bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis With Different Disease Severity
Authors: Zeng Yinhui , Lin Ting , Xie Wanhua , Gao Shengli , Zeng Qingxiang , Luo Xi , Liu Wenlong 
Published: January 2025

Background: Although numerous studies have focused on diagnostic biomarkers to help identify allergic rhinitis (AR), data on the characteristics of pediatric AR with different severity is limited. We aimed to compare the characteristics of pediatric AR with different severity.Methods: A total of 1054 children with AR were enrolled and classified into mild intermittent AR, mild persistent AR, moderate‐to‐severe intermittent AR, and moderate‐to‐severe persistent AR. All children were surveyed using a questionnaire that included detailed demographic information. Blood cell analysis was performed using an automatic hematology analyzer.Results: No significant differences were observed in feeding patterns, dietary habits, outdoor activity time, total IgE, eosinophil count, and eosinophil percentage among the different AR subgroups. However, a higher prevalence of a family history of AR was noted in the moderate‐to‐severe persistent group. Symptoms were more likely to exacerbate when using air conditioning in children with moderate‐to‐severe persistent AR. Multivariate regression analysis also showed that symptom exacerbation when using air conditioning was associated with disease severity.Conclusions: This study suggests that exacerbation of symptoms during air conditioning use can be considered a predictive factor for the severity of pediatric AR. Doctors and parents should pay special attention to these children to prevent more severe symptoms and improve the quality of life of these patients as early as possible.
The Concept of Pain in Children Attending Primary School: Implications for School‐Based Pain Education
Authors: Odendaal Talita , Diener Ina , Louw Quinette Abegail , Ernstzen Dawn Verna 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: A child’s concept of pain comprises their understanding of what pain is, the purpose of pain, and biological processes underpinning pain. The concept of pain can influence pain experiences, pain beliefs, and pain‐related behaviour. This study aimed to assess the concept of pain among children attending primary schools in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A secondary aim was to explore demographic and pain‐related information that may contribute to a child’s concept of pain.Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study with an analytic component was used. The cross‐culturally adapted Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) was used to assess the concept of pain amongst 12‐year‐old school‐attending children. Children from seven primary schools that were selected via stratified random sampling participated. Participants completed the adapted COPI and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were used to analyse the data.Results: There were 119 participants. Participants’ concept of pain partially aligned with contemporary pain science (mean = 34.39 out of 56; standard deviation = 6.49), indicating a partial understanding of the factors influencing pain. Demographic factors and pain‐related information investigated did not influence participants’ concept of pain. However, differences in the concept of pain were observed amongst participants from different schools.Conclusions: Participants had a developing concept of pain that was partially aligned with contemporary pain science. Participants had pain knowledge strengths and gaps that can be used to develop a tailored school‐based pain education intervention for them. There were indications that contextual factors may have influenced the participants’ concept of pain. Further studies to explore socioenvironmental factors that influence pain knowledge in children are recommended.
Elacestrant in Women with Estrogen Receptor–Positive and HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer: Results from the Preoperative Window-of-Opportunity ELIPSE Trial
Authors: Vidal Maria , Falato Claudette , Pascual Tomás , Sanchez-Bayona Rodrigo , Muñoz-Mateu Montserrat , Cebrecos Isaac , Gonzalez-Farré Xavier , Cortadellas Tomás , Margelí Vila Mireia , Luna Miguel A. , Siso Christian , Amillano Kepa , Galván Patricia , Bergamino Milana A. , Ferrero-Cafiero Juan M. , Salvador Fernando , Espinosa Guerrero Alejandra , Pare Laia , Sanfeliu Esther , Prat Aleix , Bellet Meritxell 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose:
Elacestrant has shown significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared with standard-of-care endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor–positive (ER-positive), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, whereas potential benefit in early-stage disease requires further exploration. The SOLTI-ELIPSE window-of-opportunity trial investigated the biological changes induced by a short course of preoperative elacestrant in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.

Patients and Methods:
Eligible patients with untreated T1c (≥1.5 cm)-T3, N0, ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer with locally assessed Ki67 ≥10% received elacestrant at a daily dose of 345 mg for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete cell cycle arrest, defined as Ki67 ≤2.7%, on day 28.

Results:
Overall, 22 patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint. Elacestrant was associated with a complete cell cycle arrest rate of 27.3% and a statistically significant Ki67 geometric mean change of −52.9% (P = 0.007; 95% confidence interval, −67.4 to −32.1). Notably, the treatment with elacestrant led to a shift toward a more endocrine-sensitive and less proliferative tumor phenotype based on PAM50-based gene signatures. Elacestrant increased the expression of immune-response genes (GZMB, CD4, and CD8A) and suppressed proliferation and estrogen-signaling genes (MKI67, ESR1, and AR). These biological changes were independent of the levels of Ki67 suppression on day 28. The most common adverse events were grade 1 anemia (21.7%), hot flushes (8.7%), constipation (8.7%), and abdominal pain (8.7%). One patient experienced a grade 3 cutaneous rash, leading to treatment discontinuation. No other serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:
Preoperative treatment with elacestrant in early breast cancer demonstrated relevant biological and molecular responses and exhibited a manageable safety profile. These findings support further investigation of elacestrant in the early setting.
ECM Modifications Driven by Age and Metabolic Stress Directly Promote Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Osteogenic Processes
Authors: Whitehead Meredith , Faleeva Maria , Oexner Rafael , Cox Susan , Schmidt Lukas , Mayr Manuel , Shanahan Catherine M. 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
The ECM (extracellular matrix) provides the microenvironmental niche sensed by resident vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Aging and disease are associated with dramatic changes in ECM composition and properties; however, their impact on VSMC phenotype remains poorly studied.

METHODS:
Here, we describe a novel in vitro model system that utilizes endogenous ECM to study how modifications associated with age and metabolic disease impact VSMC phenotype. ECM was synthesized using primary human VSMCs and modified during culture or after decellularization. Integrity, stiffness, and composition of the ECM was measured using superresolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and proteomics, respectively. VSMCs reseeded onto the modified ECM were analyzed for viability and osteogenic differentiation.

RESULTS:
ECMs produced in response to mineral stress showed extracellular vesicle–mediated hydroxyapatite deposition and sequential changes in collagen composition and ECM properties. VSMCs seeded onto the calcified ECM exhibited increased extracellular vesicle release and Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2)-mediated osteogenic gene expression due to the uptake of hydroxyapatite, which led to increased reactive oxygen species and the induction of DNA damage signaling. VSMCs seeded onto the nonmineralized, senescent ECM also exhibited increased Runx2-mediated osteogenic gene expression and accelerated calcification. In contrast, glycated ECM specifically induced increased ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity, and this was dependent on RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) signaling with both ALP and RAGE receptor inhibition attenuating calcification.

CONCLUSIONS:
ECM modifications associated with aging and metabolic disease can directly induce osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs via distinct mechanisms and without the need for additional stimuli. This highlights the importance of the ECM microenvironment as a key driver of phenotypic modulation acting to accelerate age-associated vascular pathologies and provides a novel model system to study the mechanisms of calcification.
Association Between the Timing of Coronary Angiography, Targeted Temperature Management, and Neurological Outcomes After Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Population‐Based Registry Study in Korea
Authors: Oh Sang Hoon , Kim Han Joon , Park Kyu Nam , Youn Chun Song , Lim Jee Yong , Kim Hyo Joon , Bang Hyo Jin 
Published: January 2025

Background
Coronary angiography (CAG) and targeted temperature management (TTM) may improve clinical outcomes after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. This study aimed to assess whether the intervention effects differed according to timing and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performance.

Methods and Results
Adult patients with presumed cardiac cause who underwent CAG and TTM within 24 hours following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest were included from the Korean nationwide out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest registry. We investigated the associations between the timing of interventions and whether CAG was performed before TTM initiation (CAG‐first) and good neurological outcomes. Intervention times were divided into 4 quartiles, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with the fourth quartile as the reference. A total of 844 patients were enrolled. CAG and TTM were initiated a median of 2.4 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 1.8–3.2) and 4.3 hours (IQR, 3.2–6.0) after OHCA, respectively. Univariable analysis revealed associations between the earliest intervention groups and good neurological outcomes. However, after adjustment, neither the intervention time nor intervention prioritization was associated with good outcomes. The first quartile of CAG time (<1.8 hours) was associated with good outcomes in the subgroup with PCI (n=570) (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.93 [95% CI, 1.10–3.40]). In the subgroup without PCI (n=274), early TTM initiation (<3.2 hours) and CAG‐first were significantly associated with outcomes (aOR, 3.08 [95% CI, 1.36–6.96]; aOR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.20–0.97]; respectively).

Conclusions
Neither intervention time nor intervention prioritization was associated with good outcomes. However, early CAG and TTM independently predicted good outcomes in the subgroups with PCI and without PCI, respectively.
Enhancement of mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy composites using methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Beylergil Bertan , Ozturkmen Mahide Betul , Al-Nadhari Abdulrahman , Yildiz Sema , Aydoğan Berkay , Yildiz Mehmet 
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the use of readily dispersed methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core-shell nanoparticles to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy (CF/EP) composites. Through the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, CF/EP composites were manufactured with varying MBS particle loadings from 1 wt. to 7 wt. %. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined via three-point bending, Charpy impact, short-beam shear, and Mode-I fracture toughness tests, adhering to the relevant ASTM standards. The results show that the addition of MBS particles significantly increased Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIc), with the highest increase observed at 7 wt. % particle loading, demonstrating a nearly 177% improvement over the reference composite. The flexural modulus of composites slightly decreased with 1 wt. % MBS nanoparticles, indicating increased flexibility, while a synergistic effect at 7 wt. % MBS enhanced stiffness and structural reinforcement. The incorporation of MBS nanoparticles in CF/EP composites also enhanced Charpy impact strength and damping properties, with the highest impact strength observed at 7 wt. % MBS. Higher MBS content reduced the storage modulus, while the glass transition temperature remained relatively unchanged.
Assessing the fungal contamination and potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species on cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana
Authors: Banahene Joel Cox Menka , Ofosu Isaac Williams , Lutterodt Herman Erick , Ellis William Otoo 
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study investigated the fungal contamination profile of cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions in Ghana, with particular emphasis on the potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species. Methods: A total of 104 fermented and dried cocoa beans were randomly collected from farmers for analysis. Fungal isolation was conducted using potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media. Species-level identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Ochratoxin A (OTA) quantification and confirmation were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The investigation revealed 163 fungal isolates representing 14 distinct species across 10 genera. Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were predominant. No statistically significant differences in fungal species occurrence were observed among the different cocoa-growing regions. However, certain species exhibited preferential growth on specific media, emphasizing the importance of medium selection in mycological studies. Of the 14 fungal species tested, only Aspergillus niger demonstrated the ability to produce OTA in vitro, as confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Conclusion: This discovery holds substantial implications for both the cocoa industry and public health, considering that OTA is a potent mycotoxin subject to strict regulatory limits in food commodities. It is crucial to implement enhanced monitoring and control measures to mitigate fungal contamination in cocoa beans, particularly targeting OTA-producing species. The study also highlights the need for improved post-harvest handling practices, optimized storage conditions, and potential biocontrol approaches.
Prolactin-induced sensitization of trigeminal nociceptors promotes migraine co-morbidity in endometriosis
Authors: Lee Grace J. , Hode Veronica , Georgieva Teodora , Rau Jill , Dodick David W. , Schwedt Todd J. , Neugebauer Volker , Porreca Frank , Navratilova Edita 
Published: January 2025

Background Women with endometriosis are more likely to have migraine. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity are unknown. Prolactin, a neurohormone secreted and released into circulation from the anterior pituitary, can sensitize sensory neurons from female, but not male, rodents, monkeys and human donors. Methods We used a syngeneic model of endometriosis to determine whether elevated prolactin levels can sensitize trigeminal ganglion neurons and increase vulnerability to migraine pain. Results Mice with endometriotic lesions showed increased serum prolactin levels and developed persistent abdominal, but not cephalic, allodynia. However, inhalation of a transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 agonist, umbellulone, a known environmental trigger of headache in some patients, elicited cephalic allodynia in mice with endometriosis but not sham controls, suggesting that endometriosis can promote sensitization of trigeminal neurons and migraine attacks. Endometriosis dysregulated the expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in trigeminal neurons and increased their excitability measured by in vitro patch clamp electrophysiology. Inhibition of pituitary prolactin following a 2-week treatment with a dopamine receptor agonist, cabergoline, prevented cephalic allodynia elicited by activation of trigeminal afferents with umbellulone. Cabergoline treatment also normalized the expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in trigeminal ganglia and the hyperexcitability of trigeminal neurons. Conclusions These data demonstrate that circulating prolactin in endometriosis promotes vulnerability to migraine through sensitization of trigeminal afferents. Clinically available dopamine receptor agonists or novel monoclonal antibodies targeting prolactin signaling may be effective for migraine prevention in women with endometriosis.
Efficacy of botulinum toxin combined with rehabilitation treatments in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ke Meihua , Li Dongxia , Zhou Peike , Geng Hongli , Zhang Qingfang , Zhi Liang , Hong Yaqing , Wang Yulong , Long Jianjun 
Published: January 2025

Background There is growing interest in the combination of botulinum toxin (BoNT) and rehabilitation techniques for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity. Nevertheless, systematic evaluations of this approach are scarce. Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of BoNT combined with rehabilitation techniques for post-stroke spasticity. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from their inception to May 2024 for randomized controlled trials of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke spasticity. Reductions in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score at short-term and medium-term weeks after treatment were calculated. Results Eighteen studies were analyzed. Regarding the short-term effect of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments on post-stroke spasticity, the top one ranked combination treatments were BoNT plus conventional therapy (CT) and splinting. The results showed that two evidence networks regarding the medium-term efficacy of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke spasticity. The top one ranked combination treatments for Network A were BoNT plus CT and electrical stimulation, and for Network B, BoNT plus casting. Conclusions The limited quantity of literature included in these studies did not permit the ordering of probabilities. Consequently, these results must be interpreted with caution and further validated using high-quality studies.
Using suture-mediated closure device for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation: A single-center experience of post-closing technique
Authors: Lin Ching-Kai , Chou Yu-Lun , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Chen Yen-Yu 
Published: January 2025

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical treatment for severe cardiopulmonary failure. However, traditional ECMO decannulation methods, such as manual compression and surgical repair, are associated with significant complications. This study evaluates suture-mediated closure devices, specifically Perclose ProGlide, as a potentially favorable decannulation strategy. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 31 patients who underwent arterial decannulation with the post-closing technique using Perclose ProGlide devices between September 2023 and June 2024. Patients were selected using various inclusion criteria for the approach. Decannulation was performed at the bedside by well-trained vascular surgeons. Outcome parameters like the hemostatic result, wound complication, and limb ischemia were analyzed. Results: The study included 31 patients with a need for decannulation of ECMO arterial cannula, with a mean age of 51.1 years. Thirty patients (96.8%) achieved successful primary hemostasis. The patient who failed primary hemostasis developed acute ischemia due to septic shock caused by the use of inotropic agents. No significant complications were observed in the rest of the patients. Conclusion: The post-closing technique using suture-mediated closure devices demonstrated high success and low complication rates, making it a safer and more effective alternative to traditional ECMO decannulation methods. This study showed outstanding results compared to previously published articles. This technique can provide various significant advantages under certain clinical situations.
Ethnic and racial influences on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Kjaergaard Daniel , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Waldemar Gunhild , Nielsen T Rune 
Published: January 2025

Background Little is known about confounding factors influencing Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarker concentrations. Objective The objective of this systematic review was to explore the available evidence for the influences of ethnicity and race on AD blood biomarker concentrations. Methods We conducted a comprehensive systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases spanning from inception until 15 June 2023. We included studies that utilized plasma or serum biomarkers (amyloid-β [Aβ], total tau [t-tau], phosphorylated tau [p-tau], neurofilament light [NfL], and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]), compared individuals with AD to healthy controls, and included a minimum of two ethnic or racial groups for comparison. A total of 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies were conducted in the US. Results Seven studies reported differences in blood biomarker concentrations between ethnic or racial groups. However, after adjusting for medical conditions and social determinants of health, the differences became non-significant in two of the studies. The included studies differed in their included covariates and their statistical approaches, which complicated the interpretation of the observed differences. Conclusions The available evidence suggests that ethnicity and race may influence blood biomarker concentrations. However, it remains unclear to what extent these differences are mediated by differences in social determinants of health and medical conditions. Future studies are needed to explore ethnic and racial differences in blood biomarkers, including studies in diverse samples outside the US.
Evaluating the quality of Spanish-language information for patients with type 2 diabetes on YouTube and Facebook
Authors: Soto-Chávez María Juliana , Díaz-Brochero Candida , Gómez-Medina Ana María , Henao Diana Cristina , Muñoz Oscar Mauricio 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Spanish speakers rely on social media for health information, with varying quality of its content. This study evaluates the reliability, completeness, and quality of type 2 diabetes (T2D) information available in Spanish-language videos on YouTube and Facebook. Methods: Analytical observational study that included Spanish-language videos on TD2 available on Facebook and YouTube. General characteristics, interaction and generating sources are described. Standardized tools were used to assess reliability, completeness and overall quality. Results: We included 172 videos, 90 from Youtube® and 82 from Facebook®. The median number of views was 1725 (IQR 213–10,000), with an average duration of 5.93 minutes (IQR 3.2–16.8) and an internet time of 834 days (IQR 407–1477). Most videos were uploaded by independent users (58.72%). Reliability (evaluated with DISCERN tool) had a median of 3 (IQR 2-3), completeness (content score) had a median of 2 (IQR 1-3), and overall quality, evaluated with the Global Quality Score (GQS) tool had a median of 3 (IQR 3-4). Using a global classification of “subjective reliability” 92.4% of the videos were considered reliable. Better completeness was observed in Facebook videos ( p < .001). Reliability was better for videos from government or news organizations. Conclusion: Our results suggest that videos about T2D in Spanish on social media such as YouTube and Facebook have good reliability and quality, with greater exhaustiveness in content in Facebook videos and greater reliability for videos from government or news organizations.