bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin on murine trichinellosis
Authors: Hassan Zeinab R. , El-Sayed Samar , Zekry Kareman M. , Ahmed Samah Gouda , Abd-Elhamid Asmaa Hassan , Salama Doaa E. A. , Taha Azza Kamal , Mahmoud Nihal A. , Mohammed Shaymaa Fathy , Amin Mona M. , Mohamed Rasha Elsayed , Eraque Ayat M. S. , Mohamed Shimaa A. , Abdelgalil Ranya M. , Atta Shimaa Attia , Fahmy Nermeen Talaat , Badr Mohamed S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTrichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis have limited efficacy against the encysted larvae in the muscular phase of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin against different phases of Trichinella in experimentally infected mice. A total of 120 male Swiss albino mice were divided into two major groups (n = 60 of each), intestinal and muscular phases. Then, each group was subdivided into 10 subgroups (n = 6); non-infected control, infected non-treated control, infected ivermectin treated, infected atorvastatin treated, infected mesenchymal stem cells treated, infected combined ivermectin and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and ivermectin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and a full dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated, and infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and half dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated. Mice were sacrificed at days 5 and 35 post-infection for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. The assessment was performed through many parameters, including counting the adult intestinal worms and muscular encysted larvae, besides histopathological examination of the underlying tissues. Moreover, a biochemical assay for the inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels was conducted. In addition, levels of immunohistochemical CD31 and VEGF gene expression as markers of angiogenesis during the muscular phase were investigated. The combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin showed the highest significant reduction in adult worms and encysted larvae counts, the most noticeable improvement of the histopathological changes, the most potent anti-inflammatory (lowest level of IL-17) and anti-angiogenic (lowest expression of CD31 and VEGF) activities, and also revealed the highly effective one to relieve the oxidative stress (lowest level of SOD, GSH, and lipid peroxidase enzymes). These observed outcomes indicate that adding mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin to ivermectin synergistically potentiates its therapeutic efficacy and provides a promising candidate against trichinellosis.
Profitieren Schmerztherapiepatienten von ihren Mitpatienten?
Authors: Lindenberg Nicole , Bundscherer Anika , Wiese Christoph , Lassen Christoph 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie (IMST) wird meist im Gruppensetting durchgeführt, um den Erfahrungsaustausch zwischen Patienten anzuregen und so die Veränderung schmerzbezogener Einstellungen und Verhaltensweisen zu erleichtern. Wie aus der Psychotherapieforschung bekannt ist, haben die Mitpatienten einer Therapiegruppe einen relevanten Einfluss auf den Therapieerfolg der einzelnen Patienten.

Ziel der Arbeit
Wir untersuchten, inwieweit der Therapieerfolg in einer IMST-Gruppe von einzelnen Mitpatientencharakteristika wie dem mittleren Stadium kognitiv-verhaltensorientierter Schmerzbewältigung der Mitpatienten, der Differenz zum eigenen Schmerzbewältigungsstadium und dem Anteil an therapiewiederholenden Mitpatienten beeinflusst wird.

Methodik
In einer retrospektiv geplanten Untersuchung der psychometrischen Testungen aller Patienten in einer stationären IMST zwischen Januar 2013 und Februar 2020 wurde mittels binärer logistischer Regressionsanalysen der Einfluss der Mitpatientencharakteristika auf klinisch relevante Veränderungen hinsichtlich verschiedener Parameter zur Ausprägung der chronischen Schmerzerkrankung analysiert.

Ergebnisse
Untersucht wurden 540 Erstaufenthalte von 636 Behandlungsfällen. Pro Behandlungstag waren durchschnittlich 5 Mitpatienten, davon 15 % Therapiewiederholer, anwesend. Es zeigte sich, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit, einen Erfolg in mindestens einem der untersuchten Parameter zu erreichen, zum einen vom Schmerzbewältigungsstadium der Mitpatienten (p < 0,001; OR = 2,885) und zum anderen vom Anteil an therapiewiederholenden Mitpatienten (p < 0,001; OR = 1,032) signifikant erhöht wird. Ein Einfluss auf den Therapieerfolg in einem spezifischen Parameter konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden.

Fazit
Trotz methodischer Limitationen legen unsere Ergebnisse nahe, in Patientengruppen einer IMST therapieerfahrene Patienten und solche in einem fortgeschrittenen Schmerzbewältigungsstadium mit Neulingen und Patienten, die noch am Anfang der Bewältigung der Schmerzerkrankung stehen, zu kombinieren.

Graphic abstract
Masitinib as a neuroprotective agent: a scoping review of preclinical and clinical evidence
Authors: Hamad Abdullah Ashraf , Amer Basma Ehab , Hawas Yousef , Mabrouk Manar Alaa , Meshref Mostafa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Masitinib, originally developed as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, has shown potential neuroprotective effects in various neurological disorders by modulating key pathways implicated in neurodegeneration. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current evidence of masitinib’s neuroprotective activities from preclinical to clinical studies.

Methods
This scoping review was conducted following the guidelines described by Arksey and O’Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The inclusion criteria covered all original studies reporting on the neuroprotective effects of masitinib, including clinical studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies.

Results
A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These comprised five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one post-hoc analysis study, one case report, and nine animal studies. The RCTs focused on Alzheimer’s disease (two studies), multiple sclerosis (two studies), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (one study). Across all included studies, masitinib consistently demonstrated neuroprotective properties. However, the majority of RCTs reported concerns regarding the safety profile of masitinib. Preclinical studies revealed the neuroprotective mechanisms of masitinib, which include inhibition of certain kinases interfering with cell proliferation and survival, reduction of neuroinflammation, and exhibition of antioxidant activity.

Conclusion
The current evidence suggests a promising therapeutic benefit of masitinib in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings, particularly regarding the precise mechanisms through which masitinib exerts its therapeutic effects. Future studies should also focus on addressing the safety concerns associated with masitinib use.
Cognitive function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a cross-sectional and prospective pragmatic clinical study with review of the literature
Authors: Katerelos Adamantios , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Economou Polychronis , Polychronopoulos Panagiotis , Chroni Elisabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can present with either bulbar or spinal symptoms, and in some cases, both types of symptoms may be present. In addition, cognitive impairment has been observed in ALS. The study aimed to evaluate the frontal and general cognitive performance in ALS not only cross-sectionally but also longitudinally.

Methods and materials
The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were employed to assess cognitive function in 52 adults with ALS and 52 cognitively healthy individuals. The statistical analyses encompassed the Pearson Chi square test, the Skillings-Mack test, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the Proportional Odds Logistic Regression Model (POLR).

Results
Cross-sectionally, lower cognitive performance was associated with ALS diagnosis, older age, and motor functional decline. The cognitive impairment of individuals with bulbar and spinal-bulbar symptoms showed faster deterioration compared to those with spinal symptoms. The spinal subgroup consistently performed worst in delayed recall and attention, while the spinal-bulbar and bulbar subgroups exhibited inferior scores in delayed recall, attention, visuospatial skills, orientation, and verbal fluency.

Conclusion
The incorporation of cognitive screening in the diagnostic workup of ALS may be beneficial, as early detection can enhance symptom management and improve the quality of life for both individuals with ALS and their care partners.
The Effects of Introducing a Harm Threshold for Medical Treatment Decisions for Children in the Courts of England & Wales: An (Inter)National Case Law Analysis
Authors: Neefjes Veronica M. E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe case of Charlie Gard sparked an ongoing public and academic debate whether in court decisions about medical treatment for children in England & Wales the best interests test should be replaced by a harm threshold. However, the literature has scantly considered (1) what the impact of such a replacement would be on future litigation and (2) how a harm threshold should be introduced: for triage or as standard for decision-making. This article directly addresses these gaps, by first analysing reported cases in England & Wales about medical treatment in the context of a S31 order, thus using a harm threshold for triage and second comparing court decisions about medical treatment for children in England & Wales based on the best interest test with Dutch and German case law using a harm threshold. The investigation found that whilst no substantial increase of parental discretion can be expected an introduction of a harm threshold for triage would change litigation. In particular, cases in which harm is limited, currently only heard when there are concerns about parental decision-making, may be denied a court hearing as might cases in which the child has lost their capacity to suffer. Applying a harm threshold for triage in decisions about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment might lead to a continuation of medical treatment that could be considered futile.
The Developmental Autism Early Screening (DAES): A Novel Test for Screening Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cirnigliaro Lara , Valle Maria Stella , Casabona Antonino , Randazzo Martina , La Bruna Francesca , Pettinato Fabio , Narzisi Antonio , Rizzo Renata , Barone Rita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study was undertaken to set a novel developmental screening test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development (Griffith III) (Green et al., 2016; Stroud et al., 2016), in order to intercept the early atypical developmental patterns indicating ASD risk in the first 3 years of age. An observational and interactive ASD screener, the Developmental Autism Early Screening (DAES), was developed by detecting Griffiths III items differentiating toddlers with ASD risk from those with global developmental delay (DD) or neurotypical development. The DAES was validated with ASD-specific diagnostic instruments (ADOS-2) and the cut-off score based on sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value that best differentiates between ASD and non-ASD children was identified. We enrolled a total sample of 297 subjects, including children at risk for ASD or DD and neurotypical children. At a cut-off score of 12.5, the DAES had a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 98.4%, positive predictive value of 96.3% and negative predictive value of 96.9% for identifying children at risk for ASD from non-ASD participants (DD/neurotypical children). The DAES total score correlated significantly with the ADOS-2 calibrated severity scores (CSS) (R = 0.53, p < 0.001). Three ASD risk ranges were identified according to DAES total and ADOS-2 CSS: Little-to-no risk (CSS: 1–3, DAES: 1–7); Mild-to-moderate risk (CSS: 4–5, DAES: 8–14); Moderate-to-severe risk (CSS: 6–10, DAES ≥ 15). The DAES provides a direct approach based on developmental profiles to stratify risk for ASD in early childhood ensuring at risk children the most appropriate diagnostic procedures and targeted intervention.
Investigating Social Competence in a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Theatre-Based Intervention Enhanced for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Corbett Blythe A. , Key Alexandra P. , Klemencic Mark E. , Muscatello Rachael A. , Jones Dorita , Pilkington Jennifer , Burroughs Christina , Vandekar Simon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges in social competence that persist in adulthood, yet few treatment options exist. A pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a peer-mediated, theatre-based intervention with established efficacy in youth with ASD was examined in autistic adults. The final sample consisted of forty-seven 18-to-40-year-old participants randomized to the experimental (EXP N = 23) or waitlist control (WLC N = 24) condition. A multimodal, social interdependent model was employed to examine social competence changes in brain (incidental face memory (IFM) using event-related potentials), cognition (Wechsler Memory Scale-III), behavior (Contextual Assessment of Social Skills) and function (Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS); Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale (ABAS) Social Composite). Using analysis of covariance in which pretest was controlled in the model, posttest between-group differences were observed on IFM (p = 0.016, η2 = 0.139, d = 0.79) and several social and adaptive functional (SRS, ABAS) outcomes in social communication and interaction (SCI) (p = 0.019, η2 = 0.121, d = -00.45), communication (p = 0.044 η2 = 0.09, d = -00.31), and motivation (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.229, d = -0.79) domains. At two-month follow-up, gains in social motivation remained (p = 0.041, η2 = 0.100, d = -0.77). The results offer preliminary support for a unique theatre-based social skills intervention for autistic adults who have few treatment options to enhance social competence. The trial was pre-registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04349644).
Cell wall anisotropy plays a key role in Zea mays stomatal complex movement: the possible role of the cell wall matrix
Authors: Gkolemis K. , Giannoutsou E. , Adamakis I-D. S. , Galatis B. , Apostolakos P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe opening of the stomatal pore in Zea mays is accomplished by the lateral displacement of the central canals of the dumbbell-shaped guard cells (GCs) towards their adjacent deflating subsidiary cells that retreat locally. During this process, the central canals swell, and their cell wall thickenings become thinner. The mechanical forces driving the outward displacement of the central canal are applied by the asymmetrically swollen bulbous ends of the GCs via the rigid terminal cell wall thickenings of the central canal and the polar ventral cell wall (VW) ends. During stomatal pore closure, the shrinking bulbous GC ends no longer exert the mechanical forces on the central canals, allowing them to be pushed back inwards, towards their initial position, by the now swelling subsidiary cells. During this process, the cell walls of the central canal thicken. Examination of immunolabeled specimens revealed that important cell wall matrix materials are differentially distributed across the walls of Z. mays stomatal complexes. The cell walls of the bulbous ends and of the central canal of the GCs, as well as the cell walls of the subsidiary cells were shown to be rich in methylesterified homogalacturonans (HGs) and hemicelluloses. Demethylesterified HGs were, in turn, mainly located at the terminal cell wall thickenings of the central canal, at the polar ends of the VW, at the lateral walls of the GCs and at the periclinal cell walls of the central canal. During stomatal function, a spatiotemporal change on the distribution of some of the cell wall matrix materials is observed. The participation of the above cell wall matrix polysaccharides in the well-orchestrated response of the cell wall during the reversible movements of the stomatal complexes is discussed.
Description of new species of Trematoda from bats of Southeastern Mexico and a new classification for Brachylecithum rileyi n. comb. (Dicrocoeliidae)
Authors: Moguel-Chin Wilson I. , Panti-May Jesús Alonso , García-García Brenda Atziri , Hernández-Mena David I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo date, 23 species of trematodes have been reported in bats from Mexico. However, in some regions of Mexico, such as the Yucatan Peninsula, many species of bats do not have helminthological records. Here, we sampled bats in four localities in Southeastern Mexico from April 2017 to February 2022. Parasites were collected from the intestine of four species of bats: Pteronotus fulvus, Eumops nanus, Noctilio leporinus and Nyctinomops laticaudatus. Conventional morphological techniques and molecular tools with the 28S ribosomal gene were used to describe the helminths. We discovered that our parasites represent three new species and a new combination of trematodes. We found that the new species have morphological differences with their congeneric species, and we complement this information whit molecular data. Furthermore, we found morphological and molecular evidence that places Dicrocoelium rileyi within the genus Brachylecithum. This study points out the importance of comparing morphological and phylogenetic information.
Molecular data aids pinworm diagnosis in night monkeys (Aotus spp., Primates: Aotidae) with the resurrection of a Trypanoxyuris species (Nematoda: Oxyuridae)
Authors: Solórzano-García Brenda , Link Ospina Andrés , Pérez-Ponce de León Gerardo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeotropical primates (Platyrrhines) are commonly parasitized by pinworm nematodes of the genus Trypanoxyuris Vevers, 1923. The taxonomic identity of Trypanoxyuris sampled in night monkeys (Aotus Iliger) has been rather controversial. Two species have been described, namely T. microon (Linstow, 1907) and T. interlabiata (Sandosham, 1950). The latter was synonymized with T. microon considering that the observed morphological differences corresponded to different developmental stages of the nematode rather than to differences between both species. Here, we used an integrative taxonomy approach, based on morphological and molecular data along with host identity, in order to assess the validity of both species. Our results evidenced that these different morphotypes correspond to different and reciprocally monophyletic groups; thus, we propose the resurrection of T. interlabiata. We redescribe both pinworm species using specimens sampled in Aotus monkeys from Colombia and discuss the advantages of combining molecular and morphological data to uncover pinworm diversity, and to understand the potential forces determining the diversification process in pinworms from platyrrhine primates.
Der Einfluss des Zeitpunktes der medikamenteninduzierten Schlafendoskopie auf die Ausprägung des Apnoe-Hypopnoe-Indexes in der Polysomnographie
Authors: Maurer Joachim T. , Gasparic Merle , Huseynov Jamal 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Zur Indikationsstellung chirurgischer Therapiemöglichkeiten der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA) werden neben der klinischen Untersuchung zumeist eine medikamenteninduzierte Schlafendoskopie (MISE) und eine Polysomnographie (PSG) herangezogen. Dabei wird die MISE häufig am Tag der PSG durchgeführt. Die applizierten Medikamente und der Ablauf der MISE könnten die Ausprägung der OSA in der nachfolgenden PSG und somit die Therapieempfehlung beeinflussen.

Fragestellung
Unterscheidet sich die Ausprägung der OSA in der PSG, wenn die MISE am gleichen Tag wie die PSG oder unabhängig davon durchgeführt wird?

Material und Methode
Retrospektive Kohortenstudie von 101 Patienten aus einem Patientenpool von 813 Patienten zur MISE und PSG zwischen 2017 bis 2020 mit zuvor polygraphisch oder polysomnographisch gesicherter OSA (Nacht 1), davon bei 24 Patienten extern, bei 77 in domo erhoben. In der Studiengruppe (SG, n = 53) wurde die MISE am selben Tag wie die PSG (Nacht 2) durchgeführt, während sie in der Kontrollgruppe (KG, n = 58) an einem anderen Tag durchgeführt wurde. Primärer Zielparameter war die Veränderung des Apnoe-Hypopnoe-Indexes (AHI) zwischen Nacht 1 und Nacht 2.

Ergebnisse
Der AHI verringerte sich zwischen den beiden Nächten in der SG bzw. KG im Mittel um −4,77 ± 18,92/h bzw. −1,70 ± 13,77/h, im Median um −3,80/h bzw. −0,25/h. Statistische Signifikanz wurde jedoch nur bei der Betrachtung der ausschließlich in domo erhobenen Daten erreicht (n = 77; p = 0,0189). Dort blieben der mittlere und mediane AHI in der KG unverändert, während er in der SG deutlich abnahm (Mittelwert SG −7,62 ± 20,47, KG 0,38 ± 11,53; Median: SG −6,65, KG 0,20).

Schlussfolgerungen
Die Durchführung der MISE am Tag der PSG könnte zu einem niedrigeren AHI führen und so die Therapieempfehlung beeinflussen, insbesondere wenn AHI-Grenzwerte beachtet werden müssen. Dies spräche dafür, PSG und MISE an unterschiedlichen Tagen durchzuführen.
Assessing the Effect of a 2-Year Mindfulness-Based Training Programme on Personal and Professional Functioning: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Whitesman Simon , Mash Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly a part of mainstream society. The training of professionals to teach these programmes is an important element in maintaining the quality and integrity of this approach. The objective of this study was to examine the experience of trainees undertaking a 2-year training curriculum and how this supported adaptation when they began teaching.

Method
The study was a convergent mixed-methods design, including a descriptive survey of trainees using a questionnaire and a descriptive phenomenological exploration of trainees’ experiences using focus group interviews.

Results
A significant majority of graduates were women and either health professionals or coaches. Most graduates continued to teach after completion of the training, predominantly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or an adapted MBSR. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to the structure and content of the curriculum, changing identity, sensitivity to local context, the importance of learning this approach in a community, and embodied experience. The latter two themes were particularly significant when navigating challenging emotional and somatic experiences.

Conclusions
Teachers-in-training internalised the essential qualities of mindfulness as an awareness practice. This capacity required the effort of personal practice alongside theoretical understanding, the support of community and a willingness to be present with a wider range of experience. These factors combined to support the embodiment of the essential qualities of mindfulness. A majority of graduates actively explored teaching MBIs in their professional contexts after completion, and the personal shifts that they experienced through the cultivation of mindful living during the training provided a robust foundation on which to begin teaching a contemporary mindfulness approach to others in a context sensitive way.

Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.