bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial viability and nutritional content of water kefir grains under different storage conditions
Authors: Gökırmaklı Çağlar , Şatır Gülçin , Guzel‐Seydim Zeynep Banu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWater kefir grains are an important source of probiotics, mainly containing lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in microbial and chemical properties of water kefir grains during 1‐month storage at +4°C and −18°C. The initial content of lactobacilli, lactococci, and yeast in water kefir grains was 6.06, 6.33, and 5.93 log CFU/g, respectively. The number of lactobacilli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium spp. in the water kefir grains were comparable, with slight changes at the end of refrigerated storage (p > .05). Lactococci and yeasts decreased significantly after both storage conditions compared to the initial content (p < .05). The dry matter and ash contents remained unchanged during storage (p > .05). Water kefir grains contained significant amounts of calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, and vitamin B12. Storage at both +4°C and −18°C did not affect the mineral and vitamin contents, except for Cu and Vitamin B2. The results indicate that the water kefir grains remained viable after storage at both temperatures. If water kefir grains need to be stored, it is recommended to store them at +4°C in sugared water as it ensures better survivability of the microbiota of the grains.
Critical route for development of medical student leadership competencies in 35 Pan American Health Organization member states: A scoping review and thematic analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Feria Pablo , Paric Martina , Flórez Luis Jorge Hernández , Babich Suzanne , Czabanowska Katarzyna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Pan American Health Organization has been committed to training physicians in leadership competencies since 2008. However, four reviews on teaching leadership using competency‐based education in undergraduate medical education (UME) identified only two of 35 MS: Canada and the USA. Previous reviews did not use a systemic approach or qualitative methodology to explore factors influencing leadership education.Therefore, this review aims to identify facilitating and inhibiting factors in teaching leadership in UME using a scoping review and thematic analysis. Six databases containing grey and indexed literature in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were searched, including a hand search and authors' consultations.Forty‐eight documents out of 7849 were selected based on eligibility criteria. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis guide was used, identifying eight themes: curriculum, intended learning outcomes, teaching methods, assessment, addressing barriers, supporting organisational change, building networks, and developing expertise. Considering these themes, the authors propose a critical route for teaching leadership in UME in the Americas. First, institutional design should consider governance gaps, such as having national and international policies for leadership training in UME with inter‐professional, trans‐professional, and citizen‐focused approaches. There is a pressing need to provide leadership training for physicians and other professionals from government, academia, non‐governmental organisations, hospitals, and national and international organisations whose missions are related to health or education. Networking opportunities for stakeholders in leadership education and teacher training is also essential. Second, instructional design reveals knowledge‐do gaps in member states (MS) when incorporating leadership into the medical curriculum. This includes using leadership frameworks, defining learning outcomes, and employing assessment and monitoring tools for leadership education. Mechanisms to reduce these gaps in MS include the Equator Network and Evidence‐Informed Policy Networks fostering knowledge translation and governance.
Seasonal and decadal subsurface thaw dynamics of an Aufeis feature investigated through numerical simulations
Authors: Lainis Alexi , Neupauer Roseanna M. , Koch Joshua C. , Gooseff Michael N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAufeis (also known as icings) are large sheet‐like masses of layered ice that form in river channels in arctic environments in the winter as groundwater discharges to the land surface and subsequently freezes. Aufeis are important sources of water for Arctic river ecosystems, bolstering late summer river discharge and providing habitat for caribou escaping insect harassment. The aim of this research is to use numerical simulations to evaluate a conceptual model of subsurface hydrogeothermal conditions that can lead to the formation of aufeis. We used a conceptual model based on geophysical data from the Kuparuk aufeis field on the North Slope of Alaska to develop a two‐dimensional heterogeneous vertical profile model of groundwater flow, heat transport, and freeze/thaw dynamics. Modelling results showed that groundwater can flow to the land surface through subvertical high permeability pathways during winter months when the lower permeability soils near the land surface are frozen. The groundwater discharge can freeze on the surface, contributing to aufeis formation throughout the winter. We performed sensitivity analyses on subsurface properties and surface temperature and found that aufeis formation is most sensitive to the volume of unfrozen water available in the subsurface and the rate at which the subsurface water travels to the land surface. Although a trend of warming air temperatures will lead to a greater volume of unfrozen subsurface water, the aufeis volume can be reduced under warming conditions if the period of time for which air temperatures are below freezing is reduced.
Nano‐therapeutics: The upcoming nanomedicine to treat cancer
Authors: Khan Hamda , Shahab Uzma , Alshammari Ahmed , Alyahyawi Amjad R. , Akasha Rihab , Alharazi Talal , Ahmad Rizwan , Khanam Afreen , Habib Safia , Kaur Kirtanjot , Ahmad Saheem , Moinuddin  
Published: March 2024

AbstractNanotechnology is considered a successful approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Preferentially, cancer cell recognition and drug targeting via nano‐delivery system include the penetration of anticancer agents into the cell membrane to damage the cancer cell by protein modification, DNA oxidation, or mitochondrial dysfunction. The past research on nano‐delivery systems and their target has proven the beneficial achievement in a malignant tumor. Modern perceptions using inventive nanomaterials for cancer management have been offered by a multifunctional platform based on various nano‐carriers with the probability of imaging and cancer therapy simultaneously. Emerging nano‐delivery systems in cancer therapy still lack knowledge of the biological functions behind the interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells. Since the potential of engineered nanoparticles addresses the various challenges, limiting the success of cancer therapy subsequently, it is a must to review the molecular targeting of a nano‐delivery system to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer. This review focuses on using a nano‐delivery system, an imaging system, and encapsulated nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
Development and optimization of kaempferol loaded ethosomes using Box–Behnken statistical design: In vitro and ex‐vivo assessments
Authors: Raghav Shraddha Singh , Kumar Bhavna , Sethiya Neeraj Kumar , Pahwa Shilpa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractKaempferol (KMP) belong to flavonoid class have developed in ethosomal formulation and were evaluated for their potential to treat diabetic foot ulcers. Even though ethosomes are highly deformable, they can pass through human skin intact. KMP ethosomes were formulated using the cold method and optimized by Box–Behnken design (BBD) (three‐factor, three‐level (33)). The formulation variables used for optimization are drug concentration of KMP, soylecithin content, and ethanol percentage. The optimized formulation was examined using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, in‐vitro release, ex‐vivo permeation studies, and storage stability. The optimized KMP ethosomes was found to have vesicle size (VS) of 283 ± 0.3 nm and zeta potential (ZP) of −29.67 ± 0.3 mV, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.36, % entrapment efficiency (%EE) of 91.02 ± 0.21%, drug loading (%) of 46.23 ± 2.5% followed by good storage stability at 4°C/60 ± 5% RH. In vitro drug release of optimized KMP ethosomes was 88.2 ± 2.75%, which was approximately double when compared with pure KMP release, that is 49.9 ± 1.89%. The release kinetics for optimized KMP ethosomes follows the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. An apparent permeation coefficient of 356.25 ± 0.5 μg/cm2 was determined and compared with pure KMP (118.46 ± 0.3 μg/cm2) for 24 h. According to the study, ethosomes can be a cutting‐edge strategy that offers a new delivery method for prolonged and targeted distribution of KMP in a variety of dosage forms including oral, topical, transdermal, and so forth.
AP‐1/C‐FOS and AP‐1/FRA2 differentially regulate early and late adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bose Ganesh Suraj , Kalakoti Garima , Kulkarni Abhijeet P. , Mittal Smriti 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue in the body and is a major global health problem due to increased morbidity and mortality. Adipose tissue is made up of adipocytes, which are fat‐storing cells, and the differentiation of these fat cells is known as adipogenesis. Several transcription factors (TFs) such as CEBPβ, CEBPα, PPARγ, GATA, and KLF have been reported to play a key role in adipogenesis. In this study, we report one more TF AP‐1, which is found to be involved in adipogenesis. Human mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated into adipocytes, and the expression pattern of different subunits of AP‐1 was examined during adipogenesis. It was observed that C‐FOS was predominantly expressed at an early stage (Day 2), whereas FRA2 expression peaked at later stages (Days 6 and 8) of adipogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing analysis revealed that C‐FOS binds mainly to the promoters of WNT1, miR‐30a, and ANAPC7 and regulates their expression during mitotic clonal expansion. In contrast, FRA2 binds to the promoters of CIDEA, NOTCH1, ARAF, and MYLK, regulating their expression and lipid metabolism. Data obtained clearly indicate that the differential expression of C‐FOS and FRA2 is crucial for different stages of adipogenesis. This also raises the possibility of considering AP‐1 as a therapeutic target for treating obesity and related disorders.
Changing Trajectories of Alanine Aminotransferase and Risk of Antituberculosis Drug‐Induced Liver Injury in Chinese Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Pan Hongqiu , Hao Zhuolu , Yi Honggang , Tang Shaowen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAntituberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (ATLI) is a major adverse effect during antituberculosis treatment. Early detection or prediction is essential to prevent ATLI in antituberculosis treatment patients. The purpose of this work is to explore the relationship between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) trajectories within 15 days of initial treatment and the risk of ATLI. Based on a historical cohort of patients hospitalized for antituberculosis treatment and group‐based trajectory modeling analysis, ALT trajectories within 15 days of initial treatment were determined. Conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between different ALT trajectories and the risk of ATLI, and the corresponding odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with covariates. Based on the ALT levels within 15 days of initial treatment, a total of 853 patients were divided into four ALT trajectories. The incidence of ATLI significantly increased with the increase of ALT trajectories (2.33%, 4.38%, 5.90%, and 2.44%, respectively). Compared with trajectory 1, the adjusted OR for ATLI in trajectory 2, trajectory 3, and trajectory 4 were 2.448 (95% CI: 0.302–19.856, P = 0.402), 5.373 (95% CI: 0.636–45.411, P = 0.123), 11.010 (95% CI: 0.720–168.330, P = 0.085), respectively, and there was an increasing trend of ATLI risk (Ptrend = 0.015). Different ALT trajectories within 15 days of initial treatment were associated with different risk of ATLI, and it is necessary to pay attention to the ALT trajectory within 15 days of initial treatment to predict the occurrence of ATLI.
Patterns of vitamin D testing and supplementation for children with inflammatory bowel disease in Australasia
Authors: Vernon‐Roberts Angharad , Day Andrew S ,   the PEDiatric Australasian Gastroenterology REsearch NEtwork (PEDAGREE)
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimFor children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), optimal levels of vitamin D are ascribed anti‐inflammatory and essential immune system roles that are associated with reduced disease activity, lower postoperative recurrence, and higher quality of life. International guidelines for vitamin D testing and supplementation provide inconsistent recommendations. The aim of this study was to survey Australasian pediatric gastroenterologists to ascertain current practices of vitamin D testing and supplementation for children with IBD.MethodsMembers of the Australian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents were asked to provide information on frequency of vitamin D testing and supplementation, adherence, and benefits of vitamin D to children with IBD.ResultsThirty‐two (54%) pediatric gastroenterologists completed the survey: 27 (84%) from Australia and 5 (16%) from New Zealand. The majority (90%) tested vitamin D levels at diagnosis and follow up, although testing frequency varied (1–3 times/year) and only 8 (28%) tested seasonally. While 28 (88%) recommended supplementation based on serum levels, inconsistent cutoff values were used. Most respondents (n = 27) recommended Stoss (single dose) or vitamin D3 (daily for 8–12 weeks). The majority (84%) rated the overall benefit of optimal vitamin D levels at ≥6/10, although fewer (54%) rated the benefit to disease activity at ≥6/10.ConclusionsThe results indicate that standardized guidelines for vitamin D testing and supplementation for clinicians caring for children with IBD throughout Australasia are required. Consensus statements may optimize the care of children with IBD in this diverse geographical region.
Independent contributions of tropical sea surface temperature modes to the interannual variability of western North Pacific tropical cyclone frequency
Authors: Song Jinjie , Klotzbach Philip J. , Qin Nannan , Duan Yihong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the independent contributions of three tropical sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes to interannual changes in summertime western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclone (TC) frequency from 1982 to 2022. We primarily analyse partial regressions of TC metrics and environmental variables onto the El Niño–Southern Oscillation Modoki (ENM), North Indian Ocean (NIO) SSTA and tropical North Atlantic (TNA) SSTA indices. We find that although basinwide WNP TC frequency significantly correlates with both the ENM and NIO indices, the regions with the most significant changes in TC formation induced by these two indices are well separated. During El Niño Modoki, significant increases in TC formation concentrate over the southeastern part of the WNP, while during a warm NIO, significant decreases in TC formation concentrate over the northwestern part of the WNP. By contrast, insignificant changes in TC genesis over the WNP are solely induced by TNA SSTAs. We show that the two pathways of TNA SSTA's influence on WNP TC activity through modulation of Pacific and NIO SSTAs are of comparable importance. During El Niño Modoki, significantly enhanced TC genesis over the southeastern WNP can be explained by more favourable environmental conditions, which is linked to an anomalous low‐level cyclonic circulation over the WNP. During a warm NIO, TC genesis is significantly suppressed over the northwestern WNP, due primarily to an anomalous low‐level anticyclonic circulation‐induced decrease in relative vorticity. By contrast, during a warm TNA, no notable changes in environmental variables are found over most of the WNP, while significant flow anomalies are limited to the central‐to‐eastern Pacific and the western Atlantic. These results highlight that the TNA SSTA by itself has a limited impact on WNP TC genesis and the associated large‐scale environment.
Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Setting on Quality‐of‐Life in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alapati Rahul , Wagoner Sarah F. , Lawrence Amelia , Bon Nieves Antonio , Desai Atharva , Shnayder Yelizaveta , Hamill Chelsea , Kakarala Kiran , Neupane Prakash , Gan Gregory , Sykes Kevin J. , Bur Andrés M. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo determine differences in post‐treatment QoL across treatment settings in patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsThis was a prospective observational cohort study of patients with HNSCC initially evaluated in a head and neck surgical oncologic and reconstructive clinic at an academic medical center (AMC). Participants were enrolled prior to treatment in a prospective registry collecting demographic, social, and clinical data. Physical and social–emotional QoL (phys‐QoL and soc‐QoL, respectively) was measured using the University of Washington‐QoL questionnaire at pre‐treatment and post‐treatment visits.ResultsA cohort of 177 patients, primarily male and White with an average age of 61.2 ± 11.2 years, met inclusion criteria. Most patients presented with oral cavity tumors (n = 132, 74.6%), had non‐HPV‐mediated disease (n = 97, 61.8%), and were classified as Stage IVa (n = 72, 42.8%). After controlling for covariates, patients treated at community medical centers (CMCs) reported a 7.15‐point lower phys‐QoL compared with those treated at AMCs (95% CI: −13.96 to −0.35, p = 0.040) up to 12 months post‐treatment. Additionally, patients who were treated at CMCs had a 5.77‐point (−11.86–0.31, p = 0.063) lower soc‐QoL score compared with those treated at an AMC, which was not statistically significant.ConclusionThis study revealed that HNSCC patients treated with radiation at AMCs reported significantly greater phys‐QoL in their first‐year post‐treatment compared to those treated at CMCs, but soc‐QoL did not differ significantly. Further observational studies are needed to explore potential factors, including treatment planning and cancer resource engagement, behind disparities between AMCs and CMCs.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:3645–3655, 2024
Leaf stoichiometry of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in tropical plants: Responses to climatic and geographical variations—A case study from Hainan Island
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Chen Zixun , Wu Bingsun , Liang Yongyi , Wang Guoan , Lin Xiaoyan , Yang Jun , Cheng Qiwen , Wang Jingjing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGrasping how climate change will affect the tropical region's leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium content is pivotal for enhancing our comprehension of plant stoichiometry. Currently, there is limited research on leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium in tropical plants, which is particularly evident with the increasing importance of tropical rainforest biodiversity studies. This study investigated the impact of geographical and climatic factors on the leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium content in 346 plants (including woody plants, herbs, and vines) on Hainan Island. The findings demonstrated that the average leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were 5.77, 11.86, and 2.92 mg·g−1, respectively, which were less than that in the Chinese flora. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) has a promoting effect on leaf potassium content (p < 0.05), suggesting that artificial potassium fertilization is needed due to the increasing MAP. Leaf potassium and magnesium content were positively correlated with latitude (p < 0.05) and longitude (p < 0.01); and there was a negative correlation between leaf calcium content and latitude (p < 0.05), showing that geographical factors have a significant impact on the potassium, calcium, and magnesium content of plant leaves. Additionally, the variables regulating leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium varied across woody plants, herbs, and vines. Therefore, it is necessary to make corresponding adjustments according to local conditions and the plant functional types during nutrient management. In conclusion, this study sheds light on their potential responses to global changes and is instrumental in informing the management of these nutrients in tropical rainforest plants.
How to use communities of practice to support change in learning health systems: A landscape of roles and guidance for management
Authors: Brooks Stephanie P. , Ekpe Adewuyi Esther , Wasylak Tracy , Thomson Denise , Davison Sara N. , Storey Kate 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCommunities of practice support evidence‐based practice and can be, in and of themselves, applied learning spaces in organizations. However, the variety of ways that communities of practice can support learning health systems are poorly characterized. Furthermore, health system leaders have little guidance on designing and resourcing communities of practice to effectively serve learning health systems.MethodsWe conducted a collective case study, examining a cross‐section of Canadian‐based communities of practice dedicated to supporting evidence‐based practice. We held semi‐structured interviews with 21 participants representing 16 communities of practice and 5 community of practice facilitation platforms that provide administration support, tools, and oversight for multiple communities of practice. Using the Conceptual Framework for Value‐Creating Learning Health Systems, we characterized the numerous roles that communities of practice can take to support learning health systems. We also pulled insights from the interviews on properly resourcing and managing communities of practice.ResultsCommunities of practice can advance learning health systems across learning cycles (ie, identifying learning priorities, generating data and knowledge, and implementing and evaluating change). They also act as important infrastructure required to share and coordinate across learning health systems. Community of practice facilitation platforms reduce staff members' workload, in turn, creating greater efficiency and effectiveness across community of practice lifespans. Furthermore, these platforms can be a mechanism to coordinate critical activities (e.g., priority alignment, knowledge brokerage/sharing across the broader system).ConclusionTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to characterize communities of practice across the learning health system landscape. With these results, learning health system leaders have a catalog that clarifies the potential communities of practice roles in knowledge generation, implementation, and uptake of new evidence. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that organizational investment in overarching community of practice facilitation platforms will strengthen and accelerate community of practice supports in learning health systems.