bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional expression patterns of the cortical morphometric similarity network in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Qu Junyu , Qu Yancai , Zhu Rui , Wu Yongsheng , Xu Guihua , Wang Dawei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt has been demonstrated that progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) correlates with structural abnormalities in several distinct regions of the brain. However, whether there are changes in the morphological similarity network (MSN) and the relationship between changes in brain structure and gene expression remain largely unknown.MethodsWe used two independent cohorts (discovery dataset: PSP: 51, healthy controls (HC): 82; replication dataset: PSP: 53, HC: 55) for MSN analysis and comparing the longitudinal changes in the MSN of PSP. Then, we applied partial least squares regression to determine the relationships between changes in MSN and spatial transcriptional features and identified specific genes associated with MSN differences in PSP. We further investigated the biological processes enriched in PSP‐associated genes and the cellular characteristics of these genes, and finally, we performed an exploratory analysis of the relationship between MSN changes and neurotransmitter receptors.ResultsWe found that the MSN in PSP patients was mainly decreased in the frontal and temporal cortex but increased in the occipital cortical region. This difference is replicable. In longitudinal studies, MSN differences are mainly manifested in the frontal and parietal regions. Furthermore, the expression pattern associated with MSN changes in PSP involves genes implicated in astrocytes and excitatory and inhibitory neurons and is functionally enriched in neuron‐specific biological processes related to synaptic signaling. Finally, we found that the changes in MSN were mainly negatively correlated with the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and opioid receptors.ConclusionsThese results have enhanced our understanding of the microscale genetic and cellular mechanisms responsible for large‐scale morphological abnormalities in PSP patients, suggesting potential targets for future therapeutic trials.
Epidemiological overview of mucocutaneous fungal infections in Munich
Authors: Hoffmann Liv C. , Reinholz Markus , French Lars E. , Sárdy Miklós , Wollenberg Andreas , Kerschnitzki Annette , Horváth Orsolya N. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesKnowledge about the current spectrum of dermatomycoses is important for diagnosis and therapy.Patients and MethodsA retrospective, monocentric analysis of mucocutaneous fungal infections diagnosed at a large European academic dermatology department in Munich was conducted; 87,229 samples from 48,916 patients from January 1, 2011, to August 30, 2020, were included.ResultsFungi were detected in 11,513 samples from 48,916 (23.54%), and 36 different species were identified. Candida (C.) albicans was the most common pathogen (5,055 detections; 43.91% of all positive samples), followed by Trichophyton (T.) rubrum (3,076 detections; 26.72% of all positive samples) and Candida parapsilosis (923 detections; 8.02% of all positive samples). Rare pathogens such as Trichophyton raubitschekii were also detected. Coinfections with multiple species were detected in 44 cases.ConclusionsEven though C. albicans, T. rubrum, and C. parapsilosis were confirmed as the most common pathogens, rare pathogens should also be considered in clinical practice. The predominant spectrum of fungi differed from that reported in other countries. Furthermore, a difference in the pathogen spectrum could be observed depending on the age group and body site.
Artificial Intelligence‐Generated Patient Education Materials for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zeng Shuyan , Kong Qingzhou , Wu Xiaoqi , Ma Tian , Wang Limei , Xu Leiqi , Kou Guanjun , Zhang Mingming , Yang Xiaoyun , Zuo Xiuli , Li Yueyue , Li Yanqing 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatient education contributes to improve public awareness of Helicobacter pylori. Large language models (LLMs) offer opportunities to revolutionize patient education transformatively. This study aimed to assess the quality of patient educational materials (PEMs) generated by LLMs and compared with physician sourced.Materials and MethodsUnified instruction about composing a PEM about H. pylori at a sixth‐grade reading level in both English and Chinese were given to physician and five LLMs (Bing Copilot, Claude 3 Opus, Gemini Pro, ChatGPT‐4, and ERNIE Bot 4.0). The assessments of the completeness and comprehensibility of the Chinese PEMs were conducted by five gastroenterologists and 50 patients according to three‐point Likert scale. Gastroenterologists were asked to evaluate both English and Chinese PEMs and determine the accuracy and safety. The accuracy was assessed by six‐point Likert scale. The minimum acceptable scores were 4, 2, and 2 for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensibility, respectively. The Flesch–Kincaid and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scoring systems were employed as readability assessment tools.ResultsAccuracy and comprehensibility were acceptable for English PEMs of all sources, while completence was not satisfactory. Physician‐sourced PEM had the highest accuracy mean score of 5.60 and LLM‐generated English PEMs ranged from 4.00 to 5.40. The completeness score was comparable between physician‐sourced PEM and LLM‐generated PEMs in English. Chinese PEMs from LLMs proned to have lower score in accuracy and completeness assessment than English PEMs. The mean score for completeness of five LLM‐generated Chinese PEMs was 1.82–2.70 in patients' perspective, which was higher than gastroenterologists' assessment. Comprehensibility was satisfactory for all PEMs. No PEM met the recommended sixth‐grade reading level.ConclusionLLMs have potential in assisting patient education. The accuracy and comprehensibility of LLM‐generated PEMs were acceptable, but further optimization on improving completeness and accounting for a variety of linguistic contexts are essential for enhancing the feasibility.
Tetracycline Three Times Daily Versus Four Times Daily in Bismuth‐Containing Quadruple Therapy as the First‐Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Multicenter, Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ding Yu‐Ming , Zhang Qiu‐Mei , Li Rui‐Li , Han Zhong‐Xue , Zhao Qing , Xu Li‐Dong , Wang Ke‐Yu , Nan Xue‐Ping , Duan Miao , Zeng Shu‐Yan , Kong Qing‐Zhou , Wang Hui , Wu Xiao‐Qi , Zhang Ning , Li Yan‐Qing , Zuo Xiu‐Li , Li Yue‐Yue 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for patients newly diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of tetracycline administered three times daily versus four times daily in bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection.MethodsThis multicenter, noninferiority, randomized controlled study, conducted in China, recruited treatment‐naïve adults with H. pylori infection, randomized 1:1 into two treatment groups to receive either of the following bismuth‐containing quadruple therapies: esomeprazole 20 mg twice‐daily; bismuth 220 mg twice‐daily; amoxicillin 1000 mg twice‐daily; and tetracycline 500 mg three times daily (TET‐T) versus 500 mg four times daily (TET‐F). At least 6 weeks post‐treatment, a 13C‐urea breath test was performed to evaluate H. pylori eradication.ResultsIn total, 406 patients were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups. Intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 91.63% (186/203; 95% confidence interval [CI] 87.82%–95.44%) versus 90.15% (183/203; 95% CI 86.05%–94.25%) (p = 0.0005) and per‐protocol eradication rates were 95.34% (184/193; 95% CI 92.36%–98.31%) versus 95.72% (179/187; 95% CI 92.82%–98.62%) (p = 0.0002) for the TET‐T and TET‐F group, respectively. TET‐T‐treated patients had a lower incidence of adverse effects than TET‐F‐treated patients (21.61% vs. 31.63%, p = 0.024), with no significant differences in compliance to treatment between the groups.ConclusionAs a first‐line therapy for H. pylori infection, the eradication rate of the TET‐T therapy was noninferior to that of the TET‐F therapy while significantly reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05431075
Witness to Harm; Holding to Account: What Is the Importance of Information for Members of the Public Who Give Evidence and May Be Witness in a Regulatory Hearing of a Health or Care Professional?
Authors: Ryan‐Blackwell Gemma , Wallace Louise M. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHealth and social care regulators are organisations that seek to maintain public trust in professionals and protect the public from harmful practitioners. For example, they ensure that practitioners have the correct qualifications to practice and investigate any concerns raised about them. Serious concerns can result in a fitness to practise (FtP) hearing where a member of the public may be required to give evidence as a witness. Being a witness and being cross‐examined is known to often be traumatic, particularly for members of the public in criminal trials. There is some research evidence that registered professionals who are the subject of the proceedings may suffer mental ill health as result of the experience. But there is scant research that specifically explores the experiences of members of the public giving evidence in a FtP hearing. The regulator web pages are an important source of information for public witnesses to prepare themselves for a FtP hearing.AimThis study aimed to examine the publicly available information for public witnesses from the 13 health and social care regulators in the United Kingdom to evaluate the content, amount, type and format of information available and make recommendations about how regulators can improve these.MethodsRegulator websites were searched during November 2021–February 2022 for information for the public on what happens after raising a concern with a regulator. Resources were downloaded and qualitative content analysis conducted. Our findings were validated by interviews (n = 7) with the public including people with experience of FtP and a focus group of the public (n = 5).ResultsOne hundred and forty‐six resources (97 webpages and 25 public facing documents, 20 videos and 4 easy read documents) were found. Topics included screening and investigation, preparing for a hearing, during a hearing and after a hearing, and support for witnesses.Discussion and ConclusionWe conclude that there are many deficiencies in the information content and its presentation for the public and some exemplars, such as the use of flowcharts and short videos to explain the FtP processes. Recommendations for practice take the form of a framework with three themes, (i) co‐production, (ii) preferred content and (iii) format. It may be used by regulators to enhance their support for members of the public as witnesses in FtP hearings.Public ContributionOur advisory group of people with lived experience of involvement as members of the public in FtP discussed the findings and contributed to the recommendations.
A comparative exploration of immunohistochemical markers in patients with papulopustular rosacea undergoing treatment with oral isotretinoin versus doxycycline
Authors: Picosse Fabíola , Rocha Marco Alexandre , Costa Caroline Sousa , Enokihara Milvia Maria Simões e Silva , Sanudo Adriana , Bagatin Ediléia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundRosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease, and doxycycline is a widely recommended treatment for it due to its anti‐inflammatory action. Oral isotretinoin reduces sebaceous gland activity and modulates toll‐like receptors, reducing inflammation. Our aim was to investigate the effect of these two drugs on the expression of cutaneous immunohistochemical biomarkers related to etiopathogenic factors involved in rosacea.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, comparative, and evaluator‐blinded trial, including 40 participants with moderate and severe papulopustular and ocular rosacea. Participants were treated with doxycycline (DOXY) 100 mg or isotretinoin (ISO) 0.3 mg/kg daily. Immunohistochemistry at baseline and after 4 months was used to demonstrate the expression of the biomarker on the affected skin.ResultsThe following changes were detected: a reduction in the vessel count after using VEGF with DOXY (P = 0.010); a decrease in VEGF intensity with ISO (P < 0.001) and DOXY (P = 0.020); a reduction of nitric oxide synthase enzyme with both drugs in the inflammatory infiltrate (ISO P < 0.001; DOXY P = 0.003); however, only with ISO was there a significant (P = 0.030) decrease at the level of the sebaceous glands, indicating a reduction of nitric oxide synthesis; a reduction of TRPV‐1 expression at the level of the sebaceous glands was observed only with DOXY (P = 0.041); a decrease of cathelicidin LL37 expression, a key antimicrobial peptide in the etiopathogenesis of rosacea, was noted with both drugs, although at the level of sebaceous glands, only with DOXY (P = 0.007).ConclusionsOral isotretinoin and doxycycline have modified the expression of cutaneous biomarkers related to rosacea etiopathogenesis, demonstrating their role in controlling inflammatory and vascular processes.
Editor's Highlights — September 2024
Authors: Kemény Lajos 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCurly textured hair presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges because of its distinct properties. In the September issue of the Journal, we explore recent advancements in understanding and treating various hair disorders, focusing on the specific challenges and treatments for curly hair. We discuss whether glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists contribute to or alleviate hair loss and highlight a promising, innovative therapy using adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes to promote hair growth. Additionally, we examine therapeutic options for managing filler‐induced alopecia and treating folliculitis decalvans.
Alkali‐induced aggregation behaviour of tea polyphenols and its gel strengthening mechanism to alkali‐induced egg white
Authors: Li Baochang , Ma Ruipeng , Yang Xuhua , Obadi Mohammed , Xu Bin , Sun Jun 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe effect of black and green tea extracts with different alkali induction degrees on gel properties of alkali‐induced egg white gels (EWGs) was evaluated. Results indicate that, with the increase in alkali induction time, the concentration of soluble polyphenols gradually decreases while their relative polymerisation degree increases, especially for black tea polyphenols. The addition of tea extracts, especially induced by alkaline treatment for 6, 12, and 24 h, can promote the coagulation and browning and inhibit the ‘alkali injury liquefaction’ of alkali‐induced EWGs. Additionally, under alkali‐induced conditions, polyphenols in tea, especially black tea, can enhance the textural properties and thermal stability of alkali‐induced EWGs, this enhancement reaches its peak at 12 h of alkali induction and is consistent with protein secondary structure and interaction forces results. This research provides theoretical support for selection and induction of tea in high‐gel‐strength preserved eggs and other alkali‐induced protein gel food processing.
Effects of germination on the physicochemical, thermal, in vitro protein digestibility, Antinutrients, and antioxidant properties of sorghum flour
Authors: Singh Sakshi , Habib Mehvish , Mondal Debarchan , Thakur Manisha , Kumar Yogesh , Bashir Khalid , Jan Shumaila , Jan Kulsum 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe present study investigates the impact of germination (72 h) on physicochemical, protein solubility, in vitro protein digestibility, antinutrient, antioxidant, and structural properties of sorghum flour. Germination resulted in a reduction of crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash. However, it significantly improved the DPPH (58.42%–69.44%), total phenolic content (1.31–3.58 mg GAE g−1), and total flavonoid content (57.66–80.16 mg QE g−1). Germination also increased in vitro protein digestibility (50.12%–75.52%) and Fe2+ chelating activity (11.18%–48.06%), while reducing antinutrients such as phytic acid (176 to 86 mg/100 g) and tannin (3.53–2.16 mg/100 g). Structural analyses (XRD and FTIR) revealed modifications in crystalline and molecular structures, while scanning electron microscopy showed disrupted starch granules in germinated flour. These findings suggest that germination enhances the functional and nutritional properties of sorghum flour, making it more suitable for various applications in food products.
Effect of ultrasound and marination on functional and sensory properties, protein profiles and bioaccessibility of amino acids in turkey meat
Authors: Nalbant Tepeoğlu Hadiye , Karakaya Sibel 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThis study investigates the impact of ultrasound treatment and marination on turkey meat proteins, focusing on functional and sensory properties and protein hydrolysis. Three different treatments, marination (M), ultrasound (US) and a combination of ultrasound and marination (USM), were applied to turkey meat. The USM caused the highest water‐holding capacity, increased tenderness and improved the general acceptability of turkey meat. SEM images of raw samples showed that US and M changed the structure of muscle fibres, exhibiting more cavities and irregular, broken and separated fibres. Cooking changed the muscle fibres of the sample, forming several cavities and separate fibres. SDS‐PAGE profiles showed that different treatments affected protein solubility during gastric digestion. Ultrasound treatment caused the loss of some essential amino acids in the supernatant of intestinal digests, including lysine, leucine and tyrosine. In vitro bioaccessibility of leucine, threonine, lysine, valine and isoleucine was the highest in the untreated sample.
How can food frequency questionnaire evaluate the intake of processed foods with added emulsifiers? A pilot study
Authors: Ajabnoor Sarah M. , Khatib Mai A. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryEmulsifiers are widely used by food manufacturers, and their consumption has been linked to adverse health outcomes. The average dietary intake of emulsifiers has been poorly reported because no dietary assessment tool is yet available to determine their qualitative or quantitative intake. The present study aimed to validate a newly developed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing the intake of foods with added emulsifiers. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a sample of healthy female adults living in Saudi Arabia. All participants completed the FFQ alongside 3‐day food records (Reference method). Pearson's correlation test, cross‐classification analysis and weighted kappa (κw) statistics were used to assess the validity of the new FFQ against the reference method. The results showed variation in relative validity and level of agreement of food items and/or groups consumption between the two methods. Correlation coefficient values ≥0.5 were reported for some food items (i.e., condensed/evaporated milk, packaged powdered soup/broths and vegetable/nut purees). The FFQ demonstrated an acceptable degree of agreement between the two methods for the confectionery, dairy products and ‘other foods’ with ≥50% of participants classified into the same tertile by both methods (κw = 0.2–0.48). However, poor agreement outcomes were found with bakery products, processed meats and beverages with <50% of participants classified in the same tertile (κw < 0.2). The present study indicated that the new FFQ is a suitable qualitative tool for assessing intakes of food emulsifiers. However, the tool still needs further validation.
Modulation of pea protein isolate hydrogels by adding kappa‐carrageenan: gelling properties and formation mechanism
Authors: Bartkuvienė Ieva , Keršienė Milda , Petrikaitė Vilma , Leskauskaitė Daiva 
Published: August 2024

SummaryOur study focuses on the gelling properties of pea protein (PP), which are comparatively weaker than those of other plant proteins, thereby limiting its application. However, we found that the addition of κ‐carrageenan (κ‐CAR) significantly (P < 0.05) increased PP gels' hardness and water‐holding capacity irrespective of gel formation temperature (80 or 95 °C). Rheological and microstructural analysis confirmed a synergistic effect between PP and κ‐CAR, with higher synergy values observed in hydrogels formulated at 95 °C. Molecular force studies revealed that non‐covalent interactions were dominant, with disulphide bonds contributing only to the structure of gels formed at 95 °C. These promising findings not only enhance our understanding of the PP and κ‐CAR gel formation mechanism but also hold practical implications, potentially leading to improved gelling properties of PP and expanding its applications in the food industry.
Multiplex PCR assay for the accurate and rapid detection and differentiation of Lactococcus garvieae and L. petauri
Authors: Ustaoglu Dilek , Öztürk Rafet Çağrı , Ture Mustafa , Colussi Silvia , Pastorino Paolo , Vela Ana Isabel , Kotzamanidis Charalampos , Volpatti Donatella , Acutis Pier Luigi , Altinok Ilhan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLactococcosis is a common bacterial fish disease caused by Lactococcus garvieae, L. petauri and L. formosensis. Although there are different PCR‐based techniques to identify the etiological agent, none of these can differentiate these two bacteria without sequencing PCR‐amplified fragments. In the present study, we developed a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection and differentiation of L. garvieae and L. petauri. The specificity of the primers was validated against the bacterial DNA of the targeted and non‐targeted bacteria. The sizes of the PCR amplicons were obtained as 204 bp for the DUF1430 domain‐containing protein gene of L. garvieae, 465 bp for the Lichenan permease IIC component gene of L. petauri, and 302 bp for the teichoic acid biosynthesis protein F gene of both L. garvieae and L. petauri. The PCR amplicons were clearly separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The multiplex PCR assay did not produce any amplification products with the DNA of the non‐targeted bacteria. The multiplex PCR detection limits for L. garvieae and L. petauri were 5 and 4 CFU in pure culture and 50 and 40 CFU/g in spiked tissue samples, respectively. It takes less than 2 h from plate‐cultured bacteria and 3 h from tissue samples to get results. In conclusion, the developed multiplex PCR assay is a rapid, specific, accurate, and cost‐effective method for the detection and differentiation of L. garvieae and L. petauri and is suitable to be used for routine laboratory diagnosis of L. garvieae and L. petauri.