bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efgartigimod treatment for generalized myasthenia gravis: a single-center case series of 16 patients
Authors: Nomura Toshiya , Imamura Michie , Imura Masao , Mizutani Hironori , Ueda Mitsuharu 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEfgartigimod was approved in Japan in January 2022 for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), regardless of antibody status. This case series describes a real-world experience in Japan of efgartigimod treatment for gMG patients with diverse backgrounds.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 16 Japanese patients (11 females and five males, mean age 40.4 years) with gMG who received efgartigimod at the Kumamoto University Hospital between August 2022 and September 2023. The outcomes were Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) responders (≥ 3 point reduction), IgG levels, and change in prednisolone dose, in the first cycle of efgartigimod.ResultsFifteen patients completed one cycle of efgartigimod. Of the 14 patients for whom QMG scores were obtained, 10 patients were QMG responders. Four of the five patients with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class V were QMG responders. Improvement in QMG after efgartigimod treatment was observed in one patient with myasthenic crisis and in one refractory patient who had unsuccessful eculizumab treatment. The mean reductions from baseline in IgG levels at weeks 1, 2, 3, and follow-up were 38.3, 56.1, 63.1, and 43.9%, respectively. A decrease in prednisolone dose was observed in seven patients. The most common adverse events were headache (three patients) and diarrhea (two patients). One patient discontinued efgartigimod treatment due to a treatment-related adverse event of rash.ConclusionImprovements in the outcomes of patients with gMG, including patients with severe gMG, myasthenic crisis, and refractory to anti-complementary therapy, were observed after the first cycle of efgartigimod treatment. Our real-world experience in Japan suggests the future possibilities for the treatment with efgartigimod for gMG with diverse backgrounds.
A Mendelian randomization analysis of inflammatory skin disease risk due to mineral deficiencies
Authors: Wu Ronghui , Tian Hao , Zhao Tianqi , Tian Yangyang , Jin Xianhua , Zhu Mingji 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMineral deficiencies, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), play crucial roles in inflammation and immune responses and are linked to chronic inflammatory skin diseases. This study used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the genetic causality among serum levels of five minerals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Ca), three iron metabolism indicators (TSAT, TIBC, ferritin), and three chronic inflammatory skin diseases [psoriasis (PS), atopic dermatitis (AD), acne vulgaris (AV)].MethodsTwo-sample MR analyses using the “TwoSample MR” package in R were conducted with aggregate outcome data from the FinnGen database. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied to assess causal relationships between mineral levels and disease outcomes. Robustness was examined via heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests.ResultsIVW analysis showed significant association between blood transferrin saturation (TSAT) and PS (p = 0.004, OR = 1.18). Serum Zn and Se levels showed inverse correlation with AD (p = 0.039, OR = 0.92). However, due to limited SNPs, robustness was reduced.ConclusionTSAT is genetically linked to PS, highlighting iron homeostasis in disease development. Zn and Se intake may reduce AD risk.
Risk factors for parastomal hernia after abdominoperineal resection of rectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Lele , Li Shun , Wang Feitong 
Published: October 2024

PurposeTo investigate risk factors associated with the formation of parastomal hernia after Miles operation, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of parastomal hernia.MethodsClinical data from 205 patients with rectal cancer undergoing Miles operation in the Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between May 2016 and May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Fourteen potential factors were selected and analyzed by single factor analysis and two element logistic regression analysis for their potential relationship to incidence of parastomal hernia.Results49 cases of parastomal hernia occurred among 194 patients during follow-up (incidence 25.26%). Univariate analysis showed that age, thickness of subcutaneous abdominal fat, BMI, and stoma pathway were related to the formation of post-surgical parastomal hernia (P &lt; 0.05). Two element logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, thickness of subcutaneous abdominal fat, BMI &gt; 25 kg/m2, and transperitoneal surgical approach were independent risk factors for the formation of parastomal hernia after Miles operation (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAdvanced age, thickness of subcutaneous abdominal fat, BMI &gt; 25 kg/m2, and transperitoneal surgical approach are independent risk factors for the formation of parastomal hernia after Miles.
Community pharmacists’ role towards preventing abuse or misuse and dependence of codeine-containing analgesic medications in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Alanazi Muteb , Ansari Mukhtar , Alharby Tareq Nafea 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe misuse or abuse and dependence of medications containing codeine continue to be a major global public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the role of community pharmacists in preventing the abuse or misuse and dependence of codeine-containing analgesic drugs in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 226 community pharmacists from various community pharmacies across multiple cities of Saudi Arabia was conducted from 09 May 2023 to 09 October 2023. Study data were collected and managed using Research Electronic Data Capture tool. Fourteen trained data collectors visited randomly selected community pharmacies in different cities, provided pharmacists with an electronic questionnaire link, and collected their responses electronically. The dataset was downloaded in SPSS format, and analyzed for both descriptive and inferential purposes.ResultsThe primary indicators that community pharmacists considered when suspecting cases of abuse or misuse and dependence included customers who requested a larger quantity of the medication (88.5%), frequently visited the pharmacy and sought the specific medicine (82.7%), and those who took advantage of the crowd (70.8%). Pharmacists have been instrumental in preventing abuse or misuse and dependence by ensuring that medicines with abuse potential are not easily accessible to consumers (87.6%), providing alternative options (81%), reducing the dose (65%), referring patients to physicians (62.4%), and refusing to sell or denying availability (54.9%). Additionally, pharmacists primarily focused on raising public awareness (85%) as a noteworthy proportion of customers (54.9%) became desperate to obtain the drug after missing a dose. It was also suggested that community pharmacists should receive specialized training in substance abuse or misuse, as 46.9% of them lacked such training.DiscussionCommunity pharmacists, being frequently the initial point of contact easily reachable, possess the capability to greatly assist in identifying the patients and averting abuse or misuse and dependence during the dispensing of medication. Further, they can provide valuable guidance to those involved in efforts to reduce drug abuse or misuse and dependence.
Effects of BYL-719 (alpelisib) on human breast cancer stem cells to overcome drug resistance in human breast cancer
Authors: Yu Leinan , Zang Chuanbing , Ye Yuanchun , Liu Hongyu , Eucker Jan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBreast cancer continues to be a major health concern and is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Relapse, metastasis, and therapy resistance are major clinical issues that doctors need to address. We believe BYL-719, which is PI3 kinase p110а inhibitor, could also inhibit the breast cancer stem cell phenotype and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, BYL-719 can also inhibit essential cancer-related signaling pathways, all of which would ultimately act on the microenvironment of cancer stem cells, which is quite complicated and regulates the characteristics of tumors. These include the stemness and resistance of malignant tumors, plasticity of cancer stem cells, and anti-apoptotic features.Materials and methodsA three-dimensional (3D) mammosphere culture method was used in vitro to culture and collect breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). MTT, clonogenic, and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect cell viability, self-renewal, and differentiation abilities. A sphere formation assay under 3D conditions was used to detect the mammophore inhibition rate of BYL-719. The subpopulation of CD44+CD24− was detected using flow cytometry analysis while EMT biomarkers and essential signaling pathways were detected using western blotting. All the data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9 software.ResultsBCSC-like cells were obtained by using the 3D cell culture method in vitro. We confirmed that BYL-719 could inhibit BCSC-like cell proliferation in 3D cultures and that the stemness characteristics of BCSC-like cells were inhibited. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway could be inhibited by BYL-719, and the Notch, JAK-STAT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways which have crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are also inhibited. By comparing eribulin-resistant breast cancer cell lines, we confirmed that BYL-719 could effectively overcome drug resistance.Summary/conclusionThe 3D cell culture is a novel and highly effective method for enriching BCSCs in vitro. Furthermore, the stemness and EMT of BCSCs were inhibited by BYL-719 by acting on various signaling pathways. Finally, we believe that drug resistance can be overcome by targeting the BCSCs. Conjugation of BYL-719 with other anti-neoplastic agents may be a promising treatment for this in clinic.
Identification and experimental validation of hub genes underlying depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic social defeat stress
Authors: Chen Yexiang , Jiang Yunhao , Jiang Xingcong , Zhai Caiyu , Wang Yifei , Xu Chi 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD), characterized by severe neuropsychiatric symptoms and significant cognitive deficits, continues to present both etiological and therapeutic challenges. However, the specific underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain unclear.Methods: We analyzed human postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) samples from MDD patients using datasets GSE53987 and GSE54568, identifying three key genes: AGA, FBXO38, and RGS5. To model depressive-like behavior, we employed chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and subsequently measured the expression of AGA, FBXO38, and RGS5 in the dlPFC using qPCR and Western blot analysis following CSDS exposure.Results: CSDS significantly induced depressive-like behavior, and both the protein and transcriptional expression levels of AGA, FBXO38, and RGS5 in the dlPFC of mice were markedly reduced after stress, consistent with findings from datasets GSE53987 and GSE54568.Conclusion: Our research suggests that AGA, FBXO38, and RGS5 are potential biomarkers for MDD and could serve as valuable targets for MDD risk prediction.
Capsaicin attenuates the effect of inflammatory cytokines in a HaCaT cell model for basal keratinocytes
Authors: Cervantes Recalde Maria Fernanda , Schmidt Jana , Girardi Cristina , Massironi Marco , Rechl Markus Leo , Hans Joachim , Stuhlmann Dominik , Somoza Veronika , Lieder Barbara 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe resolution of the skin’s inflammatory response is only possible if its barrier function is restored. TRPV1 channel activation plays an important role during inflammation but the effect of this activation on the skin barrier under inflammatory conditions has not been clarified. We hypothesize that it could potentially aid the keratinocyte barrier by reducing inflammatory cytokine release and promoting tight junction development.MethodsTo explore the role of TRPV1 activation in inflammation, we designed and optimized an in vitro model of keratinocytes with basal epidermal layer characteristics using HaCaT cells and TNFα to induce inflammation.ResultsTNFα increased the gene expression of tight junction protein claudin 1 (CLDN1) by at least 2.60 ± 0.16-fold, in a concentration-dependent manner, over a 48 h period. The administration of a capsaicin pre-treatment reduced the CLDN1 expression to 1.51 ± 0.16-fold during the first 6 h after TNFα induction, whereas IL-8 cytokine release was reduced 0.64 ± 0.17-fold. After 48 h, CLDN1 protein levels increased by a factor of 6.57 ± 1.39 compared to cells only treated with TNFα.DiscussionThese results suggest that activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin can potentiate the increase in CLDN1 expression and CLDN1 protein synthesis induced by TNFα in cultured keratinocytes, while reducing the release of IL-8.
Partnership and relationship happiness in endometriosis related chronic pelvic pain: a multicenter case–control study
Authors: el Hadad Samia , Schwartz Alexandra Sabrina Kohl , Gassner Clarissa , Haeberlin Felix , von Orelli Stephanie , Imesch Patrick , Leeners Brigitte 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionPartnership is an important resource in dealing with endometriosis related chronic pain. Hence, our objective was to assess partnership in the context of endometriosis and its symptoms, considering the perspectives of both individuals involved.MethodsThe study was designed as a multi-center matched case–control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Altogether 381 women with surgically/histologically confirmed endometriosis and 381 control women, 250 male partners of endometriosis-affected women and 229 of control women were evaluated. Partnership quality, partnership happiness, separation thoughts, and areas of conflict were evaluated through the Partnership Questionnaire and a validated list of conflict areas.ResultsQuality of partnership was rated as high by 60.1% of the women with endometriosis and 66.7% of the control women, as well as by 45.8 and 50.2% of their respective partners. Women with endometriosis mentioned separation thoughts, mostly related to sexual satisfaction, more often (34.9%/28.3%) and experienced more partnership-related conflicts than control women. Chronic pain, dyspareunia, dissatisfaction with sexuality, fatigue, and infertility were significantly associated with partnership conflicts. Fatigue and infertility but not pain experiences were related to lower partnership quality. Male partners in both groups reported separation thoughts equally often. In men, a high intensity of pain experienced by their partner was associated with reduced partnership happiness.ConclusionGiven the significance of partnership in dealing with chronic diseases and the connection between symptoms of endometriosis and a decrease in partnership quality, it is essential to incorporate strategies that alleviate the negative impacts on relationships for both partners into medical support.Clinical trial registrationidentifier NCT 02511626.
Automotive workers: the role of coordinative and conditional abilities as effectiveness wellness indicator
Authors: Rodio Angelo , Di Libero Tommaso , Biffi Alessandro , Fernando Fredrick , Fattorini Luigi 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNoncommunicable diseases are on the rise due to sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, particularly in the workplace. Prolonged and repetitive work tasks can result in extended sick leave and decreased productivity while at work. Therefore, it is important to identify predictive factors that can act as indicators of the health status of employees. Utilizing motor abilities assessment tests can help to identify health issues at an early stage. Promoting preventive health measures is crucial for addressing chronic diseases and enhancing overall occupational well-being. The purpose of the study was to characterize workers’ motor abilities and fitness levels and identify potential indicators.MethodsA total of 605 workers participated in this study, including 529 male participants with a height of 176 ± 0.09 cm and a body mass of 75.9 ± 14.1 kg and 77 female participants with a height of 162 ± 0.11 cm and an average body mass of 58.9 ± 11.1 kg. These individuals were enrolled during an Italian automotive corporation’s mandatory annual medical check-up. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their occupational roles: blue-collar, manager, and white-collar groups. The participants underwent motor abilities assessment tests for upper-limb strength, trunk flexibility, and reaction time.ResultsThe blue-collar group reported the best results in upper-limb strength (93.3 kgf ± 18.60), but had the worst results in flexibility (21.7 cm ± 7.90), total reaction time (58.8 s ± 4.74); and average intermedium (0.68 ms ± 0.11). The white-collar group reported the best result in flexibility (23.7 cm ± 8.94) and reaction time (48.5 s ± 4.38; 0.64 ms ± 0.09).ConclusionDespite being frequently used to assess health status, handgrip measurements may not provide accurate differentiations because of the common use of blue-collar workers for tasks that require upper-limb strength. In contrast, reaction time metrics appear more reliable and discriminative in evaluating a worker’s physical fitness.
Sociodemographic aspects, beliefs about lifestyles, and religiosity as predictors of life satisfaction in Peruvian university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Saintila Jacksaint , Javier-Aliaga David , Valle-Chafloque Ana , Casas-Gálvez Christian , Barreto-Espinoza Luz Antonia , Calizaya-Milla Yaquelin E. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBeliefs and practices related to healthy lifestyles and religiosity can play an important role in overall well-being. However, few studies have explored the association between these factors and life satisfaction in the university context. This study examined the association between sociodemographic aspects, lifestyle beliefs, and religiosity with life satisfaction in university students.MethodsA cross-sectional predictive study was conducted during the months of March and May 2024 at a private university located in the northern region of Peru. Validated instruments were distributed that included a lifestyle beliefs scale, the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire-Short Form (SCSRFQ-SF), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and a sociodemographic data section. A total of 1,258 students participated in the study. Multiple linear regression models were used for predictive analysis.ResultsBeing a student of foreign origin, compared to being Peruvian, is negatively and significantly associated with life satisfaction (β = −0.066, p = 0.003). In contrast, a positive association is observed between belonging to the Faculty of Health Sciences (β = 0.119, p = 0.048) and life satisfaction, compared to students from other faculties. Furthermore, lifestyle beliefs (β = 0.579; p &lt; 0.001) and religiosity (β = 0.182; p &lt; 0.001) are positively and significantly associated with life satisfaction.ConclusionThese findings suggest that universities and health professionals should consider promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting religious practices as important strategies to improve student life satisfaction, considering relevant sociodemographic aspects.
Multi-level barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based antipsychotics in the treatment of early-phase schizophrenia
Authors: Carroll Allison J. , Robinson Delbert G. , Kane John M. , Kordon Avram , Bannon Jennifer , Walunas Theresa L. , Brown C. Hendricks 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionLong-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications and clozapine are effective yet underutilized medical therapies in early intervention services. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pre-implementation evaluation of contextual determinants of early intervention programs to implement innovations optimizing LAI antipsychotic and clozapine use within a shared decision-making model.MethodsSemi-structured interviews explored barriers and facilitators to implementing LAI antipsychotics and clozapine in early intervention services. Participants were: prescribers (n = 2), non-prescribing clinicians (n = 5), administrators (n = 3), clients (n = 3), and caregivers (n = 3). Interviews were structured and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0).ResultsParticipants were supportive of using LAI antipsychotics, despite barriers (e.g., transportation, insurance coverage), while most were unfamiliar with clozapine (Innovation). Critical incidents (e.g., COVID-19) did not interfere with implementation, while barriers included lack of performance measures; stigma affecting willingness to take medication; and clozapine considered to be a “last resort” (Outer Setting). Treatment culture was described as client-centered and collaborative, and most participants indicated LAI antipsychotic use was compatible with clinic workflows, but some were in need of resources (e.g., individuals trained to administer LAI antipsychotics; Inner Setting). Participants on the healthcare team expressed confidence in their roles. Family education and collaborative decision-making were recommended to improve client/family engagement (Individuals). Participants related the importance of tracking medication compliance, addressing client concerns, and providing prescribers with updated guidelines on evidence-based treatment (Implementation Process).DiscussionResults may guide implementation strategy selection for future programs seeking to optimize the use of LAI antipsychotics and clozapine for early-phase schizophrenia, when appropriate.