bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semaglutide Improves Myocardial Perfusion and Performance in a Large Animal Model of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Stone Christopher , Harris Dwight D. , Broadwin Mark , Kanuparthy Meghamsh , Nho Ju-Woo , Yalamanchili Keertana , Hamze Jad , Abid M. Ruhul , Sellke Frank W. 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It imposes an enormous symptomatic burden on patients, leaving many with residual disease despite optimal procedural therapy and up to one-thirds with debilitating angina amenable neither to procedures, nor to current pharmacological options. Semaglutide (SEM), a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonist originally approved for management of diabetes, has garnered substantial attention for its capacity to attenuate cardiovascular risk. Although subgroup analyses in patients indicate promise, studies explicitly designed to isolate the impact of SEM on the sequelae of coronary artery disease, independently of comorbid diabetes or obesity, are lacking.

METHODS:
Yorkshire swine (n=17) underwent placement of an ameroid constrictor around the left circumflex coronary artery to induce coronary artery disease. Oral SEM was initiated postoperatively at 1.5 mg and scaled up in 2 weeks to 3 mg in treatment animals (n=8) for a total of 5 weeks, while control animals (n=9) received no drug. All then underwent myocardial harvest with acquisition of perfusion and functional data using microsphere injection and pressure-volume loop catheterization. Immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed on the most ischemic myocardial segments for mechanistic elucidation.

RESULTS:

SEM animals exhibited improved left ventricular ejection fraction, both at rest and during rapid myocardial pacing (both
P
<0.03), accompanied by increased perfusion to the most ischemic myocardial region at rest and during rapid pacing (both
P
<0.03); reduced perivascular and interstitial fibrosis (both
P
<0.03); and apoptosis (
P
=0.008). These changes were associated with increased activation of the endothelial-protective AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway (
P
=0.005), coupled with downstream increases in eNOS (endothelial NO synthase;
P
=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS:
This study reveals the capacity of oral SEM to augment cardiac function in the chronically ischemic heart in a highly translational large animal model, likely through AMPK-mediated improvement in endothelial function and perfusion to the ischemic myocardium.
Endogean and cavernicolous Coleoptera of the Balkans. XXVII. A new species of Mayetia Mulsant et Rey, 1875 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Serbia
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , JANÁK JIŘÍ 
Published: December 2024

The new species Mayetia serbica sp. nov. is described from the Radan Mountain in southern Serbia. The morphological details as well as the aedeagus is presented. The catalogue of the genus for the Balkan Peninsula with all relevant references is provided.
Fetuin-A as a plausible biomarker for cardiac valve calcification in rheumatic heart disease patients from North India
Authors: Rani Aishwarya , Singh Lakhwinder , Chakraborti Anuradha , Gupta Sameer , Singh Harkant , Toor Devinder 
Published: December 2024

Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a persistent public health challenge, particularly prevalent in developing and underdeveloped regions despite concerted global eradication efforts. The progressive stage of RHD, marked by valvular calcification, necessitates the imperative need to identify prognostic biomarkers. Fetuin-A, well-known for its role as a negative inhibitor of ectopic calcification, is investigated in our study as a potential biomarker for cardiac valve calcification in RHD patients. Methods Individuals with confirmed presence of RHD via echocardiography, who exhibited moderate to severe cardiac valve involvement, were enrolled alongside age and sex-matched healthy controls. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was performed to analyse serum concentration of fetuin-A in healthy controls and RHD patients. Cytokine profiling was carried out using Cytometric Bead Array. Results Sixty confirmed RHD patients along with age and sex-matched case–control were evaluated for their serum fetuin-A and serum cytokines levels. Our findings reveal significantly reduced serum fetuin-A levels in RHD patients (1.96 ± 0.608 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (2.85 ± 0.55 ng/ml) ( p < 0.0001). Cytokine profiling shows nearly two-fold elevations in interleukin (IL)-17A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-6, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-2 levels among RHD patients versus healthy controls, with IL-6 showing the maximum elevation in serum concentration. Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r) values indicate a strong negative correlation between fetuin-A levels in RHD patients and various inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A (−0.9754), IFN-γ (−0.8142), TNF-α (−0.8281), IL-10 (−0.9183), IL-6 (−0.8479), IL-4 (−0.9182) and IL-2 (−0.9430) ( p < 0.05, statistically significant). Conclusion This study suggests that fetuin-A can be explored as a plausible biomarker for cardiac valve calcification and has an inverse correlation with inflammatory cytokines involved in RHD.
Sibling Warmth, Self-Worth, and Empathy among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Dong Qiyiru , Chen Bin-Bin 
Published: December 2024

As one of the longest-lasting interpersonal connections within the family system, the sibling relationships are an essential foundation for children’s social development. Adolescents’ warm sibling relationships may be of great benefit to promote positive youth development. The present study aimed to explore the indirect mechanisms linking sibling warmth to empathy (i.e., cognitive and affective empathy) through self-worth among adolescents in Chinese context. Participants were N = 165 adolescents ( M = 12.93 years, SD = .29; 55.2% girls) from Shanghai, China. Measures of sibling warmth, self-worth and empathy were collected via self-reports at three time points over 1 year. Results based on a path analysis indicated that: (a) sibling warmth positively predicted self-worth; (b) self-worth positively predicted empathy; and (c) self-worth served as a mediator of the link between sibling warmth and empathy. These findings illustrate the importance of sibling warmth on empathy, which can be used in future interventions aiming at promoting positive youth development in Chinese contexts.
The application of flipped classroom teaching model combining scientific research expansion in the teaching of thoracic surgery
Authors: Liang Zhu , Chen Chunyuan , Xie Zhanqiang , Wang Zhigang , Cai Xiaobi , Chen Lin , Xu Dinghua 
Published: December 2024

Background The Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Clinical Medical College of Guangdong Medical University took the lead in introducing the flipped classroom teaching mode combining scientific research expansion into the undergraduate teaching of clinical medicine in 2018. This teaching mode has achieved good teaching effects. Objective Through the flipped classroom based on role exchange, it is observed whether students can achieve a comprehensive understanding of lung cancer, whether they have basic scientific research quality, innovative application ability and stimulate students’ enthusiasm for learning. Methods During the research process, teachers prepare their lessons meticulously. Students interpret the study materials line by line as required, identify difficulties, and engage in discussions to resolve them. If unable to resolve, they can ask questions through various channels such as QQ, WeChat, or email. This allows students to choose their study time independently, achieving personalized learning. Teachers adjust in real-time and effectively formulate teaching plans, objectives, and progress. Results For this teaching method reform, most students believed that this teaching improved their teamwork skills, PPT creation skills, and active problem-solving abilities, improved their understanding of scientific research, stimulated their interest in scientific research, deepened their understanding and understanding of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and enhanced their enthusiasm for learning. Conclusion This not only stimulated students’ enthusiasm for learning thoracic surgery but also improved their scientific research and clinical thinking abilities, resulting in good teaching outcomes.
Poor adherence to ultrasound surveillance is associated with infrainguinal bypass graft failure – An ongoing challenge in Australia
Authors: Koo Mei Ping Melody , Bookun Hansraj Riteesh 
Published: December 2024

Backgrounds Infra-inguinal bypass (IIB) surgery is a time-proven and reliable management avenue for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The importance of ultrasound surveillance in maintaining IIB graft patency is well-recognised, yet adherence rates are underreported. This study evaluates the impact of surveillance compliance on graft outcomes in an Australian setting. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of IIBs performed between 2010 and 2020 at a major vascular surgical institution in Australia was conducted retrospectively. Demographic data, peri-operative comorbidities and configuration of the bypass were captured as well as post-discharge results. Surveillance compliance was assessed based on adherence to post-operative ultrasound and clinic visits. The chief outcome measure was graft occlusion within 2 years. Secondary outcomes were major amputation, mortality and ambulatory function. Results Over a time period of 10 years, 239 bypasses were carried out on 207 individuals. 83% complied with surveillance protocols. Adherence rates were lower in regional patients. Non-compliance was significantly associated with vein graft occlusions ( p < 0.01) but not with synthetic grafts. Regional referrals ( p < 0.01), low pre-operative haemoglobin ( p < 0.01), post-operative transfusion ( p = 0.02) and use of prosthetic conduit ( p < 0.01) were identified as significant predictors of graft thrombosis. Patients with occluded grafts were at substantially higher risk of ambulatory deterioration (2.4 fold), major limb amputation or death (8.6 fold) within 12 months. One-year survival without amputation was 88.3%. Conclusion Enhanced bypass graft surveillance is essential in clinical practice to minimise graft occlusion, reduction in morbidity, limb loss and death. This study reveals suboptimal compliance in Australian vascular surgical setting, particularly in regional areas, underscoring the need for improved education, resource allocation and infrastructural development.
Effect of Acacia Honey on Serum Uric Acid Level and Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Xu Xiuhe , Zhang Peiyan , Cui Qingke , He Xiaoli , Pan Lizhu , Zhou Zhuojun , Li Jiayue , Wang Caixia , Yang Xiaojuan , Zhu Guiqi 
Published: December 2024

Objective Honey is generally considered to be a natural product with rich nutritional value. However, the fructose contained in honey is harmful to the liver. This study aims to observe the effect of acacia honey (AH) on serum uric acid and liver injury in potassium oxonate model rats after drinking AH aqueous solution. Materials and methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into control group (CON group), potassium oxonate model group (OA model group), 10% fructose group (10%F group) and different concentration AH groups (25%, 12.5% and 6.25% AH groups). 100 mg/kg OA solution combined with fructose solution or AH solution was administered to gavage model rats. After the 4 weeks test, blood and liver tissues were collected, serum uric acid content, biochemical indexes, activities of alanine transaminase and alanine transaminase were determined, and liver histological sections were observed. Results AH can significantly increase serum uric acid level, liver weight and liver to body weight ratio ( p < 0.05). The levels of serum triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and high-density fatty acid cholesterol (HDL-C) were elevated in 25% and 12.5% AH groups compared with CON group or OA model group ( p < 0.05), but serum levels of TG, FFA, HDL-C, total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased in 6.25%AH group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion AH can cause fatty liver disease in all rats in a dose dependent manner. In the dose range of the present study, AH can induce hyperuricemia, hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver disease.
Effect of Curcumin and Black tea Extract on Breast, Liver and Colon Cancer Cells, Studying the Effect of raw Turmeric Powder Hangover on Adsorption of Heavy Metal
Authors: Hussein Azhar Maher , Badawy Nagwa A. , Elbayaa A. A. , Zaahkouk S. A. M. , Emam Abeer A. , Miski Samar F. , Belal Amany , Mehany Ahmed B. M. 
Published: December 2024

Objective/Background Curcumin is a phenolic molecule found in turmeric, it has a wide range of pharmacological actions and is being studied in clinical investigations for the treatment of many illnesses. The durability of turmeric as a natural coloring agent in various media is not well understood. Numerous variables including additives can change the stability of turmeric. Therefore, it is interesting to investigate the stability of turmeric in different additive combinations. Methods To examine the following three main areas: (1) the impact of different additives (green and black tea) on the kinetic analysis and chemical stability of commercial turmeric as a natural mixture of curcuminoids. (2) Study the adsorption of Cr (III) by raw turmeric powder hangover and (3) the anticancer activity of both turmeric raw material and black tea. Results Investigations of the extract on human cancer cells as breast, colon and liver using Sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay method shwoed a good anticancer activity of black tea and the extracted turmeric raw material. Conclusion Raw turmeric powder hangover has effect on adsorption of heavy metal, also curcumin and black tea extract have anticancer activity against the tested cancer cells, IC50 value ranged from 0.25 to 2.5 μg/ml.
Digital empowerment in long-term condition management: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the experiences and perceptions of home-based digital health coaching interventions
Authors: Christie Rachel , Sadler Euan , Sait Matthew , Light Karen , Cox Chantel , Board Michele , Thomas Sarah , Walker Dawn-Marie , Allen-Pick Mark , Bradbury Katherine , Murphy Jane 
Published: December 2024

Objectives Globally, the prevalence of long-term conditions (LTCs) continues to rise. The impact of LTCs presents significant challenges for international health and social care systems and continues to be a leading cause of mortality. Despite this, digital health coaching interventions (DHCIs) appear to be a promising strategy for managing chronic disease. The aims of this systematic review and narrative synthesis were to explore the barriers and enablers for the use of DHCIs and to gather valuable information to inform the development of a new DHCI for LTC management. Methods Six major databases were searched for studies published in the English language between January 2012 and December 2022. Qualitative and mixed methods studies were included if there was an intervention of digital health coaching alongside the use of a digital component. Interventions were suitable if completed in community settings, amongst adults aged over 18 with a LTC, or amongst informal carers, health coaches, or health and care professionals. Included studies were assessed for quality, and results were analysed with narrative synthesis. Results Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of LTCs and interventions which included digital health coaching (telephone, video, online, text) and the use of a digital component (online, application-based). Results showed that DHCIs require personalisation and feedback, and cannot be overcomplex. Importantly, an element of human connection is favourable. Conclusions The acceptability of DHCIs is variable- and context-dependent. Further research is needed to focus on the breadth of LTCs in order to generalise findings.
Mapping cognitive dysfunction in relapsing multiple sclerosis with mild disability: A cross-sectional study from South India
Authors: Nair Sruthi S , Thulaseedharan Jissa Vinodha , Rajan Neenumol Kandagathparambil , Bava Elshal , Nair Gowthami , Sundaram Soumya , Nair Muralidharan , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Menon Ramshekhar N 
Published: December 2024

Background Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs early. Locally adapted neuropsychological data from India in MS is scarce. Objectives We aimed to identify the pattern of cognitive impairment in relapsing MS (RMS) with mild disability using a regionally-adapted MS-specific cognitive battery. Methodology The study included 59 persons with MS (pwMS) with expanded disability status scale (EDSS)≤ 4 and 62 controls. The battery had 8 neuropsychological tests (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test [PASAT], Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT], Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test [RAVLT], Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised [BVMT-R], verbal fluency [VF], Judgement of Line Orientation Test [JOLOT], Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST] and Trail Making Test-B [TMT-B]) with 11 measures. The scores were compared between the groups for pattern and associations of cognitive impairment. Results The pwMS cohort had 39 (66.1%) females; mean age of 32.56 (±8.17) years. Scores were significantly worse for pwMS in 10 of 11 tests (except JOLOT). Cohen's-d test showed the largest effect sizes for PASAT, SDMT, VF and TMT-B. Cognitive impairment (defined as ≥2 abnormal tests) were noted in 41 (69.5%) pwMS. Male sex was associated with cognitive impairment ( p = 0.002). Conclusions In pwMS with mild disability, nearly two-thirds had cognitive abnormalities, predominantly involving processing speed, working memory, executive function, and VF.
Association Between Articular Incongruence After Trochleoplasty and Long-term Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis
Authors: Pineda Tomas , Dan Michael J. , Cance Nicolas , Demey Guillaume , Dejour David H. 
Published: December 2024

Background: Trochleoplasty has shown promising results in selected patients with patellar instability. However, concerns persist regarding its potential relationship with long-term osteoarthritis (OA) and the underlying causes. Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative patellofemoral incongruence after trochleoplasty and long-term OA. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty between 2003 and 2013 and identified 43 patients after their initial search. All patients were assessed at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and end-of-follow-up lateral and axial view knee radiographs were used to evaluate patellofemoral OA using the Iwano classification, the patellar articular surface angle (PA), and the trochlear articular surface angle (TA). Data on patellar redislocation, reoperations, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, and patient satisfaction scores were also collected. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between articular surface angles and OA, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the association between categorical and ordinal variables. A 2-tailed Student t test was used to compare the mean values of the clinical scores between groups. Results: Ten patients (10 knees) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 3.93 years. The PA and TA were 148.5°± 24.75° and 148.5°± 17.85°, respectively, with a mean patellofemoral incongruence of 21.4°± 16.03°. None of the patients had preoperative OA, and 4 (40%) developed postoperative OA: 2 with Iwano grade 1 and 2 with Iwano grade 2. Higher patellofemoral incongruence was found to correlate with the development of patellofemoral OA ( P = .017). No independent correlation was found between the TA and OA ( P = .553) or the PA and OA ( P = .884). The satisfaction, Kujala, and IKDC scores were 8.2 ± 1.75, 82.5 ± 10.09, and 84.4 ± 9.79, respectively. Only 1 patient (10%) reported a traumatic patellar dislocation, none required reoperations, and all (100%) indicated they would undergo surgery again. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patellofemoral incongruence after trochleoplasty was associated with the development of long-term OA without an independent correlation with a flat trochlea or a flat patella.
Education Initiative for Essential Conversations with Parents—Serious Illness Guide for Pediatrics (SICG-Peds©-Peds)
Authors: Breemen Camara van , Lusney Nadine , Doherty Megan , Castro-Noriega Elisa , Siden Harold (Hal) 
Published: December 2024

Objectives To explore whether training on the SICG-Peds© (Serious Illness Guide for Pediatrics) impacts a pediatric clinician's confidence and knowledge in participating and initiating/leading difficult conversations with families of children living with a serious illness. Methods Over 2 years, clinicians from BC and Ontario who care for children with serious illnesses attended training workshops on the SICG-Peds©. These workshops were evaluated using pre- and post-workshop questionnaires. Participants reported confidence scores on a scale of 1 to 10. Results In total, 134 and 140 clinicians attended the workshops in BC and Ontario, respectively. The majority of clinicians who completed the immediate post-workshop survey ( N = 223, 94.5%), responded that the content enhanced their knowledge about pediatric serious illness conversations (SIC). Confidence scores in initiating/leading a SIC significantly increased from median 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-7) pre-workshop to 7 (IQR 7-9) immediately post-workshop ( P < .0001). Confidence scores in participating as a non-leader in a SIC also significantly increased from median 7 (IQR 6-9) pre-workshop to median 8 (IQR 7-9) immediately post-workshop ( P < .0001). Conclusions Overall, these workshops significantly improved participants’ confidence. Effectiveness and knowledge enhancement were other areas where the majority of participants reported positive improvements. Areas for continued support were identified as more mentoring, and training for supporting the guide's use in a clinical setting.
Inhibition Mechanism of the Interface Reaction in the Molten Pool of SiCp/Al Composites by Pulsed Laser Welding with Powder-Filling
Authors: Shi Yan , Wang Shupeng , Jian Yongchao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the welding process of SiCp/Al composites, Al reacts with SiC particles in the molten pool to form Al4C3, a brittle phase, damaging the reinforcement and causing a sharp decline in the mechanical properties of weld joints. To mitigate this, a method of welding SiCp/Al composites by pulsed laser welding with powder-filling is proposed, inhibiting the interface reaction between Al and SiC particles in the molten pool. This study investigates the effect of pulse frequency on the temperature field of the molten pool, and combines thermal-fluid numerical simulation to analyze the peak temperature at different pulse frequencies, optimizing the Si content to ultimately inhibit the interface reaction in the molten pool. Results indicate that an appropriate pulse frequency achieves good welding formation and effectively regulates the peak temperature of the molten pool. Only a small amount of brittle phase is present in the weld joint, creating favorable conditions for the addition of alloying elements. The interface reaction is slowed down by adjusting the pulse frequency, though it is not completely inhibited. When the addition of Si content reaches 8%, the occurrence of the interface reaction is effectively inhibited. In weld joints with the addition of 8wt% Si powder, no Al4C3 brittle phase is present, and the tensile strength of the weld joint is 266 MPa, up to 70% of the base material.