bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Related Tracheal Stenosis Requiring Tracheal Resection: A Case Series
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Solomon Isaac , Cheng George , Makani Samir , Boys Joshua , Weissbrod Philip A. 
Published: August 2024

Objective: To characterize the preoperative and intraoperative findings of symptomatic tracheal stenosis associated with COVID-19 related respiratory failure requiring tracheal resection. Method: We performed a retrospective review identifying all patients with a history of tracheal stenosis secondary to COVID-19 related respiratory failure who subsequently received a tracheal resection at our institution between January 2020 and June 2023. Clinical, radiological, pathological, and surgical characteristics were recorded to describe and characterize pre-operative and intraoperative findings associated with tracheal stenosis in the setting of a previous COVID-19 infection. Results: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with COVID-19 related tracheal stenosis that required open tracheal or cricotracheal resection. The mean age was 54.1. Patients were hospitalized for a mean of 49.5 days related to COVID-19 complications. Tracheotomy was completed in 10 patients (90.9%) during their initial hospitalization with COVID-19 related respiratory failure. Patients were intubated a mean of 18.6 days prior to tracheotomy completion. Ten patients (90.9%) underwent endoscopic operative interventions for their tracheal stenosis prior to open resection. Intraoperatively, the mean stenosis length was 3.33 cm. The mean tracheal resection length was 3.96 cm. Patients were hospitalized for a mean of 8.27 days post operatively with no significant post operative complications. Conclusions: Symptomatic tracheal stenosis in the setting of prolonged intubation due to COVID-19 is an under-described etiology. This is one of the largest single institution retrospective reviews that identifies 11 patients with prolonged intubation who developed symptomatic tracheal stenosis refractory to conservative management and ultimately requiring tracheal resection.
Evaluating parent and public involvement activities within a paediatric palliative care research centre: Route map to impactful and meaningful engagement
Authors: Barrett Laura , Hackett Julia , Taylor Jo , Papworth Andrew , Walker Gabriella , Fraser Lorna 
Published: August 2024

Background: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is an important component of healthcare research. Conducting PPI within paediatric palliative care research requires specific ethical and practical considerations. Regular reviews of PPI activity are important. Aim: To evaluate a paediatric palliative care research centre’s PPI activity to determine what went well, or less well; and how future activities can be improved. Design: Two stage evaluation: first a review of PPI study logs; second a qualitative exploration using a survey, structured interviews and a focus group. Data were analysed thematically. Settings/participants: Parents of children with life-limiting conditions, bereaved parents and researchers, all engaged in PPI activity within a paediatric palliative care research centre. Findings: The review of PPI logs for 15 studies highlighted the crucial role of funding in enabling PPI throughout the research. Eight parents completed the survey, 4 parents were interviewed and 12 researchers participated in a focus group. Three themes were developed: Clarity of processes and purpose; balanced relationships created a safe space; and mutual respect and value for PPI. These themes highlight what is working well within the Centre’s approach to PPI and the opportunities to improve. Conclusions: To undertake meaningful PPI in paediatric palliative care research, adequate time and resources are required. Roles, processes and expectations must be explicitly agreed. Establishing relationships ensures trust and enables authenticity and vulnerability. In addition to improving research, PPI has personal benefits for researchers and parents. The evaluation led to the development of a ‘route map’ for establishing an impactful PPI group for paediatric palliative care research.
In mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with corticosteroid refractoriness, Bronchom mitigates airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Sinha Sandeep , Pandey Anupam , Singh Surjeet , Joshi Monali , Singh Rani , Varshney Anurag 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Asthma is a heterogeneous, inflammatory disease with several phenotypes and endotypes. Severe asthmatics often exhibit mixed granulocytosis with reduced corticosteroid sensitivity. Bronchom is a newly developed Ayurvedic prescription medicine, indicated for the treatment of obstructive airway disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with steroidal recalcitrance.

Methods
High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were employed to identify and quantitate the phytometabolites present in Bronchom. The preclinical effectiveness of Bronchom was assessed in house dust mite (HDM) and Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced mixed granulocytic asthma model in mice. High dose of dexamethasone was tested parallelly. Specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were immunized with HDM and CFA and nineteen days later, they were intranasally challenged with HDM for four consecutive days. Then the mice were challenged with nebulized methacholine to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Inflammatory cell influx was enumerated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology. Additionally, the concentrations of Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed in the BALF by multiplexed immune assay. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was also evaluated in the lung.

Results
HPTLC fingerprinting and UHPLC quantification of Bronchom revealed the presence of bioactive phytometabolites, namely, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, piperine, eugenol and glycyrrhizin. Bronchom effectively reduced AHR driven by HDM-CFA and the influx of total leukocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils in the BALF. In addition, Bronchom inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung as well as goblet cell metaplasia. Further, it also suppressed the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BALF. Similarly, Bronchom also regulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as MUC5AC in mice lungs. Reduced effectiveness of a high dose of the steroid, dexamethasone was observed in the model.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated for the first time the robust pharmacological effects of an herbo-mineral medicine in an animal model of mixed granulocytic asthma induced by HDM and CFA. The outcomes suggest the potential utility of Bronchom in severe asthmatics with a mixed granulocytic phenotype.
Targeting AGTPBP1 inhibits pancreatic cancer progression via regulating microtubules and ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Ding-zhong , Yang Zhe-yu , leng Asi , Zhang Qian , Zhang Xiao-dong , Bian Yan-chao , Xiao Rui , Ren Jian-jun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
AGTPBP1 is a cytosolic carboxypeptidase that cleaves poly-glutamic acids from the C terminus or side chains of α/β tubulins. Although its dysregulated expression has been linked to the development of non-small cell lung cancer, the specific roles and mechanisms of AGTPBP1 in pancreatic cancer (PC) have yet to be fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of AGTPBP1 on PC in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of AGTPBP1 in PC and non-cancerous tissues. Additionally, we assessed the malignant behaviors of PC cells following siRNA-mediated AGTPBP1 knockdown both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify the differentially expressed genes regulated by AGTPBP1.

Results
We determined that AGTPBP1 was overexpressed in PC tissues and the higher expression of AGTPBP1 was closely related to the location of tumors. AGTPBP1 inhibition can significantly decrease cell progression in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the knockdown of AGTPBP1 inhibited the expression of ERK1/2, P-ERK1/2, MYLK, and TUBB4B proteins via the ERK signaling pathway.

Conclusion
Our research indicates that AGTPBP1 may be a putative therapeutic target for PC.
Co-exposure effects of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on lung function: mediating role of systematic inflammation
Authors: Wu Lihong , Lu Xue , Zhang Siying , Zhong Yumei , Gao Hui , Tao Fang-biao , Wu Xiulong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were associated with decreased lung function, but co-exposure effects and underlying mechanism remained unknown.

Methods
Among 1,123 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2012, 10 urinary PAHs, 11 urinary metals, and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count were determined, and 5 lung function indices were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation were used to estimate co-exposure effects on lung function. Mediation analysis was used to explore mediating role of WBC.

Results
These models demonstrated that PAHs and metals were significantly associated with lung function impairment. Bayesian kernel machine regression models showed that comparing to all chemicals fixed at median level, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% decreased by 1.31% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.91%), 231.62 (43.45, 419.78) mL/s, and 131.64 (37.54, 225.74) mL/s respectively, when all chemicals were at 75th percentile. In the quantile-based g-computation, each quartile increase in mixture was associated with 104.35 (95% CI: 40.67, 168.02) mL, 1.16% (2.11%, 22.40%), 294.90 (78.37, 511.43) mL/s, 168.44 (41.66, 295.22) mL/s decrease in the FEV1, FEV1/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75%, respectively. 2-Hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-Hydroxyfluorene, and cadmium were leading contributors to the above associations. WBC mediated 8.22%-23.90% of association between PAHs and lung function.

Conclusions
Co-exposure of PAHs and metals impairs lung function, and WBC could partially mediate this relationship. Our findings elucidate co-exposure effects of environmental mixtures on respiratory health and underlying mechanisms, suggesting that focusing on highly prioritized toxicants would effectively attenuate adverse effects.
Effects of different treatments for obstructive sleep apnea on temporomandibular joint: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Attia Amira A.M.M. , Awad Sally S , Mansour Manar , Baz Hemmat , Zahran Khaled M , Saleh Abdelbaset M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasingly recognized as a significant health concern. No previous studies assessed the effect of recommended treatment modalities of patients with OSA on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different treatment modalities of OSA, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mandibular advancement device (MAD), and oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) on subjective symptoms, clinical, and radiographic signs of temporomandibular disorders.

Patients & Methods
This hospital-based prospective randomized controlled clinical trial study was approved by the institutional review board and formal patient consent, 39 OSA patients, ranging in age from 19 to 56 after confirmation with full night Polysomnography (PSG) with healthy TMJ confirmed clinically and radiographically with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. Group 1: 13 patients were managed with CPAP after titration, group 2: 13 patients were managed with digitally fabricated MAD, and group 3: 13 patients were managed with OMT. The following parameters were evaluated before and 3 months after the intervention. Pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO), lateral movements, and clicking sound of TMJ. MRI was done before and 3 months after the intervention.

Results
Out of the 83 patients enrolled, 39 patients completed the treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in lateral jaw movements or clicking, and no significant difference in MRI findings between the three studied groups before and after the intervention. The OMT group showed a statistically significant difference in pain (p = 0.001), and MIO (p = 0.043) where patients experienced mild pain and slight limitation in mouth opening after 3 months of follow-up in comparison to MAD and CPAP groups.

Conclusion
CPAP and MAD are better for preserving the health of TMJ in the treatment of OSA patients. While OMT showed mild pain and slight limitation of MIO (that is still within the normal range of mouth opening) compared to CPAP and MAD.

Trial registration
The study was listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number (NCT05510882) on 22/08/2022.
Dental care staff’s experience with risk assessment of dental erosion: a qualitative study
Authors: Todorov Johannes , Shmarina Elena , Johannsen Annsofi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents is an important aspect of dental care, as dental erosion constitutes a rapidly growing, global problem. Dental professionals rely solely on their own perception, as the current risk assessment process is not completely automatized, which affects the risk assessment reliability.

Aim
To explore dental professionals’ experiences with risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents.

Method
In-depth interview was used as data collection method. A total of 11 dental professionals were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results
The findings were summarized in the categories Professionals’ responsibility, Systematic approach , and Collaboration and communication. Dental staff perceived that their basic knowledge regarding erosion should be improved, and skills development was desired to reduce the knowledge gaps around the risk assessment of dental erosion. They alleged that the systematic approach could be improved by reducing workplace stress, implementing a universal dental erosion index, improving the existing risk assessment software, and automating the risk assessment of the condition. Dental professionals also experienced a need to calibrate and collaborate with each other and with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care.

Conclusion
Dental professionals experienced their basic knowledge of dental erosion and their risk assessment as good, but a more advanced skill development was required. Furthermore, they experienced the risk assessment software as a good tool that should be improved to compile more objective risk assessment. A universal erosion index was also requested.
Targeted nanotherapeutics for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Chitas Rute , Fonseca Diana R. , Parreira Paula , Martins M. Cristina L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHelicobacter pylori infection is involved in gastric diseases such as peptic ulcer and adenocarcinoma. Approved antibiotherapies still fail in 10 to 40% of the infected patients and, in this scenario, targeted nanotherapeutics emerged as powerful allies for H. pylori eradication. Nano/microparticles conjugated with H. pylori binding molecules were developed to eliminate H. pylori by either (i) blocking essential mechanisms of infection, such as adhesion to gastric mucosa or (ii) binding and killing H. pylori through the release of drugs within the bacteria or at the site of infection. Glycan antigens (as Lewis B and sialyl-Lewis X), pectins, lectins, phosphatidylethanolamine and epithelial cell membranes were conjugated with nano/microparticles to successfully block H. pylori adhesion. Urea-coated nanoparticles were used to improve drug delivery inside bacteria through H. pylori UreI channel. Moreover, nanoparticles coated with antibodies against H. pylori and loaded with sono/photosensitizers, were promising for their application as targeted sono/photodynamic therapies. Further, non-specific H. pylori nano/microparticles, but only active in the acidic gastric environment, coated with binders to bacterial membrane, extracellular polymeric substances or to high temperature requirement A protease, were evaluated. In this review, an overview of the existing nanotherapeutics targeting H. pylori will be given and their rational, potential to counteract infection, as well as level of development will be presented and discussed.
Demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to access to malaria services for Myanmar migrants in Thailand
Authors: Sripoorote Piyarat , Wattanagoon Yupaporn , Inthitanon Nichakan , Petchvijit Pattamaporn , Thongyod Waraporn , Win Kyawt Mon , Anantjitsupha Ammarind , Min Naing Bo Bo , Rachaphaew Nattawan , Suk-aum Kritsana , Watakulsin Peeriya , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Nguitragool Wang , Aung Pyae Linn 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Typically mobile and vulnerable, migrants face significant barriers to access to routine malaria prevention, diagnostics and treatment, which leads to unchecked malaria transmission, particularly in border regions with a high population displacement. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to access to malaria services among Myanmar migrants residing in the Thailand–Myanmar border areas.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 across three districts near the Thailand–Myanmar border. Quantitative data were collected from Myanmar migrants using standardized questionnaires through structured surveys. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regression models.

Results
Out of 300 participants, approximately a quarter (27.3%) reported adequate access to comprehensive malaria services, including prevention, diagnostics, treatment and malaria-related health information. In multiple logistic regression models, factors associated with inadequate access included Myanmar migrants aged over 60 years (aOR: 7.63, 95% CI 1.74–20.58), accompanied by one to three family members (aOR: 3.33, 95% CI 1.06–8.45), earning monthly incomes below 3000 THB (aOR: 5.13, 95% CI 1.38–19.09) and 3000 to 6000 THB (aOR: 3.64, 95% CI 1.06–12.51), belonging to the Karen ethnicity (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.02–3.84), with poor perception toward malaria (aOR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.03–4.01) and with poor preventive and health-seeking practices (aOR: 5.83, 95% CI 2.71–9.55).

Conclusions
A significant proportion of Myanmar migrants encounter demographic and socioeconomic barriers to access to routine malaria services in Thailand. Tailored interventions are required to expand such access, including the recruitment of worksite health volunteers, strengthening the role of ethnic health organizations across the border and collaboration with private sector stakeholders (e.g. farm/company owners) to distribute preventive tools and ensure timely referral of suspected malaria cases to health facilities.
MolCompass: multi-tool for the navigation in chemical space and visual validation of QSAR/QSPR models
Authors: Sosnin Sergey 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe exponential growth of data is challenging for humans because their ability to analyze data is limited. Especially in chemistry, there is a demand for tools that can visualize molecular datasets in a convenient graphical way. We propose a new, ready-to-use, multi-tool, and open-source framework for visualizing and navigating chemical space. This framework adheres to the low-code/no-code (LCNC) paradigm, providing a KNIME node, a web-based tool, and a Python package, making it accessible to a broad cheminformatics community. The core technique of the MolCompass framework employs a pre-trained parametric t-SNE model. We demonstrate how this framework can be adapted for the visualisation of chemical space and visual validation of binary classification QSAR/QSPR models, revealing their weaknesses and identifying model cliffs. All parts of the framework are publicly available on GitHub, providing accessibility to the broad scientific community. Scientific contributionWe provide an open-source, ready-to-use set of tools for the visualization of chemical space. These tools can be insightful for chemists to analyze compound datasets and for the visual validation of QSAR/QSPR models.
The influence of iron nutrition on the development of intestine and immune cell divergency in neonatal pigs
Authors: Liu Yao , Wu Aimin , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Pu Junning , Yan Hui , Chen Daiwen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Appropriate iron supplementation is essential for neonatal growth and development. However, there are few reports on the effects of iron overload on neonatal growth and immune homeostasis. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron nutrition on neonatal growth and intestinal immunity by administering different levels of iron to neonatal pigs.

Results
We found that iron deficiency and iron overload resulted in slow growth in neonatal pigs. Iron deficiency and iron overload led to down-regulation of jejunum intestinal barrier and antioxidant marker genes, and promoted CD8+ T cell differentiation in jejunum and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of pigs, disrupting intestinal health. Moreover, iron levels altered serum iron and tissue iron status leading to disturbances in redox state, affecting host innate and adaptive immunity.

Conclusions
These findings emphasized the effect of iron nutrition on host health and elucidated the importance of iron in regulating redox state and immunity development. This study provided valuable insights into the regulation of redox state and immune function by iron metabolism in early life, thus contributing to the development of targeted interventions and nutritional strategies to optimize iron nutrition in neonates.