bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe toxicological exposure
Authors: Wu Ping , Wong Oi Fung , Chan Cheuk Yan , Chan Kai Wing , Ling Steven Kin Ho , Chow Tin Yat Anthony , Liong Ting , Chan Chi Keung 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in Hong Kong to provide additional circulation and respiratory support to patients. Exposure to toxins could cause profound shock and respiratory failure. The role of using ECMO to support severe circulatory and respiratory failure in patients with a toxicological cause of admission in Hong Kong is explored in this study.ObjectiveThis study aims to describe the local practice of the use of ECMO in poisoning in Hong Kong.MethodThis was a retrospective analysis of patients receiving ECMO for toxicological‐related causes between January 2013 and December 2023. Indications, the poisons of concern, and the mortality of the patients were reviewed.ResultsWe reported a total of 20 cases during the study period. Fourteen of them received VA‐ECMO, and six of them received VV‐ECMO. The most common poisons in patients receiving VA‐ECMO were calcium channel blockers and beta blockers. The ICU mortality rate for patients receiving VV‐ECMO was 16.6%, whereas it was 42.8% for those receiving VA‐ECMO. Of the 4 patients who received ECPR, the mortality rate was 75%. Most of the patients who survived had excellent cerebral performance category at 3 months.ConclusionECMO might be a useful modality for providing temporary respiratory and circulatory support to poisoned patients.
Tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone in management of atopic dermatitis in children, a randomized controlled double‐blind study: New insights on TARC, CTACK, TSLP, and E‐selectin
Authors: Binsaleh Ammena Y. , Kotkata Fedaa A. , Bahaa Mostafa M. , Hamouda Amir O. , El‐Gammal Mohamad A. , Elberri Aya Ibrahim , Selim Hend Mostafa , El‐samongy Marwa Ahmed , Hamouda Manal A. , Mokhtar Fatma A. , Fahmy Sherif Ashraf , Elmasri Thanaa A. , Elberri Eman I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a type of chronic inflammatory disorder that affects all age groups including children. AD is characterized by elevated inflammatory marker levels.AimTo assess the safety and effectiveness of topical tacrolimus ointment versus topical hydrocortisone cream in the treatment of pediatric AD by comparing the two treatments' ability to reduce serum cytokines.Patients and MethodsOne hundred AD patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria completed this clinical study. Two groups of 50 AD patients each were selected from Tanta University's Dermatology Department., Group 1 (the hydrocortisone group) was administered topical hydrocortisone cream for a duration of 4 months. For 4 months, Group 2 was administered tacrolimus topically. Serum levels of thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC), cutaneous T cell attractant chemokine (CTAC), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), E selectin (E‐selectin), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were measured during an evaluation of the patients by a dermatologist at the beginning and 4 months after the treatment had been started. Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index was used to assess quality of life in these patients.ResultsWith the exception of E‐selectin, IL‐6, and IL‐10 (p > .05), the tacrolimus group had a significant reduction in TARC, CTACK, TSLP (p < .05) when compared to its baseline and when compared to the hydrocortisone group. Both groups showed a significant improvement in quality of life but no significant changes between groups were observed.ConclusionIn children with AD, tacrolimus reduces inflammatory biomarkers better than hydrocortisone.
Participation and relative cost of attendance by direct‐mail compared to opt‐in invitation strategy for HPV self‐sampling targeting cervical screening non‐attenders: A large‐scale, randomized, pragmatic study
Authors: Pedersen Birgitte Tønnes , Sonne Si Brask , Pedersen Helle , Andreasen Emilie Korsgaard , Serizawa Reza , Ejegod Ditte Møller , Bonde Jesper 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBroad accessibility to cervical cancer screening and high participation rate is essential to reduce cervical cancer incidence. HPV self‐sampling is an alternative to clinician collected cervical samples to increase accessibility and screening coverage. To inform on deployment strategies of HPV self‐sampling, this large‐scale, randomized, pragmatic study compared two invitation modalities; direct‐mail and opt‐in. The study included screening non‐attenders from the Capital Region of Denmark randomly allocated (1:4) to a direct‐mail or opt‐in invitation for cervical screening by HPV self‐sampling. Primary endpoint was screening participation; secondary endpoints were HPV prevalence and histology outcome. Adherence to follow‐up and cost were also evaluated. After exclusion of hysterectomized/non‐accessible women, 49,393 women were invited: 9639 by direct‐mail, and 39,754 by the opt‐in offer. A direct‐mail invitation for HPV self‐sampling yielded a significant higher participation than an opt‐in invitation. HPV self‐sample participation for direct‐mail was 25.2% (n = 2426), opt‐in participation was 20.2% (n = 8047), adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.20–1.34. Participation increased with age (p < .0001) for both strategies and decreased with screening history of non‐attendance (p < .0001). Interaction between invitation strategy and age/screening history was found; more women below 50 years of age participated by direct‐mail compared to opt‐in (p < .0001) and higher participation by direct‐mail group was found in women with a short history of non‐attendance (p < .0001). Participation of long‐term unscreened women was similar between arms. The relative cost was ≈14 HPV self‐sample kits distributed per additional participant by direct‐mail over opt‐in. HPV prevalence, adherence to follow‐up, and detection of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was similar between invitation strategies.
Calcium sensing receptor expression is downregulated in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours via epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: English Katherine A. , Goldsworthy Michelle , Willis Brittannie , Kooblall Kreepa G. , Birla Shweta , Selberherr Andreas , Stevenson Mark , Shariq Omair A. , Oberg Ann L. , Wang Tony , Carmichael James , Mavrommatis Konstantinos , Escoubet Laure , Thakker Rajesh V. , Howles Sarah A. , Lines Kate E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP‐NETs), which may be hormone secreting (e.g., gastrinomas and insulinomas) or non‐secreting (also known as non‐functioning NETs) are associated with severe morbidity and have a median overall survival of 75–124 months. Studies have highlighted the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in GEP‐NETs pathogenesis, with the most frequently mutated genes being the epigenetic regulators, MEN1, DAXX, and ATRX. However, the consequences of these aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are poorly understood. The calcium sensing receptor (CASR), a G protein coupled‐receptor, is epigenetically silenced in cancers, and therefore we examined its role in GEP‐NET subtypes. Using RNA‐Scope and quantitative PCR analyses in two independent tumour cohorts from Europe (n = 18 patients) and the USA (n = 46 patients) we showed that CASR mRNA is almost completely absent in gastrinomas, insulinomas and non‐functioning pancreatic NETs. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining confirmed a significant reduction in CaSR protein expression in all GEP‐NET subtypes, compared to normal islets. DNA methylationEPIC and ATAC‐seq analyses in the pancreatic NET cell line QGP‐1 showed the CaSR promoter was both hypermethylated and in a region of closed chromatin. Furthermore, transfection of wild type CaSR into QGP‐1 cells decreased cell viability, in keeping with the CaSR having a role in cellular proliferation. In summary, our study reveals that CaSR expression is decreased in GEP‐NETs and that this reduced expression is likely due to DNA methylation and chromatin changes. Moreover, we demonstrate that transfection of the CaSR into a PNET cell line reduces cell viability, thereby indicating that the CaSR acts as a tumour suppressor in this tumour type.
Diagnosis, management and treatment of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation: A case series and literature review
Authors: Yu Lei , Xiao Xue 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe rising prevalence of cesarean sections, abortions, and other surgical interventions involving the uterus has led to an increased incidence of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). These malformations primarily present as vaginal bleeding, which can significantly impair the quality of life for affected individuals and can pose life‐threatening risks in severe instances. Currently, there exists considerable variability in the clinical manifestations, treatment indications, and outcomes associated with uterine AVMs, which substantially complicates clinical diagnosis and management. In this report, we present five cases of uterine AVM that developed following abortion and were treated at our institution. The patients underwent various treatment modalities, with all but one achieving a high rate of fertility preservation. We underscore the importance of tailoring AVM treatment to factors such as patient age, volume of vaginal bleeding, urgency of the situation, size of the lesion, and fertility aspirations.
Post‐abortal/postpartum uterine vascular malformations: Are they overdiagnosed?
Authors: Katoch Tanvi , Jain Vanita , Bagga Rashmi , Suri Vanita , Bhujade Harish 
Published: November 2024

SynopsisWe found that patients with subtle vascular retained products of conception may present as suspected uterine vascular malformations.
Ergothioneine Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting Glycerophospholipids Metabolism and TGF‐β/Smads Signaling Pathway: Based on Metabonomics and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Mao Yaping , Xie Zhenghui , Zhang Xiangxia , Fu Yu , Yu Xiaotong , Deng Lili , Zhang Xiu , Hou Bo , Wang Xiao , Ma Mingyue , Ren Fu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTErgothioneine (EGT) is a diet‐derived natural sulfur‐containing amino acid that exhibits strong anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammation activities. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory injury are predominant pro‐fibrogenic factors. Therefore, EGT may have therapeutic potential against liver fibrosis; however, its underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. This study aimed at investigating the protective effects of EGT on liver fibrosis based on metabonomics and network pharmacology. A mouse model of liver fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection with 40% CCl4 solution (2 mL/kg, twice a week) and intragastric administration with EGT (5, 10 mg/kg/d) for six weeks. Results showed that EGT improved liver function by reducing serum levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and TBIL (total bilirubin), and alleviated liver fibrosis by reducing LN (laminin) and HyP (hydroxyproline) levels, decreasing expressions of α‐SMA (α‐smooth muscle actin), Col‐I (collagen type I), and Col‐III (collagen type III), and improving pathological changes. EGT also significantly inhibited CCl4‐induced hepatic inflammation and TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway. Metabolomics identified six key metabolic pathways, such as purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism, and eight key metabolites, such as xanthine, guanine, ATP, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingosine. Network pharmacology analysis showed that IL‐17, cAMP and NF‐κB signaling pathways were potential key mechanisms. Integrated analysis revealed that PLA2G2A might be a potential target of EGT against liver fibrosis. EGT may inhibit the glycerophospholipid metabolism through PLA2G2A to inhibit the TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway, thereby alleviating fibrosis. The present study indicates that EGT may be considered a valid therapeutic strategy to regress liver fibrosis, and provides novel insights into the pharmacological mechanism of EGT against liver fibrosis.
Melt‐Blown Polypropylene Membrane Modification for Enhanced Hydrophilicity
Authors: Lam M. , Baudoin M. , Mougin B. , Falentin‐Daudré C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMelt‐blown, an environmentally friendly technique, is widely used to create high‐quality non‐woven fabrics by extruding molten polymer resins into interlaced fibers. In the realm of biomedical textiles, its unique microstructure makes it ideal for filtration and wound dressings. Our study focuses on modifying the surfaces of polypropylene melt‐blown membranes. An effective, one‐step, suitable, and reliable method to graft a bioactive polymer, sodium polystyrene sulfonate—PolyNaSS, onto the membranes has been developed. The process involves UV irradiation to initiate direct and progressive growth of NaSS over the surface through radical polymerization. To assess the efficiency of the grafting, techniques like colorimetry, water contact angle measurements, Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. Outcomes related to the grafting were demonstrated by a change in wettability and quantitatively calculated sulfonate groups. Subsequently, grafted PolyNaSS promoted cell adhesion, as evidenced by improved cell morphology. On grafted membranes, fibroblasts exhibited a stretched shape, while non‐grafted ones showed inactive round shapes. These findings underscore the chemical and biological reactivity of polypropylene materials, opening exciting possibilities for various applications of melt‐blown materials.
“Help! My teacher is racist”: Strategies for broaching race with teachers during school counselor–teacher consultations
Authors: Williams Joseph M. , Cholewa Blaire 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIt is not uncommon to hear students of color refer to a teacher as “racist.” Research suggests that teachers perceive, evaluate, and treat students differently based on race, which students often notice. School counselors, with their consistent interaction with students and teachers, are often well‐positioned to recognize the subtle (or overt) signs of teacher racial bias against students of color. Once bias is identified, school counselors have both an ethical and professional responsibility to intervene. We argue that one way to address teacher bias is by engaging in race‐conscious consultations with teachers. This article provides guidance for school counselors on how to broach racial concerns with teachers during consultations. It also includes sample prompts and scripts to support school counselors in initiating conversations on race. Implications for school counseling practice and research are discussed.
Synthesis and visible light photocatalytic activity of magnetic NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 photocatalysts
Authors: Li Dongmei , Wan Tao , Wang Xiaomei , Liu Bingjun , Zhao Yang , Xu Hao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMetal–organic framework (MOF) has attracted extensive attention in photocatalytic organic pollutants. However, most MOFs still have problems such as low response of visible light, easy recombination of electrons and holes, and complicated separation and recovery process. In this study, a facile approach was proposed to construct magnetic NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 photocatalyst via solvothermal method. NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with octahedral structure are closely attached onto the surface of tubular such as NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe). NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 has soft ferromagnetism, good paramagnetism, and magnetic response. After 210 min visible light illumination, photocatalytic efficiency of NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 reaches 95.71% in the condition of methylene blue (MB) concentration as high as 30 mg/L, which is much higher than that (50.11%) of NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe). After five runs, photocatalytic activity of NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 only decreases to 90.41%. Consequently, magnetic NH2‐MIL‐53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 photocatalyst has huge potential applications in removing organic dyes by a green and environmentally friendly way due to its high photocatalytic activity, high stability, and easy solid–liquid separation.
Associations of Muscle‐Related Metrics With Respiratory Disease in Chinese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lan Yongbing , Ke Yalei , Sun Dianjianyi , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Lv Silu , Barnard Maxim , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Lv Jun , Li Liming , Yu Canqing ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is limited evidence about the association of muscle mass, strength and quality with respiratory disease, especially in Chinese populations. We aimed to comprehensively examine such associations and identify better metrics with more clinical and public health relevance.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study based on data from the second resurvey of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study in participants with no prevalent respiratory disease or cancer. Arm muscle quality was calculated as the ratio of grip strength to arm muscle mass. Low muscle mass, grip strength and arm muscle quality were defined as the sex‐specific lowest quintiles of corresponding variables. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for respiratory disease.ResultsIn total, 17 510 participants aged 38–88 (65.4% women; mean age 57.8 ± 9.6) were enrolled in 2013–2014 and followed up until 31 December 2018. During a median follow‐up of 4.82 years, 1346 participants developed respiratory disease. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and medical histories, the elevated HR of respiratory disease was 1.31 (1.14–1.51) for low grip strength and 1.25 (1.09–1.44) for low arm muscle quality. Grip strength and arm muscle quality exhibited a linearly inverse association between respiratory disease (p = 0.137 and 0.102), with each standard deviation (SD) decrease in grip strength and arm muscle quality associated with a 22% (95% CI: 11%–34%) and 14% (95% CI: 7%–22%) increased risk of respiratory disease. No association was found for low total muscle mass index and low appendicular muscle mass index.ConclusionLow grip strength and arm muscle quality are associated with increased risks of respiratory disease, and they are better muscle‐related metrics for identifying adults at high risk of respiratory disease. Chinese adults may need to maintain normal muscle mass, strength and quality to achieve better respiratory health, but this needs to be validated in appropriately designed clinical trials.
Lead Nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) Toxicity Effects on DNA Structure and Histopathological Damage in Gills of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Sharma Ritu , Jindal Rajinder , Jhamb Nikhil , Banaee Mahdi , Faggio Caterina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe toxic impact of environmentally relevant nominal sub‐lethal concentration of lead nitrate (23 mg/L) on the gills of Cyprinus carpio after 30 days of exposure was assessed. Structural alterations were analyzed through histopathology, and the DNA damage rate in peripheral erythrocytes was evaluated by alkaline comet assay. A significant deviation in the gill histoarchitecture was observed compared to the control group. Significant changes, including the curling of secondary lamellae, loss of filaments, necrosis, hyperplasia, hypertrophy of cells of primary filament, and vacuolization, were found in the fish exposed to nominal sub‐lethal concentration of lead nitrate. Moreover, the comet assay showed lead nitrate‐induced DNA damage, evidenced by the length of the DNA “tail” in the exposed fish. The findings of this study strongly indicated that lead nitrate, even at sub‐lethal levels, could significantly alter the overall physiology of the fish. This situation could lead to severe ecological consequences.
Constructing ZnO/NiO Nanocomposites as a Photocatalyst and Investigating Photocatalytic Effectiveness for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Hassan Mehdi , Maryum Hillal , Rauf Abdul , Ali Wajahat , Bashir Arslan , Zidan Ammar , Muhammad Ejaz , Jan Muhammad Tariq , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Sajid , Alotaibi Mohammed T. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe goal of the present work is to create ZnO/NiO nanocomposites (NCs) for the photocatalytic destruction of organic contaminants using the co‐precipitation technique. To investigate physiochemical characteristics, FT‐IR, UV visible spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD were used. The ZnO hexagonal phase and the NiO cubic phase in the ZnO/NiO NCs were verified by the diffraction pattern. NCs were discovered to have larger average crystallite sizes. The bandgap energy calculated from the Tauc plot for the ZnO is 3.02 and 2.74 eV for the ZnO/NiO NC's. SEM analysis revealed the morphological study and particle size was calculated using the histogram technique and found to be 124.5 nm for the ZnO and 49.2 nm for the ZnO/NiO NCs. Photocatalytic degradation in the presence of sunlight showed 72.8% degradation of Methylene blue (MB) for the ZnO and 79.2% for the ZnO/NiO NCs. The increase in the photocatalytic capablity for the NCs is attributed to the synergistic effect between ZnO and NiO which effectively separated charge carriers preventing greater recombination rate. The robustness of ZnO/NiO NCs as a catalyst option was shown by their exceptional performance.
Impact of polypharmacy on clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Ono Yuma , Kondo Hidekazu , Harada Taisuke , Yufu Kunio , Sato Hiroki , Mitarai Kazuki , Yonezu Keisuke , Tawara Katsunori , Akioka Hidefumi , Takahashi Naohiko 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence rates of heart failure (HF) and hyperpolypharmacy have increased with the aging population. While a negative impact of hyperpolypharmacy on HF clinical outcomes has already been reported, the effects of hyperpolypharmacy on patients with advanced HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remain unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated data from 147 patients with advanced HFrEF who underwent CRT between March 2004 and June 2020. Patients were divided into nonpolypharmacy (<5 medications) and polypharmacy (≥5 medications) groups, as well as nonhyperpolypharmacy (<10 medications) and hyperpolypharmacy (≥10 medications) groups.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 70.6 ± 9.7 years, and 90 patients (67.2%) were male. The median number of medications used was 10 (interquartile range: 7–13, range: 2–24); Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the hyperpolypharmacy group had a significantly worse long‐term survival rate in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; p = 0.004) and all‐cause mortality (p = 0.005). Long‐term survival in terms of MACE and all‐cause mortality was not significantly different between the polypharmacy with cardiovascular medication and nonpolypharmacy with cardiovascular medication groups. By contrast, the polypharmacy with noncardiovascular medication group had a significantly worse long‐term survival rate in terms of MACE (p = 0.006) and all‐cause mortality (p = 0.003) than the nonpolypharmacy with noncardiovascular medication group.ConclusionsHyperpolypharmacy was significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with advanced HFrEF who underwent CRT. Noncardiovascular polypharmacy may underlie the harmful effects of hyperpolypharmacy.