bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histology, histochemistry and fine structure of the lacrimal gland in the one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Roshdy Karam , Massoud Diaa , Al‐Otaibi Aljohara M. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOur research aimed to provide complete histological, histochemical and ultrastructural features of the lacrimal gland of the one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) as well as novel insights into its adaptability to the Egyptian desert. Our study was applied to 20 fresh lacrimal glands collected from 10 camels instantly after their slaughtering. The results revealed that the gland was a compound tubulo‐acinar gland, and its acini were enclosed by a thick connective tissue capsule that was very rich in elastic and collagen fibres. The gland acini had irregular lumens and were composed of conical to pyramidal cells. The nuclei of secretory cells were found in the basal part, and the cytoplasm was eosinophilic and granular. The glandular tissue consisted of serous and mucous acini and seromucous secretory cells. Histochemically, there was a significant amount of neutral mucopolysaccharides in the acini in which mucous cells had a significant periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive reaction, whereas seromucous cells had a mild PAS‐positive reaction. Ultrastructurally, the lacrimal cells had numerous secretory vesicles with contents of moderately to highly electron‐dense cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope consisted of two prominent membranes surrounding the peri‐nuclear cisterna. The acinar cells had numerous electron‐lucent and moderately electron‐dense secretory granules, mainly situated on the apical surface, and secreted their contents into the lumen. The luminal surface of the mucous secretory cells represents the remains of secretory granules discharged by the merocrine mechanism. In conclusion, the mucous secretion is believed to aid in the washing and moistening of the eyeball, particularly in dry, hot and dusty environments.
‘It helps you forget your worries’: A pilot study exploring music therapy in the acute hospital aged care setting
Authors: Vadali Neeraja , Ní Chróinín Danielle , Short Alison 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesFew studies have explored music therapy (MT) in an acute aged care inpatient setting. We aimed to assess feasibility and patient/staff perceptions of an 8‐week MT program on an acute geriatric ward.MethodsAn 8‐week in‐person MT program, comprising brief receptive musical interventions up to twice‐weekly. All patients admitted to the aged care ward were eligible for inclusion. A hard copy survey was used to assess patient and staff perceptions of MT. Themes raised in free‐text responses were manually coded within a thematic analysis approach. A mixed methods approach was used to obtain and analyse data relating to feasibility and patient and staff perceptions of the MT intervention.ResultsThe 8‐week program ran to completion and was delivered to a median of 11 patients (IQR 9–12) each session (median 8 new/day). In total, 10 patients completed surveys, mean age 81.1 (SD 7.7); 60% were women and all had cognitive impairment. Following an MT session, eight of eight responding patients reported feeling happy and eight of eight reported they would recommend MT. Staff respondents (n = 19) reported patients appeared happy (19/19), relaxed (13/19) and all would recommend MT to other patients. Common themes were that MT was followed by improved patient behaviour and mood, and stimulated patients.ConclusionsAn acute aged care inpatient MT program proves feasible and well‐received by staff and patients. Future research may focus on more robust data collection in larger sample sizes, specific types of MT and more in‐depth exploration of the patient and carer experiences.
Factors associated with keratoconus in Israel—A cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Ben‐Shaul Or , Segal Adi , Schwartz Sharon , Stein Nili , Hyams Michael , Saliba Walid , Mimouni Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo identify potential factors associated with keratoconus.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included data from Israel's largest healthcare provider for the years 2005–2020. Keratoconus patients and age‐matched controls were identified. Demographic factors and comorbid conditions, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, asthma, myalgia, mental retardation, Down syndrome, atopic dermatitis and allergy/allergic rhinitis, were compared between the two cohorts. The independent risk factors associated with keratoconus were determined using a multivariable conditional logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, 145 508 subjects were reviewed of which 13 228 were keratoconus patients. A ten‐fold group (n = 132 280) of age‐matched control subjects served as controls for comparisons. In multivariable analysis, several factors were found to be significantly associated with keratoconus. Male gender (OR = 1.27, p < 0.001), Arab ethnicity (OR = 1.50, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 1.19, p < 0.001), asthma (OR = 1.50, p < 0.001), myalgia (OR = 1.09, p = 0.02), mental retardation (OR = 2.63, p < 0.001), atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.35, p < 0.001) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.21, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with keratoconus. Smoking was significantly protective of keratoconus (OR = 0.66, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis population‐based study reports male gender, Arab ethnicity, diabetes, asthma, myalgia, mental retardation/Down syndrome, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis as factors associated with keratoconus while smoking demonstrates a protective effect. The results of this study could guide enhanced screening strategies and early interventions, particularly for high‐risk groups.
Mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle contributes to reproductive endothermy in tegu lizards (Salvator merianae)
Authors: Hervas Livia Saccani , do Amaral‐Silva Lara , Sartori Marina Rincon , Guadalupe‐Silva Ane , Gargaglioni Luciane H. , Lerchner Johannes , Oliveira Marcos Túlio , Bícego Kênia Cardoso 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimIn cyclic climate variations, including seasonal changes, many animals regulate their energy demands to overcome critical transitory moments, restricting their high‐demand activities to phases of resource abundance, enabling rapid growth and reproduction. Tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) are ectotherms with a robust annual cycle, being active during summer, hibernating during winter, and presenting a remarkable endothermy during reproduction in spring. Here, we evaluated whether changes in mitochondrial respiratory physiology in skeletal muscle could serve as a mechanism for the increased thermogenesis observed during the tegu's reproductive endothermy.MethodsWe performed high‐resolution respirometry and calorimetry in permeabilized red and white muscle fibers, sampled during summer (activity) and spring (high activity and reproduction), in association with citrate synthase measurements.ResultsDuring spring, the muscle fibers exhibited increased oxidative phosphorylation. They also enhanced uncoupled respiration and heat production via adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), but not via uncoupling proteins (UCP). Citrate synthase activity was higher during the spring, suggesting greater mitochondrial density compared to the summer. These findings were consistent across both sexes and muscle types (red and white).ConclusionThe current results highlight potential cellular thermogenic mechanisms in an ectothermic reptile that contribute to transient endothermy. Our study indicates that the unique feature of transitioning to endothermy through nonshivering thermogenesis during the reproductive phase may be facilitated by higher mitochondrial density, function, and uncoupling within the skeletal muscle. This knowledge contributes significant elements to the broader picture of models for the evolution of endothermy, particularly in relation to the enhancement of aerobic capacity.
ApTOLL: A new therapeutic aptamer for cytoprotection and (re)myelination after multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fernández‐Gómez Beatriz , Marchena Miguel A. , Piñeiro David , Gómez‐Martín Paula , Sánchez Estefanía , Laó Yolanda , Valencia Gloria , Nocera Sonia , Benítez‐Fernández Rocío , Castaño‐León Ana M. , Lagares Alfonso , Hernández‐Jiménez Macarena , de Castro Fernando 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeApTOLL is an aptamer selected to antagonize toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), a relevant actor for innate immunity involved in inflammatory responses in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other diseases. The currently available therapeutic arsenal to treat MS is composed of immunomodulators but, to date, there are no (re)myelinating drugs available in clinics. In our present study, we studied the effect of ApTOLL on different animal models of MS.Experimental ApproachThe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was used to evaluate the effect of ApTOLL on reducing the inflammatory component. A more direct effect on oligodendroglia was studied with the cuprizone model and purified primary cultures of murine and human oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) isolated through magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) from samples of brain cortex. Also, we tested these effects in an ex vivo model of organotypic cultures demyelinated with lysolecithin (LPC).Key ResultsApTOLL treatment positively impacted the clinical symptomatology of mice in the EAE and cuprizone models, which was associated with better preservation plus restoration of myelin and oligodendrocytes in the demyelinated lesions of animals. Restoration was corroborated on purified cultures of rodent and human OPCs.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings reveal a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory and demyelinating diseases such as MS. The molecular nature of the aptamer exerts not only an anti‐inflammatory effect but also neuroprotective and remyelinating effects. The excellent safety profile demonstrated by ApTOLL in animals and humans opens the door to future clinical trials in MS patients.
The ion channel TRPM8 is a direct target of the immunosuppressant rapamycin in primary sensory neurons
Authors: Arcas José Miguel , Oudaha Khalid , González Alejandro , Fernández‐Trillo Jorge , Peralta Francisco Andrés , Castro‐Marsal Júlia , Poyraz Seyma , Taberner Francisco , Sala Salvador , de la Peña Elvira , Gomis Ana , Viana Félix 
Published: May 2024

Background and PurposeThe mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Its deregulation is implicated in several diseases. The macrolide rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, has immunosuppressive, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Recently, we identified tacrolimus, another macrolide immunosuppressant, as a novel activator of TRPM8 ion channels, involved in cold temperature sensing, thermoregulation, tearing and cold pain. We hypothesized that rapamycin may also have agonist activity on TRPM8 channels.Experimental ApproachUsing calcium imaging and electrophysiology in transfected HEK293 cells and wildtype or Trpm8 KO mouse DRG neurons, we characterized rapamycin’s effects on TRPM8 channels. We also examined the effects of rapamycin on tearing in mice.Key ResultsMicromolar concentrations of rapamycin activated rat and mouse TRPM8 channels directly and potentiated cold‐evoked responses, effects also observed in human TRPM8 channels. In cultured mouse DRG neurons, rapamycin increased intracellular calcium levels almost exclusively in cold‐sensitive neurons. Responses were markedly decreased in Trpm8 KO mice or by TRPM8 channel antagonists. Cutaneous cold thermoreceptor endings were also activated by rapamycin. Topical application of rapamycin to the eye surface evokes tearing in mice by a TRPM8‐dependent mechanism.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results identify TRPM8 cationic channels in sensory neurons as novel molecular targets of the immunosuppressant rapamycin. These findings may help explain some of its therapeutic effects after topical application to the skin and the eye surface. Moreover, rapamycin could be used as an experimental tool in the clinic to explore cold thermoreceptors.
Anti‐phasic oscillatory development for speech and noise processing in cochlear implanted toddlers
Authors: Wu Meiyun , Wang Yuyang , Zhao Xue , Xin Tianyu , Wu Kun , Liu Haotian , Wu Shinan , Liu Min , Chai Xiaoke , Li Jinhong , Wei Chaogang , Zhu Chaozhe , Liu Yuhe , Zhang Yu‐Xuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHuman brain demonstrates amazing readiness for speech and language learning at birth, but the auditory development preceding such readiness remains unknown. Cochlear implanted (CI) children (n = 67; mean age 2.77 year ± 1.31 SD; 28 females) with prelingual deafness provide a unique opportunity to study this stage. Using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy, it was revealed that the brain of CI children was irresponsive to sounds at CI hearing onset. With increasing CI experiences up to 32 months, the brain demonstrated function, region and hemisphere specific development. Most strikingly, the left anterior temporal lobe showed an oscillatory trajectory, changing in opposite phases for speech and noise. The study provides the first longitudinal brain imaging evidence for early auditory development preceding speech acquisition.
Evaluating keratometry and corneal astigmatism data from biometers and anterior segment tomographers and mapping to reconstructed corneal astigmatism
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Taroni Leonardo , Coutinho Catarina P. , Cayless Alan , Szentmáry Nóra , Hoffmann Peter , Wendelstein Jascha , Savini Giacomo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo compare results from different corneal astigmatism measurement instruments; to reconstruct corneal astigmatism from the postimplantation spectacle refraction and toric intraocular lens (IOL) power; and to derive models for mapping measured corneal astigmatism to reconstructed corneal astigmatism.MethodsRetrospective single centre study involving 150 eyes treated with a toric IOL (Alcon SN6AT, DFT or TFNT). Measurements included IOLMaster 700 keratometry (IOLMK) and total keratometry (IOLMTK), Pentacam keratometry (PK) and total corneal refractive power in 3 and 4 mm zones (PTCRP3 and PTCRP4), and Aladdin keratometry (AK). Regression‐based models mapping the measured C0 and C45 components (Alpin's method) to reconstructed corneal astigmatism were derived.ResultsMean C0 components were 0.50/0.59/0.51 dioptres (D) for IOLMK/PK/AK; 0.2/0.26/0.31 D for IOLMTK/PTCRP3/PTCRP4; and 0.26 D for reconstructed corneal astigmatism. All corresponding C45 components ranged around 0. The prediction models had main diagonal elements lower than 1 with some crosstalk between C0 and C45 (nonzero off‐diagonal elements). Root‐mean‐squared residuals were 0.44/0.45/0.48/0.51/0.50/0.47 D for IOLMK/IOLMTK/PK/PTCRP3/PTCRP4/AK.ConclusionsResults from the different modalities are not consistent. On average IOLMTK/PTCRP3/PTCRP4 match reconstructed corneal astigmatism, whereas IOLMK/PK/AK show systematic C0 offsets of around 0.25 D. IOLMTK/PTCRP3/PTCRP4. Prediction models can reduce but not fully eliminate residual astigmatism after toric IOL implantation.
ACTION Teens Saudi Arabia: Perceptions, attitudes, motivators, and barriers among adolescents living with obesity, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bin‐Abbas Bassam , Al Sagheir Afaf , Taher Lama , Elbadawi Hussein , Al Fares Abdulah , Al Harbi Mohammed , Refaat Mohamed , Ashmawy Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

SummaryObesity is predicted to affect approximately one‐quarter of children/adolescents in Saudi Arabia by 2030, but there is limited evidence regarding the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to effective obesity care for adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), caregivers of ALwO, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We report data from 500 ALwO (aged 12–<18 years), 500 caregivers, and 200 HCPs surveyed in Saudi Arabia as part of the global, cross‐sectional ACTION Teens study (NCT05013359). Nearly all respondents recognized that obesity has a strong impact on overall health (ALwO 88%; caregivers 85%; HCPs 90%). Most ALwO and caregivers were aware of the ALwO's obesity status (95% and 99%, respectively) and worried about weight impacting the ALwO's future health (both ≥99%), and social media was their most commonly used source of weight‐management information (60% and 53%, respectively). Among ALwO and caregivers who had discussed weight with an HCP in the past year, most experienced ≥1 negative feeling following their most recent discussion (61% and 59%, respectively). Although 81% of HCPs felt motivated to help their ALwO patients lose weight, 57% believed weight loss was completely the ALwO's responsibility (compared with only 37% of ALwO and 35% of caregivers). This may reflect the finding that only 24% of HCPs had received advanced training in obesity/weight management after medical school. Overall, while respondents had similar perceptions of the impact of obesity, we found HCPs' attitudes towards weight loss were not aligned with those of ALwO and caregivers, suggesting a need for improved communication and obesity education.
Determinants of psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic among people who use drugs in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Makarenko Iuliia , Minoyan Nanor , Bordier Høj Stine , Udhesister Sasha , Martel‐Laferrière Valérie , Jutras‐Aswad Didier , Larney Sarah , Bruneau Julie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionLimited data exists on psychological impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic among people who use drugs (PWUD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of severe psychological distress (PD) among PWUD in Montreal around the beginning of the pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a rapid assessment study from May to December 2020 among PWUD recruited via a community‐based cohort of people who inject drugs in Montreal (Hepatitis C cohort [HEPCO], N = 128) and community organisations (N = 98). We analysed self‐reported data on changes in drug use behaviours and social determinants since the declaration of COVID‐19 as a public health emergency, and assessed past‐month PD using the Kessler K6 scale. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine correlates of PD distress (score ≥13).ResultsOf 226 survey participants, a quarter (n = 56) were screened positive for severe PD. In multivariable analyses, age (1‐year increment) (adjusted odds ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [0.90, 0.98]) and a decrease in non‐injection drug use versus no change (0.26 [0.07, 0.92]) were protective against severe PD, while positive associations were found for any alcohol use in the past 6 months (3.73 [1.42, 9.78]), increased food insecurity (2.88 [1.19, 6.93]) and both moving around between neighbourhoods more (8.71 [2.63, 28.88]) and less (3.03 [1.18, 7.74]) often compared to no change.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study documented a high prevalence of severe PD among PWUD during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared with pre‐COVID‐19 data. Social determinants such as food insecurity and mobility issues, alongside demographic and substance use‐related factors, were linked to distress. Evidence‐based risk mitigation strategies for this population could reduce negative consequences in future pandemics or disruptions.
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy does not impede improvement in hypoglycaemia awareness in adults: Sub‐study results from the HypoCOMPaSS trial
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Fahad , Walkinshaw Emma , Solomon Alexandra Lubina , Bernjak Alan , Rombach Ines , Leelarathna Lala , Little Stuart A. , Evans Mark , Shaw James A. M. , Heller Simon R. , Iqbal Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsImpaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). IAH can be reversed through meticulous avoidance of hypoglycaemia. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) has been proposed as an underlying mechanism contributing to IAH; however, data are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) on IAH reversibility inT1DM.MethodsParticipants with T1DM and IAH (Gold score ≥4) recruited to the HypoCOMPaSS (24‐week 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled) trial were included. All underwent screening for cardiac autonomic function testing at baseline and received comparable education and support aimed at avoiding hypoglycaemia and improving hypoglycaemia awareness. Definite CAN was defined as the presence of ≥2 abnormal cardiac reflex tests. Participants were grouped according to their CAN status, and changes in Gold score were compared.ResultsEighty‐three participants (52 women [62.7%]) were included with mean age (SD) of 48 (12) years and mean HbA1c of 66 (13) mmol/mol (8.2 [3.3] %). The mean duration of T1DM was 29 (13) years. The prevalence of CAN was low with 5/83 (6%) participants having definite autonomic neuropathy with 11 (13%) classified with possible/early neuropathy. All participants, regardless of the autonomic function status, showed a mean improvement in Gold score of ≥1 (mean improvement −1.2 [95% CI −0.8, −1.6]; p < 0.001).ConclusionsIAH can be improved in people with T1DM, and a long duration of disease, with and without cardiac autonomic dysfunction. These data suggest that CAN is not a prime driver for modulating IAH reversibility.
Risks of peri‐ and postoperative complications with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists
Authors: Klonoff David C. , Kim Sun H. , Galindo Rodolfo J. , Joseph Jeffery I. , Garrett Valerie , Gombar Saurabh , Aaron Rachel E. , Tian Tiffany , Kerr David 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo assess whether adults with diabetes on oral hypoglycaemic agents undergoing general endotracheal anaesthesia during nine common surgical procedures who are glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP1‐RA) users, compared with non‐users, are at increased risk of six peri‐ and post‐procedure complications.Materials and MethodsA retrospective observational cohort analysis of over 130 million deidentified US adults with diabetes (defined as being on oral hypoglycaemic agents) from a nationally representative electronic health dataset between 1 January 2015 and 1 April 2023 was analysed. Cohorts were matched by high‐dimensionality propensity scoring. We compared the odds of six peri‐ and postoperative complications in GLP1‐RA users and non‐users. A sensitivity analysis compared these odds in GLP1‐RA users to non‐users with diabetes and obesity. We measured the odds of (a) a composite outcome of postoperative decelerated gastric emptying, including antiemetic use, ileus within 7 days post‐procedure, gastroparesis diagnosis, gastric emptying study; (b) postoperative aspiration or pneumonitis; (c) severe respiratory failure; (d) postoperative hypoglycaemia; (e) inpatient mortality; and (f) 30‐day mortality.ResultsAmong 13 361 adults with diabetes, 16.5% were treated with a GLP1‐RA. In the high‐dimensionality propensity score‐matched cohort, GLP1‐RA users had a lower risk of peri‐ and postoperative complications for decelerated gastric emptying and antiemetic use compared with non‐users. The risk of ileus within 7 days, aspiration/pneumonitis, hypoglycaemia and 30‐day mortality were not different. A sensitivity analysis showed similar findings in patients with diabetes and obesity.ConclusionNo increased risk of peri‐ and postoperative complications in GLP1‐RA users undergoing surgery with general endotracheal anaesthesia was identified.