bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fortified synbiotic dessert for improving malnutrition in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Azad Farzaneh , Hamidianshirazi Maryam , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad , Shafiee Maryam , Ekramzadeh Maryam 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAs dysbiosis of gut microbiota is recognized as a major risk factor for malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients, we aimed to assess the effects of fortified synbiotic dessert on malnutrition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis. A total of 50 hemodialysis patients were randomized into two groups of intervention and control to consume either 50 g of synbiotic dessert fortified with vitamin D (1000 IU) and calcium (500 mg) (FSD) or 50 g of control dessert (CD) for 8 weeks, respectively. Changes in nutritional status [Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)], anthropometric measures, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), ferritin, biochemistry [serum albumin, vitamin D, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), complete blood count (CBC), and electrolytes], and quality of life were assessed before and at the end of the trial. The SGA scores and serum ferritin levels decreased significantly in the FSD group compared to the control group (p = .01 and p = .03, respectively). Regarding other markers, no statistically significant changes were found comparing the two groups. This novel fortified synbiotic dessert as a functional food may be effective in reducing the severity of malnutrition by improving SGA score in short term in hemodialysis patients. Thus, it is suggested to do further studies to elucidate the possible mechanisms related to the effects of this dessert on microbiota, skeletal muscle mass, and inflammation in HD in long term.
Metabolic parameters predict survival and toxicity in chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy‐treated relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ababneh Hazim S. , Ng Andrea K. , Abramson Jeremy S. , Soumerai Jacob D. , Takvorian Ronald W. , Frigault Matthew J. , Patel Chirayu G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has revolutionized treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL). However, data available concerning the impact of the prognostic value of quantitative 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) parameters on the CAR T‐related outcomes and toxicities are limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of pre‐ and post‐CAR T metabolic parameters on survival and toxicities following CAR T‐cell therapy. Fifty‐nine patients with PET/CT scans done pre‐and post‐CAR T infusion were retrospectively identified and analyzed in a single institution database of LBCL patients treated with commercial CD19‐targeted CAR T‐cell therapy. The median follow‐up was 10.7 months [interquartile range (IQR): 2.6–25.5 months]. The overall response (complete response‐CR and partial response) and CR rates post‐CAR T were 76% (n = 45) and 53% (n = 31), respectively. On univariate analysis, low pre‐CAR T total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) predicted improved overall response post‐CAR T (OR = 4.7, p = 0.01, OR = 9.5, p = 0.03, respectively) and CR post‐CAR T (OR = 12.4, p = 0.0004, OR = 10.9, p = 0.0001, respectively). High TLG pre‐CAR T was correlated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS, OR = 3.25, p = 0.04). High MTV pre‐CAR T was correlated with developing immune effector cell neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) events (OR = 4.3, p = 0.01), and high SUV pre‐CAR T was associated with grade 3–4 neurological events (OR = 12, p = 0.01). High MTV/TLG/SUVmax post‐CAR T were significantly associated with inferior Overall survival (OS). On multivariate analysis, high TLG pre‐CAR T (HR = 2.4, p = 0.03), age ≥60 (HR = 2.7, p = 0.03), and bulky disease (≥5 cm) at the time of apheresis (HR = 2.5, p = 0.02) were identified to be independent prognostic factors for inferior PFS. High MTV post‐CAR T was identified as the most prognostic factor associated with inferior OS.
Fight against cholera outbreak, efforts and challenges in Malawi
Authors: Miggo Mictum , Harawa Gracian , Kangwerema Allan , Knovicks Simfukwe , Mfune Chalo , Safari Jackson , Kaunda John Thumbiko , Kalua Joel , Sefu Glory , Phiri Elias , Patel Parth 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCholera is endemic in many African countries with recurrent seasonal outbreaks in parts of the region. Malawi has been experiencing seasonal outbreaks of Cholera since 1998, and it is one of the major public health problems. The current cholera outbreak is one of Malawi's worst cholera outbreaks in the past 10 years. Since the beginning of the outbreak about 56,090 cumulative cases of cholera have been reported with 1712 deaths representing a case fatality rate of 3.1%. This is happening when the country is recovering from the COVID‐19 epidemic, the devastating effects of tropical storms, and is also tackling the polio outbreak. Clearly, the Malawian health system is overstretched. Nevertheless, the country has taken a positive step in responding to the current cholera outbreak. Setting up treatment facilities, stepping up Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in impacted areas, and improving the surveillance system for early case detection and treatment are some of the actions taken. As the fight against cholera continues there is a need to significantly increase monitoring in all districts, particularly at the community level for early detection and control of the cholera. Considering there are some cross‐border cases from neighboring countries such as Mozambique, good collaboration between the two countries in strengthening surveillance and hygiene practices in the borders will help in controlling the spread of the disease. While it is commendable that dozens of oral cholera vaccines have been given, it should be noted that this provides short‐term prevention. In addressing the nation's ongoing and recurrent cholera outbreaks, we advise prioritizing WASH efforts in addition to oral cholera vaccine administration.
Homozygote drepanocytosis: Ferric status and inflammation in world and Africa: Review article and meta analysis
Authors: Tuono De Manfouo Romaric , Louokdom Josué Simo , Chetcha Bernard Claude , Nya Prosper Cabral Biapa , Pieme Constant Anatole , Tagny Claude Tayou 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsMajor sickle cell syndromes are subjected to a high frequency of hemolysis, infections, oxidative stress, and vasooclusive crises which promote inflammation and iron balance disorders. We aimed to systematically review and analyze the studies in this patients addressing in general, and Africa in particular.MethodsThe systematic review of published articles in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases was carried out according to the recommendations of the PRISMA model. The case‐control articles have been included. The data extracted from the articles were analyzed using statistical software R. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the extent of the disease on the different variables studied.ResultsAt the end, 128 articles were obtained; but only 33 were elligible for meta‐analysis. A SMD of −1.79 was obtained for hemoglobin between the sickle cell patients and the controls due to the deviation from the overall mean hemoglobin in the cases (8 ± 2 g/dL) and in controls (13 ± 3 g/dL). Sickle cell disease showed a significant extent on ferritin [SMD = 2.61; (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.39–2.83); (p < 0.01)] compared to non‐sickle cell patients thus describing a higher risk for sickle cell sufferer to have ferritin disorders. The included studies also described the influence of sickle cell anemia on serum iron [SMD = 1.52; (95% CI: 1.32–1.76); (p < 0.01)] compared to normal subjects. The high risk of inflammation has been described as higher in sickle cell patients [SMD = 0.38; (95% CI: 0.25–0.50)], reflecting the moderate extent of sickle cell disease on inflammation.ConclusionPatients with major sickle cell syndrome in inflammation have a higher risk of iron profile disorders compared to the normal population. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms for preventing the deleterious effects of iron from this hemolysis, for example haptoglobin genotyping.
“Veozah (Fezolinetant): A Promising Non‐Hormonal Treatment for Vasomotor Symptoms in Menopause”
Authors: Shaukat Ayesha , Mujeeb Azka , Shahnoor Syeda , Nasser Nathalie , Khan Abdul Moiz 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVasomotor symptoms (VMS) are a common and distressing experience during menopause, affecting a significant portion of women. Hormone therapy (HT) has been the traditional treatment, but its limitations and potential risks have led to the search foar non‐hormonal alternatives. Recently, the FDA approved Veozah (Fezolinetant) as a promising nonhormonal solution for moderate to severe VMS in menopause. Veozah, an innovative neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, targets the disrupted thermoregulation underlying VMS. It modulates neural activity within the thermoregulatory center by crossing the blood‐brain barrier, offering relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Clinical trials, including SKYLIGHT 1TM, SKYLIGHT 2TM, and SKYLIGHT 4TM, have established Fezolinemtant's efficacy and safety profile. The recommended dosage of one 45 mg tablet per day demonstrates proportional pharmacokinetics, with generally mild side effects that require regular monitoring. Fezolinetant's oral availability makes it a convenient and accessible option for women seeking relief from VMS, potentially improving their overall well‐being.
Scurvy: A treatable forgotten fatal differential diagnosis and potential etiology of leukemia and aplastic anemia in pediatric population
Authors: Mashauri Harold L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractScurvy is a rare nutritional deficiency disease which is less likely to be suspected and it mostly lead to delayed diagnosis. It can present with features which can mislead clinicians to misdiagnose the condition as leukemia or aplastic anemia. This can subject patients to the wrong management which leads to poor outcome and increased preventable morbidity and mortality. Vitamin C deficiency is still prevalent among pediatric population even in the modern days and should no longer be considered as historical condition. Chromosomal fragility has been greatly accounted for the development of leukemia and aplastic anemia secondary to various triggers. The role of vitamin C toward DNA stability, prevention, and control of mutations have been documented. Vitamin C plays a vital role in hematopoiesis by controlling regulation and prevent dysfunction of hematopoietic stem cells. Scurvy deficiency has been a silent growing clinical problem which needs a high index of suspicion for a clinician to pick it. It should be considered as one among potential differential diagnosis of leukemia and aplastic anemia especially in the pediatric population. History of any dietary restriction should be obtained and addressed properly. Serum vitamin C should be among the essential laboratory workout in diagnosis of both leukemia and aplastic anemia. All patients suspected to have such conditions should be screened and supplemented for vitamin C deficiency irrespective of positive confirmatory test results of leukemia or aplastic anemia since the probability of co‐occurrence is likely also. Moreover, studies should be conducted to explore the clinical link, if any, between vitamin C deficiency or insufficiency and development of leukemia and aplastic anemia among the pediatric population given its physiological and genomic role in hematopoiesis. Furthermore, the potential pharmacological therapeutic use of vitamin C in treatment of leukemia and aplastic anemia should be determined clinically.
Understanding children's prosocial behaviour and classroom affiliative relationships: A social network analysis
Authors: Beffel Jenna H. , Neal Jennifer Watling 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe present study uses social network analyses to examine the associations between children's prosocial behaviour and classroom affiliative relationships (i.e., hanging out relationships). Our sample includes data from 257 children and their teachers in 12 s through fourth‐grade classrooms living in high‐poverty, inner‐urban city neighbourhoods (98.4% African American). We estimated a series of exponential random graph models (ERGMs) for the 12 classrooms and then meta‐analysed the ERGM results using a multi‐level meta‐analysis technique to examine the effects of prosocial behaviour and homophily of prosocial behaviour on children's affiliative relationships across classrooms. Our results revealed a significant effect of prosocial behaviour, suggesting that children with higher levels of prosocial behaviour were more likely to have more affiliative relationships. We also saw a significant effect of homophily of prosocial behaviour, suggesting that the more similar the children were in terms of prosocial behaviour, the more likely they were to have an affiliative relationship. Our findings highlight the importance of prosocial behaviour in children's affiliative relationships and have implications for fostering children's affiliative relationships and improving their well‐being.
Identity status and narrative identity processes in female adolescents' stories about committing crimes and being convicted
Authors: Azad Azadé , Carlsson Johanna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionAdolescent delinquency has been suggested to evolve from a normative motivation to establish independence and identity. However, few studies have examined this in detail, especially in young women. The aim was, therefore, to investigate identity formation in adolescent females with limited delinquency by focusing on identity status and identity processes in narratives about committing crimes and being convicted.MethodsInterviews with 10 females, 15–18 years old, sentenced to youth service in three Swedish cities were conducted on Zoom.ResultsThe results showed an equal distribution of all identity statuses within the group. Thematic analysis of their stories about crime and conviction showed that delinquency was described in terms of exploration and commitment, although commitment appeared more clearly. Social relations, in particular peers, played an important role in both committing as well as desisting from delinquency. In terms of narrative processes, the stories contained elements of agency, although diminishing of one's own capability and/or responsibility was common, and meaning making, mostly lesson learning, usually pertained to behaviors, interactional rules, or norms.ConclusionThese findings point to the importance of viewing delinquency among young women in a social and developmental context, where delinquency may be a part of the process of identity formation. Interventions focusing on expressing needs of belonging as well as finding oneself in more adaptive ways are warranted, where supporting pro‐social relations and contexts is a suggested focus.
Development of a membrane and a bilayer of chitosan, gelatin, and polyhydroxybutyrate to be used as wound dressing for the regeneration of rat excisional wounds
Authors: Barbosa Joana Lobato , de Melo Mariane Izabella Abreu , da Silva Cunha Pricila , de Miranda Marcelo Coutinho , Barrioni Breno Rocha , Moreira Cheisy Daiana Freitas , da Fonseca Ferreira Andrea , Arantes Rosa Maria Esteves , de Sá Marcos Augusto , de Magalhães Pereira Marivalda , Rodrigues Michele Angela , Novikoff Silviene , Gomes Dawidson Assis , de Goes Alfredo Miranda 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe skin is the largest organ in the human body that acts as a protective barrier from the outside environment. Certain dermatological pathologies or significant skin lesions can result in serious complications. Several studies have focused on the development of tissue‐engineered skin substitutes. In this study, a new bilayer scaffold composed of a chitosan‐gelatin membrane and a chitosan‐polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) porous matrix was synthesized and populated with human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) to be potentially used for wound dressing applications. By combining this membrane and porous matrix with the stem cells, we aimed to provide immunomodulation and differentiation capabilities for the wound environment, as well as mechanical strength and biocompatibility for the underlying tissue. The membrane was prepared from the mixture of chitosan and gelatin in a 2:1 ratio and the porous matrix was prepared from the mixture of chitosan and PHB, in equal proportions to form a final solution at 2.5% (m/v). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the formation of blends, and micro‐computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images demonstrated membrane roughness and matrix porosity. The MTT assay showed that the scaffolds were biocompatible with hASC. The membrane and the bilayer were used as dressing and support for cell migration in the dorsal excisional wound model in Wistar rats. Histological and gene transcriptional analyses showed that the animals that received the scaffolds regenerated the hair follicles in the deep dermis in the central region of the wound. Our results demonstrate the potential of these new biomaterials as dressings in wound healing studies, favoring tissue regeneration.
Glycyrrhizin protects against diosbulbin B‐induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the metabolic activation of diosbulbin B
Authors: Yang Bufan , Liu Jie , Chang Xiaojin , Lin Dongju 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDiosbulbin B (DIOB), isolated from herbal medicine Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), could induce severe liver injury, and its toxicology was closely associated with CYP3A4‐mediated metabolic oxidation of furan moiety to the corresponding cis‐enedial reactive metabolite. Glycyrrhizin (GL), the major bioactive ingredient in licorice, can inhibit the activity of CYP3A4. Thus, GL may ameliorate hepatotoxicity of DIOB when GL and DIOB are co‐administrated. The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of GL on DIOB‐induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism. Biochemical and histopathological analysis demonstrated that GL alleviated DIOB‐induced hepatotoxicity in a dose‐dependent manner. In vitro study with mouse liver microsomes (MLMs) demonstrated that GL reduced the formation of metabolic activation‐derived pyrrole‐glutathione (GSH) conjugates from DIOB. Toxicokinetic studies showed that the pretreatment with GL caused the increase of AUCs and Cmax of DIOB in blood of mice, resulting in accelerating the accumulation of DIOB in the circulation. In addition, the pretreatment with GL alleviated DIOB‐induced hepatic GSH depletion. In summary, GL ameliorated DIOB‐induced hepatotoxicity, possibly related to the inhibition of the metabolic activation of DIOB. Thus, development of a standardized combination of DIOB with GL may protect patients from DIOB‐induced liver injury.
Inositol polyphosphate multikinase modulates free fatty acids‐induced insulin resistance in primary mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Jung Ik‐Rak , Ahima Rexford S. , Kim Sangwon F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInsulin resistance is a critical mediator of the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). An excess influx of fatty acids to the liver is thought to be a pathogenic cause of insulin resistance and the development of NAFLD. Although elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) in plasma contribute to inducing insulin resistance and NAFLD, the molecular mechanism is not completely understood. This study aimed to determine whether inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK), a regulator of insulin signaling, plays any role in FFA‐induced insulin resistance in primary hepatocytes. Here, we show that excess FFA decreased IPMK expression, and blockade of IPMK decrease attenuated the FFA‐induced suppression of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation in primary mouse hepatocytes (PMH). Moreover, overexpression of IPMK prevented the FFA‐induced suppression of Akt phosphorylation by insulin, while knockout of IPMK exacerbated insulin resistance in PMH. In addition, treatment with MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor, inhibits FFA‐induced decrease in IPMK expression and Akt phosphorylation in PMH. Furthermore, treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) significantly attenuated the FFA‐induced reduction of IPMK and restored FFA‐induced insulin resistance in PMH. In conclusion, our findings suggest that excess FFA reduces IPMK expression and contributes to the FFA‐induced decrease in Akt phosphorylation in PMH, leading to insulin resistance. Our study highlights IPMK as a potential therapeutic target for preventing insulin resistance and NAFLD.
The ameliorating effects of mesenchymal stem cells compared to α‐tocopherol on apoptosis and autophagy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats: Implication of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and entero‐insular axis
Authors: Mubarak Heba A. , Kamal Manal M. , Mahmoud Yossra , Abd‐Elsamea Fatma S. , Abdelbary Eman , Gamea Marwa G. , El‐Mahdy Reham I. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are considered a novel regenerative therapy that holds much potential. This study aimed to examine and compare the ameliorative effects of BM‐MSCs compared to α‐tocopherol (α‐Toc) on apoptosis, autophagy, and β‐cell function in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes and further analyzed the implications and interrelations of the entero‐insular axis, and type I phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Forty adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups (n = 10, in each): control group, STZ‐induced diabetic group (single i.p. injection of STZ 45 mg/kg), diabetic and treated with BM‐MSCs injection, diabetic and treatment with α‐Toc p.o. The serum glucose, insulin, nitric oxide (NO), and catalase (CAT) were measured. Histopathological examination of the pancreas, the expression levels of insulin, CD44, caspase‐3, autophagy markers, P13K/Akt, and pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1, in pancreatic tissue, and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the duodenum were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence labeling, and by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The diabetic rats showed reduced insulin, hyperglycemia, nitrosative stress (NO, CAT), augmented apoptosis (caspase 3), impaired autophagy (p62/SQSTM1, LC3), downregulated PI3K/Akt pathway and increased GIP expression, and degeneration of pancreatic islets. Treatment with either BM‐MSCs or α‐Toc suppressed the nitrosative stress, reduced apoptosis, recovered autophagy, upregulated PI3K/Akt pathway, and subsequently increased insulin levels, decreased blood glucose, and downregulated GIP expression with partial restoration of pancreatic islets. Based on our findings, the cytoprotective effects of BM‐MSCs and α‐Toc in type 1‐induced diabetes appeared to be related to repaired autophagy and recovered PI3K/Akt signaling. Moreover, we reported their novel effects on reversing intestinal GIP expression level. The effect of BM‐MSCs was notably superior to that of α‐Toc.