bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of L-NAME-induced Hypertension in Rats with Elettaria cardamomum–Low-dose Amlodipine Combination: A Possible Synergism of Covasodilatory Effect
Authors: Mouslem Abdulaziz K. Al , Almuayli Dimah I. , Aldaej Sara M. , Alhaddad Zainab A. , Alhamad Fatimah J. , Emeka Promise M. , Gad Enas S. 
Published: September 2024

Background Hypertension is a prevalent chronic disorder that affects approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide. In the use of amlodipine, though it is a cost-effective antihypertensive agent, it causes side effect that may lead to discontinuation of the medication. Objectives To examine the effect of the combination of Elettaria cardamomum plus a low dose of amlodipine on Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rat model. Materials and Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups of six rats, respectively. The standard control group received only normal saline (first group). The other four groups received L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day, orally) for 21 days as follows: Group 2 served as L-NAME group only; Group 3 was given E. cardamomum (400 mg/kg/day, orally); Group 4 received amlodipine (5 mg/kg/day, orally); Group 5 received E. cardamomum (400 mg/kg/day, orally) + a low dose of amlodipine (2.5 mg/kg/day, orally) and served as the combination treatment group. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, blood pressure was measured, then blood samples were collected, rats were sacrificed, and hearts and kidneys were harvested. Serum levels of lipids, liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine were determined. Results L-NAME administration induced a notable increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, with significant changes in biochemical parameters. However, administration of E. cardamomum alone or in combination with a low dose of amlodipine showed a better reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than amlodipine alone. Consequently, effects on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and cardiorenal pathology were significantly improved with combination treatment compared with amlodipine alone. Conclusion The present study has shown that the E. cardamomum–low-dose amlodipine combination could be beneficial in lowering blood pressure without the attendant adverse effects associated with the normal dose of amlodipine alone. This could be due to covasorelaxant effects.
Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Harish BV  , Sahoo Rasmi Ranjan , Gochhait Samanyoya , Patro Pradeepta Sekhar 
Published: September 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with active AS aged between 18 and 60 years who fulfilled the modified New York criteria for AS and had inadequate response or intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were enrolled. Patients were randomised to receive either tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society ≥20% improvement (ASAS20), and the secondary endpoints included Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society ≥40% improvement response, mean change from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score–C-reactive protein (ASDAS–CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) levels. Safety assessment was done throughout the study period. Results: Forty-eight patients were included in the study and received either tofacitinib ( n = 25) or placebo ( n = 23). The ASAS20 response was significantly higher in the tofacitinib group compared with placebo (68% vs 13%, P < .001). Significant improvement was also seen in secondary endpoints, including mean change in BASDAI ( P < .001), ASDAS–CRP ( P < .001), BASMI ( P = .003), BASFI ( P = .001), ESR ( P = .002), CRP ( P = .003), serum TNF-α ( P = .007) and IL-17A levels ( P <.001). There was no significant difference in MASES ( P = .7). Both groups had similar infection rates. Conclusions: In patients with active AS, tofacitinib was effective in reducing disease activity measures compared with placebo.
Comparison of Fractionated Dose Versus Bolus Dose of Bupivacaine Hyperbaric (0.5%) with Buprenorphine in Spinal Anaesthesia for Lower Limb Surgeries
Authors: Arulpari Thamizh Thendral , Ganapathysubramanian Manujkumar , Chandrasekaran Rajesh Prabhu 
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) stands as a widely utilised anaesthetic approach for patients undergoing surgeries involving the lower limb, lower abdomen, pelvis and perineum. This study aims to evaluate the safety of fractionated dose versus bolus dose injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) with buprenorphine in SA for lower limb surgeries concerning haemodynamic stability, total analgesia duration and the quality of sensory and motor blocks. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024 after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, adhering to ethical standards throughout the research process. A sample size of 54 per group was determined accounting for potential dropouts, considering a dropout rate of 10%. The criteria for participant selection were carefully established. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients who had undergone lower limb surgeries and had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 and 2, were aged between 18 and 60 years, had a body mass index (BMI) falling within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m 2 , and had a height ranging from 150 to 180 cm. Results: In our investigation, we observed that five minutes after administering SA, the sensory level was notably elevated in the fractionated group, with a majority of patients (62.9%) reaching a level of T10. Simultaneously, the corresponding motor block, assessed using the modified Bromage score, predominantly showed a score of 4 in the fractionated group, with 77.10% of patients exhibiting this level, compared to 62.90% in the bolus group. By the 20-minute mark post-SA, the majority of patients in the fractionated group had sensory levels at either T8 or T10, while in the bolus group, an equal number of patients (40%) had reached these levels, and around 5.7% even displayed a level at approximately T6. Conclusion: In conclusion, when comparing the patients in Group F [fractionated dose of bupivacaine and buprenorphine] to those in Group B [bolus dose of bupivacaine and buprenorphine], the patients in Group F exhibited a higher level of haemodynamic stability.
How do Cancer Patients in Economically Marginalized Neighborhoods Decide Where to Seek Care: Perspectives From Cancer Patients and Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Brown Rebecca , Petersen Brian , Buckley Bryan O. , Kyle Michael A. , Glenn Jeffrey 
Published: September 2024

Background The quality of cancer care affects patient outcomes. It is therefore important to understand what factors and/or barriers shape a cancer patient’s decision about where to seek care. We sought to understand factors influencing decision-making for historically marginalized communities in a large metropolitan area with multiple options for cancer care, including a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with cancer patients from economically marginalized neighborhoods in Washington D.C., and with healthcare professionals who work with patients from these areas. Participants were recruited through flyers, social media posts, and word of mouth. Two researchers analyzed the data using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches supported by the ATLAS. ti software. Results A total of 15 interviews were conducted. Analysis revealed 3 major factors influencing where patients decide to seek care: health insurance, transportation, and prioritization of needs. Participants repeatedly identified navigating the bureaucracy of insurance enrollment and high medical costs as prohibitive to seeking care. Transportation was often mentioned in terms of convenience of use and proximity to the care center. Prioritization of needs refers to circumstances such as unstable housing, poverty, and mental illness, that some patients prioritize over seeking quality cancer care. Across these themes 2 findings arose: a discrepancy between stated and actual factors in choosing an oncologist, and the extent to which a cancer patient is able to choose their oncologist. Conclusion This study helps explain some of the factors that influence how cancer patients in urban settings choose an oncology center, and the barriers which prohibit access. Aims of the Study This study aimed to understand how cancer patients decide where to seek treatment.
APOBEC-1 Complementation Factor: From RNA Binding to Cancer
Authors: Wang Longfei , Cheng Qiong 
Published: September 2024

Background APOBEC-1 complementation factor (A1CF) and Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-1 (APOBEC-1) constitute the minimal proteins necessary for the editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA in vitro. Unlike APOBEC-1 and apoB mRNA, the ubiquitous expression of A1CF in human tissues suggests its unique biological significance, with various factors such as protein kinase C, thyroid hormones, and insulin regulating the activity and expression of A1CF. Nevertheless, few studies have provided an overview of this topic. Objective We conducted a literature review to describe the molecular mechanisms of A1CF and its relevance to human diseases. Method In the PubMed database, we used the keywords ‘A1CF’ and ‘APOBEC-1 complementation factor’ to collect peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2000 to 2023. Two authors independently reviewed the articles and reached the consensus. Result After reviewing 127 articles, a total of 61 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the present review. Studies revealed that A1CF is involved in epigenetic regulation of reproductive cells affecting embryonic development, and that it is closely associated with the occurrence of gout due to its editing properties on apoB. A1CF can also affect the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal tubular epithelial cells and promote liver regeneration by controlling the stability of IL-6 mRNA, but no influence on cardiac function was found. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that A1CF may promote the occurrence and development of breast cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, endometrial cancer, and glioma. Conclusion This review clarifies the association between A1CF and other complementary factors and their impact on the development of human diseases, aiming to provide guidance for further research on A1CF, which can help treat human diseases and promote health.
Current Status and Influencing Factors of Readiness for Hospital Discharge of Lung Cancer Patients Receiving ERAS-Guided Postoperative Management
Authors: Zeng Feiyan , Sun Meihui , Li Yongdong , Fan Tiantian , Wu Xuan , Wang Liyan , Li Yumei 
Published: September 2024

Objective This study ascertained current status and influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) of lung cancer (LC) patients with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept-guided postoperative management. Methods This study prospectively and consecutively included 217 LC patients who underwent whole-course ERAS concept-guided postoperative management at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Guangzhou Institute of Cancer Research, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University from November 2023 to April 2024. RHD, quality of discharge teaching (QDT), and social support (SS) were evaluated using RHDS, QDTS, and SSRS, followed by correlation analyses of RHD with the other 2 factors. The clinical baseline and pathological data were compared between the high and low RHD groups, and the characteristics showing statistical significance were assigned as independent variables for regression analysis with RHD as the dependent variable. Results RHD, QDT, and SS were above average among LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management, and RHD was positively correlated with both QDT and SS. Age, education level, self-care ability, number of admissions, and presence of drainage tubes were independent influence factors for RHD of LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management. Conclusion In LC patients with ERAS concept-guided postoperative management, RHD may be improved by increasing QDT and SS and intervened by factors such as age, education level, self-care ability, number of admissions, and presence of drainage tubes.
Belief that Progress has Been Made in Curing Cancer Varies by Perception of Social Media Health Mis- and Disinformation, Education, Frequency of Social Media Use, and Healthcare System Trust: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Stimpson Jim P. , Park Sungchul , Srivastava Aditi , Cano Miguel Ángel 
Published: September 2024

Objective This study explored the relationship between perceptions of health mis/disinformation on social media and belief that progress has been made in curing cancer. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional, retrospective data collected from 4246 adult social media users in the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6). The outcome variable was the belief in whether progress has been made in curing cancer. The primary predictor variable was the perception of health mis/disinformation on social media, categorized as ‘Substantial’ and ‘< Substantial’. We also examined whether the relationship varied by health care system trust, frequency of social media use, and education. The analysis controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results Perception of substantial social media health mis- and disinformation was associated with a lower likelihood of believing progress has been made in curing cancer (odds ratios = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59-0.94). Persons who perceived substantial social media health mis-and disinformation and had low trust in the health care system were less likely to believe progress has been made in curing cancer: 36% (95% CI: 28-45%). Persons who perceived substantial social media health mis-and disinformation and used social media less than daily were less likely to believe progress has been made in curing cancer: 44% (95% CI: 36-52%). Persons without a college degree who perceived substantial social media health mis-and disinformation were less likely to agree that progress has been made in curing cancer: 44% (95% CI: 39-50%). Conclusion Exposure to misinformation on social media may be associated with negative attitudes about advances in curing cancer, particularly among social media users with low trust in the health care system trust, less frequent social media users, or those without a college degree.
Prognostic factors for worsening and improvement in multiple sclerosis using a multistate model
Authors: Ocampo Alex , Hatami Farhad , Čuklina Jelena , Graham Gordon , Ganjgahi Habib , Sun Yang , Su Wendy , Mousseau Marie-Catherine , Gardiner Stephen , Pendleton Samantha C , Aarden Piet , Kieseier Bernd C , Arnold Douglas L , Bermel Robert A , Häring Dieter A , Nichols Thomas E , Wiendl Heinz 
Published: September 2024

Background: The long-term disease trajectory of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be improved by initiating efficacious treatment early. More quantitative evidence is needed on factors that affect a patient’s risk of disability worsening or possibility of improvement to inform timely treatment decisions. Methods: We developed a multistate model to quantify the influence of demographic, clinical, and imaging factors on disability worsening and disability improvement simultaneously across the disability spectrum as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We used clinical trial data from the Novartis–Oxford MS database including ~130,000 EDSS assessments from ~8000 patients, spanning all MS phenotypes. Results: Higher brain volume was positively associated with disability improvement at all disability levels (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09–1.19; 95% credible interval (CI) = 1.02–1.27). Higher T2 lesion volume was negatively associated with disability improvement up to EDSS 6 (HR = 0.80–0.89; 95% CI = 0.75–0.94). Older age, time since first symptoms, and the number of relapses in the past year were confirmed as predictors of future disability worsening. Conclusions: Brain damage was identified as the most consistent factor limiting the patient’s probability for improvements from the earliest stages and across the whole course of MS. Protecting brain integrity early in MS should have greater weight in clinical decision-making.
Experiences of migrant parents of children with special health and welfare needs in Nordic countries: a scoping review
Authors: Tanyanyiwa Archlove Takunda , Chimhutu Victor , Pettersen Henning 
Published: September 2024

Study aim: The objective of this scoping review was to explore and summarise emerging themes in existing studies on personal experiences of migrant parents of children with special health and welfare needs and their interaction with health and welfare services in the Nordic countries. Methods: A comprehensive and systematic search for relevant articles in electronic databases was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science between 2 April 2023 and 31 May 2023. The scoping review followed identified guidelines in conducting scoping reviews. Out of the initial 1836 study results, 62 studies were read and assessed as full text and a total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Using thematic analysis, three key thematic categories were identified: (a) Initial responses to having a child with health and welfare challenges; (b) encountering the Nordic health and welfare services; (c) implications on social inclusion. The challenges to participation faced by migrants threatened their wellbeing, impacted their relationships and influenced their coping strategies and opportunities for social inclusion. Conclusions: The Nordic countries have accessible, affordable and well-equipped infrastructure for health and welfare services compared with the home countries of most migrants. Future research is necessary to explore alternative strategies and spaces to promote participation and involvement of migrant parents of children with special health and welfare needs to inform public health and welfare services development and research.
Understanding the impact of dementia on spousal relationships: A qualitative study with female spousal carers of people living with dementia
Authors: Van Hout Elien , Contreras Milena , Mioshi Eneida , Kishita Naoko 
Published: September 2024

Background: Dementia does not merely affect individuals, the carer and the person living with dementia, but also has a profound impact on their spousal relationship. As such, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how dementia affects spousal relationships with a focus on interpersonal (i.e. relationship adjustment, communication engagement and emotional connection between two individuals) and intrapersonal (i.e. loss of self within the context of relationships) dynamics using a qualitative approach. The study also explored how carers adapt to such relationship challenges in the context of dementia care. Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to capture the subjective experiences of female spousal carers, who regularly support their partner living with dementia. A total of nine semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: Relationship adjustment theme highlighted how learning to acknowledge role shifts from a spouse to a carer is critical for carers to manage relationship difficulties. Emotional connection theme demonstrated the importance of reminiscing about the shared history between dyads to cope with feelings of loss of affective intimacy. Communication engagement theme revealed carers’ need to learn a new way of communicating due to the decrease in meaningful communication and two-way interaction. Sense of self theme highlighted the importance of self-compassion to overcome feelings of self-loss and isolation. Conclusion: Findings suggest that improving the relationship between female spousal carers and their partner living with dementia may require targeted interventions addressing different factors. Such interventions can include a couple’s life story approach to enable couples to reminisce about their shared experiences, interactive communication training to enhance meaningful engagements, and a psychological approach such as compassion-focused therapy to overcome emotional challenges and facilitate self-compassion.
Pregnancy termination and determinant factors among women of reproductive age in Kenya, evidence from Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey 2022: Multilevel analysis
Authors: Ali Mohammed Seid , Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Tekeba Berhan , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Techane Masresha Asmare , Wassie Mulugeta , Kassie Alemneh Tadesse , Wassie Yilkal Abebaw , Tsega Sintayehu Simie , Ahmed Medina Abdela , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede 
Published: September 2024

Background: Pregnancy termination is one of the common causes of maternal mortality, particularly in developing countries, and remains a global public health concern despite the efforts made to enhance maternal healthcare services. Maternal mortality is still the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, due to pregnancy termination. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the current burden of pregnancy termination and its determinants among reproductive-age women in Kenya. Design: A cross-sectional study design with multilevel analysis. Methods: The total weighted samples of 19,530 women of reproductive age were included in this study. The data were taken from the Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey 2022. A multilevel multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the determinant factors of pregnancy termination. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare significant determinants of pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age. Results: The overall prevalence of pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age in Kenya was 14.19%. The determinant factors associated with pregnancy termination were the age of the women; as age increased, the risk of pregnancy termination increased, 25–29 years (AOR = 2.23; 95 CI (1.08–4.60)), 30–34 years (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI (1.43–6.18)), 35–39 years (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI (1.55–6.76)), 40–44 years (AOR = 4.57; 95% CI (2.16–9.68)), 45– 49 years (AOR = 5.16; 95% CI (2.33–9.98)); marital status: married (AOR = 5.63; 95% CI (3.08–10.29)), ever married (AOR = 5.05; 95% CI (2.74–9.33)); wealth index: richest (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.05–1.63)); employment status: employed (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI (1.09–1.38)); preceding birth interval: greater than 24 months (AOR = 1.21; 95% CI (1.06–1.38)); urban residence (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI (1.06–1.46)); and Islamic followers (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI (1.31–2.06)). Conclusion: Pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age in Kenya has become an important public health concern. Policymakers and other stakeholders should focus on maternal healthcare service programs to prevent the termination of pregnancy. The determinant factors are an important input to developing strategies to improve the accessibility of maternal healthcare services in the country.