bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African walnut (Plukenetia conophora) oil promotes glucose uptake while improving energy metabolism and steroidogenesis and maintaining surface architecture in rat testes
Authors: Erukainure Ochuko L. , Chukwuma Chika I. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundAfrican walnut (Plukenetia conophora) oil (AWO) has been reported for its nutritional and medicinal properties and has been employed for the management of metabolic diseases including hyperglycemia-mediated ailments.ObjectiveIn the present study, AWO was investigated for its ability to stimulate glucose uptake and its effect on energy metabolism, steroidogenesis, and tissue morphology in isolated testes of Wistar rats.MethodsIsolated testes were incubated with AWO (30–240 μg/mL) in the presence of 11.1 mMol glucose at 37°C for 2 h. Control consisted of testes incubated with glucose only, while normal control consisted of testes not incubated with AWO and/or glucose. The standard antidiabetic drug was metformin.Results and conclusionIncubation with AWO led to significant increase in glucose uptake, hexokinase, glyoxalase 1, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, GLUT4, glutathione, and ATP levels while concomitantly suppressing glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, aldose reductase, polyol dehydrogenase, E-NTPDase, and ATPase activities. Furthermore, incubation with AWO led to improved testicular morphology while elevating testicular levels of magnesium, sulfur, potassium, calcium, and iron. Fatty acid profiling with GC-MS revealed linoleic acid and linolenic acid as the predominant essential fatty acids in AWO. Molecular docking analysis revealed potent molecular interactions of linoleic acid and linolenic acid with GLUT4. These results suggest the ability of AWO to improve testicular glucose metabolism and steroidogenesis and can be explored in the management of male infertility.
Efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Jinger , Luo Min , Zhuo Qianwei , Chen Nuo , Zhang Haosong , Han Yue 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundLebrikizumab, an IL-13 immunomodulator, has shown recommendable effectiveness and safety in clinical studies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adolescents and adults.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD through a meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched up to 8 August 2023. Randomized clinical trials of lebrikizumab treatment for moderate-to-severe AD were included by screening titles, abstracts, and papers.ResultsFive studies involving 1,551 patients with AD were identified. Pooled analysis revealed significant improvements in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score (SMD = −0.527; 95% CI = [−0.617, −0.436]), Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score (RR = 2.122; 95% CI = [1.803, 2.496]), Body Surface Area (BSA) score (SMD = −0.608; 95% CI = [−1.099, −0.118]), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score (SMD = −0.441; 95% CI = [−0.633, −0.250]). Moreover, Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (P-NRS) score, Patient-oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores, Sleep-loss score and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores showed similar results. Adverse events (AEs) (RR = 0.984; 95% CI = [0.907, 1.068]) for lebrikizumab showed no statistically significant difference compared to placebo, with similar results for serious adverse events (SAEs) (RR = 0.748; 95% CI = [0.410, 1.364]).ConclusionThis meta-analysis reveals that lebrikizumab has higher efficacy and safety in the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD, with the 250 mg Q2W dosage regimen appearing to be more advantageous.
Comparison of the effects of deferasirox film-coated tablets (Jadenu®) and deferasirox dispersible tablets (Exjade®) in patients with beta thalassemia major: a preliminary report of the effects on the satisfaction, convenience, cardiac/liver MRI T2*, serum ferritin level, and biochemical profiles
Authors: Mobinikhaledi Mahya , Falahati Vahid , Tajerian Amin , Hashiani Amir Almasi , Ghaffari Kazem , Ghasemi Ali 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundDeferasirox (DFX) is a once-daily oral iron chelator with proven dose-dependent efficacy in patients with thalassemia major (TM). The reason for switching from DFX dispersible tablets (Exjade®) to DFX film-coated tablets (Jadenu®) was intolerance. Many patients also reported that deferasirox® did not taste good. In this study, we compared the effect of Jadenu® and Exjade® on satisfaction, convenience, cardiac/liver MRI T2*, serum ferritin levels, and biochemical profiles in patients with thalassemia major.MethodSixty-two patients with thalassemia over 2 years of age, who had iron overload indicated by chelation therapy, were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n = 32) is treated with Exjade®, and the second group (n = 30) is treated with Jadenu®. Laboratory investigations included alkaline phosphatase (ALK), alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and serum ferritin levels. Cardiac/liver MRI T2* levels and patient satisfaction and convenience, were assessed before and 1 year after starting therapy.ResultsThe study found that 53.3% of Jadenu® patients were satisfied with the taste of the medication compared to only 12.5% of Exjade® patients, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Additionally, 40% of Jadenu® patients were satisfied with the ease of taking the medication compared to 28.1% of Exjade® patients, and again, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.047). A comparison of the cardiac MRI T2* levels between the two studied groups showed no significant difference (p = 0.851).ConclusionJadenu® offers patients an improved formulation that can be taken on an empty stomach, has a better taste, and presents fewer gastrointestinal tolerability concerns. Overall, patient satisfaction is higher with Jadenu®, which may improve adherence and reduce the frequency and severity of complications associated with iron overload. This, in turn, may help mitigate cardiovascular and hepatic complications from iron overload in the long term.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20210830052346N1
Dipeptide alanine-glutamine ameliorates retinal neurodegeneration in an STZ-induced rat model
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Wei Mingyan , Wang Xin , Xu Yuan , Zong Rongrong , Lin Xiang , Li Shiying , Chen Wensheng , Liu Zuguo , Chen Qian 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. Retinal neuronal degeneration is an early event in DR, indicated by the declined electroretinogram (ERG). Dipeptide alanine-glutamine (Ala-Gln) is widely used as a nutritional supplement in the clinic and has anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal system. Studies also reported that glutamine has beneficial effects on diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of Ala-Gln in diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and to delineate its mechanism of action.MethodsThe Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model was used as a DR model. ERG was used to measure the neuronal function of the retina. Western blot analysis was performed to test the expression of proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was used for the detection and localization of proteins.ResultsIn diabetic rats, the amplitudes of ERG were declined, while Ala-Gln restored the declined ERG. Retinal levels of inflammatory factors were significantly decreased in Ala-Gln-treated diabetic rats. Ala-Gln mitigated the declined levels of glutamine synthetase and ameliorated the upregulated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in diabetic retinas. Moreover, Ala-Gln upregulated the glycolytic enzymes pyruvate kinase isozymes 2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and LDHB and stimulated the mTOR signaling pathway in diabetic retinas. The mitochondrial function was improved after the treatment of Ala-Gln in diabetic retinas.DiscussionAla-Gln ameliorates retinal neurodegeneration by reducing inflammation and enhancing glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in DR. Therefore, manipulation of metabolism by Ala-Gln may be a novel therapeutic avenue for retinal neurodegeneration in DR.
Divertor Tokamak Test: Impact of NBI shine-through and beam-plasma interaction on Divertor Tokamak Test facility
Authors: De Piccoli C. , Vincenzi P. , Veronese F. , Agostinetti P. , Casiraghi I. , Castaldo A. , Mantica P. , Murari A. , Bolzonella T. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionIn this work, we aim to explore numerically the behavior of beam energetic particles in the Divertor Tokamak Test (DTT), a superconductive device equipped with a Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) system capable of injecting neutrals up to 510 keV.MethodWe explore beam ionization and beam slowing down for different DTT plasma scenarios. Numerical simulations are performed using the ASCOT suite of codes, including a wide-range scan of plasma density and beam injection energy. For different plasma conditions, we estimate shine-through losses, including the heat fluxes on the first wall thanks to dedicated particle tracing simulations. Orbits of newly-born fast ions are characterized by means of the constant of motion phase space, showing how trapped energetic particles’ population and prompt losses change with plasma density and NBI energy.Results and discussionSlowing down simulations show that NBI injection at 510 keV is well coupled to DTT plasmas. DTT NBI will be one of the sources of auxiliary ion heating, with an absorbed power ratio of up to ∼50% depending on plasma and beam parameters. At low plasma densities, energetic particle confinement is less efficient, and NBI power and/or energy reduction is expected.
Short Italian Wilkins Rate of Reading Test for repeated-measures designs in optometry and neuropsychology
Authors: De Luca Maria , Nardo Davide , Rizzo Giulia Carlotta , Daini Roberta , Tavazzi Silvia , Zeri Fabrizio 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe recently published New Italian version of the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test (standard Italian WRRT) was designed to measure reading speed in repeated-measures designs in research and/or clinical examinations. The test features 15 equivalent 10-line passages made up of unrelated words, adhering to the principles established by the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test in English (original WRRT).AimTo develop a short Italian version of the WRRT (SI-WRRT), and to determine the equivalence across the new, shorter passages of text. The introduction of 5-line passages, instead of the original 10-line ones, aims to enhance the tool's suitability for the elderly or neuropsychological patients by reducing administration time.MethodThe same 15 high-frequency Italian words from the standard Italian WRRT were used to generate 15 5-line passages for the SI-WRRT. Comprehensive eye examination and vision assessment, including the Radner Reading Charts, were performed before the administration of the SI-WRRT. Forty healthy Italian-speaking higher education students read the SI-WRRT passages aloud in random order. Reading speed and accuracy were measured offline from digital recordings of the readings. Equivalence across passages and the effects of practice and fatigue were assessed for reading speed and accuracy, along with test-retest reliability.ResultsNo significant difference in reading speed was found across 14 out of the 15 passages. In addition, no differences were observed in accuracy, and the error rate was very low. Practice and fatigue effects were minimal for reading speed, whereas they were absent for accuracy. Reading speed, the reference metric for the WRRT, showed moderate-to-good test-retest reliability.ConclusionsEquivalence was confirmed across 14 passages of the SI-WRRT. Therefore, the test may be suitable for examining the elderly or neuropsychological patients, as reading time of the 5-line passages is halved with respect to the standard Italian WRRT. However, the 5-line passages still allow the assessment of prolonged reading. Since one passage was not equivalent, we recommend avoiding the use of random rearrangements of words without formally checking their validity.
Single prolonged stress induces behavior and transcriptomic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex to increase susceptibility to anxiety-like behavior in rats
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Huang Geng-Di , Shen Dan , Xue Yan-Xue , Yang Mei , Jia Xiao-Jian 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTranscriptomic studies offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of traumatic stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been implicated in emotion, cognitive function, and psychiatric disorders. Alterations in the function of mPFC have been observed in PTSD patients. However, the specific transcriptomic mechanisms governed by genes within the mPFC under traumatic stress remain elusive.MethodsIn this study, we conducted transcriptome-wide RNA-seq analysis in the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) cortices. We employed the single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model to simulate anxiety-like behavior, which was assessed using the open field and elevated plus maze tests.ResultsWe identified sixty-two differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR adjusted p &lt; 0.05) with significant expression changes in the PL and IL mPFC. In the PL cortex, DEGs in the susceptible group exhibited reduced enrichment for cellular, biological, and molecular functions such as postsynaptic density proteins, glutamatergic synapses, synapse formation, transmembrane transport proteins, and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. In contrast, the IL-susceptible group displayed diminished enrichment for synapse formation, neuronal activity, dendrite development, axon regeneration, learning processes, and glucocorticoid receptor binding compared to control and insusceptible groups. DEGs in the PL-susceptible group were enriched for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegeneration processes. In the IL cortex, the susceptible group demonstrated enrichment for KEGG pathways involved in regulating stress signaling pathways and addiction-like behaviors, compared to control and insusceptible groups.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SPS activates distinct transcriptional and molecular pathways in PL and IL cortices of mPFC, enabling differential coping mechanisms in response to the effects of traumatic stress. The enhanced enrichment of identified KEGG pathways in the PL and IL mPFC may underlie the anxiety-like behavior observed in susceptible rats.
Exercise habits in adolescence and old age are positively associated with geriatric depressive symptoms: the Bunkyo Health Study
Authors: Shi Huicong , Tabata Hiroki , Otsuka Hikaru , Kaga Hideyoshi , Someya Yuki , Abudurezake Abulaiti , Kakehi Saori , Naito Hitoshi , Ito Naoaki , Tajima Tsubasa , Yoshizawa Yasuyo , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka , Tamura Yoshifumi 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionExercise is a crucial method for preventing geriatric depression. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the associations between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and geriatric depressive symptoms.MethodsThis study used baseline data from the Bunkyo Health Study, a prospective observational cohort study investigating the preventive effects of physical activity on causative diseases requiring long-term care. This analysis included 1,629 older adults (687 men and 942 women) aged 65–84 years who participated in the Bunkyo Health Study. Participants were divided into four groups according to their exercise habits in adolescence and old age: never exercised (none-none; NN), exercised only in old age (none-active; NA), exercised only in adolescence (active-none; AN), and exercised in adolescence and old age (active-active; AA). Geriatric depressive symptoms were defined as the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥ 5, including depression tendency. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals in each group for the prevalence of geriatric depressive symptoms compared with the NN group.ResultsThe ORs for geriatric depressive symptoms were notably lower in the AN, NA, and AA groups than in the NN group in both older men and older women.ConclusionThese results indicate that older adults with exercise habits in adolescence and/or in old age exhibit a lower prevalence of geriatric depressive symptoms.
Characteristics and quality of life of people living with comorbid disorders in substance use recovery residences
Authors: Obekpa Elizabeth O. , McCurdy Sheryl A. , Gallardo Kathryn R. , Rodriguez Serena A. , Cazaban Cecilia Ganduglia , Brown H. Shelton , Yang James J. , Wilkerson J. Michael 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundOpioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, research on physical and mental health comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people taking medication for OUD (MOUD) and living in recovery residences is sparse. We investigated the prevalence of comorbidities and examined which EQ-5D-5L HRQoL dimensions are most affected by these comorbidities.MethodsData were collected from 358 residents living in 14 Texas-based recovery residences from April 2021 to June 2023. The EQ-5D-5L descriptive system comprises five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression). Each dimension has five levels of perceived problems, dichotomized into “No problems” (level 1) and “Any problems” (levels 2–5) for analyses. Cross-sectional analyses of residents' characteristics, comorbidities (categorized as mental health disorders or association with major body systems), and EQ-5D-5L dimensions were conducted using Chi-squared or Student t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe mean [SD] age of residents was 36.0 [8.9]. Most residents were non-Hispanic White (68.7%), male (59.7%), unemployed (66.3%), and engaged in polysubstance use (75.4%). The most frequently reported comorbidities were mental health (26.5%), respiratory (26.3%), neurological (19.3%), cardiovascular (18.2%), and musculoskeletal (17.0%) disorders. The most reported HRQoL problems were anxiety/depression (75.8%) and pain/discomfort (53.2%). In the unadjusted regression models, all comorbidities, except mental health (negative association) and digestive (no association) disorders, were positively associated with HRQoL problems. The usual activities dimension was the most affected by comorbidities, followed by mobility and pain/discomfort. Increasing age was positively associated with cardiovascular disorders (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03–1.10), musculoskeletal disorders (aOR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.00–1.06), mobility problems (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01–1.09), and pain/discomfort problems (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00–1.05). Illicit drug use was positively associated with mobility problems (aOR = 3.36; 95% CI = 1.20–9.45). Neurological (aOR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.38–5.33) and musculoskeletal (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.25–5.29) disorders were positively associated with pain/discomfort problems. MOUD duration was negatively associated with mental health disorders (aOR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.08–0.22) but not HRQoL.ConclusionsComorbidities significantly predict HRQoL among individuals with OUD. Our findings highlight the need for an integrated care model to treat OUD and comorbidities to sustain recovery and improve health and HRQoL.
Understanding older adults’ acceptance of Chatbots in healthcare delivery: an extended UTAUT model
Authors: Yu Shulan , Chen Tianyue 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundChatbots are increasingly integrated into the lives of older adults to assist with health and wellness tasks. This study aimed to understand the factors that enhance older adults’ acceptance of chatbots in healthcare delivery.MethodsThis study proposed an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT), including aging factors of perceived physical condition, self-actualization needs, and technology anxiety. The model was tested by PLS (Partial Least Squares) with data collected from 428 Chinese citizens aged 60 and above.ResultsThe results reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly affected older adults’ behavioral intention to use chatbots. The facilitating conditions, self-actualization needs, and perceived physical condition significantly affected the actual use behavior of chatbots by older adults, whereas technology anxiety did not. Furthermore, the influence of effort expectancy and social influence on behavioral intention were moderated by experience.ConclusionThe behavioral intentions of older adults with low experience are more strongly influenced by social influences and effort expectancy. Furthermore, healthcare providers, designers, and policymakers should emphasize the impact of facilitating conditions, self-actualization needs, and perceived physical conditions on chatbot applications among older adults.
Study on the co-occurrence of multiple health service needs throughout the lifecourse of rural residents in China based on association rules
Authors: Jia Jingjing , Liu Xuejiao , Ren Panpan , Chen Mengyao , Xu Jinglin , Zhang Xiang 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo understand the multiple health service needs of rural residents in China and explore the co-occurrence patterns of these needs throughout the entire life course, providing a basis for the formulation and optimization of health service packaging policies.MethodsThis study utilized a stratified random sampling method, resulting in a final sample size of 15,125 individuals. The R statistical software was employed to apply the Apriori algorithm to mine the co-occurrence relationships among multiple health service needs across the life course and to explore the packaging model of these services.ResultsThe health service needs rate among rural residents in China is 86.76%, with a multiple health service needs rate of 78.72%. The most needed services are health exercise guidance (17.10%), Traditional Chinese Medicine health care (15.53%), and internet health information services (14.40%). The highest combined health service need is for “exercise guidance need + internet health information need + Traditional Chinese Medicine health care need,” followed by “exercise guidance need + internet information need.” There are significant differences in the content and strength of associations in the co-occurrence structure of multiple health service needs across different age groups. During the life preparation stage, the need for multiple health services is high, with modern medical care and child management having the highest support. In the life protection stage, the focus shifts to preventive health needs, with strong associations among co-occurring needs (the highest support rule being Traditional Chinese Medicine health care + exercise guidance, support = 21.12%). The co-occurrence of medical and preventive health service needs among the older adult is diverse, with the strongest association being between chronic disease management services and rehabilitation services (support = 31.24%).ConclusionThe multiple health service needs rate among rural residents in China is high, with the greatest needs being for exercise guidance, Traditional Chinese Medicine health care, and internet health information services. There are significant differences in health service needs across different life stages. It is essential to enhance the integration and packaging of health service resources to promote diversity in health services and meet the multiple health service needs of residents throughout their life courses.