bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrous‐oxide‐induced polyneuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spine: clinical and diagnostic characteristics in 70 patients, with focus on electrodiagnostic studies
Authors: Hassing L. T. , Jiang F. Y. , Zutt R. , Arends S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeNitrous oxide (N2O) induced neurological symptoms are increasingly encountered. Our aim is to provide clinical and diagnostic characteristics with a focus on electrodiagnostic studies.MethodsPatients with neurological sequelae due to N2O presenting in our hospital between November 2018 and December 2021 reporting clinical and diagnostic data were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsSeventy patients (median 22 years) were included. Median N2O usage was 4 kg/week during 12 months. Patients’ history revealed a higher rate of sensory symptoms compared to motor (97% vs. 57%) and 77% walking difficulties. Clinical diagnosis was polyneuropathy (PNP) in 44%, subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spine in 19%, both in 37%. Median vitamin B12 level was low (159 pmol/L), normal in 16%. The median methylmalonic acid was increased (2.66 μmol/L). Electrodiagnostic abnormalities were observed in 91%, with 72% fulfilling axonal PNP criteria, 20% showing mild to intermediate slowing. One patient fulfilled demyelinating PNP criteria not related to N2O abuse (Charcot−Marie−Tooth type 1a). More prominent motor nerve conduction abnormalities were found; lower limbs were more affected. In 64% with normal conduction, myography showed signs of axonal loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical myelopathy in 58% involving generally five to six segments.ConclusionsNitrous oxide (N2O) leads to neurological symptoms by causing PNP and/or SCD primarily involving the legs. Distinguishing PNP and SCD clinically was shown to be insufficient. Electrodiagnostic studies showed axonal PNP. Demyelinating PNP due to N2O abuse was not present in our cohort. Therefore, further diagnostic work‐up is warranted if demyelinating features are present.
Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes in Bogotá River and wastewater treatment plants in Colombia
Authors: Vesga Fidson‐Juarismy , Beltrán‐Benavides Adriana Rocío , Márquez‐Duque Ana María , Venegas Camilo , Trespalacios Alba‐Alicia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects 70%–80% of the population in Colombia, causing chronic gastritis in all those infected and gastric cancer in 1%–2% of those infected. In Colombia, some studies have identified the presence of vacA and cagA genes in environmental samples such as treated, surface, and wastewater, but they have not been evaluated in the Bogotá River. For this, the aim of this study was to identify the virulence genotypes of H. pylori present in samples from the Bogotá River and domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).Materials and MethodsA total of 75 water samples (51 from the Bogotá River and 24 from wastewater treatment plants) were collected. The presence of H. pylori DNA and its virulence genotypes was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsThe presence of H. pylori DNA was demonstrated in 44% (33/75) of the samples, obtaining 63.6% (21/33) from the Bogotá River and 36.4% (12/33) from the WWTPs. The most prevalent H. pylori genotype was cagA (‐) and vacAm1/s1/i1 being the most virulent of the vacA gene.ConclusionsThis is the first study in Colombia that determines the cagA and vacA genotypes in surface water and WWTPs, indicating the circulation of virulent genotypes in the population. The presence of this pathogen in the waters can be represent a risk to the health of the surrounding population since these waters are reused by the communities for different purposes.
Efficacy of water flossing on clinical parameters of inflammation and plaque: A 4‐week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mancinelli‐Lyle Deborah , Qaqish Jimmy G. , Goyal C. Ram , Schuller Reinhard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe primary prevention of periodontitis is controlling gingivitis daily. The study objective was to compare the efficacy of a pulsating water flosser to a pulsating water flosser infused with air microbubbles on clinical signs of inflammation and plaque.MethodsOne hundred and five participants were enrolled in this single‐blind, single‐centre, parallel, 4‐week, IRB/IEC‐approved clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: water flosser (WF) plus manual toothbrush, water flosser infused with microbubbles of air (MBWF) plus manual toothbrush, or dental floss (DF) plus manual toothbrush. Bleeding on probing (BOP), Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and Rustogi Modification Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) scores were recorded at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks.ResultsAll participants completed the study (n = 105). All groups showed a statistically significant reduction for BOP, MGI and RMNPI at 4 weeks (p < 0.05, except DF marginal RMNPI). The WF group showed a statistically significant greater reduction in whole mouth BOP (0.41) compared to MBWF (0.32) and DF (0.19). This was also true for MGI (0.37, 0.30 and 0.20, respectively) and RMNPI (0.13, 0.11 and 0.06, respectively; p < 0.05 for all comparisons). No adverse events were reported.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that a manual toothbrush and water flosser, with or without microbubbles, is an effective oral care regimen for controlling gingivitis over 4 weeks.
Effect of enzyme‐assisted acid extraction on citrus high‐methoxyl pectin riched in RG‐I: preparation, structure characterisation and physico‐chemical properties
Authors: Liu Zi‐wei , Qi Jun‐ru , Song Ya‐ting , Ruan Cheng‐wei , Liao Jin‐song 
Published: September 2023

SummaryThe properties of pectin extracted by enzyme‐assisted nitric acid (EAE‐N) and pectin extracted by enzyme‐assisted oxalic acid (EAE‐O) were analysed and compared with pectin extracted by nitric acid (AE‐N) and pectin extracted by oxalic acid (AE‐O) systematically. The yield of pectin obtained by the enzyme‐assisted acid method (23.73% ~ 25.60%) was significantly higher than that by acid extraction method (19.75% ~ 20.60%). Monosaccharide analyses demonstrated that the enzyme‐assisted acid method was able to attain more branched rhamnogalacturonan I (RG‐I) regions (36.59% ~ 42.06%) than using acid solely (31.01% ~ 34.58%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analyses indicated that there was no obvious difference in the characteristic structure of pectin. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed that EAE‐N and EAE‐O had more short side chains and cross‐link compared with AE‐N and AE‐O. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that EAE‐N and EAE‐O have good thermal stability. All pectin samples showed a shear‐thinning fluid flow behaviour and an elastic gel‐like behaviour. The results suggested that enzyme‐assisted acid provided a viable alternative method for the extraction of pectin.
The effect of workplace bullying and self‐efficacy on emotional distress among hospital nurses
Authors: Fang Li , Hsiao Li‐Ping , Fang Shu‐Hui 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsThis study intended to explore the workplace bullying, self‐efficacy and emotional distress of the nursing staff and determine the predictors of nursing staff's emotional distress.MethodsCross‐sectional and correlation designs were used, collecting data including socio‐demographic data, workplace bullying, self‐efficacy and emotional distress scales.ResultsResults showed that the frequency of poor sleep quality in the recent 2 weeks, working in the intensive care centre or emergency room, high workplace bullying and low self‐efficacy were the main predictors of emotional distress in nursing staff.ConclusionNursing supervisors are advised to design suitable shift schemes to allow adequate time for nurses to maintain proper rest and develop a safety notification system to give bullied victims the assurance of safety. The design and implementation of the programs are encouraged to improve self‐efficacy among nurses by strengthening the training of social skills, improving employees' communication skills and their relationships with other employees.
SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence and implications for population immunity: Evidence from two Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites in Kenya, February–December 2022
Authors: Kagucia E. Wangeci , Ziraba Abdhala K. , Nyagwange James , Kutima Bernadette , Kimani Makobu , Akech Donald , Ng'oda Maurine , Sigilai Antipa , Mugo Daisy , Karanja Henry , Gitonga John , Karani Angela , Toroitich Monica , Karia Boniface , Otiende Mark , Njeri Anne , Aman Rashid , Amoth Patrick , Mwangangi Mercy , Kasera Kadondi , Ng'ang'a Wangari , Voller Shirine , Ochola‐Oyier Lynette I. , Bottomley Christian , Nyaguara Amek , Munywoki Patrick K. , Bigogo Godfrey , Maitha Eric , Uyoga Sophie , Gallagher Katherine E. , Etyang Anthony O. , Barasa Edwine , Mwangangi Joseph , Bejon Philip , Adetifa Ifedayo M. O. , Warimwe George M. , Scott J. Anthony G. , Agweyu Ambrose 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to estimate SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody seroprevalence within representative samples of the Kenyan population during the third year of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the second year of COVID‐19 vaccine use.MethodsWe conducted cross‐sectional serosurveys among randomly selected, age‐stratified samples of Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) residents in Kilifi and Nairobi. Anti‐spike (anti‐S) immunoglobulin G (IgG) serostatus was measured using a validated in‐house ELISA and antibody concentrations estimated with reference to the WHO International Standard for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin.ResultsHDSS residents were sampled in February–June 2022 (Kilifi HDSSN = 852; Nairobi Urban HDSSN = 851) and in August–December 2022 (N = 850 for both sites). Population‐weighted coverage for ≥1 doses of COVID‐19 vaccine were 11.1% (9.1–13.2%) among Kilifi HDSS residents by November 2022 and 34.2% (30.7–37.6%) among Nairobi Urban HDSS residents by December 2022.Population‐weighted anti‐S IgG seroprevalence among Kilifi HDSS residents increased from 69.1% (65.8–72.3%) by May 2022 to 77.4% (74.4–80.2%) by November 2022. Within the Nairobi Urban HDSS, seroprevalence by June 2022 was 88.5% (86.1–90.6%), comparable with seroprevalence by December 2022 (92.2%; 90.2–93.9%). For both surveys, seroprevalence was significantly lower among Kilifi HDSS residents than among Nairobi Urban HDSS residents, as were antibody concentrations (p < 0.001).ConclusionMore than 70% of Kilifi residents and 90% of Nairobi residents were seropositive for anti‐S IgG by the end of 2022. There is a potential immunity gap in rural Kenya; implementation of interventions to improve COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among sub‐groups at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 in rural settings is recommended.
Effectiveness of chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine for preventing surgical site wound infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Panfeng , Wang Dandan , Zhang Lingqiao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA systematic evaluation was conducted to assess the efficacy of two disinfectants, chlorhexidine and povidone‐iodine, as primary components in preventing surgical site infection (SSI). A comprehensive computerised search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on chlorhexidine and povidone‐iodine disinfection for the prevention of SSI from inception until July 2023. Two independent researchers completed literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Ultimately, 20 RCTs were included, which included 13 133 patients, with 6460 patients in the chlorhexidine group and 6673 patients in the povidone‐iodine group. The meta‐analysis results revealed that the incidence rate of surgical site wound infections [odds ratio (OR): 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58–0.78, p < 0.001)], superficial SSI rate (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.75, p < 0.001) and deep SSI rate (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31–0.79, p = 0.003) were all lower in patients subjected to chlorhexidine disinfection compared to those patients receiving povidone‐iodine disinfection. Existing evidence suggests that chlorhexidine is more effective than povidone‐iodine at preventing SSI. However, owing to the potential quality limitations of the included studies, further validation through high‐quality large‐scale RCTs is warranted.
Between conservation and care: Ontological mixtures and juxtapositions in protected areas of Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Trentini Florencia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBased on the discussion of the declaration of the Lanín volcano as a Mapuche sacred natural site, this article rethinks the relationship between conservation and care from an ethnographic perspective, paying special attention to the relationship between the entitiesvolcanoandpijan mawiza. The exploration occurs within the framework of the intercultural proposal behind the co‐management of the National Parks in Argentina. I argue that the “multiculturalist” perspective based on interculturality and “dialogues of knowledge” has turned conservation and care into interchangeable synonyms, but that this translation renders invisible the possibility of addressing—from an ontological perspective—other worlds struggling to exist. The article reflects on the potentials of care to pluralize conservation based on juxtapositions of, and mixtures with, other forms of making world(s).
The role of emotional dysregulation in the association between family‐of‐origin conflict and romantic relationship maintenance
Authors: Ogan Matthew A. , Monk J. Kale , Thibodeau‐Nielsen Rachel B. , Vennum Amber , Soloski Kristy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFamily‐of‐origin systems are consequential for the emotional well‐being of offspring. These influences are likely to last into adulthood, affecting adult children's romantic relationships. The mechanisms by which family‐of‐origin environments influence adult romantic relationships are not fully understood. In a sample of 118 different‐sex couples, we tested the effects of negative family‐of‐origin conflict on adult offspring's provision of relationship maintenance to their romantic partner using structural equation modeling. We evaluated emotional dysregulation as a mediator of this effect, using two measures of emotional dysregulation. Results from structural models demonstrated a negative effect of family‐of‐origin conflict on the provision of relationship maintenance via higher levels of emotional dysregulation. Our results highlight emotional self‐regulation as a valuable intervention point for couple therapists.
Social reproduction in crisis: Gendered labour regimes in agro‐export sectors in Ecuador and Chile
Authors: Raynolds Laura T. , Ipsen Annabel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe pandemic lays bare the centrality of social reproduction in upholding global commodity networks. Capitalism's reliance on gendered and racialized systems of social reproduction has deepened structural contradictions and socio‐economic divides across agro‐export sectors and agrarian communities. We analyse how COVID‐19 policies and responses in Ecuador and Chile are reshaping systems of social and labour protection in feminized agro‐export sectors. We integrate labour regime and gender regime frameworks, showing how they are (1) co‐constituted via global forces, national policies, institutional pressures and local practices; (2) intertwined in neoliberal and social‐democratic development models; and (3) forged through control, consent and resistance. We analyse national legal frameworks and policy responses to COVID‐19, as well as industry, union and worker reactions, illustrating how ‘neutral’ policies have gendered outcomes, (re)creating false binaries between production and reproduction and paid and unpaid work. We find that the pandemic has reshaped gendered labour regimes in agro‐exports: in Ecuador, undermining the fragile commitment to a social‐democratic gendered labour regime and in Chile, strengthening social‐democratic supports and promises of a more equitable gendered labour regime. In both cases, states and firms have neglected to include social reproduction in the ‘costs’ of development, thus threatening national development models grounded in the exploitation of cheap female labour in agro‐export sectors.
Divergence in Elymus sibiricus is related to geography and climate oscillation: A new look from pan‐chloroplast genome data
Authors: Xiong Yi , Xiong Yan‐Li , Jia Xue‐Jie , Zhao Jun‐Ming , Yan Li‐Jun , Sha Li‐Na , Liu Lin , Yu Qing‐Qing , Lei Xiong , Bai Shi‐Qie , Ma Xiao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractQuaternary glacial climate oscillation and geographical isolation have significantly influenced the geographic distribution pattern and lineage evolution history of species. However, understanding how these factors specifically impact the genealogical structure of dominant Gramineous species in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) remains a subject of investigation. Elymus sibiricus L. (Gramineae), indigenous to the QTP and widely distributed in Eurasia, exhibits remarkable environmental adaptation and phenotypic diversity, making it an ideal candidate for phylogeographic studies. Based on the analysis of 175 complete chloroplast genome sequences, our results indicated that the ancestors of E. sibiricus originated from the QTP and underwent a complex migration history. After the speciation of E. sibiricus, several geo‐groups exhibited independent differentiation, showing minimal gene flow among them. The current phylogeographic patterns of E. sibiricus are a result of frequent climate alternations and the cold climate during the Quaternary glacial, as well as the presence of several geographical barriers that have restricted the gene flow among different geo‐groups. Our research has revealed for the first time that E. sibiricus has a multilineage origin, and its maternal donors are not limited to a single species. Furthermore, the high quality and mapping depth of the variant file provided reliable data for analyzing the patterns based on raw sequencing data. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between plant differentiation and climatic and geographical factors of Eurasia.
Objectively regular sleep patterns and mortality in a prospective cohort: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chung Joon , Goodman Matthew O. , Huang Tianyi , Castro‐Diehl Cecilia , Chen Jarvis T. , Sofer Tamar , Bertisch Suzanne M. , Purcell Shaun M. , Redline Susan 
Published: September 2023

SummaryIrregular sleep and non‐optimal sleep duration separately have been shown to be associated with increased disease and mortality risk. We used data from the prospective cohort Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis sleep study (2010–2013) to investigate: do aging adults whose sleep is objectively high in regularity in timing and duration, and of sufficient duration tend to have increased survival compared with those whose sleep is lower in regularity and duration, in a diverse US sample? At baseline, sleep was measured by 7‐day wrist actigraphy, concurrent with at‐home polysomnography and questionnaires. Objective metrics of sleep regularity and duration from actigraphy were used for statistical clustering using sparse k‐means clustering. Two sleep patterns were identified: “regular‐optimal” (average duration: 7.0 ± 1.0 hr obtained regularly) and “irregular‐insufficient” (duration: 5.8 ± 1.4 hr obtained with twice the irregularity). Using proportional hazard models with multivariate adjustment, we estimated all‐cause mortality hazard ratios. Among 1759 participants followed for a median of 7.0 years (Q1–Q3, 6.4–7.4 years), 176 deaths were recorded. The “regular‐optimal” group had a 39% lower mortality hazard than did the “irregular‐insufficient” sleep group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.61 [0.45, 0.83]) after adjusting for socio‐demographics, lifestyle, medical comorbidities and sleep disorders. In conclusion, a “regular‐optimal” sleep pattern was significantly associated with a lower hazard of all‐cause mortality. The regular‐optimal phenotype maps behaviourally to regular bed and wake times, suggesting sleep benefits of adherence to recommended healthy sleep practices, with further potential benefits for longevity.
Autoimmune liver diseases and diabetes: A propensity score matched analysis and a proportional meta‐analysis
Authors: Jensen Anne‐Sofie H. , Winther‐Sørensen Marie , Burisch Johan , Bergquist Annika , Ytting Henriette , Gluud Lise L. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients with some chronic liver diseases have increased risk of diabetes. Whether this is also the case for patients with autoimmune liver diseases is unknown. The study aimed to calculate risk and worldwide prevalence of diabetes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).MethodsWe performed a case–control study using data from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) and compared frequency of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in AIH and PBC with age‐, sex‐, BMI‐ and ethnicity‐matched controls. Next, we performed a systematic review and proportional meta‐analysis searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (inception to 1 May 2022 [AIH]; 20 August 2022 [PBC]; 11 November 2022 [PSC]). The pooled prevalence of diabetes was calculated using an inverse method random effects model.ResultsThree hundred twenty‐eight AIH patients and 345 PBC patients were identified in UKB and risk of T1D and T2D significantly increased compared with matched controls. Our systematic search identified 6914 records including the UKB study. Of these, 77 studies were eligible for inclusion comprising 36 467, 39 924 and 4877 individuals with AIH, PBC and PSC, respectively. The pooled prevalence of T1D was 3.8% (2.6%–5.7%), 1.7% (0.9%–3.1%), 3.1% (1.9%–4.8%) and of T2D 14.8% (11.1%–19.5%), 18.1% (14.6%–22.2%), 6.3% (2.8%–13.3%) in patients with AIH, PBC and PSC, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with autoimmune liver diseases have increased risk of diabetes. Increased awareness of diabetes risk in patients with autoimmune liver diseases is warranted.
Mechanisms and aetiology‐dependent treatment of acute liver failure
Authors: Lemmer Peter , Sowa Jan‐Peter , Bulut Yesim , Strnad Pavel , Canbay Ali 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis review compiles the mechanisms of acute liver failure (ALF) as well as the current and potential therapeutic approaches, including aetiology‐specific treatment, and the issues encountered with such approaches. On a cellular level, ALF is characterized by massive hepatocyte death due to different types of cellular demise. Compensatory hyperplasia and functional recovery are possible when the regenerative capacity is sufficient to sustain hepatic function. ALF has a high mortality of about 30% and can lead to death in a very short time despite maximum therapeutic intervention. Besides aetiology‐specific therapy and intensive care, the therapeutic option of emergency liver transplantation has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with ALF. However, due to limiting factors such as organ shortage, many patients die on the waiting list. In addition to graft assessment, machine perfusion may have the potential to recondition marginal organs and thus expand the organ donor pool.