bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Standing Thrombocytosis and Thrombotic Events Preceding Recognition of Polycythemia Vera: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: LASPA Evgenia , GRANDONI Francesco , ALBERIO Lorenzo , STALDER Grégoire
Published: December 2024

Background: Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are at a higher risk for thrombotic events (TE), which may occur at any time before diagnosis, at diagnosis, or later during the disease. Besides an increased hematocrit, thrombocytosis may be an early marker of PV. Our study aimed to analyze the frequency of TE and the presence of thrombocytosis/erythrocytosis preceding the diagnosis of PV.
Methods: In this monocentric, retrospective study patients diagnosed with PV, aged 18 years or older, seen at our institution between January 2008 and December 2018, were included. Baseline demographic, PV diagnosis information, comorbidities, presence and type of TE, and blood counts before TE and PV diagnosis were analyzed.
Results: A total of 79 eligible patients were included. There was a slight male predominance (57%) with a median age at PV diagnosis of 69 years. Fifty-two patients (66%) had a TE (24 before or concomitant with PV diagnosis, 11 after PV diagnosis, and 17 both before and after PV diagnosis). Overall, 40 patients suffered arterial and 31 venous thrombotic events. For the 41 patients with TE before or concomitant to PV diagnosis: Median platelet count at time of TE was 365 G/l before and 479 G/l at PV diagnosis; median leucocyte was 11.2 G/l and 11.5 G/L, respectively; hemoglobin (hematocrit) level was 168 g/l (50%) and 179 g/l (53%), respectively. We had access to 90 blood counts performed before PV diagnosis in 17 patients with TE prior or concomitant with PV diagnosis. For these patients, the median time from the first blood count showing platelets >350 G/L or >450 G/l to the diagnosis of PV was 36 months and 24 months, respectively. Four patients had a TE prior to PV diagnosis with a normal platelet count. In these four patients, the median delay between the TE and PV diagnosis was 32 months. For the remaining 13 patients, the median time from the first blood count with platelets >350 G/L or >450 G/l and the TE was 46 months and 10 months, respectively. The median time from the earliest available blood count showing Hb >16.5 g/dL (Hct >49%) for men or Hb >16.0 g/dL (Hct >48%) for women to the diagnosis of PV was 25 months and 24 months respectively and to the TE was 12 months and 13 months, respectively.
Conclusion: Our study shows that both thrombocytosis and/or erythrocytosis are frequently present months and even years before the diagnosis of PV. In addition, the occurrence of a thrombotic event may be the earliest indicator of PV, particularly with thrombocytosis >350 G/L. The presence of thrombocytosis and/or erythrocytosis, even moderate, in the absence of a secondary cause, should evoke the diagnosis of a myeloproliferative neoplasia, including PV.
Genome-wide Association Study of Post COVID-19 Syndrome in a Population-based Study in Germany
Authors: Ruß Anne-Kathrin , Schreiber Stefan , Lieb Wolfgang , Vehreschild J. Janne , Heuschmann Peter U. , Illig Thomas , Appel Katharina S. , Vehreschild Maria J.G.T. , Krefting Dagmar , Reinke Lennart , Viebke Alin , Poick Susanne , Störk Stefan , Reese Jens-Peter , Zoller Thomas , Krist Lilian , Ellinghaus David , Foesel Bärbel U. , Gieger Christian , Lorenz-Depiereux Bettina , Witzenrath Martin , Anton Gabriele , Krawczak Michael , Heyckendorf Jan , Bahmer Thomas
Published: December 2024

If health impairments due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persist for 12 weeks or longer, patients are diagnosed with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS), or Long-COVID. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided in 2024, PCS is still a major health burden worldwide, and identifying genetic modifiers of PCS remains of great clinical and scientific interest. We therefore performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of three recently developed PCS severity scores in 2,247 participants of COVIDOM, a prospective, multi-centre, population-based cohort study of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Germany. Of the 6,383,167 single nucleotide polymorphisms included in the GWAS, various variants were found to be associated with at least one of the PCS scores, first and foremost variants in the olfactory receptor gene region. Impairment of smell and taste is a pathognomonic feature of both, acute COVID-19 and PCS, and our results suggest that this connection may have a genetic basis. Three other genotype-phenotype associations pointed towards an association between PCS and cellular virus repression (CHD6 gene region), activation of macrophages (SLC7A2) and the release of virus particles from infected cells (ARHGAP44). All other gene regions highlighted by our GWAS, however, did not immediately relate to pathophysiological processes currently discussed for PCS. Therefore, and because the genotype-phenotype associations observed in our GWAS were generally not very strong, the complexity of the genetic background of PCS appears to be comparable to that of most other multifactorial traits in human.
Digital Mammography Versus Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography in the Evaluation of Cases with Suspicious Breast Calcifications and Impact on Surgeon’s Decision.
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa Elsayed AbdelRahman , Elsayad Marwa Mohamed Taher , Helal Maha Hussein Mohamed , Othman Ahmed Gamal Eldeen , Omar Omar Hussein
Published: December 2024

Background: Digital mammography (DM) remains the gold standard for detecting breast microcalcifications, its ability to differentiate between benign and malignant types based solely on morphology and distribution can be limited. Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) emerges as a promising approach by incorporating pathological contrast enhancement, potentially leading to a more confident diagnosis compared to DM, and offering a faster and potentially more cost-effective alternative to breast magnetic resonance imaging.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 female patients with suspicious breast calcifications (BIRADS 4B, 4C, 4, or 5). CESM was performed, and images were analyzed for lesion characteristics. Histopathological results served as the gold standard for comparison, guiding surgical decisions and treatment plans.
Results: This study included 50 patients who had suspicious breast calcifications detected by DM, with 54 breast lesions. All patients performed DM and CESM. None of them had adverse reactions. Out of the 54 identified breast lesions, 19/54, 35% were benign and 35/54, 65% were malignant. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and total accuracy of DM were 91.4%, 70.8%, 62.7%, 93.9%, and 78% respectively as compared to 85.7%, 90.7%, 83.3%, 92.2%, and 89% for CESM. When adding CESM to DM the calculated diagnostic indices were raised to 100%, specificity was 90.7 %, PPV was 83.3% and NPV raised to 100%.
Conclusion: Combining CESM with DM while evaluating suspicious breast microcalcifications can increase both the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection. CESM significantly influenced surgical decisions in cases where multicentricity was detected by CESM but missed in initial mammography reports, particularly in patients with dense breasts.
The Association Between Chronic Liver Disease and Osteoporosis in East Asian Populations: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Qu Qi , Jiang Rui , Li Zhongshan , Ran Simiao
Published: December 2024

Background
Chronic liver disease is a widespread health problem globally, particularly common in East Asia. Osteoporosis (OP), as a common metabolic bone disease, has also gained increasing attention in aging societies. In recent years, studies have suggested a possible association between chronic liver disease and OP, but their causal relationship has not been fully or systematically studied.
Objective
To investigate the causal association between chronic liver disease and OP in East Asian populations using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.
Methods
The datasets for chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), and cirrhosis were sourced from the UK Biobank, while those for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and OP were from the Japan Biobank. All participants included were from East Asian populations. We first treated chronic liver disease as the exposure and OP as the outcome for MR analysis, and then performed a reverse analysis treating OP as the exposure and chronic liver disease as the outcome. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary method to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MR-Egger and the weighted median method were used as supplementary approaches to assess the causal association between chronic liver disease and OP. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were also performed to ensure the reliability of the results.
Results
The IVW method results indicated that CHB (ebi-a-GCST90018584) will increase the incidence of OP (bbj-a-137) (OR = 1.063, 95% CI: 1.015–1.112, p = 0.009), with no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. However, no causal association was found between CHC, cirrhosis, or HCC on OP. Reverse MR analyses did not reveal any significant causal effect of OP on chronic liver disease.
Conclusion
In East Asian populations, CHB will increase the incidence of OP. Therefore, CHB patients not only require long-term antiviral treatment to protect the liver but should also monitor their bone health over time to reduce the risk of OP, ultimately improving quality of life.
Deep Intravenous Sedation for Radical Inguinal Orchiectomies: A Retrospective, Single Centre Analysis
Authors: Lu Steven , Fidel Maximilian G. , Reynolds Kayla , Shah Jainik , Almuhanna Ahmed Mousa , Dhillon Harliv , Bard Robert , Pandian Alagarsamy , Nayak Jasmir G. , Patel Premal
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This sought to evaluate whether performing radical inguinal orchiectomies (RIO) under deep intravenous sedation (DIVS) with an adjunct local anesthetic is safe and feasible.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients receiving a RIO under DIVS at a single urologic ambulatory surgical centre between September 2022 and June 2024. Patients with an ASA score greater than 3 and/or receiving a RIO for reasons other than a suspected testicular tumour or refractory chronic orchialgia were excluded. Patient tolerability, lengths of stay, and pertinent surgical outcomes were collected and described descriptively.
Results: 40 patients with a mean age of 39.1 ± 13.8 were ultimately analyzed and described. All procedures were tolerated well intraoperatively and completed without any intraoperative complications. The mean operating time was 37.7 ± 13.3 (23-93) minutes, whereas the mean length of stay was 55.3 ± 18.4 (25-90) minutes postoperatively. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients with suspected tumours. Pain resolution was achieved in four out of six patients. Post-operatively, there were no complications related to the procedure, reported by the patient or on exam. Follow-up took place four to six weeks post-operatively; all patients reported no concerns regarding procedural intolerability.
Conclusion: This study successfully demonstrated that utilizing DIVS in combination with multimodal local anesthesia is safe, effective, and feasible in patients undergoing a RIO. Utilizing this approach can transition care into an outpatient centre, increase patient accessibility, and forego the risks associated with more invasive modalities while potentially facilitating more optimal OR resource use.
Retinal Vascular Hemodynamic Changes in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Investigated by Fundus Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Authors: Wu Xiao , Yu Yue , Hui Li , Sun Wei , He Aini , Zhao Benke , Yao Xuefan , Ren Qiushi , Song Haiqing
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To investigate the retinal hemodynamic changes in patients with ischemic stroke using fundus laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and evaluate their microcirculatory impairment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurology at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University. An integrated retinal imaging instrument was employed to collect images of retinal vascular LSCI in patients with ischemic stroke, and the pulse wave waveform parameters were compared with healthy controls.
Results: A total of 119 patients with 233 eyes in ischemic stroke group and 67 patients with 113 eyes in the healthy control group were enrolled. Among the fundus vascular waveform parameters, the Flow Acceleration Index (FAI) and Resistivity Index (RI) in ischemic stroke patients were higher than those in the healthy control group (p = 0.028 and 0.015, respectively), while the Blowout Time (BOT), Blowout Score (BOS) and Rising Rate (RR) were lower than those in the control group (pvalues of 0.021, 0.014, and 0.010, respectively). After correcting for confounders by multifactor logistic regression, BOT, RR, and RI (p values of 0.008, 0.020, and 0.049, respectively) remained statistically significant. Furthermore, most hemodynamic parameters in healthy controls showed significant correlations with age [FAI (r = 0.200, p = 0.041), BOT (r = -0.221, p= 0.020), BOS (r = -0.232, p = 0.014), RI (r = 0.218, p= 0.020)], whereas few indicators in ischemic stroke patients exhibited a correlation with age.
Conclusion: Retinal vascular elasticity in ischemic stroke patients is compromised, and the process of changing microcirculation hemodynamics with aging is disrupted. Retinal hemodynamic parameters may serve as potential indicators for evaluating microcirculatory injury in ischemic stroke patients.
Efficacy of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk Scoring Systems on Predicting Clinical Outcomes Among Emergency Unit Patients
Authors: ARIKOĞLU Sezer , TEZEL Onur , BÜYÜKTURAN Galip , BAŞGÖZ Bilgin Bahadır
Published: December 2024

Background
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among emergency unit patients. Several scoring systems are verified for predicting hospitalization and mortality such as Glasgow Blatchford Bleeding Score (GBS), AIMS65 score, Rockall score (RS), and International Bleeding Risk Score (INBS; ABC score). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and predictive value of these scoring systems.
Methods
Adult emergency unit patients with gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively enrolled. The age, gender, complaints at admission, vitals and examination results, laboratory findings, outcomes, blood transfusion status, and endoscopic interventions were all reported, and GBS, AIMS65, RS, and INBS (ABC) scores were calculated individually for all enrollies.
Results
A total of 311 patients were included. The median age of participants was 70 years (IQR (25–75%): 59–81), and 202 (65%) of them were male. The efficacy of all four scoring systems (GBS, AIMS65, RS, and INBS (ABC)) in predicting hospitalization, need of blood transfusion, determination of high- and low-risk patients, and mortality was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05 for all). ROC-AUC analysis was revealed that while GBS is the most beneficial in predicting hospitalization, INBS (ABC) has the best predictive value on mortality. Besides, the only scoring model with predictive value in determining the need for endoscopic intervention was RS (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The present study showed that, among adult emergency unit patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, GBS, AIMS65, RS, and INBS (ABC) scores could successfully predict hospitalization, need of blood transfusion, determination of high- and low-risk patients, and mortality. However, the only scoring system that could be used to determine the need of endoscopic intervention is RS. Finally, we believe further studies with prospective enrollment would be beneficial for more accurate conclusions.
Does DBT affect emotional regulation and impulsivity from the beginning of implementation? A 3-year naturalistic study on transdiagnostic groups in addictology
Authors: DURPOIX Amaury , WEINER Luisa , PORCHE Christelle , WALTER Marie , SEVERAC François , WEIBEL Sébastien , D’USSEL Louis-Marie , LALANNE Laurence
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Addictions and eating disorders are the 2 deadliest psychiatric disorders. Central processes in both disorders are emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies have an important role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders and addictions. The standard treatment for emotion regulation is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), its implementation is often a challenge but can be facilitated by transdiagnostic groups. As few data are available on these groups in addictology, the aim of our study was to check that emotional dysregulation and impulsivity are improved as soon as transdiagnostic DBT groups are implemented.
Method. Eight two-month cycles of transdiagnostic DBT groups were led between 2021 and 2023. The 35 participants had substance addiction (89%), behavioral addiction (14%), or eating disorder (20%). Other psychiatric comorbidities, especially borderline personality disorder (42.9%), were also present. The evolution of questionnaires completed by the participants and the attrition rate were analyzed.
Results. The average dropout rate was 21%. During DBT, the improvement reached high effect sizes for emotional dysregulation (d=0.9), positive cognitive emotional regulation (d=0.978) and negative cognitive emotional regulation (d=1.04), and medium effect sizes for impulsivity (d=0.586) and mindfulness (d=0.766). Depending on the cycle, clinical outcomes ranged from 0% to 31% improvement in emotional dysregulation and from 12% to 100% retention. An association was found between attrition rate and therapists' level of experience (effect size = 0.320, p=.001).
Discussion. While we know the effectiveness of DBT on emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, two particularly important functions in addictology, we found that their improvement can occur as soon as this therapy is implemented despite challenges present. These results suggest that transdiagnostic format, which is a solution to facilitate DBT implementation, preserves the effects of DBT. In addictology, few therapies address emotional regulation and impulsivity: CBT is less suitable for severe cases because change and acceptance skills are not dialectically balanced, and pharmacotherapy does not act on limbic system by top-down mechanisms because it does not teach skills. Therefore, to improve emotion regulation of patients with addictions, it is necessary to study solutions more often to facilitate implementation of DBT such as transdiagnostic groups.
Survival analysis in bloodstream infection patients
Authors: Qiangsheng Feng , Xiaoqin Ha , Yuejuan Song
Published: December 2024

Objective To determine the risk factors that affect the mortality of patients with bloodstream infections in critical care settings.
Methods The 2789 BSIs patient data were collected which were diagnosed by positive blood culture from 2013 to 2023 in our hospital, the pathogen, underlying disease, and infection source by cox survival analysis.
Results The 2789 BSIs patient average mortality was 32.27%, 28day survival rate was 0.636 ± 0.012. E. coli was the most frequent pathogen accounting for 31.70% overall, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and S. aureus accounting for 14.33% and 11.26% respectively. Cancers were the frequent underlying disease accounting for 15.63% overall, followed by hematologic malignancy and uremia accounting for 14.49% and 6.10%respectively. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were the first infection source accounting for 17.0% overall, followed by cholecystitis and cholangitis, pulmonary infection, and catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) which accounted for 12.7%,11.9%, and 11.0% respectively. The mortality risk factors in BSIs patients were ICU, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), Co-pathogen very significant difference (p<0.01). Cox survival analysis in BSIs patients were pathogen of Candida, infection source of pulmonary infection, abdominal sepsis, intracranial infection, and enterogenic sepsis, underlying disease of cancers, hematologic malignancies, cerebrovascular disease, multiple traumas, pulmonary diseases, and digestive tract damage OR was <1.00, and p-value<0.01(95% confidence interval).
Conclusion Factors affecting the survival of BSIs patients were pathogen of Candida, infection source of pulmonary infection, abdominal sepsis, intracranial infection, and enterogenic sepsis, underlying disease of cancers, hematologic malignancies, cerebrovascular disease, multiple trauma, pulmonary diseases, and digestive tract damage.
Loeffler endocarditis presenting with large biventricular thrombi: a case report
Authors: Haif Motasem H. M. , Hirbawe Ansam Adnan , Muhtaseb Rahaf Haitham , Ibdah Mohammad G. , Kharouf Karmil Said , Abbasi Mohammad Ahmed , Al-Karaja Layth , Eqtait Izzeddin Ghazi , Natsheh Ashraf Khalil
Published: December 2024

Background:
Loeffler endocarditis, a rare cardiac manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), results from chronic hypereosinophilia and associated tissue damage. Cardiac involvement in HES is linked to poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages. Due to its rarity outside tropical and subtropical regions, Loeffler endocarditis often poses a diagnostic challenge.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 28-year-old female with a history of asthma and idiopathic eosinophilia who presented with severe abdominal pain. She was initially misdiagnosed with cholecystitis. Subsequent investigations excluded secondary causes of eosinophilia, leading to the diagnosis of Loeffler endocarditis characterized by large biventricular thrombi. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids.
Discussion:
This case highlights the importance of considering Loeffler endocarditis in patients presenting with compatible imaging and laboratory findings, even in regions where the condition is rare and often overlooked. Prompt recognition and diagnosis are crucial for initiating appropriate therapy and potentially improving outcomes in affected individuals.
Early Detection of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Evidence of a Favourable Prognostic Impact in a Comparative Analysis of Screen-Detected versus Symptomatic Cases
Authors: Castellano Isabella , Rousset Stefano , Casella Denise , Cappella Giulia , Borella Fulvio , Rosa Martina Di , Cassoni Paola , Catalano Alberto , Ferrante Gianluigi , Giordano Livia
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Mammographic screening is effective in reducing breast cancer mortality, but the impact of screening on triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) outcomes remains debated. This study aims to determine if screen detection is an independent prognostic factor for TNBCs and to analyse the radiological and pathological differences between screen-detected and symptomatic TNBCs.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study analysed 353 histologically confirmed TNBC cases diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 at a single institution in Turin, Italy. Cases were categorized into screen-detected and symptomatic groups based on initial presentation. Clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics as well as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for several clinical and biological variables.
Results
50.1% of cases were screen-detected and 49.9% were symptomatic. Screen-detected cases were more commonly T1 or T2 (96.6% vs 75%, p < 0.001), node negative (62.4% vs 48%, p = 0.007) and diagnosed at a lower stage (85.4% vs 63.8%, p < 0.001), with better DFS and OS. Detection method was not an independent prognostic factor, while stage at diagnosis, vascular invasion, histologic type and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS) were more significant predictors of prognosis. Radiological and biological features were similar between the two groups.
Conclusions
TNBCs correlate with favourable pathological features and improved survival outcomes in univariate analyses, but these benefits diminish when accounting for traditional prognostic factors. Hence, the better prognosis observed among screen-detected cases is more likely due to stage shift rather than tumour biology.
Identification of the central artery using three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography-magnetic resonance fusion image
Authors: Yamaoka Yoko , Hiramatsu Masafumi , Sugiu Kenji , Hishikawa Tomohito , Haruma Jun , Nishi Kazuhiko , Ebisudani Yuki , Edaki Hisanori , Kimura Ryu , Masato Kawakami , Date Isao
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Conventionally, identification of the central artery involves invasive techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the identification of the central artery on three-dimensional (3D)- and two-dimensional (2D)- digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images based on fusion images created using 3D-DSA and magnetic resonance image (MRI) as a less invasive technique.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 65 cases in which the central sulcus could be detected among the cases that underwent 3D-DSA and high-resolution MRI. We fused 3D-DSA and MRI to identify the central artery on 3D- and 2D-DSA images. To devise an index to identify the central artery using only the 2D-DSA lateral view, we traced each central artery and calculated the distance from several anatomical landmarks. Using the created index, we evaluated the identification rate using or not using the index for three neurosurgical fellows.
Results: We succeeded in fusing 3D-DSA and MRI for all 65 cases. We were able to detect the central artery in 64 (98%) cases in 3D- and 2D-DSA. We created the index of the central artery in the 2D-DSA lateral view in the range of 12 to 60 mm dorsally from the intersection of the straight line connecting the anterior skull base and the internal occipital prominence with the vertical line drawn down from the coronal suture. Comparing using and not using this index, the identification rate of the central artery improved using the index.
Conclusion: 3DDSA-MR fusion images are useful for identifying the central artery with less invasiveness compared to conventional methods.
Processed Dietary Fiber Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Increases Susceptibility to Colitis and Colon Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Tian Sangshan , Goand Umesh K , Paudel Devendra , Le Giang V. , Tiwari Amit K. , Prabhu K. Sandeep , Singh Vishal
Published: December 2024

The vital role of naturally occurring dietary fibers (DFs) in maintaining intestinal health has fueled the incorporation of isolated DFs into processed foods. A select group of soluble DFs, such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum (Phgg), are being promoted as dietary supplements to meet recommended DF intake. However, the potential effects of regular consumption of these processed DFs on gastrointestinal health remain largely unknown. The present study assessed the impact of Phgg on the development of intestinal inflammation and colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis (CAC). Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed isocaloric diets containing either 7.5% Phgg and 2.5% cellulose (Phgg group) or 10% cellulose (control) for four weeks. To induce colitis, a subgroup of mice from each group was switched to 1.4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for seven days. CAC was induced in another subgroup through a single dose of azoxymethane (AOM, 7.5 mg/kg i.p.) followed by three DSS/water cycles. To our surprise, Phgg feeding exacerbated DSS-induced colitis, as evidenced by body weight loss, disrupted colonic crypt architecture, and increased pro-inflammatory markers accompanied by a decrease in anti-inflammatory markers. Additionally, Phgg feeding led to increased colonic expression of genes promoting cell proliferation. Accordingly, extensive colon tumorigenesis was observed in Phgg-fed mice in the AOM/DSS model, whereas the control group exhibited no visible tumors. To investigate whether reducing Phgg has a distinct effect on colitis and CAC development, mice were fed a low-Phgg diet (2.5% Phgg). The low-Phgg group also exhibited increased colitis and tumorigenesis compared to the control, although the severity was markedly lower than in the regular Phgg (7.5%) group, suggesting a dose-dependent effect of Phgg in colitis and CAC development. Our study reveals that Phgg supplementation exacerbates colitis and promotes colon tumorigenesis, warranting further investigation into the potential gastrointestinal health risks associated with processed Phgg consumption.
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Authors: Rahman Qaraman Haydar , Hasan Arazu Yousf
Published: December 2024

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Authors: Abdullah Soran Mamand , Husein Bryar Khaleel , Ahmed Rehan Rasul , Khudhur Parween Abdullah , Qadir Karzan Mohsen
Published: December 2024

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Description Electronic Dictionary in Kurdish Language
Authors: Jawhar Iman Askandar , Muhammadamin Media Murad
Published: December 2024

This research is an attempt to reveal information about dictionary, how dictionary first emerged in the world and among the Kurdish and who created the first dictionaries. Every language a dictionary in order to survive.
 Every language has many types of dictionaries, dictionaries are created in all aspects of life, such as sociology, psychology, language, literature, etc., but the most important thing is that the types of dictionaries are in terms of content and appearance, which includes several types. Therefore, we refer to this type of electronic dictionary in terms of appearance, and content.
The study is divided into two parts: The first part is a theoretical overview of dictionary, which include concept and definition of dictionary. Moreover, information is provided in general about dictionary, the history of dictionary in the world and Kurdish, and dictionary writing and types of dictionaries. The second part is devoted to the analysis of the electronic dictionary, special emphasis is placed on all the electronic dictionaries that contain Kurdish language that are available for users. Data is provided about the dictionaries up to the end of 2023. Then the characteristics of Kurdish dictionary are presented. Finally, the suggestions and the results are presented in several points. Then the sources are listed.
The Role of Queen Šīšīnduxt in Strengthening Relations Between the Sasanian State and the Jews
Authors: Abdulwahid Kalthuma Jameel
Published: December 2024

This study describes the role of queen Shishindokht, the wife of King Yazhgverdi I, who was in a prominent Jewish family responsible for Russ Jalut, and was the reason for strengthening the relationship between the Sasanian state and the Jews. The queen's support has done a number of great achievements, which have influenced Jewish social relations, as well as the restoration and reconstruction of The City of Esfahan, which led to the settlement of many Jews in the city, resulting in peace. The queen's latter work was to solve the tax code and pay taxes, because in the eyes of the Jews، tax donations were not allowed except for Jews, but it was a crime, but because of the role of Shishindokht, the queens had been called (Queen) who was also a boy mother, she solved many issues, despite the many remains of the time, indicates that the Jews lived peacefully under the queen’s ruling during the rule of Yisgury I.
Rural Development Indicators Evaluation in Khabat District Educational Services as a Case Study (A Study in Rural Geography)
Authors: Ahmed Hogir Jamil
Published: December 2024

Educational development is one of the objectives of rural development, as it plays a major role in eliminating illiteracy and providing schools and even in the sense of gender in the minds of the villagers, it is clear that this service is available in the villages of Khabat District. therefore, the aim of this study is to highlight the situation in Primary school education is available to reveal the extent to which there is equity in the distribution of educational services, in addition to working to identify functional skills and identify barriers to achievement In addition to its objectives, this study relies on descriptive and analytical methods, including The research is divided into four main themes, which include the theoretical framework of the research, as well as the distribution and differences of place for educational services and functional skills, it is worth mentioning the research area In the academic year (2022-2023), in terms of the number of schools, only (66) Mixed schools have the highest percentage of 95.5% of all types of schools, and the number of boys is higher than that of girls, while the number of female teachers is higher than that of girls There are more males, in addition to the shortage in the number of school buildings, in addition to the villages that are not served They are schools in 10% of the villages in the district. All the indicators are below the education planning criteria, except for the indicator (teacher/student) which is above the criteria Ease of access and time to schools are mostly above education planning criteria, which reflects It creates negativity in the educational process.
زانكۆی سه‌لاحه‌ددین- كۆلێژی ئاداب- به‌شی شوێنه‌وار
Authors: Blbas Karwan Saddiq Bekr
Published: December 2024

ئەم توێژينەوەيە كە بەناونیشانی (ستایشی ئایینی شاری ئه‌ربائیل (هه‌ولێر)ه‌ له‌ئه‌ده‌بی ئاشوری نوێ له‌ژێر ڕۆشنایی هۆنراوه‌یه‌كی ئاشورپانیبال(668-627 پ.ز))ه‌، تيشك دەخاتە سەر گرنگی شاری ئه‌ربائیل (هه‌ولێر) له‌مێژوو و شارستانييەتى ميزۆپۆتامیا له‌سه‌ده‌ی حه‌وته‌می پێش زایین، له‌ڕوانگه‌ی لێكدانه‌وه‌ بۆ ده‌قێكی مێخی وه‌رگێڕراو، كه‌‌به‌رهه‌مێكی گرنگی ئه‌ده‌بی ئاشوری داده‌نرێت، به‌وه‌ی كەخودی پاشاكانی ئاشوری ڕاسته‌وخۆ سه‌رپه‌رشتیاری نووسینیان بوون. هه‌رچه‌نده‌ بەشێكى زۆرى ده‌قه‌ مێخییه‌كه‌ شكاوه‌ بەهۆكارى سروشتی و مرۆيى. به‌ڵام لەم توێژينەوەيەدا، توێژه‌ر بەبەراورد بەدێره‌ هۆنراوه‌كانی تر كه‌وا بۆ شاره‌ هاوتاكانی ئه‌ربائیل له‌سه‌ده‌ی حه‌وته‌م پێش زایین نووسراون، وه‌ك: پایته‌خته‌كانی تری ئاشوری شيكاری كردووه‌. توێژينەوەكە پشتى بەستووە بە شیكردنه‌وه‌ی تيۆرى وبەراوردكارى زانستى شوێنەواری و، ڕاڤه‌كردنی توێژينەوەكە بەرهەم ودەرئەنجامى خوێندنه‌وه‌ی چه‌ندین ده‌قی ئه‌ده‌بی وئایینی هاوشێوه‌یه‌‌ و، توێژەر تيايدا هه‌وڵیداوه‌ ده‌قێكی ئه‌ده‌بی گرنگ كه‌ هۆنراوه‌یەکى نووسراوی ‌٤٠٠٠ساڵ پێش ئێستایه‌، بەشێوازێکى ووردى زانستى شوێنەوارى و، به‌پشتبه‌ستن به‌تایبه‌تمه‌ندیه‌كانی نه‌ریتی وكلتورى ئاشوری كۆن و، به‌ هه‌ڵسه‌نگاندنێكی ئەدەبى شیبكردۆته‌وه‌. كه‌واته‌ گرنگی توێژینه‌وه‌كه‌ له‌وه‌یه‌ بۆ یه‌كه‌مجار‌ دەقێکى مێخی ئه‌ده‌بی مێژوویى كۆن وگرنگ به‌ووردی وبه‌ته‌واوی شیبكرێته‌‌‌وه‌ لەڕووى هزری ئایینی و، کلتورو ژیان وشارستانى كۆنی ‌شاره‌كه‌ و، تیایدا شكۆی ئایینی ڕابردووی شاره‌كه‌ ڕوون ده‌کاتەوە.
Understanding Dystonia: A Summary of the Basics
Authors: Chisholm Olivia
Published: December 2024

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterised by abnormal and involuntary twisting movements and postures. It comes in many forms and can affect various parts of the body. Dystonia is seen in children and adults as a standalone condition, or as one part of a complex disease. Dystonia can be caused by genetic mutations, specific medications, environmental and chemical factors, or, as in the majority of cases, the cause is unknown. There is currently no cure or disease modifying agent for dystonia, so treatments are aimed at managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. The treatment options for dystonia include invasive surgeries, medications, botulinum toxin and non-pharmaceutical therapies. Dystonia is often a misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder, which makes diagnosis difficult. The diagnosis of dystonia is usually made by a Neurologist who specialises in Movement Disorders. Research is ongoing to better understand the disorder and aims to find more effective and efficient treatments, and ultimately a cure for dystonia.
Myotonic dystrophy Type 1: exploring the health care experiences of people living with DM1. A Research Protocol
Authors: O’Maley Karen A
Published: December 2024

This article outlines a research protocol for investigating the health care experiences of people living with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (Dytrophia Myotonica; DM1).

Introduction

DM1 is a neuromuscular condition of highly variable presentation across the lifespan. It is a complex and variable condition which impacts many body systems. Care consensus, clinical experience and scientific genetic findings dominate much of the literature. Findings from the literature indicate health care input from multiple disciplines is recommended to help identify and prevent or minimise disability and early mortality. It is these recommendations for intense health care input and the perceptions people living with DM1 have of their health care that have prompted this enquiry.

Objectives

Investigate the experiences of health care from 3 different groups: people living with DM1, their family members, carers or support people, and health care providers. Potentially illuminating what we as nurses and health care providers do well or not so well.

Intended methods

Guided by Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of perception and triangulate these gathered experiences to ascertain if there is convergence or divergence between health care experiences of recipients and providers. This research will utilise a qualitative approach with methodology drawn from phenomenology. Semi-structured Interviews will be conducted with 3 different groups to gain insight into perceptions, experiences, and outcomes of health care interactions. People living with DM1, family members, carers and friends and health professionals providing services and care for people living with DM1 will be invited to participate.
Prevention and management of agitation in the neuroscience patient: Recommendations from Australasia
Authors: Jameson Chantelle , Goff Hannah , Kivunja Stephen , Wilkinson Debbie , Tevaga Sia Telesia , hunter Danniele , Cooke Jenna , Woon Caroline
Published: December 2024

Background

Neuroscience patients can present with agitation due to a number of factors such as the presence of cerebral abnormalities, tumours, trauma, or medications. Agitation among neuroscience patients that escalates to violence and aggression appears to be increasing and highly challenging for neuroscience nursing practice across Australasia. Neuroscience wards or units endeavour to effectively manage patients who are affected by agitation and provide appropriate training for clinical and non-clinical staff. Following a workshop through Australasian Neuroscience Nurses’ Association (ANNA), a group of neuroscience nurses, passionate about improving the care of neuroscience patients presenting with agitation and the safety of the staff; collaborated and researched the most effective prevention and management strategies that can be used to ensure that care delivery for these patients is therapeutic and effective.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share recommendations that can guide the prevention and management of agitation among neuroscience patients from the perspective of neuroscience nurses in Australasia.

Discussion

These recommendations have been discussed from hospitals across Australasia including Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Wellington in the hope that other cities can make changes in their own hospitals to inform neuroscience nurses and allied clinicians, improve guidelines and provide effective education for staff members that interact with neuroscience patients.
Apomorphine subcutaneous titration in Parkinson’s disease - the effectiveness and safety of apomorphine challenges: A Literature Review
Authors: Jones Amy E , Tune Elise M
Published: December 2024

This review examined the body of evidence to determine the efficacy of an apomorphine challenge. Its primary objective is to identify the dose of the most common adverse events involved with apomorphine challenges. The secondary objective is to determine whether a titration challenge is warranted prior to commencing Apomorphine therapy or an alternate option, such as slow titration, is more efficacious.

Results: The literature review was developed using the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews. The search yielded 157 results, only 23 were included in the final analysis. Evidence is largely lacking and traditionally anecdotal and based on clinician experience. Studies inadequately control for reporter and rater bias, have small sample sizes; high level evidence is lacking.

Continuous rates range between 2-4mg/hr (Deleu, 2004) and an intermittent dose range between 4mg- 6 mg (Pahwa et al 2007); doses higher than this are likely to induce side effects. QT interval prolongation is linked with both apomorphine and domperidone use and an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed prior to commencing both medications.

A positive result for an apomorphine challenge is determined when there is a 20% improvement from baseline score in part III of the Movement Disorder Society – Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS- UPDRS), 30 minutes after a dose is given.

Lastly, review examines a theoretical way to titrate patients using the Tomlinson levodopa conversion.
Concussion Video—Educating Schools
Authors: Evans-Roach Vicki. J.
Published: December 2024

Concussion awareness became a priority for the Northern Sydney Local Health District as the increase in children, teenagers, and young adults with concussion, had an effect on emergency department (ED) presentations, follow-up, schooling and sports-related activities. Education in some of the local schools from the Neuroscience Clinical Nurse Consultant had been occurring, but the need far outweighed the in-person approach. Therefore, it was decided that the development of an educational concussion video for schools was required.

AIM

To produce a 5-minute educational video for use in schools in the PDHPE Program / Sport sessions, that could then be broken down into shorter 1-minute versions for social media bursts.

METHOD

A focus group was established and the process of devising and parenting this video took approximately 11months. It is pitched at a 12-year-old and combines animation and realistic scenes.

OUTCOME

The video can be found at - https://vimeo.com/674645370

It has been sent to and accessed by schools within the Northern Sydney Local Health District and has been integrated into the NSW Education Department teacher training as a tool for teachers and students. It has been accessed throughout NSW, other Australian states and accepted for use in the New Zealand schooling system.
Neurological Assessment: Practice Review’
Authors: Jameson Chantelle E , Butler Jordyn A
Published: December 2024

Background statement

Accurate completion of a Neurological Assessment including the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is of the upmost importance in identifying and escalating neurological deterioration. This assessment must be standardised to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Aim

This paper aims to review the standardisation of the GCS inclusive of a comprehensive Neurological Assessment in metropolitan hospitals in Australia. Existing literature on this tool in clinical practice, will be further explored in this review. It will primarily focus on efficacy, standardisation and accuracy of completing a Neurological Assessment on an Adult.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the topic was undertaken, to reveal literature that supports the aim of this paper. Medline and Embase were accessed, with the use of Boolean operators to ensure literature met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Five articles were selected as appropriate and relevant to meet the needs and expectations of this review. Research suggests inconsistency and validity of the tool, which may affect patient safety.
Huntington’s Australia – a New National Association to Support the Huntington’s Community
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth , Glasson Christopher
Published: December 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, progressive, neuropsychiatric disorder that is inherited. Although there are treatment options for some of the symptoms, currently there is no cure, despite much research. In addition to medical, nursing and allied health care, a person with HD needs a great deal of support. Until now, this support, for individuals and their families, has been facilitated by Huntington’s Disease Associations in each Australian state and territory. It has been a long-held dream to merge these Associations to form a national body, so as to provide better and more equitable support, increased resources, greater sustainability and create consistent educational material for everyone impacted by HD. The ultimate goal is to help people impacted by the condition live their best life. This dream is about to be realised as 5 states and 2 territories will merge to create Huntington’s Australia, planning to begin operations later this year. The journey over the last 3 years towards this dream is described in this paper.
Preparation and Characterisation of CdO@Au Nanoparticles by Hybrid System Using Laser Ablation and Plasma Jet Methods for Cytotoxicity Against Rat Embryonic Fibroblast Cell Line
Authors:   Department of Physics, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq, H. Harb Noha , Hammod Haider Y. ,   Department of Physics, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq, Mohmmed Sara T. ,   Department of Physics, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq, Adil Ban H ,   Department of Physics, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the research is to see if cadmium oxide@gold (CdO@Au) nanoparticles produced using the laser ablation and plasma jet method in deionised water (DW) solution could be a viable alternative to typical materials in cytotoxicity of rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) normal cell line. The cadmium nanoparticle core was prepared using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1,064 nm, with laser pulse energies varying between 800 mJ and 1,000 mJ over 500 shots. Gold nanoparticles shell prepared using atmospheric pressure plasma jet. The structural analysis process used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy to study the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to follow the fast changes in the nanoparticles (NPs) colloidal solutions brought on by the interaction between Au sheets and CdO core. From UV-visible transmittance and absorbance spectra, it was observed that the transmittance pattern that can be obtained decreases. At the same time, the energy gap increases with the increase of laser energy, and this may be due to the increase in absorption. The XRD investigation revealed that the polycrystalline structure of CdO@Au NPs and their preferred orientation along (111) direction. The normal REF cell line was employed in the study to investigate the cytotoxicity of CdO@Au nanoparticles. After 48 h of exposure, the CdO@Au NPs displayed the maximum toxicity at a concentration of 100%.