bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends, sex differences, and age-related disease influence in Neutrophil, Lymphocyte count and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte-ratio. Results from InCHIANTI follow-up study.
Authors: Pellegrino Raffaello , Paganelli Roberto , Iorio Angelo Di , Bandinelli Stefania , Moretti Antimo , Iolascon Giovanni , Sparvieri Eleonora , Tarantino Domiziano , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Neutrophils and lymphocytes represent the larger percentage of all white bloodcells, they vary with age, with a progressive increase of the ratio in the first years of life, and then tend to remain at similar levels in steady state condition during adult age. Neutrophils to lymphocytes-ratio (NL-ratio) was proposed as an effective and low-cost marker to monitor and predict the evolution of severalclinical conditions.
The main objective of the study is to analyze its temporal trend variation, over twenty years’ follow-up, according to age, sex, and main clinical diagnosis, in a large representative Italian population.
Methods
The InCHIANTI study enrolled representative samples from the registry list of two towns in Tuscany, Italy. Baseline data were collected in 1998, and last follow-up visits were made in 2015-18. 1343 out of the 1453 participants enrolled were included, and consented to donate a blood sample. All subjects were assessed and followed for life-style, clinical condition, physical performance, and underwent an instrumental diagnostic session.
Results
The NL-ratio showed a statistically significant interaction between birth-cohort and time of the study (p-value=0.005). A gender dimorphism was recognized in the neutrophils absolute count and in the NL-ratio. Moreover, in female participants only, those who reported CHF had lower neutrophil-count and NL-ratio; whereas an increase in creatinine clearance was directly associated with NL-ratio. In male subjects, an increase of BMI was inversely associated with both NL-ratio and neutrophils-count during the follow-up; a similar association but in the opposite direction was observed in female participants.
Conclusion
NL-ratio is a more reliable predictor of healthy aging than absolute lymphocytes and/or neutrophils counts. It is associated with the changes induced by disease, lifestyle, and environmental challenges in the immune system. NL-ratio confirms the gender dimorphism in the occurrence of inflammation-driven diseases, thus providing additional evidence for the necessity of tailored sex-specific measures to prevent and treat such diseases.
Predicting Dental Anxiety in Young Adults: Classical Statistical Modelling Approach Versus Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ogwo Chukwuebuka , Osisioma Wisdom , Okoye Ifeanyi , Patel Jay 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

ObjectivesTo predict and identify the key demographic and clinical exposure factors associated with dental anxiety among young adults, and to compare if the traditional statistical modelling approach provides similar results to the machine learning (ML) approach in predicting factors for dental anxiety.MethodsA cross-sectional study of Western Illinois University students. Three survey instruments (sociodemographic questionnaire, modified Corah’s dental anxiety scale (MDAS), and dental concerns assessment tool (DCA)) were distributed via email to the students using survey monkey. The dependent variable was the mean MDAS scores while the independent variables were the sociodemographic and dental concern assessment variables. Multivariable analysis was done by comparing the classical statistical model and the ML model. The classical statistical modelling technique was conducted using the multiple linear regression analysis and the final model was selected based on Akaike information Criteria (AIC) using the backward stepwise technique while the ML modelling was performed by comparing two ML models: LASSO regression and extreme gradient boosting machine (XGBOOST) under 5-fold cross-validation using the resampling technique. All statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.1.3.ResultsThe mean MDAS was 13.73 ± 5.51. After careful consideration of all possible fitted models and their interaction terms the classical statistical approach yielded a parsimonious model with 13 predictor variables with Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) of 2376.4. For the ML approach, the Lasso regression model was the best-performing model with a mean RMSE of 0.617, R2of 0.615, and MAE of 0.483. Comparing the variable selection of ML versus the classical statistical model, both model types identified 12 similar variables (out of 13) as the most important predictors of dental anxiety in this study population.ConclusionThere is a high burden of dental anxiety within this study population. This study contributes to reducing the knowledge gap about the impact of clinical exposure variables on dental anxiety and the role of ML in the prediction of dental anxiety. The predictor variables identified can be used to create a web application that can be used in the clinic for the diagnosis of dental anxiety and the design of patient-specific interventions.
Identification of hub genes and biological mechanisms associated with periodontitis and diabetes
Authors: Luo Rong , Liang Zhenye , Chen Huijun , Dan Baobao , Lin Xinlu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Periodontitis is independent associated with s diabetes (DM). However, the molecular mechanisms of complex interactions between DM and periodontitis are still unclear. This study was aim to explore the shared genes and common signatures of DM and periodontitis via bioinformatic analysis.
Methods
The series matrix files of GSE7014 of DM and GSE16134 of periodontitis were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using R package to normalize the data and the utilizing limma package to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed via the “cluster profiler” package in R software. Protein-protein network was conducted to analyze the potential relationship among the proteins and CytoHubba, a plug-in for Cytoscape software, was used to identify the hub genes. GSE15932 for DM and GSE10334 for periodontitis were selected to be the validation datasets. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves analysis was performed to obtain the area under the ROC curve. Correlations between hub genes and immune cells via immune infiltration analysis.
Results
There were 249 common DEGs were identified. LAPTM5, RAC2, LYN were identified as the hub genes, which were all up-regulated, of DM and periodontitis. The area under the curve of the 3 hub genes were all more than 0.7. The activation of B cells, and T cells as well as the phagocytosis could be the central role in the development of the both diseases.
Conclusions
LAPTM5, RAC2, LYN were defined as the hub genes of DM and periodontitis. The activation of B cells, and T cells as well as the phagocytosis could be the central role in the development of the both disease, which might the potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells for POI in animals
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhang Xianping , Yan Tenglong , Hua Jiangzhou , Zhang Hongmei , Tang Shihuan , Li Shiping , Xue Zhigang , Li Li , Zheng Chunbing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The efficacy of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) ovarian injection for improving ovarian function of POI (Premature ovarian failure) patients has been showed in some reports. However, the safety and efficacy of the hAMSCs vein injection remains unclear. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of hAMSCs intravenous injection in cynomolgus macaques and SD rats, and to provide the evidence for clinical trials. The hAMSCs were transplanted three times in SD rats at low, medium and high doses, respectively. The animal behavior, biochemical and biophysical parameters were routinely monitored on a 2-month period posttransplantation, and the histopathologic examinations were also performed. Experiments on the acute toxicity, allergy test and hemolysis test showed that hAMSCs possesses good biocompatibility. Our results showed that maximum tolerated dose of hAMSCs in SD rats was 4.0×107cells/kg. The maximum safe dose with three injections of hAMSCs in SD rats was 5.0×106cells/kg. In addition, the results demonstrated that hAMSCs could restore the POI rats ovarian function after twice injected with 2.5×106cells/kg or 5.0×106cells/kg dose, which through improving the disturbed estrous cycle, hormone levels and ovarian lesion induced by pZP3. In conclusion, the preclinical results suggested that the transplantation of hAMSCs is safe and efficacious for SD rats at 5.0×106cells/kg and lower doses.
Interventions to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yu , Guo kangle , Ma Yanxi , Yang Yongxiu , Yang Kehu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objective
A network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials was conducted to investigate the effects of different interventions in preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Methods
English databases were searched for randomized controlled trials reporting different interventions in preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension. The risk of bias for the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook tool. Stata 15.1 software was used to perform network meta-analysis.
Results
A total of 47 studies involving 57,836 pregnant women were included in the network meta-analysis. For all included trials, 14 interventions were reported, which yielded 91 pairs of comparisons. The network meta-analysis showed that compared with Usual-care, interventions could significantly lower the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including yoga (odds ratio (OR) = 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.02, 0.52]) and walking (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.27, 0.95]). Moreover, Yoga (OR = 0.11, 95% CI [0.02, 0.95]) and calcium supplementation (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.53, 0.94]) were superior to placebo in the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Finally, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve revealed that yoga had the highest probability of becoming the best intervention.
Conclusions
Maternal exercise (yoga and walking) or calcium supplementation might be the preventative tools for pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, given the limited number of trials and potential heterogeneity, more high-quality trials are needed to confirm the current findings.
Novel polyethylene glycol/nanosilica Reinforced Polyurethane mixed matrix nanocomposite membrane with enhanced gas separation properties
Authors: Abdolmaleki Milad , Jazani Omid Moini , Moradi Hamidreza , Malayeri Mojtaba , Mehradnia Fatemeh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effect of nanosilica (SiO2) reinforcement on the gas separation properties of polyurethane/polyethylene glycol (PU-PEG) nanocomposite membrane was investigated. Formulation optimization of PU-PEG-SiO2triple nanocomposite membrane was performed using experimental design and the Taguchi method. The effects of different formulation variables including nanosilica content, PEG content and molecular weight on the permeability and selectivity of CO2, N2, O2and CH4gases were investigated. The morphological and structural properties of the membranes were investigated by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Finally, the selectivity of optimal nanosilica-reinforced membrane was evaluated by Robeson's upper bound diagram. The obtained results showed that increasing the PEG content improves the gas permeability of the membrane due to its plasticizing effect. However, PEG plasticizing effect decreased at higher molecular weights and resulted in permeability reduction. By increasing the nanosilica content, the permeability of all the gasses reduced but the selectivity of the membrane for CO2over CH4and N2improved. Finally, PU-20% PEG6000-5% SiO2formulation which had the best selectivity for CO2/CH4gases and was closer to Robeson’s upper bound line was chosen as the optimal composition. In conclusion, PEG/nanosilica-reinforced Polyurethane nanocomposite membrane could serve as a promising candidate for efficient gas separation applications.
Lower risks of gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction in patients with atypical antipsychotics in comparison with typical antipsychotics based on real-world data from the MID-NET® in Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoaki , Sawada Sono , Saito Tomoyuki , Kohama Mei , Kajiyama Kazuhiro , Ishiguro Chieko , Nonaka Takahiro , Okamura Toshiyuki , Iwasaki Yukari , Ueda Takahiro , Iguchi Toyotaka , Horiuchi Naoya , Uyama Yoshiaki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Intestinal perforation and obstruction are known to be one of adverse events caused by antipsychotics; however, warning information on package inserts varies among antipsychotics. To investigate the risks of gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction in patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics compared with those in patients prescribed typical antipsychotics, a nested case-control study was conducted utilizing real-world data from the MID-NET® medical information database in Japan. The study period spanned from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Consequently, the risks of gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction in patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics were significantly lower than those in patients prescribed typical antipsychotics (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.80). This finding was supported with prolonged periods for the exposure definition in the sensitivity analyses. In addition, no major differences in the risks of atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, and aripiprazole, were identified in this study. The safety profile regarding the lower risks of gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction in patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics should be considered when choosing antipsychotics in clinical practice in terms of the proper use of a drug.
Prevalence and Risk Estimates of Cryptosporidium oocysts Infection Associated with Consumption of Raw-Eaten Vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolis, Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Saidu Adamu Saleh , Mohammed S. , Gidado A. S. , Mohammad A. S. , Tijjani A. O. , Musa H. I. , Jajere S. M. , Goni M. D. , Mohammed A. , Idriss M. D. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens and it is a common cause of diarrhea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely: Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (×100) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0 and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, Cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9(11.3%) and 1(1.2%) respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled; Alau had the highest number 15(12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts, then followed by Kilari Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4(10.0%) and 4(5.0%) respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2(2.5%) of oocysts and there was a statistically significant association (χ2=10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits.
The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures to be taken in the food chain in line with the HACCP principles.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(β-alanine-b-vinyl benzyl-g-vinyl chloride) block-graft copolymers by using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and 'click' chemistry
Authors: Savaş Bedrettin , Öztürk Temel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Synthesis and characterization of poly(β-alanine-b-vinyl benzyl-g-vinyl chloride) [poly(BA-b-VB-g-VC)] block-graft copolymer was done by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and 'click' chemistry. For this, poly-β-alanine with a vinyl end group was synthesized by hydrogen transfer polymerization of acrylamide. Bromine-terminated poly-β-alanine (PBA-Br) was obtained by treating the synthesized poly-β-alanine with hydrogen bromide. Poly-β-alanine ethyl xanthate (macro-RAFT agent) was synthesized using PBA-Br and potassium ethyl xanthate. Poly(β-alanine-b-vinyl benzyl chloride) [poly(BA-b-VBC)] block copolymer was obtained by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of macro-RAFT agent with vinyl benzyl chloride. Azido-terminated poly(β-alanine-b-vinyl benzyl chloride) [poly(BA-b-VBC)-N3] was synthesized by the reaction of poly(BA-b-VBC) with sodium azide. Alkyne-terminated polyvinyl chloride (PVC-propargyl) was obtained by treating polyvinyl chloride with propargyl alcohol. Finally, the synthesis of poly(BA-b-VB-g-VC) block-graft copolymer was carried out by the 'click' chemistry method of poly(BA-b-VBC)-N3 and PVC-propargyl. The products were characterized by various spectroscopic and thermal methods.
Exploring Awareness, Perceptions, and Barriers to Seeking Care for Prenatal Complications among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Otu Kate Hagar , Aniyete Patience , Annan Benjamin , Ntiamoah Mabel , Boadum Oheneba , Antwi-Boasiako Charles 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality due to prenatal complications remains a concern in middle-income countries. In Ghana, efforts to reduce maternal deaths have not yielded significant results. This study aimed to assess pregnant women's awareness of complications, identify influencing factors, explore barriers to care, and propose interventions. By addressing these issues, the study aims to improve understanding, promote timely intervention, and ultimately reduce maternal mortality rates in Ghana through targeted interventions and comprehensive health education programs. Methodology: A qualitative research design, specifically an interpretive descriptive approach, was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of pregnant women’s awareness of danger signs and the challenges they face in accessing care. This research framework of interpretivism allows researchers to understand a phenomenon by considering the multiple interpretations of participants in a similar context. The target population comprised pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who met the study’s objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were collected until saturation was reached. Results: Ten participants aged between 24 and 37 were interviewed. There were ten main themes that emerged from the interviews: perceptions of causes, varying awareness of complications, categories of complications, effects of complication on mothers and babies, response to complications, referrals, care-seeking behavior, treatment variations, support and barriers to seeking care. These findings provide valuable insights into participants' experiences and knowledge regarding prenatal complications and care-seeking. Conclusion: The study concluded that pregnant women interviewed had limited knowledge and awareness of danger signs and complications. Higher education, attending antenatal care, and exposure to health education programs improved knowledge. Targeted interventions, comprehensive health education, and regular antenatal care are vital for enhancing awareness. Culturally sensitive care, support, and information should be provided to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Addressing geographical barriers, financial constraints, and inadequate knowledge is necessary to ensure timely and appropriate prenatal care access
Time-resolved crystallography of boric acid binding to the active site serine of the β-lactamase CTX-M-14 and subsequent 1,2-diol esterification
Authors: Betzel Christian , Prester Andreas , Perbandt Markus , Galchenkova Marina , Oberthuer Dominik , Werner Nadine , Henkel Alessandra , Maracke Julia , Yefanov Oleksandr , Hakanpää Johanna , Pompidor Guillaume , Meyer Jan , Chapman Henry , Aepfelbacher Martin , Hinrichs Winfried , Rohde Holger 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

β-lactamase inhibitors are central in overcoming emerging antibiotic resistance, and boronate-based β-lactamase inhibitors were just recently approved to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Using boric acid as a simplified inhibitor model, time-resolved serial crystallography was employed to obtain mechanistic insights into binding to the active site serine of β-lactamase CTX M 14, identifying a reaction time frame of 80 – 100 ms. In a next step, the subsequent 1,2-diol boric ester formation with glycerol in the active site was monitored proceeding in a time frame of 100 – 250 ms. Furthermore, the displacement of the crucial anion in the active site of the β-lactamase was verified as an essential part of the binding mechanism of substrates and inhibitors. In total, 22 datasets of β lactamase intermediate complexes with high spatial resolution of 1.40 – 2.04 Å and high temporal resolution range of 50 – 10000 ms were obtained, allowing a detailed analysis of the studied processes. Mechanistic details captured here contribute to the understanding of the recently developed class of boronate-based β lactamase inhibitors.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytosis mimicking neurosyphilis—a case report
Authors: Xu Ting , Chen Jingyun , Xuan Tingting , Yang Juan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytoma is an autoimmune neuroinflammatory condition. The clinical manifestation of this condition may bear resemblance to that of infectious meningitis. The following report details the case of a female patient who exhibited symptoms of headache and fever, and had a medical history of syphilis. During the patient's hospitalization, the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis and elevated total protein levels, the result of the treponema pallidum antibody agglutination test yielded a positive outcome, initially yielded a negative result for GFAP antibodies, neurosyphilis was initially suspected. However, following treatment, the patient's symptoms worsened and she developed urinary dysfunction. The complete enhancement of the spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a linear strengthening of the spinal membrane at the thoracic spine 9-lumbar 1 region, and a examination for autoimmune encephalitis-associated antibodies yielded positive results for GFAP antibodies. Therefore, autoimmune GFAP astrocytosis should be considered when the patient has a previous history of syphilis and the clinical symptoms and cytological and biochemical tests in the CSF are similar to neurosyphilis, but other tests related to neurosyphilis are negative and there are non-specific changes on imaging.