bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the critical nutrient content of packaged foods and beverages after the full implementation of the Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Rebolledo Natalia , Ferrer-Rosende Pedro , Reyes Marcela , Smith Taillie Lindsey , Corvalán Camila 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Chile’s Food Labelling Law was implemented in three phases with increasingly stricter limits. After initial implementation, sugars and sodium decreased in packaged foods, with no significant changes for saturated fats. It is unclear whether full implementation is linked with further reformulation or if producers reversed changes due to consumers’ preferences. This study examines changes in the proportion of “high in” products and the nutrient content of packaged foods during the Law’s three phases.

Methods
This repeated cross-sectional study included the best-selling packaged foods and beverages during 2015–2020. We analyzed the proportion of products classified as “high in” critical nutrients using the final phase cutoffs and examined changes in the content of calories, sugars, sodium, and saturated fats in the three phases. To assess the changes in proportions, we used Firth’s bias-reduced logistic regression models and the Cochran-Armitage test for trends. Quantile regression was used to evaluate changes in nutrient content.

Results
The proportion of “high in” products decreased from 70.8 to 52.5% after the final phase (p < 0.001). The proportion of “high in” sugars products decreased across all sweet food and beverage groups (p < 0.001), except for candies (− 4.5 percentage points (pp), p = 0.09). The largest reductions occurred in sweet spreads and breakfast cereals (− 44.3 and − 40.4 pp, respectively, p < 0.001). For the proportion of “high in” sodium, reductions occurred in all savory food groups (p < 0.001), except cheeses and ready-to-eat meals (p < 0.24), with the largest decreases in savory baked products and non-sausage meat products (− 40.4 and − 38.9 pp, respectively, p < 0.001). Reductions in “high in” saturated fats and energy were less consistent, with the largest decreases in nuts and snacks and savory spreads (− 22.2 and − 20.0 pp, respectively, p < 0.001) and savory baked products and breakfast cereals (− 32.8 and − 25.7 pp, respectively, p < 0.001), respectively. After full implementation, most sweet categories showed left shifts in sugars distribution, except for candies. Similarly, most savory categories showed left shifts for sodium, except savory spreads and ready-to-eat meals. Changes increased as regulation limits tightened (p for trend < 0.001).

Conclusions
After fully implementing Chile’s law, the proportion of “high in” products and the content of critical nutrients decreased in all food and beverage categories. The largest changes occurred for sodium in savory foods and sugars in sweet foods/beverages. Stricter regulatory limits were associated with decreases in critical nutrient content over time.
Relationship between social support, functional outcomes and health-related quality of life in working-aged adults at three months after ischemic stroke: results from the FRAILTY study
Authors: Gurková Elena , Bartoníčková Daniela , Šaňák Daniel , Šaňáková Šárka , Zapletalová Jana , Štureková Lenka 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The relationship between social support and functional outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear, especially in working-aged patients.

Aim
To assess the relationship between perceived social support, functional outcomes, post-stroke psychosocial symptoms, and HRQoL in working-aged adults three months after IS.

Methods
A prospective and correlational design was used. Patients of working age (18–65 years) admitted for first-ever IS were enrolled in the prospective FRAILTY (Factors Affecting the Quality of Life After Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults) study (NCT04839887). HRQoL (using the Stroke Impact Scale, Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders), social support (using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), functional outcomes (using a modified Rankin Scale—mRS), and post-stroke psychosocial symptoms were assessed three months after IS. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s correlations and multiple linear regression were used for analysis.

Results
A total of 121 (54.5% males, mean age 51.7 ± 8.4 years) IS patients were analyzed. Of those, 87.7% had excellent clinical outcomes (mRS 0–1) after three months. Patients reported significant improvement in all domains of self-reported HRQoL except memory and communication after three months. The overall perceived social support was not associated with HRQoL domains. Post-stroke depression was negatively associated with all domains of HRQoL. Living arrangements (living alone) and post-stroke depression were negatively associated with perceived social support after IS.

Conclusions
More insight into the relationship between variables of HRQoL in working-aged adults might increase their social participation, strengthen supportive relationships, and promote their recovery and rehabilitation process. Focusing on the management of emotional problems and supporting functional outcomes may be modifiable factors that may represent targets for strategies to improve the HRQoL. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between pre-stroke perceived social support and its types and post-stroke psychosocial symptoms in the long term.
Single-cell analyses of intestinal epithelium reveal the dysregulation of gut immune microenvironment in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Qiaolin , Wu Yutong , Ouyang Lianlian , Min Xiaoli , Zheng Meiling , Gao Lingyu , Chen Xiaoyun , Hu Zhi , Yang Shuang , Jiang Wenjuan , Jia Sujie , Lu Qianjin , Zhao Ming 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The small intestine harbors a rich array of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) that interact with structural cells to collectively sustain gut immune homeostasis. Dysregulation of gut immune homeostasis was implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases, however, whether this homeostasis is disrupted in a lupus autoimmune background remains unclear.

Methods
We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses to elucidate immune and structural milieu in the intestinal epithelium of MRL/Lpr lupus mice (Lpr mice) and MRL/Mpj control mice (Mpj mice). Comprehensive analyses including unsupervised clustering, trajectories, and cellular communication were performed. The primary findings from scRNA-seq were further validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry, and in vivo experiments including selenium supplementation.

Results
We observed a significant reduction in CD8αα + IELs, accompanied by a marked increase in CD8αβ + IELs in Lpr mice. Additionally, subsets of CD8 + IELs exhibiting significantly enhanced effector functions were found to be markedly enriched in Lpr mice. Intercellular communication patterns within intestinal epithelial immune and structural cells were found to be specifically altered in Lpr mice. Moreover, scRNA-seq revealed significantly decreased intestinal TCRγδ T cells (γδT) associated with reduced aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) expression and subsequent oxidative stress and ferroptosis in Lpr mice. Antioxidant selenium effectively reversed the loss of γδT in Lpr mice, improved the gut barrier, and alleviated lupus symptoms.

Conclusions
Our high-resolution single-cell atlas enhances the understanding of the immune and structural milieu of intestinal epithelium in lupus and provides new insights into lupus pathogenesis mediated by intestinal immune dysregulation.
Exploring the clinical profiles and management of juvenile dermatomyositis in Africa: a survey of African rheumatology care providers
Authors: Perfetto Jessica , Lewandowski Laura B. , Wahezi Dawn M. , Ogega Vanessa , Ahimbisibwe Joan , Webb Kate , Scott Christiaan , Migowa Angela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
There are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical. Our objectives are to understand the burden of JDM in Africa and provider access to diagnostic tools and therapy through survey methodology.

Methods
A survey (available in English and French) was distributed via WhatsApp to 363 total members of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR; n = 233) and Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR; n = 130) from November 2022-January 2023. Topics included respondent specialty, number of JDM patients followed, severe manifestations, and available diagnostic tools and medications (with and without considering cost).

Results
Forty-three (12%) of the 363 providers who received the survey started it. Among the 43 who started the survey, 37 (86%) provided consent and manage JDM patients; of these 37 providers, 4 (11%) partially and 16 (43%) fully completed the survey. Most were adult and/or pediatric rheumatologists (n = 19; 95%). Respondents represented all 5 African regions and described 216 children with JDM within the last 10 years. There was high prevalence of calcinosis (as high as 100%) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) (as high as 32%); mortality rates in Kenya (6/42; 14%) and Zambia (2/7; 29%) exceeded the 1–3% mortality reported in studies of high-income countries. Thirteen of 27 diagnostic tools and medications were accessible to ≤ 50% of respondents after considering cost, mostly in Northern or Southern Africa (9/13; 69%). Despite being cost-free, disease assessment tools and physical exam to assess calcinosis were not reported as universally available or accessible.

Conclusions
This is the first study to explore experiences of providers caring for children with JDM in Africa. Respondents identified 216 children with JDM seen within the last 10 years, exceeding the 196 children with JDM reported within the last 25 years but likely still underestimating prevalence. Our findings align with reports of severe manifestations and poor outcomes in African children with JDM. Access to many diagnostics and medications is limited, and differences in accessibility parallel regional healthcare disparities. The potential differences in JDM severity warrant systematic study and highlight the need to include patients and providers from LMIC in collaborative research efforts.
Increased interferon I signaling, DNA damage response and evidence of T-cell exhaustion in a patient with combined interferonopathy (Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, AGS) and cohesinopathy (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, CdLS)
Authors: Boiu Sorina , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Sentis George , Manolakou Theodora , Nezos Andrianos , Gialitakis Manolis , Grigoriou Maria , Atsali Erato , Giorgi Melpomeni , Ntinopoulos Argirios , Mavragani Clio , Makrythanasis Periklis , Boumpas Dimitrios T. , Banos Aggelos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Type I interferonopathies including Aicardi-Goutiéres Syndrome (AGS) represent a heterogeneous group of clinical phenotypes. Herein, we present a Case with combined AGS and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS)—a cohesinopathy—with comprehensive analysis of the immune and genomic abnormalities.

Case and methods
A 20-year old man presented with chilblain lesions and resorption of distal phalanges of fingers and toes, somatic and psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, synophrys, hearing losing and other aberrancies consistent with the phenotype of CdLS. We used whole exome sequencing to genetically map the associated mutations and performed transcriptome profiling and enrichment analysis in CD14+ monocytes of the patient and immune phenotyping by mass cytometry (CyToF), comparing to healthy individuals and lupus patients as disease controls. DNA damage response was assayed by confocal microscopy in the peripheral blood of this patient.

Results
Next generation exome sequencing confirmed a homozygous SAMHD1 gene mutation and a hemizygous non-synonymous mutation on SMC1A gene, responsible for the AGS and CdLS, respectively. Transcriptome profiling of CD14+ monocytes of the patient showed enrichment of type I IFN signaling and enhanced DNA damage response pathway. Broad immune phenotype of the peripheral blood of the patient revealed absence of activated T cell populations, increased frequency of NK cells and plasmablasts and enhanced granulocytic lineage. Further analysis suggested activation of the ATM branch of DNA damage response and increased apoptosis in the periphery of the patient.

Conclusions
A rare case of a patient bearing two genetic lesions (responsible for AGS/CdLS syndromes) exhibits distinctive features of genomic damage and interferon responses. Immune phenotype revealed granulocytic skewing and absence of activated T cells compatible with chronic antigenic stimulation and/or homing of these cells at sites of inflammation.
Decoding airway granulogenesis in children: unveiling risk factors for tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration and complications
Authors: You Yuting , Shen Meili , Zeng Li’e , Zheng Jingyang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Exogenous foreign body aspiration is a common high-risk condition in children. In a few cases, foreign body aspiration can lead to airway granulomas that interfere with tracheoscopic foreign body removal and threaten the life of the child.

Methods
This study was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 184 pediatric patients who were admitted to Quanzhou Children’s Hospital from 2018 to 2021 with exogenous tracheobronchial foreign bodies.

Results
Respiratory foreign bodies tend to occur during the winter and spring seasons. The solid foreign bodies were mostly nut foreign bodies, the location of implantation was the left lung rather than the right lung in many patients, and complications such as pulmonary atelectasis, emphysema, mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, and granulomatous tissue formation were noted in these patients. Statistical models suggested that the time of foreign body impaction and the release of oil were risk factors for tracheal granulation, with the logistic model presenting an AUC of 0.948, precision of 0.676, and sensitivity of 0.895, whereas the XGBoost model presented an AUC of 0.902, precision of 0.912, and sensitivity of 0.875.

Conclusions
Tracheobronchial foreign bodies primarily develop in male children under the age of 3 and often lead to various complications. The time of foreign body insertion and the release of oil from the obstructed foreign body have been identified as high-risk factors for the development of tracheobronchial granulation tissue. When the time of foreign body insertion without oil release exceeds 99.98 h or when the time of foreign body insertion with oil release exceeds 47.94 h, tracheobronchial granulation formation strongly suggests that the child is at high risk of developing airway granulation. In such cases, family members must implement increased supervision of the child to prevent choking. Medical professionals should obtain a detailed medical history of the affected child and accordingly select the most appropriate method to promptly remove the foreign body to resolve the issue of airway obstruction and reduce the likelihood of pulmonary complications in the child.
Heterogeneity of Clostridioides difficile asymptomatic colonization prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: De-la-Rosa-Martínez Daniel , Villaseñor-Echavarri Rodrigo , Vilar-Compte Diana , Mosqueda-Larrauri Virna , Zinser-Peniche Paola , Blumberg Seth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Asymptomatic carriers significantly influence the transmission dynamics of C. difficile. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatic colonization (tCDAC) and investigate its heterogeneity across different populations. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles published between 2000 and 2023 on tCDAC. Studies including asymptomatic adults with laboratory-confirmed tCDAC were eligible. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence by clinical characteristics, settings, and geographic areas. In addition, we used outlier analyses and meta-regression to explore sources of prevalence variability.

Results
Fifty-one studies involving 39,447 patients were included. The tCDAC prevalence ranged from 0.5 to 51.5%. Among pooled estimates, a high prevalence was observed in patients with cystic fibrosis, outbreak settings, and cancer patients, whereas the lowest rates were found in healthy individuals and healthcare workers. Similar colonization rates were observed between admitted and hospitalized patients. Our meta-regression analysis revealed lower rates in healthy individuals and higher rates in cystic fibrosis patients and studies from North America. Additionally, compared with that among healthy individuals, the prevalence significantly increased by 15–47% among different populations and settings.

Conclusion
Our study revealed that tCDAC is a common phenomenon. We found high prevalence estimates that showed significant variability across populations. This heterogeneity could be partially explained by population characteristics and settings, supporting their role in the pathogenesis and burden of this disease. This highlights the need to identify high-risk groups to improve infection control strategies, decrease transmission dynamics, and better understand the natural history of this disease.
The ABC transporter A7 modulates neuroinflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome in Alzheimer’s disease mice
Authors: Santos-García Irene , Bascuñana Pablo , Brackhan Mirjam , Villa María , Eiriz Ivan , Brüning Thomas , Pahnke Jens 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Specific genetic variants in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A7 locus (ABCA7) are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ABCA7 transports lipids from/across cell membranes, regulates Aβ peptide processing and clearance, and modulates microglial and T-cell functions to maintain immune homeostasis in the brain. During AD pathogenesis, neuroinflammation is one of the key mechanisms involved. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the specific role of ABCA7 in microglial activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Methods
We developed the first humanized, Cre-inducible ABCA7

flx
knock-in mouse model, crossbred it with the APPPS1-21 β-amyloidosis model, and generated constitutive ABCA7ko and microglia Cx3cr1-specific conditional ABCA7ko AD mice. The role of ABCA7 was analyzed using histological, biochemical, molecular and mass spectrometry methods.

Results
Constitutive knockout of the Abca7 gene in APPPS1 mice increased the levels of Aβ42 and the number of IBA1+ (microglia) and GFAP+ (astrocytes) cells. Changes in the levels of astrocytes and microglia are associated with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL1β and TNFα. Interestingly, microglia-specific ABCA7ko restored Aβ42 peptide levels and IBA1+ and GFAP+ and NLRP3-related gene expression to the original APPPS1 mouse levels. In primary glial cell cultures of APPPS1-hA7ko microglia and APPPS1 astrocytes from newborn pups, we observed that conditioned media from LPS-stimulated microglia was able to induce NLRP3 inflammasome expression and proinflammatory cytokine release in astrocytes.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that ABCA7 transporters regulate the communication between microglia and astrocytes through the NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. This regulation implicates ABCA7 as a key driver ultimately involved in the persistence of the inflammatory response observed in AD.
Telomeres, telomerase, and cancer: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutics
Authors: Shou Songting , Maolan Ayidana , Zhang Di , Jiang Xiaochen , Liu Fudong , Li Yi , Zhang Xiyuan , Geer En , Pu Zhenqing , Hua Baojin , Guo Qiujun , Zhang Xing , Pang Bo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. As biomarkers, they aid in distinguishing benign from malignant tissues. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of targeting telomeres and telomerase for therapy, translating this concept from the laboratory to the clinic remains challenging. Many candidate drugs remain in the experimental stage, with only a few advancing to clinical trials. This review explores the relationship between telomeres, telomerase, and cancer, synthesizing their roles as biomarkers and reviewing the outcomes of completed trials. We propose that changes in telomere length and telomerase activity can be used to stratify cancer stages. Furthermore, we suggest that differential expression of telomere and telomerase components at the subcellular level holds promise as a biomarker. From a therapeutic standpoint, combining telomerase-targeted therapies with drugs that mitigate the adverse effects of telomerase inhibition may offer a viable strategy.
Comparing social stigma of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder: A quantitative experimental study
Authors: Aird Carlye S. , Reisinger Bennett A. A. , Webb Stephanie N. , Gleaves David H. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Currently, we know little regarding how stigma attributed to eating disorders compares to that of other psychological disorders and additionally within different types of eating disorders. In the current study, we aimed to explore the stigmatisation of eating disorders by comparing the stigma attributed to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, utilising depression as a comparative control.

Methods
A total of 235 participants from the general population were randomly assigned to an anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or depression condition. Participants responded to a questionnaire consisting of several adapted versions of pre-existing subscales that measured levels of stigma associated with psychological disorders generally, as well as stigma associated with eating disorders specifically. We used several one-way analyses of variance to investigate the differences in stigma attributed towards the aforementioned psychological disorders.

Results
Results suggested that all three eating disorders were significantly more stigmatised than was depression. Between the eating disorders, the three were generally equivalent except that binge-eating disorder was significantly more stigmatised than both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa on a subscale measuring trivialness.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that individuals with eating disorders, including binge-eating disorder, may be at a higher risk of experiencing the negative implications of stigma when compared to other psychological disorders, such as depression. To our knowledge, this study is one of few that directly quantify and compare stigma attributed towards anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Through further research, a better understanding around the expression of stigma towards specific eating disorders could inform the development of targeted interventions to help reduce the stigma associated with these disorders. This knowledge could also advance the understanding of the lived experience of individuals living with eating disorders, subsequently informing treatment practices.