bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Counselling Interventions in Malnutrition Research: Achieving an International Consensus on Best Practices Using an Amended Delphi Process
Authors: Weekes C. Elizabeth , de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , Keller Heather , Steiber Alison , Marshall Skye , Lim Su Lin , Baldwin Christine 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe evidence for the use of dietary counselling interventions in the management of malnutrition is inconsistent. Lack of consistency limits the ability to compare studies, impacting research, clinical practice and policy development.AimsTo establish an international consensus on minimum requirements for dietary counselling interventions used for the prevention and management of malnutrition in adults in a clinical research context.MethodsAn international expert panel with seven members was formed. An amended Delphi study was conducted with 37 initial consensus statements generated from a targeted search of the literature. The agreement was assessed across two Delphi rounds and two online meetings. The full consensus was defined as the assignment of a score of 5 (strongly agree). A preliminary external validation was conducted with clinical and/or research dietetic professionals when delegates at the International Congress of Dietetics (ICD) 2021 voted during an online meeting on agreement with statements relating to patient assessment and delivery of a dietary counselling intervention.ResultsConsensus was achieved for 27 statements across four themes, with justifications and commentary. Minimum requirements included eight statements for ‘nutritional assessment’ (theme 1), seven for ‘nutritional intervention content’ (theme 2), five for ‘nutritional intervention delivery’ (theme 3) and seven for ‘monitoring and follow‐up’ (theme 4). The ICD delegates voted on elements of assessment (77 of 140 delegates in agreement) and delivery of the intervention (37 of 101 delegates in agreement), demonstrating that consensus on these aspects of nutritional support interventions was low to moderate in this delegate sample.ConclusionsConsensus was achieved by an international group of experts to define the minimum essential factors for delivering dietary counselling interventions for the management of malnutrition in a research context; however, further external validation is required. The minimum requirements have the potential to influence research, clinical practice and policy development.
‘Smiling and Talking Slowly’: A Qualitative Study on the Ideal Ophthalmologist From the Perspective of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Chou Yueh‐Ching , Chen Bo‐Wei , Pu Christy , Hou Chiun‐Ho 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundHealth care accessibility and inequality for people with intellectual disabilities have long been subjects of discussion. Issues related to eye examinations and visits to ophthalmologists are particularly challenging for these people. However, disability studies and healthcare from the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities remain scarce. The current study aims to explore the experiences and expectations of adults with intellectual disabilities during ophthalmologist visits, with a focus on their subjective viewpoints.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 that involved semistructured interviews with 22 adults with intellectual disabilities who were users of day programs or residential services in Taiwan. The interviews, supplemented with pictures, were conducted using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.FindingsFour themes emerged regarding their experiences with ophthalmologists: ‘Because my eyes itched, I went to the doctor;’ the need for clear and slow explanations during vision screening; anxiety and discomfort during equipment use and focused examination; and ‘The doctor is good. She smiles and is gentle with me.’ In addition, two themes related to their expectations were identified:equipment use and pre‐examination instructions and ideal characteristics of ophthalmologists: smiling and talking slowly.ConclusionFor people with intellectual disabilities, an ideal ophthalmologist is patient‐centred and provides individualised care—‘Smiling and Talking Slowly’; otherwise, fear of visiting eye doctors worsens their health inequalities. Integrating these considerations into ophthalmology training and practice is essential to enhance the quality of care for and the well‐being and dignity of people with intellectual disabilities.
Acute Epididymo‐Orchitis Caused by Escherichia coli in a Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Li Heling , Zhang Long , Wang Hong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEpididymo‐orchitis is characterized by painful swelling and inflammation of the epididymis and testes. A 4‐year‐old male rhesus monkey has clinical manifestations including anorexia, weakness, as well as redness and swelling of the right testis and epididymis. Bacterial culture of the urine was positive for Escherichia coli. Due to the antibiotic treatment being ineffective, the animal underwent a right orchiectomy. Postoperative histopathology confirmed necrosis and significant inflammatory cell infiltration, indicating severe acute epididymo‐orchitis (EO) caused by E. coli infection in the rhesus monkey. After surgical treatment and postoperative care, the animal survived. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of acute EO caused by E. coli in a rhesus monkey. These findings not only enhance our understanding of EO in NHPs but also provide a reference for further biomedical studies of EO induced by E. coli.
A Pharmacophore for Drugs Targeting the α4α4 Binding Site of the (α4)3(β2)2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Kusay Ali S. , Luo Yujia , O'Mara Megan L. , Balle Thomas 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTNeuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have an established role in pain pathways and devastating neurodegenerative diseases; however, few drugs have been successfully developed to target them. The most abundant nAChR in the brain, the α4β2 nAChR, is assembled from five subunits in a 3α:2β stoichiometry—(α4)3(β2)2. This receptor contains a unique agonist‐binding site at the α4α4 interface in addition to two classical agonist‐binding sites at α4β2 interfaces. Most known agonists target both α4α4 and α4β2 sites, however, a few compounds with selectivity for the α4α4 site have been identified. These α4α4 selective compounds have a modulator‐like effect akin to benzodiazepines in the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor, which is desirable from a drug development perspective. The two most well characterised α4α4 selective compounds are CMPI and NS9283. Both are structurally very different from classical agonists, and it is puzzling how they occupy the same binding site. In the search for a common pharmacophore, we conducted extensive molecular dynamics simulations with both classical agonists and site‐selective non‐classical compounds. Analyses of the simulations revealed that the α4α4 binding site contains a unique pocket not found in the α4β2 binding site. CMPI and NS9283 were observed to bind in this pocket, thereby explaining why they are selective for the α4α4 binding site. The proposed binding mode featured a closed‐loop C conformation, which is strongly correlated with agonism in nAChRs and explained key site‐directed mutagenesis data for both compounds. Based on this binding mode, we proposed a pharmacophore for drugs targeting the α4α4 binding site. The proposed pharmacophore captures the essence of the original model, that is, nicotinic agonists act as a bridge between protein subunits. The pharmacophore model we propose is unique to the α4α4 binding site and provides a template for developing new site‐selective therapeutic agents.image
Safety and Cost Analysis of Immunoglobulin Cessation Trials in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Koay Shiwen , Chen Yi‐Chun , Ransley George , Compton Laura , Lunn Michael P. , Carr Aisling S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is the most common chronic autoimmune neuropathy worldwide. A significant proportion of CIDP patients enter spontaneous or medication‐related remission, remaining stable without immunotherapy. Overtreatment of CIDP has clinical and financial implications. We examined performance of IVIg cessation trials in our CIDP cohort and report safety and cost analysis outcomes.MethodsIn individuals with CIDP on maintenance IVIg treatment, a cessation trial was proposed in clinically stable patients with a static IVIg regimen over a 12‐month period. We explored the proportion who were stable off treatment for 12 or more months and the time to recovery in those who declined and were re‐treated. We examined cost implications of this approach.Results45/125 individuals met criteria for clinical stability, with median age 58 years, I‐RODS 37/48, MRC‐SS 69/70 and annual treatment costs £107 000/person. Nine individuals had cessation trials resulting in decline within 2 years prior and were not re‐challenged, leaving 36 eligible individuals. 12 of 36 (33.3%) consented to cessation trial and eight of those (66.7%) remained stable off treatment for ≥ 12 months. The successful cessation trials resulted in a cost saving of £855 000/year, with a potential further saving of £1.7 million/year if all the eligible individuals had consented. All patients who deteriorated were rescued to previous baseline on retreatment.InterpretationIndividuals with CIDP should be counselled about the natural history of the disease and future scheduled, targeted cessation trials. A dedicated clinical infrastructure is vital to safely perform cessation trials.
Skincare Benefits of a Postbiotic Ferment Produced Through Djon Djon Mushroom Fermentation by Saccharomyces
Authors: Pu Chunhong , Shi Doudou , Ingrassia Michael , Gedeon Harvey , Chu Tye , Zhang Jiachan , Wang Changtao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDjon Djon is a particularly special black mushroom indigenous to Haiti that has a long history in both their cuisine and in traditional medicine. Centuries of folkloric utilization of theses “medicinal” botanicals tend to indicate the presence of a potentially efficacious western medicine entity.ObjectivesWith the advantages afforded by both traditional medicines and fermentation, we endeavored to investigate if fermentation of Djon Djon mushrooms can provide skin care benefits.MethodsIn this study, active Djon Djon fermentation broth (DDF) was obtained using Saccharomyces, and anti‐inflammatory efficacy was assessed in cultured systems using human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, exposed to either UVB or H2O2 respectively. In addition, RNA‐Seq technology was employed to further characterize the mechanisms of DDF following ultraviolet irradiation.ResultsCharacterization of the DDF displayed a high number of polysaccharides and peptides present following fermentation, that function to scavenge intracellular ROS, decrease MDA content, while increasing the levels of CAT, COL‐I, and HA in HSF induced by H2O2. In addition, levels of pro‐inflammatory factors (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α) were decreased in UVB irradiated HaCaT cells that had been treated with DDF. Analysis of cellular RNA indicated that DDF altered the DEGs involved in the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway suggesting that this signaling cascade is inhibited by DDF. Additionally, DDF also influenced the metabolism of arachidonic acid, histidine, and phenylalanine, which are involved in inflammatory processes.ConclusionDDF can alleviate oxidative stress damage caused by hydrogen peroxide and photodamage caused by UVB, and the mechanism by which DDF protects skin cells is revealed, displaying the potential benefits of fermented DjonDjon in skincare.
Cosmetics Utilization Pattern, Perceived Adverse Effects and Identified Factors Among Final Year Under Graduate Female Students, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Chanie Gashaw Sisay , Simegn Wudneh , Gedu Muhammed , Nega Tigist , Chekol Netsanet , Birhanu Zewdu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe current study aimed to assess the prevalence of cosmetics utilization and perceived adverse effects among female final‐year undergraduate students at the University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out from October 2023 to May 2024. We used stratified, simple random sampling techniques to select study participants. Data were collected by using a self‐administered questionnaire administered to trained graduate pharmacist students. EPI Info 7.1 was used for data entry, and SPSS version 26 was used for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics have been done for percentages and frequencies. We used bivariate and multiple logistic regressions to identify factors. Those variables with p < 0.05 were declared to be associated factors for the prevalence of cosmetics utilization and perceived adverse effects.ResultsA total of 403 study participants were included, with a response rate of (96%). In the current study, 81% of the students were using cosmetics, and 55.6% were exposed to cosmetics‐related adverse reactions, primarily skin rash (41%) and itching (38.3%). The most frequently used cosmetic products were toothpaste, lipstick, deodorant, and perfume, which accounted for 83.7%, 56.8%, and 24.7%, respectively. Lower age (20–25 years) AOR = 5.62, urban residence AOR = 1.97, health‐related department AOR = 2.46, economic income 501–1000 Ethiopian birr AOR = 4.05, not love engaged AOR = 3.65, and 3 and 4 years of study AOR = 2.96, with a 95% CI, were significantly associated with cosmetic usage for the students. Shampoos and conditioners AOR = 3.42; hair dye use AOR = 3.40; read information from the container AOR = 2.11; add water or other agents to cosmetics AOR = 2.26; and test Cosmetic adverse reactions AOR = 4.10, with a 95% CI, were significantly associated with cosmetics‐related adverse effects.ConclusionA significant proportion of the users suffered from cosmetic‐related adverse reactions. The health care system should be restructured to consider rational cosmetic utilization practices and prevent adverse health effects.
Resolution of pelvic postoperative spindle cell nodule with sarcomatous onset after 9 years of follow‐up
Authors: Matsuoka Ayumu , Mitsuhashi Akira , Usui Hirokazu , Otsuka Satoyo , Nishikimi Kyoko , Tate Shinichi , Okuya Rie , Yazawa Takuya , Shozu Makio , Koga Kaori 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntroductionPostoperative spindle cell nodules are benign and reactive lesions that occur at the previous surgical site. It often develops like a sarcoma and is resected via highly invasive procedures. To date, there have been no published reports on the natural progression of postoperative spindle cell nodules without surgical intervention.CaseA 45‐year‐old woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy for leiomyoma. A 5‐cm pelvic mass exposed in the vaginal stump developed 7 weeks later, causing genital bleeding. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography revealed a pelvic mass and an enlarged pelvic lymph node with high uptake. We suspected an invasive sarcoma in the pelvis. However, through a transvaginal needle biopsy, the mass was diagnosed as a postoperative spindle cell nodule posthysterectomy. The nodule slowly reduced in size and completely disappeared 9 years posthysterectomy.ConclusionsCorrect diagnosis of this nodule with sarcomatous onset based on biopsy was important to avoid unnecessary surgeries. The lesion completely disappeared spontaneously after long‐term follow‐up.
Hippocampal Subfield Abnormalities in Patients With Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Filimonova Elena , Pashkov Anton , Moysak Galina , Martirosyan Azniv , Rzaev Jamil 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposePrimary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is a prevalent chronic pain disorder whose pathogenesis is not solely confined to the trigeminal system. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms, comprehensive and consistent data concerning the involvement of the hippocampal formation in this process are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate structural changes in hippocampal subfields in patients with PTN.MethodsFifty‐nine individuals who were diagnosed with PTN and 28 healthy controls matched for age and sex underwent high‐resolution 3 Tesla MRI. HippUnfold software was used for the segmentation of hippocampal subfields and the extraction of features. Covariance analyses were performed to analyze changes in the volume, thickness, and gyrification index of different subfields in patients with PTN compared to controls. Furthermore, the relationships between MR morphometry data and the severity of nerve root compression, as well as the intensity and duration of pain, were examined in patients with PTN.ResultsOur analysis demonstrated a decrease in the volume of the right cornu ammonis subfield 1 (CA1)–CA3 and left CA2 hippocampal subfields in patients with PTN compared to healthy controls (adjusted p < 0.05 for all comparisons). No statistically significant associations were found between hippocampal MR morphometry data and clinical metrics.ConclusionsOur results suggest the existence of bilateral structural abnormalities in the hippocampal subfields in individuals with PTN, which could contribute to the development and progression of this condition.
Contractual Requirements and Bidding Behavior in Public Procurement With Entry
Authors: Drake Samielle , Xu Fei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWe combine theoretical and empirical analyses to investigate the impacts of contractual requirements on bidding behavior and competition in procurement auctions with endogenous entry. Our analysis demonstrates that contractual requirements affect expected payoffs, influencing the equilibrium number of bidders and their bids under zero‐profit conditions. Specifically, in equilibrium, increased contractual requirements enhance competition by raising bidders' expected payoffs, while higher entry costs reduce competition. Overall, a rise in entry costs results in elevated equilibrium bids. Under certain conditions, an increase in contractual requirements raises equilibrium bids. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of enforceability in shaping bidding behavior and, thus, in policy implementation. Empirical evidence from public cleaning services procurement in Sweden supports the implications of our model.
Testing the Mediating Role of Zero‐Sum Beliefs in the Effect of Resource Scarcity on Out‐Group Exclusion/Un‐inclusion
Authors: Takebe Masataka , Nakashima Ken'ichiro 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWhen resources are scarce, people often exclude/un‐include others. However, the psychological process underlying this phenomenon is unclear. We tested the mediating role of zero‐sum beliefs using vignette (Studies 1, 2, and 3) and priming (Study 4) experiments. In Studies 1, 2a, and 2b (n = 94, 206, and 508, respectively), via increased zero‐sum beliefs, resource scarcity reduced the number of new employees to be hired (Study 1), increased opposition to accepting more foreign workers (Study 2a), and strengthened support for the return of foreign workers (Study 2b). In Study 3 (n = 132), suggesting that resources are non‐zero‐sum reduced the opposition to accepting more foreign workers via decreased zero‐sum beliefs under resource scarcity. However, in Studies 1, 2a, and 3, zero‐sum beliefs only had a partial mediating role; that is, the direct effects remained. In Studies 4a and 4b (n = 232 and 583, respectively), resource scarcity priming did not affect attitudes toward accepting more foreign workers via zero‐sum beliefs. Future research directions are discussed.
Monitoring of Rivaroxaban Therapy in Hypercoagulable Dogs
Authors: Phillips Erin M. , Blois Shauna L. , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony C. G. , Wood R. Darren , Monteith Gabrielle , Cuq Benoît 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMeasurement of rivaroxaban efficacy using the rivaroxaban‐specific anti‐Xa assay (raXa) can be used for monitoring in veterinary medicine. Detection of rivaroxaban efficacy using other hemostatic tests would make monitoring timelier and more accessible.ObjectivesCompare results of raXa with prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, tissue factor (TF) and kaolin‐activated thromboelastography (TEG), and thrombin generation (TG) in hypercoagulable dogs.AnimalsTwelve client‐owned dogs, diagnosed with hypercoagulability or thromboembolic disease, and prescribed rivaroxaban, were recruited from a tertiary referral hospital from 2020 to 2022.MethodsProspective clinical trial. Jugular vein blood samples were collected before treatment, and 1 week and 1–3 months after initiation of rivaroxaban therapy. Hemostatic tests were performed at each visit (3 h after rivaroxaban dosing). TG curve parameters lag time, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak, and time to peak (ttpeak) were assessed.ResultsThere was a significant linear relationship between raXa and PT (r2 = 0.74, p < 0.001), ETP (r2 = 0.83, p < 0.001), lag time (r2 = 0.87, p < 0.001), peak (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.001), and ttpeak (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.001). There was a weak linear relationship between raXa and kaolin‐activated TEG parameter reaction time (R) (r2 = 0.49, p = 0.026). There was no significant relationship between raXa and aPTT, fibrinogen concentration and the remainder of the TEG variables (p > 0.05).Conclusion and Clinical ImportancePT and TG correlated with raXa. PT performed at a reference laboratory appeared to be a convenient method to monitor a small cohort of dogs receiving rivaroxaban therapy.
Can Copepods Feed on Kelp Detritus? A Laboratory Study With Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Kvile Kristina Ø. , d'Auriac Marc Anglès , Altin Dag , Olsen Rolf Erik , Hancke Kasper 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTKelp forests are dynamic coastal habitats that generate large amounts of carbon‐rich detritus. The fate of this detritus is largely unknown and considered a missing link in global carbon budgets. Kelp detritus can serve as food for benthic invertebrates and pelagic invertebrate larvae, but we know close to nothing about the role of kelp detritus as food for other zooplankton. We conducted feeding experiments to test if the highly abundant pelagic copepod Calanus finmarchicus can feed on fragments of two dominant kelp species, Saccharina latissima and Laminaria hyperborea. A series of experiments including particle ingestion, fecal pellet production, and DNA tracing tended to support the hypothesis that C. finmarchicus can feed on kelp particles of both species, but at a reduced rate relative to when on a regular phytoplankton diet. Moreover, the results provide initial evidence that L. hyperborea contains substances that are toxic to copepods, an observation that warrants further research. Pelagic copepods consuming kelp detritus would constitute a largely undescribed pathway of carbon from benthic primary producers to the pelagic food web, and a trajectory for deep‐sea carbon sequestration. We hope these preliminary results will inspire future studies on the role of pelagic filter feeders in carbon transport and turnover from macroalgae habitats.