bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel hydro-pneumatic fluid percussion device for inducing traumatic brain injury: assessment of sensory, motor, cognitive, molecular, and morphological outcomes in rodents
Authors: Morales-Villagrán Alberto , Salazar-Sánchez Juan C. , Chiprés-Tinajero Gustavo A. , Medina-Ceja Laura , Ortega-Ibarra Jorge 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe fluid percussion method is widely used to induce brain injury in rodents. However, this approach has several limitations, including variability in the resulting damage, which is attributed to factors such as manual control of the mass used to generate the desired pressure. To address these issues, several modifications to the original method have been proposed.MethodsIn this study, we present a novel device called the Hydro-pneumatic Fluid Percussion Device, which delivers fluid directly to a lateral region of the brain to induce injury. To validate this model, three groups of male and female rats were subjected to lateral fluid percussion using our device, and the resulting damage was evaluated using sensory, motor, and cognitive tests, measurements of serum injury biomarkers, and morphological analysis via cresyl violet staining.ResultsOur results demonstrate that this new approach induced significant alterations in all parameters evaluated.DiscussionThis novel device for inducing TBI may be a valuable alternative for modeling brain injury and studying its consequences.
Association of combined healthy lifestyle with general and abdominal obesity
Authors: Sadeghi Omid , Eshaghian Niloofar , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Askari Gholamreza , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundData linking joint healthy lifestyle factors to general and abdominal obesity are scarce, in particular in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to examine the association of combined healthy lifestyle factors with general and abdominal obesity in a large population of Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was done on 3,172 Iranian adults aged ≥18 years. We constructed healthy lifestyle score using information on dietary intakes, physical activity, smoking status, and psychological distress. To evaluate components of healthy lifestyle, we applied a validated 106-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and other pre-tested questionnaires. General obesity was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC) of ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women.ResultsMean age of participants was 36.54 ± 7.97 years. General and abdominal obesity were prevalent among 8.7% and 21.5% of study participants, respectively. Linear analysis showed a significant positive relationship between healthy lifestyle score and BMI among men (β: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.54). However, no significant association was found between healthy lifestyle and abdominal obesity in men. Among women, one score increase in healthy lifestyle score was associated with a reduction of 0.65 cm in WC. In terms of individual components of healthy lifestyle, we found that low-distressed women had lower odds of abdominal obesity compared with high-distressed women.ConclusionWe found a significant inverse association between healthy lifestyle and WC among women. However, healthy lifestyle was positively associated with BMI among men.
Tislelizumab plus nimotuzumab is effective against recurrent or metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma among patients with a performance status score ≥ 2: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Wen-Jie , An Pu-Gen , Zhong Yi-Wei , Hu Xiao , Wang Lin , Zhang Jie 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesThe efficacy of treatments targeting recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are unsatisfactory in practice for patients with a ECOG PS score ≥ 2. Thus, this study retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of a programmed cell death 1 inhibitor (tislelizumab) combined with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (nimotuzumab) in treating patients with a PS score ≥ 2 who suffer from recurrent or metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Materials and methodsFifteen patients were treated with tislelizumab (200 mg IV Q3W) and nimotuzumab (200 mg IV Q3W). Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor biopsies was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Whole-exome sequencing was used to evaluate treatment efficacy based on PD-L1 expression and gene mutation.ResultsAt a median follow-up of 9.6 months, median overall survival was 10.1 months, and median progression-free survival was 4.0 months. Overall response rate was 40%, with 6/15 patients achieving partial response. Eight patients exhibited nine adverse events, eight out of nine being grade 2 and the remaining being grade 3. Whole-exome sequencing showed that DYNC1I2, THSD7A, and FAT1 mutations were associated with patient prognosis.ConclusionCombination therapy involving tislelizumab plus nimotuzumab is a promising, low-toxicity treatment for recurrent or metastatic OSCC in patients with a PS score ≥ 2.
Comparable survival in rats with intracranial glioblastoma irradiated with single-fraction conventional radiotherapy or FLASH radiotherapy
Authors: Liljedahl Emma , Konradsson Elise , Linderfalk Karin , Gustafsson Emma , Petersson Kristoffer , Ceberg Crister , Redebrandt Henrietta Nittby 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRadiotherapy increases survival in patients with glioblastoma. However, the prescribed dose is limited by unwanted side effects on normal tissue. Previous experimental studies have shown that FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) can reduce these side effects. Still, it is important to establish an equal anti-tumor efficacy comparing FLASH-RT to conventional radiotherapy (CONV-RT).MethodsFully immunocompetent Fischer 344 rats with the GFP-positive NS1 intracranial glioblastoma model were irradiated with CONV-RT or FLASH-RT in one fraction of 20 Gy, 25 Gy or 30 Gy. Animals were monitored for survival and acute dermal side effects. The brains were harvested upon euthanasia and tumors were examined post mortem.ResultsSurvival was significantly increased in animals irradiated with CONV-RT and FLASH-RT at 20 Gy and 25 Gy compared to control animals. The longest survival was reached in animals irradiated with FLASH-RT and CONV-RT at 25 Gy. Irradiation at 30 Gy did not lead to increased survival, despite smaller tumors. Tumor size correlated inversely with irradiation dose, both in animals treated with CONV-RT and FLASH-RT. Acute dermal side effects were mild, but only a small proportion of the animals were alive for evaluation of those side effects.ConclusionThe dose response was similar for CONV-RT and FLASH-RT in the present model. Tumor size upon the time of euthanasia correlated inversely with the irradiation dose.
Risk-benefit analysis of surgical treatment strategies for cystic craniopharyngioma in children and adolescents
Authors: Schmutzer-Sondergeld Michael , Quach Stefanie , Niedermeyer Sebastian , Teske Nico , Ueberschaer Moritz , Schichor Christian , Kunz Mathias , Thon Niklas 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTreatment strategies for craniopharyngiomas are still under debate particularly for the young population. We here present tumor control and functional outcome data after surgical treatment focusing on stereotactic and microsurgical procedures for cystic craniopharyngiomas in children and adolescents.MethodsFrom our prospective institutional database, we identified all consecutive patients less than 18 years of age who were surgically treated for newly-diagnosed cystic craniopharyngioma between, 2000 and, 2022. Treatment decisions in favor of stereotactic treatment (STX) or microsurgery were made interdisciplinary. STX included aspiration and/or implantation of an internal shunt catheter for permanent cyst drainage. Microsurgery aimed for safe maximal tumor resections. Study endpoints were time to tumor recurrence (TTR) and functional outcome including ophthalmological/perimetric, endocrinological, and body-mass index (BMI) data.Results29 patients (median age 9.9 yrs, range 4-18 years) were analyzed. According to our interdisciplinary tumor board recommendation, 9 patients underwent stereotactic treatment, 10 patients microsurgical resection, and 10 patients the combination of both. Significant volume reduction was particularly achieved in the stereotactic (p=0.0019) and combined subgroups (p&lt;0.001). Improvement of preoperative visual deficits was always achieved independent of the applied treatment modality. Microsurgery and the combinational treatment were associated with higher rates of postoperative endocrinological dysfunction (p&lt;0.0001) including hypothalamic obesity (median BMI increase from 17.9kg/m2 to 24.1kg/m2, p=0.019). Median follow-up for all patients was 93.9 months (range 3.2-321.5 months). Recurrent tumors were seen in 48.3% and particularly concerned patients after initial combination of surgery and STX (p=0.004). In here, TTR was 35.1 ± 46.9 months. Additional radiation therapy was found indicated in 4 patients to achieve long-lasting tumor control.ConclusionIn children and adolescents suffering from predominantly cystic craniopharyngiomas, stereotactic and microsurgical procedures can improve clinical symptoms at low procedural risk. Microsurgery, however, bears a higher risk of postoperative endocrine dysfunction. A risk-adapted surgical treatment concept may have to be applied repeatedly in order to achieve long-term tumor control even without additional irradiation.
A randomized, controlled trial of an innovative, multimedia instructional program for acquiring auditory skill in identifying pediatric heart murmurs
Authors: Doroshow Robin W. , Aldrich Julie , Dorner Rebecca , Lyons Laurie , McCarter Robert 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo create a brief, acceptable, innovative method for self-paced learning to enhance recognition of pediatric heart murmurs by medical students, and to demonstrate this method's effectiveness in a randomized, controlled trial.Materials and methodsA curriculum of six 10-min online learning modules was designed to enable deliberate practice of pediatric cardiac auscultation, using recordings of patients' heart murmurs. Principles of andragogy and multimedia learning were applied to optimize acquisition of this skill. A pretest and posttest, given 4 weeks apart, were created using additional recordings and administered to 87 3rd-year medical students during their pediatric clerkship. They were randomized to have access to the modules after the pretest or after the posttest, and asked to use at least the first 2 of the modules.Results47 subjects comprised the Intervention group, and 40 subjects the Control group. On our primary outcome, distinguishing innocent from pathological with at least moderate confidence, the posttest scores were significantly higher for the Intervention group (60.5%) than for the Control group (20.0%). For our secondary outcomes, the 2 groups also differed significantly in the ability to distinguish innocent from pathological murmurs, and in identifying the actual diagnosis. On all 3 outcomes, those Intervention group subjects who accessed 4–6 modules scored higher than those who accessed 0–3 modules, who in turn scored higher than the Control group.SummaryApplying current principles of adult learning, we have created a teaching program for medical students to learn to recognize common pediatric murmurs. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in a randomized, controlled trial. The program results in a meaningful gain in this skill from 1 h of self-paced training with high acceptance to learners.
Integrating RNA-sequencing and network analysis to explore the mechanism of topical Pien Tze Huang treatment on diabetic wounds
Authors: Cao Guang-Zhao , Tian Liang-Liang , Hou Jing-Yi , Zhang Yi , Xu He , Yang Hong-Jun , Zhang Jing-Jing 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Diabetic ulcers have become one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and are a leading cause of death and disabling disease. However, current therapies are not effective enough to meet clinical needs. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Pien Tze Huang (PZH), is known as a medicine that is used to treat diabetic ulcers.Methods: In this study, PZH (0.05 g/cm2 and 0.15 g/cm2) and the positive drug-rhEGF were topically administered in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic full-thickness incisional wounds, respectively. Wound healing was assessed by wound closure rate, two-photon microscope (SHG), staining with Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E), and Masson's trichrome (MTC). Then, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF), network analysis, were performed.Results and discussion: The results showed that PZH significantly accelerated wound healing, as well as enhanced the expression of collagen. RNA-seq analysis showed that PZH has functions on various biological processes, one of the key biological processes is inflammatory response. Tlr9, Klrk1, Nod2, Tlr2, and Ifng were identified as vital targets and the NF-κB signaling pathway was identified as the vital pathway. Additionally, PZH profoundly reduced the levels of Cleaved caspase-3 and promoted the expression of CD31 and TGF-β1. Mechanically, PZH significantly decreased expression of NKG2-D, NOD2, and TLR2, and further inhibited the activation of downstream NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited expression of inflammatory factors (IFN-γ and IL-1β). Importantly, we found that several active ingredients may play a significant role in diabetic wound healing, including Notoginsenoside R1, Deoxycorticosterone, Ursolic acid, and 4-Methoxyphenol. In summary, our study sheds light on the complicated mechanisms underlying the promising anti-diabetic wounds of PZH and provides the discovery of agents treating diabetic ulcers.
Guideline concordance and antibiotic-associated adverse events between Veterans administration and non-Veterans administration dental settings: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ramanathan Swetha , Evans Charlesnika T. , Hershow Ronald C. , Calip Gregory S. , Rowan Susan , Hubbard Colin , Suda Katie J. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Antibiotics prescribed as infection prophylaxis prior to dental procedures have the potential for serious adverse drug events (ADEs). However, the extent to which guideline concordance and different dental settings are associated with ADEs from antibiotic prophylaxis is unknown.Aim: The purpose was to assess guideline concordance and antibiotic-associated ADEs and whether it differs by VA and non-VA settings.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of antibiotic prophylaxis prescribed to adults with cardiac conditions or prosthetic joints from 2015 to 2017. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess the impact of ADEs, guideline concordance and dental setting. An interaction term of concordance and dental setting evaluated whether the relationship between ADEs and concordance differed by setting.Results: From 2015 to 2017, 61,124 patients with antibiotic prophylaxis were identified with 62 (0.1%) having an ADE. Of those with guideline concordance, 18 (0.09%) had an ADE while 44 (0.1%) of those with a discordant antibiotic had an ADE (unadjusted OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.49–1.45). Adjusted analyses showed that guideline concordance was not associated with ADEs (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.25–2.46), and this relationship did not differ by dental setting (Wald χ^2 p-value for interaction = 0.601).Conclusion: Antibiotic-associated ADEs did not differ by setting or guideline concordance.
Psychological wellbeing in Chinese university students: insights into the influences of academic self-concept, teacher support, and student engagement
Authors: Zhang Hua 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThis study investigates the complex interplay between academic self-concept, teacher support, student engagement, and psychological wellbeing among Chinese university students. We aimed to elucidate the mediating role of student engagement in these relationships.MethodsA sample of 597 Chinese undergraduate students from diverse universities participated in the study. We employed structured questionnaires to assess academic self-concept, teacher support, student engagement, and psychological wellbeing. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling were used to test our hypothesized model.ResultsStructural equation modeling indicated that the partial mediation model, which considered both direct and indirect effects, outperformed full mediation and direct effect models. Student engagement significantly mediated the relationships between academic self-concept, teacher support, and psychological wellbeing. Importantly, teacher support demonstrated a direct impact on psychological wellbeing, even when accounting for the mediating role of student engagement.ConclusionThis study underscores the pivotal role of student engagement as a mediator in the relationship between academic self-concept, teacher support, and psychological wellbeing among Chinese university students. While student engagement plays a substantial mediating role, our findings also recognize the persistent direct influence of teacher support on psychological wellbeing. These insights have implications for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance the wellbeing of university students by fostering positive academic self-concept and teacher support while recognizing the importance of student engagement.
Comparing the efficacy of duloxetine and nortriptyline in alleviating the symptoms of functional dyspepsia – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Banihashem Seyed Shahab , Mofatioshieh Seyedeh Mahsa , Rastegar Reyhaneh , Sadeghi Amir 
Published: January 2024

AimTo compare the efficacy of Duloxetine and Nortriptyline in alleviating the symptoms of severity, anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).Material and methodWe conducted a single-blinded 3-month trial of Duloxetine 20–30 mg daily in 20 patients and Nortriptyline 25 mg daily in 25 FD patients. The primary outcome measure was the severity of FD symptoms by Gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale. Secondary measures included Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Nepean Dyspepsia Index. the patients were measured in 3 stages.Results45 patients with FD with a mean age of 37.18 ± 10.62 years participated in the study. The severity of symptoms was significantly lower in the Nortriptyline group than in the Duloxetine group after three months (p = 0.031). The level of anxiety (p = 0.049), depression (p = 0.045) and quality of life (p = 0.046) improved significantly after three months in the Duloxetine group compared to Nortriptyline. Mediation analysis using linear regression revealed a significant mediator role for anxiety. This mediation analysis revealed a 21.13% reduction in anxiety in the Duloxetine group.ConclusionWhile both medications demonstrated efficacy, Nortriptyline appeared to be superior in symptom reduction. Duloxetine exhibited more advantages compared to Nortriptyline in addressing anxiety and depression and enhancing the overall quality of life. Also, Duloxetine may have a noteworthy impact, contributing to a 20% reduction in FD symptoms by lowering anxiety levels.Clinical trial registrationhttps://en.irct.ir/trial/65512.
Changes in the European Union definition for endocrine disruptors: how many molecules remain a cause for concern? The example of crop protection products used in agriculture in France in the six last decades
Authors: Roger Cloé , Paul Adèle , Fort Emmanuel , Lamouroux Céline , Samal Areejit , Spinosi Johan , Charbotel Barbara 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe endocrine-disrupting effects of phytopharmaceutical active substances (PAS) on human health are a public health concern. The CIPATOX-PE database, created in 2018, listed the PAS authorized in France between 1961 and 2014 presenting endocrine-disrupting effects for humans according to data from official international organizations. Since the creation of CIPATOX-PE, European regulations have changed, and new initiatives identifying substances with endocrine-disrupting effects have been implemented and new PAS have been licensed.ObjectivesThe study aimed to update the CIPATOX-PE database by considering new 2018 European endocrine-disrupting effect identification criteria as well as the new PAS authorized on the market in France since 2015.MethodsThe endocrine-disrupting effect assessment of PAS from five international governmental and non-governmental initiatives was reviewed, and levels of evidence were retained by these initiatives for eighteen endocrine target organs.ResultsThe synthesis of the identified endocrine-disrupting effects allowed to assign an endocrine-disrupting effect level of concern for 241 PAS among 980 authorized in France between 1961 and 2021. Thus, according to the updated CIPATOX-PE data, 44 PAS (18.3%) had an endocrine-disrupting effect classified as “high concern,” 133 PAS (55.2%) “concern,” and 64 PAS (26.6%) “unknown effect” in the current state of knowledge. In the study, 42 PAS with an endocrine-disrupting effect of “high concern” are similarly classified in CIPATOX-PE-2018 and 2021, and 2 new PAS were identified as having an endocrine-disrupting effect of “high concern” in the update, and both were previously classified with an endocrine-disrupting effect of “concern” in CIPATOX-PE-2018. Finally, a PAS was identified as having an endocrine-disrupting effect of “high concern” in CIPATOX-PE-2018 but is now classified as a PAS not investigated for endocrine-disrupting effects in CIPATOX-PE-2021. The endocrine target organs associated with the largest number of PAS with an endocrine-disrupting effect of “high concern” is the reproductive system with 31 PAS. This is followed by the thyroid with 25 PAS and the hypothalamic–pituitary axis (excluding the gonadotropic axis) with 5 PAS.DiscussionThe proposed endocrine-disrupting effect indicator, which is not a regulatory classification, can be used as an epidemiological tool for occupational risks and surveillance.