochemical properties and toxicity of the drugs were analyzed using SwissADME and ProTox-II respectively. AgNPs and AuNPs were synthesized using extracts of Catharanthus roseus flowers and Juglans regia shells, respectively. The characterization of AgNPs and AuNPs was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their conjugation with the drugs Irinotecan, Imatinib, and Methotrexate was also confirmed using UV-Vis, FTIR, and Dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Results
The top screened drugs were ZINC1098661 and three FDA-approved drugs (Irinotecan, Imatinib, and Methotrexate). Docking studies revealed that Irinotecan had the highest binding affinity towards PDL1 when conjugated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The Irinotecan-PDL1 complex was confirmed as the most stable through molecular dynamics simulations. The result of methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed that conjugated AgNPs and AuNPs with Irinotecan had a high toxic effect on A549 cancer cell line than Imatinib conjugated with AgNPs and AuNPs.
Conclusion:
This study provides a promising avenue for further investigation and development of nanoparticle-drug conjugates as a potential cancer immunotherapy strategy.