bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography Metric of Intrahepatic Biliary Dilatation Severity Detects High‐Risk Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Selvaraj Emmanuel A. , Ba‐Ssalamah Ahmed , Poetter‐Lang Sarah , Ridgway Gerard R. , Brady J. Michael , Collier Jane , Culver Emma L. , Bailey Adam , Pavlides Michael 
Published: November 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI‐MRCP) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is currently based on qualitative assessment and has high interobserver variability. We investigated the utility and performance of quantitative metrics derived from a three‐dimensional biliary analysis tool in adult patients with PSC. MRI‐MRCP, blood‐based biomarkers, and FibroScan were prospectively performed in 80 participants with large‐duct PSC and 20 healthy participants. Quantitative analysis was performed using MRCP+ (Perspectum Ltd., United Kingdom), and qualitative reads were performed by radiologists. Inter‐reader agreements were compared. Patients were classified into high risk or low risk for disease progression, using Mayo risk score (MRS), Amsterdam‐Oxford model (AOM), upper limit of normal (ULN) alkaline phosphatase (ALP), disease distribution, and presence of dominant stricture. Performance of noninvasive tools was assessed using binomial logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Quantitative biliary metrics performed well to distinguish abnormal from normal bile ducts (P < 0.0001). Interobserver agreements for MRCP+ dilatation metrics (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.90‐0.96) were superior to modified Amsterdam intrahepatic stricture severity score (κ = 0.74) and Anali score (κ = 0.38). MRCP+ intrahepatic dilatation severity showed excellent performance to classify patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups, using predictors of disease severity as the reference (MRS, P < 0.0001; AOM, P = 0.0017; 2.2 × ULN ALP, P = 0.0007; 1.5 × ULN ALP, P = 0.0225; extrahepatic disease, P = 0.0331; dominant stricture, P = 0.0019). MRCP+ intrahepatic dilatation severity was an independent predictor of MRS >0 (odds ratio, 31.3; P = 0.035) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Intrahepatic biliary dilatation severity calculated using MRCP+ is elevated in patients with high‐risk PSC and may be used as an adjunct for risk stratification in PSC. This exploratory study has provided the groundwork for examining the utility of novel quantitative biliary metrics in multicenter studies.
Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia in pregnancy with the glucose challenge test administered in early pregnancy
Authors: Sfameni Salvatore F. , Wein Peter , Ngu Andrew C. C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the cut‐off value for the 75‐g glucose challenge test administered in early pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy.MethodsA prospective study involving 1500 antenatal patients attending a community hospital. Patients were screened with the 75‐g 1‐h glucose challenge test in early pregnancy and subsequently tested with the 75‐g 2‐h glucose tolerance test to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus. Statistical methods were employed to determine the optimal plasma glucose cut‐off value for a positive result in early pregnancy.ResultsA glucose challenge test value of 6.0 mmol/L (108 mg/dl) or more was selected as the preferred cut‐off level for further testing with a sensitivity of 83.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77.0%–88.9%) and specificity of 49.2% (95% CI 46.5%–52.0%).ConclusionAn early pregnancy glucose challenge test reading of 6.0 mmol/L (108 mg/dl) or more is effective in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus; a value of 10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dl) or more is effective for finding pre‐pregnancy abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism. The false‐positive glucose challenge test diagnoses gestational hyperglycemia, the treatment of which will improve perinatal outcome. Further testing based on risk factors will exclude a false‐negative glucose challenge test. A combination of universal early pregnancy screening and selective risk‐factor testing is recommended to detect the full range of abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism encountered in pregnancy.
Evaluating the feasibility of performing pharmacogenetic guided‐medication therapy management in a retirement community: A prospective, single arm study
Authors: Chaitesipaseut Lena , Wilson Norton Jennifer , Trivelli Kristen , Argon Sophie , Petrie Ichiko , Ragueneau‐Majlessi Isabelle , Mikes Tamatha , Nguyen Hao , Devine Beth 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionPharmacogenomic‐guided medication therapy management (PGx‐MTM) can optimize medication therapy for older adults. Pharmacist‐led PGx‐MTM in retirement communities has been infrequently described.ObjectivesWe conducted a prospective, single‐arm feasibility study that incorporated PGx‐MTM services into an academic clinical practice at a retirement community. We posited that provision of PGx‐MTM services would be feasible and would enable us to identify one or more drug therapy‐related problems for each participant.MethodsWe screened residents using a predefined list of gene‐drug pairs for which the level of evidence for clinical impact is highest and consented those who were taking one of these medications (qualifying medication). The clinical pharmacist conducted PGx testing using a DNA buccal swab. Tests were analyzed by a commercial laboratory, and a corresponding Personalized Medicine Report generated. The Report included an assessment of gene‐drug pairs not only for qualifying medications, but for all pairs on our predefined list, in the event participants were prescribed these medications in the future (future medications). Results were risk‐categorized as “consider alternatives,” “use with caution,” or “standard precautions” (no change in therapy).The clinical pharmacist reviewed participant‐specific results for all gene‐drug pairs tested, then forwarded results to participants' providers along with recommendations for modifications in drug therapy. We calculated descriptive statistics to characterize participant‐specific demographic and clinical characteristics, medication use, PGx test results, and corresponding recommendations.ResultsEighteen participants enrolled. We evaluated 23 results of qualifying medications, associated with six genes, 30% (7/23) of which were categorized as “use with caution” (warfarin) or “consider alternatives” (simvastatin, clopidogrel, and paroxetine). One required a change in therapy (simvastatin). When considering future medications (n = 245), the proportion was the same.ConclusionOur work demonstrates the feasibility of and suggests the potential for providing PGx‐MTM in retirement communities using preemptive genotyping, offering a new level of care to an often‐overlooked population, and advancing pharmacy practice.
Inactivation of multidrug‐resistant bacteria and bacterial spores and generation of high‐potency bacterial vaccines using ultrashort pulsed lasers
Authors: Tsen Shaw‐Wei David , Popovich John , Hodges Megan , Haydel Shelley E. , Tsen Kong‐Thon , Sudlow Gail , Mueller Elizabeth A. , Levin Petra Anne , Achilefu Samuel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMultidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) represent a continuing healthcare crisis with no definitive solution to date. An alternative to antibiotics is the development of therapies and vaccines using biocompatible physical methods such as ultrashort pulsed (USP) lasers, which have previously been shown to inactivate pathogens while minimizing collateral damage to human cells, blood proteins, and vaccine antigens. Here we demonstrate that visible USP laser treatment results in bactericidal effect (≥3‐log load reduction) against clinically significant MDROs, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli. Bacillus cereus endospores, which are highly resistant to conventional chemical and physical treatments, were also shown to be effectively inactivated by USP laser treatment, resulting in sporicidal (≥3‐log load reduction) activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that administration of USP laser‐inactivated E. coli whole‐cell vaccines at dosages as low as 105 cfu equivalents without adjuvant was able to protect 100% of mice against subsequent lethal challenge. Our findings open the possibility for application of USP lasers in disinfection of hospital environments, therapy of drug‐resistant bacterial infections in skin or bloodstream via pheresis modalities, and in the production of potent bacterial vaccines.
Ovarian extracellular matrix‐based hydrogel for human ovarian follicle survival in vivo: A pilot work
Authors: Chiti Maria‐Costanza , Vanacker Julie , Ouni Emna , Tatic Natalija , Viswanath Aiswarya , des Rieux Anne , Dolmans Marie‐Madeleine , White Lisa Jane , Amorim Christiani Andrade 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo successfully assemble a bio‐engineered ovary, we need to create a three‐dimensional matrix able to accommodate isolated follicles and cells. The goal of this study was to develop an extracellular matrix hydrogel (oECM) derived from decellularized bovine ovaries able to support, in combination with alginate, human ovarian follicle survival and growth in vitro. Two different hydrogels (oECM1, oECM2) were produced and compared in terms of decellularization efficiency (dsDNA), ECM preservation (collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels), ultrastructure, rigidity, and cytotoxicity. oECM2 showed significantly less dsDNA, greater retention of glycosaminoglycans and better rigidity than oECM1. Isolated human ovarian follicles were then encapsulated in four selected hydrogel combinations: (1) 100% oECM2, (2) 90% oECM2 + 10% alginate, (3) 75% oECM2 + 25% alginate, and (4) 100% alginate. After 1 week of in vitro culture, follicle recovery rate, viability, and growth were analyzed. On day 7 of in vitro culture, follicle recovery rates were 0%, 23%, 65%, 82% in groups 1–4, respectively, rising proportionally with increased alginate content. However, there was no difference in follicle viability or growth between groups 2 and 3 and controls (group 4). In conclusion, since pure alginate cannot be used to graft preantral follicles due to its poor revascularization and degradation after grafting, oECM2 hydrogel combined with alginate may provide a new and promising alternative to graft isolated human follicles in a bio‐engineered ovary.
Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles for treatment of N‐Nitrosodiethylamine‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Singh Asha , Dar Mohd Yaqoob , Nagar Durga P. , Tomar Rajesh S. , Shrivastava Sadhana , Shukla Sangeeta 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe development of bioengineered nanoparticles has attracted considerable universal attention in the field of medical science and disease treatment. Current studies were executed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Their characterization was performed by UV‐Visible analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Zeta analyses. In in vivo studies, albino rats (180 ± 10 g) were persuaded with model hepatic toxicant N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and subsequently cotreated with Morus multicaulis at 100 mg/kg and AgNPs at 100 µg/kg dose. NDEA administration elevates the levels of liver function test biomarkers, which were reinstated to normal by cotreatment of test drugs. The oxidative stress and concentration of drug‐metabolizing enzyme increase after induction of toxicant (NDEA), these markers are restored toward normal after cotreatment of nano‐drug. Treatments of M. multicaulis extract did not show such significant protection. The NDEA‐treated groups showed a significant rise in the level of cytokines (interleukin [IL‐6] and IL‐10) and reached normal with subsequent treatment with AgNPs. Histopathological studies also exhibited the curative effect of AgNPs in the same manner. Thus current results strongly suggest that biomimetic AgNPs could be used as an effective drug against hepatic alteration.
Self‐reassurance moderated by identity dysfunction: Associations with distress and impairment
Authors: Kealy David , Ben‐David Shelly , Spidel Alicia , Wadsley‐Rose Saffron , Kim Dan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough compassionate and reassuring self‐responding has been consistently linked with wellbeing, the involvement of identity dysfunction in this association is unclear. This study examined the interaction of self‐reassurance and identity dysfunction in relation to severity of psychological distress and social impairment among 243 clients attending mental health clinics. Participants completed measures of self‐reassurance, identity dysfunction, psychological distress, and social functioning; correlation and regression analyses were used to examine associations and interaction effects. The interaction between self‐reassurance and identity dysfunction was significant in relation to both distress and impairment, with the negative association between self‐reassurance and distress and impairment stronger as identity dysfunction diminished from high to moderate and to low levels of severity. Thus, higher self‐reassurance was most strongly associated with lower distress and impairment among clients with relatively stable identity, indicating the importance of considering identity dysfunction in counseling to enhance clients’ compassionate and reassuring self‐responses.
Computational and in vitro validation of cardiogenic induction of quercetin on adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells through the inhibition of Wnt and non‐Smad‐dependent TGF‐β pathways
Authors: Azadian Zahra , Hosseini Saadi , Dizjikan Zohre Panahi , Kazemi Javad , Marzouni Eisa Tahmasbpour , Wang Peng‐yuan , Alipour Atefeh , Shahsavarani Hosein 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExploiting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease due to their capacity to differentiate into cardiac cells. Though modulation of the intracellular signaling pathways dominantly WNT/β catenin and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) have been reported to promote differentiation of hMSCs into cardiomyocytes in the prevailing literature, a safe and reproducible system for their clinical application has not yet turned into reality. In the present study, the molecular docking‐based strategy was first applied for evaluating the potency of some natural phenolic compounds in the modulation of Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways using a vital class of crystallographic protein structures of WNT signaling regulators such as Frizzled, Disheveled, GSK3‐β, β‐catenin, LRP 5/6 extracellular domain, Tankyrase and their variety of active pockets. Then, the impacts of plant‐derived chemical compounds on the regulation of the relevant signals for the differentiation of hMSCs into the definitive mesoderm lineage and cardiac progenitors were assessed in vitro. Data obtained revealed the synergistic activity of Wnt and TGF‐β superfamily to direct cardiac differentiation in human cardiogenesis by comparing cardiac gene expression in the presence and absence of the TGF‐β inhibitors. We found that the inhibitory effect of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin is sufficient to cause proper cardiomyocyte differentiation, but the TGF‐β pathway plays a vital role in enhancing the expression of the cardiomyocyte‐specific marker (cTnT). It was found that quercetin, a p38MAPK inhibitor with the high energy dock to the active pocket of Wnt receptors, promotes cardiac differentiation via the inhibition of both Wnt and non‐Smad TGF‐β pathways. Altogether, data presented here can contribute to the development of a feasible and efficient cardiac differentiation protocol as an “off‐the‐shelf” therapeutic source using novel natural agents for cardiac repair or regeneration.
Adult mental health and child maltreatment: An ecological study across rural–urban and economic continua with implications for post‐pandemic human services
Authors: Yuma Paula , Orsi Rebecca , Pena Anita A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis ecological, county‐level, cross‐sectional study examines relationships between the mental health of adults (IV) and child maltreatment report rates (DV), as they vary by socioeconomic distress and rurality (n = 3015 counties), using the most recent available data from several linked sources. In a two‐way model, maltreatment reports increased 20.1% for each additional half day of poor mental health in metro counties, 11.7% in nonmetro counties, and 13% in rural counties. Our zero‐inflated negative binomial model, moderated by rurality and economic distress, showed a significant relationship between the number of poor mental health days and increased child maltreatment report rates in counties (χ2 = 145.52, p < 0.0001). Investment in prevention and treatment of adult mental health concerns is imperative, especially in light of the increase in mental health problems caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and increased tension within national political debate. Our results indicate successful support of adult mental health will prevent child maltreatment and reduce the cyclical financial burden of child maltreatment and mental health concerns.
College student motivations for and perceived impacts of volunteering with a nutrition and cooking education program for children
Authors: Soldavini Jessica , Taillie Lindsey S. , Lytle Leslie A. , Berner Maureen , Ward Dianne S. , Ammerman Alice 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo assess among college students their motivations for and perceived impacts of volunteering with Cooking Matters for Kids as part of No Kid Hungry NC. Seventeen college student volunteers responded to an online survey questionnaire assessing their motivations for volunteering and how they were impacted by their experiences. Motivational functions for volunteering (values, understanding, social, career, protective, enhancement) were assessed using the Volunteer Functions Inventory. The strongest motivational functions for volunteering were values and understanding. Students were also strongly motivated to volunteer related to the areas specifically addressed by the program (i.e., nutrition, public health, working with children). Perceived impacts of volunteering included being more comfortable working with children, improving knowledge/skills, gaining experience related to their future career, and having fun. Volunteering with Cooking Matters for Kids benefited college students. Issues addressed by the program and the desire to gain experience motivated students to volunteer.
Off‐Label Use of Hydroxychloroquine in COVID‐19: Analysis of Reports of Suspected Adverse Reactions From the Italian National Network of Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Fallani Elettra , Cevenini Fabio , Lazzerini Pietro Enea , Verdini Annalisa , Saponara Simona 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to characterize adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to hydroxychloroquine in the setting of COVID‐19, occurring in Italy in the period March to May 2020. The analysis of the combination therapy with azithromycin or/and lopinavir/ritonavir as well as a comparison with ADRs reported throughout 2019 was performed. ADRs collected by the Italian National Network of Pharmacovigilance were analyzed for their incidence, seriousness, outcome, coadministered drugs, and Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities classification. A total of 306 reports were gathered for the quarter of 2020: 54% nonserious and 46% serious, and half of the latter required either the hospitalization or its prolongation. However, most of them were either completely recovered (26%) or in the process of recovery (45%), except for 9 fatal cases. Throughout 2019, 38 reports were collected, 53% nonserious and 47% serious, but no deaths had been reported. Diarrhea, prolonged QT interval, and hypertransaminasemia were the most frequently ADRs reported in 2020, significantly higher than 2019 and specific for COVID‐19 subjects treated with hydroxychloroquine. The logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the likelihood of serious ADRs, QT prolongation, and diarrhea significantly increased with hydroxychloroquine dosage. Coadministration of lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine showed a positive correlation with diarrhea and hypertransaminasemia and a negative relationship with the ADR seriousness. The combination therapy with azithromycin was another independent predictor of a serious ADR. Off‐label use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID‐19, alone or in combination regimens, was associated with increased incidence and/or seriousness of specific ADRs in patients with additional risk factors caused by the infection.
On the quartet distance given partial information
Authors: Snir Sagi , Weissberg Osnat , Yuster Raphael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLet be an arbitrary phylogenetic tree with leaves. It is well known that the average quartet distance between two assignments of taxa to the leaves of is . However, a longstanding conjecture of Bandelt and Dress asserts that is also themaximumquartet distance between two assignments. While Alon, Naves, and Sudakov have shown this indeed holds for caterpillar trees, the general case of the conjecture is still unresolved. A natural extension is when partial information is given: the two assignments are known to coincide on a given subset of taxa. The partial information setting is biologically relevant as the location of some taxa (species) in the phylogenetic tree may be known, and for other taxa it might not be known. What can we then say about the average and maximum quartet distance in this more general setting? Surprisingly, even determining theaveragequartet distance becomes a nontrivial task in the partial information setting and determining the maximum quartet distance is even more challenging, as these turn out to be dependent on the structure of . In this paper we prove nontrivial asymptotic bounds that are sometimes tight for the average quartet distance in the partial information setting. We also show that the Bandelt and Dress conjecture does not generally hold under the partial information setting. Specifically, we prove that there are cases where the average and maximum quartet distance substantially differ.