bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of vaginal microbiome proxies for in vitro experiments that biomimic Lactobacillus‐dominant vaginal cultures
Authors: Zahra Abir , Menon Ramkumar , Bento Giovana Fernanda Cosi , Selim Jessica , Taylor Brandie D. , Vincent Kathleen L. , Pyles Richard B. , Richardson Lauren S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe vaginal microbiome includes diverse microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus [L.] spp. that protect against infections, modulate inflammation, and regulate vaginal homeostasis. Because it is challenging to incorporate vaginal microbiota into in vitro models, including organ‐on‐a‐chip systems, we assessed microbial metabolites as reliable proxies in addition to traditional vaginal epithelial cultures (VECs). Human immortalized VECs cultured on transwells with an air‐liquid interface generated stratified cell layers colonized by transplanted healthy microbiomes (L. jensenii‐ or L. crispatus‐dominant) or a community representing bacterial vaginosis (BV). After 48‐h, a qPCR array confirmed the expected donor community profiles. Pooled apical and basal supernatants were subjected to metabolomic analysis (untargeted mass spectrometry) followed by ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA). To determine the bacterial metabolites’ ability to recreate the vaginal microenvironment in vitro, pooled bacteria‐free metabolites were added to traditional VEC cultures. Cell morphology, viability, and cytokine production were assessed. IPA analysis of metabolites from colonized samples contained fatty acids, nucleic acids, and sugar acids that were associated with signaling networks that contribute to secondary metabolism, anti‐fungal, and anti‐inflammatory functions indicative of a healthy vaginal microbiome compared to sterile VEC transwell metabolites. Pooled metabolites did not affect cell morphology or induce cell death (∼5.5%) of VEC cultures (n = 3) after 72‐h. However, metabolites created an anti‐inflammatory milieu by increasing IL‐10 production (p = .06, T‐test) and significantly suppressing pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 (p = .0001), IL‐8 (p = .009), and TNFα (p = .0007) compared to naïve VEC cultures. BV VEC conditioned‐medium did not affect cell morphology nor viability; however, it induced a pro‐inflammatory environment by elevating levels of IL‐6 (p = .023), IL‐8 (p = .031), and TNFα (p = .021) when compared to L.‐dominate microbiome‐conditioned medium. VEC transwells provide a suitable ex vivo system to support the production of bacterial metabolites consistent with the vaginal milieu allowing subsequent in vitro studies with enhanced accuracy and utility.
Cervix cytology samples revealed increased methylation of the human markers FAM19A4/miR124‐2 up to 8 years before adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lindroth Ylva , Pedersen Louise , Alssamaray Jacob , Berglund Tim , Sundqvist Avalon , Borgfeldt Christer , Forslund Ola 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionMethylation analysis of the promoter region of tumor‐suppressor genes has previously shown high sensitivity for detection of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. HPV‐testing has a high sensitivity to identify women at risk to develop cancer, and has been implemented in cervical screening programs in several countries. But in most HPV‐positive women the infection will clear and they will not develop cancer. Testing for methylation could help to identify women who have potentially progressive cervical disease and need closer follow‐up. The goal of the present study was to investigate the potential use of methylation as a triage test of HPV‐positive women in the screening program.Material and methodsA collection of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples from 106 women, collected between 4 months and 8 years before histologically confirmed cervical cancer or CIN3, was analyzed for hypermethylation of the human genes FAM19A4 and miR124‐2.ResultsMethylation was detected in 45% (33/73) of normal LBC samples from women who later developed CIN3+, compared with 10% (3/31) of normal LBC samples from women without subsequent dysplasia (P = 0.0006). Overall, methylation was detected in 39% (14/36), 51% (19/37), 61% (14/23) and 70% (7/10) of LBC samples from women who later developed CIN3, adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC), respectively. Positive methylation analysis was not significantly more frequent than abnormal cytology of atypical squamous cells of unclear significance or worse (ASCUS+) in LBC samples collected 4 months to 8 years before SCC or AIS; however, prior to the development of ADC, methylation was observed in 7/10 LBC samples, despite normal cytology. Overall, LBC samples collected before invasive cancer (ADC and SCC) were more frequently positive in the methylation analysis than in cytological analysis of ASCUS+ (P = 0.048). For LBC samples collected more than 2 years before the development of AIS, SCC or ADC, methylation analysis showed a higher positivity rate than cytology did.ConclusionsTesting for methylation of FAM19A4/miR124‐2 as a triage for HPV‐positive women would be useful to identify women at risk of cancer development, especially adenocarcinoma. Further studies are needed to estimate the cost‐effectiveness before introducing methylation testing in the screening program.
Role of dexamethasone in controlling the proinflammatory cytokine cascade in the first episode of paediatric acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Rius‐Gordillo Neus , Ferré Natàlia , González Juan David , Ibars Zaira , Parada‐Ricart Ester , Escribano Joaquín ,   the DEXCAR Study Group
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimFebrile urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection in childhood. The kidney damage after acute pyelonephritis (APN) could be related to the stimulation of the proinflammatory response. We aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines and the effect of dexamethasone after a first episode of APN.MethodsSubanalysis of the DEXCAR RCT in which children with confirmed APN (1 month–14 years) were randomly assigned to receive a 3 days course of either intravenous dexamethasone or placebo. Urinary cytokine levels at diagnosis and after 72 h of treatment were measured.ResultsNinety‐two patients were recruited. Younger patients, males and those with abnormalities in the ultrasound study or vesicoureteral reflux showed higher values of urinary cytokines. Patients with severe APN had higher Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)α levels (81.0 ± 75.8 vs. 33.6 ± 48.5 pg/mg creatinine, p = 0.015). Both intervention groups showed similar basal clinical characteristics, including urinary cytokine levels. Treatment reduced urinary cytokine levels irrespective of dexamethasone administration. Neither the intervention group nor the urinary cytokine levels modulated the development of kidney scars.ConclusionBasal urinary cytokines were associated with age, abnormal ultrasound and vesicoureteral reflux. Patients with severe APN had higher TNFa urinary levels. Administration of dexamethasone in children with APN does not improve the control of the proinflammatory cytokine cascade.
Laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy: A novel technique with splenic artery resection and splenic vein preservation
Authors: Shindo Yoshitaro , Tokumitsu Yukio , Nakajima Masao , Kimura Yuta , Matsui Hiroto , Iida Michihisa , Suzuki Nobuaki , Takeda Shigeru , Ioka Tatsuya , Nagano Hiroaki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSDP) is widely performed to treat benign and low‐grade malignant diseases. Although preservation of splenic vessels may be desirable considering the risk of postoperative complications, it is sometimes difficult due to tumor size, inflammation, and proximity of the tumor and splenic vessels. Herein, we present the first case of LSDP with splenic artery resection and splenic vein preservation.Materials and Surgical TechniqueA 40‐year‐old woman with a pancreatic tumor was referred to our hospital. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor in the pancreatic tail that was in contact with the splenic artery and distant from the splenic vein. The splenic artery and vein were separated from the pancreas near the dissection line. The splenic artery was resected after pancreatic dissection using a linear stapler. After the pancreatic tail was separated from the splenic hilum while preserving the splenic vein, the distal side of the splenic artery was resected, and the specimen was removed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 9. Four months after surgery, postoperative follow‐up CT findings showed neither splenic infarction nor gastric varices.DiscussionThis technique is an alternative method of splenic preservation when there is no attachment of the tumor to the splenic vein or uncontrolled expected bleeding of the splenic artery using the Kimura technique.
Factors associated with mental health among Hong Kong children: A population‐based study of 4884 individuals
Authors: Huang Junjie , Keung Vera M. W. , Cheung Calvin K. M. , Lo Amelia S. C. , Chan Sze Chai , Pang Wing Sze , Mui Lancelot W. H. , Lee Albert , Wong Martin C. S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate the association between negative mental health conditions and demographic characteristics, socioeconomic background and health‐related parameters in both Hong Kong's primary and secondary school students.MethodsA self‐administrated survey was conducted and investigated the prevalence of negative mental health conditions (psychological stress, depression and suicidality) in students from 30 primary schools and 25 secondary schools in Hong Kong in 2017. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was chosen as the instrument to evaluate non‐specific psychological distress. Depression was evaluated using the prolonged feeling of despair as a proxy. Suicidality was measured by four questions on whether they had ever intentionally injured themselves, seriously considered attempting suicide, planned how they would attempt suicide and had attempted suicide. Multiple logistic regression models examined the explanatory factors' association with mental health conditions after adjusting for confounding, using the enter method.ResultsA total of 4884 responses were collected. It is found that both very high and low parent expectations were risk factors for multiple conditions, namely suicidality and psychological distress among primary school students, and psychological distress among secondary school students. As for primary school students, the experience of being bullied was a significant risk factor for all conditions. A significant association was found between having one's own bedroom and suicidality amongst primary school students; whilst having three close friends or more and higher life satisfaction levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of negative mental health conditions among secondary school students.ConclusionsIt was found that having one's own bedroom was a risk factor for suicidality among primary school student. Parents should be alert to the risky behaviours of children, have more involvement in children's daily life and build a supportive and caring family environment for children. For secondary school students, as the importance of friends is greatly increased, teachers should encourage students to engage in extra‐curricular activities in school.
A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of psychoeducation on the quality of life of parents with children with congenital heart defects—Quantitative component
Authors: Rodrigues Marisa Garcia , Rodrigues José Daniel , Moreira Jorge Antunes , Clemente Fátima , Dias Cláudia Camila , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Rodrigues Pedro Pereira , Areias José Carlos , Areias Maria Emília 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeTo develop, implement and assess the results of psychoeducation to improve the QoL of parents with CHD newborns.MethodsParticipants were parents of inpatient newborns with the diagnosis of non‐syndromic CHD. We conducted a parallel RCT with an allocation ratio of 1:1 (intervention vs. control), considering the newborns, using mixed methods research. The intervention group received psychoeducation (Parental Psychoeducation in CHD [PPeCHD]) and the usual routines, and the control group received just the regular practices. The allocation concealment was assured. PI was involved in enrolling participants, developing and implementing the intervention, data collection and data analysis. We followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.ResultsParents of eight newborns were allocated to the intervention group (n = 15 parents) and eight to the control group (n = 13 parents). It was performed as an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. In M2 (4 weeks), the intervention group presented better QoL levels in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL‐Bref). In M3 (16 weeks), scores in physical and psychological domains maintained a statistically significant difference between the groups.ConclusionsThe PPeCHD, the psychoeducational intervention we developed, positively impacted parental QoL. These results support the initial hypothesis. This study is a fundamental milestone in this research field, adding new essential information to the literature.
Management aspects of congenital adrenal hyperplasia during adolescence and transition to adult care
Authors: Balagamage Chamila , Arshad Amynta , Elhassan Yasir S. , Ben Said Wogud , Krone Ruth E. , Gleeson Helena , Idkowiak Jan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe adolescent period is characterised by fundamental hormonal changes, which affect sex steroid production, cortisol metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These physiological changes have a significant impact on patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). An essential treatment aim across the lifespan in patients with CAH is to replace glucocorticoids sufficiently to avoid excess adrenal androgen production but equally to avoid cardiometabolic risks associated with excess glucocorticoid intake. The changes to the hormonal milieu at puberty, combined with poor adherence to medical therapy, often result in unsatisfactory control exacerbating androgen excess and increasing the risk of metabolic complications due to steroid over‐replacement. With the physical and cognitive maturation of the adolescent with CAH, fertility issues and sexual function become a new focus of patient care in the paediatric clinic. This requires close surveillance for gonadal dysfunction, such as irregular periods/hirsutism or genital surgery‐associated symptoms in girls and central hypogonadism or testicular adrenal rest tumours in boys. To ensure good health outcomes across the lifespan, the transition process from paediatric to adult care of patients with CAH must be planned carefully and early from the beginning of adolescence, spanning over many years into young adulthood. Its key aims are to empower the young person through education with full disclosure of their medical history, to ensure appropriate follow‐up with experienced physicians and facilitate access to multispecialist teams addressing the complex needs of patients with CAH.
A retrospective review of the association between maternal body mass index and the risk of congenital anomalies
Authors: Movva Vani C. , Spangler Brooke , Young Amanda J. , Paglia Michael J. , Angras Kajal 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objective of the study was to examine the association of congenital anomalies with the specific classes of pre‐pregnancy BMI. An IRB‐approved retrospective cohort study was performed using the data from the Natality Public Use File from the National Center for Health Statistics (2019). We included all singleton live births and excluded pregnancies with suspected or confirmed chromosomal abnormalities and people with pre‐existing diabetes mellitus and missing pertinent data. The primary outcome was the incidence of any major congenital anomalies in liveborn infants. The incidence of anomaly was analyzed across all BMI classes, using individuals with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 as the comparison group. A test of trend was also performed to determine if the risk increased as the BMI class increased. A total of 3 047 382 maternal‐neonatal dyads were included in the analysis. A non‐significant higher incidence of any major anomaly was noted among people who had underweight and class III BMI. The risk of open neural tube defects, omphalocele, and cleft lip/palate increased and the risk of gastroschisis decreased with an increase in maternal BMI class (p < 0.05). The incidence of congenital anomalies increases as the pre‐pregnancy BMI increases. Individuals should be encouraged to optimize their weight prior to conception and if feasible, they should obtain screening for fetal anatomy assessment by a Maternal‐Fetal Medicine specialist.
Retrospective observational study analysing the trends in ventilation tube insertion in children in Scotland between 2001 and 2018
Authors: Wescott Robert A. , Downie Laura S. , Kubba Haytham 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesOtitis media with effusion (OME) is common, affecting up to 90% of children. Around 25% will have a persistent effusion with conductive hearing loss which can impact their development. Ventilation tubes (VTs) can improve their hearing in the short term. This study aims to analyse the trends in VT insertion rates across Scotland.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingAll mainland Scottish health boards.ParticipantsAll children aged 0–16 who underwent a VT insertion procedure from 2001 to 2018 were included.Main outcome measuresData were provided by the Scottish Public Health Observatory, using Scottish Morbidity Records. Mid‐year population estimates were obtained from the National Records Office of Scotland. Socioeconomic deprivation was estimated based on area of residence using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. VT insertion rates were calculated and trends analysed.ResultsA total of 35 878 VT procedures were performed in total with a mean rate of 2.02 per 1000 children per year. The highest insertion rates were observed in children aged 4–6. VT insertion rates reduced during the study period (R = −0.729, p = .001). Variability in VT insertion rates between health boards reduced. There was a significant association between socioeconomic deprivation and VT insertion rate, with the most deprived children having the highest rate (p < .001).ConclusionsVT insertion rates and the variability between Scottish health boards have reduced over the past two decades, suggesting a more equitable system. Our data intimates that the decision to perform VT insertion is based upon disease prevalence rather than clinician preference.
Neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric hematological cancer survivors post‐HSCT: A systematic review
Authors: Ansari Saniya , Garg Aakriti , Khan Mohd. Ashif 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundPediatric hematological cancer survivors who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may experience long‐term neurocognitive impairments. This systematic review aims to assess the neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric hematological cancer survivors at least 5 years post‐HSCT.MethodologyA comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, until October 2022. Relevant studies assessing the neurocognitive affect after 5 years of HSCT were identified and included in the review. The quality of included studies was assessed using the ROBINS‐I tool to evaluate the risk of bias.ResultsA total of five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies consistently demonstrated adverse effects of HSCT on neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric hematological cancer survivors after 5 years of the treatment. The most prominent impact was observed on global cognitive outcomes, including intelligence, attention, memory, and executive functioning. Specific cognitive domains, such as processing speed and academic achievement, were also significantly affected. Several studies reported a relationship between HSCT‐related factors (e.g., age at transplantation, radiation therapy, graft‐versus‐host disease) and neurocognitive impairments.ConclusionThis systematic review provides evidence of the adverse impact of HSCT on neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric hematological cancer survivors at least 5 years post‐transplantation. The findings highlight the importance of long‐term monitoring and intervention strategies to mitigate these neurocognitive sequelae. Future research should focus on identifying risk factors and developing targeted interventions to optimize the neurocognitive functioning of this vulnerable population. Healthcare professionals involved in the care of pediatric hematological cancer survivors should be aware of these potential long‐term neurocognitive effects and incorporate appropriate assessments and interventions into survivorship care plans.
Unveiling cardiac insights: Exploring early left ventricular dysfunction in polycythemia vera through 4D‐STE and fragmented QRS analysis
Authors: Karasu Mehdi , Berber İlhami , Karaca Yücel , Cansel Mehmet , Ulutaş Zeynep 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPolycythemia vera (PV), characterized by elevated red blood cell counts, poses challenges to cardiovascular health with potential impacts on cardiac function. Myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure are major causes of mortality in PV patients. Early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is crucial for optimizing outcomes.MethodsFifty‐two PV patients and 45 healthy controls were recruited. Four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4D‐STE) and fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) on electrocardiograms were utilized to assess cardiac mechanics. Hematological and echocardiographic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed.ResultsPV patients exhibited significantly higher hematocrit and red cell distribution width compared to controls. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and global area strain (GAS) were lower in PV patients. fQRS complexes were associated with longer disease duration and reduced GCS and GAS values. Hematocrit correlated positively with LV‐GCS and LV‐GAS. Multiple linear regression revealed that disease duration and fQRS presence independently predicted LV‐GAS.ConclusionThis study underscores the intricate link between elevated red blood cell counts, disease duration, and cardiac function in PV patients. Combining 4D‐STE and fQRS complexes enhances the identification of early left ventricular systolic dysfunction. These findings offer potential improvements in recognizing and managing cardiovascular complications in PV patients, with implications for future research and clinical practice. Further investigations are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and validate these markers in larger cohorts.