bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlled growth of TiO2/Zeolite nanocomposites for simultaneous removal of ammonium and phosphate ions to prevent eutrophication
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad Hamza , Shahid Sammia , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Hakami Othman , Aljazzar Samar O. , Fatima Urooj , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem , Somaily H. H. 
Published: September 2022

In the modern era, problems like eutrophication caused by increased nutrients such as ammonia and phosphorous in freshwater bodies have become the cause of freshwater ecosystem deterioration. To save freshwater by reducing eutrophication, new cost-effective strategies and methods are urgently needed. In this study, titanium oxide nanoparticles dispersed on zeolite were chemically synthesized for the simultaneous removal of phosphate and ammonium ions from aqueous solutions. SEM and XRD analysis were used to characterize the synthesized TiO2/zeolite nanocomposites, which revealed that the synthesized material was more stable and dispersed than zeolite. The nanocomposites removed 38.8% NH4+ and 98.1% PO43− from an initial concentration of both ions of 20 mg 100 ml−1. The removal of both ions was investigated under various conditions including different concentrations of nanocomposites, initial concentration of the solution, temperature, time, and pH. The maximum adsorption of nanocomposites for PO43- was 38.63 mg g−1 at optimal conditions, and 3.75 mg g−1 for NH4+. Kinematics studies showed that both the ions were adsorbed by a pseudo-second-order model. Ion chemisorption occurred as a result of ligand exchange or electrostatic adsorption between ions and nanocomposites. Overall, it was determined that this strategy is a viable and efficient method for simultaneously removing both ions (anionic phosphate and cationic ammonium) from eutrophic waters.
Risk factors for postpartum depression in women undergoing elective cesarean section: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Rong , Lu Yan , Luo Wei , Zhang Bing , Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Zhendong 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) has adverse effects on maternal and child health. Cesarean section (CS) is suggested to be associated with PPD, but no study has examined the risk factors for PPD in women who underwent CS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this association.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted between December 2020 and September 2021. In total, 590 women who underwent elective CS participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire through a face-to-face interview at three time points: 32nd week of gestation, 2 days postpartum, and 6 weeks postpartum. PPD was defined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of ≥ 11 at 6 weeks postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for PPD.ResultsAmong the 590 women, 25.4% had PPD (142/590). After adjustment for the confounding factors, high antenatal self-rating anxiety scale score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04–1.16), PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum (OR = 6.17, 95% CI = 1.35–28.31), and pain at 6 weeks postpartum (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.24–3.69) were independently associated with PPD.ConclusionPrenatal anxiety, PPD symptoms occurring at an early postoperative stage, and pain at 6 weeks postpartum may be associated with an increased risk of PPD among women who undergo CS.
SMOC2 gene interacts with APOL1 in the development of end-stage kidney disease: A genome-wide association study
Authors: Chaudhary Ninad S. , Armstrong Nicole D. , Hidalgo Bertha A. , Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Limdi Nita A. , Reynolds Richard J. , Judd Suzanne E. , Nadkarni Girish N. , Lange Leslie , Winkler Cheryl A. , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Arnett Donna K. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Irvin Marguerite R. 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundSome but not all African-Americans (AA) who carry APOL1 nephropathy risk variants (APOL1) develop kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, ESKD). To identify genetic modifiers, we assessed gene–gene interactions in a large prospective cohort of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.MethodsGenotypes from 8,074 AA participants were obtained from Illumina Infinium Multi-Ethnic AMR/AFR Extended BeadChip. We compared 388 incident ESKD cases with 7,686 non-ESKD controls, using a two-locus interaction approach. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of APOL1 risk status (using recessive and additive models), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and APOL1*SNP interaction on incident ESKD, adjusting for age, sex, and ancestry. APOL1*SNP interactions that met the threshold of 1.0 × 10−5 were replicated in the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatment (GenHAT) study (626 ESKD cases and 6,165 controls). In a sensitivity analysis, models were additionally adjusted for diabetes status. We conducted additional replication in the BioVU study.ResultsTwo APOL1 risk alleles prevalence (recessive model) was similar in the REGARDS and GenHAT studies. Only one APOL1–SNP interaction, for rs7067944 on chromosome 10, ~10 KB from the PCAT5 gene met the genome-wide statistical threshold (Pinteraction = 3.4 × 10−8), but this interaction was not replicated in the GenHAT study. Among other relevant top findings (with Pinteraction &lt; 1.0 × 10−5), a variant (rs2181251) near SMOC2 on chromosome six interacted with APOL1 risk status (additive) on ESKD outcomes (REGARDS study, Pinteraction =5.3 × 10−6) but the association was not replicated (GenHAT study, Pinteraction = 0.07, BioVU study, Pinteraction = 0.53). The association with the locus near SMOC2 persisted further in stratified analyses. Among those who inherited ≥1 alternate allele of rs2181251, APOL1 was associated with an increased risk of incident ESKD (OR [95%CI] = 2.27[1.53, 3.37]) but APOL1 was not associated with ESKD in the absence of the alternate allele (OR [95%CI] = 1.34[0.96, 1.85]) in the REGARDS study. The associations were consistent after adjusting for diabetes.ConclusionIn a large genome-wide association study of AAs, a locus SMOC2 exhibited a significant interaction with the APOL1 locus. SMOC2 contributes to the progression of fibrosis after kidney injury and the interaction with APOL1 variants may contribute to an explanation for why only some APOLI high-risk individuals develop ESKD.
Potential tolerability of ancient grains in non-celiac wheat sensitivity patients: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Seidita Aurelio , Mansueto Pasquale , Giuliano Alessandra , Chiavetta Marta , Mandreucci Francesca , Soresi Maurizio , Pistone Mattia , Compagnoni Stella , Castellucci Daniele , Bisso Gianluca , Faraci Francesco , Maestri Salvatore , Disclafani Rosaria , Sapone Anna , Fasano Alessio , Carroccio Antonio 
Published: September 2022

Background and aimsA wheat-free diet (WFD) represents the elective treatment for Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) patients. Preliminary reports have shown a possible better tolerability of ancient grains in these subjects. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the frequency of consumption of ancient grains and its correlation with clinical manifestations in NCWS patients.Methods223 NCWS patients were recruited, and their consumption of ancient grains was monitored. Participants were first administered a modified version of the Pavia/Biagi questionnaire to investigate their adherence to “modern WFD.” The appearance/exacerbation of symptoms after ingestion of ancient grains was then assessed with WHO toxicity grading scale.Results50.2% of the recruited patients reported consuming ancient grains before NCWS diagnosis; the diagnostic delay in this group was significantly higher than in non-consumers [median (range) 72 (6–612) vs. 60 months (3–684), P = 0.03] and these patients reported lower frequency of constipation (P = 0.04). Of the 107 patients with optimal adherence to modern WFD, 14 reported eating ancient wheat after NCWS diagnosis. Among them, 5 reported milder symptoms than those caused by modern wheat intake and 3 had an excellent tolerability without symptoms. Timilia/Tumminia variety was the most frequently used ancient grain.ConclusionsNCWS patients who consume ancient grains may receive a late diagnosis due to the possible clinical benefit (tolerability) obtained with these grains. Even after diagnosis, 10% of the patients still consumed ancient grains and had mild or no symptoms. Further studies are required to define the pathophysiological mechanism behind their putative greater tolerability.
Improvement of native structure-based peptides as efficient inhibitors of protein-protein interactions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2
Authors: Odolczyk Norbert , Klim Joanna , Podsiadła-Białoskórska Małgorzata , Winiewska-Szajewska Maria , Szolajska Ewa , Zielenkiewicz Urszula , Poznański Jarosław , Zielenkiewicz Piotr 
Published: September 2022

New pathogens responsible for novel human disease outbreaks in the last two decades are mainly the respiratory system viruses. Not different was the last pandemic episode, caused by infection of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One of the extensively explored targets, in the recent scientific literature, as a possible way for rapid development of COVID-19 specific drug(s) is the interaction between the receptor-binding domain of the virus’ spike (S) glycoprotein and human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). This protein-protein recognition process is involved in the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle leading to the host cell membrane penetration. Thus, disrupting this interaction may block or significantly reduce the infection caused by the novel pathogen. Previously we have designed (by in silico structure-based analysis) three very short peptides having sequences inspirited by hACE2 native fragments, which effectively bind to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and block its interaction with the human receptor. In continuation of the above mentioned studies, here we presented an application of molecular modeling approach resulting in improved binding affinity of the previously proposed ligand and its enhanced ability to inhibit meaningful host-virus protein-protein interaction. The new optimized hexapeptide binds to the virus protein with affinity one magnitude higher than the initial ligand and, as a very short peptide, has also great potential for further drug development. The peptide-based strategy is rapid and cost-effective for developing and optimizing efficient protein-protein interactions disruptors and may be successfully applied to discover antiviral candidates against other future emerging human viral infections.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and intracranial aneurysm: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Chencheng , Zhang Weiwei , Mao Lei , Zhang Guangjian , Shen Yuqi , Chang Hanxiao , Xu Xiupeng , Li Zheng , Lu Hua 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the link between genetic variants associated with plasma homocysteine levels and risk of intracranial aneurysm (IA) using two-sample Mendelian randomization.MethodsWe used single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with human plasma homocysteine levels as instrumental variables for the primary analysis in a genome-wide association study of 44,147 subjects of European ancestry. Summary-level statistics were obtained for 79,429 individuals, including 7,495 IA cases and 71,934 controls. To enhance validity, five different Mendelian randomization methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode) were used for the analyses.ResultsThe inverse variance weighted analysis method produced P-values of 0.398 for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [odds ratio (OR): 1.104; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.878–1.387], 0.246 for IA (OR: 1.124; 95% CI: 0.923–1.368), and 0.644 for unruptured IA (OR: 1.126; 95% CI: 0.682–1.858). The MR-Egger analysis showed no association between IAs and homocysteine, with all P &gt; 0.05.ConclusionUsing gene-related instrumental variables, the Mendelian randomization analyses demonstrated a lack of an association between plasma homocysteine levels and IAs or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The evolution of intracranial aneurysm research from 2012 to 2021: Global productivity and publication trends
Authors: Zhang Qian , Weng Ling , Li Jian 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the global research trends and map the knowledge network of intracranial aneurysm (IA) research in the last 10 years.MethodsPublications related to IA from 2012 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection. Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer were used to characterize the largest contributors, including authors, journals, institutions, and countries. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were adopted to analyze the trends and knowledge network of IA.ResultsA total of 5,406 publications related to IA from 2012 to 2021 were identified, increasing from 344 in 2012 to 762 in 2021. Siddiqui, AH from the USA contributed the most publications. Papers published in the journal World Neurosurgery ranked first in quantity, while Stroke ranked first for total citations and citations per publication. The top three prolific institutions were Capital Medical University, Mayo Clinic, and the University Department of Neurology Utrecht from 2012 to 2021. Moreover, the USA held the greatest share in the field, and China was almost on par with the USA due to its rapid growth. Specifically, the most frequently covered topics over the recent decade were subarachnoid hemorrhage, endovascular treatment (EVT), clipping, vascular disorders, flow diverter, stent, delayed cerebral ischemia, inflammation, and hemodynamics.ConclusionThe contribution made by different countries, institutions, journals, and authors for IA research over the past decade was demonstrated in the paper. The main topics include the choice of EVT or surgical clipping, particularly the application of flow diverter and associated complications, while themes such as the etiopathogenetic features of IA (e.g., inflammation and hemodynamics) deserve more attention.
The synergistic effects of short inter-pregnancy interval and micronutrients deficiency on third-trimester depression
Authors: Lin Jing , Zhou Ye , Gu Wei 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) and micronutrients on depression in the third trimester of pregnancy.Materials and methodsA total of 5,951 eligible pregnant women were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Variables with potential effects on third-trimester depression were collected. These variables included: maternal factors [age, pregnancy interval, body mass index (BMI), BMI change, gravidity, native place, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption], previous delivery outcomes [preterm birth, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and delivery mode], and micronutrients in early pregnancy (folic acid, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and ferritin). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen the factors affecting the occurrence of depression. Based on these factors, the nomogram model was established. At the same time, the interaction between IPI and micronutrients was verified.ResultsThe incidence of depression in the third trimester of pregnancy was 4.3%. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that there were five independent risk factors for third-trimester depression: gravidity, previous cesarean section delivery, folic acid, and vitamin D levels in early pregnancy and IPI. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the prediction model and nomogram were established. The prediction cut-offs of the corresponding factors were calculated according to the Youden index. Finally, the synergistic effect of short IPI and micronutrient deficiency was verified.ConclusionThere is a synergistic effect between short IPI and micronutrient deficiency in early pregnancy, which can aggravate the occurrence of depression in late pregnancy.
Glucocorticoids in preterm human milk
Authors: Muelbert Mariana , Alexander Tanith , Vickers Mark H. , Harding Jane E. , Galante Laura , Bloomfield Frank H. ,   the DIAMOND study group
Published: September 2022

BackgroundGlucocorticoids (GCs), cortisol and cortisone, are essential regulators of many physiological responses, including immunity, stress and mammary gland function. GCs are present in human milk (HM), but whether maternal and infant factors are associated with HM GC concentration following preterm birth is unclear.Materials and methodsHM samples were collected on postnatal day 5 and 10 and at 4 months’ corrected age (4m CA) in a cohort of moderate- and late-preterm infants. GCs in HM were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Relationships between GCs in HM and both maternal and infant characteristics were investigated using Spearman’s correlations and linear mixed models.Results170 mothers of 191 infants provided 354 HM samples. Cortisol concentrations in HM increased from postnatal day 5–4m CA (mean difference [MD] 0.6 ± 0.1 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.001). Cortisone concentration did not change across lactation but was higher than cortisol throughout. Compared to no antenatal corticosteroid (ANS), a complete course of ANS was associated with lower GC concentrations in HM through to 4m CA (cortisol: MD –0.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.01; cortisone MD –1.8 ± 0.4 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.001). At 4m CA, higher maternal perceived stress was negatively associated with GC concentrations in HM (cortisol adjusted beta-coefficient [aβ] –0.01 ± 0.01 ng/ml, p = 0.05; and cortisone aβ –0.1 ± 0.03 ng/ml, p = 0.01), whereas higher postpartum depression and maternal obesity were associated with lower cortisone concentrations (aβ –0.1 ± 0.04 ng/ml p &lt; 0.05; MD [healthy versus obese] –0.1 ± 0.04 ng/ml p &lt; 0.05, respectively). There was a weak positive correlation between GC concentrations in HM and gestational age at birth (r = 0.1, p &lt; 0.05). Infant birth head circumference z-score was negatively associated with cortisol concentrations (aβ –0.01 ± 0.04 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.05). At hospital discharge, fat-free mass showed a weak positive correlation with cortisol concentrations (r = 0.2, p = 0.03), while fat mass showed a weak negative correlation with cortisone concentrations (r = –0.25, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe mammary gland appears to protect the infant from cortisol through inactivation into cortisone. Maternal and infant characteristics were associated with concentration of GCs in HM, including ANS, stress and depression scores, obesity, gestational age and infant size. The effects of HM glucocorticoids on long-term health outcomes requires further research.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri FN041 prevents atopic dermatitis in pup mice by remodeling the ileal microbiota and regulating gene expression in Peyer’s patches after vertical transmission
Authors: Zhou Jingbo , Xu Gaoshun , Li Xinyue , Tu Huayu , Li Haoyu , Chang Hong , Chen Jie , Yu Renqiang , Qi Ce , Sun Jin 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesLimosilactobacillus reuteri FN041 is a potential probiotic bacterium isolated from breast milk in traditional farming and pastoral areas of China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal intervention mode and potential mechanism of FN041 to prevent atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice.MethodsIn intervention mode I, FN041 was supplemented to dams during the late trimester and lactation and pups after weaning; in intervention mode II, FN041 was supplemented after pups were weaned. AD was induced in pups with MC903 plus ovalbumin on the ear after weaning.ResultsThe effect of intervention mode I in preventing AD was significantly better than that of intervention mode II. Compared with the model group, the inflammatory response of the pup’s ears, the proportion of spleen regulatory T cells and the plasma IgE were significantly decreased in mice in intervention mode I. Furthermore, the intestinal mucosal barrier was enhanced, and the Shannon index of the ileal microbiota was significantly increased. The microbiota structure deviated from the AD controls and shifted toward the healthy controls according to the PCoA of unweighted UniFrac. The relative abundances of Limosilactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia in the ileum were significantly increased compared to the AD group. Based on RNA-seq analysis of pups’ Peyer’s patches (PPs), FN041 inhibits autoimmune pathways such as asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus and activates retinol metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways to reduce inflammatory responses. Intervention mode II also significantly reduced AD severity score, but the reduction was approximately 67% of that of intervention mode I. This may be related to its ineffective remodeling of the ileal microbiota.ConclusionPrenatal and postnatal administration of FN041 is an effective way to prevent AD in offspring, and its mechanism is related to remodeling of ileal microbiota and PPs immune response.
Performance and discriminatory capacity of Nutri-Score in branded foods in Greece
Authors: Vlassopoulos Antonis , Katidi Alexandra , Kapsokefalou Maria 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe harmonization of front-of-pack nutritional declaration is in the heart of food and nutrition policy discussions in Europe. The Nutri-Score system has been proposed by many countries as a potential candidate but its suitability for use across Europe is still under consideration. The current study aimed to evaluate the performance and discriminatory capacity of Nutri-Score in Greece and to test its alignment with the national food-based dietary guidelines.Materials and methodsData on the energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, and fiber content per 100°g or ml were extracted for all foods available (n = 4,002) in the Greek branded food composition database HelTH. Each food content in fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and oils was manually estimated from the ingredients list. The Nutri-Score algorithm was used both as a continuous (FSAm-NPS Score) and a categorical variable [Grades (A)–(E)].ResultsThe average FSAm-NPS Score in Greece was 8.52 ± 9.4. More than half of the solid foods (53.8%) were graded from (A) to (C), while most beverages (59.2%) were graded (E). More than 50% of food categories were populated with foods in all Nutri-Score grades, indicative of a good discriminatory capacity. The system scores favorably vegetables, pulses, and low-fat dairy products and unfavourablly sweets and processed meats showing in this way good alignment with the national guidelines. Eggs and seafood scored preferably compared to meat products. Animal fats received less favorable scores and so did cereal products that were highly processed.DiscussionNutri-Score showed good capacity to inform consumers toward better food choices in line with the national guidelines. It showed a potential to guide consumers and manufacturers toward less energy dense and more nutrient dense options and highlighted areas of improvement in the food supply.