bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants are associated with migraine diagnosis
Authors: Vitali‐Silva Aline , Bello Valéria Aparecida , Poli Regina Célia , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Coral , Lopes Milene Valéria , Silveira Diogo Nabhan , Bossa Beatriz Bagatim , Espinosa Beatriz Rabello , Ahrens Tainah Mendes , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Simão Andréa Name Colado 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundMigraine is a genetically determined disorder that predisposes to recurrent episodes of headache. Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that seems to play a role in migraine pathophysiology, and its genetic variants could potentially impact susceptibility to migraine.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants with migraine diagnosis and its clinical characteristics.MethodsA case‐control study was conducted with 152 people with migraine and 155 healthy controls, matched by sex, age, ethnicity, and body mass index. Clinical characteristics of migraine, as well as validated questionnaires regarding disability and impact of migraine, presence of allodynia, anxiety, depression, and hyperacusis were collected. Genotyping for IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and TaqMan™ method.ResultsThe IL18 rs360717A and rs187238G alleles were associated with increased chance of being diagnosed with migraine (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.05–2.24, p = 0.028 and OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.00–2.14, p = 0.049, respectively). In the dominant model, the rs360717GA + AA genotypes were also associated with a higher chance of migraine than the GG genotype (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.05–2.73, p = 0.030). In women, in addition to the previous associations, there was also an effect of the variants on the chance of migraine in the codominant models and dominant models. Furthermore, among women, there was an influence on the prevalence of postdrome perception with rs360717GA + AA (OR = 3.04, 95%CI 1.10–8.42, p = 0.032) and rs187238CG + GG (OR = 2.97, 95%CI 1.08–8.21, p = 0.035).ConclusionIL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants were associated with migraine diagnosis and postdrome symptoms, especially in women.SignificanceThis study has demonstrated that IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants play a role in migraine, influencing the chance of being diagnosed with migraine, particularly among women. There are prospects that IL18 variants could be considered potential genetic biomarkers for migraine.
A retrospective study of the yield of next‐generation sequencing in the diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and epileptic encephalopathies in 0–12 years aged children at a single tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Murthy Manasa C. , Banerjee Bidisha , Shetty Mitesh , Mariappan Manikandan , Sekhsaria Akansha 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveStudies on the genetic yield of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and Epileptic encephalopathies using next‐generation sequencing techniques are sparse from the Indian subcontinent. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the yield of genetic testing and the proportion of children where a positive genetic yield influenced treatment decisions.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, electronic medical records of children (0–12 years) with suspected genetic epilepsy who underwent genetic testing using whole exome sequencing, focused exome sequencing and epilepsy gene panels were retrieved. Genetic yield was ascertained based on the detection of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants.ResultsA total of 100 patients with epilepsy underwent genetic testing. A yield of 53.8% (42/78) was obtained. Pathogenic variants were identified in 18 (42.8%) cases and likely pathogenic variants in 24 (57.1%) cases. Yield was 66.6% each through whole exome sequencing, focused exome sequencing and 40% through Epilepsy gene panels (p = .07). Yield was not statistically significant across different age groups (p = .2). It was however found to significantly vary across different epilepsy syndromes with maximum yield in Epilepsy in infancy with migrating focal seizures in 2 (100%), followed by developmental and epileptic encephalopathy unspecified in 14 (77.7%), Dravet syndrome in 14 (60.8%), early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in 3 (60%), infantile epileptic spasm syndrome in 5 (35.7%), and other epileptic encephalopathies in 4 (30.7%) cases (p = .04). After genetic diagnosis and drug optimization, drug‐refractory proportion reduced from 73.8% to 45.3%. About half of the cases achieved seizure control.SignificanceA reasonably high yield of 53.8% was obtained irrespective of the choice of panel or exome or age group using next‐generation sequencing‐based techniques. Yield was however higher in certain epilepsy syndromes and low in Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. A specific genetic diagnosis facilitated tailored treatment leading to seizure freedom in 28.6% and marked seizure reduction in 54.7% cases.
Correlation between marital status and the prognosis of older patients with cerebrovascular disease in intensive care units: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Jun , Li Chong , Shi Min 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMarital status has been shown to be associated with mortality, but evidence in critically ill elder intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CeVD) is limited. This study was to explore the correlation between marital status and the prognosis of patients with CeVD aged 65 years and over in the ICU.MethodsIn the present study, 3564 patients were enrolled in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (version 2.2). Patients were divided into four groups based on marital status: married, single, divorced, and widowed. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality as patients were followed up for 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month. All‐cause mortality risk for patients with different marital status was compared. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, survival curves and stratified analyses were performed to determine the correlation between marital status and mortality in critically ill patients with CeVD aged ≥65 years.ResultsOf the patients, 51.2% (1825/3564) were married, followed by 23.8% (847/3564) were widowed, 18.2% (647/3564) were single, and 6.9% (245/3567) were divorced. Compared with the married, the unmarried had a higher proportion of female (p < 0.001), older (p < 0.001), and less proportion of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.045). Multivariate analyses showed that no differences were observed for mortality risk among different marital statuses (p > 0.05), while at late follow‐up, widowed had a significance higher mortality risk than the married (9‐month: odds ratio [OR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.61, p = 0.02; 12‐month: OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12–1.71, p = 0.003). Stratified analyses indicated a stable correlation between marital status and 12‐month mortality rate in sub‐analysis for gender (p = 0.46) and age (p = 0.35).ConclusionMarital status is associated with long‐term prognosis in older patients with CeVD admitted to ICU. Widowed people should receive more societal attention irrespective of sex or age.
Recovery of ecosystems pollution by contaminants of potential concern using phytoremediation techniques
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Stening James , Chakraborty Rahul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Phytoremediation is a technology that uses plants to break down, remove, and immobilize contaminants in surface water, shallow groundwater, and sediment to achieve cost savings compared with conventional treatments. This study describes a marshy land on an explosives manufacturing site in India that consistently reported elevated concentrations of nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, perchlorate, and lead (contaminants of potential concern—CoPC). The study also illustrates the potential for addressing the human health and environmental risks associated with the explosives manufacturing industrsy in India using innovative, sustainable, and carbon-neutral techniques. This work focuses on reconstructed marshy lands, desedimentation, microwatershed management, and phytoremediation using Phragmites and Vetiveria species (also known as vetiver) to reduce contaminants in surface water and groundwater, improve stormwater management and carbon capture, and increase natural capital like biodiversity. The results obtained during the trial indicate that the selected indigenous species are effective and can be used to remediate sediment and shallow groundwater for many CoPC in tropical climates. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1987–2002. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
The results obtained during the trial indicate that the selected indigenous species are effective and can be used to remediate sediment and shallow groundwater for many CoPC in tropical climates. If we drew a life cycle based on this study, it would be as follows: contaminants deposited to nature (soil) are extracted by plants (natural, no chemical intervention), and as the plants uptake the contaminants, they are harvested and turned into compost, which can again return to the soil (nature). This approach can reduce contaminants in both sediment and water, and is a low-cost and environmentally friendly remediation alternative to more traditional methods.
Cq values as an indicator for COVID‐19 outcomes: A study of the correlation between laboratory parameters
Authors: Safdari Hadi , Bagheri Saeede , Talkhi Nasrin , Saberi Teymourian Elahe , Hosseini Bafghi Mahdi , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe ongoing outbreak of the respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is currently presenting a major global health threat. This pandemic is unprecedented in recent human history. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between cycle quantitation (Cq) and laboratory parameters in COVID‐19 patients, aiming to determine if Cq levels can provide valuable insights into the COVID‐19 disease.MethodsThis study involved 234 participants who were divided into case and control groups. Real‐time PCR tests were used to diagnose COVID‐19 cases in the study participants. Blood tests, including complete blood count, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D‐dimer, IgG, and IgM, were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software.ResultsThe findings showed that COVID‐19‐positive cases had significantly higher levels of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), D‐dimer, ESR, CRP, and LDH compared to normal cases. Additionally, the case group had significantly lower lymphocyte and platelet counts. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between Cq levels and lymphocyte count (r = .124, p = .014). Conversely, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cq levels and NLR (r = −.208, p = .017). Furthermore, the evaluation of hematological, inflammatory, and biochemical indexes in COVID‐19 patients using the receiver‐operating characteristics curve demonstrated statistically appropriate sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionOur outcomes indicated a significant association between Cq levels and PLR, NLR, D‐dimer, CRP, and ESR in COVID‐19 patients. Consequently, including the report of laboratory parameters alongside Cq values offers a promising prognosis.
Characterization of non‐calcified predominant plaque using deep learning and radiomics analyses of coronary computed tomography angiography images
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Yuze , Yan Fei , Li Tao , Zhang Xinghua , Liu Ye , Yang Li , Chen Huijun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo use an automated system exploiting the advantages of both a neural network and radiomics for analysis of non‐calcified predominant plaque (NCPP).MethodsThis study retrospectively included 234 patients. Using the workflow of the previous study, the coronary artery was first segmented, images containing plaques were then extracted, and a classifier was built to identify non‐calcified predominant plaques. Radiomics feature analysis and a visualization tool were used to better distinguish NCPP from other plaques.ResultsTwenty‐six representative radiomics features were selected. DenseNet achieved an area under the curve of 0.889, which was significantly larger (p = 0.001) than that obtained using a gradient‐boosted decision tree (0.859). The feature variances and energy features in calcified predominant plaque were both different from those in NCPP.ConclusionsOur automated system provided high‐accuracy analysis of vulnerable plaques using a deep learning approach and predicted useful features of NCPP using a radiomics‐based approach.
Early occurrence of lion (Panthera spelaea) at the Middle Pleistocene Acheulean site of Notarchirico (MIS 16, Italy)
Authors: Iannucci Alessio , Mecozzi Beniamino , Pineda Antonio , Sardella Raffaele , Carpentieri Marco , Rabinovich Rivka , Moncel Marie‐Hélène 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe long sedimentary sequence of Notarchirico has yielded evidence of one of the earliest Acheulean manifestations in Europe and of recurrent hominin occupation, spanning from the end of the interglacial MIS 17 to the glacial MIS 16 (~695–610 ka). Here, we report the new discovery of a lion, Panthera spelaea, from the site, based on a metatarsal from layer A. This part of the sequence dates to ~660–612 ka (MIS 16, 40Ar/39Ar age). Therefore, Notarchirico's lion represents the earliest confirmed occurrence of the species in southwestern Europe, although older findings are known from adjacent areas. Lions and several other large mammal species dispersed into Europe during the Early–Middle Pleistocene Transition, which also witnessed the spread of the Acheulean. Ecological and behavioural adaptability was probably key, for hominins and other species, to cope with the intense and recurrent environmental fluctuations that occurred during this period.
Incision and rock uplift along the Lower Seine River since Marine Isotope Stage 8
Authors: Chourio‐Camacho Diana , Grimaud Jean‐Louis , Tissoux Hélène , Bessin Paul , Voinchet Pierre , Vartanian Emmanuel , Noble Mark , Bertran Pascal 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe study of alluvial terraces helps in reconstructing the past geometries of rivers and makes it possible to assess the rate and pattern of fluvial incision and bedrock uplift. The fluctuations of river base levels are particularly variable and complex during the Late Quaternary in the lower course of rivers due to the interplay of responses to sea‐level fluctuations, tectonics and glacio‐isostasy. In this paper, the geometry and chronology of Manoir Brésil, an outcrop of alluvial terraces of the Lower Seine River, northern France, are investigated through a multidisciplinary study. Fluvial incision during MIS 8 in the Lower Seine in relation to sea‐level drop is recorded by an erosional surface cut into the chalk bedrock. This surface is covered by MIS 7 tidal deposits and then by younger, mostly periglacial colluvium (head). Manoir Brésil is therefore considered to be a chronological equivalent of the nearby, well‐studied Tourville‐la‐Rivière outcrop. The deposits are affected by post‐MIS 7 cryoturbation processes. Based on the local elevation of MIS 7 tidal deposits and erosional surfaces at Manoir Brésil, a minimum bedrock uplift rate of 25–40 m/Ma and an erosion rate of 125 m/Ma during glacial periods can be proposed. A regional correlation of the MIS 8 erosional surface is increasingly deformed by uplift towards the North, making it difficult to correlate the fluvial deposits along the Seine without precise chronological control. We interpret this regional tilt as the result of isostasy rebound after glaciations, consistent with the distribution of the elevations of MIS 5e and MIS 7 marine deposits along the English Channel.
Efficiency of freeze‐ and spray‐dried microbial preparation as active dried starter culture in kombucha fermentation
Authors: Phan Van Thach , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy , Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc , Do Anh Duy 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDKombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial communities in SCOBY may pose challenges to production scale‐up due to unpredictable variations in microbial composition. Using identified starter strains is a novel strategy to control microorganism composition, thereby ensuring uniform fermentation quality across diverse batches. However, challenges persist in the cultivation and maintenance of these microbial strains. This study examined the potential of microencapsulated kombucha fermentation starter cultures, specifically Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, through spray‐drying and freeze‐drying.RESULTSMaltodextrin and gum arabic–maltodextrin were employed as carrier agents. Our results revealed that both spray‐dried and freeze‐dried samples adhered to physicochemical criteria, with low moisture content (2.18–7.75%) and relatively high solubility (65.75–87.03%) which are appropriate for food application. Freeze‐drying demonstrated greater effectiveness in preserving bacterial strain viability (88.30–90.21%) compared to spray drying (74.92–78.66%). Additionally, the freeze‐dried starter strains demonstrated similar efficacy in facilitating kombucha fermentation, compared to the SCOBY group. The observations included pH reduction, acetic acid production, α‐amylase inhibition and elevated total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Moreover, the biological activity, including antioxidant potential and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity, was enhanced in the same pattern. The freeze‐dried strains exhibited consistent kombucha fermentation capabilities over a three‐month preservation, regardless of storage temperature at 30 or 4 °C.CONCLUSIONThese findings highlight the suitability of freeze‐dried starter cultures for kombucha production, enable microbial composition control, mitigate contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Motor Efficacy of Subcutaneous DIZ102, Intravenous DIZ101 or Intestinal Levodopa/Carbidopa Infusion
Authors: Bergquist Filip , Ehrnebo Mats , Nyholm Dag , Johansson Anders , Lundin Fredrik , Odin Per , Svenningsson Per , Dizdar Nil , Eriksson Elias 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that carbidopa at high blood concentrations may counter the therapeutic effect of levodopa in Parkinson's disease by entering the brain and blocking central levodopa conversion to dopamine. We previously demonstrated equivalent plasma levodopa concentration in patients with Parkinson's disease during 16 h of (1) intravenous carbidopa/levodopa (DIZ101) infusion, (2) subcutaneous carbidopa/levodopa (DIZ102) infusion or (3) intestinal carbidopa/levodopa gel infusion. Plasma levels of carbidopa were however approximately four times higher with DIZ101 and DIZ102 than with LCIG, and higher than those usually observed with oral levodopa/carbidopa.ObjectivesTo investigate if high carbidopa blood concentrations obtained with parenteral levodopa/carbidopa (ratio 8:1) counter the effect of levodopa on motor symptoms.MethodsEighteen patients with advanced Parkinson's disease were administered DIZ101, DIZ102, and intestinal levodopa/carbidopa gel for 16 h on different days in randomized order. Video recordings of a subset of the motor examination in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were evaluated by raters blinded for treatment and time. Motor function was also measured using a wrist‐worn device monitoring bradykinesia, dyskinesia, and tremor (Parkinson KinetiGraph).ResultsThere was no tendency for poorer levodopa effect with DIZ101 or DIZ102 as compared to LCIG.ConclusionAlthough DIZ101 or DIZ102 causes approximately four times higher plasma carbidopa levels than LCIG, patients responded equally well to all treatments. The results do not indicate that high plasma carbidopa levels hamper the motor efficacy of levodopa.
An X/Ku‐band shared aperture antenna with open, short, and load‐ended series‐feed center‐fed chebyshev amplitude distribution array for AIR‐BORNE‐synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Kati Praveena , Kothapudi Venkata Kishore 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article presents a dual‐band shared aperture antenna array designed for ASAR applications. The antenna array comprises eight elements for Chebyshev array configurations in both X/Ku‐bands. The proposed array achieves a scanning angle of ±25° by employing an interelement spacing of 0.7 λ. The layout mitigates mutual coupling effects and provides good isolation performance between the X‐ and Ku‐band antenna arrays across all synthesis techniques. Adopting the open, short, and load antenna array achieves different side lobe level (SLL) performances, >−25 dB. The isolation between bands and between the three conditions is quantified as follows: S16 = S61 = −68 dB, S15 = S51 = −55 dB, S12 = S21 = −46 dB, S43 = S34 = −49 dB, and S56 = S65 = −43 dB. The SLL values for each synthesis technique in the X/Ku‐band are as follows: Chebyshev simulated and measured results for open‐ended (X/Ku‐band: −26/−24 dB/−27/−26.8 dB). Furthermore, the antenna array achieves maximum realized gains in different positions (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°) in the X/Ku‐band. The gains for each synthesis technique are as follows: Chebyshev (The measured gain of this X/Ku‐band is high around 16.2/16.5 dBi (open‐ended), 13.1/14.2 dBi (short‐ended), and 15.3/15.2 dBi (load‐ended). The antenna array exhibits a comparatively wide impedance bandwidth Chebyshev (X/Ku‐band: 100/230 MHz).
Mechanism and experimental investigation on the formation of micro‐triangle stepped jet in composite spinning solution
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Huang Xinyu , Hong Da , Ye Peiyan , Chen Zhen , Xu Qiao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the field of nanotechnology, rotary jet spinning technology has garnered attention due to its unique advantages in fabricating composite nanofibers. The composite nanofibers prepared using this technology exhibit exceptional purity, uniformity, and consistency, thereby enhancing reliability and controllability in practical applications. During the process of rotary jet spinning, the spinning solution flows into the nozzle and converges at a micro‐triangle under the combined influence of centrifugal force, viscous force, surface tension, and gravity. Stepped jet refers to the flow phenomenon occurring within a channel with a gradually decreasing cross‐sectional area. In this process, an increase in the flow velocity of the composite spinning solution aids in stabilizing stretching at the micro‐triangle which is crucial for forming continuous jets. This article analyzes cone formation mechanisms for composite spinning solutions and stepped jet principles while establishing corresponding models that reflect relationships between solution velocity magnitude and parameters such as rotational speed, concentration, and nozzle diameter. Finally, polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers were prepared using a rotary jet spinning device where experimental investigation focused on examining how parameters such as rotational speed, solution concentration, and nozzle diameter impact motion of spinning solution within micro‐triangle.Highlights
Preparation of PEO/PVP composite nanofibers by rotary jet spinning.
Presentation of cone formation mechanisms for composite solutions.
The stepped injection principle was proposed.
Modeling of composite solution motion.
Rotational speed, solution concentration, and nozzle diameter impact motion.