bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of gold nanoparticles in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in animal models: a systematic review
Authors: Choudhury Minati , Brunton Paul , Schwass Donald , Pletzer Daniel , Ratnayake Jithendra , Dias George , Tompkins Geoffrey 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Oral mucositis remains a significant complication during cancer therapy with no effective treatment. Gold nanoparticles offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties with low toxicity. This study systematically reviews the literature assessing gold nanoparticles in the management of oral mucositis in animal models.

Methods
A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, using the format for Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. Prior to the review, the protocol was registered in the systematic review register, PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42021272169). Outcome measures included ulceration, histopathological scores, inflammatory mediators, microbial growth, and pain. Study quality was analysed by SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool.

Results
Only one study met the inclusion criteria, documenting reduction in ulceration, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers. Exposure to AuNPs prevented inflammatory response induced by 5-fluorouracil in oral mucosa of hamsters. However, a high risk of bias necessitates further research.

Conclusion
This review identifies a potential therapeutic strategy for prevention and management of oral mucositis. It also provides future direction for gold nanoparticle research in oral mucositis; however, there is lack of sufficient evidence to derive any conclusion. Research with standardized parameters including nanoparticle size, capping agent, surface charge, and appropriate oral mucositis animal models will establish risk–benefit balance and margin of safety for therapeutic use of gold nanoparticles for oral mucositis.
How gender and low mental health literacy are related to unmet need for mental healthcare: a cross-sectional population-based study in Sweden
Authors: Blom Sara , Lindh Frida , Lundin Andreas , Burström Bo , Hensing Gunnel , Löve Jesper 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Men are more likely to have unmet need for mental healthcare than women. However, an under-investigated aspect of the gender difference is the role of mental health literacy. This study investigated how combinations of gender and mental health literacy were related to two indicators of unmet need: not perceiving a need for mental healthcare despite poor mental health, and refraining from seeking mental healthcare.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire sent to a general population sample, aged 16–84 years, in Stockholm County, Sweden, in 2019. Of the 1863 respondents (38%), 1563 were included (≥18 years). The sample was stratified into four groups, men and women with low or high mental health literacy, using the third quartile of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule. The likelihood of not perceiving a need for mental healthcare and refraining from seeking mental healthcare, at any time in life, were investigated by calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Men with low mental health literacy were most likely to not perceive a need for mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age, education, and poor mental health (OR 5.3, 95% CI 3.6–7.7), and to refrain from seeking mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age and education (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7–6.4), followed by men with high mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4, and OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2) and women with low mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9). Women with high mental health literacy were least likely (reference group).

Conclusion
The results show differences in the likelihood of unmet need for mental healthcare based on combinations of gender and mental health literacy level, with men having low mental health literacy being most at risk, and women with high mental health literacy being least at risk. This challenges generalisations of a gender difference in unmet need by showing heterogeneity among men and women based on mental health literacy. Men with low mental health literacy may be particularly in need of targeted interventions to reduce potential individual and societal consequences of their unmet need.
Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in Greece, 2022; results of the third point prevalence survey
Authors: Palaiopanos Konstantinos , Krystallaki Dimitra , Mellou Kassiani , Kotoulas Petros , Kavakioti Christina-Anna , Vorre Styliani , Vertsioti Georgia , Gkova Maria , Maragkos Antonios , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Tsiodras Sotirios , Zaoutis Theoklis 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the extent of antimicrobial use (AU) are periodically recorded through Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS) in acute care hospitals coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In previous PPSs, Greece demonstrated increased HAI and AU prevalence: 9% and 54.7% in 2011–2012, and 10% and 55.6% in 2016–2017, respectively. The 2022 PPS aimed to estimate HAIs and AU indicators among inpatients, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 hospitals during October-December 2022, in Greece. Patients admitted before 8.00 a.m. of the survey day were observed. Patients with at least one HAI or receiving at least one antimicrobial agent were included. Data were collected by hospital infection control teams. Hospital and ward-level variables were analysed.

Results
From 9,707 inpatients, 1,175 had at least one HAI (12.1%), and 5,376 were receiving at least one antimicrobial (55.4%). Intensive care unit patients had the highest HAI (45.7%) and AU (71.3%) prevalence. Of the 1,408 recorded HAIs, lower respiratory tract (28.9%), bloodstream (20%), and urinary tract infections (13.1%) were the most common. Among 1,259 isolates, Klebsiella (20.5%) and Acinetobacter (12.8%) were most frequently identified. Resistance to first-level antibiotic markers was 69.3%. Among the 9,003 antimicrobials, piperacillin-tazobactam (10.9%), and meropenem (7.7%) were frequently prescribed. The ratio of broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum antibiotics was 1.4. As defined by the 2021 WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, restricted classes of Watch and Reserve agents comprised 76.7% of antibiotics. Usual indications were treatment of community-acquired infections (34.6%) and HAIs (22.9%). For surgical prophylaxis, cefoxitin was commonly used (20.2%), and typical courses (75.7%) lasted more than one day. HAI and AU prevalence were positively associated with bed occupancy (p = 0.027) and secondary hospitals (p = 0.014), respectively.

Conclusions
The 2022 PPS highlighted the increasing trend of HAI prevalence and high AU prevalence in Greece, the emergence of difficult-to-treat pathogens, and the extensive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Strengthening infection control and antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospital settings is essential.
Proteomics to predict relapse in patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Guru Murthy Guru Subramanian , Zhang Tao , Bolon Yung-Tsi , Spellman Stephen , Dong Jing , Auer Paul , Saber Wael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDisease relapse remains a major barrier to success after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). While certain high risk genomic alterations are associated with increased risk of relapse, there is a lack of clinically applicable tools to analyze the downstream cellular events that are associated with relapse. We hypothesized that unique proteomic signatures in MDS patients undergoing allo-HCT could serve as a tool to understand this aspect and predict relapse. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database, we identified 52 MDS patients who underwent allo-HCT and analyzed their proteomic profile from pretransplant blood samples in a matched case-control design. Twenty-six patients without disease relapse after allo-HCT (controls) were matched with 26 patients who experienced relapse (cases). Proteomics assessment was conducted using the Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamers (SOMAmer) based assay. In gene set enrichment analysis, we noted that expression in the hallmark complement, and hallmark allograft rejection pathways were statistically enriched among patients who had disease relapse post-transplant. In addition, correlation analyses showed that methylation array probes in cis- and transcription regulatory elements of immune pathway genes were modulated and differentially sensitize the immune response. These findings suggest that proteomic analysis could serve as a novel tool for prediction of relapse after allo-HCT in MDS.
Ribosome profiling: a powerful tool in oncological research
Authors: Su Dan , Ding Chen , Qiu Jiangdong , Yang Gang , Wang Ruobing , Liu Yueze , Tao Jinxin , Luo Wenhao , Weng Guihu , Zhang Taiping 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeoplastic cells need to adapt their gene expression pattern to survive in an ever-changing or unfavorable tumor microenvironment. Protein synthesis (or mRNA translation), an essential part of gene expression, is dysregulated in cancer. The emergence of distinct translatomic technologies has revolutionized oncological studies to elucidate translational regulatory mechanisms. Ribosome profiling can provide adequate information on diverse aspects of translation by aiding in quantitatively analyzing the intensity of translating ribosome-protected fragments. Here, we review the primary currently used translatomics techniques and highlight their advantages and disadvantages as tools for translatomics studies. Subsequently, we clarified the areas in which ribosome profiling could be applied to better understand translational control. Finally, we summarized the latest advances in cancer studies using ribosome profiling to highlight the extensive application of this powerful and promising translatomic tool.
The implementation of peer assessment as a scaffold during computer-supported collaborative inquiry learning in secondary STEM education
Authors: Van Hoe Amber , Wiebe Joel , Rotsaert Tijs , Schellens Tammy 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundComputer-supported collaborative inquiry learning (CSCiL) has been proposed as a successful learning method to foster scientific literacy. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the role of peers as scaffolding sources in CSCiL environments. The primary objective is to explicitly implement peer assessment as a scaffolding tool to enhance students' inquiry output in terms of research question, data, and conclusion. Additionally, students’ perceptions of peer assessment within CSCiL are explored.ResultsThe study involved 9th and 10th-grade students from 12 schools (N = 382), exploring the effects of peer assessment with and without peer dialogue. The results highlight that while adjustments were more frequently made to the research question and data, adjustments to the conclusion showed significantly greater improvement. Furthermore, students’ perceptions of peer assessment during CSCiL were examined, revealing that students generally perceive peer assessment as fair and useful, and they accept it while being willing to make improvements based on the feedback. While students did not report experiencing negative feelings, they also did not report positive emotions from the process. Additionally, the study found that including a peer dialogue in the peer assessment process did not significantly impact the abovementioned findings.ConclusionsThis study enriches our understanding of peer assessment as a scaffolding tool in CSCiL, highlighting its potential to improve inquiry outputs and providing valuable insights for instructional design and implementation.
The Use of Biofluid Markers to Evaluate the Consequences of Sport-Related Subconcussive Head Impact Exposure: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lember Liivia-Mari , Ntikas Michail , Mondello Stefania , Wilson Lindsay , Di Virgilio Thomas G. , Hunter Angus M. , Kobeissy Firas , Mechref Yehia , Donaldson David I. , Ietswaart Magdalena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Amidst growing concern about the safety of sport-related repetitive subconcussive head impacts (RSHI), biofluid markers may provide sensitive, informative, and practical assessment of the effects of RSHI exposure.

Objective
This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the extent, nature, and quality of available evidence from studies investigating the effects of RSHI on biofluid markers, to identify gaps and to formulate guidelines to inform future research.

Methods
PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were adhered to. The protocol was pre-registered through publication. MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and two clinical trial registries were searched (until March 30, 2022) using descriptors for subconcussive head impacts, biomarkers, and contact sports. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias and quality.

Results
Seventy-nine research publications were included in the review. Forty-nine studies assessed the acute effects, 23 semi-acute and 26 long-term effects of RSHI exposure. The most studied sports were American football, boxing, and soccer, and the most investigated markers were (in descending order): S100 calcium-binding protein beta (S100B), tau, neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and hormones. High or moderate bias was found in most studies, and marker-specific conclusions were subject to heterogeneous and limited evidence. Although the evidence is weak, some biofluid markers—such as NfL—appeared to show promise. More markedly, S100B was found to be problematic when evaluating the effects of RSHI in sport.

Conclusion
Considering the limitations of the evidence base revealed by this first review dedicated to systematically scoping the evidence of biofluid marker levels following RSHI exposure, the field is evidently still in its infancy. As a result, any recommendation and application is premature. Although some markers show promise for the assessment of brain health following RSHI exposure, future large standardized and better-controlled studies are needed to determine biofluid markers’ utility.
Reevaluating the relevance of 18F-FDG PET findings for diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis: a case series
Authors: Chen Jessy , Metzger Giulia , Furth Christian , Bohner Georg , Siffrin Volker 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
The diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis (NS) remains challenging due to the difficulty to obtain central nervous system (CNS) biopsies. Various diagnostic parameters are considered for the definition of possible, probable and definite NS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging gold standard and considered in diagnostic criteria. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission (18F-FDG PET) is sometimes performed additionally to identify possible systemic biopsy targets. However, at present, its findings are not incorporated into the diagnostic criteria for neurosarcoidosis (NS).

Methods
We conducted a single center retrospective search for the period 2020–2022, for patients with neurological symptoms in a diagnostic context of suspected NS who underwent MRI and additional 18F-FDG PET scans to identify potential hypermetabolism in the CNS and biopsy targets.

Results
We identified three cases of NS, where Gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans did not show abnormalities while 18F-FDG PET revealed hypermetabolic lesions in areas of the CNS. Additional MRI scans were still inconclusive for structural changes. We diagnosed a “probable” NS in all cases with histopathological confirmation of systemic sarcoidosis which led to an intensified therapy regime.

Discussion
18F-FDG PET is an early indicator for metabolic changes. It appears to be a useful add-on to improve accuracy of diagnostic criteria in suspected NS without MRI findings.
Therapeutic efficacy of probiotics for symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Shun-Chin , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Chang Chih-Hua , Cheng Yu-Shian , Tzang Ruu-Fen , Chiu Hsien-Jane , Wang Ming Yu , Cheng Ying-Chih , Hung Kuo-Chuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
The efficacy of probiotics as a therapeutic alternative for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remain unclear.

Aims
To investigate the effectiveness of probiotics for symptoms of ADHD and identify possible factors affecting their efficacy.

Method
Randomised placebo-controlled trials were identified through searching major databases from inception to April 2023, using the main keywords ‘probiotics’ and ‘ADHD’ without limitation on languages or geographic locations. The outcome of interest included improvement in total symptoms of ADHD, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and drop-out rate. Continuous and categorical data were expressed as effect sizes based on standardised mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Meta-analysis of seven trials involving 379 participants (mean age 10.37 years, range 4–18 years) showed no significant improvement in total symptoms of ADHD (SMD = 0.25; P = 0.12), symptoms of inattention (SMD = 0.14; P = 0.3) or hyperactivity/impulsivity (SMD = 0.08; P = 0.54) between the probiotic and placebo groups. Despite non-significance on subgroup analyses, there was a large difference in effect size between studies using probiotics as an adjunct to methylphenidate and those using probiotics as supplementation (SMD = 0.84 v. 0.07; P = 0.16), and a moderate difference in effect size between studies using multiple strains of probiotics and those using single-strain regimens (SMD = 0.45 v. 0.03; P = 0.19).

Conclusions
Current evidence shows no significant difference in therapeutic efficacy between probiotics and placebos for treatment of ADHD symptoms. However, albeit statistically non-significant, higher therapeutic efficacies associated with multiple-strain probiotics or combining probiotics with methylphenidate may provide direction for further research.
The effects of antipsychotic discontinuation or maintenance on the process of recovery in remitted first-episode psychosis patients – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Béchard Laurent , Desmeules Charles , Bachand Lauryann , Huot-Lavoie Maxime , Corbeil Olivier , Anderson Elizabeth , Brodeur Sébastien , LeBlanc Annie , Demers Marie-France , Lauzier Sophie , Roy Marc-André 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The optimal duration of antipsychotic treatment following remission of first-episode psychosis (FEP) is uncertain, considering potential adverse effects and individual variability in relapse rates. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antipsychotic discontinuation compared to continuation on recovery in remitted FEP patients.

Methods
CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched on November 2, 2023, with no language restrictions. RCTs evaluating antipsychotic discontinuation in remitted FEP patients were selected. The primary outcome was personal recovery, and secondary outcomes included functional recovery, global functioning, hospital admission, symptom severity, quality of life, side effects, and employment. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. Meta-analysis used a random-effect model with an inverse-variance approach.

Results
Among 2185 screened studies, 8 RCTs (560 participants) were included. No RCTs reported personal recovery as an outcome. Two studies measured functional recovery, and discontinuation group patients were more likely to achieve functional recovery (RR 2.19; 95% CIs: 1.13, 4.22; I2 = 0%; n = 128), although evidence certainty was very low. No significant differences were found in hospital admission, symptom severity, quality of life, global functioning, or employment between the discontinuation and continuation groups.

Conclusions
Personal recovery was not reported in any antipsychotic discontinuation trial in remitted FEP. The observed positive effect of discontinuation on functional recovery came from an early terminated trial and an RCT followed by an uncontrolled period. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to very low certainty of evidence.
Analyzing Cancer Incidence Trends in Oman From 1996 to 2019: A Comprehensive Study of the National Cancer Annual Reports
Authors: Al-Sayegh Hasan , Al-Zadjali Shoaib , Al-Moundhri Mansour 
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE Previous studies have reported that cancer incidence trends in Oman varied by tumor site and sex. No comprehensive analysis of all cancer sites had been reported. The objective of this study is to analyze cancer incidence trends in Oman and calculate the annual percent change (APC) in age-standardized rates (ASRs) for all-cancer and 61 individual cancer sites in Omani men and women from 1996 to 2019. METHODS We gathered incidence data from The Omani National Cancer Registry for all cancers combined and individual tumor sites. We estimated the APC using Poisson regression. RESULTS The cancer ASR in the Omani population increased by 23% (from 95/100,000 in 1996 to 117.2/100,000 in 2019), with the increase being more pronounced in females (48% v 7% in males). Among the male population, there was significant increase in the ASRs of colon, rectum, thyroid, and prostate cancers, with APCs of 6.92%, 4.24%, 4.19%, and 2.03%, respectively. Among females, all-cancer incidence showed significant increase (APC = 1.39%), and increasing trends were observed in uterine, colon, rectum, thyroid, and breast cancers (APCs = 7.57%, 7.08%, 5.19%, 5.16%, and 4.19%, respectively). CONCLUSION The ASR of all-cancer increased significantly in Omani women but not in men. Uterine cancer had the highest APC. Colorectal cancer and thyroid ASR increased in both males and females. Breast and prostate cancers showed increasing trends. Further research is needed to explore factors contributing to increasing cancer incidences.
Anatomy and mechanisms of vocal production in harvest mice
Authors: Riede Tobias , Kobrina Anastasiya , Pasch Bret 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Characterizing mechanisms of vocal production provides important insight into the ecology of acoustic divergence. In this study, we characterized production mechanisms of two types of vocalizations emitted by western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis), a species uniquely positioned to inform trait evolution because it is a sister taxon to peromyscines (Peromyscus and Onychomys spp.), which use vocal fold vibrations to produce long-distance calls, but more ecologically and acoustically similar to baiomyines (Baiomys and Scotinomys spp.), which employ a whistle mechanism. We found that long-distance calls (∼10 kHz) were produced by airflow-induced vocal fold vibrations, whereas high-frequency quavers used in close-distance social interactions (∼80 kHz) were generated by a whistle mechanism. Both production mechanisms were facilitated by a characteristic laryngeal morphology. Our findings indicate that the use of vocal fold vibrations for long-distance communication is widespread in reithrodontomyines (Onychomys, Peromyscus, Reithrodontomys spp.) despite overlap in frequency content that characterizes baiomyine whistled vocalizations. The results illustrate how different production mechanisms shape acoustic variation in rodents and contribute to ecologically relevant communication distances.