bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells in COVID‐19: Role of cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate
Authors: Ghanem Laura , Essayli Dina , Kotaich Jana , Zein Mohammad Al , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Eid Ali H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), primarily manifests as severe respiratory distress, its impact on the cardiovascular system is also notable. Studies reveal that COVID‐19 patients often suffer from certain vascular diseases, partly attributed to increased proliferation or altered phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although the association between COVID‐19 and VSMCs is recognized, the precise mechanism underlying SARS‐CoV‐2's influence on VSMC phenotype remains largely under‐reviewed. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature dissecting the effect of COVID‐19 on the cardiovascular system, few reports delve into the potential role of VSMC switching in the pathophysiology associated with COVID‐19 and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. This review dissects and critiques the link between COVID‐19 and VSMCs, with particular attention to pathways involving cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. These pathways underpin the interaction between the virus and VSMCs. Such interaction promotes VSMC proliferation, and eventually potentiates vascular calcification as well as worsens prognosis in patients with COVID‐19.
Evaluation of Obesity‐Related Physiological Changes on Pantoprazole Clearance in Children Using a Population Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Dunlap Tyler C. , Gonzalez Daniel , Kyler Kathryn E. , Helfer Victória Etges , Williams Veronica , Friesen Chance S. , Artz Nathan , Chan Sherwin , Shakhnovich Valentina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPediatric obesity is a growing health concern, affecting millions of children worldwide. While pharmacokinetic (PK) changes in numerous commonly prescribed medications have been linked to obesity, the physiological mechanisms driving these alterations and their implications for drug dosing remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate previously reported observations of reduced pantoprazole clearance (CL) in children with obesity, investigate obesity‐related characteristics in liver physiology as explanatory causes for these observations, and evaluate the clinical relevance of obesity on drug dosing. A prospective, comparative PK study, enrolling participants 6‐21 years of age, with and without obesity, was conducted to evaluate the association between obesity‐related characteristics and pantoprazole CL. A nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach was used to identify sources of interindividual variability in pantoprazole PK. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess pantoprazole exposure in children and evaluate the association between obesity and pantoprazole exposure. The study population consisted of 39 pediatric participants: 31% without obesity and 69% with obesity. A two‐compartment PK model with covariate effects of total body weight (TBW), CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotype, and obesity status adequately described the PK data. After accounting for differences due to TBW and CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotype, obesity was associated with an estimated 18% reduction in pantoprazole CL (comparable to the reduction estimated for a CYP2C19 loss of function allele). Further research is warranted to evaluate the physiological mechanisms associated with reduced drug CL in children with increased body size and the implications for drug dosing.
Ultrasonography findings of pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations: A 10‐year experience of 140 surgical cases
Authors: Chen Wei , Luan Jia , Xu Hongming , Chen Jiarui , Xu Rong , Sun Guangbin , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo discuss the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis and management of pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations (HNLMs).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 140 children who were referred to our hospital for the treatment of HNLMs.ResultsThe median age at presentation was 12 months (1 day–171 months; 66.4% under 2 years old; 35.7% neonatus). The majority clinical presentations were asymptomatic mass (65.7%, 92/140) and cosmetic deformity (25.7%, 36/140). HNLMs involved the neck accounting for 65.7% (92/140), especially posterior cervical trigone (22.1%, 31/140), and submandibular (20.0%, 28/140). The US diagnostic accuracy was 91.4% (128/140). Their boundary with the surrounding tissues was usually clear (87.9%, 123/140), whereas the shape was mostly irregular (97.1%, 136/140). Based on surgical findings, there were 67 pure HNLMs and 73 intracystic hemorrhage. Between the two groups, there were statistical differences in capsule contents (χ2 = 7.8299, p = 0.0051), flocculent echo floating (χ2 = 21.2964, p < 0.0001), overlying skin (χ2 = 9.0498, p = 0.0026), and palpation (χ2 = 13.4058, p = 0.0003).ConclusionsUS typically reveals the lesion with clear boundary, irregular morphology, anechoic contents, no blood flow signal, and echoic intracapsular septum with blood flow signal. In contrast, bluish appearance, tensional palpation, and capsule contents with low/mixed echo or flocculent echo floating may indicate intracystic hemorrhage.
Fetal epicardial fat thickness and modified myocardial performance index in late‐onset fetal growth restriction
Authors: Dal Yusuf , Akkuş Fatih , Karagün Şebnem , Nessar Ahmet Zeki , Karaca Sefanur Gamze , Kıllı Mürşide Çevikoğlu , Coşkun Ayhan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimIn our study, we aimed to investigate the value of fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and modified myocardial performance index (mod‐MPI) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) that develops after the 32nd week of gestation.Materials and MethodsFifty‐six pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and were divided into two groups: pregnancies diagnosed with FGR after the 32nd week of gestation (FGR group) and those without (control group). Demographic and obstetric histories, ultrasonographic and clinical characteristics, fetal EFT and mod‐MPI values, and neonatal outcomes of the groups were recorded, and comparisons were made between the groups. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of fetal EFT value in late FGR was investigated.ResultsThe FGR group had fetal EFT that was statistically significantly lower (1.11 ± 0.21 vs. 1.34 ± 0.23, p = 0.001). The FGR group had a significantly lower isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) (31.04 ± 6.88 vs. 35.14 ± 7.58, p = 0.048). The two groups' isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), ejection time (ET), and mod‐MPI values (p values 0.871, 0.55, and 0.750, respectively) were comparable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis at a cutoff of 1.2 revealed 76.1% sensitivity and 74.2% specificity, respectively, for the diagnostic performance of the fetal EFT value in late‐onset FGR. There was a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64.0% and 83.8%, respectively.ConclusionWe found that fetal EFT was significantly lower in FGR and may be useful in diagnosing FGR. However, we observed that mode‐MPI did not change in FGR.
Efficacy and safety of elobixibat in combination with or switched from conventional treatments of chronic constipation: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Eguchi Takaaki , Inatomi Osamu , Shintani Shuhei , Momose Kenji , Sako Tomoya , Takagi Megumi , Fumihara Daiki , Inoue Kazuki , Katayama Norio , Morisawa Toshiyuki , Ota Takumi , Tsuji Yoshihisa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimElobixibat is a triple mode of action laxative that increases water secretion into the colon, promotes colonic motility, and reestablishes the defecation desire. This study aims to evaluate the effectivity and safety of elobixibat in chronic constipation (CC) patients refractory to conventional laxatives.MethodsA single‐center retrospective observational study was conducted in refractory CC patients diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria and received elobixibat between April 2018 and June 2022 at Osaka Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital. Data were collected for spontaneous bowel movement (SBM), Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) scores, abdominal symptoms, and adverse events.ResultsEligible 311 patients were selected for the analysis. Two‐week Elobixibat treatment significantly increased SBM (times/week) from 2.9 ± 1.9 to 4.3 ± 1.9 (P < 0.0001). The BSFS score improved significantly from 3.2 ± 1.7 to 4.4 ± 1.4 (P < 0.0001). The percentages of patients with hard stool were decrease and that with normal stools were increase. Improvements in abdominal symptoms (sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, straining, abdominal pain and distention, and difficulty defecating) were also significant (P < 0.05). These constipation symptoms were improved irrespective of patient characteristics or previous laxatives. The 43.9% of previous laxatives were discontinued at the start of or after starting elobixibat treatment. A few adverse events were observed, elobixibat was well tolerated.ConclusionElobixibat was effective in patients who were refractory to other laxatives, irrespective of previous therapy or patient characteristics. Elobixibat may contribute to resolving polypharmacy with single mode of action laxatives.
Changes in indicators of cerebral metabolic stress following treatment with voxelotor in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Heitzer Andrew M. , Zou Ping , Hodges Jason , Brown Clark , Davis Mark , Dixon Sandy , Ogg Robert J. , Estepp Jeremie , Hankins Jane S , Sitaram Ranganatha , Takemoto Clifford M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVoxelotor is a small molecule that reduces the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin by increasing its affinity for oxygen. In patients with sickle cell anemia, it has been postulated that increasing hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity could limit oxygen offloading from hemoglobin, causing an increase in cerebral metabolic stress. To investigate this hypothetical concern, we used multimodal brain imaging to define the effects of voxelotor on cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction. We followed four patients for 2–5 months during and/or after voxelotor therapy. This study showed no observable increase in cerebral blood flow or oxygen extraction fraction during treatment.
Navigating identity and mental health on Instagram: Edu‐fluencers in the Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Authors: Das Bagmi , Attia Mina , Nguyen Claudia , Chen Qi , Kerchner Daniel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCounselors and other mental health professionals use Instagram for brand‐building and disseminating information on mental health and counseling resources. This study was an exploratory mixed‐methods analysis of Asian American/Pacific Islander mental health edu‐fluencers to understand their post content and user engagement over the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We describe post content and present analyses of variance results to compare user engagement. Implications of social media use are discussed for mental health professionals and researchers.
The mammary hair of Monodelphis domestica and homology of the mammary pilosebacous unit
Authors: Stadtmauer Daniel J. , Wagner Günter P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe unitary mammary gland is a synapomorphy of therian mammals and is thought to have evolved from the pilosebaceous organ in the mammalian stem lineage from which the lactogenic patch of monotremes is also derived. One of the key lines of evidence for the homology of the nipple and the lactogenic patch is that marsupials have retained a transient hair associated with developing mammary glands. However, these structures have not been documented since the early 20th‐century drawings of Ernst Bresslau. In this study, we examine the developing mammary organs of Monodelphis domestica and document the presence of mammary hairs in 12‐week‐old females, as well as their absence after 18 weeks of age. Histochemical staining for cystine confirms the structures as keratinized hairs. Milk ducts of both juvenile and adult nipples show a division between KRT18+ luminal epithelium and KRT14+ ACTA2+ myoepithelium. These patterns match those in eutherians and suggest a conserved ductal morphology and mechanism of milk expulsion. Finally, PTHLH, a peptide hormone which promotes homeotic transformation of hairy skin into hairless nipples in the mouse, was detected in the Monodelphis milk duct during the mammary hair stage, suggesting that the mutual exclusivity of “hairless nipple” and “hair” organ identity is derived in eutherian mammals. These results reveal shared characteristics of the M. domestica nipple with both the eutherian nipple and the pilosebaceous organ, consistent with the evolutionary derivation of the mammary gland from an ancestral hair organ via developmental individualization of pilosebaceous and mammary identities.
A climatological overview of surface currents in the Arabian Gulf with special reference to the Exclusive Economic Zone of Qatar
Authors: Mussa Afnan Abdirashid , Aboobacker Valliyil Mohammed , Abdulla Cheriyeri Poyil , Hasna Varis Mohammed , Al‐Ansari Ebrahim M. A. S. , Vethamony Ponnumony 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study derives the climatology of surface currents in the Arabian Gulf using the current velocities obtained from the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) for the period 1993–2019. It reveals distinct temporal and spatial variability in the surface current speeds induced by the variability in surface winds, bathymetry and the changes in the lateral gradients in density. The mean speed of the Iranian Coastal Current (ICC) during summer reaches up to 0.33 m·s−1 along the coast of Iran, while the mean speed of Arabian Coastal Current (ACC) reaches up to 0.26 m·s−1 along the coast of Saudi Arabia. We found the occurrence of 2 major and 1 minor cyclonic eddies in the annual, seasonal and monthly climatology, while these eddies are more prevalent during summer. The major cyclonic eddy in the central Gulf develops in May and persists till November with varying patterns, and decays in December. The climatological mean current speeds are higher during summer compared to winter, due to the seasonal changes in thickness of the surface layer by the stratification/destratification processes. The highest mean current speeds along the coast of Qatar are found in June and the lowest in winter months. The highest annual, monthly and seasonal mean current speeds are observed along the north and northeast coast of Qatar, while the lowest are observed along the west coast and southeast coast of Qatar. Interannual variability in surface current speeds is evident, with notable links with the El Niño–Southern Oscillations (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The annual mean current speeds show positive trends, of the order of 0.06–0.14 cm·s−1·year−1 in the offshore regions and 0.05–0.24 cm·s−1·year−1 in the nearshore regions, wherein the highest positive trend is observed off Ras Laffan and the lowest off Dukhan.
Race norming and biases in surgical oncology care
Authors: Lee Britany , Odusanya Eunice , Nizam Wasay , Johnson Anita , Tee May C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDisparities in surgical oncology care may be due to race/ethnicity. Race norming, defined as the adjustment of medical assessments based on an individual's race/ethnicity, and implicit bias are specifically explored in this focused systematic review. We aim to examine how race norming and bias impact oncologic care and postsurgical outcomes, particularly in Black patient populations, while providing potential strategies to improve equitable and inclusive care.
The impact of perioperative transfusions on the oncologic outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Bouchard‐Fortier Genevieve , Gien Lilian T. , Chan Wing C. , Lin Yulia , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Ferguson Sarah E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPerioperative blood transfusion in ovarian cancer patients was associated with a 28% increase in all‐cause mortality. The negative impact of perioperative blood transfusion extends beyond the immediate postoperative period.ObjectivesThe effect of perioperative blood transfusions on long‐term oncologic outcomes of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery remains uncertain. Our study aims to determine the association between perioperative blood transfusion and all‐cause mortality in this population.MethodsUsing province‐wide administrative databases, patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2021 as part of first‐line treatment were identified. Perioperative transfusion was defined as any transfusion from date of surgery to discharge from hospital. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine if there was an independent association of transfusion with all‐cause mortality, accounting significant confounders.ResultsA total of 5891 patients had cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer between 2007 and 2021, of which 2898 (49.2%) had interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) and 2993 (50.8%) had primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS). Perioperative blood transfusion was given to 37.3% of patients (40.5% ICS and 34.2% PCS). On multivariable analysis, there was an increased hazard of all‐cause mortality for patients receiving perioperative transfusion compared to those who did not (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.20–1.37). The association of increased all‐cause mortality was observed starting 1 year after surgery, was sustained thereafter, and seen in both ICS and PCS groups.ConclusionPerioperative blood transfusion after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer is common in Ontario, Canada and was significantly associated with an increase in all‐cause mortality. Blood transfusion is a poor prognostic factor, and the negative impact of blood transfusion persists beyond the immediate postoperative period.
Repositioning Work and Leisure: Digital Nomads Versus Tourists
Authors: Kozak Metin , Cetin Gurel , Alrawadieh Zaid 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTA growing yet fragmented debate addressing digital nomadism has recently emerged across different disciplines, including management, organizational behavior, and mobility studies. However, the intersection between digital nomadism and leisure and tourism activities remains blurred. Integrating existing theoretical assessments, this conceptual paper scrutinize digital nomadism from a tourism and leisure perspective, and attempts to provide a broader understanding of this phenomenon. The paper repositions digital nomads in the center of tourism and travel discourse by describing their key characteristics, mobility motives, destination selection process, and critical features, singling them out from conventional business/leisure tourists. This paper significantly contributes to an emerging stream of tourism research addressing digital nomadism as an emerging lifestyle market and provides timely practical implications for policymakers and industry practitioners.
Rotator cuff repair: Sleep disturbance significantly improves after arthroscopic tendon repair
Authors: Feltri Pietro , Audigé Laurent , Candrian Christian , Mueller Andreas M. , Fritz Yannick ,   ARCR_Pred Study Group, Filardo Giuseppe 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to quantify sleep quality and define its evolution in patients treated for rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and to understand its correlation with patients' depression and anxiety.MethodsThe patients were part of the ‘ARCR_Pred cohort study’, a prospective multicentre cohort of ARCR patients. Inclusion criteria: adult, RCT diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, treated by primary ARCR. Exclusion criteria: irreparable tears, revision operations, open or mini‐open reconstructions, pregnancy. Subjective sleep quality (prevalence and level of disturbance) was analysed. Psychological characteristics (PROMIS Sf questionnaire) and functional outcomes (Constant and Murley Score and Oxford Shoulder Score) were investigated. A gender‐based analysis was performed as well. Patients were evaluated before the operation and prospectively at 6 and 12 months.ResultsOf the 973 patients, 611 (62.8%) were men, with the mean age being 57.3 ± 9.4 years (range, 21–84). A high prevalence of sleep disturbances was found before ARCR (88.4%), with 59% of the patients complaining of disturbance every night. Sleep disturbances progressively improved at 6 (37.2%) and 12 months (22.0%). Also, nocturnal pain (frequency of night disturbed by pain) progressively improved from 94.3% to 62.4% and then 37.9%. For depression and anxiety, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was retrieved among every group (undisturbed, occasionally and always disturbed) at all follow‐ups. On the other hand, the post‐op improvement led to a decrease in anxiety and depression levels passing from 50.1 and 51.4 points at baseline to 45.0 and 45.4 at 12 months, respectively. Women had statistically worse sleep quality at 6 and 12 months (41% vs. 36% and 27% vs. 19%, respectively) (p < 0.05).ConclusionsRCTs cause a high prevalence of sleep disturbance and nocturnal pain, which progressively resolves after an arthroscopic tendon repair. Women have a higher risk than men of presenting disturbed sleep quality.Level of EvidenceLevel III, prognostic cohort study.
Effect of Shot‐Peening Process and Nanoparticle‐Added Lubricant on the Tribological Performance of Aluminium‐Based Sliding Bearing Material
Authors: Korkmaz Seyma , Cetin M. Huseyin , Simsir Hamza , Unal Okan , Temel Farabi 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, it is aimed to increase the wear and fatigue performance of aluminium‐based sliding bearing material by using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) added lubricant and shot‐peening process. The main purpose is to minimise the wear of the bearing material by penetrating AgNPs added lubricants into the rough surfaces formed by shot peening. Almen intensity, coverage and shot size parameters in the shot‐peening process were analysed in terms of hardness, surface roughness and fatigue strength. The shot‐peened aluminium bronze was subjected to wear experiments under dry, pure water and AgNPs added lubricant conditions. The wear test results were analysed in terms of friction coefficient, wear volume and surface roughness parameters, and the interaction of lubricant and shot‐peening parameters was evaluated. According to the results of the shot‐peening experiments, the Almen intensity was the most effective parameter in terms of hardness and surface roughness (91.62%). It was concluded that the hardness value was 8% higher at high Almen (12–14A) intensity compared with low Almen intensities, and the shot‐peening process could increase the fatigue strength by ~21 times. According to the wear tests, the most effective parameters were 4–6 Almen intensity and AgNP‐added lubricant.