bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of microwave drying for analysis and processing of medicinal plants
Authors: Bala Esha , Dey Saurav , Patra Sanjukta , Singha Siddhartha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Drying herbal products is essential for sample preparation and ensuring product quality. This study explored the efficacy of microwave-based drying (MW) as an alternative method for moisture content (MC) determination and quality preservation of herbal plants viz, Centella asiatica, Eryngium foetidum, Enhydra fluctuans and Marsilea minuta. Compared to the standard drying method (oven drying at 105°C), the microwave-based loss-on drying method demonstrated significantly more efficiency in reducing drying time and spatial distribution. The study confirms that MW has similar macro-properties and antioxidant activity to freeze-drying. Among the four herbs studied, MW had 10-20% more extractability and had high similarity (Pearson correlation coefficient <0.8 and low Euclidean distance) among soluble components. LC-MS analysis of Centella asiatica revealed that MW shared 46% common compounds while convective drying only had 27% common compounds to freeze drying. Overall, MW proved to be a faster drying process and reliable MC determination method with better retention of bioactive compounds. These findings contribute to rapid and qualitative sample preparation for analyzing both physicochemical properties and secondary metabolites of medicinal plants and herbal products. This, in turn, can positively impact the development of herbal products with improved drying techniques, meeting the growing demand for high-quality culinary and medicinal products.
Predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction——A CT dacryocystography study
Authors: Wang Wushuang , Lin Tong , Gong Lan , Wang Yan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Whether to choose nasolacrimal duct intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) therapy is an important question in clinic practice. The purpose of this study is to find the potential lacrimal sac characteristics which can be used for the predictors of unsuccessful intubation for PANDO based on computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG).
Methods: In this retrospective comparative observational study, we included PANDO patients who had a history of failed intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction as intubation failure group, and PANDO patients without intubation history as control group. We analyzed the lacrimal sac height, lacrimal sac width and obstruction site based on CT-DCG, all measured based on several reference levels on axial sections (upper, intermediate, lower level, common canaliculus level and lowermost contrast level), which were defined according to the contrast and the bony structure.
Results: A total of 114 sides of PANDO were studied, including 36 sides in intubation failure group the other 78 sides in control group. The intubation failure group showed smaller lacrimal sac height (11.69±4.59 mm) and width (2.28±1.97 mm, intermediate level) than control group (14.13±2.92 mm, 3.32±2.02 mm, P = 0.005 and 0.012, respectively). Intubation failure group showed higher obstruction site than control group (P = 0.009).
Conclusions: A small lacrimal sac and a high obstruction site are predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure for PANDO. For PANDO patients with small lacrimal sac or high obstruction position, DCR is more recommended than intubation.
The combination of high-dose radiotherapy and low-dose radiotherapy patterns can enhance antitumor immunity in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Duo , Huang Liuying , Qian Danqi , Huang Zhaohui , Cao Yulin , Wu Xiaohan , Ming Liang , Tang Junhui , Yin Yuan , Zhou Leyuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The function of HDRT in promoting antitumor immunity has both positive and negative effects, whereas LDRT appears to play an essential role in controlling the tumor immune microenvironment. New preclinical evidence indicates that the combination of HDRT and LDRT in radiotherapy protocols offers the benefits of both.Hence, we examined the impact and process of utilizing immunotherapy in conjunction with HDRT and LDRT radiation to combat tumor immunity.
Methods and Materials:
The optimal low-dose irradiation was selected by analyzing the RNA sequence transcriptome and immunohistochemistry using a model of bilateral mouse tumor irradiation.Following the addition of ICI, the presence of immune cells within the tumor was identified through the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry (FCM).Subsequently, the possible means of improving the immune response against tumors was explored through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification.
Results
Administering HDRT (20 Gy) to the primary tumor along with LDRT (6 Gy) to the abscopal tumor resulted in an improved abscopal response in comparison to solely administering HDRT treatment.The combination of HDRT, LDRT, and ICI can increase the effectiveness of ICI treatment.According to the IHC and FCM findings, the presence of immune cells in the triple therapy group was notably higher.The improvement of the abscopal impact was primarily linked to the increase in the chemokine CCL17 and the infiltration of CD8 + T-cells triggered by CCL17.
Conclusions
Our research revealed that the application of HDRT/LDRT radiation together could enhance the immune cell infiltration in mice tumors and boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Pregnant women autonomy when choosing their way of delivery: scoping review
Authors: Silva Carlos Henrique Mascarenhas , Laranjeira Claudia Lourdes Soares , Pinheiro Wallisson Fonseca , de Melo Carolina Soares Barros , Silva Vitor de Oliveira Campos e , Brandão Augusto Henrique  Fulgêncio , Rego Francisca , Nunes Rui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Women autonomy during labour is an important issue that obstetricians and assistant teams must be conscious and aware of when attending maternity and hospitals. The objective was to conduct a scoping review in order to study the literature and evidence of how autonomy is being offered to the parturient.
Methods
In December 2022, research was done using the terms “pregnant women” AND “birth” AND “autonomy” in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo and LILACS. The research included articles from 2016 to 2022. Of the 173 articles found, 7 met the criteria selected by researchers and were considered in this review.
Results
When women have the autonomy to choose on their own, their preference is for vaginal birth. When the decision is made together with the healthcare team, the incidence of caesarean section is greater. Autonomy and the perception of this practice is obtained when the medical staff listens and consider the woman’s will, thus respecting the woman’s choice of childbirth.
Conclusion
Pregnant women want to choose their method of birth, and autonomy is an important aspect to get satisfaction during their labour and childbirth. This participation is feasible and does not affect the safety of giving birth or the perinatal results, when duly researched and followed-up.
Membrane lung dead space value as a predictor of ECMO failure: a pilot study
Authors: Lino Giovanni , Rossetti Matteo , Capitanio Guido , Coppolecchia Sara , Occhipinti Giovanna , Longo Rosalia , Alduino Rossella , Tuzzolino Fabio , Arcadipane Antonio , Panarello Giovanna 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Veno-venous ECMO respiratory assistance is a milestone treatment in refractory respiratory failure and may provide sufficient respiratory assistance in patients with deranged lung functions. Despite its crucial role in patient survival, especially in an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) setting, veno-venous ECMO leads to a systemic inflammatory state resulting in prothrombotic activation that gives rise to the deterioration of the extracorporeal membrane lung itself. This derangement eventually leads to sudden ECMO mechanical failure exposing the patient to severe hypoxemia, which can have fast and dramatic consequences. For these reasons, we measured a number of parameters (such as membrane lung pressure drop and partial oxygen pressure in blood at the outflow tract of the membrane lung) to try to predict the possibility of a sudden ECMO failure. None of these indicators alone seems to have significant power in the clinical setting. Considering membrane lung physiology, we built a pilot study to explore the behavior of membrane lung dead space as a possible quantifiable indicator of membrane lung efficiency and as a reliable predictor of ECMO failure.
Determinants of Household Poverty: Analysis of Multidimensional Aspect in Rural and Urban Areas in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulusew Asmamaw , Mingyong Hong , W/rufael Mesfin , Kesete Mebratu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
It would be easier for policymakers to create effective poverty-alleviation policies and programs for multi-deprived poor households if they were aware of the causes and extent of multidimensional household poverty. To that end, the study tried to measure the intensity, acuteness, and factors that can determine households’ multidimensional poverty in rural and urban areas. The study employed a Logit model to analyse the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of poor households. The MPI method was used to define a multidimensional poverty line threshold for the poor and non-poor. The poverty indices were used to analyse the incidence and intensity of multidimensional poverty among households. The findings of the study show that the multidimensional headcount ratio (H), intensity (or breadth) of poverty (A), and total Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) were found to be 0.47%, 0.43%, and 0.20% in urban areas and 0.81%, 0.48%, and 0.39% in rural areas, respectively, with much higher values for rural households. The results obtained from a binary logistic model indicate that a household’s education level, remittances, and house ownership were found to be negatively correlated with being poor. Besides, In rural areas, household marital status, livestock, and remittances were found to be negatively correlated with being poor. The variables HH size, sex, and total dependency ratio significantly affected HH falling into poverty, while other variables were not significant and rather inconclusive. The major findings of the study reveal that poverty exists severely in the region, especially in rural areas. This finding strongly supports the idea that multidimensional poverty can be improved in the region by focusing on education, stabilising food prices, and creating job opportunities.
Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Novel Compounds Targeting Inflammasome and IL-1β and IL-6 Signaling Pathways in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Chen I-Cheng , Chen Wan-Ling , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Lee Jun-Wei , Lin Te-Hsien , Lin Wenwei , Chen Chiung-Mei , Lee-Chen Guey-Jen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
At least seven dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are caused by expansions of polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding CAG repeat. The misfolded and aggregated polyQ-expanded proteins increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), cellular toxicity and neuroinflammation in the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potentials of coumarin derivatives LM-021, LMDS-1 and LMDS-2, and pharmacological chaperone tafamidis that stabilizes the correctly folded tetrameric transthyretin protein, using mouse BV-2 microglia and SCA3 ATXN3/Q75-GFP SH-SY5Y cells. The four tested compounds displayed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production and CD68, MHCII expression in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BV-2 microglia. In retinoic acid-differentiated ATXN3/Q75-GFP-expressing SH-SY5Y cells inflamed with LPS/IFN-γ-primed BV-2 conditioned medium, treatment with test compounds mitigated the increased caspase 1 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release, reduced ROS and ATXN3/Q75 aggregation, and promoted neurite outgrowth. Examination of inflammasome, IL-1β and IL-6-mediated signaling pathways revealed that LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2 and tafamidis decreased NLRP1, JNK/JUN, IκBα/P65, P38/STAT1 and/or JAK2/STAT3 signaling. The study results suggest the potential of LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2 and tafamidis in treating SCA3 and probable other polyQ diseases.
Influence of Splenomegaly and Splenectomy on the Immune-Cell Profile of Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disease
Authors: Viallard Jean-François , Parrens Marie , Blanco Patrick , Moreau Jean-Francois , Oksenhendler Eric , Fieschi Claire 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose About 25% of patients with common variable immunodeficiency disease (CVID) have splenomegaly necessitating splenectomy but its consequences on the immunological profile of CVID patients have never been studied. We analyzed 11 CVID patients’ comprehensive blood immune-cell phenotypes before and after splenectomy.
Methods Flow-cytometry analyses of immune-cell populations.
Results Among 89 CVID-cohort patients, 41 with splenomegaly, splenomegaly was strongly associated with granulomatous disease, autoimmune disorders, lymphoid hyperplasia and portal hypertension. CVID patients with splenomegaly have significant peripheral lymphopenia (p=0.001), significantly fewer peripheral class-switched memory B cells (smBs) (p=0.001), CD4+ T lymphocytes (p=0.001), NK (p=0.0001) and dendritic cells (p≤0.01), and significantly more circulating CD4+ and CD8+ (p=0.00001) T-cell-subset activation (p=0.00005), than CVID patients without splenomegaly. Examination of splenectomy impact on circulating lymphocyte-subset distributions demonstrated the drastically enhanced total circulating-lymphocyte count post-splenectomy, predominantly B lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells. However, splenectomy did not change B-cell distribution, with smBs remaining persistently low, in contrast to complete inversion of the circulating T-cell composition, with reversal of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio suggesting that amplification of the CD8+ T-cell compartment is a CVID characteristic in patients with splenomegaly. Our results highlight this CD8+ amplification in splenomegaly–CVID patients which might be explained by a homing effect to the spleen and/or possible chronic virus replication, which in turn could induce T-cell expansions.
Conclusion CVID patients with lymphopenia and splenomegaly should not be thought to have combined immune deficiency, but rather true CVID, as their lymphopenia might suggest lymphocyte trapping in the spleen.
A theoretical study on the mechanism of small carbon clusters growth in low-temperature plasma
Authors: Polynskaya Yulia G. , Matsokin Nikita A. , Kedalo Yegor M. , Knizhnik Andrey A. , Sinitsa Alex S. , Potapkin Boris V. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Understanding the interaction between small alkane radical ions and methane could lead to more efficient ways of hydrogen production, which is an essential component in the field of green energy. It can contribute to developing new plasma processing methods for natural gas utilization or for its conversion into other useful products. In this study, using first-principles calculations we analyzed interactions between small alkane radical ions and methane molecules, which result in growth of carbon clusters and production of hydrogen in methane plasma. Our observations revealed that anion-methane interactions initiate from C-H bond rupture in CH4, with the lowest activation barrier seen in negative ions undergoing a hydrogen transfer reaction. Positive alkane ion radicals demonstrated a different initial step in the clustering process where CH3 and H transfer reactions occur simultaneously. The total reaction between positive ethyl ion and methane has low activation energy in accordance with experimental studies. Also, estimated rate constants are in reasonable agreement with experimental values for a wide range of temperatures. Our calculations showed that both negative and positive ethyl ions readily react with methane, forming hydrogen molecules and C3 ion radicals. However, the continued growth of these radicals encounters increasing activation barriers, suggesting a slowdown in the carbon ion clusterization rate and hydrogen production for larger clusters. These findings are crucial for carbon nanoparticle generation and hydrogen production using the plasma catalysis process.
An unexpected case of a dog from Poland co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis
Authors: Mateusz Pękacz , Katarzyna Basałaj , Martina Miterpáková , Zbigniew Rusiecki , Diana Stopka , Dominika Graczyk , Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria spp., considered an emerging problem of both veterinary and human medicine. Due to the climate changes and human activities, like traveling with pets, diseases spread to new non-endemic regions. Poland is dominated by subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. repens infections. Cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, also known as a heartworm disease is much more rare with only single autochthonous cases reported so far. Also, imported infections are observed sporadically in dogs traveling to endemic countries. In the present study, we report a first case of a dog from Poland, that has never traveled abroad, co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis.
Case presentation:
A 14-year-old mixed breed, an intact male dog with fever, lightly pale mucosal membranes, moderate abdominal pain, and mild cough was presented in a veterinary clinic in Warsaw, Poland. The examination of the blood sample collected for complete morphology and biochemistry revealed alive microfilariae. Presence of the DNA of both microfilariae species was detected using Real-Time PCR with species-specific primers.
Conclusions
Since the remaining diagnostic methods like Knott's test, antigen test or echocardiography did not reveal the presence of D. immitis, we discussed the impact of microfilariae periodicity and low worm burden infections on the limited efficiency of these techniques. We strongly recommend using a mixed diagnostic approach for the most sensitive and specific diagnosis as the ideal diagnostic method does not exist and several factors may easily lead to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, we considered factors that contribute to the uncontrolled spread of dirofilariasis like climate changes, introduction of new species of mosquitoes competent for the transmission of the disease, and wildlife animals as an important reservoir of this parasitosis. Since Poland borders countries considered endemic and pre-endemic for D. immitis, like Slovakia or Ukraine, we could expect an increase in autochthonous heartworm infection and changes in the epidemiological pattern of dirofilariasis in the near future.
Concepts of lines of therapy in cancer treatment: Findings from an expert interview-based study
Authors: Falchetto Lisa , Bender Bernd , Erhard Ian , Zeiner Kim N. , Stratmann Jan A. , Koll Florestan J. , Wagner Sebastian , Reiser Marcel , Gasimli Khayal , Stehle Angelika , Voss Martin , Ballo Olivier , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Maier Daniel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
The concept of lines of therapy (LOT) in cancer treatment is often included for decision making in tumor boards and clinical management, but lacks a common definition across medical specialties. The complexity and heterogeneity of malignancies and treatment modalities contribute to an inconsistent understanding of LOT among physicians. This study assesses the heterogeneity of understandings of the LOT concept, its major dimensions and criteria from the perspective of physicians of different specialties with an oncological focus in Germany. Semi-structured expert interviews with nine physicians were conducted and evaluated using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Most interviewees agreed that there is no single definition for LOT and found it difficult to explicate their understanding. A majority of experts stated that they had already encountered misunderstandings with colleagues regarding LOT and that they had problems with deciphering LOT from medical records of their patients. Disagreement emerged about the roles of the following within the LOT concept: maintenance therapy, treatment intention, different therapy modalities, changing pharmaceutical agents, and therapy breaks. Respondents predominantly considered the same criteria as decisive for the definition of LOT as for a change in LOT (e.g., the occurrence of a progression event or tumor recurrence).
Evaluation of SII (systemic immune-inflammation index) for predicting late onset fetal growth restriction
Authors: Fıratlıgil Fahri Burçin , Sucu Serap Topkara , Tuncdemir Sitare , Saglam Erkan , Dereli Murat Levent , Ozkan Sadullah , Reis Yıldız Akdas , Yucel Kadriye Yakut , Celen Sevki , Caglar Ali Turhan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction;

To determine a cut-off value for systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (neutrophil × platelet /lymphocyte) in the prediction of fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Materials – Method;

This retrospective case control study was designed at the Obstetrics - Gynecology and Perinatology Clinics. Singleton pregnant women with late onset FGR who were followed up in the outpatient clinics or hospitalized and whose pregnancy resulted in our hospital were included in study group (group I). Healthy early- and full- term singleton pregnant women with spontaneous labor who were followed up in the same hospital and whose pregnancy resulted in the same hospital were included in the control group (group II). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the performance of SII value in predicting FGR.

Results;

We recruited 79 cases (pregnant with late onset fetal growth restriction) and 79 controls (healthy pregnant), matched for age, body mass index, and parity. ΔSII was statistically significantly higher in the pregnant with late onset FGR compared with healthy pregnant (123 vs -65; p= 0.039). The values in ROC curves with the best balance of sensitivity/specificity were >152 109/L (49% sensitivity, 70% specificity) and >586 109/L (27% sensitivity, 90% specificity) for late onset FGR.

Discussion;

Elevated ΔSII in maternal blood indicates an inflammatory process causing FGR. Obstetricians should be cautious in ΔSII levels of >152 109/L (49% sensitivity, 70% specificity) and >586 109/L (27% sensitivity, 90% specificity) for late onset FGR.
Rheumatoid meningitis sine arthritis: an emerging cause of isolated pachymeningitis and leptomeningitis with typical features
Authors: Bonnan Mickael , Faillot Matthieu , Carle Adrien , Defoor Nicolas , Rocca Juliette , Balley Gédéon , Bielle Franck , Cazals-Hatem Dominique , Fernari Fahima , Henry Carole 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background.
Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a meningeal inflammation rarely occurring during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), which are highly specific biomarkers of RA, may allow RM sine arthritis (RMSA) to be diagnosed as an extra-articular early lesion of RA. MRI typically displays pachymeningitis and/or leptomeningitis predating convexity, and CSF diffusivity is focally restricted. Blood ACPA is a strong clue and intrathecal synthesis of ACPA is characteristic.
Case presentation.
We report two cases of RMSA that were confirmed by meningeal biopsy and intrathecal synthesis, and which abated after steroids alone or associated with rituximab.
Conclusions.
We reviewed all published cases of RM and found that RMSA may account for 15% of RM.