bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Elderly Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Vietnam
Authors: Ho Loi N. , Quach Duc T. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimHelicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Limited data exist on H. pylori prevalence and risk factors of infection among elderly individuals in Vietnam. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of H. pylori infection in elderly Vietnamese patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on patients aged ≥ 60 years with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent endoscopy. The exclusion criteria included recent antibiotic or proton pump inhibitor use, prior H. pylori eradication, or upper gastrointestinal surgery. Data on demographics, hygiene, diet, and history were collected through structured questionnaires. H. pylori was diagnosed by a rapid urease test. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors.ResultsOf 406 participants (mean age 65.4 ± 4.5 years, male‐to‐female ratio 1:2), H. pylori prevalence was 55.6%. The risk factors for H. pylori infection included infrequent tooth brushing (OR 18.14, 95% CI 3.94–83.55), overweight/obesity (OR 5.82, 95% CI 3.44–9.88), spicy food consumption (OR 5.18, 95% CI 2.74–9.79), a family history of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.84–5.39), and cat ownership (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.10–3.68). The vegetarian diet was protective (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.18).ConclusionsH. pylori prevalence in elderly Vietnamese is high, with risk factors including poor hygiene, obesity, spicy food, family history, and cat ownership. A vegetarian diet may be protective.
Expression of serum miR‐135a in patients with allergic rhinitis and its relationship with Treg/Th17 balance
Authors: Cai Jing , Wang Fang , Shi Sheng‐Liu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression contributes to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). This study investigates serum miR‐135a levels and their association with regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper cell 17 (Th17) balance in AR patients. A total of 93 AR patients and 76 healthy controls were retrospectively recruited. Levels of serum miR‐135a, peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, and Treg/Th17‐related cytokines were measured. We assessed the diagnostic value of serum miR‐135a for AR and its relationship with Treg/Th17 balance. AR patients showed significantly elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE), peripheral blood Th17 cells, and IL‐17 and IL‐6 levels, alongside reduced serum miR‐135a, Treg cells, IL‐10, TGF‐β1, and Treg/Th17 ratios. A serum miR‐135a of ≤0.536 demonstrated diagnostic potential for AR. Patients with higher serum miR‐135a levels displayed increased Treg cell level and Treg/Th17 ratios, reduced Th17 cell, and lower total nasal symptom score (TNSS). Serum miR‐135a levels in AR patients negatively correlated with TNSS, IL‐17, IL‐6, and Th17 cell percentages, and positively correlated with IL‐10, TGF‐β1, Treg cell percentages, and Treg/Th17 ratios. Collectively, decreased serum miR‐135a levels in AR patients are associated with Treg/Th17 balance, supporting miR‐135a as a potential biomarker for AR diagnosis.
Three‐dimensional modeling of electromagnetic field and fluid flow during solidification of an aluminum alloy in a pulsed magnetic field
Authors: Teng Y. F. , Zheng C. , Li Y. J. , Luo T. J. , Feng X. H. , Zhu C. , Yang Y. S. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThree‐dimensional finite element models were built to describe the distribution of electromagnetic fields and fluid fields under a low frequency low voltage time‐dependent pulsed magnetic field. The simulation results showed that eddy current circling around the axis of the melt can be induced by pulsed magnetic field. Periodic positive‐negative Lorentz force in the melt was induced from the interaction between the current and magnetic field. The effects generated by the pulsed magnetic field included vibration, fluid flow and Joule heat. The melt flowed in the form of a multi‐circle and the fluid velocity was composed of a base component and a pulse component. The temperature in the melt was homogeneous because of the fluid flow. Melt temperatures were measured and compared with the simulated results during solidification process of aluminum alloy A356 (Al−Si alloy), which qualitatively confirmed the decrease of temperature gradient. Moreover, the effects of material resistivity and electromagnetic parameters of the pulsed magnetic field were investigated. Materials with smaller resistivity took larger electromagnetic force. The fluid flowed much faster under larger excitation current density and frequency. Finally, the grain refinement mechanisms under the pulsed magnetic field were analyzed.
Enhancing Multilingual Patient Education: ChatGPT's Accuracy and Readability for SSNHL Queries in English and Spanish
Authors: Ajit‐Roger Emily , Moise Alexander , Peralta Carolina , Orishchak Ostap , Daniel Sam J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates ChatGPT's accuracy, readability, understandability, and actionability in responding to patient queries on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in English and Spanish, when compared to Google responses. The objective is to address concerns regarding its proficiency in addressing medical inquiries when presented in a language divergent from its primary programming.Study DesignObservational.SettingVirtual environment.MethodsUsing ChatGPT 3.5 and Google, questions from the AAO‐HNSF guidelines were presented in English and Spanish. Responses were graded by 2 otolaryngologists proficient in both languages using a 4‐point Likert scale and the PEMAT‐P tool. To ensure uniform application of the Likert scale, a third independent evaluator reviewed the consistency in grading. Readability was evaluated using 3 different tools specific to each language. IBM SPSS Version 29 was used for statistical analysis using one‐way analysis of variance.ResultsAcross both languages, the responses displayed a native‐level language proficiency. Accuracy was comparable between sources and languages. Google's Spanish responses had better readability (effect size 0.35, P < .001), while Google's English responses were more understandable (effect size 0.67, P = .018). ChatGPT's English responses demonstrated the highest level of actionability (60%), though not significantly different when compared to other sources (effect size 0.47, P = .14).ConclusionChatGPT offers patients comprehensive and guideline‐conforming answers to SSNHL patient medical queries in the 2 most spoken languages in the United States. However, improvements in its readability and understandability are warranted for more accessible patient education.
Effect of Ionic‐Electronic Coupling on the Percolation Phenomenon of Polymer/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Al‐Bataineh Qais M. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Migdadi A. B. , Telfah Ahmad D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effect of ionic‐electronic coupling on the percolation phenomenon of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/rGO nanocomposite films by adding KOTf because the rGO exhibits electronic conductivity and KOTf exhibits ionic conductivity. The electrical conductivity curve of PEO/rGO nanocomposite films exhibits a sharp rise in the percolation zone, followed by constant values in the conductive zone, indicating the formation of rGO conductive pathways through the PEO matrix. On the other hand, introducing KOTf in PEO/rGO nanocomposite films increases the maximum electrical conductivity from to , due to the high ionic‐electronic coupling through the polymer matrix at the interface between phase‐separated regions. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the distribution and morphology of PEO/rGO and PEO/rGO/KOTf nanocomposite films. Finally, the feasibility of using PEO/rGO and PEO/rGO/KOTf nanocomposite films in the conductive zone as an electrochemical charge storage device is investigated. We can conclude that PEO/rGO/KOTf nanocomposite films can be used in several potential applications, including high‐performance UV‐photodetectors, photoactive layers in solar cells, and energy storage devices.
Immunization‐related complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review of case reports
Authors: Copenhaver William K. , Goodwin Brandon J. , Simonetti Alexa , Shah Kunal P. , Averell Nicholas J. , Lo David F. , Jermyn Richard T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimVaccines have been shown to have the highest efficacy in preventing infectious diseases through their ability to induce immunological memory against pathogens. An adverse reaction to a vaccine is an unexpected medical occurrence following immunization. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disease that has undergone much controversy regarding its onset post‐vaccination. This systematic review aims to evaluate cases of CRPS post‐vaccination to better understand the manifestation of the disease and its potential association with vaccines.MethodsA systematic review of case reports was conducted employing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Outcomes of interest include type of vaccination, patient age, patient sex, time to symptom onset, and medical history including but not limited to previous autoimmune diseases, psychological illness, physical tissue trauma, and neurological disease.ResultsInitial querying of the five databases yielded 404 articles. Following a thorough review of articles, only 14 remained, comprising 18 cases. Studies included cases of CRPS development following tetanus, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, rubella, influenza, tetanus–diphtheria, human papillomavirus, and COVID‐19 vaccine administration.ConclusionThe limitations of evidence used in this study highlight the need for a greater output of higher‐level evidence in the form of controlled trials and retrospective studies to help further elucidate the connection between vaccine use and the development of CRPS in patients. Currently, vaccines continue to be safe for global public use.
Confronting the Taboo of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction: A Qualitative Study of Maternal Decision‐Making in Triplet Pregnancies
Authors: van Baar P. M. , Arnoldussen R. , Pajkrt E. , de Boer M. A. , de Groot C. J. M. , Broekman B. F. P. , van Pampus M. G. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the personal experiences of women faced with the decision to continue a triplet pregnancy or undergo multifetal pregnancy reduction.MethodsA qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews was conducted between October 2021 and April 2023. Participants included women who continued a triplet pregnancy, and those who underwent multifetal pregnancy reduction from triplet to twins or singletons, 1–6 years post‐decision. Interviews focused on: (1) the decision‐making process, and (2) the emotional aspects and psychological impact of the decision. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns, involving familiarization, defining themes, and producing the final report.ResultsData saturation was achieved after 16 interviews, revealing two main themes: (1) maternal intuition as a guiding force, and (2) navigating the crossroads: coping and reflection on the decision. These themes illustrate an interplay between maternal intuition and intrinsic feelings in the decision whether to perform multifetal pregnancy reduction, seemingly less influenced by external factors. Mothers who adhere to their intuition (15/16) have a low likelihood of experiencing regret. Despite the inclination to share and seek support, a persistent taboo surrounds the topic of multifetal pregnancy reduction. The findings also emphasize a considerable gap in aftercare for women, regardless of their decision.ConclusionThere is a need for improved care and support for parents facing the decision of continuing a triplet pregnancy or deciding on multifetal pregnancy reduction. Efforts should focus on fostering open societal dialog about this taboo subject, and addressing the gap in aftercare to provide comprehensive support to women post‐decision and post‐birth, thereby establishing a more supportive and compassionate framework.
The challenges for developing prognostic prediction models for acute kidney injury in hospitalized children: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Xiaohang , Zhang Chao , Yan Ruohua , Li Yuchuan , Peng Xiaoxia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTImportanceAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized children which could rapidly progress into chronic kidney disease if not timely diagnosed. Prognostic prediction models for AKI were established to identify AKI early and improve children's prognosis.ObjectiveTo appraise prognostic prediction models for pediatric AKI.MethodsFour English and four Chinese databases were systematically searched from January 1, 2010, to June 6, 2022. Articles describing prognostic prediction models for pediatric AKI were included. The data extraction was based on the CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies checklist. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed according to the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool guideline. The quantitative synthesis of the models was not performed due to the lack of methods regarding the meta‐analysis of prediction models.ResultsEight studies with 16 models were included. There were significant deficiencies in reporting and all models were considered at high ROB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict AKI ranged from 0.69 to 0.95. However, only about one‐third of models have completed internal or external validation. The calibration was provided only in four models. Three models allowed easy bedside calculation or electronic automation, and two models were evaluated for their impacts on clinical practice.InterpretationBesides the modeling algorithm, the challenges for developing prediction models for pediatric AKI reflected by the reporting deficiencies included ways of handling baseline serum creatinine and age‐dependent blood biochemical indexes. Moreover, few prediction models for pediatric AKI were performed for external validation, let alone the transformation in clinical practice. Further investigation should focus on the combination of prediction models and electronic automatic alerts.
Oligomerization‐mediated phase separation in the nucleoid‐associated sensory protein H‐NS is controlled by ambient cues
Authors: Lukose Bincy , Goyal Saloni , Naganathan Athi N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractH‐NS, a nucleoid‐associated protein (NAP) from enterobacteria, regulates gene expression by dynamically transducing environmental cues to conformational assembly and DNA binding. In this work, we show that H‐NS from Escherichia coli, which can assemble into octameric and tetrameric oligomerization states, forms spontaneous micron‐sized liquid‐like condensates with DNA at sub‐physiological concentrations in vitro. The heterotypic condensates are metastable at 298 K, partially solubilizing with time, while still retaining their liquid‐like properties. The condensates display UCST‐like phase behavior solubilizing at higher temperatures, but with a large decrease in droplet‐assembly propensities at 310 K and at higher ionic strength. Condensate formation can be tuned in a cyclic manner between 298 and 310 K with the extent of reversibility determined by the incubation time, highlighting strong hysteresis. An engineered phospho‐mimetic variant of H‐NS (Y61E), which is dimeric and only weakly binds DNA, is unable to form condensates. The Y61E mutant solubilizes pre‐formed H‐NS condensates with DNA in a few minutes with nearly an order of magnitude speed‐up in droplet dissolution at 310 K relative to 298 K, demonstrating rapid molecular transport between dilute and condensed phases. Our results establish that the oligomerization of H‐NS is intrinsically tied not only to DNA binding but also its phase‐separation tendencies, while showcasing the regulatable and programmable nature of heterotypic condensates formed by an archetypal NAP via multiple cues and their lifetimes.
Smart Polymer‐Based Delivery Systems for Curcumin in Colon Cancer Therapy: A Review
Authors: Kamath Adithya Jayaprakash , Donadkar Asawari Dilip , Nair Bhagyalakshmi , Kumar Ayana R. , Sabitha M. , Sethi Gautam , Chauhan Abhay Singh , Nath Lekshmi R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCurcumin, a well‐known bioactive component, has profound effects against colon cancer. However, the limitations are poor systemic absorption, off‐target distribution, chemical instability, short half‐life, and less concentration reaching tumor tissues. Several drug delivery systems have been evaluated so far to deliver effective concentrations of curcumin to the malignant tissues. This review aims to explore the role of smart polymers in overcoming limitations in curcumin delivery against colon cancer. Literature of the past 10 years was collected from Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using specific keywords. Several preclinical and clinical studies of curcumin against colon cancer with the inclusion of smart polymers were screened using keywords like “FDA‐approved biomaterials,” “stimuli‐responsive polymer,” “smart biomaterial,” and so forth. Smart polymer phrase is used to describe all the mentioned polymers in the manuscript. Stimuli‐responsive polymers, including poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), Eudragit, cyclodextrin, and chitosan, have emerged as promising candidates for curcumin delivery against colon cancer. These polymers facilitate controlled drug release in response to stimuli such as temperature, pH, and enzymes, while offering biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safety. The five selected FDA‐approved smart polymers exhibit the potential for enhancing curcumin delivery against colon cancer.
Ginsenosides From Panax ginseng Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorders in HFD‐Fed Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Cholesterol Metabolism Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhu Yue , Zhang Kang‐xi , Bu Qing‐yun , Song Shu‐xia , Chen Yue , Zou Hong , You Xiao‐yan , Zhao Guo‐ping 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA high‐fat diet (HFD) is often associated with hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, leading to dysfunction in multiple body systems. Ginsenosides derived from Panax ginseng have been reported to possess potential effects in ameliorating lipid metabolism disorders; however, their underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the bioactivities of ginsenosides in combating lipid metabolism disorders and obesity, with a focus on their mechanisms involving the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway and gut microbiota. Our results demonstrated that ginsenoside treatment significantly reduced overall body weight, body weight changes, liver weight, and eWAT weight, as well as alleviated hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia in HFD‐fed rats, without affecting food intake. These effects were dose‐dependent. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that ginsenosides significantly increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Blautia, Eisenbergiella, Clostridium clusters XI, XVIII, and III, while decreasing the relative abundance of Clostridium subcluster XIVa and Dorea. In addition, ginsenoside treatment significantly regulated the expression of hepatic genes and proteins involved in the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway (FXR, CYP7A1, CYP7B1, CYP27A1, ABCG5, ABCG8, Insig2, and Dhcr7), potentially inhibiting hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis while promoting cholesterol transport to HDL and its excretion via bile and feces. Notably, levels of 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC) and 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC) were reduced, while 5β,6β‐epoxycholesterol (5,6β‐epoxy) levels were elevated following ginsenoside treatment, indicating significant modulation of oxysterols by ginsenosides. Moreover, bile acid enterohepatic circulation was regulated through the enhancement of hepatic FXR‐CYP7A1 signaling and intestinal FXR‐FGF15 signaling in HFD‐fed rats treated with ginsenosides, which was closely linked to gut microbiota composition. Collectively, our findings suggest that ginsenosides alleviate hepatic lipid metabolism disorders by modulating gut microbiota and the cholesterol metabolism signaling pathway in HFD‐fed rats.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans totally implantable venous access device infection in a person with cystic fibrosis: Complex management considerations
Authors: Evans Ieuan E. S. , Haqqani Haris , Smith Daniel , Reid David W. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTotally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are frequently used in people with cystic fibrosis as a means of securing consistent vascular access, particularly in the context of severe disease and microbial colonization. Infection of TIVADs is not uncommon and typically associated with coagulase negative staphylococci, though infection with other organisms does occur too. We report on the first case of a TIVAD infection caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans in person with cystic fibrosis. The TIVAD infection was complicated by a bacteraemia and an associated intracardiac infected thrombus at the superior atriocaval junction. We explore the complex management decisions surrounding the removal of the TIVAD and prolonged antibiotic treatment, with treatment ultimately resulting in a good outcome and full recovery. The case helps to serve as a timely reminder of requirement to review the necessity to retain TIVAD in the era of CFTR modulator therapy and associated improved health outcomes being experienced.
Assessment of the fracture properties of mortars reinforced with synthetic fibers
Authors: Ibrahim Haruna , Wardeh George , Fares Hanaa , Ghorbel Elhem 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the post‐cracking behavior of mortars reinforced with synthetic polypropylene fibers. To three series of mortars, normal strength (NSM), high strength (HSM), and high strength with fly ash (HSMFA), short and long, was introduced at 0.6% and 1% by volume, respectively. Pre‐notched 4 × 4 × 16 cm were used for 3‐point flexural tests, and the digital image correlation (DIC) method was employed to assess the load‐CMOD curves. Based on the experimental curves, a tri‐linear stress‐crack opening (σ‐w) relationship was used to develop an analytical model for the Mode I crack propagation, and the inverse analysis method was applied to optimize the model's parameters. The obtained parameters were compared to the fib MC2010 characteristic values related to serviceability and ultimate limit states. The results show that short fiber‐reinforced mortars exhibit a softening behavior regardless of the fiber dosage after a rapid drop once the tensile strength has been achieved. The three mortars incorporating long fiber reinforcement exhibit a very high deformation capacity and hardening behavior. For NSM, fibers appear to be more effective than HSM and HSMFA. All materials achieve the ultimate fracture opening of 2.5 mm, as defined by the fib MC2010, except 0.6% long fiber‐reinforced HSMFA. Compared to the reference mixture (mixture without fibers), adding synthetic fibers to the mortar did not exhibit a significant environmental and health impact.