bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediation of the association between social environmental characteristics of family childcare home and weight status in children by diet quality
Authors: Jiang Qianxia , Risica Patricia Markham , Tovar Alison , Cooksey Stowers Kristen , Schwartz Marlene B. , Lombardi Caitlin , Gans Kim M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The food and beverages served in family childcare homes (FCCHs) may play an important role in the development of childhood overweight and obesity. This analysis examines whether children’s diet quality mediates the relationship between foods and beverages served in FCCHs and preschool-aged children’s weight status.

Methods
Trained and certified staff conducted observations for two days in each FCCH, using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) measure to determine the foods and beverages served to children (N = 370) in FCCHs (N = 120). They also used the Dietary Observation in Child Care (DOCC) protocol to assess children’s food and beverage intake during childcare, from which we calculated the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI), a measure of diet quality. Height and weight were measured for each child with parent consent from which the child’s body mass index (BMI) z-scores were calculated. A multilevel mediation analysis was conducted to indicate whether children’s diet quality mediates the relations between food and beverage served in FCCHs and preschool-aged children’s weight status.

Results
Children’s total HEI scores significantly mediated the relationship between the EPAO subscale Food Provided and children’s BMI z-scores (B=-0.01, p < .05, 95% CI = [-0.03, − 0.002]). Further, the EPAO subscale Food Provided was positively associated with the total HEI score (B = 0.75, p < .01, 95% CI = [0.32, 1.18]). Total HEI scores were negatively associated with BMI z-score (B=-0.01, p < .05, 95% CI = [-0.02, − 0.001]).

Conclusion
Children’s diet quality did significantly mediate the relationship between the food served in FCCHs and children’s weight status. More longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods need to be conducted to confirm these relationships. Further, future studies need to examine the relationships between a broader spectrum of FCCH environmental characteristics and home environment with children’s weight status, as well as other mediators including physical activity.
Do patients attempt and succeed in quitting smoking during tuberculosis treatment? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Chung Chaeuk , Jung Sung Soo , Park Hye Kyeong , Lee Sung-Soon , Lee Ki Man , Min Jinsoo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite a well-known relation between smoking tobacco and the tuberculosis epidemic, the factors associated with smoking cessation in tuberculosis patients are unclear. This study aims to examine the cascade of smoking cessation and the factors associated with persistent smoking among tuberculosis patients.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study enrolling adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2016 and 2019 in the Republic of Korea. We examined the smoking status at baseline, followed the current smokers, re-examined their smoking status after 6 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment, and identified the factors associated with persistent smoking.

Results
Of the 419 enrolled patients, 109 (26.0%) were current smokers at baseline. Of the 79 current smokers who completed the 6-month survey, 24 (30.4%) succeeded in quitting smoking after 6 months of treatment. The adjusted odds ratio for persistent smoking was 6.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–27.83) for drinking and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.03–0.68) for diabetes comorbidity.

Conclusion
Drinking alcohol and diabetes comorbidity were important factors in smoking cessation. Only one third of the tuberculosis patients in our study cohort succeeded in quitting smoking during the 6-month treatment period. More aggressive interventions for smoking cessation should be adopted within the national anti-tuberculosis program.
Current cough and sputum assessed by the cough and sputum assessment-questionnaire (CASA-Q) is associated with quality of life impairment in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Charon Lucie , Launois Claire , Perotin Jeanne-Marie , Ravoninjatovo Bruno , Mulette Pauline , Ancel Julien , Guillard Thomas , Muggeo Anaëlle , Dormoy Valérian , Griffon Muriel , Carré Sophie , Lebargy François , Deslée Gaëtan , Dury Sandra 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Cough and sputum are major symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF) that contribute to the impairment of quality of life.

Methods
This prospective single centre cross-sectional pilot study aimed to evaluate the results of a self-administered questionnaire assessing cough and sputum symptoms (2 domains), and their impact (2 domains) on daily activities in the previous week, named the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) in CF adult patients at stable state, and to analyse associations with clinical, functional, microbiological, radiological data, and two quality of life scales: the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised (CFQ-R) and the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

Results
Forty-eight patients were included in this analysis (69% men; median age of 27.8 ± 8.1 years; median body mass index of 21.8 + 3.3 kg/m²; mean FEV1 of 64 ± 30% of the predicted value). The mean values of the CASA-Q domains were 58 ± 23 for cough symptoms, 77 ± 24 for cough impact, 62 ± 25 for sputum symptoms and 84 ± 21 for sputum impact. Impairment in CASA-Q cough and sputum domains was associated with dyspnea mMRC scale (p < 0.005 for all 4 domains of CASA-Q) and exacerbations in the previous year (p < 0.05 for CASA-Q symptoms domains). We also found correlations between all domains of the CASA-Q and quality of life questionnaires including SGRQ (p < 0.001) and to a lesser extend CFQ-R. We identified a clinical phenotype (female gender, ΔF508 heterozygous mutation, dyspnea mMRC scale) associated with an impairment of CASA-Q score and quality of life using a 2-step cluster analysis.

Conclusions
CASA-Q allows the assessment of cough and sputum in CF adult patients and is associated with quality of life impairment. This simple easy-to-use tool could be used in routine clinical practice and in clinical studies to assess cough and sputum in CF patients.

Trial Registration
The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02924818, first posted on 5th October 2016).
A novel technique for lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during minimally invasive esophagectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dongming Guo , Yuequan Jiang , Qi Zhang , Huajie Xing , Zhiqiang Wang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In the context of esophageal cancers, lymph nodes located along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) exhibit significant involvement, posing significant challenges for lymphadenectomy. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel technique for lymphadenectomy called "elastic suspension of left RLN" method, comparing it with the conventional approach.

Methods
Between January 2016 and June 2020, a total of 393 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy with gastroplasty and cervical esophagogastric anastomosis were enrolled in the study. Among them, 291 patients underwent the "elastic suspension of left RLN" method, while 102 patients underwent the conventional method. We compared the number of harvested lymph nodes along the left RLN and assessed postoperative complications between these two groups. Additionally, the overall survival (OS) rate was calculated and analyzed for the entire cohort.

Results
In comparison to the conventional group, the elastic suspension group exhibited a higher yield of harvested lymph nodes along the left RLN (5.36 vs 3.07, P < 0.001). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative hoarseness was lower in the elastic suspension group (10.65% vs 18.63%, P = 0.038). The average duration of lymphadenectomy along the left RLN was 11.85 min in the elastic suspension group and 11.51 min in the conventional group, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.091). Notably, the overall 5-year OS was markedly higher in the elastic suspension group compared to the conventional group (64.1% vs. 50.1%, P = 0.020).

Conclusions
The findings suggest that the novel "elastic suspension of left RLN" method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN in minimally invasive esophagectomy is both safe and effective. This technique holds promise for widespread adoption in esophagectomy procedures.
Vitamin C mesotherapy versus diode laser for the esthetic management of physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Esmat Sara A. , El-Sayed Naguiba M. , Fahmy Rania A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation is a common esthetic concern that affects individuals of various ethnicities, and can have a significant impact on individual’s self-confidence and overall quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to clinically assess the effectiveness of intra-mucosal injection of vitamin C versus 980 nm diode laser for the management of physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation.

Methods
Twenty-six healthy non-smoker individuals with physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I received intra-mucosal injection of vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid 1000 mg/5 ml), and group II was managed using diode laser (980 nm, 1.5 W, continuous wave mode). Clinical evaluation of pigmentation intensity and distribution was performed preoperatively, and at 1, 2 and 3 months postoperatively using two different color assessment indices; Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI), and Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI). Additionally, the study assessed pain intensity and patients’ satisfaction.

Results
Pigmentation scores decreased significantly between pre-operative visit and different follow-up visits for both treatment modalities (p < 0.0001*). When compared to the vitamin C mesotherapy group, the laser group demonstrated significantly lower gingival pigmentation scores (p < 0.0001*). However, both treatment modalities were equally satisfying for the patients.

Conclusions
Vitamin C mesotherapy and diode laser are both effective in the management of physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation. While diode laser yields better and earlier results, vitamin C mesotherapy offers a cost-effective, safe and minimally invasive approach that is equally satisfying for the patients seeking esthetic enhancements.

Trial registration
The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05608057) on (01/11/2022).
The impact of health coaching on the prevention of gestational diabetes in overweight/obese pregnant women: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Mohammadian Fateme , Delavar Mouloud Agajani , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Azizi Alireza , Esmaeilzadeh Sedighe 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated that excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to determine the effect of using health coaching on the prevention of GDM in overweight pregnant women.

Methods
In this quasi-experimental study, 64 eligible overweight women at 12–14 gestational weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: the coaching group and the control group (usual care group). The intervention group received 8 weeks of the phone coaching program, which integrated GWG and physical activity to reduce the incidence of GDM. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. The occurrence of gestational diabetes was determined based on the 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM, and the secondary outcomes included physical activity, GWG, and neonatal and maternal birth outcomes.

Results
The incidence of GDM in the control and intervention groups was 24.1% and 22.6%, respectively. The relative risk (RR) was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.37–2.34; P = 0.887). The post survey results indicated that GWG decreased more considerably in the coaching than in the control group between pre-trial (T0) and post-trial (T1), (MD; -2.49 with 95% CI, -4.38 to -0.60; P < 0.011). Moreover, the total GWG (between pre-pregnancy and birth) diminished more remarkably in the coaching than in the control group, (MD; -2.83 with 95% CI, -5.08 to -0.58; P < 0.014). However, the score of self-efficacy and concern about PPAQ Metabolic Equivalent of Task (METs) did not differ between the coaching and control groups.

Conclusions
The findings and implications of this research could significantly contribute to maternal health and gestational diabetes prevention. Additional support from a midwife coach resulted in better GWG. More studies are needed to assess the impact of health coaching as a component of usual care and its long-term effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Qihuang Granule and its main ingredients in regulating ferroptosis in AMD
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Canyang , Pang Long , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundQihuang Granule (QHG) is a traditional prescription that has exhibited potential in safeguarding against age-related maculopathy (AMD). Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Fructus lycii (FL) are the main components of QHG. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered, iron-dependent, regulated cell death pathway, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD. This study delves into the intricate mechanism by which SM/FL and QHG confer protection against AMD by modulating the ferroptosis pathway, employing a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation.MethodsBioactive compounds and potential targets of SM and FL were gathered from databases such as TCMSP, GeneCard, OMIM, and FerrDb, along with AMD-related genes and key genes responsible for ferroptosis regulation. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were performed to discover the potential mechanism. The construction of an interaction network involving AMD, ferroptosis, SM/FL potential target genes was facilitated by the STRING database and realized using Cytoscape software. Subsequent validation was accomplished through molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments.ResultsNoteworthy active compounds including quercetin, tanshinone IIA, luteolin, cryptotanshinone, and hub targets such as HIF-1α, EGFR, IL6, and VEGFA were identified. KEGG enrichment unveiled the HIF-1 signalling pathway as profoundly enriched, and IL6 and VEGF were involved. The molecular docking revealed the significant active compounds with hub genes and quercetin showed good binding to HIF-1α, which is involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. Experimental results verified that both herbs and QHG could regulate key ferroptosis-related targets in the retinal pigment epithelium and inhibit the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA, and IL-6, subsequently increase cell viability and decrease the ROS content induced by H2O2.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the molecular mechanism through which SM/FL and QHG protect against AMD and emerges as a plausible mechanism underlying this protection.
Chemo- and bio-informatics insight into anti-cholinesterase potentials of berries and leaves of Myrtus communis L., Myrtaceae: an in vitro/in silico study
Authors: Hussein Baydaa Abed , Karimi Isaac , Yousofvand Namdar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Myrtus communis L. (MC) has been used in Mesopotamian medicine. Here, the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory potential of its methyl alcohol extracts has been investigated and computationally dissected.

Method
The ChE inhibition has been measured based on usual Ellman’s colorimetric method compared to a canonical ChE inhibitor, eserine. Through a deep text mining, the structures of phytocompounds (= ligands) of MC were curated from ChemSpider, PubChem, and ZINC databases and docked into protein targets, AChE (PDB 1EVE) and BChE (PDB 1P0I) after initial in silico preparedness and binding affinity (BA; kcal/mol) reported as an endpoint. The calculation of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) features of phytocompounds were retrieved from SwissADME (http://www.swissadme.ch/) and admetSAR software to predict the drug-likeness or lead-likeness fitness. The Toxtree v2.5.1, software platforms (http://toxtree.sourceforge.net/) have been used to predict the class of toxicity of phytocompounds. The STITCH platform (http://stitch.embl.de) has been employed to predict ChE-chemicals interactions.

Results
The possible inhibitory activities of AChE of extracts of leaves and berries were 37.33 and 70.00%, respectively as compared to that of eserine while inhibitory BChE activities of extracts of leaves and berries of MC were 19.00 and 50.67%, respectively as compared to that of eserine. Phytochemicals of MC had BA towards AChE ranging from -7.1 (carvacrol) to -9.9 (ellagic acid) kcal/mol. In this regard, alpha-bulnesene, (Z)-gamma-Bisabolene, and beta-bourbonene were top-listed low toxic binders of AChE, and (Z)-gamma-bisabolene was a more specific AChE binder. Alpha-cadinol, estragole, humulene epoxide II, (a)esculin, ellagic acid, patuletin, juniper camphor, linalyl anthranilate, and spathulenol were high class (Class III) toxic substances which among others, patuletin and alpha-cadinol were more specific AChE binders. Among intermediate class (Class II) toxic substances, beta-chamigrene was a more specific AChE binder while semimyrtucommulone and myrtucommulone A were more specific BChE binders.

Conclusion
In sum, the AChE binders derived from MC were categorized mostly as antiinsectants (e.g., patuletin and alpha-cardinal) due to their predicted toxic classes. It seems that structural amendment and stereoselective synthesis like adding sulphonate or sulphamate groups to these phytocompounds may make them more suitable candidates for considering in preclinical investigations of Alzheimer’s disease.
Altered fecal bile acid composition in active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sommersberger Stefanie , Gunawan Stefan , Elger Tanja , Fererberger Tanja , Loibl Johanna , Huss Muriel , Kandulski Arne , Krautbauer Sabrina , Müller Martina , Liebisch Gerhard , Buechler Christa , Tews Hauke Christian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Disturbed bile acid homeostasis associated with a rise of primary and a decline of secondary bile acids is a consistent finding in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Whether fecal bile acids may emerge as biomarkers for IBD diagnosis and disease severity is less clear. Our study aimed to identify associations of 18 fecal bile acid species with IBD entity and disease activity.

Methods
Stool samples of 62 IBD patients and 17 controls were collected. Eighteen fecal bile acid species were quantified by LC–MS/MS using stable isotope dilution. Lipid levels normalized to a dry weight of the fecal homogenates and ratios of single bile acid species to total bile acid levels were used for calculations.

Results
IBD patients exhibited altered primary and secondary bile acid ratios in stool, with notable distinctions between ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to Crohn’s disease (CD) and healthy controls. Fecal calprotectin was negatively correlated with glycolithocholic acid (GLCA) and hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) in UC. These bile acids were reduced in stool of UC patients with fecal calprotectin levels > 500 µg/g compared to UC patients with low calprotectin levels. Moreover, negative associations of six secondary bile acids with C-reactive protein (CRP) existed in UC. In CD patients, fecal bile acids did not correlate with CRP or fecal calprotectin. Diarrhoea is common in IBD, and UC patients with diarrhoea had reduced deoxycholic acid (DCA), glycine conjugated DCA (GDCA) and lithocholic acid in stool in contrast to patients with normal stool consistency. Fecal bile acid levels were not associated with diarrhoea in CD patients. UC patients treated with mesalazine had increased levels of fecal GDCA whereas no such changes were observed in CD patients. Bile acid levels of CD and UC patients treated with biologicals or corticosteroids did not change. Relative levels of GHDCA (specificity: 79%, sensitivity: 67%) and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (specificity: 74%, sensitivity: 63%) were the most specific to distinguish UC from CD.

Conclusion
Disrupted fecal bile acid homeostasis is associated with disease severity and disease symptoms in UC but not in CD, potentially aiding in distinguishing IBD subtypes and classifying the pathophysiology of diarrhoea in UC.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and prognosis in endometrial carcinoma with different pathological types: a retrospective population-based study
Authors: Zhang Gong , Nie Fangfang , Zhao Weinan , Han Pin , Wen Jing , Cheng Xiaoran , Wu Weijia , Liu Qianwen , Sun Yi , Wang Yuanpei , Liu Yuchen , Ren Fang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy, and the differences between different pathological types are not entirely clear. Here, we retrospectively collected eligible EC patients to explore their differences regarding clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Methods
Five hundred seventy EC patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included. Prognostic factors were measured using the univariate/multivariate Cox models. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.

Results
In total, 396 patients with uterine endometrioid carcinoma (UEC), 106 patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC), 34 patients with uterine mixed carcinoma (UMC), and 34 patients with uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCCC) were included. Comparison of baseline characteristics revealed patients diagnosed with UEC were younger, had more early clinical stage, and had lower incidence of menopause and lymph node metastasis. Compared to UEC, other pathological EC obtained more unfavorable OS (UCCC: HR = 12.944, 95%CI = 4.231–39.599, P < 0.001; USC: HR = 5.958, 95%CI = 2.404–14.765, P < 0.001; UMC: HR = 1.777, 95%CI = 0.209–15.114, P = 0.599) and PFS (UCCC: HR = 8.696, 95%CI = 1.972–38.354, P = 0.004; USC: HR = 4.131, 95%CI = 1.243–13.729, P = 0.021; UMC: HR = 5.356, 95%CI = 0.935–30.692, P = 0.060). Compared with UEC patients, the OS of UCCC patients in stage I–II and USC patients in stage III–IV were significantly worse, while UMC patients in stage I–II favored poorer PFS. The OS of UCCC patients receiving no postoperative adjuvant therapy or chemotherapy alone were significantly worse.

Conclusions
The baseline characteristics of UEC and other rare EC types varied greatly, and the prognostic significance of different pathological types on EC patients depended on clinical tumor stages and therapeutic options.