bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation improves the effects of octacosanol to ameliorate alcoholic liver injury
Authors: Meng Xiangchun , Sun Yishu , Xu Tao , Tang Lihua , Chang Yaning , Zhou Yingjun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOctacosanol is a plant natural product with the potential to ameliorate alcoholic liver injury. However, its poor solubility limits its application in the food industry. This study first verified that octacosanol has a favorable effect on acute and subchronic alcoholic liver injury in mice by protecting the gastric mucosa and ameliorating disease levels. Additionally, octacosanol microcapsules were prepared under the optimal drying conditions of the feed flow rate of 400 mL/h and drying temperature of 180°C to improve the ameliorative effects of octacosanol, with moisture content, water activity, dispersibility, and solubility of 1.53%, 0.16%, 89.84%, and 95.30%, respectively. The microcapsules had a spherical structure, and the droplet sizes after redissolution ranged from 0.061 to 4.63 µm. Instrumental measurements and simulated digestion experiments have shown that microencapsulation enhanced the solubility and thermal stability of octacosanol, with 90.88% of the octacosanol being continuously released. As expected, microencapsulation significantly enhanced the effect of octacosanol in ameliorating alcoholic liver injury by determining the disease index in the mice model. This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of octacosanol on alcoholic liver injury and explored a viable method to improve its solubility and bioaccessibility, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of alcoholic liver injury.
Assessment of lytic therapy effect in patients with intermediate‐high risk pulmonary embolism for prevention of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A randomized, double‐blind trial
Authors: Mansouri Pejman , Rashidi Amir Mohsen , Mansouri Mohammad Hadi , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Zavar Reihaneh , Amirpour Afshin , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Taheri Marzieh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aims to compare the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation in preventing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).MethodA total of 60 patients with intermediate‐high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) were randomly assigned to receive either thrombolytic therapy (n = 30) or anticoagulation (n = 30).ResultsEchocardiographic assessments demonstrated no significant differences between the two treatment approaches in terms of right ventricular size (RVS) (on discharge in thrombolytic group: 31.17 ± 3.43 vs. anticoagulant group: 32.73 ± 5.27, p = 0.912), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (on discharge in thrombolytic group: 17.66 ± 2.39 vs. anticoagulant group: 16.73 ± 2.93, p = 0.290), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) (on discharge in thrombolytic group: 32.93 ± 9.73 vs. anticoagulant group: 34.46 ± 9.30, p = 0.840). However, significant changes were observed in all assessed parameters within each treatment group (p < 0.001). The 6‐month follow‐up showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of CTEPH incidence (p = 0.781) or functional class of the patients (p = 0.135).ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, neither thrombolytic therapy nor anticoagulation demonstrated superiority over the other in reducing adverse outcomes associated with intermediate‐high risk PE, including right ventricular size, SPAP, TAPSE, or CTEPH.
Banxia Xiexin decoction combined with 5‐ASA protects against CPT‐11‐induced intestinal dysfunction in rats via inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zou Yuanyuan , Wang Yakun , Zhou Wenying , Pei Jingbo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBanxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) can control irinotecan (CPT‐11)‐caused delayed diarrhea, but the corresponding mechanism remains undefined.AimsThis paper aimed to uncover the mechanism of BXD in regulating CPT‐11‐caused delayed diarrhea.Materials & MethodsSprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were assigned into the control, model, BXD low‐dose (BXD‐L, 5 g/kg), BXD medium‐dose (BXD‐M, 10 g/kg), BXD high‐dose (BXD‐H, 15 g/kg), 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA, 10 mL/kg), and BXD‐M + 5‐ASA groups. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 150 mg/kg CPT‐11 at Day 4 and Day 5 to induce delayed diarrhea, and later treated with various doses (low, medium, and high) of BXD and 5‐ASA for 9 days, except for rats in control group. The body weight of rats was measured. The rat colon tissue injury, inflammatory cytokine levels, and the activation of toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐κB (TLR4/NF‐κB) signaling pathway were detected.ResultsBXD (5, 10, or 15 g/kg) or 5‐ASA (10 mL/kg) alleviated body weight loss and colon tissue injury, decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and inactivated TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in CPT‐11‐induced model rats. BXD at 10 g/kg (the optimal concentration) could better treat CPT‐11‐induced intestinal dysfunction, as evidenced by the resulting approximately 50% reduction on injury score of model rats. Moreover, BXD‐M (10 g/kg) synergistic with 5‐ASA (10 mL/kg) further strengthened the inhibition on rat body weight loss, colon tissue injury, inflammatory cytokine levels, and TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway.ConclusionTo sum up, BXD has a protective effect against CPT‐11‐induced intestinal dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation through inactivation TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. In particular, the combined use of BXD and 5‐ASA holds great promise for treating CPT‐11‐induced delayed diarrhea.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α polymorphism and risk of primary nephrotic syndrome: A case–control study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Rongfen , Wang Yufeng , Zhou Yihua , Fan Wu , Yin Haiyan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe current study aims to explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) polymorphism and the risk of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).MethodsA total of 250 PNS patients were selected for this study, as well as 300 volunteers serving as the control group. TNF‐α polymorphism were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In addition, a meta‐analysis was conducted to analyze previously published literature on this topic.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the genotypes frequency or alleles frequency among the study populations. Meta‐analysis results revealed a positive association between TNF‐α rs1800629 polymorphism and allele contrast in African populations (p = 0), homozygote comparison (p = .007), heterozygote comparison (p = .026), recessive genetic model (p = .011), and dominant genetic model (p = .000).ConclusionsTNF‐α rs1800629 polymorphism does not appear to confer any increased risk for PNS.
Genetic counselors' professional identity in North America: A scoping review
Authors: Stenberg Kaye , Mills Rachel , Kalia Isha , Schwartz Lisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractProfessional identity (PI) comprises attributes, beliefs, values, motives, and experiences by which people define themselves in a professional role and evolves through socialization with others in the workplace. While there have been several studies exploring the expanding roles of genetic counselors, few have specifically addressed PI. This scoping review aimed to describe the contexts in which PI has been discussed or examined in the genetic counseling literature. Articles were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL with a priori terms including and related to PI. Articles based in the United States or Canada and of all study designs, commentaries, and speeches were included. Date of publication was not restricted. Using social identity theory (SIT) to formulate a definition of PI, multiple reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to all titles, abstracts, and full‐text articles with conflicts addressed through consensus among all reviewers. A total of 5523 titles and/or abstracts were screened, and 467 full‐text articles were evaluated and categorized as (1) focusing on PI specifically, (2) containing elements of PI although focused on another topic, or (3) not related to PI. Eighty‐seven (87) articles were reviewed during the extraction phase. Ultimately, 41 articles were deemed to meet the agreed upon characteristics of PI. While empirical studies of PI among genetic counselors were limited, PI is being addressed in research focused on related areas, including professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as in personal accounts, addresses, and commentaries. Sentiments regarding PI voiced by genetic counselors align with those reported among other health professionals. Given the lack of diversity in the field and rapidly expanding opportunities for genetic counselors, there is risk of some members of the profession feeling excluded, which in turn could negatively impact the collective identity of the profession and translate into impacts on patient care. Additional research regarding the PI of genetic counselors is needed.
HIV self‐testing in India: implementation and qualitative evaluation of a web‐based programme with virtual counsellor support
Authors: Kaptchuk Rose Pollard , Thakker Jalpa , Bell Jade , Okram Saya , Gopinath Usha , Mehta Shruti H. , Reddy Ajay Kumar , Loeb Talia A. , Arumugam Visvanathan , Tandon Samit , Parthasarathy Mugundu Ramien , Ghosh Subash Chandra , Singh Aditya , Joshi Deepika Srivastava , Kaur Sukhvinder , Solomon Sunil Suhas , McFall Allison M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo achieve epidemic control of infectious diseases, engaging higher‐burden populations with accessible diagnostic services is critical. HIV self‐testing (HIVST) is a promising option.MethodsWe implemented an online HIVST programme for key populations across India. Eligible clients were 18 years or older, self‐reported a negative or unknown HIV status and reported not taking antiretroviral therapy. Clients who reported a prior HIV diagnosis were not eligible to receive an HIVST kit. HIVST clients received kits via courier or in person at pre‐determined pick‐up points supported by trained counselling staff. Virtual counsellors engaged clients online and by phone and offered support to register, access, and complete HIVST free of cost. Virtual counsellors supported clients to report results and engage with follow‐up services. Follow‐up included linking clients with a positive result to confirmatory testing and HIV care services. We assessed programmatic data across HIV continuum outcomes and conducted a qualitative evaluation through interviews with purposively sampled clients.ResultsBetween 30 June 2021 and 30 September 2022, 5324 clients ordered an HIVST kit (76% men, 13% women, 7% transgender people, 4% unknown gender). Of the 4282 clients reporting results (94% of those who received a kit), 6% screened positive, among whom 72% (n = 184) completed confirmatory testing. Themes from 41 client interviews included satisfaction about the convenience and privacy of services and the discreet nature of kit delivery. Respondents were drawn to the convenience of HIVST and appreciated gaining courage and comfort throughout the process from virtual counsellor support. For respondents who screened positive, challenges to care linkage included fearing judgemental questions from public providers and wanting more time before starting treatment. Clients shared concerns about kit accuracy and suggested that instructional materials be provided with more diverse language options.ConclusionsWeb‐based HIVST services with tailored support appeared to facilitate HIV service access and engagement of harder‐to‐reach populations across India. Assistance from a community‐oriented counsellor proved important to overcome literacy barriers and mistrust in order to support the HIVST process and service linkage. Learnings can inform global efforts to improve the critical step of diagnosis in achieving epidemic control for HIV and other infectious diseases.
Alone together: Post‐traumatic growth during the COVID‐19 pandemic shelter‐in‐place phase
Authors: Metz Anne L. , Daniels Judy 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to explore posttraumatic growth in adults who lived alone during the shelter‐in‐place (SIP) phase of the pandemic. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine adults between the ages of 33 and 56 several weeks into SIP. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged from participant interviews: connection, prior recent hardship, gratitude, spiritual practice, and relationship with self. By exploring the experiences of those who thrived while living alone during the SIP phase, this study aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the psychological processes underlying positive adaptation amidst crisis. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering connections, both interpersonal and intrapersonal, as a means of promoting resilience and growth during times of crisis. The themes of gratitude, spiritual practice, and a positive relationship with self underscore the significance of existential and humanistic concepts, such as meaning‐making, self‐reflection, and personal growth.
Four theories to empower black men's existence: Meaning making in dehumanizing contexts
Authors: Shannon Jordan , Shell E Mackenzie , Loury Jacoby , Bayne Hannah B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMost theories used to explore existential realities of clients were developed and informed by White Eurocentric philosophers, who overlooked the impact of race and racism on identity. At a time when Black men continue to experience threats to their survival, such as through the epidemics of racial violence and health disparities of COVID‐19, it is critical for professional counselors to appropriately incorporate racial and gendered perspectives into existential conceptualizations of client experience. In this paper, we identify four theoretical frameworks for clinicians to adopt in working with Black men's existential realities: Black existentialism, Black liberation narrative therapy, critical race theory, and radical healing psychotherapy. We locate these theories within the context of impacts from the dual pandemics of racial trauma and COVID‐19, applying mini‐vignettes to demonstrate how each theory can be responsive to the existential needs of Black men.
The minimal important change is not a universal fixed value across diagnoses when using the FAOS and FAAM in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery
Authors: Sierevelt Inger N. , van Kampen Paulien M. , Terwee Caroline B. , Nolte Peter A. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Haverkamp Daniel ,   Dutch Foot and Ankle Outcome Study Group
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to calculate region and diagnosis‐specific minimal important changes (MICs) of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) in patients requiring foot and ankle surgery and to assess their variability across different foot and ankle diagnoses.MethodsThe study used routinely collected data from patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. Patients had been invited to complete the FAOS and FAAM preoperatively and at 3–6 months after surgery, along with two anchor questions encompassing change in pain and daily function. Patients were categorised according to region of pathology and subsequent diagnoses. MICs were calculated using predictive modelling (MICPRED) and receiver operating characteristic curve (MICROC) method and evaluated according to strict credibility criteria.ResultsSubstantial variability of the MICs between forefoot and ankle/hindfoot region was observed, as well as among specific foot and ankle diagnoses, with MICPRED and MICROC values ranging from 7.8 to 25.5 points and 9.4 to 27.8, respectively. Despite differences between MICROC and MICPRED estimates, both calculation methods exhibited largely consistent patterns of variation across subgroups, with forefoot conditions systematically showing smaller MICs than ankle/hindfoot conditions. Most MICs demonstrated high credibility; however, the majority of the MICs for the FAOS symptoms subscale and forefoot conditions exhibited insufficient or low credibility.ConclusionThe MICs of the FAOS and FAAM vary across foot and ankle diagnoses in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery and should not be used as a universal fixed value, but recognised as contextual parameters. This can help clinicians and researchers in more accurate interpretation of the FAOS and FAAM change scores.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Warning signals for mental health problems in at‐risk young adults may be informed by momentary emotions reported by the general population: A novel application of the principles of statistical process control
Authors: Schreuder Marieke J. , Kuppens Peter , Schat Evelien , de Jonge Peter , Hartman Catharina A. , Ceulemans Eva 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStatistical process control (SPC) was recently introduced as a method for detecting person‐specific warning signals for mental ill‐health. Such warning signals occur when a person's repeatedly assessed emotions exceed a control limit. This control limit should in principle be based on the same person's emotions in a healthy period. As such data are often unavailable, this preregistered study investigated whether general population data can be used instead to estimate control limits. We used data from the HowNutsAreTheDutch study, in which adults from the general population (N = 746) rated their emotions three times a day for 1 month. Based on these data, we computed control limits according to the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and Shewhart SPC methods. Next, we investigated how often young adults with versus without persistent mental health problems from the TRAILS TRANS‐ID study (N = 100)–who rated their emotions daily for 6 months–reported scores beyond these general population‐based control limits. Generally, warning signals occurred more often in young adults with persistent mental health problems compared to healthy young adults (p < 0.05). The predictive performance of SPC did not consistently improve when control limits were conditioned on individuals' age, sex, and depressive symptoms, nor differ between methods (EWMA vs. Shewhart). The different emotions that were monitored, however, affected SPC performance, so that for most settings, warning signs in feeling tired and upset were worse for detecting mental‐ill health compared to warning signs in other emotions (e.g., feeling nervous, relaxed, etc.). It follows that warning signs in individual's emotions can perhaps be monitored using relatively generic norms, derived from the general population, opening up new avenues for research and low‐threshold clinical application.
Palate Shape, Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy Findings, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Pharyngeal Surgery Outcomes
Authors: Commesso Emily A. , Kedarisetty Suraj , Kita Ashley E. , Sharma Abhay , Woodson B. Tucker , Green Katherine K. , Kent David T. , D'Agostino Mark A. , Kezirian Eric J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivePharyngeal surgery is a treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) unable to tolerate positive pressure therapy. This study aims to determine the association between palate shape as described by Woodson and pharyngeal surgical outcomes.Study DesignExploratory analysis of retrospective cohort.SettingMulticenter.MethodsThree blinded reviewers assessed palate shape using drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) videos from a previously‐assembled cohort of adults undergoing pharyngeal surgery. Palate shape scores were examined for association with surgical outcomes with univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses included adjustment for consensus DISE findings determined previously.ResultsTwo hundred nine study subjects were included from 13 centers. Age was 53.7 ± 11.5 years, body mass index (BMI) was 30.3 ± 5.0 kg/m2, and 21% were female. In isolated soft palate surgery, greater GenuAP narrowing was associated with lesser odds of surgical response, whereas greater GenuLW narrowing was associated with greater odds of surgical response. These findings largely persisted after adjustment for key DISE findings, age, gender, OSA severity, BMI, and tonsil size. Other palate‐shape findings were not clearly associated with surgical outcomes, although some palate‐shape findings demonstrated trends toward an association with outcomes (P < .10).ConclusionGreater GenuAP narrowing and GenuLW narrowing were associated with lesser and greater, respectively, odds of surgical response after isolated soft palate surgery. Palate shape and other palate shape level scores were not clearly associated with surgical outcomes. Larger studies may determine more precisely the association between palate shape and pharyngeal surgery outcomes.
Laryngeal microsurgery under Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange
Authors: Rigal Tiffany , Baudouin Robin , Circiu Marta , Couineau Florent , Lechien Jérôme , Crevier‐Buchman Lise , Le Guen Morgan , Hans Stéphane 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveSince 2015, Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) has been used in general anesthesia for preoxygenation or difficult exposure airway management. Its use offers new opportunities in laryngology. THRIVE increases apnea time and frees the access to the upper airway. However, its use may be less stable than orotracheal intubation. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of laryngeal microsurgery under THRIVE including using Laser.Study DesignRetrospective.SettingA total of N = 99 patients with laryngeal microsurgery (with or without CO2 laser) under THRIVE were included successively from January 1, 2020 to January 30, 2022.MethodMedical history, comorbidities, clinical and surgical data were extracted and analyzed. Two groups were constituted regarding the “success” (use of THRIVE along all the procedure) or the “failure” (need for an endotracheal tube) of the use of THRIVE during the procedure.ResultsA failure occurred in N = 15/99 patients (15.2%) mainly due to refractory hypoxia. The odd ratios (OR) for THRIVE failure were: OR = 6.6 [2.9‐35] for overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2); OR = 3.8 [1.7‐18.7] for ASA score >2; OR = 4.7 [2.3‐24.7] for the use of CO2 laser. Elderly patients and patients with pulmonary pathology were not statistically at greater risk of THRIVE failure. No adverse event was described.ConclusionThis work confirms the feasibility of laryngeal microsurgery under THRIVE, including with CO2 laser. Overweight, ASA >2 and lower fraction of inspired oxygen during CO2 laser use increased the risk for orotracheal intubation.