bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated plasma neurofilament light was associated with multi-modal neuroimaging features in Alzheimer’s Disease signature regions and predicted future tau deposition
Authors: Hu Qili , Shi Mengqiu , Li Yunfei , Zhao Xiaohu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:
Neurofilament Light (NfL) is a biomarker for early neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to examine the association between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuroimaging features across the AD spectrum and whether NfL predicts future tau deposition.
Methods:
The present study recruited 517 participants comprising Aβ negative cognitively normal (CN-) participants (n = 135), CN + participants (n = 64), individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 212), and those diagnosed with AD dementia (n = 106). All the participants underwent multi-modal neuroimaging examinations. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuro-imaging features were evaluated using partial correlation analysis and linear mixed effects models. We also used linear regression analysis to investigate the association of baseline plasma NfL with future PET tau load. Mediation analysis was used to explore whether the effect of NfL on cognition was mediated by these MRI markers.
Results:
The results showed that baseline NfL levels and the rate of change were associated with Aβ deposition, brain atrophy, brain connectome, glucose metabolism, and brain perfusion in AD signature regions. In both Aβ positive CN and MCI participants, baseline NfL showed a significant predictive value of elevating tau burden in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and para-hippocampus. Lastly, the multi-modal neuroimaging features mediated the association between plasma NfL and cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
The study supports the association between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuroimaging features in AD-vulnerable regions and its predictive value for future tau deposition.
Lipid-to-neutrophil ratios in predicting in-hospital outcomes in pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Roshanravan Neda , Hamzehzadeh Sina , Ghaffari Samad , Rassouli Sami , Naseri Amirreza , Yahyapoor Tohid , Javanshir Elnaz , Banisefid Erfan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the leading causes of death and severe disability. Considering the availability and accessibility of complete blood count (CBC) and lipid profiles, our study was conducted to assess the predictive value of lipid-to-neutrophil count ratios for the short-term survival of PTE patients.
Results
The population of this analytical cross-sectional study consists of 547 PTE patients of which 41 patients (7.5%) died during hospitalization. There was a significant difference between death and survived groups regarding cholesterol (146.00[60.50] vs. 165.50[59.75]; p-value < 0.01), LDL (80.00[48.00] vs. 102.00[52.00]; p-value < 0.01), HDL (31.00[19.00] vs. 35.00[14.00]; p-value = 0.04). Cholesterol/neutrophil*1000 with a cut-off value of 22.014 (sensitivity: 56.7%; specificity: 61.3%), LDL/neutrophil*1000 with a cut-off value of 10.909 (sensitivity: 69.3%; specificity: 51.9%) and HDL/neutrophile *1000 with a cut-off value of 4.150 (sensitivity: 61.9%; specificity: 58.1%) can predict short-term survival in patients with acute PTE. Based on our findings, patients with higher cholesterol/neutrophil, LDL/neutrophil, and HDL/neutrophil ratios have a better in-hospital prognosis and measurement of lipid-to-neutrophil ratio in the first 24 hours of hospitalization may be a valuable marker for determining the early prognosis of PTE.
Evaluation of Patients Diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Paralysis Followed and Treated in Pediatric İntensive Care: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: BOTAN EDIN , BOYRAZ MERVE , YÜCE SERVET , GÜN EMRAH , ÖZEN HASAN , HAVAN MERVE , AŞIK AYŞE , GURBANOV ANAR , KARADAĞLI EDA EŞE , BOTAN EMİNE ULU , TORUN ŞEYMA ERDEM , KÖKER ALPER , YAVUZ SİNAN , BOYDAĞ KÜBRA , DUYU MUHTEREM , HOROZ ÖZDEN ÖZGÜR , EKİNCİ FARUK , DURSUN OĞUZ , YILDIZDAŞ RIZA DİNÇER , KENDİRLİ TANIL 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Backgroud: Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) is a syndrome characterized by decreased tone (flaccidity), often presenting with respiratory and bulbar system failure, rapid onset, and weakness in the extremities.
Methods: From January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2023, the clinical findings, treatment results, intensive care processes and prognoses of 68 children diagnosed with AFP who applied were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: The age range of patients was between one month and 18 years, with a mean age of 7.9 ± 4.5 years. Out of the patients, 33 were male (48.5%).The average pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay for all AFP patients was 15.4 ± 19.5 days, and the average hospital stay was 23.3 ± 21.1 days. Among all AFP patients, 42 (61.8%) required respiratory support. All patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Twenty-five out of 43 Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) patients, seven out of 11 and transverse myelitis (TM) patients, and 11 out of 14 acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) patients received therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Among the 14 intubated GBS patients, five received IVIG treatment for two days or less, and nine received IVIG treatment for four days or more. The invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) durations (in days) showed that patients who received IVIG treatment for four days or more had a significantly longer intubation period (p: 0.044). Out of GBS patients, received only IVIG (monotherapy), and received IVIG and TPE (combined) treatment. The combined treatment group had a longer PICU stay (p: 0.001).
Conclusion:In our study revealed that combination therapies (IVIG and TPE or steroid and TPE) led to prolonged MV and PICU stay durations compared to monotherapies (IVIG or steroids) in AFP patients. Moreover showed that in intubated GBS cases, administering 2 g/kg/day IVIG for two days significantly reduced the duration of invasive MV.
Determinants of food insecurity among adults residing in peri-urban municipal settings in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Inaç Yasemin , D'Hooghe Suzannah , De Ridder Karin , Dury Sarah , de Weghe Nico Van , De Clercq Eva M. , Dyck Delfien Van , Deforche Benedicte , Vandevijvere Stefanie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Food insecurity is a global public health issue associated with noncommunicable diseases. Individual factors are strongly associated with food insecurity, but there is limited literature on the broader impact of both the social and food environments on food insecurity in non-English speaking European countries, given that the research was predominantly conducted in Anglophone settings. In addition, these studies have mostly been conducted in urban areas.
Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main determinants of food insecurity among adults living in peri-urban areas in Flanders, Belgium. Data on socio-demographics, neighborhood social cohesion, social isolation, and perceived food environments were collected from 567 adults through a self-administered questionnaire, and objective data on the food environment were obtained through (commercial) databases on food outlets. Food insecurity was measured using the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that lower socioeconomic status (OR14.11,95%CI:4.72;61.11), reasonable (OR4.16,95%CI: 2.11;8.47) to poor and very poor (OR6.54,95%CI: 2.11;8.47) subjective health status, and living in private (OR7.01, 95% CI:3.0;17.0) or government-assisted (OR6.32,95%CI: 3.13;13.26) rental housing significantly increased the odds of food insecurity. Additionally, residing in a neighborhood with low (OR2.64, 95% CI:1.13;6.26) to medium (OR2.45,95% CI:1.21;5.11) social cohesion, having a neutral opinion (OR4.12,95%CI:1.51;11.54) about the availability of fruit and vegetables in one's neighborhood, and having an opinion that fruit and vegetable prices are too expensive (OR5.43,95% CI 2.26;14.4) significantly increased the odds of experiencing food insecurity. This study underscores the need for policies that consider factors related to social and food environments, in addition to individual factors, to effectively address food insecurity.
A Time Series Study of PM10 Pollutant using Multiple Linear Regression in Meerut City
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Kumar Gaurav 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, air pollution has become a major problem. Among the components of air pollution are NO2, SO2, and PM10. The design of an approach to reduce air pollution can be aided by the forecasting of these contaminants. In addition to discussing air pollution as a problem, this paper examines the air toxin PM10 for the Kesarganj Area of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, using data from prior years that was prepared by the U.P. Pollution Control Board. The analysis is done applying multiple linear regression (MLR).
MSC Code: 65C60
Sleep disturbances in late pregnancy – associations with induction of labor
Authors: Lähde Henna , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea , Perasto Laura , Varis Viliina , Rinne Kirsi , Paavonen juulia , Polo-Kantola Päivi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Sleep disturbances, which are common during pregnancy, may compromise labor. Nevertheless, little is known about associations between sleep disturbances and the likelihood to end with IOL. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the connections between sleep disturbances during pregnancy and IOL.
Methods
Altogether 1778 women from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study with gestation weeks over 37 + 6 were enrolled in the study. The women were divided into IOL (n = 331) and spontaneous onset of labor (SOL, n = 1447) groups. Sleep disturbances in late pregnancy were evaluated using the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustments for age, body mass index, parity, smoking, depressive symptoms, and mode of delivery.
Results
Sleep disturbances were frequent in both IOL and SOL groups. In the IOL group 43.0% and in the SOL group 39.0% had poor general sleep quality (P = 0.186). Nocturnal awakenings occurred most commonly, in 94.0% and 93.9%, respectively (P = 0.653). In the IOL group, more women (22.7%) were habitual snorers than in the SOL group (17.0%, P = 0.017), however, the difference lost the statistical significance in adjusted analysis (P = 0.848). Women in the IOL group were more likely to be short sleepers (< 7 h) compared to those in the SOL group (20.2% and 15.4%, respectively, P = 0.034) with no difference after adjustment (P = 0.133). The two groups showed no differences in sleep loss (P = 0.252).
Conclusions
Deterioration in sleep quality was noticeable in pregnant women, but it was unconnected with IOL. As the frequency of IOL is increasing, more research for related risk factors is needed.
Association between Large Neutral Amino Acids and Brain Integrity in Middle-Aged Adults at Metabolic Risk
Authors: Youn Cherry , Caillaud Marie L. , Li Yanrong , Gallagher Isabelle A. , Strasser Barbara , Fuchs Dietmar , Tanaka Hirofumi , Haley Andreana P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This investigation delves into the interplay between large neutral amino acids (LNAA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in midlife adults, examining their collective influence on brain structure and cognitive function. While LNAA, such as tryptophan and phenylalanine, are known to bolster cognition in youth, our study hypothesizes a reversal of these benefits in older adults with MetS, potentially signaling premature cognitive aging. Eighty participants between 40–61 years underwent MetS component quantification, LNAA measurement via high-performance liquid chromatography, and brain imaging to evaluate white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and medial temporal lobe (MTL) cortical thickness. Our linear regression analysis, adjusting for sex, age, and education, revealed that phenylalanine levels moderated the relationship between MetS and WMH volume (F(6, 69) = 3.134, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.214), suggesting that MetS's cognitive impact may be partly due to phenylalanine catabolism byproducts. However, LNAA metabolites did not significantly modulate the MetS-MTL cortical thickness relationship. The findings suggest that LNAA metabolic dysregulation, marked by elevated levels in the presence of MetS, could correlate with brain structural compromises, particularly in the form of MTL cortical thinning and increased WMH load, detectable in midlife. This nuanced understanding of LNAA's role in cognitive health amid cardiovascular risk factors is pivotal, proposing a potential biomarker for early intervention. Further research is crucial to elucidate the longitudinal influence of LNAA and MetS on brain health, thereby informing strategies to mitigate cognitive decline.
Intratumoral Microbiome of Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas and Comparison with Other Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Karpinets Tatiana V. , Mitani Yoshitsugu , Chang Chia-Chi , Wu Xiaogang , Song Xingzhi , Flores Ivonne I , McDaniel Lauren K , Hoballah Yasmine M , Veguilla Fabiana J , Ferrarotto Renata , Colbert Lauren E , Ajami Nadim J , Jenq Robert R , Zhang Jianhua , Futreal Andrew P , El-Naggar Adel K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, usually slow-growing yet aggressive head and neck malignancy. Despite its clinical significance, our understanding of the cellular evolution and microenvironment in ACC remains limited.
Methods: We investigated the intratumoral microbiomes of 50 ACC tumor tissues and 33 adjacent normal tissues using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This allowed us to characterize the bacterial communities within the ACC and explore potential associations between the bacterial community structure, patient clinical characteristics, and tumor molecular features obtained through RNA sequencing.
Results: The bacterial composition in the ACC was significantly different from that in adjacent normal salivary tissue, and the ACC exhibited diverse levels of species richness. We identified two main microbial subtypes within the ACC: oral-like and gut-like. Oral-like microbiomes, characterized by increased diversity and abundance of Neisseria, Leptotrichia, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella(commonly found in healthy oral cavities), were associated with a less aggressive ACC-II molecular subtype and improved patient outcomes. Notably, we identified the same oral genera in oral cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. In both cancers, they were part of shared oral communities associated with a more diverse microbiome, less aggressive tumor phenotype, and better survival. Conversely, gut-like intratumoral microbiomes, which feature low diversity and colonization by gut mucus layer-degrading species, such as Bacteroides, Akkermansia, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus, were associated with poorer outcomes. Elevated levels of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron were independently associated with significantly worse survival, regardless of other clinical and molecular factors. Furthermore, these associations were positively correlated with tumor cell biosynthesis of glycan-based cell membrane components.
Conclusions: Our study identified specific intratumoral oral genera as potential pancancer biomarkers for favorable microbiomes in ACC and other head and neck cancers. These findings highlight the pivotal role of the intratumoral microbiome in influencing ACC prognosis and disease biology.
Influence of Xymedon and its conjugate with L-ascorbic acid on collagen remodeling in the liver fibrosis rat model
Authors: Belyaev Grigory P. , Vyshtakalyuk Alexandra B. , Parfenov Andrey A. , Galyametdinova Irina V. , Semenov Vyacheslav E. , Zobov Vladimir V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Fibrosis of the liver is a chronic inflammatory process with activation of hepatic stellate cells and abnormal accumulation of proteins in the extracellular matrix. However, it is known that pyrimidine derivatives have a beneficial effect on the condition of various organs with the ongoing process of fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the drug Xymedon (1,2-dihydro-4,6-dimethyl-1-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrimidine-2-one, (compound 1) and its conjugate with L-ascorbic acid (compound 2) on collagen remodeling in rat liver tissue. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were used to model fibrosis by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and ethanol for 8 weeks. Then the rats were treated with the studied compounds for 2 or 4 weeks. Histological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin and Van Gizon’s staining of liver slices, biochemical analysis of blood serum and Western blot analysis of COX-2 level in rat liver homogenates were performed. It has been shown that in the control group without treatment, after 2 weeks of withdrawal of CCl4 + ethanol, collagen remodeling occurs to the certain chronic level. At the same time, compound 2 reduces the level of collagen fibers by 41% compared to the control group, while native compound 1 has no such effect. Also, in all groups studied, there was the decrease in the inflammatory marker COX-2 both after 2 weeks of CCl4 + ethanol withdrawal and after treatment with studied compounds 1 and 2. Thus, compound 2 (conjugate of Xymedon with L-ascorbic acid) has the greater antifibrotic effect on the rat liver fibrosis model compared to the native molecule of compound 1 (Xymedon). At the same time, this effect is not associated with the level of COX-2.
Removal of Toxic Hexavalent Chromium from Wastewater by Activated Carbon Generated from Liming Pelt Trimming with Tannin
Authors: Hossain Md. Faiaz , Mottalib Md. Abdul , Paul Trisha , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the leather industry, 8–12% of chromium compound is used in tanning and around 60–70% of the applied chromium is consumed by the leather fibre and the rest of them are discharged to the effluent. This chromium has an adverse impact on the environment as well as on humans. Chromium (III) can be oxidized into chromium (VI) in many ways which are considered carcinogenic as well as mutagenic. Activated carbon generated from liming pelt trimming which is left over as a tannery solid waste with vegetable tannin (mimosa) was employed to investigate chromium (VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. Activated carbon was prepared in a muffle furnace at 600oC in the presence of sulfuric acid. Batch tests were performed to determine how several factors, such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial chromium content, and temperature affected the adsorption process. The excellent maximum chromium (VI) removal efficiency was found 99.15% from aqueous solutions at pH 1 and an adsorbent dosage of 15 g/L. According to the kinetic investigation, the chromium (VI) removal by the activated carbon followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic with an R2 of 0.9889. Thermodynamic parameters including ΔGo, ΔHo, and ΔSo revealed that the adsorption of chromium ions on the activated carbon was exothermic and spontaneous. The results prove that chromium (VI) could be removed from industrial wastewater using a very promising, cost-efficient biosorbent made from tannery solid waste. The novelty of the current approach is to utilize the tannery solid waste as an adsorbent to reduce the dangerous chemicals from the wastewater where pollutants will be eliminated by the treatment of waste.
Breast cancer screening motivation among women: an application of Self-determination theory
Authors: Dang Chau Thi , Nguyen Tu Thi Ngoc , Ho Trang Thi Thuy , Kang Sunjoo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a major health concern worldwide, especially in Vietnam. This study aimed to explore women’s motivation for and factors related to breast cancer screening.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in Danang, Vietnam, using a convergent parallel approach. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather the data. The quantitative approach involved surveys to assess motivation levels and related factors, including demographic information and experience with breast cancer screening. In-depth qualitative interviews were used to gain deeper insights into participants' perspectives and experiences related to breast cancer screening.
Results: The average motivation score for breast cancer screening was moderate (3.55 ±0.55). Ethnicity, regular health check-ups, family history of breast cancer, receiving information about breast cancer, and women’s health issues have direct relationships with breast cancer screening motivation. According to the qualitative data, three categories emerged—intrinsic motivation, external motivation/internalization, and amotivation—and individual factors and external and sociocultural environmental factors impacted screening motivation.
Conclusions: This study highlights the motivations behind breast cancer screening among women. Healthcare providers could use these findings to improve screening policies and guidelines and encourage more women to undergo regular screening, ultimately reducing the incidence of breast cancer in the community.
Dual Effectiveness of Rosemary Leaves in Constipation and Diarrhea
Authors: Naqvi Sara , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Azhar Iqbal , Palla Amber 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:
Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary), traditionally used herb for gut motility disorders. However, limited studies are available to provide the pharmacological basis for its medicinal use.
Aim:
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rosemary in constipation and diarrhea with pharmacological mechanisms.
Method:
The Hydro-ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rs.Cr) was analyzed for its phytosonstituents using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Laxative and antidiarrheal assay were assessed in-vivo in BALB/c mice while anxiolytic assay was carried out in Sprague Dawley rats using dark and light activity and elevated plus maze assay. Spasmogenic and spasmolytic mechanisms were explored on isolated tissue using guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum tissues.
Results
Rs.Cr showed presence of diosmetin, rutin and apigenin in RP-HPLC. Increase in laxative scores were evident at 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg doses of Rs.Cr whereas increasing the dose to 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg reduced the diarrheal score. The antidiarrheal activity was mediated by reduction in intestinal motility followed by intestinal secretions. Diosmetin reduced the secretion and motility dose dependently. Anxiolytic effect was evident at the tested doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg.
Rs.Cr exhibited spasmogenic activity and effect was blocked completely by atropine and partially by histamine, indicating a cholinergic and partial histaminergic component. The antispasmodic activity was due to predominant ATP-dependent K+ channels. Antimuscarinic effect was also observed. Diosmetin showed spasmolytic activity.
Conclusion
Dual spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities coupled with in-vivo antidiarrheal, laxative and anxiolytic activities, provide the basis for the medicinal use of Rosemary in gut motility disorders.