bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual and reproductive health while living with rheumatoid arthritis: The impact of the disease stage on patient perspectives
Authors: Ledón-Llanes Loraine , Contreras-Yáñez Irazú , Guaracha-Basáñez Guillermo Arturo , Valverde-Hernández Salvador Saúl , Cuevas-Montoya Maximiliano , Ortiz-Haro Ana Belén , Pascual-Ramos Virginia 
Published: April 2024

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases that harms all aspects of patients’ lives, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), often neglected in patients’ care. The study aimed to explore the sexual and reproductive experiences of Mexican outpatients with RA from a narrative perspective.

Patients and methods
From July 2020 to October 2021, 30 adult patients with RA from the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology outpatient clinic of a national referral center for rheumatic diseases had in-depth interviews audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results are presented in a descriptive and interpretative manner and integrated into a theoretical model for the topic understanding.

Results
Five intertwined major themes emerged: I) RA onset: Absence of SRH contents, II) Healthcare for RA: Emerging SRH contents, III) RA’s impact: Proliferation of SRH contents, IV) Coping with the process of living with RA: SRH-related strategies, and V) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ experiences: Increased SRH burden. SRH contents emerged through these major themes (but at RA onset), mostly when inquired and mainly when narrating the RA impact and coping. Patients identified that RA affected their couple dynamics, sexual function, and reproductive project. The SRH care was considered relevant but limited and focused on reproductive contents. It worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We proposed a theoretical model where patients’ SRH experiences are embedded across their RA biography and integrated with the RA impact and the copy with the disease process. These intertwined experiences were also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged participants’ biopsychosocial resources.

Conclusions
The sexual and reproductive experiences narrated by the RA outpatients concerning their disease-related biography showed that even when the SRH appeared as not prioritized at the disease onset, it was widely expressed during the process of living and coping with the disease and was additionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction protects normal colonocytes from 4-HNE-induced phenotypic transformation
Authors: Dupuy Jacques , Cogo Emma , Fouché Edwin , Guéraud Françoise , Pierre Fabrice , Plaisancié Pascale 
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Recent studies have shown that epithelial-stromal interactions could play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. Here, we investigated the role of fibroblasts in the transformation of normal colonocytes induced by 4-HNE.

Methods
Normal Co colonocytes and nF fibroblasts from the same mouse colon were exposed, in monoculture (m) or coculture (c), to 4-HNE (5 μM) twice weekly for 3 weeks. Gene expression was then analysed and the ability of Co colonocytes to grow in anchorage-independent conditions was tested in soft agar. Fibroblasts previously treated or not with 4-HNE were also seeded in culture inserts positioned above the agar layers to allow paracrine exchanges with colonocytes.

Results
First, 60% of the genes studied were modulated by coculture in Co colonocytes, with notably increased expression of BMP receptors. Furthermore, while 4-HNE increased the ability of monoculture-treated Co colonocytes to form colonies, this effect was not observed in coculture-treated Co colonocytes. Adding a selective BMPR1 inhibitor during the treatment phase abolished the protective effect of coculture. Conversely, addition of a BMP4 agonist to the medium of monoculture-treated Co colonocytes prevented phenotypic transformation by 4-HNE. Second, the presence of nF(m)-HNE fibroblasts during the soft agar assay increased the number and size of Co(m) colonocyte colonies, regardless of whether these cells had been previously treated with 4-HNE in monoculture. For soft agar assays performed with nF(c) and Co(c) cells initially treated in coculture, only the reassociation between Co(c)-HNE and nF(c)-HNE resulted in a small increase in the number of colonies.

Conclusions
During the exposure phase, the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction protected colonocytes from 4-HNE-induced phenotypic transformation via activation of the BMP pathway. This intercellular dialogue also limited the ability of fibroblasts to subsequently promote colonocyte-anchorage-independent growth. In contrast, fibroblasts pre-exposed to 4-HNE in monoculture strongly increased the ability of Co(m) colonocytes to form colonies.
Congestive Hepatopathy Diagnosed by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score
Authors: Dollar Fatima , Gonzalez Isiah , Shankar Nagasri , Kuo Lily , Soni Nilam J. , Nathanson Robert 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Accurate and rapid detection of venous organ congestion, especially congestive hepatopathy, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Venous Excess Ultrasound Score is an emerging point-of-care ultrasound examination that can grade severity of venous organ congestion using spectral Doppler evaluation of the hepatic, portal, and intrarenal veins, but its utility in congestive hepatopathy is unknown. We report a case of acute liver injury where Venous Excess Ultrasound Score supported a diagnosis of congestive hepatopathy and guided management, leading to a favorable outcome.
Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease in Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria Needing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Gopalakrishna Harish , Mironova Maria , Malik Shahid , Faust Alison , Khurram Nigar , Koh Christopher , Kleiner David E. , Heller Theo 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Porphyria caused by inherited disorders in heme biosynthesis can lead to accumulation of porphyrins in various organs. Liver involvement due to porphyria mostly results in cholestasis leading to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), a rare porphyria due to deficiency of uroporphyrinogen III synthase, mostly results in cutaneous manifestations. There are reports of liver involvement including varying degree of fibrosis in patients with CEP. We report a unique case of a patient with CEP who developed porto-sinusoidal vascular disease with complications of portal hypertension that necessitated liver transplantation.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Following Paraesophageal and Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
Authors: Brophy Shawn A. , Minor Samuel , French Daniel G. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a sustained intra-abdominal pressure ≥ 20 mm Hg, associated with new organ dysfunction. Postoperative ACS can occur following repair of hernias with loss-of-domain. Such loss-of-domain hernias are well described involving incisional hernias, less described involving Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs), but not yet described involving paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) or Morgagni CDHs. We describe a case of postoperative ACS following laparoscopic repair of a PEH and Morgagni CDH. This case demonstrates that prophylactic omentectomy should be considered in select patients undergoing repair of large PEHs or CDHs, as ACS is a rare but potential complication.
A Yellow Flower With Jaundice Power: Liver Injury Attributed to Greater Celandine
Authors: Power Sydney , Barritt A. Sidney ,   for the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) leaf extracts have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various gastrointestinal symptoms. Greater celandine is associated with several case reports of hepatotoxicity, mainly from Europe. No cases from the United States have been identified. We present a case of acute hepatitis from greater celandine in the United States in a 72-year-old man taking this herbal supplement for nausea. In patients presenting with acute liver injury, gastroenterologists should be aware of this herb and reminded to assess for herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity, especially in those remedies used to treat common gastrointestinal symptoms.
Benign Peptic Ulcer as a Cause of Gastrocolic Fistula
Authors: Haddadin Rakahn , Aboujamra Danny , Iqbal Humzah , Trad George , Ali Ahmed 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Gastrocolic fistula is a rare complication and can occur in various conditions, most commonly gastric or colonic adenocarcinoma, followed by benign gastric ulcers secondary to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. We report a case of an 82-year-old man with a benign peptic ulcer that led to a gastrocolic fistula, which was not associated with a history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use or malignancy. The exact cause of this patient's gastrocolic fistula is unclear, but the patient's medical history of microscopic lymphocytic colitis may have increased his risk of fistula formation.
Antihyperglycemic, antiglycation, anti-hypercholesteremic, and toxicity evaluation with gas chromatography mass spectrometry profiling for Aloe armatissima leaves
Authors: Serafi Abdulhalim S. , Ahmed Muhammad , Shahid Imran , Azmat Aisha , Bader Ammar , Bafail Mohammed A. , Alaamri Shalan , Ahmad Rizwan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aloe species are known for the treatment of various conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypocholesteremia, and glycation end products. Nevertheless, the biological activity of Aloe armatissima is yet to be reported. It is a first-time report to evaluate the Aloe armatissima leaves (AAL) extract for its antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic potential. In vitro tests of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl for the antioxidant and HSA for the antiglycation activity whereas in vivo models were used to assess the toxicity, antihyperglycemic, and anti-hypercholesteremic effects. The volatile profile was determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The IC50 values of 116 ± 0.66 (μg/mL) for antioxidant activity and 0.21 ± 0.009 (mg/mL) for antiglycation activity were observed for the AAL extract. The acute toxicity in the animal model revealed a lack of toxicity for the extract. The in vivo models exhibited a dose-dependent hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects with significant (P < 0.01) blood glucose levels reduction. Moreover, a profound decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL along with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in HDL and serum insulin levels was recorded. The statistical analysis demonstrated the values of F
(24,125) = 23.95, P = 0.001, effect size = 1.95 (normoglycemic mice), F
(24,125) = 143.21, P = 0.001, effect size = 4.79 (glucose loaded mice), and F
(24,125) = 82.69, P = 0.001, effect size = 3.6 (diabetic model). GCMS showed the presence of eleven compounds with tetratetracontane (100%), β-sitosterol (27.76), and vitamin E (18.68) in major amounts. The results underscore the extract’s capacity to effectively combat various ailments; however, the active phytochemicals need to be isolated and the pharmacological activities may be established at the molecular level.
Corrosion inhibition properties of sweet crude oil for carbon steel 1018 in NaCl solution
Authors: AlSharif Layan , Al-Abbas Faisal , Maya Christian Canto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aged oil pipeline production systems, historically designed without corrosion protection due to predominantly oil-wetted conditions, now face significant changes as increased water content in produced oil arises from field maturation. This work investigates the corrosion inhibition properties of sweet crude oil on carbon steel 1018 in a CO2-saturated NaCl solution using electrochemical testing (open circuit potential, polarization resistance, electrochemical impedance, potentiodynamic polarization) and surface characterization (SEM, EDS) techniques at 50 °C and pH 6. Carbon steel specimens were immersed in crude oil for durations ranging from 0 to 144 h before undergoing corrosion testing. Results showed that a 144-h immersion in crude oil led to an 88 % reduction in corrosion rate, comparable to the efficiency of standard quaternary ammonium-based inhibitors. Furthermore, a semi-empirical model predicting uniform CO2 corrosion rates for varying oil immersion durations is proposed and validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data from the electrochemical tests.
Normrank Correlations for Testing Associations and for Use in Latent Variable Models
Authors: Wright Daniel B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Pearson’s correlation is widely used to test for an association between two variables and also forms the basis of several multivariate statistical procedures including many latent variable models. Spearman’s

ρ

\rho

is a popular alternative. These procedures are compared with ranking the data and then applying the inverse normal transformation, or for short the normrank transformation. Using the normrank transformation was more powerful than Pearson’s and Spearman’s procedures when the distributions have less than normal kurtosis (platykurtic), when the distributions have greater than normal kurtosis (leptokurtic), and when the distribution is skewed. This is examined for testing if there is an association between two variables, identifying the number of factors in an exploratory factor analysis, identifying appropriate loadings in these analyses, and identifying relations among latent variables in structural equation models. R functions and their use are shown.
Advances in preclinical TCR characterization: leveraging cell avidity to identify functional TCRs
Authors: Carr Andreas , Mateyka Laura M. , Scheu Sebastian J. C. , Bici Ana , Paijmans Joris , Reijmers Rogier M. , Dieminger Nina , Dildebekova Shirin , Hamed Noomen , Wagner Karolin , Busch Dirk H. , D’Ippolito Elvira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
T-cell therapy has emerged as an effective approach for treating viral infections and cancers. However, a significant challenge is the selection of T-cell receptors (TCRs) that exhibit the desired functionality. Conventionally in vitro techniques, such as peptide sensitivity measurements and cytotoxicity assays, provide valuable insights into TCR potency but are labor-intensive. In contrast, measuring ligand binding properties (z-Movi technology) could provide an accelerated processing while showing robust correlations with T-cell functions. In this study, we assessed whether cell avidity can predict functionality also in the context of TCR-engineered T cells. To this end, we developed a flexible system for TCR re-expression by generating a Jurkat-derived T cell clone lacking TCR and CD3 expression through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated TRBC knockout. The knockin of a transgenic TCR into the TRAC locus restored TCR/CD3 expression, allowing for CD3-based purification of TCR-engineered T cells. Subsequently, we characterized these engineered cell lines by functional readouts, and assessment of binding properties through the z-Movi technology. Our findings revealed a strong correlation between the cell avidities and functional sensitivities of Jurkat TCR-T cells. Altogether, by integrating cell avidity measurements with our versatile T cell engineering platform, we established an accelerated system for enhancing the in vitro selection of clinically relevant TCRs.
A school-based randomized controlled field trial to improve Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) and Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) among adolescents
Authors: Besharatifar Samaneh , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Mehrabi Yadollah , Mazar Leili , Ghaffari Mohtasham 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
A negative attitude towards obesity may lead to stigma and thus lower self-esteem in people with obesity of any society. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a school-based randomized controlled field trial on female adolescents’ attitudes and beliefs towards people with obesity.

Methods
This experimental study was conducted among 124 middle school students (control group=62, intervention group=62). Using a cluster random sampling method, four schools were chosen and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The data collection tool was the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) and Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) scales, which were used after validity and reliability processes. The intervention program was developed and implemented following pretest, responses analysis, and educational needs assessment in two sessions (180 min). The follow-ups were performed immediately and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0 using independent t-test, chi-square test, repeated measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA at the significance level of 0.05.

Results
The mean BAOP scores of each group before, immediately and two months after the intervention were significantly different between (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean ATOP and BAOP scores of the two groups before, immediately, and two months after the intervention (p>0.001).

Conclusions
It seems that beliefs and attitudes regarding obesity as well as discriminatory perceptions towards people with obesity have high firmness and resistance and require innovative and appropriate interventions.
Analysis of polydisperse polymer adsorption on porous cellulose fibers
Authors: Pelton Robert H. , Karami Abdollah , Moran-Mirabal Jose 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The adsorption of cationic water-soluble polymers onto negatively charged porous wood pulp fibers is an essential aspect of papermaking. Adsorption data can be displayed as a direct plot of the amount adsorbed, Γ, versus the amount of polymer added or as an isotherm plot showing the amount adsorbed versus the residual unadsorbed polymer. In either data presentation, the analysis is more transparent if the units of each axis are the same (e.g., mg/g or meq/g), giving dimensionless slopes. Values for Γmax, ΓI, f
I
, and Γme can be extracted from many isotherms where: Γmax is the maximum capacity of the fibers to adsorb polymer; ΓI is the y-axis isotherm intercept and gives the maximum dose that can be fully adsorbed; f
I is the slope of the direct plot at ΓI, and f

I
is the mass fraction of the added polymer that can access interior (pore) surfaces; and, Γme is the saturated amount of polymer adsorbed on exterior surfaces. Additionally, the molecular weight distribution of the adsorbing polymer in conjunction with the adsorption isotherm can be used to estimate the molecular weight distributions of adsorbed polymer on interior and exterior fiber surfaces as functions of the polymer dose.
Performance Evaluation and Modification Mechanism Analysis of High-Viscosity Modified Asphalt
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Yubin , Yang Qun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
High-viscosity modified asphalt (HVMA) has important application potential in pavement engineering, such as porous asphalt pavements and ultrathin overlays. To comprehensively study and evaluate the overall performance of HVMA, five HVMA samples were prepared using modifier with dosages of 6 %, 9 %, 12 %, 15 %, and 18 %, respectively. The basic physical properties of HVMA were evaluated according to standard physical asphalt performance tests. The overall rheological properties of HVMA were assessed using temperature sweep tests, frequency sweep tests, and multiple stress creep recovery tests. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to analyze the microscopic characteristics and the modification mechanism of HVMA. The results show that the high-viscosity modifier could improve the overall rheological properties of HVMA at both high and low temperatures, with approximately 9 % determined as the optimal dosage. HVMA had better performance than matrix asphalt in high-temperature rutting resistance, permanent deformation resistance, temperature sensitivity, and elastic characteristics. At an appropriate dosage of the high-viscosity modifier, the modifier absorbed the light components in the asphalt, causing them to swell and dissolve. As a result, the modifier could be uniformly dispersed in the asphalt, thereby significantly improving the high-temperature stability of HVMA. The results of this paper may be helpful to the mechanism research and application of HVMA.
Development of a SYBR Green-Based RT-qPCR Assay for the Detection and Quantification of Lone Star Virus
Authors: Burch Megan , Bechelli Jeremy 
Published: April 2024

Objective:
Lone Star virus (LSV) is a newly characterized arbovirus with pathogenic potential. However, no detection methods are available to specifically identify and monitor LSV.

Methods:
Two SYBR green-based RT-qPCRs were developed and validated for the detection and quantification of LSV. Two primer sets were evaluated for reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity. The primer sets were applied to monitor viral titers in vitro and via surveillance of LSV in collected ticks.

Results:
One primer set (LSV-S) was the most specific for LSV when tested against 11 other vector-borne viruses. While less specific, the LSV-M primer set detected <2 copies/μl of the viral genome and <1 copy/μL of the viral genome. Viral replication quantified with either primer set yielded similar viral replication patterns, indicating that both primer sets are sufficient to monitor viral titers in vitro. Plaque assays in human and non-human primate cell lines yielded no replicable plaques and could not be used for comparisons of viral titer quantification. LSV was not detected in the 143 ticks collected from southeast Texas.

Conclusion:
The SYBR green-based RT-qPCRs described herein can be utilized for the detection and monitoring of LSV for laboratory and tick surveillance purposes.
Hospital-Based Pediatric Quality Improvement Interventions and Health Disparities: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Schechter Sarah B. , Bowles Adria , Ding Lucky , Nkoy Flory , Tieder Joel , Lion K. Casey , Meyer Dodi , Kaiser Sunitha V. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Quality improvement (QI) has the potential to reduce health disparities through multiple mechanisms, including by standardizing care and addressing social barriers to health. National organizations require that hospital systems integrate equity into quality efforts, but effective approaches remain unclear. We aimed to examine the association of hospital-based pediatric QI interventions and racial and ethnic, language, and socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes.

METHODS
Quantitative studies from January 1, 2000 to December 11, 2022 reporting the effects of pediatric hospital-based QI were selected from PubMed and Embase. Studies were excluded if outcomes were not stratified by race and ethnicity, language, or socioeconomic status. Studies were reviewed in duplicate for inclusion and by 1 author for data extraction.

RESULTS
A total of 22 studies were included. Most studies (n = 19, 86%) revealed preexisting disparities, and 68% of those (n = 13) found disparities reductions post-intervention. Studies with disparity-focused objectives or interventions more commonly found reduced disparities than studies of general QI (85% vs 33%). Hospital-based process standardization was associated with reduced disparities in provider practices. Most interventions associated with reduced disparities in patient-facing outcomes involved community/ambulatory partnership. Limitations included potential exclusion of relevant studies, topic heterogenity, and risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS
Although the authors of few published hospital-based QI initiatives assessed their equity effect, intentionally designed QI studies were associated with reduced disparities. Interventions focused on care standardization may reduce disparities in care quality, although multilevel interventions are likely needed to affect the health care structures that influence more significant patient outcomes.