bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current use of medicinal plants for children’s diseases among mothers in Southern Romania
Authors: Petran Madalina , Dragoș Dorin , Stoian Irina , Vlad Adelina , Gilca Marilena 
Published: May 2024

There is a limited number of studies focusing on ethnomedical practices in children, particularly in Eastern Europe. Romania has a rich history of using medicinal plants in ethnopediatric care, and our objective was to identify the medicinal plants currently employed in treating childhood illnesses in the southern region of the country.Material and methods Our investigation used structured interviews, focusing on respondent demographics, local names of therapeutically employed herbs, the specific plant part(s) utilized, methods of preparation and administration, and local folk indications of taxa. A total of 326 mothers with children aged 0 to 18, hospitalized in the “Grigore Alexandrescu” Children Emergency Hospital Bucharest and residing in Southern Romania, were enrolled in the study. Use Value Citation Index (UVc), Informant Consensus Factor (Fic), and Fidelity Level (FL) were calculated.Results Twenty-five plants were identified for treating children’s diseases in Southern Romania. The majority of informants resided in urban areas, and mothers primarily acquired knowledge from family members and healthcare professionals. The herbs most frequently employed were Mentha spp. (UV = 0.509) for diarrhea, Matricaria spp. (UV = 0.301) for skin infections (Fic = 0.99) and digestive diseases (Fic = 0.98), and Calendula officinalis L. (UV = 0.365) for skin diseases (Fic = 0.99). Less utilized were Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin in respiratory diseases, Prunus avium (L.) L. stalks in urinary tract ailments, Helianthus annuus L. in ear infections, Allium sativum L. in intestinal parasitosis, Viola tricolor L. in hives, Triticum aestivum L. in dermatitis and Allium ursinum L. as a tonic. In 184 cases herbal treatment was used in conjunction with conventional medications. Education level correlated with the number of employed plants and the variety of treated ailments, while residency (rural vs. urban) did not. Both residency and education influenced plant procurement methods: rural background and, surprisingly, higher education were linked to a preference for harvesting rather than purchasing plants.Conclusion Botanical remedies are still commonly used in the treatment of pediatric diseases in Southern Romania, although the variety of taxa seems reduced compared to the past. Further exploration is essential to unlock the maximum benefits of ethnopediatric practices.
Pharmacological targets of SGLT2 inhibitors on IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lv Xin , Shang Yan , Ning Yong , Yu Weimin , Wang Jian 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionEmerging research suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may play a pivotal role in the treatment of primary glomerular diseases. This study was aimed to investigate potential pharmacological targets connecting SGLT2 inhibitors with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN).MethodsA univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets. Co-localization analysis was used to identify potential connections between target genes and IgAN and MN. Then, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was employed to predict diseases associated with these target genes and SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin). Subsequently, phenotypic scan analyses were applied to explore the causal relationships between the predicted diseases and target genes. Finally, we analyzed the immune signaling pathways involving pharmacological target genes using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG).ResultsThe results of MR analysis revealed that eight drug targets were causally linked to the occurrence of IgAN, while 14 drug targets were linked to MN. In the case of IgAN, LCN2 and AGER emerged as co-localized genes related to the pharmacological agent of dapagliflozin and the occurrence of IgAN. LCN2 was identified as a risk factor, while AGER was exhibited a protective role. KEGG analysis revealed that LCN2 is involved in the interleukin (IL)-17 immune signaling pathway, while AGER is associated with the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) signaling immune pathway. No positive co-localization results of the target genes were observed between two other SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin and empagliflozin) and the occurrence of IgAN, nor between the three SGLT2 inhibitors and the occurrence of MN.ConclusionOur study provided evidence supporting a causal relationship between specific SGLT2 inhibitors and IgAN. Furthermore, we found that dapagliflozin may act on IgAN through the genes LCN2 and AGER.
Adverse childhood experiences and dental anxiety among Chinese adults in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wong Natalie Sui Miu , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , McGrath Colman Patrick , Leung Yiu Yan 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and dental anxiety among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at a university in Hong Kong. The recruiting period and data collection started in January 2023 and ended in June 2023. Participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed ACEs (using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire – ACE-IQ) and dental anxiety (using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale – MDAS and Dental Fear Survey – DFS). The study examined the impacts of both cumulative (i.e., total number) and independent ACE components on dental anxiety. To explore the relationships between cumulative ACEs, individual ACE components and dental anxiety (MDAS and DFS score), Pearson correlations, linear regression and logistic regression were conducted.ResultsSignificant associations were observed between ACEs and dental anxiety among 171 subjects. Cumulative ACEs were positively correlated with MDAS scores (r = 0.169, p = 0.027) and DFS scores (r = 0.253, p &lt; 0.001). The odds of an individual having high dental anxiety increased by 26–43% for every additional increase in the number of ACEs. Individual types of ACEs, such as emotional and physical neglect, sexual abuse, and household substance abuse, significantly influenced the likelihood of having high dental anxiety.DiscussionThe results showed a positive association between ACEs and dental anxiety, highlighting the impact of ACEs on dental anxiety. Dental practitioners should consider inquiring about a patient’s ACE history to develop personalized treatment plans.
Association of 24-hour movement guideline adherence, mental health and quality of life in young adults: the role of e-Health literacy
Authors: Lin Lixin , Liang Wei , Wang Runbin , Rhodes Ryan E. , Liu Huaxuan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe spread of Covid-19 and resultant infection prevention strategies have disturbed the life routine of Chinese young adults, led to reduced physical activity (PA), prolonged screen time (ST) and inadequate sleep duration (SP), and made immense influence on their mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL). E-Health literacy (EHL) can enable citizens to use available online information to respond to the highly complex information environment and make appropriate health decisions.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine associations between adhering to 24-h movement (24HM) guidelines and MH and QoL among young adults, as well as to identify any mediating or moderating role of EHL in these associations.Methods1742 young adults (20.03 ± 1.54 years old, 68.6% females) from north and south China completed self-report measures of 24HM (PA, ST and SP), health indicators (MH and QoL), EHL and demographic information through an online survey between 4 Apr and 16 Jun 2022. Generalized linear mixed models were applied for data analysis.ResultsResults showed that adhering to PA, ST and SP guidelines were all positively connected with QoL while MH was associated with adhering ST or SP guidelines. Adhering to more of 24HM guidelines was linked to better MH and QoL. EHL significantly mediated the association of guideline adherence and QoL and moderate that of guideline adherence and MH.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the role of EHL on the associations between 24HM and MH as well as QoL during the Covid-19. The findings may contribute to further empirical research or intervention that aims to promote MH or QoL among young adults more effectively or provide valuable references for developing relevant strategies or policy of health promotion or public health events in China.
Distinct time trends in colorectal cancer incidence in countries with SDI levels from 1990 to 2019: an age–period–cohort analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Xun-Bing , Ding Yu-Wei , Kong Yang , Zhu Xiao-Feng , Li Pu-Heng , Tian Yang , Zhang Qing-Wei 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) plays a pivotal role in the global cancer epidemic. Our study reported the incidence trends in CRC and the associated effects of age, period, and birth cohort in 204 countries and territories over the past 30 years.MethodsThe incidence data of CRC were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. We performed the age–period–cohort (APC) model to estimate the overall annual percentage change (net drift) in the incidence rate, the annual percentage change by age group (local drift), and the relative risk (period and cohort effects) of the period and cohort in CRC during 1990–2019. This approach allows examining and distinguishing age, period, and cohort effects in incidence and potentially distinguishing colorectal cancer gaps in prevention and screening.ResultsIn 2019, the incidence of CRC was 2.17 (95% UI 2.00–2.34) million, of which China, the United States of America, and Japan had the highest incidence population, accounting for 45.9% of the global population. The age–standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 26.7 (95% UI 28.9–24.6) per 100,000 people, of which 30 countries had an incidence rate greater than 40.0 per 100,000 people. From 1990 to 2019, the middle SDI region had the largest increase in incidence rate, with a net drift of 2.33% (95% CI 2.2–2.46%, p &lt; 0.001). Globally, the incidence population was concentrated in the age group of 50–69 years, and the age group of 30–34 years had the largest increase in incidence rate (local drift 1.19% (95% CI 1.01–1.37%)). At the same time, the sex and age distributions of CRC incidence had significant heterogeneity across regions and countries. In the past 30 years, the incidence rate in 31 countries has been well controlled (net drift &lt;0), and most of them were concentrated in high–and high–middle–SDI regions, such as Australia, Czechia, and Belgium, and the relative risk of incidence generally improved over time and consecutive young birth cohorts. CRC incidence showed an unfavorable trend (net drift ≥1%) in 89 countries, of which 27 countries were more significant (net drift &gt;2%), mostly concentrated in the middle SDI region, such as China, Mexico, and Brazil, and the risk of period and birth cohort was unfavorable.ConclusionGlobally, the incidence of CRC has shown an overall upward trend over the past 30 years, with the exception of some countries with higher SDI values. Significant age–period–cohort differences were observed in the risk of incidence in CRC worldwide. Effective prevention and control policies need to take into account the age–period–cohort effect characteristics of different regions.
Clinical predictive value of the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte index for prognosis of critically ill patients with sepsis in intensive care unit: a retrospective single-center observational study
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Zhao Qun , Liu Shuo , Yuan Nana , Hu Zhenkui 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundSepsis is a complex syndrome characterized by physiological, pathological, and biochemical abnormalities caused by infection. Its development is influenced by factors such as inflammation, nutrition, and immune status. Therefore, we combined C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and lymphocyte, which could reflect above status, to be the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, and investigated its association with clinical prognosis of critically ill patients with sepsis.MethodsThis retrospective observational study enrolled critically ill patients with sepsis who had an initial CRP, albumin, and lymphocyte data on the first day of ICU admission. All data were obtained from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. The patients were divided into quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on their CALLY index. The outcomes included 30-/60-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence. The association between the CALLY index and these clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 1,123 patients (63.0% male) were included in the study. The 30-day and 60-day mortality rates were found to be 28.1 and 33.4%, respectively, while the incidence of AKI was 45.6%. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant association between higher CALLY index and lower risk of 30-day and 60-day mortality (log-rank p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that the CALLY index was independently associated with 30-day mortality [HR (95%CI): 0.965 (0.935–0.997); p = 0.030] and 60-day mortality [HR (95%CI): 0.969 (0.941–0.997); p = 0.032]. Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression model showed that the CALLY index served as an independent risk predictor for AKI occurrence [OR (95%CI): 0.982 (0.962–0.998); p = 0.033].ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated a significant association between the CALLY index and both 30-day and 60-day mortality, as well as the occurrence of AKI, in critically ill patients with sepsis. These findings suggested that the CALLY index may be a valuable tool in identifying sepsis patients who were at high risk for unfavorable outcomes.
Impact of a digital employer-based weight loss program on individuals age 65 or older
Authors: Rogers Renee J. , Doherty Michael , Jones David , Jakicic John M. , Church Timothy S. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionOlder adults are not protected from obesity, which has been linked to frailty, cognitive impairment, and other aging-related factors. Intensive lifestyle interventions have been shown to be effective for weight loss in older adults; however, these have typically been highly intensive and less feasible for dissemination. This analysis describes weight loss in a large-scale, commercially available, digital intervention in a subset of older adults.MethodsOlder adults (N = 20,443, males = 6,238; females = 14,205) between 65 and 85 years of age with overweight (43.3%) or obesity (46.7%) participated in an online, self-directed weight loss program. Behavioral-based content was delivered through weekly video lessons within an online platform that included weight and physical activity tracking, an online community, a reference library, and access to coaching support. Self-reported measures taken at the time of entry into the program were used for this analysis (demographics, height, body weight, and health status). Weight was reported across weeks of engagement in the curriculum.ResultsThe average weight loss was −3.15 kg (95% CI: [−3.20, −3.11]) at 15.5 weeks. Weight loss was significantly greater in male individuals (−3.79 kg [95% CI: −3.89, −3.71]) versus female individuals (−2.87 kg [95% CI: −2.94, −2.82]) (p &lt; 0.001), with a similar engagement in curriculum weeks. Percent weight loss was statistically significant for all age categories (p &lt; 0.05) and self-reported health conditions (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionShort-term weight loss was observed in older adults exposed to a low-touch, self-guided, and digital behavioral-based weight loss program. Weight loss was also observed even in the presence of various chronic health conditions.
Development of an enhanced recovery after surgery program for pediatric solid tumors
Authors: Mansfield Sara A. , Kotagal Meera , Hartman Stephen , Murphy Andrew J. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Anghelescu Doralina L. , Mecoli Marc , Cost Nicholas , Hogan Brady , Rove Kyle O. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based, multi-modal approach to decrease surgical stress, expedite recovery, and improve postoperative outcomes. ERAS is increasingly being utilized in pediatric surgery. Its applicability to pediatric patients undergoing abdominal tumor resections remains unknown.Methods and AnalysisA group of key stakeholders adopted ERAS principles and developed a protocol suitable for the variable complexity of pediatric abdominal solid tumor resections. A multi-center, prospective, propensity-matched case control study was then developed to evaluate the feasibility of the protocol. A pilot-phase was utilized prior to enrollment of all patients older than one month of age undergoing any abdominal, retroperitoneal, or pelvic tumor resections. The primary outcome was 90-day complications per patient. Additional secondary outcomes included: ERAS protocol adherence, length of stay, time to administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, readmissions, reoperations, emergency room visits, pain scores, opioid usage, and differences in Quality of Recovery 9 scores.Ethics and DisseminationInstitutional review board approval was obtained at all participating centers. Informed consent was obtained from each participating patient. The results of this study will be presented at pertinent society meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. We expect the results will inform peri-operative care for pediatric surgical oncology patients and provide guidance on initiation of ERAS programs. We anticipate this study will take four years to meet accrual targets and complete follow-up.Trial Registration NumberNCT04344899.
Establishment and characterization of six canine hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lee Ja Young , Bae Kieun , Kim Jung-Hyun , Han Hyun-Jung , Yoon Hun-Young , Yoon Kyong-Ah 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor in dogs. Although surgical resection is a major treatment option for canine HCC, there are no distinct strategies for unresectable tumor subtypes or adjuvant chemotherapy for tumors with positive margins. We aimed to establish and characterize novel HCC cell lines from canine patients.MethodsThe cellular morphology, general growth features and tumorigenicity of the established cell lines were evaluated. We also examined the sensitivity of the cell lines to multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).ResultsWe established novel canine HCC cell lines from hepatic tumors and an additional kidney tumor of six canine patients. All cell lines showed colony forming and migratory ability. KU-cHCC-001 and KU-cHCC-001-Kidney, two cell lines exhibiting high epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics, showed tumorigenicity in xenografted mice. Toceranib, a veterinary TKI that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)/c-kit, effectively inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and induced apoptosis. The established canine HCC cell lines showed greater sensitivity to toceranib than to sorafenib, a first-line treatment for human HCC targeting RAF/VEGFR/PDGFR. Sorafenib showed improved anti-tumor effects when co-treated with SCH772984, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor.ConclusionOur study suggests new therapeutic strategies for canine HCC, and these cell lines are valuable research materials for understanding HCC tumor biology in both humans and dogs.
Multi-dimensional evaluation of pain response in low day-age calves to two types of dehorning
Authors: Cui Weiguo , Liu Mengyu , Gu Tianyu , Zhao Shuai , Yin Guoan 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDehorning calves is necessary to minimize injury because intensive raising circumstances make horned cows more aggressive. However, acute pain is commonly perceived by farm animals when undergoing painful practices such as dehorning, affecting their health status and quality of life. By quantifying the magnitude of pain and discomfort associated with dehorning, we aim to contribute to a more humane and sustainable cattle farming industry.MethodsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral, physiological, and emotional effects of acute dehorning pain in calves using two methods: dehorning cream and dehorning hot-iron.30 Holstein calves aged 4 days were selected for the study. These calves were randomly assigned to two experimental groups based on the method of disbudding: dehorning cream (n = 15) and hot-iron dehorning (n = 15). Before and after dehorning, we evaluated their physiological indicators of infrared eye temperature, concentrations of substance P, IL-6, cortisol, haptoglobin, as well as emotional state, and pain-related behavioral reactions.ResultsPost-dehorning, the duration of lying down decreased significantly in both groups (DI and DC: 0–4 h) after dehorning (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups exhibited increased frequencies of pain-related behaviors such as head shaking (DI: 1–7 h, DC: 1–6 h), ear flicking (DI: 2–7 h, DC: 2–7 h), head scratching (DI: 2–3 h, DC: 1–7 h), and top scuffing (DI: 2 h, DC: 2–7 h) compared to pre-dehorning (p &lt; 0.05). The DC group demonstrated a higher frequency of head-shaking, ear-flicking, head-scratching, and top-rubbing behaviors, along with a longer duration of lying down (0–4 h), compared to the DI group (p &lt; 0.05). Post-dehorning, play behavior reduced significantly in both groups (6–8 h) (p &lt; 0.05), whereas judgment bias and fear levels showed no significant change (p &gt; 0.05). Physiological measures including eye temperature, and blood levels of substance P and IL-6, did not differ significantly between the groups before and after dehorning (p &gt; 0.05). However, 48 h after dehorning, calves in the DC group had significantly higher haptoglobin levels compared to the DI group (p = 0.015). Additionally, salivary cortisol levels in the DC group increased significantly at 3.5 h and 7 h post-dehorning (p = 0.018, p = 0.043).DiscussionBoth hot-iron and cream dehorning induced pain in calves, as evidenced by increased pain-related behaviors, elevated salivary cortisol, and higher haptoglobin levels, alongside reduced positive behaviors. Notably, these effects were more pronounced in the DC group than in the DI group, suggesting that dehorning hot-iron may be a comparatively less stressful dehorning method for young calves. Moreover, the brief duration of pain response and weaker response to dehorning observed in 13-day-age calves in this study suggests that dehorning at younger ages may be more advisable and warrants further research.