bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between modifiable lifestyle pattern and periodontitis: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Lin Jianlin , Pei Tao , Yang Hongyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Periodontitis can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. However, studies have only looked at one lifestyle, ignoring the connection between lifestyle patterns and periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to look at the association between modifiable lifestyle patterns and periodontitis.

Methods
Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009–2010 and 2011–2012. Smoke, drink, exercise, sleep duration, oral exams, and self-rated oral health were all lifestyle factors. The CDC/AAP classification/case definition was used to evaluate periodontitis. Drawing upon latent class analysis, distinct patterns of lifestyle were identified, with each participant exclusively affiliated with a single pattern. The association between lifestyle classes and periodontitis was then examined using ordinal logistic regression.

Results
4686 (52%) of the total 9034 participants, with a mean age of 54.08, were women. Three lifestyle latent classes were found by fitting 2–10 models: “Class 1” (52%), " Class 2” (13%), and " Class 3” (35%). The “Class 1” displayed a prevalence of oral examination (75%), favorable self-rated oral health (92%), and engagement in physical activity (50%). The ‘Class 2’ exhibited the lowest alcohol consumption (64%) and smoking rates (73%) but the highest prevalence of physical inactivity (98%). The ‘Class 3’ showed a tendency for smoking (72%), alcohol consumption (78%), shorter sleep duration (50%), absence of oral examinations (75%), and suboptimal self-rated oral health (68%). The influencing variables for the latent classes of lifestyle were age, education, and poverty level. Periodontitis risk may rise by 24% for each additional unhealthy lifestyle practiced by participants (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.18–1.31). The ‘Class 3’ (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.52–2.13) had a greater risk of periodontitis compared to the ‘Class 1’.

Conclusions
Our analysis revealed that unhealthy lifestyle patterns are associated with periodontitis. These different lifestyle patterns need to be taken into account when developing public health interventions and clinical care.
Ethnomedicine, antibacterial activity, antioxidant potential and phytochemical screening of selected medicinal plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, western Ethiopia
Authors: Anbessa Baressa , Lulekal Ermias , Hymete Ariaya , Debella Asfaw , Debebe Eyob , Abebe Abiy , Degu Sileshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundMedicinal plants play a major role in the delivery of healthcare, particularly among the rural population of Ethiopia. Plant extracts and their bioactive compounds have been utilized for the treatment of several diseases. This study was aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, and phytochemical content of selected medicinal plants used in Dibatie district, western Ethiopia.MethodsStudy plants were collected, shade dried, pulverized, extracted by maceration in 80% ethanol, and subjected to antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytochemical tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using 96-well microplates and nutrient broth microdilution. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard test methods.ResultsThe ethanolic extract ofPolystachya steudneriRchb.f. pseudobulbs was the most active against gram-negativeProteus mirabilis,Salmonella typhimurium,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli, andShigella flexneri, with MIC values of 8 ± 0, 11 ± 5, 3 ± 1, 3 ± 1, and 2 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract ofP. steudneriwas also the most effective against gram-positiveStaphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis,Streptococcus agalactiae, andEnterococcus faecalis, with MIC values of 8 ± 0, 8 ± 0, 3 ± 1, and 16 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. Ethanolic extracts ofGnidia involucrataSteud. ex A.Rich. stems and roots were effective antioxidants, with respective 50% DPPH free radical inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 168.68 and 181.79 µg/mL, followed by that ofP. steudneri(IC50 = 203.11 µg/mL). The study plants contained alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the antibiotic, antioxidant, and phytochemical constituents of the investigated plants and suggested further investigations that may lead to bioactive lead compounds.
The Community Primary Care Champions Fellowship: a mixed methods evaluation of an interprofessional fellowship for physician assistants and physicians
Authors: Stryker Shanna D. , Hargraves Daniel , Velasquez Veronica , Gottschlich Melissa , Cafferty Patrick , Vale Darla , Schlaudecker Jeff , Pallerla Harini , Rich Megan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrimary care in the US faces challenges with clinician recruitment, retention, and burnout, with further workforce shortages predicted in the next decade. Team-based care can be protective against clinician burnout, and opportunities for interprofessional education (IPE) on professional development and leadership could encourage primary care transformation. Despite an increasingly important role in the primary care workforce, IPE initiatives training physician assistants (PAs) alongside physicians are rare. We describe the design, curriculum, and outcomes from an interprofessional primary care transformation fellowship for community-based primary care physicians and PAs.MethodsThe Community Primary Care Champions (CPCC) Fellowship was a one-year, part-time fellowship which trained nine PAs, fourteen physicians, and a behavioralist with at least two years of post-graduate clinical experience in six content pillars: quality improvement (QI), wellness and burnout, mental health, social determinants of health, medical education, and substance use disorders. The fellowship included a recurring schedule of monthly activities in self-study, lectures, mentoring, and community expert evening discussions. Evaluation of the fellowship included pre, post, and one-year follow-up self-assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in the six content areas, pre- and post- wellness surveys, lecture and discussion evaluations, and midpoint and exit focus groups.ResultsFellows showed significant improvement in 24 of 28 self-assessment items across all content areas post-fellowship, and in 16 of 18 items one-year post-fellowship. They demonstrated reductions in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization post-fellowship and increased confidence in working in interprofessional teams post-fellowship which persisted on one-year follow-up assessments. All fellows completed QI projects and four presented their work at national conferences. Focus group data showed that fellows experienced collaborative, meaningful professional development that was relevant to their clinical work. They appreciated the flexible format and inclusion of interprofessional community experts in evening discussions.ConclusionsThe CPCC fellowship fostered an interprofessional community of practice that provided an effective IPE experience for physicians and PAs. The learning activities, and particularly the community expert discussions, allowed for a flexible, relevant experience, resulting in personal and professional growth along with increased confidence working within interprofessional teams.
Long-term care staffs’ experience in facilitating the use of videoconferencing by cognitively impaired long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hardy Marie-Soleil , Fanaki Chaimaa , Savoie Camille , Wilchesky Machelle , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Laberge Maude , Couture Vincent , Côté André , Dallaire Clémence , Voyer Philippe , Gallani Maria Cecilia , Dallaire Bernadette , Gagnon Éric 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous long-term care (LTC) homes faced restrictions that prevented face-to-face visits. To address this challenge and maintain family connections, many LTC homes facilitated the use of electronic tablets to connect residents with their family caregivers. Our study sought to explore the acceptability of this practice among staff members and managers, focusing on their experiences with facilitating videoconferencing.

Methods
A convergent mixed method research was performed. Qualitative and quantitative data collection through semi-structured interviews to assess the acceptability of videoconferencing in long-term care homes and to explore the characteristics of these settings. Quantitative data on the acceptability of the intervention were collected using a questionnaire developed as part of the project. The study included a convenience sample of 17 staff members and four managers.

Results
Managers described LTC homes’ characteristics, and the way videoconferencing was implemented within their institutions. Affective attitude, burden, ethicality, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy are reported as per the constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. The results suggest a favorable acceptability and a positive attitude of managers and staff members toward the use of videoconferencing in long-term care to preserve and promote contact between residents and their family caregivers. However, participants reported some challenges related to the burden and the costs regarding the invested time and staff shortage.

Conclusions
LTC home staff reported a clear understanding of the acceptability and challenges regarding the facilitation of videoconferencing by residents to preserve their contact with family caregivers.
Population pharmacokinetics of primaquine and its metabolites in African males
Authors: Chotsiri Palang , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Diawara Halimatou , Fasinu Pius S. , Diarra Kalifa , Sanogo Koualy , Bousema Teun , Walker Larry A. , Brown Joelle M. , Dicko Alassane , Gosling Roly , Chen Ingrid , Tarning Joel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Primaquine (PQ) is the prototype 8-aminoquinoline drug, a class which targets gametocytes and hypnozoites. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adding a single low dose of primaquine to the standard artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in order to block malaria transmission in regions with low malaria transmission. However, the haemolytic toxicity is a major adverse outcome of primaquine in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient subjects. This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic properties of primaquine and its major metabolites in G6PD-deficient subjects.

Methods
A single low-dose of primaquine (0.4–0.5 mg/kg) was administered in twenty-eight African males. Venous and capillary plasma were sampled up to 24 h after the drug administration. Haemoglobin levels were observed up to 28 days after drug administration. Only PQ, carboxy-primaquine (CPQ), and primaquine carbamoyl-glucuronide (PQCG) were present in plasma samples and measured using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Drug and metabolites’ pharmacokinetic properties were investigated using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling.

Results
Population pharmacokinetic properties of PQ, CPQ, and PQCG can be described by one-compartment disposition kinetics with a transit-absorption model. Body weight was implemented as an allometric function on the clearance and volume parameters for all compounds. None of the covariates significantly affected the pharmacokinetic parameters. No significant correlations were detected between the exposures of the measured compounds and the change in haemoglobin or methaemoglobin levels. There was no significant haemoglobin drop in the G6PD-deficient patients after administration of a single low dose of PQ.

Conclusions
A single low-dose of PQ was haematologically safe in this population of G6PD-normal and G6PD-deficient African males without malaria.
Trial registration NCT02535767
Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and blood eosinophils among asthmatic individuals in the USA
Authors: Wen Jun , Liao Jiaxin , Wei Chengcheng , Xia Jing , Giri Mohan , Guo Shuliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Presently, the majority of investigations primarily evaluate the correlation between triglyceride-glucose index (TyGI) with lung diseases, such as asthma. However, they did not delve into the correlation between TyGI and inflammatory responses related to the disease. Few studies have explored the association between TyGI and blood eosinophil count (BEOC). Thus, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used in this study to evaluate the correlation between TyGI and BEOC in individuals with asthma.

Methods
This study investigated 3902 individuals with asthma. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between TyGI and BEOC in patients with asthma. Subsequently, the GAM and threshold effect models were used to validate the presence of either a nonlinear or linear association between TyGI and BEOC. Finally, stratified analyses were conducted to ascertain the correlations between different subgroups.

Results
Four linear regression models confirmed a positive linear correlation between TyGI and BEOC in patients with asthma. In Model D, which controlled for all covariates, BEOC increased by 12.44 cells/uL for every extra unit of TyGI. The GAM and threshold effect models further verified the positive linear correlation between TyGI and BEOC. The XGBoost model indicated that the six most significant variables influencing BEOC, in order of relative importance, were age, cholesterol level, body mass index (BMI), poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), BNEUC, and TyGI.

Conclusions
In patients with asthma, the study discovered a linear positive correlation between TyGI and BEOC. This indicates a potential connection between TyGI and alterations in the immune status of individuals with asthma, which may help detect abnormalities in a timely manner and provide a reference for clinical decision-making. This study offers fresh insights for the future exploration of the management and treatment of asthma.
Conversion of dendritic cells into tolerogenic or inflammatory cells depends on the activation threshold and kinetics of the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wixler Viktor , Boergeling Yvonne , Leite Dantas Rafael , Varga Georg , Ludwig Stephan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Restoring impaired peripheral immune tolerance is the primary challenge in treating autoimmune diseases. Our previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of small spleen peptides (SSPs), a fraction of low molecular weight proteins, in inhibiting the progression of psoriatic arthritis, even in the presence of high levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα in the bloodstream. When specifically targeting dendritic cells (DCs), SSPs transform them into tolerogenic cells, which efficiently induce the development of regulatory Foxp3+ Treg cells. In this study, we provide further insights into the mechanism of action of SSPs.

Results
We found that SSPs stimulate the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway in dendritic cells, albeit in a different manner than the classical immunogenic stimulus LPS. While LPS-induced activation is rapid, strong, and sustained, the activity induced by SSPs is delayed, less intense, yet still significant. These distinct patterns of activation, as measured by phosphorylation of key components of the pathway are also observed in response to other immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli such as GM-CSF + IL-4 or IL-10 and TGFβ. The disparity in mTOR activation between immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli is quantitative rather than qualitative. In both cases, mTOR activation primarily occurs through the PI3K/Akt signaling axis and involves ERK and GSK3β kinases, with minimal involvement of AMPK or NF-kB pathways. Furthermore, in the case of SSPs, mTOR activation seems to involve adenosine receptors. Additionally, we observed that DCs treated with SSPs exhibit an energy metabolism with high plasticity, which is typical of tolerogenic cells rather than immunogenic cells.

Conclusion
Hence, the decision whether dendritic cells enter an inflammatory or tolerogenic state seems to rely on varying activation thresholds and kinetics of the mTOR signaling pathway.
Investigating the socio-demographic characteristics and smoking cessation incidence among smokers accessing smoking cessation services in primary care settings of Qatar, a Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif , Al Mujalli Hanan , Yfakhroo Ameena Ibrahim , Mohamed Hafiz Ahmed E. , Al Nuaimi Ahmed Sameer , Syed Muslim Abbas , Syed Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that often requires repeated interventions and multiple attempts to quit. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of mortality. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people smoke.
In Qatar, Smoking cessation services (SCSs) are provided free of charge to citizens and at a minimal cost to non-citizens. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of the smoking cessation program adopted by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) of Qatar. This was achieved through calculating the percentage of smoking cessation service users (survival probabilities) who maintained the non-smoking status after selected follow up periods. Moreover, the study highlighted the possible association of selected explanatory variables with smoking cessation survival probabilities.

Methods
In this historical cohort study 490 participants were recruited by simple random sampling who attended the smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in PHCC prior to 30/06/2021. The participants were contacted by phone and invited to participate in the study. The participants who agreed to participate in the study were interviewed utilizing a structured questionnaire.

Results
Initially 311 (63.5%) of the participants quitted smoking after receiving SCSs. There were statistically significant differences between quitting smoking and the nationality and the educational level of participants (p ≤ 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). About one fourth (23.3%) of individuals who initially quitted smoking relapsed and resumed smoking as early as 6 months after completing their SCC visits. This relapse rate increased to 38.7, 47.2 and 51.1% after 12, 24 and 36 months respectively. Less than a half (45.8%) maintained the non-smoking status after 42 months from their initially quitting.

Conclusion and recommendations
The findings of the study substantiate the effectiveness of SCSs designed within PHCC both in short- and long-term basis. Younger individuals, smokers with Arab ethnicity, smokers falling within high income and education groups were identified as high-risk groups and need highest focus. The accessibility to the service among the local population can be increased by upscaling the advertisement of the existing services.
Breakthroughs in choroid plexus and CSF biology from the first European Choroid plexus Scientific Forum (ECSF)
Authors: Pellegrini Laura , Silva-Vargas Violeta , Patrizi Annarita 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe European Choroid plexus Scientific Forum (ECSF), held in Heidelberg, Germany between the 7th and 9th of November 2023, involved 21 speakers from eight countries. ECSF focused on discussing cutting-edge fundamental and medical research related to the development and functions of the choroid plexus and its implications for health, aging, and disease, including choroid plexus tumors. In addition to new findings in this expanding field, innovative approaches, animal models and 3D in vitro models were showcased to encourage further investigation into choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid roles.
A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy
Authors: Kerry Roger , Young Kenneth J. , Evans David W. , Lee Edward , Georgopoulos Vasileios , Meakins Adam , McCarthy Chris , Cook Chad , Ridehalgh Colette , Vogel Steven , Banton Amanda , Bergström Cecilia , Mazzieri Anna Maria , Mourad Firas , Hutting Nathan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These historical principles are not supported by current evidence. However, data from clinical trials support the clinical and cost effectiveness of manual therapy as an intervention for musculoskeletal conditions, when used as part of a package of care.

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a modern evidence-guided framework for the teaching and practice of MT which avoids reference to and reliance on the outdated principles of TMT. This framework is based on three fundamental humanistic dimensions common in all aspects of healthcare: safety, comfort, and efficiency. These practical elements are contextualised by positive communication, a collaborative context, and person-centred care. The framework facilitates best-practice, reasoning, and communication and is exemplified here with two case studies.

Methods
A literature review stimulated by a new method of teaching manual therapy, reflecting contemporary evidence, being trialled at a United Kingdom education institute. A group of experienced, internationally-based academics, clinicians, and researchers from across the spectrum of manual therapy was convened. Perspectives were elicited through reviews of contemporary literature and discussions in an iterative process. Public presentations were made to multidisciplinary groups and feedback was incorporated. Consensus was achieved through repeated discussion of relevant elements.

Conclusions
Manual therapy interventions should include both passive and active, person-empowering interventions such as exercise, education, and lifestyle adaptations. These should be delivered in a contextualised healing environment with a well-developed person-practitioner therapeutic alliance. Teaching manual therapy should follow this model.
A method for selective and efficient isolation of gray matter astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice
Authors: Iwasaki Ryoma , Kohro Yuta , Tsuda Makoto 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA growing body of evidence indicates intra- and inter-regional heterogeneity of astrocytes in the brain. However, because of a lack of an efficient method for isolating astrocytes from the spinal cord, little is known about how much spinal cord astrocytes are heterogeneous in adult mice. In this study, we developed a new method for isolating spinal astrocytes from adult mice using a cold-active protease from Bacillus licheniformis with an astrocyte cell surface antigen-2 (ACSA-2) antibody. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, isolated spinal ACSA-2+ cells were divided into two distinct populations, ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low. By analyzing the expression of cell-type marker genes, the ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low populations were identified as astrocytes and ependymal cells, respectively. Furthermore, ACSA-2high cells had mRNAs encoding genes that were abundantly expressed in the gray matter (GM) but not white matter astrocytes. By optimizing enzymatic isolation procedures, the yield of GM astrocytes also increased. Therefore, our newly established method enabled the selective and efficient isolation of GM astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice and may be useful for bulk- or single-cell RNA-sequencing under physiological and pathological conditions.