bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Lucilia sericata Larvae and Eisenia fetida Earthworm Extracts Either Alone or in Combination on Healing Third-Degree Burns in Male Mice
Authors: Reisi Radin , Esfarjani Masih Sharifzadeh , Gandomkar Alireza , Mahsa Amirmohammad , Salehi Hossein , Reisi Parham , Jokar Zahra 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Burn as the most common injury disrupts the protective function of the skin and induces complications in patients. Therefore, the treatment of these patients presents a significant clinical challenge. This study evaluated the effects of Lucilia sericata (L. sericata) larvae and Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) earthworm extracts, alone or in combination, on the healing of third-degree burns in male mice.

Materials and Methods:
A third-degree burn model was induced on the skin of the interscapular region. Then, the extracts of larvae and earthworms were topically applied separately or simultaneously every other day for a 21-day period. To evaluate the process of wound healing, macroscopic parameters were monitored and examined during the study period. Finally, the animals were sacrificed, and skin sampling was performed for histological investigations.

Results:
The results of the study showed that both extracts of larvae and earthworm accelerated the wound-healing process (P < 0.01). The group receiving extract of earthworm had better wound healing than the groups receiving Vaseline and silver sulfadiazine, and histological evidences confirmed these observations. However, the use of two extracts simultaneously did not affect the wound-healing process.

Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrated that the extracts of L. sericata larvae and E. fetida earthworm, especially E. fetida, include effective compounds that can significantly enhance the rate of burn wound healing. However, more studies are needed to identify and purify the effective compounds of these extracts involved in the process of wound healing.
Updating the Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern among Critical Priority Pathogens in the Intensive Care Unit in Northern Iran Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rahimzadeh Golnar , Ghezljai Nadia , Rezai Shaghayegh , Rezai Raha , Navaiefar Mohammad Reza , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Moradi Masoud , Shakeri Mostafa 
Published: December 2024

Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the widespread and indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics led to a significant increase in antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in MDR Gram-negative isolates in the intensive care unit (ICU) of northern hospitals in Iran following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study. The samples were collected from patients with healthcare-associated infections at ICU of hospitals in northern Iran. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed using standard broth macrodilution, and resistance genes were accurately identified using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction method.

Results:
The present study revealed that the ICU had the highest frequency of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii infections (32.1%) and the lowest frequency of E. coli infections (12.6%). The frequency of resistance genes of A. baumannii is as follows: bla
OXA-51 (100%), ampC (99.12%), apA6 (90.35%), and bla
NDM (69.30%). Co-amoxiclav showed a 100% resistance rate, while Piperacillin-tazobactam had the lowest resistance rate at 38.2%.

Conclusions:
This study identified a high prevalence of MDR A. baumannii in ICU patients with healthcare-associated infections at northern hospitals in Iran, following COVID-19. Recommended treatments include Piperacillin-tazobactam or Meropenem.
Peiminine Enhances Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity and Downregulates hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa -miR-181a-5p in Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Hedayati Shirin , Soltanzadeh Hossein , Ghaleh Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin , Bonab Zahra Hojjati , Alvanegh Akbar Ghorbani 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent and deadly cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment, but some patients use herbal remedies, such as Peiminine from Fritillaria walujewii, for palliative care. Cancer cells can affect the expression of noncoding RNAs, like microRNA, which can then influence the expression of genes. This research aims to study the effects of Peiminine on Doxorubicin cytotoxicity and detect the expression levels of hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-181a-5p in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

Materials and Methods:
AGS cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of Peiminine. An MTT assay was performed to determine the concentration of Peiminine required to prohibit 50% cell growth (IC50) and the cell viability percentage of the AGS cell line. The percentage of AGS cell line apoptosis was determined using acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EtBr). Finally, molecular studies were conducted to compare hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-181a-5p expression in the control and treated groups.

Results:
According to the study, Peiminine has been found to enhance the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin, which reduces cell viability and increases apoptosis in the AGS cell line. Furthermore, the study also indicates that the AGS cell line treated with Peiminine shows lower expression of hsa -miR-106a-5p and hsa -miR-181a-5p compared to the control group that was not treated.

Conclusion:
Peiminine enhances Doxorubicin’s effectiveness, inhibits AGS cell line growth, and reduces miRNA expression. Further research is needed for potential use as a supplementary GC treatment.
Comparative study of different doses of oral zinc supplementation in children with acute diarrhea
Authors: El Said Abd Rabou Nada , El Shafiey Rasha M. , El Bendary Amal S. , El Refaey Shymaa M. 
Published: December 2024

Background
There are several mechanisms of action of zinc on acute diarrhea as zinc restores mucosal barrier integrity and enterocyte brush border enzyme activity, it promotes the production of antibodies and circulating lymphocytes against intestinal pathogens.

Aim
To evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation in different doses on the reduction of duration and severity of acute diarrhea in infants and children.

Patients and methods
This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 80 infants and children aged less than 5 years old, both sexes, with acute diarrhea. Patients were divided into four equal groups: group 1: received oral zinc supplementation in a dose of 20 mg/day for 14 days, group 2: received oral zinc supplementation in a dose of 40 mg/day for 14 days, group 3: received oral zinc supplementation in a dose of 60 mg/day for 14 days and group 4: did not receive.

Results
Diarrhea frequency and duration of diarrhea were significantly decreased in group 3 more than group 2 more than group 1, while group 4 showed a significantly higher frequency of diarrhea after 14 days and a longer duration of diarrhea compared with all other groups. Zinc levels were significantly higher after treatment compared with before treatment in all groups (P <0.001). Low Zinc supplementation, long duration of fever, long duration of diarrhea before treatment, and smaller rise in zinc levels were independent risk factors associated with persistent diarrhea more than 7 days after treatment.

Conclusions
Oral zinc supplementation reduces diarrhea’s duration and severity in all doses. The higher doses of zinc supplemented, the earlier the recovery from diarrheal episodes, with no serious adverse effects.
Assessment of the effect of growth hormone therapy on quality of life among GHD and ISS children
Authors: Mohammed Zeinab A. , Abd-Elwahab Amina M. , Elkilany Amany M. , Wageeh Ahmed E. 
Published: December 2024

Background
Short stature can generate emotional and social stress in children and adolescents and their parents.

Aim
To assess the effect of growth hormone (GH) therapy on quality of life (QoL) among growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) children.

Patients and methods
This cross–sectional study was conducted at the Suez Canal University endocrinology outpatient clinic in Ismailia City, Egypt, 194 children participated in this study. After receiving GH therapy for a year, children with ISS and GHD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected at random from the endocrinology outpatient clinic at Suez Canal University in Ismailia City, Egypt. A WHOQoL-BREF QoL evaluation was utilized in conjunction with health-related quality of life, and an Arabic translation of the questionnaire was used.

Results
This study included 194 children, 107 children with ISS, and 87 children with GHD. Group with ISS had a significantly higher mean of age (13.5±2.8) years than the GHD group (8.5±1.5) years with P value less than 0.001. So, most of the children in ISS group at preparatory school (11–14 years old), while GHD group were at primary school (8–10 years old) with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). So, most of children in ISS group at preparatory school, while GHD group were at primary school with statistical significant difference (P<0.001). Most of children in ISS group have rural residence, positive consanguinity and positive family history of short stature, while GHD group had urban residence, negative consanguinity, and negative family history of short stature with statistical significant differences (P<0.001). Children with ISS had significantly lower height Z score before and after GH therapy as P value less than 0.001. Both groups showed statistically significant increase in height Z score after versus before GH therapy as P value less than 0.001. Mean WHOQoL-BREF domains scores showed a statistical significant increase after GH TTT, in both groups.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that a year of GH treatment significantly improved physical, social, psychological and environmental QoL, whereas the physical effects—which are to be expected given the noticeable increase in height—seem to have less of an influence. This is probably connected to the mild physical effects of baseline short height. But there is a correlation between the change in QoL and the height gain in SD, which amply illustrates the role of statural rise in improving QoL.
Does growth hormone improve growth patterns and patient satisfaction in short children?
Authors: Elrifaey Shymaa M. , El Shall Sarah I. , Emara Mohammed H. 
Published: December 2024

Background
Short stature in children can arise from various causes, including growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy has effectively promoted adequate height and growth, but its impact on patient satisfaction remains an important consideration.
This study aims to evaluate the growth outcomes and patient satisfaction after GH therapy in children and adolescents.

Patients and methods
An observational retrospective study was conducted on 500 children and adolescents aged 12.8±2.95 years with short stature who received GH therapy. Statistical analyses assessed growth patterns and correlations between GH dose, physical activity, and satisfaction.

Results
The patients exhibited significant improvements in height after GH therapy, with a mean height velocity of 7.3±1.9 cm/year and a height SD change of 0.6±0.77. The median satisfaction level was high (5 out of 5), indicating overall satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusion
GH therapy effectively improves growth patterns and patient satisfaction in children with short stature.
Perception of Neurologists on Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algahtani Hussein A. , Shirah Bader H. , Albeladi Yazeed K. , Albeladi Reyadh K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has the advantage of minimizing intraoperative neurological injury and limiting serious postoperative complications. No previous studies have evaluated the importance of IONM, especially in Gulf and Arab countries. We aimed to investigate the importance of IONM, as evaluated from a neurologist perspective in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through face-to-face interviews. The inclusion criterion was adult neurology consultants in Saudi Arabia. The instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 items to evaluate the perceptions on IONM. Data collection was from January 2022 to June 2022.

Results:
A total of 72 neurology consultants from Saudi Arabia participated in this study. The years of experience of the participants were 10-20 years (43.1%), most of whom worked in a tertiary healthcare center (72.2%), 31.9% had a certified neurologist trained in IONM, and approximately two-thirds of the institutions did not have an IONM setup (59.7%). Most neurologists believed that IONM should be part of neurology training programs (59.7%). Approximately, half of the respondents believed that IONM was mandatory (52.8%).

Conclusion:
IONM is considered the standard of care in many complex intracranial, spinal, and vascular surgeries. In our study, the perception of neurologists regarding IONM was promising, and the readiness of secondary and tertiary care centers to implement IONM was encouraging. Education, training, implementation, and regulations regarding IONM should be mandatory to prevent operative complications.
Taste Disorder and Tongue Numbness After Lithium Overdose
Authors: Chu Si-Yu , Wang Huang-Chi , Hsieh Ming-Hong , Chang Cheng-Chen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Drug-induced taste disturbances are prevalent in clinical practice, with dysgeusia being a frequent manifestation. This study aims to present a case of taste disorders and tongue numbness induced by a lithium overdose.

Case Report:
A 33-year-old woman with bipolar II disorder attempted suicide by ingesting multiple drugs, including lithium and benzodiazepines. She exhibited weakness but was conscious after admission. Laboratory analyses indicated elevated serum lithium and urine benzodiazepine levels. Admitted to a psychiatric ward, her symptoms included diarrhea, poor appetite, and postprandial nausea. Two weeks later, she reported altered taste sensations and tongue numbness following the overdose. Her ongoing medication included venlafaxine, valproate sodium, and clozapine. Symptoms improved over time without specific treatment, aligning with increased appetite and weight gain.

Conclusion:
Drug-induced taste disturbances have a substantial impact on patients’ quality of life and medication adherence. This case brings attention to taste disorders induced by lithium and suggests potential mechanisms that could contribute to taste alterations. It underscores the importance of conducting thorough assessments in patients experiencing gustatory symptoms, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.
Lafora Disease Presenting with Ataxia and DM1: A Case Study
Authors: Khanalizadeh Ramin , Karimi Kosar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Here we presented a rare case of Lafora disease with neuropathy, ataxia and progression of symptoms into type one DM, GTCS and myoclonus during years. We believe that it is important to keep the diagnosis of Lafora disease in mind in every child presenting with myoclonus especially when mental and cerebellar deficits develop as well.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a Paraneoplastic Neurological Disease of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Lin Zong-Han , Hoe Zheng-Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We present the case of a 69-year-old male who presented with profound weakness in the extremities. Remarkably, he lacked any identifiable precipitating factors preceding the onset of his illness. However, a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was established based on typical clinical symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neurological examination. During his hospitalization, an incidental discovery of lung cancer was made. Subsequent pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the lungs. This case report serves to underscore the exceptional rarity of the simultaneous occurrence of lung cancer and GBS, renewing interest in investigating GBS as a potential paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.
Cure the Incurable: Update of Treatment in Inherited Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Yu Cheng-Hao , Lai Kuan-Lin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Originally thought to be incurable, huge therapeutic progress has been made in recent years in the field of inherited neuromuscular disorders. Approaches aiming to rescue the underlying pathophysiology, i.e. loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations, have been developed via end-product replacement or gene delivery/modulation, with promising results. In the review, advanced treatment in some of the inherited neuromuscular disorders will be discussed. On the other hand, it has been found more than 1000 genes are responsible for the clinical diversities in this group of diseases, and finding a way which owns the therapeutic potential to various diseases is the optimal goal. The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 system in the last decade offers such an opportunity and is under rigorous investigation. This important issue will also be discussed.
Prevalence and risk factors of soil transmitted helminth infections among school-aged children in Garut, Indonesia: Insights from a six-year deworming intervention
Authors: Astuti Endang Puji , Hendri Joni , Yuliasih Yuneu , Sulaeman Rizal Pratama , Isnani Tri , Saputra Sugiyono , Nugroho Herjuno Ari , Dhewantara Pandji Wibawa , Murni Indah Kartika 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
To assess prevalence and factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among rural school children.

Methods:
This school-based survey applied a cross-sectional design which included children aged 6-14 years enrolled in 12 elementary schools in Banjarwangi, Garut, West Java Province. Stool and blood samples were collected from 388 randomly selected students to examine the STH infections and anemia status, respectively. Anthropometric assessment was performed to profile nutritional status. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect socio-demographic and school performance data. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to assess the factors associated with STH infections in school children.

Results:
Among 386 schoolchildren, 9.8% children were positive for one or more STH infections, predominantly Trichuris trichiura (9.0%), with males (n=23), significantly more infected than females (n=13) (5.9% vs. 3.4%, P=0.04). The most infected age group was 6-10 years (n=25, 6.5%). The prevalence of STH infection was significantly higher among students that practicing open defecation (n=22, 5.7%) (P=0.03). The odds risk of STH infections was associated with practicing open defecation (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.17-5.53, P=0.02).

Conclusions:
The findings from this study demonstrate the persistent STH transmission among children underscoring the need for sustained post-MDA intervention strategies in resource-limited settings.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the helminths intermediate host Anentome helena (von dem Busch, 1847) in northern Thailand
Authors: Chomchoei Nithinan , Wongsawad Chalobol , Butboonchoo Preeyaporn , Nantarat Nattawadee 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the helminth intermediate host, Anentome (A.) helena, populations from northern Thailand and reveal the effect of parasitic infection on snail host populations.

Methods:

A. helena was collected throughout river drainages from northern Thailand and investigated for larval trematode infection. Seventy-three A. helena specimens were used to examine and re-construct the molecular phylogenetics (neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods), genetic diversity, and population structure based on the concatenated datasets of COI and 16S rRNA (1 178 bp).

Results:
The infection of zoogonid cercariae, heterophyid metacercariae, and echinostome metacercariae in the snail was found from 2 localities, including Mae Sa and Mae Pu Kha populations, with a total prevalence of 6.7% and 16.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network revealed three main clades and three haplogroups for each region (COI and 16S rRNA). High levels of genetic diversity in terms of haplotype diversity were found in parasitic infected populations.

Conclusions:
This is the first time that Echinostoma mekongi has been discovered from A. helena in northern Thailand. The results also showed that parasitic infection can affect the population genetic structure of the snail intermediate host, A. helena. Moreover, habitat and historical demographic changes could be other important factors that can affect the degree of population genetic structure in A. helena. Understanding the population structure of intermediate host species can inform parasite transmission dynamics and is useful for the creation of effective public health management strategies.
Study on the prognostic impact of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 16 level in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Nassar Israa G.I. , Saad Mohamed A. , Elkholy Rasha A. , Allam Alzahraa A. 
Published: December 2024

Background
Interferon-gamma-inducible protein 16 (IFI-16) is a member of the pyrin and hematopoietic interferon-inducible nuclear domain 200 gene family, which modulates proliferation, survival as well as various cell lineage differentiation. Recent studies have shown that IFI-16 predicts prognosis in many cancers as enhanced IFI-16 expression was linked to favorable prognosis of hematological malignancies, involving chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma.

Aim
To investigate IFI-16 serum levels as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) cases.

Patients and methods
Our prospective study involved 30 newly diagnosed MM cases and 30 healthy volunteers. Serum IFI-16 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
The IFI-16 level exhibited a significant increase among the patient’s group compared with the control group. It was significantly increased within stage III compared with stages I and II, and in relapsed cases compared with nonrelapsed cases. IFI-16 was significantly positively correlated with serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, β2 microglobulin, and serum calcium while negatively correlated with serum albumin. IFI-16 at a cutoff more than 1.43 ng/ml can significantly differentiate MM cases from controls. IFI-16 was significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS) in both univariate and multivariate analyses, and patients with high IFI-16 had a shorter DFS compared with those with low IFI-16.

Conclusion
Our study concluded that a high level of IFI-16 was associated with advanced myeloma staging, and correlated with negative prognostic markers such as β2 microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum calcium, creatinine, and albumin, which are linked to greater relapse rate as well as shorter DFS.