bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting the Neuro-vascular Presynaptic Signalling in STROKE: Evidence and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Maikap Shimantika , Lucaciu Alexandra , Chakraborty Aheli , Kestner Roxane Isabelle , Vutukuri Rajkumar , Annamneedi Anil 
Published: January 2025

Background Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term adult disability worldwide. Stroke causes neurodegeneration and impairs synaptic function. Understanding the role of synaptic proteins and associated signalling pathways in stroke pathology could offer insights into therapeutic approaches as well as improving rehabilitation-related treatment regimes. Purpose The current study aims to analyse synaptic transcriptome changes in acute and long-term post-stroke (1 day, 7 day timepoints), especially focusing on pre- and postsynaptic genes. Methods We performed data mining of the recent mRNA sequence from isolated mouse brain micro-vessels (MBMVs) after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) stroke model. Using the SynGO (Synaptic Gene Ontologies and annotations) bioinformatics platform we assessed synaptic protein expression and associated pathways, and compared synaptic protein changes at 1 day and 7 day post-stroke. Results Enrichment analysis of the MBMVs identified significant alterations in the expression of genes related to synaptic physiology, synaptic transmission, neuronal structure, and organisation. We identified that the synaptic changes observed at the 7 day timepoint were initiated by the regulation of specific presynaptic candidates 1 day (24h) post-stroke, highlighting the significance of presynaptic regulation in mediating organising of synaptic structures and physiology. Analysis of transcriptomic data from human postmortem stroke brains confirmed similar presynaptic signalling patterns. Conclusion Our findings identify the changes in presynaptic gene regulation in micro-vessels following ischaemic stroke. Targeting presynaptic active zone protein signalling could represent a promising therapeutic target in mitigating ischaemic stroke.
Ameliorative Effect of Biochanin A against Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Chen Xinjun , Wu Zhuo 
Published: January 2025

Background Gentamicin (GM), a commonly used aminoglycoside anti-biotic, is effective against various bacterial infections. However, its clinical use is often limited due to its significant nephrotoxic side effects. Nephrotoxicity results from oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of renal cells. In previous research, Biochanin A (BCA), a natural isoflavone found in various plants, has demonstrated anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study explores the potential protective effects of BCA against GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Purpose To investigate the protective effects of BCA on GM-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats by assessing kidney function, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory response, and apoptotic regulation. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, each group containing six animals: Group 1 as the control, Group 2 received BCA alone [50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)], Group 3 received GM alone (100 mg/kg, IP), and Group 4 received BCA (50 mg/kg, IP) along with GM (100 mg/kg, IP). At the end of the experiment day (on the 12th day), the animals were sacrificed, the organs were removed, and used for the following parameters. Results GM administration significantly increased the levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and lipid peroxidation levels and decreased the levels of anti-oxidant enzymes. Administration with BCA has significantly mitigated kidney function markers and oxidative stress while enhancing anti-oxidant activities. Furthermore, GM-induced rats exhibited significant upregulation in proinflammatory cytokines, proapoptotic proteins, and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Administration of BCA significantly downregulated proinflammatory cytokines and proapoptotic proteins and upregulated anti-apoptotic proteins in GM-induced rats. These results underscore the utility of necrotic and apoptotic markers in the early detection of tubular kidney damage. Conclusion This study conclusively demonstrates that BCA protects the kidneys from GM-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of renal tubular cells, offering promise for mitigating GM-induced nephrotoxicity.
Timed motor function test using video-based observation and online-based observation methods among typically developing children: A reliability and validity study
Authors: Kumar Amit , Samuel Asir John 
Published: January 2025

Objectives This study evaluated intra-rater (IR), test-retest reliability (TR), and concurrent validity of 10-m walk test (10mWT), a timed motor function test (TMFT) using video- (VBO) and online-based (OBO) observation with direct observation (DO). Methods Seventy five (n = 75) middle school going typically developing children performed repeated sessions of 10mWT to determine validity and reliability of VBO and OBO with DO. IR and TR reliability were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The correlation between sessions of VBO, OBO methods, and DO method were evaluated to estimate the concurrent validity. Results Good IR and TR reliability of VBO and OBO methods were observed (IR: ICC = 0.90 [VBO], 0.78 [OBO]; TR: 0.84 [VBO], 0.85 [OBO]). Correlations between VBO (rs = 0.86; p<0.001) and OBO (rs = 0.85; p<0.001) methods with DO method demonstrated good concurrent validity. Conclusions VBO and OBO methods can be used in clinical settings where DO method is not feasible.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with cancer using zoledronic acid and denosumab: Single-center retrospective study
Authors: Sano Motohiko , Amano Mai , Yamada Miki , Iijima Yosuke , Hino Shunsuke , Sakagami Hiroshi , Horie Norio , Kaneko Takahiro 
Published: January 2025

Background Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare but potentially severe condition that significantly affects the quality of life of patients with cancer. This study evaluated MRONJ in patients with cancer treated with zoledronic acid (ZOA) and denosumab (Dmab). Methods The survey investigated patients who were diagnosed with MRONJ at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery after receiving either ZOA or Dmab at the Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Results Of 252 patients, 27 were ZOA users and 225 were Dmab users. MRONJ was not observed with ZOA. MRONJ was detected in 11 (4.9%) Dmab users, eight male and three female patients with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 74.6 (± 9.2) years (range 61–98 years). The total dose of Dmab was 2724 ± 1838 mg (range: 480–6360 mg). The time from Dmab administration to MRONJ onset was 28.0 ± 16.0 months (range 4.5–53.2 months). Of the 11 patients with MRONJ, four (36.4%) had visited a dentist within the last 12 months. One participant (9.1%) was informed about and understood MRONJ. Conclusions MRONJ was only observed in Dmab users, with an incidence rate of 4.9%. The percentage of patients with MRONJ receiving regular dental check-ups was 36.4%, and only 9.1% of patients were aware of MRONJ, both of which are low rates. To reduce MRONJ in patients with cancer, face-to-face consultations with pharmacists could serve as a valuable opportunity to inform patients about MRONJ and encourage regular dental visits.
A Review of Sex and Gender Factors in Stimulant Treatment for ADHD: Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions
Authors: Rapoport Iris L. , Groenman Annabeth P. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: Stimulant medications are the primary pharmacological intervention for ADHD, yet our understanding of how sex and gender impact stimulant treatment outcomes remains limited. Clinical guidelines do not differ for female and male individuals despite possible sex and gender-related differences in effectiveness, adverse events, and pharmacokinetics. This theoretical framework identifies five key knowledge gaps relating to sex and gender effects in stimulant treatment. Method: We investigate the stimulant treatment trajectories of girls and women with ADHD from diagnosis and prescription to daily use and outcomes. We examine the impact of reproductive life transitions and hormonal fluctuations and their interactions with gender socialization and gendered expectations on treatment effectiveness, stigma, and adherence. Results: By synthesizing existing literature, proposing testable predictions, and suggesting future research directions, we highlight the urgent need for studies that systematically investigate these factors. Conclusion: Addressing these gaps could significantly improve treatment outcomes for girls and women with ADHD, particularly during biological and gender role transitions.
Evaluation of serum galectin-3 concentrations in healthy cats and in cats with ureteral obstruction
Authors: Woerde Dennis J , Palm Carrie A , Reagan Krystle L , Culp William TN 
Published: January 2025

Objectives Serum galectin-3 (sGal-3) is a protein present in renal tubules and increases in experimental rodent models of acute kidney injury. The aim of this study was to compare sGal-3 concentrations in healthy cats and cats with ureteral obstruction (UO). Methods This was a retrospective study. Banked serum was used for sGal-3 evaluations in 15 healthy control cats and 22 cats with UO. For the control cats, creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine were within reference intervals and ultrasound showed minimal to no kidney changes. A feline-specific sGal-3 ELISA was used to determine sGal-3 concentrations. Samples were analyzed in duplicate, and results were included if the coefficient of variation between samples was <20%. Shapiro–Wilk testing was used to evaluate for normality and parametric statistics were performed. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results Mean (±SD) sGal-3 was lower in healthy cats (274.3 ± 146.5 pg/ml) than in cats with UO (707.7 ± 223.3 pg/ml; P <0.0001). There was no difference in sGal-3 concentrations between cats with unilateral or bilateral UO ( P = 0.24) and no correlation between sGal-3 and creatinine, body weight or age. With a cutoff of 500 pg/ml, sGal-3 had a sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.95) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.79–1.00) for differentiating cats with UO from healthy cats. Conclusions and relevance An early diagnosis of UO is critical, given its associated morbidity and mortality. Given the differences in sGal-3 concentrations in healthy cats and those with UO in this study, sGal-3 shows potential for an early UO diagnosis; however, further research is needed.
One-year results of double site versus single site rigid probe viscotrabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: El Hefney Eman M , Atallah Eman A , Kishk Hanem , Elwehidy Ahmed S , Abd Elfattah Dina 
Published: January 2025

Study purpose to compare single- site viscotrabeculotomy in one eye and double-site rigid probe viscotrabeculotomy in the other eye of the same patient with Primary congenital glaucoma to evaluate the effect of the extent of angle treatment on success rate in the study's locality. Patients and Methods This prospective randomized study included 70 eyes of 35 children diagnosed with bilateral PCG who attended Mansoura Ophthalmic Center from June 2021 to July 2023. For each patient, one eye underwent single-site rigid probe viscotrabeculotomy (Group S: 35 eyes) and the fellow eye underwent double- site rigid probe viscotrabeculotomy (Group D: 35 eyes). At one-year follow up, complete success was defined as IOP >5 mmHg and ≤16 mmHg without any further IOP-lowering medications and qualified success when IOP ≤16 mmHg with using IOP-lowering medications. Failure was defined as IOP more than 16 mmHg despite the use of IOP-lowering medications, the need for other glaucoma surgery to control IOP or hypotony. Results Single-site rigid probe viscotrabeculotomy showed a one-year complete success rate of 88.57% and for double-site viscotrabeculotomy was 91.43% but the difference was not statistically significant (p-value 0.9). There were no major complications in both groups, hyphema was the most common complication and was self-limited Conclusion Single-site viscotrabeculotomy shows comparable results to double-site viscotrabeculotomy in PCG preserving more than half of the angle in the former for a second possible angle surgery in recurrent cases.
Information needs in vascular access decision-making: A qualitative study of patient and clinical stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Stevenson Karen , Meiklem Ramsay , Bouamrane Matt-Mouley , Thomson Peter , Dunlop Mark , Martin Laura , Jones Catrin , Kingsmore David 
Published: January 2025

Background: The information and decision support needs required to embed a patient-centred strategy are challenging, as several haemodialysis vascular access strategies are possible with significant differences in short- and long-term outcomes of potential treatment options. We aimed to explore and describe stakeholder perspectives on information needs when making decisions about vascular access (VA) for haemodialysis. Methods: We performed thematic analysis of seven (six online, one in person) focus group discussions including transcripts, post-it phrases and text responses with 14 patients and 12 vascular access professionals (four nephrologists, three surgeons and five nurses – Vascular access nurse specialists/Education and dialysis nurses) who participated in at total of six online and one in person focus group. Results: All patients had experience of haemodialysis and 50% had experience with at least one other modality of RRT. Ten patients had experience of more than one VA modality and 4/14 had experience of AVG, 13/14 had experience of AVF and 8/14 had experience of TCVC. We identified four semantic themes and two latent themes. The themes and their subthemes reflected information needs of patients when making vascular access decisions: Knowledge, Risks and Benefits of Relevant options, long-term treatment strategy and Personal Impact of VA. The latent themes, identified across all stakeholders, were of the need for consistent and trustworthy information. Discussion: All recent vascular access guidelines propose a shared decision-making approach to vascular access. The ability to implement this in practice carries an information need for both patients and clinicians. This study describes a framework model which can be applied during co-design and assessment of vascular access educational resources to facilitate a patient centred perspective.
Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery in Childhood Prior to 1992: A Danish Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rosendahl Amalie , Uth Louise Margrethe Kiær , Weis Nina , Smerup Morten , Ellesøe Sabrina Gade 
Published: January 2025

Background and aim: Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery prior to 1992 in Denmark were at risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through donor blood used in extracorporeal circulation. HCV screening became possible in donors in 1991, eliminating the risk of iatrogenic infections. No formalized screening has been conducted for patients receiving non-screened blood, potentially leaving some with undetected HCV infection. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic HCV infection in this group of patients and offer treatment to those affected. Design: Nationwide cross-sectional study. Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, 1645 individuals who underwent pediatric heart surgery before 1992 in Denmark were identified. Participants were invited for HCV screening using anti-HCV-antibody and HCV-RNA tests. Patients testing positive for HCV were referred to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Results: Of 1645 patients identified, 571 consented to participate, and 246 completed HCV screening. Two individuals tested positive for chronic HCV infection, resulting in a prevalence of 0.8%. Both patients were asymptomatic for many years before treatment and successfully cleared the virus after DAA treatment. Conclusions: The 0.8% prevalence of HCV in this cohort is higher than in the general Danish population although lower than in similar studies from the U.S. and Germany. This may reflect Denmark’s practice of unpaid blood donation, reducing infection risks. Targeted screening for at-risk cohorts exposed to transfusions before 1992 could aid in HCV detection and treatment, potentially preventing long-term liver complications. Registration: The study was approved by the Capital Region Ethics Board in Denmark (j.nr. H-18062088).
Sequence of decline on the NIH-toolbox cognitive battery in a predominantly Latino sample with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Petkus Andrew J , Sonti Anup N , Montoya Lucy , Rowe Bryan , Sagare Abhay , Ringman John M 
Published: January 2025

Background Understanding the sequential progression of cognitive decline in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) in the Latino population is crucial for enhancing early identification for targeted interventions. Given the tablet-based administration and increasing frequency of use in epidemiological research, validating this progression within the NIH Toolbox cognitive battery (NIHTB-CB) is important. Objective The first aim was to utilize an innovative Event-Based Modeling (EBM) analytic approach to estimate the sequence of cognitive declines in persons at risk for ADAD enriched for being of Latino origin. The second aim was to examine associations between EBM-derived estimates of cognitive disease severity and independent cognitive outcomes within carriers and noncarriers. Methods This cross-sectional observational study (N = 30) included 16 ADAD mutation carriers and 14 noncarriers who completed the NIHTB-CB in their primary language (n = 8 Spanish; n = 22 English). An EBM was constructed to compare ADAD mutation carriers and noncarriers on NIHTB-CB performance. We utilized linear regression to examine the associations between the EBM-derived cognitive-decline disease stage and independent outcomes (e.g., performance on the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and estimated years to dementia diagnosis). Results The EBM estimated that tests assessing episodic memory were the first to become abnormal in the sequence of ADAD-related cognitive decline. Each higher estimated cognitive-decline disease stage was associated with approximately a three-point decline in the CASI and two years closer to dementia diagnosis. Conclusions Findings support the EBM applied to the tablet-based NIHTB-CB to estimate the likely progression of cognitive decline in Latinos with ADAD.
Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl Leaf Metabolites Potentiate the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Ki67 and PARP Inhibition
Authors: Selim Nabil M. , El-Hawary Seham S. , El Zalabani Soheir M. , Shamma Rehab Nabil , Mahdy Nariman El Sayed , Sherif Noheir H. , Youssif Khayrya A. , Ramadan Abdelmohsen Usama , Mekkawy Mai H. , Fahmy Hanan A. 
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third-most prevalent cancer in humans worldwide. The current study’s objective is to search for the potentiality of Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl ( W. robusta) leaf extract in a nanoemulsion (NE) form in enhancing radiotherapy against HCC induced in rats using diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Material and methods: The metabolic composition of the bioactive extract of W. robusta leaves was investigated by LC-MS. Oral epithelial (OEC) and liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines were used to examine the safety and anticancer activity of the NE, respectively. In the in vivo study, HCC was induced in male albino rats through administration of DEN in drinking water for 8 weeks, then treatment with NE (100 mg/kg) until the experiment’s ending. Rats were irradiated by a fractionated dose of 2Gy*4. Results: NE exerted remarkable cytotoxicity in comparison to the parent extract and the standard doxorubicin on the HepG2 cell line. Besides, the NE administration and/or γ-irradiation (IRR) significantly reduced the elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total proteins, and albumin levels in HCC-induced rats. Likewise, the tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were considerably reduced in HCC rats. In addition, NE treatment before IRR significantly decreased the expression of the poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) enzyme and Ki67. Furthermore, the histological investigations strongly confirmed the combined effect of NE and IRR in fighting DEN-induced HCC. Conclusion: NE of W. robusta extract may possess a radiosensitizing novel impact and provide a new strategy to combat HCC in clinical practices.
Efficacy and Safety of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Tianle , Liu Can , Wu Yudi , Li Xiuxiu , Yang Qianyun , Tan Jing 
Published: January 2025

Background: Cancer pain is a prevalent and persistent issue, and while there have been some observations of the possible benefits of acupuncture in managing cancer pain, there is still debate regarding its safety and effectiveness. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of different acupuncture modalities in the treatment of cancer pain through a network meta-analysis. Methods: Between the time each database was created and June 3, 2024, eight databases were queried: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedicine. Randomized controlled trials investigating the use of various acupuncture and moxibustion techniques in the treatment of cancer pain were identified. Publication bias and quality of randomized controlled trials were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Jadad scale, and network meta-analyses were performed using Stata 15 and R 4.3.2. Results: We incorporated 111 studies encompassing 9549 individuals diagnosed with cancer, examining 29 distinct therapies. Network meta-analysis showed that, compared to Usual Medicine, Acupuncture + Usual Medicine + Traditional Chinese medicine (MD = −1.83, 95% CI: −2.86 to −0.80) could reduce NRS scores, Acupuncture + Traditional Chinese medicine (OR = 30.86, 95% CI: 3.75-254.20) could improve cancer pain relief, Moxibustion + Usual Medicine (MD = 2.12, 95% CI: 0.43-3.80) could effectively improve KPS score, Acupuncture + Application of Chinese medicine (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.66) is associated with a lower incidence of constipation, Electro-Acupuncture + Usual Medicine (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.45) shows a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, Acupuncture + Moxibustion + Usual Medicine (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.90) is associated with a lower incidence of dizziness. Conclusion: Acupuncture + Traditional Chinese medicine is the best intervention for different acupuncture methods in the treatment of cancer pain, and Moxibustion + Usual Medicine is the best intervention to improve the quality of life of patients.