bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green extraction of Milletia pinnata oil for the development, and characterization of pectin crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/guar gum herbal nano hydrogel
Authors: Bhagyashree Devidas Tipare , Patil Sandip , Sharma Minaxi , Ali Nemat , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Al-Dosari Mohammed S. , Liu Sixi , Inbaraj Baskaran Stephen , Bains Aarti , Wen Feiqiu 
Published: September 2023

Milletia pinnata oil and Nardostachys jatamansi are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have been utilized to formulate various herbal formulations, however, due to certain environmental conditions, pure extract form is prone to degradation. Therefore, in this, study, a green hydrodistillation technology was used to extract M. pinnata oil and N. jatamansi root for the further application in development of pectin crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/guar-gum nano hydrogel. Both oil and extract revealed the presence of spirojatamol and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester. Varied concentrations (w/w) of cross-linker and gelling agent were used to formulate oil emulsion extract gel (OEEG1, OEG1, OEEG2, OEG2, OEEG3, OEG3, OEEG4, OEG4, OEEG5, OEG5), in which OEEG2 and OEG2 were found to be stable. The hydrogel displayed an average droplet size of 186.7 nm and a zeta potential of −20.5 mV. Endo and exothermic peaks and the key functional groups including hydroxyl, amide II, and amide III groups confirmed thermal stability and molecular structure. The smooth surface confirmed structural uniformity. Bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive (25.41 ± 0.09 mm) and Gram-negative (27.25 ± 0.01 mm) bacteria and anti-inflammatory activity (49.25%–83.47%) makes nanohydrogel a potential option for treating various infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the use of green hydrodistillation technology can be used to extract the bioactive compounds that can be used in formulation of biocompatible and hydrophobic nanohydrogels. Their ability to absorb target-specific drugs makes them a potential option for treating various infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Predictive capacity of a genetic risk score for coronary artery disease in assessing recurrences and cardiovascular mortality among patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Rincón Luis Miguel , Subirana Isaac , Pérez del Villar Candelas , Sánchez Pedro L. , Zamorano José Luis , Marrugat Jaume , Elosua Roberto 
Published: September 2023

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a genetic risk score (GRS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors to assess the risk of recurrence in patients with first myocardial infarction. The secondary aim was to determine the predictive value of this GRS.MethodsWe performed a meta-analysis of individual data from three studies, namely, a prospective study including 75 patients aged &lt;55 years, a prospective study including 184 patients with a mean age of 60.5 years, and a case–control study (77 cases and 160 controls) nested in a cohort of patients with first myocardial infarction. A GRS including 12 CAD genetic variants independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors was developed. The outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality and recurrent acute coronary syndrome.ResultsThe GRS was associated with a higher risk of recurrence [hazard ratio = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.47]. The inclusion of the GRS in the clinical model did not increase the model’s discriminative capacity (change in C-statistic/area under the curve: 0.009; 95% CI: −0.007 to 0.025) but improved its reclassification (continuous net reclassification index: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.08–0.51).ConclusionThe GRS for CAD, independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors, was associated with a higher risk of recurrence in patients with first myocardial infarction. The predictive capacity of this GRS identified a subgroup of high-risk patients who could benefit from intensive preventive strategies.
Body mass index and partial remission in 119 children with type 1 diabetes—a 6-year observational study
Authors: Sokołowska-Gadoux Magdalena , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława , Polanska Joanna , Kalemba Alicja , Chobot Agata 
Published: September 2023

Background/objectiveThis long-term study aimed to analyze the associations between BMI Z-score, HbA1c, and daily insulin requirement (DIR) and the prevalence and duration of partial remission (PR) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MethodsAfter retrieving retrospective data for 195 patients from their health records at 24, 48, and 72 months after T1D diagnosis, the study group was comprised of 119 (57 girls) children with a complete dataset for all 6 years. PR was defined according to the ISPAD guidelines. Analyses were carried out in the whole group and subgroups according to PR duration: no PR at all (NPR), PR lasting less than 2 years (PR &lt; 2), and PR at least 2 years (PR ≥ 2).ResultsPR was observed in 63% of the patients (78.9% of overweight and 100% of obese patients). NPR patients showed the lowest mean initial BMI Z-score [−0.65 ± 1.29 vs. 0.02 ± 1.42, (PR &lt; 2), p = 0.01 and vs. 0.64 ± 1.43 (PR ≥ 2), p = 0.17]. The dissimilarity in BMI across patients declined over time. Within the NPR group, the initial mean BMI Z-score significantly increased within the first 2 years (unadjusted p &lt; 0.001) and remained constant afterward. In the PR &lt;2 group, the highest increase in BMI Z-score occurred after 4 years (p &lt; 0.001) and then decreased (p = 0.04). In the PR ≥2, the BMI Z-score slightly decreased within the first 2 years (p = 0.02), then increased (p = 0.03) and remained unchanged for the last 2 years. Six years after T1D started, the mean DIRs do not differ among the patient groups (ANOVA p = 0.272).ConclusionDuring 6 years of follow-up, PR occurred in almost two-thirds of the studied children including almost all overweight and obese children. We observed a gradual normalization of the BMI Z-score at the end of the follow-up. BMI Z-score increased slightly in children with no remission initially but remained later constant until the end of observation. In both remitter groups, the increase in BMI Z-score appeared later when the protective honeymoon period ended. Regardless of BMI Z-score, the β-cell destruction process progresses, and after 6 years, the DIR is similar for all patients.
Soil organic pollution and ecological risk assessment in brownfield soil from Northwest China: an integrated analysis of man-land interrelations
Authors: Wang Luyao , Xie Xiao , Liu Siqi , Wang Jing , Peng Biao , Sun Yingying 
Published: September 2023

In general, chemical plants are accompanied by a variety of secondary production in the production process, which may have different degrees of impact on the environment. At the same time, in order to ensure the environmental safety of new urban construction land, it is necessary to conduct pollution investigation and further environmental risk assessment on potentially polluting abandoned chemical plants. This paper takes a chemical plant producing food grade fumaric acid in Northwest China as an example to investigate the pollution of organic matter in the soil in accordance with relevant standards, then analyzes the vertical pollution degree of key pollution areas. The calculation results of single factor pollution index and Nemerow pollution index show that there are 17 kinds of organic pollutants that exceed the screening value in land of Class I. Among them, benzene, 1,2,3-trichloropropane and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane are most serious, and the highest exceeded the standard by 11,311 times. Moreover, the distillation zone and the reactor zone have reached the level of V pollution, and the maximum pollution depth can reach more than 6 m. The results of HERA software analysis showed that there were 18 and 10 kinds of organic pollutants with carcinogenic risk values exceeding 10−6 in the reactor and distillation area, respectively, and 25 and 11 kinds of organic pollutants with hazard quotients exceeding 1, respectively. According to relevant regulations, the contaminated areas with unacceptable regional risks must be properly repaired.
Leasing from the perspective of environmental management and its influence on business performance
Authors: Bocok Vojtech , Hinke Jana , Abrham Josef 
Published: September 2023

Goals: The paper aims to analyze the current development in the field of circular economy relating to the use of lease financing as possible environemental management’s tool.Methods: The paper contains own research conducted on companies trading on the Prague Stock Exchange from 1993 to 2019, in which the influence of lease financing on market values of companies representing investor confidence and profitability ratios are examined. The research uses a regression model of panel data.Results: The research confirms the fact that companies using leases are able to maintain investor confidence better. There has been an increase in their market value. It has been proved that lease financing does not harm the economic performance of companies and that, on the contrary, it is a possible way of financing companies, which would be more in line with sustainable development.Conclusion: The presented article extended further quantitative research in the field of sustainability, circular economy, environmental management and the position of leasing as one of the possible instruments of these policies. It has been confirmed that the use of leases increases the value of Tobin’s Q. However, there has been a decrease in investor confidence expressed by the negative correlation of Tobin’s Q when comparing with the situation where the company invests in increasing its tangible assets in the standard way.
Establishment of linkage phase, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, for preimplantation genetic testing of Coffin-Lowry syndrome with a de novo RPS6KA3 mutation
Authors: Wen Xiaojun , Du Jing , Li Zhiming , Liu Nengqing , Huo Junye , Li Jieliang , Ke Wanna , Wu Jiaqi , Fang Xiaowu , Lin Xiufeng 
Published: September 2023

Background: This study aimed to perform preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for a female Coffin-Lowry Syndrome (CLS) patient with a de novo mutation (DNM) in RPS6KA3. It was challenging to establish the haplotype in this family because of the lack of information from affected family members. Hence, we explored a new and reliable strategy for the detection of the DNM in PGT, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and the MARSALA platform.Methods: We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) on the proband and confirmed the pathogenic mutation by Sanger sequencing. The proband then underwent PGT to prevent the transmission of the pathogenic mutation to her offspring. We diverged from the conventional methods and used long-read sequencing (LRS) on the ONT platform to directly detect the mutation and nearby SNPs, for construction of the haplotype in the preclinical phase of PGT. In the clinical phase of embryo diagnosis, the MARSALA method was used to detect both the SNP-based haplotype and chromosome copy number variations (CNVs), in each blastocyst. Finally, a normal embryo was selected by comparison to the haplotype of the proband and transferred into the uterus. Sanger sequencing and karyotyping were performed by amniocentesis, at 17 weeks of gestation, to confirm the accuracy of PGT.Results: Using WES, we found the novel, heterozygous, pathogenic c.1496delG (p.Gly499Valfs*25) mutation of RPS6KA3 in the proband. The SNP-based haplotype that was linked to the pathogenic mutation site was successfully established in the proband, without the need for other family members to be tested with ONT. Eight blastocysts were biopsied to perform PGT and were assessed with a haplotype linkage analysis (30 SNP sites selected), to give results that were consistent with direct mutation detection using Sanger sequencing. The results of PGT showed that three of the eight blastocysts were normal, without the DNM. Moreover, the patient had a successful pregnancy, after transfer of a normal blastocyst into the uterus, and delivered a healthy baby.Conclusion: The ONT platform, combined with the MARSALA method, can be used to perform PGT for DNM patients without the need for other samples as a reference.
Disseminated tuberculosis in a child during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report and literature review
Authors: Weng Taoping , Dong Yaqiong , Huang Niwen , Zhao Chenqu , Zhang Lei , Cao Shan , Tang Jing , Zhang Danni , Zhang Xianming 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundDisseminated tuberculosis is an uncommon but devastating form of tuberculosis, possibly developing with the immune response of patients. COVID-19 infection may produce an immunosuppressive effect with possible implications for tuberculosis dissemination.Case presentationA 17-year-old female patient with a history of tuberculous pleurisy presented to the hospital with a high fever and life-threatening dyspnea after contracting a COVID-19 infection. Her condition deteriorated rapidly with grand mal epilepsy and acute gastrointestinal bleeding with a grossly depressed CD4 T-cell count, which was indicative of her profoundly immunosuppressed state. After identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in her cerebrospinal fluid and a subcutaneous abscess in her left lower back, she was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis involving both lungs, the central nervous system, the terminal ileum, the liver, bilateral adnexal tissue, and subcutaneous soft tissue in accordance with the chest and abdominal CT. Empirical treatment was initiated with dexamethasone (5 mg/day) and an anti-tuberculosis regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, amikacin, and meropenem, which was replaced with faropenem after she left the hospital. The therapeutic effect was considered satisfied in the second month of follow-up.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, we report the first case report of disseminated tuberculosis after COVID-19 infection. Tuberculosis may disseminate and progress during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring more significant studies to provide better diagnosis and treatment options for the co-infection.
Effect of inspiratory muscle training on hypoxemia in obese patients undergoing painless gastroscopy: protocol for a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Wang Xiao , Du Kairong , Liang Ying 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionObese patients who undergo painless gastroscopy are particularly prone to suffer from upper airway obstruction, respiratory depression, and subsequent hypoxemia. Despite adequate preoxygenation, the incidence of hypoxemia remains high. Recently, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been considered to be a promising strategy to increase respiratory muscle strength and endurance with the attendant improvement of pulmonary function. However, it remains unclear whether IMT is associated with a lower rate of hypoxemia in obese patients during this sedative procedure. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of IMT used in obese patients who are scheduled for selective painless gastroscopy.Methods and analysisThis prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will enroll 232 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35–39.9 kg·m−2 who undergo painless gastroscopy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. Subjects will be randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio. Participants in both groups will receive IMT for 4 weeks prior to gastroscopy. The intervention group will receive IMT with a load of 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (Pi(max)) in the first week, with an increase of 10% per week since the following week, while the counterparts in the control group will not receive any load during the 4-week IMT. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypoxemia during painless gastroscopy. Secondary outcomes include the need for airway maneuvers, blood pressure changes, sleep quality assessment, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and monitoring of adverse events.DiscussionsThe outcomes of this study will offer invaluable guidance for the clinical implementation of IMT as a potential non-invasive preventive measure. Additionally, it stands to enrich our comprehension of anesthesia management and airway-related challenges in obese patients undergoing procedural sedation, which we anticipate will further contribute to addressing the turnaround concerns within high-volume, swiftly paced ambulatory endoscopy centers.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University (2022, No.091). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChina Clinical Trial Center (ChiCTR2200067041).
Causality of anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG levels on myocardial infarction and potential pathogenesis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Qiubo , Liu Yingbo , Xu Zhenxing , Wang Zhimiao , Xue Mei , Li Xinran , Wang Ye 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundPrevious observational studies have shown that a potential relationship between anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) IgG levels and Myocardial Infarction (MI). Nevertheless, the evidence for the causal inferences remains disputable. To further clarify the relationship between anti-H. pylori IgG levels and MI and explore its pathogenesis, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsIn this study, we used two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) to assess the causality of anti-H. pylori IgG levels on MI and potential pathogenesis, 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to anti-H. pylori IgG levels were obtained from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). Summary data from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of MI was utilized as the outcome dataset. Summary data of mediators was obtained from the FinnGen database, the UK Biobank, the EBI database, MRC-IEU database, the International Consortium of Blood Pressure, the Consortium of Within family GWAS. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis under the fixed effect model was identified as our main method. To ensure the reliability of the findings, many sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsOur study revealed that increases of anti-H. pylori IgG levels were significantly related to an increased risk of MI (OR, 1.104; 95% CI,1.042–1.169; p = 7.084 × 10−4) and decreases in HDL cholesterol levels (β, −0.016; 95% CI, −0.026 to −0.006; p = 2.02 × 10−3). In addition, there was no heterogeneity or pleiotropy in our findings.ConclusionThis two-sample MR analysis revealed the causality of anti-H. pylori IgG levels on MI, which might be explained by lower HDL cholesterol levels. Further research is needed to clarify the results.
Development and validation of a nomogram for the risk prediction of malignant cerebral edema after acute large hemispheric infarction involving the anterior circulation
Authors: Xie Wei , Ma Xiaoming , Xu Geman , Wang Yumei , Huang Wendie , Liu Meng , Sheng Shiying , Yuan Jie , Wang Jing 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundMalignant cerebral edema (MCE) is a life-threatening complication of large hemisphere infarction (LHI). Therefore, a fast, accurate, and convenient tool for predicting MCE can guide triage services and facilitate shared decision-making. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for the early prediction of MCE risk in acute LHI involving the anterior circulation and to understand the potential mechanism of MCE.MethodsThis retrospective study included 312 consecutive patients with LHI from 1 January 2019 to 28 February 2023. The patients were divided into MCE and non-MCE groups. MCE was defined as an obvious mass effect with ≥5 mm midline shift or basal cistern effacement. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression were performed to explore the MCE-associated factors, including medical records, laboratory data, computed tomography (CT) scans, and independent clinic risk factors. The independent factors were further incorporated to construct a nomogram for MCE prediction.ResultsAmong the 312 patients with LHI, 120 developed MCE. The following eight factors were independently associated with MCE: Glasgow Coma Scale score (p = 0.007), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (p = 0.006), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (p &lt; 0.001), admission monocyte count (p = 0.004), white blood cell count (p = 0.002), HbA1c level (p &lt; 0.001), history of hypertension (p = 0.027), and history of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.114). These characteristics were further used to establish a nomogram for predicting prognosis. The nomogram achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82–0.96).ConclusionOur nomogram based on LASSO-logistic regression is accurate and useful for the early prediction of MCE after LHI. This model can serve as a precise and practical tool for clinical decision-making in patients with LHI who may require aggressive therapeutic approaches.
Effect of melatonin on sleep quality and EEG features in childhood epilepsy: a possible non-conventional treatment
Authors: Dell'Isola Giovanni Battista , Tascini Giorgia , Vinti Valerio , Tulli Eleonora , Dini Gianluca , Mencaroni Elisabetta , Ferrara Pietro , Di Cara Giuseppe , Striano Pasquale , Verrotti Alberto 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSleep and epilepsy are characterized by a bidirectional relationship. Indeed, epilepsy predisposes to the development of sleep disorders, while sleep deprivation may exacerbate epilepsy. In addition, antiseizure medication can disrupt normal sleep architecture. Therefore, adequate sleep hygiene could lead to improvement in seizure control. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on seizure frequency, EEG tracing, and sleep in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy.MethodsThis observation study evaluated the effect of 4 mg oral melatonin in ameliorating sleep–wake cycle, seizure frequency, and EEG features in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy of infancy. Twenty children were enrolled from September 2020 to August 2021. The study consisted of serial controls at enrollment (t0), at 3 months (t1), and at 6 months (t2) including neurological examination, questionnaire about sleep disturbances (CSHQ), and EEG.ResultsA significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was observed after melatonin supplementation. Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy improvement in EEG tracing at t2 that exhibited a significant correlation with improvements in CSHQ scores.ConclusionThe studies conducted so far to evaluate the effect of melatonin in persons with epilepsy do not lead to definitive conclusions. Despite the small population sample and the study design, we report sleep and EEG improvement after melatonin administration in our cohort. Larger studies are needed to further study the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties of melatonin.