bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Implications of Postsurgical Adhesions and Fibrosis: The Role of Vitamin C in Prevention and Control
Authors: Kitundu Jacob H. , Mashauri Harold L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPostsurgical adhesions are common complications of surgery that affect millions of postsurgical patients worldwide. These are abnormal fibrous bands that form between organs or between organs and the respective walls during the healing process post surgery. Patients undergoing all kinds of surgeries can develop postsurgical adhesions. Increased risk of morbidity (including longer operative hours, multiple readmissions, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare expenses) and mortality are among the associated complications. Despite various interventions being implemented with varying levels of success, their application and effectiveness remain limited. Due to its ready availability, affordability, and lack of significant side effects or reported adverse drug reactions, vitamin C supplementation can be an effective approach for preventing and controlling postsurgical adhesions and fibrosis, given the growing evidence supporting its effectiveness as the postsurgical adhesions and fibrosis preventive and control agent.
Household Catastrophic Health Expenditures in Maternal Care: A Cross‐Sectional Study From Semnan, Iran
Authors: Jafaei Sana , Kassaeian Sayed Saeed , Danaei Navid , Gharibi Farid 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDue to its indisputable influence on maternal and child health, maternal care is among the most crucial requisites in all health systems.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) in maternal care.MethodsThis cross‐sectional survey included 400 pregnant women using systematic random sampling in Semnan, Iran, from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. The study tool was a researcher‐made questionnaire, the content validity of which was approved by experts, and CVR and CVI values of 0.89 and 0.91, respectively. The CHE occurs when out‐of‐pocket medical expenditures account for 40% of household affordability and more, so all pregnancy‐related healthcare costs were recorded, and their ratio to the household's nonfood costs was calculated. Due to the qualitative nature of the data, a chi‐square test was performed to evaluate the statistical association between demographic and background variables with CHE.ResultsThe mean direct costs for maternal care was $1697, of which 48% was related to diagnostic services, 11% to various therapies, and 41% to medical treatment. The ratio of direct costs to nonfood costs was 48.67%, and 50% of pregnant women and their households suffered from CHE. Furthermore, the factors of educational status, employment status, basic health insurance, supplementary health insurance, mode of delivery, place of delivery, place of receiving care, and the woman's weight during pregnancy had statistically significant relationships with CHE (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe status of financial support provided to Iranian pregnant women is not desirable. The Iranian health system should reduce the incidence of CHE in maternal care by taking the following steps: (1) fully covering the costs of maternal care services by strengthening insurance facilities, (2) investing enough money in domestic procurement of diagnostic technology and medical supplements, and (3) providing high‐quality maternal care in the public sector facilities.
Goat Milk‐Based Infant Formula and the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants: A Real‐World‐Evidence Study From Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the Netherlands
Authors: Knipping Karen , Böhme Juliane , Goossens Dominique , van Lee Linde , van der Zee Lucie 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsInfants often experience gastro‐intestinal (GI) symptoms whereby their nutrition might play a role in the occurrence of these symptoms. Evidence suggests that consuming goat milk‐based infant formula (GMF) may provide relief. Therefore, a study was performed to assess the prevalence of GI symptoms in infants and the role of GMF.MethodsFrom June 2021 until November 2022, a cross‐sectional observational survey was conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and The Netherlands by recruiting parents/legal guardians through social media. GI symptoms after introduction of GMF were questioned using the validated Cow's Milk‐Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS; scoring 0–33), lower scores indicate fewer symptoms. Occurrence of crying, gassiness, eczema, respiratory symptoms and stool consistency were asked retrospectively before and ≥ 14 days after introduction of GMF.ResultsThe study population (n = 425) of GMF‐consumers mostly consisted of 0‐6 months‐old infants with a median age of 5 months. Overall, CoMiSS was low among GMF‐consumers (median 1.00, IQR 4.00, range 0–14) of which 89% had CoMiSS ≤ 6 (n = 317), indicating (severity of) symptoms commonly present in healthy infants. After introduction of GMF, the majority of infants had lower symptom scores of gassiness (87%, n = 128), skin symptoms (78%, n = 32), watery stools/diarrhea (80%, n = 32) or hard stools/constipation (84%, n = 57), and crying (87%, n = 122). The CoMiSS in GMF‐consumers was significantly lower, meaning fewer symptoms, compared to GMF‐non‐consumers (p = < 0.001). CoMiSS was similar among categories of age, sex, and country of residence.ConclusionThis sample of infants fed GMF showed a low prevalence of GI symptoms and parents reported lower prevalence of GI symptoms after introduction of GMF based on retrospectively questionnaires. CoMiSS in GMF‐consumers was significantly lower when compared to GMF‐non‐consumers. These results give indications of a potential benefit of GMF in managing GI symptoms in infants. Clinicaltrial. gov identifier NCT06755424.
Reducing Health Inequities Through Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Experience From Bhutan
Authors: Pradhan Nomina , Tamang Monu , Rai Sagar , Gyaltshen Choeda , Dema Choney , Mynak Mimi Lhamu , Canestrari Michael , Sands Kenneth Christopher , Wangdi Kuenzang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsBhutan is a low–middle‐income country with a 0.7 million population with a high burden of musculoskeletal conditions. Recognizing the high burden of osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was launched in the country in 2022. However, Bhutan continues to refer complicated cases to India. In 2024, International Operation, a US‐based nonprofit secular and humanitarian organization, conducted a TKA camp in Bhutan. This perspective aims to report about the camp and discuss how such camps help reduce healthcare disparities.MethodWe compiled data on patients who underwent total knee or hip arthroplasty in last 7 years from the registry maintained at National Referral Hospital of Bhutan. We shared our experience of hosting TKA camp and discuss how such camps might help reduce healthcare disparities.ResultIn last 7 years, Bhutan referred increasing number of patients for total knee and hip arthroplasty to India. Royal Government of Bhutan spends Nu. 250,000 (approximately US$3000) per patient excluding expenses for travel, logistics, and medications. A team from International Operation conducted TKA on 31 patients during the camp.ConclusionSuch camps would help reduce the healthcare disparities in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Choosing the Path: Insights Into Zambian Medical Students' Specialty Selections
Authors: Musa Gerald , Chilawa Samuel , Bwanga Alick , Mwela Bupe Mumba , Chikoya Laston , Chaurasia Bipin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe specialization of medical students is essential for enhancing healthcare quality, and meeting the diverse needs of patients, with medical training programs significantly influencing their career trajectories and expertise development. This study aimed to investigate the future specialty preferences of medical students from various medical schools in Zambia.Materials and MethodsThe study included participants from seven medical schools who had completed at least their first clinical clerkship. Data collection involved distributing structured questionnaires containing Likert scale items and open‐ended questions via an online Google Sheets platform. Data collected included: demographics, name of medical school, year of study, specialty preferences, factors influencing specialty preferences, awareness about medical specialties, and career pathways.ResultsA study involving 127 medical students in clinical clerkships revealed a gender ratio of 1.1:1 male to female, with 73% aged between 20 and 25 years. Specialty preferences varied, with internal medicine (12%) and cardiovascular surgery (10%) being popular choices, and 62% changing their preferences during clerkships. Key factors influencing specialty choice were personal interest (74%), work‐life balance (41%), and career prospects (30%). Only 21% were very familiar with medical specialties, and 83% rated mentorship availability poorly and suggested organizing workshops to enhance awareness. Future plans included further specialization (54%), international humanitarian work (54%), and medical academics (27%).ConclusionDespite recognizing the importance of mentorship, students rated the availability of mentorship and informational resources as inadequate. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced mentorship programs, comprehensive career guidance, and targeted informational workshops to support informed specialty choices, contributing to a better‐prepared and more satisfied medical workforce.
Acute Administration of 10 mg Methylphenidate on Cognitive Performance and Visual Scanning in Healthy Adults: Randomised, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Aitken Blair , Downey Luke A. , Rose Serah , Manning Brooke , Arkell Thomas R. , Shiferaw Brook , Hayley Amie C. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the effect of a low dose (10 mg) of methylphenidate on cognitive performance, visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and gaze behaviour capabilities in healthy adults.MethodsThis randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled and crossover study examined the effects of 10 mg methylphenidate on cognitive performance, VSWM and gaze behaviour. Fixation duration and rate, gaze transition entropy, and stationary gaze entropy were used to quantify visual scanning efficiency in 25 healthy adults (36% female, mean ± SD age = 33.5 ± 7.8 years, BMI = 24.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2). Attention, memory, and reaction time were assessed using the E‐CogPro test battery.ResultsMethylphenidate significantly enhanced performance in numeric working memory tasks, reflected by reduced errors and increased accuracy relative to placebo. No significant changes were observed in other cognitive or visual scanning metrics.ConclusionsA low dose of methylphenidate improves limited domains of psychomotor speed and accuracy but does not affect visual scanning efficiency. This suggests limited usefulness as a general pro‐cognitive aid and raises the possibility of a lower threshold of effect for measurable psychostimulant‐induced changes to visual scanning behaviour. Further research is needed to explore these potential dose‐response relationships and effects across diverse populations.Trial RegistrationACTRN12620000499987
Construction of the Single‐Cell Landscape of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Tissue and Peripheral Blood by Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Song Kaiyu , Wang Xiaojie , Yao Wenjie , Wang Yuantao , Zhang Qinling , Tang Yuxiao , Mou Yakui , Song Xicheng , Zhou Jin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundHashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common organ‐specific autoimmune disease, and its etiology may be related to genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. However, its exact pathogenesis remains elusive.MethodsIn this study, single‐cell transcriptomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on the thyroid tissues of six HT patients, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of four HT patients, and normal thyroid tissue of one healthy control. A panoramic single‐cell atlas of HT was constructed to explore changes in the abundance of different cell subsets in the states of the disease.ResultsA single‐cell atlas of HT was constructed, and eight cell types were defined based on the marker genes. Subsequent clustering analysis of T cells, B cells, myeloid, and thyroid follicular cells revealed that the abundance rates of the CD8+T_CCL4L2, B_MEF2B_BCL6, Mac_APOE, Mac_IL1B, and TFC_PAX8_NKX2‐1 subgroups were elevated in thyroid tissues of HT patients. However, the abundance rate of the NKT_KLRD1_KLRC2 subgroup was risen in the PBMCs of HT patients. Ig‐producing plasma cells were specifically enriched in the B‐cell subgroup.ConclusionThe present study further validated the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of HT at the cellular level. In addition, a new cell subset B_MEF2B_BCL6 was found. It could be speculated that MEF2B mainly transactivates the expression level of the transcriptional repressor BCL6, leading to the development of HT. A new cell subset TFC_PAX8_NKX2‐1 was also identified, in which the specific transcription factors PAX8 and NKX2‐1 were highly expressed in HT tissues.
Strengthening evidence‐based intrapartum and newborn care practices in medical schools: Subnational implementation research from India
Authors: Gupta Madhu , Iyengar Kirti , Singla Neena , Kaur Kiranjit , Verma Madhur , Sethi Adhish Kumar , Singla Rimpi , Rohilla Minakshi , Suri Vanita , Aggarwal Neelam , Singh Tarundeep , Pal Swarnika , Dhiman Anchal , Goel Poonam , Goel N. K. , Pant Reena , Gaur Kusum Lata , Gehlot Hanslata , Bhati Indra , Verma Manoj , Agarwal Sudesh , Acharya Rekha , Singh Keerti , Chauhan Madhubala , Rastogi Radha , Bedi Renu , Pachori Purnima , Nayak Bipin , Modi Bhavesh , Nakum Kanaklata , Trivedi Atul , Aggarwal Shonali , Patel Sangita , Sharma Nirmala , Sharma Mamta , Meena Khushbu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveWe examined the impact of a codesigned multicomponent implementation strategy on adherence to evidence‐based intrapartum care, respectful maternity care, and newborn care practices in 11 medical schools across two states and a union territory in India.MethodsWe conducted pre‐post implementation research using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework from July 2019 to October 2021. The implementation strategy was codesigned by researchers and medical school faculty. At baseline and endline, we recruited intranatal (n = 175, 158) and postnatal women (n = 158, 167) with uncomplicated vaginal delivery for observation and interview, respectively. The primary outcome was proportion of uncomplicated deliveries with a composite of avoiding augmentation, avoiding episiotomy, and using alternate birthing positions. We used generalized estimating equations to compare baseline and endline findings and estimated adjusted prevalence odds ratios (APORs).ResultsThe primary outcome increased from 5.4% at baseline to 17.4% at endline with APOR 3.55 (95% CI: 1.08, 11.66). A decline was observed in not‐recommended practices, namely pubic shaving (APOR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.18), enema (APOR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.22), fundal pressure (APOR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.14), episiotomy (APOR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.38, 1.48). Newborn care practices showed the greatest improvements in early initiation of breastfeeding (APOR 42.35, 95% CI: 5.70, 314.61) and delayed cord clamping (APOR 21.28, 95% CI: 6.00, 75.43). Results from postnatal interviews corroborated those from direct observation in the labor room.ConclusionA codesigned multi‐component implementation strategy can improve adherence to evidence‐based intrapartum and newborn care practices in medical schools.
A human skin microbiome reference catalog and the skin microbial landscape of plateau adults
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Zhiming , Zhang Chao , Li Bo , Jiang Weiwei , Li Hang , Zhang Lei , Zhen Hefu , Bao Shujun , Li Xiong , Liu Yinuo , Chen Xianzhen , Du Jinxia , Xia Jingjing , Wang Jiucun , Guo Ruijin , Sun Yuzhe , Pan Bo , Lei Wenzhi , Xiao Liang , Zhao Jin , Jin Xin , Zhang Wenwei , Liu Xiaogang , Wang Jian , Chen Min , Liao Wanqing , Fang Wenjie , Nie Chao , Pan Weihua 
Published: February 2025

AbstractComprehensive reference genomes are needed for the classification and functional characterization of the human skin microbiota. Here, we established human skin microbiome genome (HSMG) and protein (HSMP) catalogs by integrating 739 newly sequenced and 2,520 published samples, along with two published microbial genome catalogs. The HSMG includes 3547 prokaryotic species, of which 1556 (43.87%) are unidentified, and the HSMP contains 39,283,339 nonredundant proteins, with 64.8% of which are poorly characterized. Using the HSMG as a reference, we identified distinct features and biogeographical traits of the skin microbiome in plateau adults, revealing significant differences between sebaceous and dry skin, with 1784 of 3547 inferred prokaryotes showing considerable variation. Additionally, host characteristics, skincare, and daylight habits were found to shape the skin microbiome. This work expands our understanding of the diversity of uncultured skin bacteria and provides a comprehensive characterization of the human skin microbiome in plateau environments.
Remediation of the picture‐text problem for learners exhibiting reading deficits
Authors: Lewis Taylor K. , Cariveau Tom 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEarly reading materials are replete with pictures. Pictures purportedly improve reading comprehension and motivation; however, the simultaneous presentation of pictures and text can also impede textual control for some readers. Attempts to remediate restricted stimulus control in picture–text compounds suggest that omitting the picture element is most effective, although these arrangements may also be less socially valid. The current study is an evaluation of a novel compound stimulus prompt (CSP) arrangement that required that the learner differentially respond to the underselected (i.e., textual) element during picture‐book reading. The development of textual control in this condition was compared with that in text‐only and picture prompt arrangements. The CSP condition required the same or fewer sessions to produce textual control as the text‐only condition for five out of six participants who exhibited reading difficulties. Participants emitted more correct responses during CSP and picture prompt instruction and preferred these conditions to the text‐only condition during a concurrent‐chains assessment.
Impact of pharmacist management on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a family medicine residency clinic
Authors: Figueras Jacqueline Elaine , Putnam Christina , Wong Carolyn , Bagheri Sholeh , Darr Marilyn , Vander Weide Luke A 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntroductionStudies support pharmacist intervention to improve adherence and reduce hospital admissions in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, evidence is lacking to assess pharmacist management on symptom improvement and disease control using COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores in a primary care setting.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of pharmacist involvement in performing spirometry and therapeutic management of COPD on symptoms and inhaler use.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients with COPD at a family medicine residency clinic from January 2021 to November 2022. Patients included were 18 years of age or older, had a confirmed diagnosis of COPD with spirometry, and completed at least one COPD management visit with the pharmacist. Pharmacists performed spirometry, modified inhaler therapy, provided COPD and inhaler education, reviewed and ordered immunizations and labs, and provided tobacco cessation education and management if applicable. The primary outcome was the change in CAT scores from baseline to 3 months. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients on guideline‐directed inhaler therapy at 3 months compared with baseline.ResultsA total of 77 spirometry visits were completed by the pharmacist, with confirmed COPD in 49 patients who were managed by the pharmacist and included in the final analysis. At baseline, the average age was 66 years old, 53% were males, and only 6% had no smoking history. The mean CAT score improved by 5.0 points (p < 0.001) from baseline. At baseline, 45% were on guideline‐directed therapy, which increased to 98% at final follow‐up (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study assessed the impact of pharmacist‐led spirometry and COPD management at a family medicine residency clinic. Based on the results, pharmacist involvement in COPD management resulted in an improvement in symptoms and increased use of guideline‐directed inhaler therapy.
Amniotic Membrane‐Derived Extracellular Matrix for Developing a Cost‐Effective Xenofree Hepatocellular Carcinoma Organoid Model
Authors: Atta Dina , Abou‐Shanab Ahmed M. , Kamar Samaa Samir , Soliman Mariam Waleed , Magdy Shireen , El‐Badri Nagwa 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCurrent limitations in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include tumor recurrence, chemoresistance, and severe side effects, all of which call for novel cancer models that better represent the tumor microenvironment (TME). 3D organoids hold promise due to their increased relevance to the TME hallmarks. Herein, we aim to establish an HCC organoid model that mimics the HCC microenvironment and its metabolic interactome. The organoid comprises a decellularized human amniotic membrane (dAM) as a biomimetic matrix, Huh‐7 cell line, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSC), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell‐conditioned medium (HUVEC‐CM). The structure integrity of the HCC organoid was monitored using H&E staining at 7, 14, and 21 days and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 21 days. The established organoid model maintained its viability over 21 days as tested by propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence staining, MTT, upregulated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the HCC organoid induced a neo‐angiogenic response in ovo. Metabolic reprogramming in the HCC organoid showed a shift toward glycolysis as indicated by promoted glucose consumption, upregulated lactate production, and reduced cellular pyruvate concentration. Oxidative phosphorylation was suppressed as indicated by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and halted urea cycle progression. The dataset shows that the dAM may hold a promise for its use as extracellular matrix (ECM) source for HCC organoid models, by replicating the HCC microenvironment and metabolic signature, thus holding a promise for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.