bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels in patients with epilepsy: a case–control study
Authors: Shehta Nahed , Kamel Amr Elsayed , Sobhy Eman , Ismail Mohamed Hamdy 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress has a significant influence in the initiation and progression of epileptic seizures. It was reported that inhibiting oxidative stress could protect against epilepsy. The aim of the current research is to estimate some biomarkers that reflect the oxidative stress in epileptics, its relation to seizure control as well as to study the impact of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on these biomarkers. This case–control study included 62 epileptic patients beside 62 age and gender-matched healthy controls. The epileptic patients subjected to detailed history taking with special regards to disease duration, seizure frequency, and the current AEDs. Laboratory evaluation of serum malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation byproduct) and superoxide dismutase (an endogenous antioxidant) were done.

Results
Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower in epileptic patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). Seizure frequency was directly correlated with MDA (r = 0.584, p < 0.001) while inversely correlated with SOD (r = − 0.432, p = 0.008). High MDA and low SOD were recorded in epileptic patients receiving polytherapy as compared to monotherapy (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Epileptic patients had higher oxidative stress biomarkers than healthy individuals. Frequent seizures, long disease duration, and AEDs were associated with higher MDA and lower SOD that reflects an imbalance in the oxidant–antioxidant status among these patients.
An ICT architecture for enabling ancillary services in Distributed Renewable Energy Sources based on the SGAM framework
Authors: Stocker Armin , Alshawish Ali , Bor Martin , Vidler John , Gouglidis Antonios , Scott Andrew , Marnerides Angelos , De Meer Hermann , Hutchison David 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSmart Grids are electrical grids that require a decentralised way of controlling electric power conditioning and thereby control the production and distribution of energy. Yet, the integration of Distributed Renewable Energy Sources (DRESs) in the Smart Grid introduces new challenges with regards to electrical grid balancing and storing of electrical energy, as well as additional monetary costs. Furthermore, the future smart grid also has to take over the provision of Ancillary Services (ASs). In this paper, a distributed ICT infrastructure to solve such challenges, specifically related to ASs in future Smart Grids, is described. The proposed infrastructure is developed on the basis of the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) framework, which is defined by the European Commission in Smart Grid Mandate M/490. A testbed that provides a flexible, secure, and low-cost version of this architecture, illustrating the separation of systems and responsibilities, and supporting both emulated DRESs and real hardware has been developed. The resulting system supports the integration of a variety of DRESs with a secure two-way communication channel between the monitoring and controlling components. It assists in the analysis of various inter-operabilities and in the verification of eventual system designs. To validate the system design, the mapping of the proposed architecture to the testbed is presented. Further work will help improve the architecture in two directions; first, by investigating specific-purpose use cases, instantiated using this more generic framework; and second, by investigating the effects a realistic number and variety of connected devices within different grid configurations has on the testbed infrastructure.
Use of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll (Euphorbiaceae) and prospects for treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Adounkpe Ferdinand , Ayena Aimé Cézaire , Aholoukpe Viridiane , Dougnon Victorien , Klotoe Jean-Robert , Medehouenou Marc , Baba-Moussa Lamine 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Africa has a rich and diverse flora that people use for their food and health needs. This study aims to explore the possibility of using aqueous and/or ethanolic extracts of Alchornea cordifolia leaves as an alternative in the fight against multi-resistant bacteria responsible for gastritis and urinary tract infections.

Results
The results show that 100% of the tested bacilli (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa) are resistant to the 10 antibiotic disks tested. This resistance is 66.66% for quinolones and fluoroquinolones. S. aureus was found to be resistant to glycopeptides and aminoglycosides. Three ESBL genes are identified in bacilli against only one type of ESBL gene in cocci. 100% of the bacilli carry the SHV genes, and S. aureus has the Mec A gene. The aqueous extract exerted a bactericidal effect on all the strains with MICs and BMCs varying, respectively, from 0.76 to 50 mg/ml and BMCs from 0.76 to 100 mg/ml. Only 40% of the chemical groups (tannin, flavonoids, mucilages and sterol-terpenes) sought were present in the aqueous extract. The ethanolic extract is not active.

Conclusions
Based on these data, the aqueous extract of A. cordifolia leaves is a good phytomedical candidate for the treatment of gastritis (stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea) and urinary tract infections caused by multi-resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro (fiddlehead fern): an updated review
Authors: Singla Shivali , Rana Rupali , Kumar Surendar , Thakur Reena , Goyal Sachin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundMatteuccia struthiopteris(L.) Todaro is a popular edible wild fern found in the subtropical Himalayas. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat several ailments and known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antidiabetic activities. Due to its multidimensional nutritional, pharmacological and therapeutic effects, it is well recognized in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia.Main body of abstractThe present review aims to provide updated information onMatteuccia struthiopterisbotany, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects and toxicity methods, in addition to highlight potential for future exploration. Particular emphasis is also given to its antioxidant potential in health promotion. In-depth literature was probed by examining numerous sources via online databases (research and reviews), texts, Web sites and thesis. Plant biotechnology approaches such as tissue culture and micropropagation are also discussed.Short conclusionMatteuccia struthiopterisis found useful in the treatment of different diseases such as microbial infection, viral infection and diabetes and in weight reduction and also effective as antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Nevertheless, advance studies are required to offer the mechanistic role of crude extracts and its bio-actives and even to discover the structure–function relationship of active principles.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: in vitro antibacterial and time-kill bactericidal evaluation against etiology of bacteremia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients
Authors: Akinjogunla Olajide Joseph , Odeyemi Adebowale Toba , Alozie Mfonobong Favour , Ehinmore Igbagbo , Ukpong Unyime Effiong , Ediomo Jumbo , Akpanson Etieno Kingsley 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Bacteremia constitutes a significant public health challenge and represents a vital cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients, and fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed antibiotics due to their range of activities and pharmacokinetic profiles. This study the evaluated antibacterial activities and time-kill kinetics of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Ofloxacin (OFL), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Levofloxacin (LEV) against the etiology of bacteremia of genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Enterobacter, and Salmonella using disc diffusion, micro-broth dilution and plate count techniques.

Results
The lowest mean growth inhibition zones (mm ± SD) of OFL, LEV, and CIP against the isolates were 10.5 ± 0.0, 10.1 ± 0.1 and 9.6 ± 0.3, respectively. The MIC values of OFL, LEV and CIP on isolates ranged from 6.25 to > 50 µg/mL, MBC ranged from 12.5 to > 50 µg/mL, while MBC/MIC ratios were ≤ 2. The time-kill assay revealed that logarithmic reductions in viable cell counts (Log10 CFU/mL) of bacteria exposed to OFL, LEV and CIP ranged from 0.17 to 2.14 for P. aeruginosa; 0.13 to 1.31 for H. influenzae; 0.04 to 2.23 for Acinetobacter spp; and 0.08 to 2.08 for K. pneumoniae. LEV and OFL (1 × MIC concentration) achieved bactericidal effects on S. typhi ST07 and E. aerogenes EA01 at 30 h post-inoculation, respectively, while ≥ 99.9% reduction in the number of viable K. pneumoniae cells exposed to CIP was achieved at 24 h post-inoculation.

Conclusion
The fluoroquinolones demonstrated higher inhibitory activities at higher concentrations against the etiology of bacteremia in HIV-infected patients, signifying a concentration-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth. The MIC-based time-kill curve analyses showed that LEV achieved 3 Log10-fold reduction (≥ 99.9% reduction) in CFU/mL of most etiology of bacteremia faster compared with the other two fluoroquinolones.
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests for the case management of febrile children in Nigerian primary healthcare settings: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ali Phebe O. , Okebe Joseph , Oduwole Olabisi A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Malaria has been identified as a significant public health burden, exhibiting a high risk of death and morbidity. In sub-Saharan Africa, most young children attending primary healthcare facilities are commonly diagnosed with malaria. Thus, introduction of malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kits and effective antimalarials has substantially improved the management of malaria cases. However, healthcare worker confidence and adherence to procedures dependent on malaria test results remain variable in high-burden settings due to lacking alternative point-of-care tests to diagnose other causes of fever. In this study, we compared the results of malaria screenings using mRDT and microscopy in febrile children presenting at a primary health facility.

Methods
This study was conducted at a primary health center in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Children with fever were assessed for malaria by health staff and, where indicated, screened using Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 mRDT kits. Blood samples were collected on slides for microscopy and in hematocrit tubes for hematocrit determination simultaneously, whereas the mRDT test was done by routine health staff. Children found positive for malaria via mRDT were diagnosed as uncomplicated malaria cases and treated as outpatients using artemether-lumefantrine. Blood slides were read independently by two trained microscopists blinded to the mRDT results. The parasite densities were defined as average counts by both microscopists. We then assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of mRDT for the diagnosis of malaria.

Results
We compared the test results of 250 febrile children who are under 15 years old. The test positivity rates were 93.6% (234/250) and 97.2% (243/250) using microscopy and rapid RDTs, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of mRDT compared to microscopy were 100.0% and 43.8%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 96.3% (95% CI 93.1–98.3). The hematocrit value was <30% in 64% of the children.

Conclusion
As per our findings, mRDTs have correctly detected infections in febrile children. Healthcare workers and caregivers should be encouraged to act in accordance with the test results by means of regular feedback on the quality of mRDTs in use in malaria case management.
The influence of maternal unhealthy diet on maturation of offspring gut microbiota in rat
Authors: Hasebe Kyoko , Kendig Michael D. , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Tajaddini Aynaz , Westbrook R. Frederick , Morris Margaret J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Despite well-known effects of diet on gut microbiota diversity, relatively little is known about how maternal diet quality shapes the longitudinal maturation of gut microbiota in offspring. To investigate, we fed female rats standard chow (Chow) or a western-style, high-choice cafeteria diet (Caf) prior to and during mating, gestation and lactation. At weaning (3 weeks), male and female offspring were either maintained on their mother’s diet (ChowChow, CafCaf groups) or switched to the other diet (ChowCaf, CafChow). Fecal microbial composition was assessed in dams and longitudinally in offspring at 3, 7 and 14 weeks of age.

Results
The effect of maternal diet on maturation of offspring gut microbiota was assessed by α- and β-diversities, Deseq2/LEfSe, and SourceTracker analyses. Weanling gut microbiota composition was characterised by reduced α- and β-diversity profiles that clustered away from dams and older siblings. After weaning, offspring gut microbiota came to resemble an adult-like gut microbiota, with increased α-diversity and reduced dissimilarity of β-diversity. Similarly, Deseq2/LEfSe analyses found fewer numbers of altered operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between groups from weaning to adulthood. SourceTracker analyses indicated a greater overall contribution of Caf mothers’ microbial community (up to 20%) to that of their offspring than the contribution of Chow mothers (up to 8%). Groups maintained on the maternal diet (ChowChow, CafCaf), versus those switched to the other diet (ChowCaf, CafChow) post-weaning significantly differed from each other at 14 weeks (Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance), indicating interactive effects of maternal and post-weaning diet on offspring gut microbiota maturation. Nevertheless, this developmental trajectory was unaffected by sex and appeared consistent between ChowChow, CafCaf, ChowCaf and CafChow groups.

Conclusions
Introducing solid food at weaning triggered the maturation of offspring gut microbiota to an adult-like profile in rats, in line with previous human studies. Postweaning Caf diet exposure had the largest impact on offspring gut microbiota, but this was modulated by maternal diet history. An unhealthy maternal Caf diet did not alter the developmental trajectory of offspring gut microbiota towards an adult-like profile, insofar as it did not prevent the age-associated increase in α-diversity and reduction in β-diversity dissimilarity.
CMR parameters and CMR-FT in repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Attalla Rana A. , Helmy Ibrahim Mostafa , Nassar Ibrahim Abbas , Elbarbary Aly Aly , Elshafey Khaled Esmail 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients develops postoperative complications that are in need for follow-up and re-intervention in some circumstances. CMR myocardial feature tracking is a novel method that allows quantification of bi-atrial and bi-ventricular mechanics of deformation. So our aim is to assess the added value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and its advanced feature tracking analysis in evaluation of repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients.

Results
CMR was done with feature tracking post-processing analysis for 56 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and 56 healthy volunteers. The commonest postoperative complications in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot are in the following order: pulmonary regurgitation with subsequent right ventricular dilatation and tricuspid regurgitation followed by pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular dysfunction, right ventricular outflow tract dilatation, left ventricular dysfunction, aortic and mitral regurgitation and residual ventricular septal defect. All right ventricular volumes were found to be significantly increased compared to those of the healthy volunteers (p value < 0.001) also left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes indexed were found to be increased in those patients compared to healthy volunteers (p value < 0.001). Right and left ventricular function were significantly lower in those patients compared to controls. Bi-ventricular CMR-FT indices and right atrial global longitudinal strain were found to be significantly lower in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot compared to controls. Right atrium global longitudinal strain was found to be significantly correlated with right ventricular global longitudinal strain and did not correlate with right ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic volume indexed; p value < 0.001, 0.109 and 0.565, respectively. Right ventricular global circumferential strain was found to be significantly increased in patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction compared to those without obstruction (− 16.26 ± 4.27% vs. − 12.2 ± 3.78%, respectively). Pulmonary regurgitant volume indexed was found to be significantly related to right ventricle longitudinal strain (p value 0.027).

Conclusion
Biventricular volumetric measures are increased in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot compared to controls; however, feature tracking parameters for both ventricles and right atrium are lower in those patients compared to controls.
Joint Exposure to Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction, Depressive Symptoms, and Neuroticism and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sun Ying , Yu Yuefeng , Zhang Haojie , Wang Bin , Chen Chi , Wang Yuying , Tan Xiao , Zhang Jihui , Chen Yi , Xia Fangzhen , Lu Yingli , Wang Ningjian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractContextWhether the psychological wellbeing status could be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes is unclear.ObjectiveWe aimed to measure the association between combined psychological wellbeing factors and type 2 diabetes and investigate whether this association was modified by genetic predisposition.MethodsProspective cohort study from the UK Biobank. In total, 127 496 participants who completed a psychological wellbeing questionnaire and did not have type 2 diabetes at baseline (2006-2010) were included; among them, 88 584 (69.5%) were analyzed to determine their genetic predisposition. The main outcome measure was incident type 2 diabetes.ResultsDuring the median follow-up of 10.0 years, 2547 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented. Moderate to extreme unhappiness, satisfaction score ≤3, presence of broad depression, and a neuroticism score ≥3 were all significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes. When considered as a combination indicator, compared with individuals in the highest quartile of the psychological wellbeing score, the fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of type 2 diabetes were 1.41 (1.21-1.65) in the third quartile, 1.45 (1.24-1.69) in the second quartile, and 1.73 (1.48-2.01) in the lowest quartile. In the stratified analysis, we observed significant interactions between age and physical activity, and type 2 diabetes (Pinteraction &lt; .001 and 0.049, respectively). However, there was no significant interaction between the psychological wellbeing score and genetic susceptibility to diabetes (Pinteraction = .980).ConclusionWorse overall psychological wellbeing was associated with a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes in a dose–response fashion regardless of genetic predisposition.
Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnostic and Treatment Journeys From the Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Hoffman Andrew R , Mathison Tracy , Andrews Deno , Murray Kristine , Kelepouris Nicky , Fleseriu Maria 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAdult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is a rare and serious condition associated with significant morbidity, including reduced quality of life, and is underdiagnosed and often missed in patients. Although the onset of AGHD can occur in either childhood or adulthood, adult-onset AGHD is more difficult to identify as it lacks the auxologic signs caused by GHD during childhood, includes symptoms that tend to be nonspecific, and lacks reliable, simple biomarker testing options. A panel of 9 patients with AGHD (3 with childhood onset; 6 with adult onset) was assembled to share their first-hand experiences, to help reveal important areas of need, increase health literacy, and to raise awareness about GHD among patients, caregivers, and healthcare practitioners. Interviews with patients yielded valuable insights from the patient perspective to supplement prior knowledge about AGHD symptomatology, biomarker testing, and treatment outcomes. Some patients described a burdensome and ineffective screening process that sometimes included many visits to different specialists, repeated rounds of biomarker testing, and, in some cases, excessive delays in AGHD diagnosis. All patients expressed frustration with insurance companies that often resist and/or delay treatment authorization and reimbursement and frequently require additional testing to verify the diagnosis, often leading to treatment gaps. These findings emphasize the necessity of more efficient identification and screening of patients with possible AGHD, better recognition by clinicians and insurance providers of the importance of sustained GH replacement therapy during adulthood, and better patient support for accessing and maintaining uninterrupted GH replacement therapy for patients with documented AGHD.
Gender Gap: A Qualitative Study of Women and Leadership Acquisition in Anesthesiology
Authors: Basile Ellen R. , Byrd Heather , Powell-Williams Melissa , Polania Gutierrez Javier J. , Riveros-Perez Efrain 
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:
The representation of women among leaders in the field of anesthesia continues to trail that of their male counterparts. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the pathway of leadership acquisition among women in the field of anesthesiology.

METHODS:
Using constructivist grounded theory, we sought to determine whether there were specific internal or external factors that were common to women in leadership in the specialty field of anesthesiology, and specifically, how they obtained leadership positions. Semistructured interviews were conducted for data collection. A total of 26 women in leadership positions in anesthesiology participated in this study.

RESULTS:
The analysis of these interviews resulted in the development of 4 common themes related to career pathways for these women in leadership. Each theme was examined in depth to determine the qualities necessary for individuals to advance in the field and the pathway to obtaining leadership positions. The findings of this study showed that early-career, high-value mentorship and sponsorship were important factors in leadership acquisition. Most participants (n = 20; 76%) had early mentors. Of those with early mentorship, 13 (65%) had high-value mentors, who we define as someone with power or authority. Sponsorship was the leading factor contributing to leadership acquisition.

CONCLUSIONS:
The results of this qualitative study may serve as a guide for encouraging female anesthesiologists with leadership aspirations. We suggest that the specialty field of anesthesiology institute targeted measures to help increase the percentage of women leadership with formal sponsorship programs at the local and national levels.