bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of antinuclear antibody staining patterns and titers in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sener Seher , Batu Ezgi Deniz , Unal Dilara , Basaran Ozge , Saribas Zeynep , Bilginer Yelda , Sener Burcin , Ozen Seza 
Published: November 2024

Objective Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) staining patterns can provide useful information in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In our study, we examined the frequency of ANA staining patterns in disease-related features in childhood-onset SLE patients. Methods ANA and its staining patterns were assessed in childhood-onset SLE patients. Results Two hundred twenty-three patients were included (F/M = 3/1). Their median age at diagnosis was 14.3 (11.9-16.1) years. The anti-cell (AC)-4/5 (fine or large speckled) pattern was the most common nuclear ANA pattern (75.8%), while the AC-19 (dense fine speckled) pattern was the most frequently detected cytoplasmic ANA pattern (13.1%). The AC-4/5 (fine or large speckled) patterns were notably seen in fever, acute and chronic cutaneous lupus, arthritis, serositis, hematologic involvement, renal involvement, neuropsychiatric involvement, gastrointestinal involvement, and cardiopulmonary involvement (all p < .001). Conversely, the AC-1 (homogeneous) pattern was significantly detected in oral/nasal ulcers and non-scarring alopecia (both p < .001). Regarding the laboratory features, the AC-4/5 (fine or large speckled) patterns exhibited a predominant seen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated ESR and CRP, hypocomplementemia, direct Coombs, anti-Smith (Sm), anti-SSA and SS-B, anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), anti-histone, anti-ribosomal P, lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG, and anti-β2-glycoprotein IgM/IgG positivities (all p < .001). In contrast, the AC-1 (homogeneous) pattern was detected in anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA and anti-histone positivity (both p < .001). Conclusion Our study showed that AC-4/5 and AC-1 patterns of ANA are frequently detected in many clinical and serological features of childhood-onset SLE patients. However, further studies are needed in larger populations to verify these results.
Liquiritin Promotes Vasodilation Effects by Activating the Kv and KATP Channels in the Isolated Rat Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Ma MengXue , Che YouLan , Yang Xin , Wang Zhi , Bai Ya Wen , Yu Yang , Xu QingBin , Zhou Ru 
Published: November 2024

Background Liquiritin, a flavonoid present in the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Glycyrrhizae, reduces myocardial damage and improves cardiac function. However, it remains unclear what effect it has on the thoracic aortic rings. Purpose Use of rat thoracic aortic rings to study the vasodilatory effects of liquiritin and its associated mechanisms. Methods The arterial tension of rat thoracic aortic rings was measured in vitro using the perfusion method. Precontraction of the thoracic aortic rings with phenylephrine (PE) 1 µM and changes in vascular ring tension were observed and recorded after cumulative administration of liquiritin (1, 3, 10, 30, 100, and 300 µM). The effects of liquiritin on the tension of thoracic aortic rings with intact or denuded endothelial that were precontracted with PE or potassium chloride were determined, as well as how NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), indomethacin (INDO), tetraethylammonium (TEA), barium chloride (BaCl2), and glibenclamide (Gli) affected the vasodilatory function of liquiritin. Results Liquiritin exerts a diastolic effect on PE-induced contraction of the thoracic aortic ring, and this effect is independent of the integrity of the vascular endothelium. L-NAME and INDO pretreatment also did not influence the vasodilatory function of liquiritin, illustrating that it might not be endothelium-dependent. Furthermore, pretreatment with TEA, a Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor, and BaCl2, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel inhibitor, did not affect the vasodilatory effects of liquiritin. Nevertheless, pretreatment with the voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channel inhibitor, 4-AP, and the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel inhibitor, Gli, significantly reduced the vasodilatory effect of liquiritin, indicating that the vasodilatory effects of liquiritin may have a bearing on the activation of Kv and KATP channels. Conclusion Overall, we confirmed for the first time that liquiritin has vasodilatory effects that are endothelium-independent, and the mechanism of its vasodilatory effect may include activation of Kv and KATP channels.
Investigation of Tribulus terrestris Fruits Extract and Isolated Compound against Metyrapone-induced Adrenal Insufficiency in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ganesh Vakkalagadda Siva , Goudanavar Prakash , Naveen N Raghavendra , Basavarajappa Girish Meravanige , Asif Afzal Haq , Shiroorkar Predeepkumar Narayanappa , D R Bharathi , Nagaraja Sreeharsha 
Published: November 2024

Background Metyrapone inhibits 11 β-hydroxylase, contributing to adrenal insufficiency (AI). This study aims to explore the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract (TTFE) and an isolated compound (hecogenin) on metyrapone-induced AI. Purpose Adrenal glands manage processes such as metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response by generating hormones from their two main components, the cortex and medulla. The adrenal cortex generates glucocorticoids (GC) and mineralocorticoids, while the medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline. Reduced production of GC, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens as a result of the adrenal gland’s destruction or lack of stimulation is the hallmark of AI. Primary, secondary, and tertiary forms of AI are prevalent conditions with various etiologies. If left untreated, they lead to an adrenal crisis. Synthetic GC (prednisolone and hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone) are the only drugs that help treat AI. Methods The Wistar rats were selected for the study and treated with T. terrestris extract and an isolated compound (hecogenin) in the presence of metyrapone. Behavioral and hormonal assessments were performed. Corticosterone, aldosterone, sodium, and potassium were measured. Results The findings showed that exposure to metyrapone showed a drastic reduction of cortisol, aldosterone, and locomotor scores. Additionally, metyrapone decreased locomotor score and serum cortisol. However, treatment with Tribulus extract and hecogenin showed a significant rise in the levels of aldosterone, corticosterone, sodium, and potassium. Conclusion 400 and 800 mg/kg of TTFE and hecogenin 50 mg/kg showed significant increases in the levels of corticosterone, aldosterone, sodium, and potassium levels in Wistar rats.
The Impact of Self-esteem on Depression in Medical College Students
Authors: Kinariwala Aashka , Saija Nidhi , Malhotra Supriya 
Published: November 2024

Background: Self-esteem reflects one’s sense of self-worth, while depression is a serious mental health condition that transcends regular mood fluctuations, affecting all life aspects, including relationships and performance in school and work. The present study aims to elucidate the relationship between self-esteem and depression among medical college students. Materials and Methods: A sample of 101 students, comprising 50 males and 51 females aged 18–22 years, was randomly selected from various medical colleges. Data collection was facilitated through Google Forms, employing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and the Beck Depression Inventory to assess self-esteem and depression levels, respectively. The analysis involved t-tests to evaluate gender differences in self-esteem and depression, and the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to explore the relationship between these variables. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25 software. Results: The study found a moderate negative correlation between self-esteem and depression (r = –0.685). No significant gender differences were observed in mean self-esteem scores (males: 19.96, females: 19.75) or mean depression scores (males: 8.24, females: 9.47). Conclusion: The findings suggest a moderate negative correlation between self-esteem and depression among medical college students, indicating that higher self-esteem is associated with lower levels of depression. There were no significant differences in self-esteem and depression between male and female students. These insights highlight the importance of addressing self-esteem in efforts to mitigate depression in this population.
Trastuzumab Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Suggesting Repurposing Potential
Authors: Abdel-Ghany Shaimaa , Khalid Yasmin , Mohamed Soha , Mohamed Gehan , Mohdy Engy , Ezzat Abeer , Madian Engy F , Said Osama A , Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed A , Nazih Mahmoud , Khoder Ahmed , Sabit Hussein 
Published: November 2024

Background: Breast cancer remains the most common invasive cancer in women worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options. Trastuzumab (Tz) is typically used to treat HER2-positive breast cancers, but its potential in TNBC is unclear. Objectives: To investigate the effects of trastuzumab on cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and gene expression in TNBC cell lines compared with HER2-positive and normal cell lines. Design: This is an in vitro experimental pre-clinical study using cultured cancer cell lines. Methods: MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 (TNBC), MCF-7 ( HER2-positive), and HSF (normal) cell lines were treated with 20 μg/mL trastuzumab for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis by flow cytometry, cell cycle progression by DNA content analysis, and gene expression by qPCR. Results: Trastuzumab significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in TNBC cell lines, comparable to effects in HER2-positive MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed G2/M phase arrest in TNBC cells. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of ERBB2, NOTCH1, EGFR, PIK3CA, and PTEN in MDA-MB-231 cells, while 4T1 cells exhibited downregulation of most genes except NOTCH1. Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence for trastuzumab’s potential therapeutic effects in TNBC, despite low HER2 expression. The observed cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle modulation in TNBC cells warrant further investigation into trastuzumab’s mechanisms of action in HER2-negative contexts and its potential repurposing for TNBC treatment.
Natural history and clinical outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's disease–related psychosis by antipsychotic treatment status in the United States
Authors: Rao Sapna , Forns Joan , Danysh Heather E , Calingaert Brian , Dempsey Colleen , Aquilina Thomas , Pathak Sanjeev , Anthony Mary S , Layton J Bradley 
Published: November 2024

Background While some literature on clinical outcomes in persons with dementia-related psychosis exists, little is known regarding Alzheimer's disease–related psychosis (ADP). Objective Describe demographic/clinical characteristics of adults with ADP and estimate incidence of clinical events by antipsychotic treatment status. Methods This cohort study identified adults ≥65 years with Alzheimer's disease and incident psychosis (US Medicare database [2013–2018]) and no prior exposure to antipsychotics. Two nonmutually exclusive ADP subcohorts included: patients who initiated treatment with antipsychotic medications (antipsychotic users) and those who remained untreated (antipsychotic nonusers). Baseline characteristics were evaluated before psychosis diagnosis in untreated patients and before antipsychotic initiation in treated patients. Incidence rates were estimated for falls and fractures (composite and separately), seizure/epilepsy (new onset and any), and mortality. Results 145,333 ADP antipsychotic nonusers and 49,452 antipsychotic users were identified. Both cohorts had similar baseline demographics; however, antipsychotic users versus nonusers had higher baseline skilled nursing facility use (40.3% and 27.8%), mood (72.7% and 62.1%) and anxiety (70.9% and 57.3%) disorders, falls/fractures (39.5% and 33.8%), urinary tract infections (55.1% and 47.0%), and frailty index scores (76.0% and 69.7%). Crude incidence rates (95% confidence interval)/100 person-years in antipsychotic users and nonusers were 70.0 (68.9–71.2) and 55.8 (55.4–56.1) (falls/fractures composite), 69.0 (67.9–70.1) and 54.9 (54.5–55.2) (falls), 38.6 (38.1–39.0) and 33.0 (32.7–33.2) (mortality), and 45.8 (44.9–46.7) and 54.2 (53.9–54.6) (any seizure/epilepsy). Conclusions Antipsychotic initiators with ADP had a higher burden of some baseline comorbidities; experienced higher incidence of falls, fractures, and mortality; and had lower incidence of seizure/epilepsy than antipsychotic nonusers.
Severe Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Treatment During Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Watanuki Hirotaka , Tochii Masato , Koiwa Daisuke , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuyama Katsuhiko 
Published: November 2024

Background: Although the prevalence of severe carotid artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is high, no clear consensus on how to manage these patients exists, especially in asymptomatic cases. We aimed to determine the impact of asymptomatic severe CAD on in-hospital stroke and all-cause mortality rates in patients undergoing CABG. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 235 patients with documented carotid duplex ultrasound before undergoing isolated CABG at our institution between August 2015 and December 2022. To assess the rates of stroke and mortality after CABG, patients with severe CAD were compared with those without. Staged or concomitant carotid revascularization was considered in patients with severe bilateral CAD or a poor collateral brain network. Results: Patients with severe CAD were significantly older with a higher prevalence of CAD treatment history. Although their intensive care unit stay was longer, other postoperative complications were not significant. Among all patients, only one occurrence of 30-day mortality was observed, and patients with severe CAD had similar rates of postoperative stroke and death to those without. Postoperative stroke was related to carotid artery lesions in 2 patients with severe CAD but not in 9 patients without. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) was successfully performed without cerebral complications. Conclusions: Coronary artery bypass grafting in selected patients with severe asymptomatic CAD is acceptable and favorable; however, stroke related to severe CAD can occur after CABG. The decision to perform prophylactic or subsequent revascularization must be personalized and based on clinical judgment; however, close follow-up is required for patients with severe asymptomatic CAD. Furthermore, to prevent perioperative cerebrovascular events, preoperative carotid evaluation with a duplex ultrasonography scanner appears important.
Relationships Between Cognitive Impairments and Motor Learning After Stroke: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rajda Caroline M. , Desabrais Katrina , Levin Mindy F. 
Published: November 2024

Background Stroke is one of the leading causes of chronic disability worldwide. Sensorimotor recovery relies on principles of motor learning for the improvement of movement and sensorimotor function after stroke. Motor learning engages several cognitive processes to effectively learn and retain new motor skills. However, cognitive impairments are common and often coexist with motor impairments after stroke. The specific relationships between poststroke cognitive impairments and motor learning have not been determined. Objectives To summarize the existing evidence related to cognitive impairments and motor learning after stroke. Specific goals were to determine: (1) how motor learning is studied in individuals with poststroke cognitive impairments; (2) how cognitive impairments are assessed; (3) which cognitive domains impact motor learning. Results Over 400 studies were screened for specific inclusion criteria and 19 studies that related poststroke cognitive impairments to motor learning were included. Studies used a wide variety of experimental designs, sample sizes, and measures for cognitive evaluation. Cognitive impairments impacting motor improvement and learning capacity after stroke were reported in all but 4 studies. The most common domains impacting motor learning were attention, executive function, and memory. Conclusion Detailed cognitive assessments, retention testing, and a combination of clinical and kinematic outcomes are recommended for future studies. The presence of specific cognitive impairments measured with sensitive instruments should be considered when designing effective training interventions for patients with stroke to maximize sensorimotor recovery.
The safety and efficacy of pRESET stent retriever for treatment of thrombo-embolic stroke; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Habibi Mohammad Amin , Ahmadvand Muhammad Hussain , Delbari Pouria , Sabet Saba , Zare Amir Hessam , Mirjani Mohammad Sina , Boskabadi Amir Reza , Kolur Zahra Aslani , Bozorgi Maryam 
Published: November 2024

Background The pRESET stent retriever is a self-expanding nitinol stent designed for mechanical thrombectomy in cases of large vessel occlusion during acute ischemic stroke. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of the pRESET device. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, WoS, and Scopus were systematically reviewed from inception to 8 July 2024. Results A total of eight studies involving 1163 patients were included. The pooled mortality rate was 18% with a 95% CI of [12%, 25%]. The rates of any hemorrhagic complication, parenchymal hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage were 22% with a 95% CI of [12%, 36%], 7% with a 95% CI of [4%, 13%], and 10% with a 95% CI of [5%, 17%], respectively. The rate of favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 90 days was 43% with a 95% CI of [34%, 52%]. Successful recanalization rates were 60% with a 95% CI of [52%, 67%] after the first pass and 90% with a 95% CI of [83%, 95%] after the final pass. Rescue devices were used in 13% with a 95% CI of [7%, 24%] of cases. Conclusions The pRESET stent retriever demonstrates high recanalization rates and reasonable safety outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. Further randomized trials directly comparing pRESET to other stent retrievers are warranted.
Artificial intelligence-based echocardiography assessment to detect pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Salehi Mahan , Alabed Samer , Sharkey Michael , Maiter Ahmed , Dwivedi Krit , Yardibi Tarik , Selej Mona , Hameed Abdul , Charalampopoulos Athanasios , Kiely David G , Swift Andrew J 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundTricuspid regurgitation jet velocity (TRJV) on echocardiography is used for screening patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension (PH). Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as the US2.AI, have been developed for automated evaluation of echocardiograms and can yield measurements that aid PH detection. This study evaluated the performance and utility of the US2.AI in a consecutive cohort of patients with suspected PH.Methods1031 patients who had been investigated for suspected PH between 2009–2021 were retrospectively identified from the ASPIRE registry. All patients had undergone echocardiography and right heart catheterisation (RHC). Based on RHC results, 771 (75%) patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >20 mmHg were classified as having a diagnosis of PH (as per the 2022 European guidelines). Echocardiograms were evaluated manually and by the US2.AI tool to yield TRJV measurements.ResultsThe AI tool demonstrated high interpretation yield, successfully measuring TRJV in 87% of echocardiograms. Manually- and automatically-derived TRJV values showed excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.94; 95% CI 0.94–0.95) with minimal bias (Bland-Altman analysis). Automated TRJV measurements showed equally high diagnostic accuracy for PH as manual measurements (AUC: 0.88 [95% CI 0.84, 0.90]versus0.88 [95% CI 0.86, 0.91]).ConclusionAutomated TRJV measurements on echocardiography were similar to manual measurements, with similarly high and non-inferior diagnostic accuracy for PH. These findings demonstrate that automated measurement of TRJV on echocardiography is feasible, accurate and reliable and support the implementation of AI-based approaches to echocardiogram evaluation and diagnostic imaging for PH.
Prevalence and determinants of smoke-free homes in 12 European countries: the TackSHS Survey
Authors: Tigova Olena , Stival Chiara , Castellano Yolanda , Lugo Alessandra , Fu Marcela , Mar López Anna , Martínez Cristina , Soriano Joan B. , O'Donnell Rachel , Semple Sean , López Maria J. , Fernández Esteve , Gallus Silvano , Investigators TackSHS 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundHomes are one of the primary locations where people are exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in Europe. We describe the prevalence and identify the main determinants of having home-smoking restrictions in 12 European countries.MethodsCross-sectional survey in 12 European countries conducted in 2017–2018 (TackSHS Project). Approximately 1000 participants representing the general population aged ≥15 years of each country were interviewed face-to-face. Individual and country-level characteristics were explored through adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) obtained from multilevel Poisson models with random effects.ResultsAmong 11 734 participants, 70.2% (95%CI: 69.4–71.0%) had smoke-free homes and 17.5% (95%CI: 16.8–18.2%) had partial home-smoking restrictions in place. Prevalence of smoke-free homes ranged from 44.4% in Greece to 84.5% in England. Having a smoke-free home was significantly inversely associated with current (PR=0.60) or former (PR=0.95) smoking and living in a household with one (PR=0.70) and two or more (PR=0.58) people who smoke. It was also significantly associated with being ≥65 years old (PR=1.05), being female (PR=1.07), having a high educational level (PR=1.09), and living with children (PR=1.09). Having a smoke-free home was associated with living in Northern Europe, while partial home-smoking restrictions were more likely among respondents from Eastern Europe and countries with lower per capita gross domestic product.ConclusionsThe prevalence of smoke-free homes in Europe is relatively high, but with large variability across countries. European countries with a lower prevalence of smoke-free homes should implement tailored interventions targeting identified determinants and incorporate the success of other countries.