bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truth-telling, and ethical considerations in terminal care: an Eastern perspective
Authors: Ma Qing , Wu Yi , Fang Ronghua
Published: January 2025

Truth-telling for terminally ill patients is a challenging ethical and social issue for Chinese health care professionals. However, despite the existence of ethical and moral standards for nurses, they frequently encounter moral dilemmas when making decisions about truth-telling to patients with end-stage diseases in China. This article aims to provide ethical strategies for clinical nurses in China regarding truth-telling decisions for terminally ill patients on the basis of their individual autonomy. This article first presents a common case scenario in China and then critically discusses ethical issues related to ethical principles and philosophical theories. The aim is to provide the much needed strategy for truth-telling for nurses who are terminally ill rather than to focus on attitudes toward disclosure. This article focuses on nursing morality, ethics, norms, and philosophy in health care and discusses countermeasures taken by nurses in truth-telling decision-making in combination with Chinese Confucian culture. The analysis identifies key ethical strategies tailored to Chinese nurses’ practices, emphasizing individual autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and family dynamics in truth-telling decisions. The complexity of end-of-life illness requires Chinese nurses to strengthen the communication training needed to deliver bad news, as well as critical and autonomous thinking and good communication skills when implementing patient- and family-centered care, to achieve true delivery of bad news, thereby increasing patient autonomy and promoting more successful collaboration among patients, families, and providers. To improve the quality of care. Chinese nurses should integrate ethical principles with Confucian values to enhance patient-centered communication, respecting autonomy while adapting to cultural nuances in end-of-life care.
Internationalization of Higher Education: Science Mapping the Knowledge Base (1929–2022)
Authors: Caliskan Omer , Oldac Yusuf Ikbal
Published: January 2025

This study explores the internationalization of higher education (IHE) using science mapping techniques. We analyzed 5,253 articles and reviews published from 1929 to 2022, selected through a rigorous procedure. Findings indicate a rapid and significant increase in publications over the years, with more than tripling in the last decade only. Several patterns were revealed. Findings uncover that previously English-speaking nations are no longer the sole contributors to the internationalization research, as China-based researchers also increasingly contribute to the field's research output. The topical analysis revealed research clusters, highlighting the intellectual and conceptual structures of IHE. The resulting conceptual map revealed seven research clusters, (1) teaching and learning practices, (2) mobility and migration, (3) language policy, (4) study abroad, (5) transnational higher education, (6) international students and their experiences, and (7) macro-level policies and practices. Findings also demonstrate a diversification of and an increase in journals covering the IHE knowledge base.
Ultrasonographic and pedobarographic evaluation of the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis
Authors: Alkan Gokhan , Elbasti Muhammet Sahin , Akgol Gurkan , Gulkesen Arif , Ulusoy Hasan
Published: January 2025

Background

Prior studies showing the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with plantar fasciitis are mostly based on patient-reported measurements.

Objective

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of ESWT with ultrasonographic and pedobarographic measurements.

Methods

A total of 50 patients were included in the study. All patients were evaluated before and six weeks after ESWT treatment. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional status with Foot Function Index (FFI), and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36). Plantar pressure measurements were made with a pedobarography device, and plantar fascia thickness was measured with ultrasonography.

Results

After treatment, VAS-Pain decreased significantly. There was a statistically significant improvement in FFI scores after treatment. Similarly, a statistically significant improvement was seen in SF-36 scores. There was a significant decrease in ultrasonographic measurements of the plantar fascia thickness in the origo and midsection regions. There was a statistically significant decrease only in medial heel pressure measurements.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that ESWT provides symptomatic and functional improvements in patients with plantar fasciitis as well as ultrasonographic plantar fascia thickness and pedobarographic medial heel pressure measurements.
The effects of abdominal muscle contraction using real-time feedback on adults with chronic low back pain: A pilot study
Authors: Choi Jongduk , Seong Jaehyeon
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to examine the influence of real-time feedback on intentional abdominal muscle engagement in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) during daily activities. The research further sought to evaluate the outcomes of this training on neuromuscular control, pain perception, and functional capacity.

Objective

We compared a group of adults who received real-time feedback on changes in waist circumference with a group trained in abdominal contraction without real-time feedback.

Methods

Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were measured in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) muscles. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and functional outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results

After the intervention, sEMG signals of the RA, EO, and IO muscles were significantly higher in the experimental group. There were no significant differences in ES muscle activity between the groups. Both the experimental and control groups showed significant decreases in VAS and ODI scores after the intervention.

Conclusion

Intentional abdominal contraction aided by real-time feedback can improve functionality in patients with chronic low back pain.
Does Palatoplasty Technique Impact Resolution of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Authors: Prosak Olivia L. , Du Jennifer , Gao Lily , Patel Kalpnaben R. , Zhao Shilin , Braun Stephan , Golinko Michael , Phillips James D. , Belcher Ryan H.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine whether palatoplasty technique affects the resolution of eustachian tube dysfunction and postoperative speech outcomes in children with cleft palate (CP).

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial clinic at a tertiary care center.

Patients

Seventy-three patients with nonsyndromic CP who underwent palatoplasty between 2005 and 2019. Inclusion criteria included soft palate repair with Furlow technique or intravelar veloplasty (IVV) and Veau classifications I-III.

Interventions

Either Furlow or IVV repair was performed based on the surgeon's clinical judgment. All patients had bilateral ear tubes placed prior to or at the time of palate repair, with postpalatoplasty ear tubes placed at the ENT surgeon's discretion. Patients received routine follow-up care for over 5 years. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon tests, χ2 tests, and negative binomial regression.

Main Outcome Measures

Number of postpalatoplasty ear tubes placed, rates of velopharyngeal insufficiency, and speech surgery after palatoplasty in each group.

Results

Furlow repair patients required a similar number of postpalatoplasty ear tubes ( P = .321) and underwent additional sets at similar rates compared to those who underwent IVV repair. Negative binomial regression found no covariates (age, race, Veau, repair type, speech surgery, fistula repair) that predicted additional ear tube requirements.

Conclusion

Furlow repair patients required postpalatoplasty ear tubes at a similar rate compared to IVV repair patients. While the palatoplasty techniques differ, patients may still need the same amount of time for resolution of their eustachian tube dysfunction.
Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis vs. Tracheostomy in the Management of Pierre Robin Sequence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lakhsmi Putri Indri , Islami Kusuma , Fitri Aisyah Imaniar , Pramanasari Rachmaniar , Kencono Wungu Citrawati Dyah
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study compares mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and tracheostomy in managing severe airway obstruction in patients with the Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was performed. Literature searches were conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, E.B.S.C.O., and Web of Science, including grey literature, covering studies until May 30, 2024. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Patients

patients with Pierre Robin Sequence.

Interventions

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and tracheostomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes included airway management (tracheostomy avoidance for MDO, decannulation for tracheostomy) and feeding outcomes (G-tube placement). Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay and associated costs.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. MDO and the MDO-first approach demonstrated significantly better airway outcomes (OR = 10.72, 95% CI = 1.97–58.44, p = 0.006; OR = 4.51, 95% CI = 2.61–7.79, p < 0.00001). MDO also reduced the need for G-tube placement (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.04–0.18, p < 0.00001) and lowered hospital costs (MD = -47.90 thousand USD, 95% CI = -59.93 to −35.87, p < 0.0001). A shorter hospital stay was observed but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

MDO offers better airway outcomes, lower G-tube placement rates, and reduced costs, making it a preferred option. Larger studies within the same syndromic status are needed to minimize confounding factors and validate these findings.
Ectopic Salivary Duct Cyst in the Median Mandible: A Case Report with Radiological, Immunohistochemical and Genetic Studies
Authors: Ide Fumio , Ito Yumi , Watanabe Joji , Muramatsu Takashi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Kikuchi Kentaro
Published: January 2025

Median mandibular cyst is defined as an odontogenic cyst in a rare midline location. In spite of this definition, there have been two reports of a peculiar lesion, so-called “ciliated” median mandibular cyst associated with vital teeth, the origin of which cannot be explained in terms of odontogenic epithelium multipotentiality. We describe a thorough profile of an additional example. On the basis of the cone-beam computed tomography images of a wide open cavity in the midline of the lingual bone, the surgical findings of no association with the vital incisor roots, the immunophenotypes of the excretory duct epithelium and the absence of oncogenic mutations, the present “ciliated” median mandibular cyst associated with vital teeth may be an artifact caused by impingement of the lingual bone due to pedicled extension from an extra-glandular salivary duct cyst in the anterior mouth floor. Awareness of this ectopic presentation is of clinical importance for the differential diagnosis of radiolucencies in the median mandible.
Gender Data, Intersectionality, and a Feminist Politics of “Negotiated Refusal”
Authors: Cookson Tara Patricia , Fuentes Lorena
Published: January 2025

Gender and intersectional data are recognized as vital to addressing gender-based violence. We engage this thesis through a case study of a gender data project at the Colombia-Venezuela border. Coming from an underexplored vantage point in the literature, we trouble the assumption that more data are always better for advancing feminist objectives around GBV. We advance the concept of “negotiated refusal” to make sense of the decision of the project's frontline implementers to collect less data. We argue that the complex character of inequalities and the dynamic nature of context requires flexibility in what gender and intersectional data should consist of and that top-down frameworks may ultimately prove counter-productive to gender equality efforts.
Economic policy uncertainty and capital investment: Evidence from European tourism firms
Authors: Vardar N Baris , Cifter Atilla , Erhan Gozde , Akay Gokhan H
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on the capital investment behavior of tourism firms in Europe. Using firm-level data from 4874 firms in 11 European countries for the period 2012–2022, we conduct a dynamic panel data analysis that accounts for the different effects of domestic and global policy uncertainty on the tourism industry and its sub-industries. The results reveal that both domestic and global EPU slow down capital investment in the tourism industry. Notably, global EPU has a significant negative impact in all sub-industries, while domestic EPU mainly affects the hotel sub-industry. These findings remain robust when different firm- and country-specific factors are taken into account. Our study highlights the need for policymakers to reduce policy uncertainty to encourage greater investment. Tourism managers may also benefit from considering both domestic and global uncertainties along with industry-specific characteristics in their investment decisions.
The impact of Airbnb cover photo shot-scale presentation on consumer decisions
Authors: Jia Junqi , Jiang Shiyao , Wang Yuchen
Published: January 2025

The growing competition for Airbnb properties is making their visual appeal increasingly important. Drawing from the elaboration likelihood model theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of Airbnb cover photo shot-scale presentation on consumer decisions (i.e., click-through and booking intention). Four experiments were conducted focusing on consumers’ click-through and booking intentions with different experimental stimuli. In particular, the results of Study 1 ( N =  239) demonstrated the interaction effect of shot-scale presentation and regulatory focus, showing that consumers’ promotion focus (vs prevention focus) increases their click-through and booking intentions for panoramic (vs close-range) cover photo. Study 2 ( N =  176) replicated the findings of Study 1 by manipulating consumers’ regulatory focus as a state. Study 3 ( N =  201) revealed the mediation role of the depth of information processing between the interaction effect and consumers’ click-through and booking intentions. Study 4 ( N  =  260) further conducted a robustness check to confirm the reliability of the findings. This research bridges photography and hospitality visual marketing literature, enriches theories on visual persuasion and marketing, and offers hosts and platform suggestions on how to use shot-scale to facilitate consumers’ decisions.
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on global cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease: An update meta-analysis
Authors: Su Siyuan , Huang Ruihan , Liu Yongsheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. At present, there are currently no drugs that can cure AD.

Objective

A number of empirical studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be used to treat cognitive abnormalities in patients with AD. We will through meta-analysis reviews tDCS overall research on the effects of cognitive function in patients with AD.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their creation until 8 March 2024. Using a fixed effect model and random effect model to evaluate the average difference between the treatment group and control group (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The study included 10 randomized controlled trials (Nactive = 165, Nsham = 167). The results of the overall analysis showed that tDCS did not significantly improve the overall cognitive function (SMD = 0.17; 95%CI = −0.05, 0.39; p = 0.14; I² = 51%). Quality of life of AD patients after treatment was also evaluated, but no improvement was seen. Subgroup analysis showed no significant improvement in global cognitive function after tDCS treatment. The sensitivity analysis to confirm the reliability of the data, risk assessment did not find any high-risk projects.

Conclusions

The tDCS treatment did not improve cognitive function in patients with AD. Further empirical research in the future will help to explore new schemes for tDCS to improve cognitive function of patients.
Linking principal support and teacher resilience to teacher leadership in Türkiye: The mediating role of teacher work engagement
Authors: Çilek Adem , Kılınç Ali Çağatay , Erdoğan Onur , Arslan Kürşat , Sezgin Ferudun
Published: January 2025

This study aims to test a mediated-effect model where principal support and teacher resilience are treated as independent variables, with work engagement serving as the mediator and teacher leadership as the dependent variable. Data were collected through surveys from a sample of 1240 teachers and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The findings substantiated our theoretical model, affirming the positive direct linkage of principal support and teacher resilience with teacher leadership, as well as their indirect links through teacher work engagement. This study contributes nuanced empirical insights into the factors that promote teacher leadership practices.
Modeling of erosion wear in labyrinths seals using CFD approach
Authors: Freire André Dantas , Seriacopi Vanessa , Silva Emilio Carlos Nelli , Machado Izabel Fernanda
Published: January 2025

This study addresses erosion rates in labyrinth seals (LS) using Finnie’s model to assess the effect of particle impact on Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Erosion wear was investigated based on Ti alloy’s density and surface hardness and modeled using COMSOL with incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for turbulent [Formula: see text] flow. SiC spherical particles of 100[Formula: see text]m, 150[Formula: see text]m, and 200[Formula: see text]m were added to the model, with inlet velocities corresponding to Reynolds numbers 200 and 2000. Results demonstrated that for Re = 200, the erosion rate reached a maximum of [Formula: see text] mg/m2s on the initial labyrinth teeth, while at Re = 2000, erosion decreased to 0.15 mg/m2s. The rotation of the rotor reduced leakage by 0.64% under static conditions and pressure differences were reduced by up to 22.56% for low inlet velocities. The hardness and density of the Ti alloy have negligible impact on erosion. The study highlights Finnie’s model feasibility for predicting erosion, providing the fundamentals for optimizing LS designs in turbomachinery.
Treatment of anterior rim fractures of the distal radius with an anterior rim plate: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Kuan-Po , Chen I-Chien , Wu Chin-Hsien , Tseng Tzu-Ming , Ma Ching-Hou , Tu Yuan-Kun
Published: January 2025

Treatment of distal radial fractures that include small anterior rim fragments can be difficult. We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients in whom an anterior rim plate with locking screws was used. After a median follow-up of 18 months (range 6–32; interquartile range (IQR) 14, 26), the median wrist flexion and extension arc was 70° (range 50–80; IQR 60, 70), the median grip strength was 80% of the contralateral side (range 52–104; IQR 77, 88), the median visual analogue scale score for pain was 0 (range 0–5; IQR 0, 1), the median disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 2 (range 0–59; IQR 0, 11) and the median modified Mayo wrist score was 80 (range 35–100; IQR 75, 85). Two patients exhibited loss of reduction; one was treated conservatively and the other underwent revision surgery. Our findings support anterior rim plates as a treatment option for anterior rim fractures if they are properly placed.

Level of evidence: IV
Effectiveness and safety of oral vancomycin for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis: a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Sannaa Wassel , Almasry Mazen , Peedikayil Mustafa , Grimshaw Alyssa A. , Attamimi Mashary , AlMutairdi Abdulelah , Al-Bawardy Badr
Published: January 2025

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs in up to 70%–80% of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Oral vancomycin therapy (OVT) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of IBD associated with PSC (IBD-PSC).

Objectives:

To examine the effectiveness and safety of OVT in the treatment of IBD-PSC by performing a systematic review and pooled analysis of the literature.

Design:

We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis of studies reporting IBD clinical response to OVT in IBD-PSC.

Data sources and methods:

A systematic search was conducted in Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to June 3, 2024. We included adult and pediatric studies that reported on clinical response (defined as any improvement in IBD-related clinical symptoms) of IBD-PSC patients treated with OVT (including pre- and post-liver transplantation cohorts). Pooled analyses of OVT response and safety were performed.

Results:

A total of 21 (open-label, non-controlled) studies including 290 patients with IBD-PSC treated with OVT were included. The median duration of OVT to treat IBD-PSC was 32.5 weeks (interquartile range (IQR): 19–83 weeks). The total daily dose of OVT ranged from 250 to 1500 mg. Concomitant treatment included the following: mesalamine in 14.5% ( n = 42), advanced therapies in 10.7% ( n = 31), and immunosuppressive agents in 14.1% ( n = 41). Clinical response was noted in 47.6% (138/290) and clinical remission in 43.5% (100/230). The biochemical remission rate post-OVT was 68.8% (55/80) and endoscopic remission was 39.4% (80/203). Three studies ( n = 11) reported no episodes of acute cholangitis while on OVT. Five studies ( n = 69) reported an incidence rate of 8.7% of vancomycin-resistant enterococci post-OVT to treat IBD-PSC.

Conclusion:

OVT was associated with clinical response/remission in almost half of patients with IBD-PSC with a favorable side effect profile. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the dosing, efficacy, treatment duration, and long-term safety of OVT for the treatment of IBD-PSC.

Trial registration:

The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO a priori (no. CRD42023438341).
Potential Mechanisms for Shenling Baizhu Powder in the Treatment of MAFLD Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zheng Anni , Song Sufei , Xu Qiuling , Liu Tao
Published: January 2025

Objective: To analyze the effective ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Shenling Baizhu powder (SLBZP) in the treatment of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation. Methods: The active components and targets of SLBZP were obtained from the TCMS databases, and the GeneCards, TTD and DisGeNET databases were used to predict and screen for MAFLD-related genes. An “herb-active components-crossover targets” network was constructed using Cytoscape3.7.2 software. STRING11.5 was applied to the construction of the PPI network. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to investigate the biological processes and pathways involved in SLBZP. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina1.1.2 to validate the binding ability between active compounds and core crossover targets. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of SLBZP on MAFLD predicted by network pharmacological analysis was experimentally studied and verified. Results: 122 active components participated in the 41 MAFLD-related targets identified in SLBZP. The PPI network revealed that ALB, TNF, IL1B, PPARα, PPARγ, HMOX1, PTGS2, IL6 and ADIPOQ were the core crossover targets. The number of common targets between the SLBZP and MAFLD was 263 GO biological process items and 42 KEGG signal pathways were obtained after analysis. The main compounds and the target protein had a good binding ability in molecular docking. Through experimental results, SLBZP was shown to be effective in ameliorating lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats and PA-induced HepG2 cells to prevent MAFLD. And the results of cellular experiments suggest that SLBZP may improve MAFLD through the AMPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: SLBZP effectively ameliorates lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis in MAFLD, and the mechanism may be related to the AMPK signaling pathway.
Discovery of Active Ingredients Oleanolic Acid, Ursolic Acid, and Arbutin for in Vitro Anti-Melanoma: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Ma Junjie , Wang Jihong , Tao Yang , Zeng Guangzhi , Yang Xingyan , Lai Qi
Published: January 2025

Objective

Antitumor effects of the medicinal herb Prinsepia utilis Royle ( P. utilis) have been reported. This study aimed to identify the potential functional components and molecular mechanisms of P. utilis in the treatment of melanoma through network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods

Bioinformatics database and pharmacology analysis platform of the Chinese medicine system were used to obtain the active components of P. utilis, and the potential targets were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database. Disease targets associated with melanoma were retrieved from the Genecard database. Network topology analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted to screen out the core targets and related signal pathways. The molecular docking method was employed to evaluate the core target binding to bioactive ingredients of P. utilis, and a molecular biology experimental approach was performed to predict and verify the potential molecular mechanism of P. utilis in treating melanoma.

Results

KEGG pathway analysis revealed the enrichment of multiple cancer-related pathways and signaling pathways. Oleanolic acid (OA), Ursolic acid (UA), Arbutin are the active ingredients of P. utilis. The crude extract of P. utilis was able to inhibit melanin in A375 cells. The active compounds OA and UA in P. utilis can significantly inhibit the growth and migration ability of human melanoma cells A375 while inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis. In contrast, arbutin does not show obvious performance in these biological activities.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that OA and UA are promising as more effective anti-melanoma active ingredients in P. utilis. In conclusion, these studies suggest that OA and UA can protect against melanoma by regulating tyrosine to inhibit melanogenesis.
Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Attributes, and Clinical Evaluations of Coriandrum sativum: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ismail Fehmida , Ismail Wajahat Ullah , Muhammad Gulzar , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Zulfiqar Zarfishan
Published: January 2025

Medicinal plants are a source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, which prevent and treat various ailments in humans and animals. One of the medicinal plants cultivated for commercial purposes across the globe, Coriandrum sativum L. (family: Apiaceae), is distributed in the Mediterranean, subcontinent, and other South Asian countries and is the choice of folk healers to treat diabetes, headache, ulcer, fever, constipation, rheumatism, and disorders of the stomach, lungs, stomach, skin, and kidneys. Pharmacological attributes such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nematicidal, cardioprotective, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-leishmaniasis, and anti-infertility are ascribed to different plant parts. The plant consisted of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and fatty acids for developing pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. The present review focused on the phytochemistry, traditional uses, commercial production, biological attributes, and preclinical and clinical trials of this multipurpose plant to explore its pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential .
De novo thyroid eye disease following COVID vaccination several years after radioiodine therapy
Authors: Mukunda Athira , James Jovito , Jacob Rhea , Varughese George I , Nayak Ananth U
Published: January 2025

Lesson

The delayed onset of thyroid eye disease is well recognised but less commonly perceived in routine clinical practice and this case report serves as a reminder for a high index of suspicion in at-risk patients.
Infrared Video Imaging for the Identification and Quantification of Macula-Involving Symptomatic Vitreous Opacities
Authors: Kavoussi Shawn C.
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To evaluate whether infrared video imaging can supplement traditional examination and imaging methods to identify and quantify symptomatic vitreous opacities. Methods: A prospective nonrandomized nonmasked series was performed that included eyes of consecutive patients with a primary complaint of symptomatic vitreous opacities. A macular vitreous opacity score (0-4) was developed to grade the size of the opacities in relation to the macula after refixation of up, down, left, and right saccades. Grade 0 indicated an absence of opacities. Grades 1 to 4 represented how many quadrants of the macula were obscured by opacities for more than 50% of the total video capture time (grade 1 = 1%-25%; grade 2 = 26%-50%, grade 3 = 51%-75%; grade 4 = 76%-100%). Grade 2 opacities were divided into subcategories 2A and 2B depending on whether they were central enough to obscure the fovea for more than 50% of the time. Results: The study comprised 52 eyes of 40 patients. Thirty-two eyes (62%) with symptomatic vitreous opacities were grade 1, 6 (11%) were grade 2A, 6 (11%) were grade 2B, 5 (10%) were grade 3, and 3 (6%) were grade 4. Conclusions: Infrared video imaging is a useful supplement to traditional examination and imaging methods for the identification and quantification of symptomatic vitreous opacities. The macular vitreous opacity score can help standardize vitreous opacity documentation in the clinical setting for future case selection.
Dissemination through trusted credible messengers: 133 weeks of the Flint Community Webinar on COVID-19
Authors: Uphold Heatherlun , Lewis E. Yvonne , Drahota Amy , Warren Blair , Edwards-Johnson Jennifer , Crawford Mary Katherine , Sadler Richard , Woolford Susan J. , Ellington Roni , Zimmerman Marc , Grodzinski Alison , Furr-Holden C. Debra
Published: January 2025

Background

Community access to evidence-based information is critical, especially during a pandemic, as it can impact knowledge and adoption of health behaviors that affect health disparities. The field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is ideally positioned to address this need through its focus on reducing the research-to-practice gap through improved distribution of information. The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation of a weekly webinar series about COVID-19 directed toward community members, and the extent to which webinars were found useful and increased awareness of evidence-based information and services. Lessons learned about this dissemination strategy as well as the selection and involvement of trusted credible messengers (TCMs) to share information are discussed.

Method

Data were derived from Zoom attendance reports, YouTube views, and survey responses collected about the weekly webinar series over 133 weeks from March 20, 2020 through September 30, 2022.

Results

The webinar reached a minimum of 877 unique within-webinar participants, representing more than 9,190 in-webinar participant hours and an additional 17,303 YouTube views. A consistent base of weekly attendees (e.g., service providers, community members) reported increasing levels of satisfaction and utility over time.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of a community webinar series to disseminate evidence-based, locally relevant information through TCMs to improve community access to knowledge of health information and resource utility.
Circulating prostasin is an independent marker of mortality risk in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Todd Jamie L , Page Courtney , Wu Peitao , Belperio John A , Maher Toby M , Palmer Scott M , Leonard Thomas B , Hesslinger Christian , Neely Megan L , Schlange Thomas
Published: January 2025

Background

Prostasin is expressed in the lung epithelium where it regulates fluid and electrolyte balanceviasodium channel proteolysis. We investigated whether circulating prostasin levels are associated with the presence and severity of IPF and whether prostasin levels, or changes in them, are associated with mortality.

Methods

Patients with IPF came from the IPF-PRO Registry. Controls without lung disease had a similar age/sex distribution. Prostasin was quantified in plasma taken at enrollment and, in the IPF cohort, approximately 6 months post-enrollment, by immunoassay. Linear regression was used to compare prostasin levels at enrollment in patients with IPFversuscontrols and, in the IPF cohort, determine associations between prostasin level and lung function. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models determined associations between prostasin level at enrollment and change in prostasin level over 6 months and respiratory death.

Results

Prostasin level at enrollment was higher in patients with IPF (n=624)versuscontrols (n=100) (fold-difference 1.75;p<0.001). In the IPF cohort, the difference in disease severity per 1 standard deviation (sd) difference in prostasin was −3.85 for FVC % predicted and −4.24 for DLco % predicted (bothp<0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for respiratory death per 1sddifference in prostasin at enrollment was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.40) (p=0.014) (n=624). The adjusted HR for subsequent respiratory death per 1sddifference in change in prostasin over 6 months was 1.33 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.74) (p=0.041) (n=290).

Conclusions

Circulating prostasin is an independent marker of mortality risk in patients with IPF.
Association of DPP-4 inhibitors with respiratory and cardiovascular complications in patients with COPD: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Cheng-Chung Wei James , Ko Fu-Shun , Huang Yuhan , Yip Hei-Tung , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Hwu Chii-Min , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: January 2025

Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a comorbid condition often associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases, but few studies have observed the impact of various antidiabetic drugs in patients with COPD and T2D. We conducted this study to investigate the long-term outcomes of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use in patients with COPD and T2D.

Materials and methods

We recruited 55 924 pairs of propensity score-matched DPP-4 inhibitor users and nonusers from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020. We used the Cox proportional hazards models with robust sandwich standard error estimates to compare the risks of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and respiratory outcomes in participants with COPD and T2D.

Results

Compared with no-use of DPP-4 inhibitors, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for DPP-4 inhibitor use for all-cause mortality, MACE, hospitalization for COPD, invasive mechanical ventilation, bacterial pneumonia, and lung cancer were 0.47(0.45–0.49), 0.92(0.88–0.95), 0.73(0.62–0.85), 0.76(0.71–0.82), 0.73(0.70–0.76), and 0.74(0.71–0.78), respectively. DPP-4 inhibitor users also exhibited a significantly lower cumulative incidence of hospitalization for COPD (log-rank test p=0.004), mechanical ventilation (log-rank test p<0.001), lung cancer (log-rank test p<0.001), bacterial pneumonia (log-rank test p<0.001), and mortality (log-rank test p<0.001) than nonusers.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study showed that DPP-4 inhibitor use was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality, cardiovascular events, respiratory complications, and lung cancer in patients with COPD and T2D. Patients with COPD may benefit from DPP-4 inhibitors.
SignalingviaCD131 regulates pulmonary inflammation, alveolar cell death and emphysema in COPD
Authors: Wang Hao , Him Fung Nok , Gamell Cristina , Woodman Naomi , Chan Samantha , Lachapelle Philippe , Vlahos Ross , McQualter Jonathan , Selemidis Stavros , Galli Mara , Wilson Nick , Douglass Jo , Monaghan Katherine , Lopez Angel F , Owczarek Catherine , Bozinovski Steven
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogenous disease where chronic inflammation is implicated in airway remodeling and emphysema. The CD131 receptor is indispensable for signaling by the beta common (βc) family of cytokines encompassing GM-CSF, IL-5 and IL-3, which instigate both Type-2 and non-Type-2 inflammatory responses. This study aims to determine whether antagonising CD131 signaling can prevent pulmonary inflammation, alveolar cell death and emphysema development.

Methods

We performed in-house andin silicotranscriptomic analysis to investigate the gene expression of CD131 (CSF2RB) and pathway enrichment for βc cytokine signaling in blood, sputum and lung biopsies of COPD patients. To model emphysema, transgenic mice expressing human CD131 were exposed to elastase or cigarette smoke (CS) and a fully human monoclonal antibody (CSL311) was employed to inhibit CD131 signaling.

Results

CD131 gene expression was significantly increased in COPD, along with an enrichment of gene set for βc cytokine signaling. In transgenic mice subjected to emphysema models, CD131 antagonism effectively prevented lung injury, alveolar cell death and emphysema development. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing identified pathway enrichment for myeloid cell activation, Type-2 immune response and macrophage alternative activation in elastase-induced emphysematous mice, mirroring human COPD. Blocking CD131 signaling almost completely reversed the global gene expression alterations associated with emphysema development.

Conclusions

CD131 signaling orchestrates pulmonary inflammation in COPD, resulting in immunopathology that underpins emphysema and lung function decline. Antagonising CD131 therefore represents a unique strategy to simultaneously target multiple pathogenic myeloid cell populations.
Patients´ experiences of TENS as a postoperative pain relief method in the post-anesthesia care unit after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a qualitative study
Authors: Angelini Eva , Josefsson Charlotta , Ögren Cecilia , Andréll Paulin , Wolf Axel , Ringdal Mona
Published: January 2025

Background

High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (HFHI TENS, i.e. 80 Hz and 40–60 mA) is an effective, fast-acting pain relief modality after elective surgery, offering pain relief within 5 min. Few studies have explored patients’ perspectives on using TENS in the post-anesthesia care unit. This study investigates patients’ experiences and perceptions of TENS as a complementary approach to traditional pharmacological pain management in postoperative care.

Method

Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were offered TENS as an alternative to conventional pain treatment with IV opioids. Twenty participants attended telephone semi-structured telephone interviews a median of 12 days after surgery. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis according to Braun and Clark.

Results

Participants expressed that TENS provided reassurance and relaxation, calmed them, and gave them a sense of control over their pain. Participants perceived a greater degree of autonomy as TENS could be administered independently. They conveyed a preference for TENS, which they experienced as a safe and fast-acting alternative to opioids, despite its limitations in managing severe pain and rapid offset upon discontinuation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study that describes patients’ views on managing postoperative pain using TENS in the post-anesthesia care unit. This study indicates that patients desire alternatives to drugs for pain control in the postoperative setting. TENS has advantages, such as a rapid onset and offset and supporting patient autonomy, as well as drawbacks, such as being ineffective when pain is too severe. TENS could be included within the routine multimodal analgesia framework for person-centred postoperative pain management.

Trial registration

The participants in the current study were retrospectively registered and recruited from a randomized controlled trial (RCT; registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04114149).
PRDX5 and PRDX6 translocation and oligomerization in bull sperm: a response to cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Agnieszka Mostek-Majewska , Magdalena Bossowska-Nowicka , Mariola Słowińska , Andrzej Ciereszko
Published: January 2025

Cryopreservation of bull sperm, crucial for breeding and assisted reproduction, often reduces sperm quality due to oxidative stress. This study examines how oxidative stress during cryopreservation affects peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) proteins, leading to their translocation and oligomerization in bull sperm. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were linked to reduced mitochondrial potential, higher DNA fragmentation, and increased membrane fluidity, prompting PRDX5 to move intracellularly and PRDX6 to the cell membrane. Under cryopreservation, these proteins formed high molecular weight oligomers, that may shift from peroxidase to chaperone roles. Their interaction with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) may be key to their intracellular transport. On the other hand, the presence of PRDX5 and PRDX6 in exosomal vesicles suggested a potential mechanism for their transport into sperm cells. Using Imaging Flow Cytometry and various PAGE techniques, the study detected PRDX5 and PRDX6 in different sperm locations and analyzed their oligomer formation. These findings highlight the adaptive roles of PRDX5 and PRDX6 in protecting sperm cells, offering insights that could improve cryopreservation protocols in animal breeding and human reproductive medicine, and advance our understanding of the oxidative stress response in sperm cells.
Predicting loss of independence among geriatric patients following gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Cunningham Michaela R. , Cramer Christopher L. , Jin Ruyun , Turrentine Florence E. , Zaydfudim Victor M.
Published: January 2025

Background

While existing risk calculators focus on mortality and complications, elderly patients are concerned with how operations will affect their quality of life, especially their independence. We sought to develop a novel clinically relevant and easy-to-use score to predict elderly patients’ loss of independence after gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients age ≥ 65 years enrolled in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and Geriatric Pilot Project who underwent pancreatic, colorectal, or hepatic surgery (January 1, 2014- December 31, 2018). Primary outcome was loss of independence – discharge to facility other than home and decline in functional status. Patients from 2014 to 2017 comprised the training data set. A logistic regression (LR) model was generated using variables with p < 0.2 from the univariable analysis. The six factors most predictive of the outcome composed the short LR model and scoring system. The scoring system was validated with data from 2018.

Results

Of 6,510 operations, 841 patients (13%) lost independence. Training and validation datasets had 5,232 (80%) and 1,278 (20%) patients, respectively. The six most impactful factors in predicting loss of independence were age, preoperative mobility aid use, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, preoperative albumin, non-elective surgery, and race (all OR > 1.83; p < 0.001). The odds ratio of each of these factors were used to create a sixteen-point scoring system. The scoring system demonstrated satisfactory discrimination and calibration across the training and validation datasets, with Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve 0.78 in both and Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic of 0.16 and 0.34, respectively.

Conclusions

This novel scoring system predicts loss of independence for geriatric patients after gastrointestinal operations. Using readily available variables, this tool can be applied in the urgent setting and can contribute to elderly patients and their family discussions related to loss of independence prior to high-risk gastrointestinal operations. The applicability of this scoring tool to additional surgical sub-specialties and external validation should be explored in future studies.
Cadmium and selenium blood levels in association with congestive heart failure in diabetic and prediabetic patients: a cross-sectional study from the national health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Ji Renyue , Wu Haisheng , Lin Hongli , Li Yang , Shi Yumeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Epidemiological research on the association between heavy metals and congestive heart failure (CHF) in individuals with abnormal glucose metabolism is scarce. The study addresses this research gap by examining the link between exposure to heavy metals and the odds of CHF in a population with dysregulated glucose metabolism.

Method

This cross-sectional study includes 7326 patients with diabetes and prediabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018. The exposure variables are five environmental heavy metals—cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn)—and the endpoint is CHF, determined via face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS), and Bayesian kernel machine learning (BKMR) models were employed to investigate the association between exposure to mixtures of five heavy metals and the odds of having CHF in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.

Result

Multivariate logistic regression analysis Shows that only blood Cd exhibited a significant linear positive correlation with CHF odds (OR: 1.26, 95%CI 1.07–1.47, p = 0.005), there was a significant 14% decrease in the odds rate of CHF for each additional standard deviation of log10 Se (OR: 0.86,95%CI 0.76–0.96, P = 0.009). The WQS index for the metal mixture only marginally increased the odds of CHF by 1% (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, P = 0.032). BKMR analysis demonstrated a positive association between Cd levels and the odds of CHF, an inverse relationship with Se levels in patients with diabetes and prediabetes. However, no significant association was observed between the metal mixture and CHF.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study demonstrates that increased Cd levels are associated with a higher odds of CHF in patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes, whereas elevated blood Se levels significantly mitigate this odds.