bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of secretory DKK3 on circulating CD56bright natural killer cells in patients with liver cancer
Authors: Liu Da-Hua , Wen Gui-Min , Song Chang-Liang , Xia Pu 
Published: April 2023

Background Liver cancer seriously threatens human health. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the innate immune system and have strong anti-tumor ability. Immunotherapy based on NK cells has become a hot topic in the treatment of liver cancer. Methods In this study, we checked the serum DKK3 (sDKK3) and circulating CD56bright NK cells using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, in the blood of liver cancer patients. The effect on recombinant human DKK3 (rhDKK3) on CD56bright NK cells was analyzed in vitro. Results We found low levels of sDKK3 in liver cancer patients and a negative correlation between sDKK3 and circulating CD56bright NK cells. In addition, we found that DKK3 induced the differentiation and improved the cytotoxicity of CD56bright NK cells for the first time. It could be used as an agonist for NK cell-based immunotherapy. Conclusions Improving the clinical efficacy of NK cells through DKK3 will become a new strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
Heterogeneity in the Course of Suicidal Ideation and its Relation to Suicide Attempts in First-Episode Psychosis: A 5-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Sicotte Roxanne , Iyer Srividya N. , Lacourse Éric , Séguin Jean R. , Abdel-Baki Amal 
Published: April 2023

Objectives Although the risk of suicide is high in first-episode psychosis (FEP), little is known about the course of suicidal ideation and its relation to suicide attempts. Therefore, we aimed to identify 5-year trajectories of suicidal ideation and associated factors in FEP and compare how suicide attempts were distributed across these identified trajectories. Method This 5-year prospective study assessed suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and potentially associated factors through research interviews, chart review and coroners’ reports in 382 FEP patients [mean age = 23.53 ( SD = 3.61)] admitted to 2 5-year early psychosis services in Montreal, Canada. Trajectories were identified using a semiparametric mixture model, and associated factors with multinomial logistic regression. Results Three suicidal ideation trajectories were identified: low and decreasing ( n = 325, 85.08%); early decline, then increasing ( n = 30, 7.85%), and persistent suicidal ideation ( n = 27, 7.07%). Suicidal ideation prior to admission (OR = 2.85, 95% CI, 1.23 to 6.63, P < 0.05) and cocaine use disorder (OR = 6.78, 95% CI, 1.08 to 42.75, P < 0.05) were associated with the early decline, then increasing suicidal ideation trajectory. Persons with prior suicide ideation (OR = 4.33, 95% CI, 1.66 to 11.29, P < 0.05) and attempts (OR = 8.18, 95% CI, 2.39 to 27.97, P < 0.001) and alcohol use disorder (OR = 3.63, 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.42, P < 0.05) were more likely to belong to the persistent suicidal ideation trajectory, and to attempt suicide during follow-up. Conclusions Our study highlights heterogeneity in the course of suicidal ideation over 5 years and the importance of ongoing assessment of suicidal risk in FEP patients, particularly for patients who persistently report suicidal ideation, as they are likelier to engage in suicide attempts. Patients with factors associated with increasing or persistent suicidal ideation trajectories should be targeted for suicide prevention interventions from the early phase of follow-up. Given the small number of persons in these trajectories and the wide CIs for some factors, larger studies are however needed to further characterize who belongs in each group.
We are here: An archive of portraits to look at myself
Authors: Segarra Abdiel 
Published: April 2023

This is an introduction to a selection of portraits that are part of a personal archive of photographs collected over the last 6 years. The portraits are of artists, cultural agents, activists and people who, like me, have settled in the diaspora and who, despite the nuances of each experience, share the journey as a common element that allows us to learn from each other. The intention of the essay is to pay tribute to these people as a gesture of gratitude for their guidance and solidarity in the distance. At the same time, the exercise is a bet on the construction of an imaginary of our own about migration and a strategy to combat invisibility and silence through the recognition of the identities that emerge as a result of these processes.
Anti-oxidative properties of nanocrocin in Zearalenone induced toxicity on Hek293 cell; The novel formulation and cellular assessment
Authors: Ghafari Fatemeh , Sadeghian Zohre , Oftadeh Harsin Akram , Khodabandelo Sodabe , Ranjbar Akram 
Published: April 2023

Background Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi and induces cytotoxicity by the generation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nephroprotective effects of crocin and nano-crocin against ZEA-induced toxicity in HEK293 cell line via modulation of oxidative stress and special formulation to make nano-crocin. Method Nano-crocin physicochemical properties, such as size, load, appearance, and drug release profile were determined. Also, the viability of intoxicated HEK293 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase lipid Peroxidation (LPO), and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured. Result The best nano-crocin formulation with superior entrapment effectiveness (54.66 ± 6.02), more significant drug loading (1.89 ± 0.01), better zeta potential (−23.4 ± 2.844), and smaller particle size (140.3 ± 18.0 nm) was chosen. This study showed that treatment with crocin and nano-crocin in ZEA-induced cells, significantly decreased LDH and LPO levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Moreover, nano-crocin had a more curative effect against oxidative stress than crocin. Conclusion Niosomal structure of crocin, when administered with the special formulation, may be more beneficial in reducing ZEA-induced in vitro toxicity than conventional crocin.
Significance of the weighted complement domain of the EULAR/ACR classification criteria in juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kisaoglu Hakan , Baba Ozge , Kalyoncu Mukaddes 
Published: April 2023

Objective We aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with SLE according to the weighted complement status of the EULAR/ACR criteria and investigate whether different weighting of the complement status at disease onset is associated with outcomes. Methods Patients diagnosed with juvenile onset SLE who fulfilled the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among 43 patients included, hypocomplementemia was observed in 37 (86%), mostly with a low level of both complement C3 (C3) and complement C4 (C4) (53.5%). In patients with low levels of both C3 and C4, more common cutaneous (65.2% vs 28.6%, p: 0.045), musculoskeletal involvement (78.3% vs 42.9%, p: 0.039), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (52.2% vs 14.3%, p: 0.035), positive anti-dsDNA (65.2% vs 21.4%, p: 0.017) and anti-Sm antibodies (60.9% vs 21.4%, p: 0.04) were observed. In addition these patients had higher scores from the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria (26 vs 15.5, p: < 0.0001). Remission and flare rates, and SLE associated damage were not differed according to the complement status in patients with hypocomplementemia. Conclusion Observation of more frequent clinical and serological activity with higher total scores from the EULAR/ACR classification criteria supported the higher scoring of patients with low C3 and C4 in the weighted criteria. However, since significant number of patients did not exhibit low complement C4, and the frequency of kidney involvement did not differ according to the weighted complement status, complement C3 might be suggested as a more important diagnostic tool in patients with juvenile onset SLE. Also, weighted complement status at onset did not seem to affect the disease outcomes.
Plumbagin Suppresses Growth, Induces Apoptosis, and Inhibits Migration in Cholangiocarcinoma via Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Buranrat Benjaporn , Utsintong Maleeruk 
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Plumbagin has been displayed on growth inhibition in several cancer cells; however, the anticancer effects of plumbagin on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell are still less information. This article will explore the potential anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of plumbagin on CCA cells. Materials and Methods: Two types of CCA cell, including KKU-100 with slow growth and migration and KKU-M452 with rapid growth and migration, were treated with plumbagin and measured the growth inhibition and migratory suppression by sulforhodamine B, colony formation, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, wound healing, and Matrigel migration. Apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and mitochondrial function were analyzed by the flow cytometric method. Results: To compare the plumbagin effects on two types of CCA cells, the data indicated that plumbagin strongly reduced cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. At 72 h, IC50 values were 1.11 ± 0.12 µM for KKU-100 and 2.52 ± 0.40 µM for KKU-M452 cells, with inhibition of the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase for KKU-100 and the G2/M phase for KKU-M452, respectively. Moreover, plumbagin decreased cell migration in both CCA cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, late apoptosis was significantly induced after treatment with plumbagin. Mechanistically, plumbagin increased ROS along with decreased mitochondrial function in CCA cells. Finally, the position of 5-hydroxy on the naphthoquinone ring of plumbagin was in a good position to form an H-bond with the amino group for all caspase 3, cytochrome C, and p21 binding sites, and these data indicated that plumbagin suppressed CCA cells via modulation of these proteins. Conclusion: Plumbagin strongly suppresses cell viability and stimulates apoptosis in CCA cells via induction of ROS and inhibition of mitochondrial function.
Temperature Monitoring in Children: An Agreement Study
Authors: Patel Dipen V. , Barot Rushi B. , Cecil Rashmin , Phatak Ajay G. , Shinde Mayur K. , Patel Arya J. , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Noncontact infrared thermometer (NCIT) measures temperature rapidly and noninvasively. It is commonly used at forehead, but other potential sites such as axilla and abdomen are yet to be explored. We assessed agreement of temperature recordings of axillary temperature by glass mercury thermometer (the “gold standard”) with axillary temperature by the digital thermometer as well as with NCIT at forehead, axilla, mid abdomen, and at right hypochondriac areas. Methods: Neonates and children below 5 years admitted in neonatal and pediatrics wards were enrolled in the study through convenience sampling. For each participant, temperature was measured using NCIT at forehead, mid abdomen, right hypochondrium, and right axilla as well as using digital thermometer at right axilla and using glass mercury thermometer at right axilla. The agreement between methods was presented as mean difference (95% limits of agreement) using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Total 400 temperature readings were taken for each method from 132 participants. There was a good agreement between mercury axillary with digital axillary in both the groups, that is, neonates and children (>1 month to 5 years) (Mean difference [95% limits of agreement] = –0.046 [–0.26 to 0.169]°C and –0.028 [–0.183 to 0.128]°C, respectively). While for all the methods using NCIT, there was a poor agreement with mercury axillary temperature in both the groups. Conclusion: Agreement between axillary temperatures using digital and glass mercury thermometers was good, while agreements between the axillary temperature using glass mercury thermometer with NCIT readings at different sites were poor in neonates and children below 5 years.
Evaluation of the quality of life of adult patients admitted to the bone marrow transplantation unit
Authors: Ozturk Gozde Seray , Ratip Siret , Umar Rashida Muhammad , Tezcan Songül 
Published: April 2023

Introduction The complexity of treatment and extended therapy duration associated with bone marrow transplantation directly affect the psychological well-being of the patients, create anxiety, and reduce their quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients admitted to the bone marrow transplantation unit. Methods This prospective and descriptive study was conducted between January and June 2021 in an adult BMT unit in Turkey. The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The patient's quality of life was measured twice using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) scale at the beginning of the study and 30 days later. SPSS 15 was used for the analysis. Results A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 46 years. Most of the patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma and 58% had at least one comorbid disease. Most of the patients (78%) were receiving myeloablative therapy. High dose melphalan regimen was the most commonly applied regimen (25%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common side effect (14%). Although there was no change in the quality of life, it was found that the social/family well-being scores increased ( p < 0.05). Conclusions In our study, it was observed that the number of comorbid diseases was higher in patients with bone marrow transplantation. The incidence of side effects may be high in these patients. We believe that clinical pharmacists have an important role in monitoring adverse effects and improving the quality of life in bone marrow transplantation units.
Acquired angioedema late in the course of nivolumab treatment
Authors: Habibi Shaghayegh , Patel Niket , Plaxe Steven C , Dasanu Constantin A 
Published: April 2023

Introduction Although programmed cell death-1 inhibitors have become the mainstay of treatment for many cancers, their use can at times be accompanied by unusual side effects. Case report We describe herein a 43-year-old patient with Lynch syndrome and colon cancer who developed facial swelling 18 months after starting nivolumab therapy. Our patient also experienced a grade 1 maculopapular rash due to this agent. Naranjo nomogram assessment showed a probable causality between nivolumab and angioedema (score of 8). Management & outcome Given the modest intensity of symptoms and the excellent response of metastatic colon cancer to nivolumab, this agent was continued without interruptions. She was prescribed prednisone 20 mg orally daily as needed to be taken if the swelling progressed, or if respiratory symptoms developed. The patient experienced another two similar episodes over the next months; however, they were self-limiting and did not require steroids. Subsequently, she had no further similar symptoms. Discussion Rare reports of angioedema associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment have previously been described. The exact mechanism of these phenomena is unknown, but bradykinin release leading to increased vascular permeability might be involved. Clinicians, pharmacists, and patients should be aware of this rare side effect of ICIs as it can be life-threatening when involving the respiratory tract and causing impending airway obstruction.
Altered White Matter Integrity in ADHD Revealed by Meta-analysis of Tract-based Spatial Statistics
Authors: Cui Jian , Wang Zhonggang , Xu Yinghong , Li Ying , Yu Hao , Ping Liangliang , Jin Shushu , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Xiufeng , Zhang Yuebing , Zhou Cong 
Published: April 2023

Objective: We conducted an updated coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) to determine the most prominent and robust white matter (WM) abnormalities in ADHD based on tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) findings. Method: The seed-based d mapping (SDM) software was applied to compare regional fractional anisotropy (FA) alterations in ADHD. Subgroup meta-analyses in the pure ADHD without comorbidity subgroup, the children and adolescents subgroup, and the adults subgroup were also explored, respectively. Meta-regression analysis was subsequently used to examine potential correlations between demographics and FA changes. Results: Only one cluster in the splenium of corpus callosum (CC) exhibited age-related FA decrease in ADHD individuals in the pooled meta-analysis. The adults ADHD subgroup revealed two clusters with reduced FA lied in the splenium and body of CC. Conclusion: This updated CBMA confirmed the WM abnormalities in the splenium of CC in ADHD, and improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Visual impairment as a risk factor of cognitive function impairment A six-year cohort study
Authors: Cao Kai , Hao Jie , Wang Ning-Li 
Published: April 2023

Purpose To explore whether baseline visual impairment (VI) increases the risk of cognitive function impairment (CFI). Methods We conducted a population-based cohort study, with a six-year follow-up period. The exposure factor of interest in this study was VI. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess participants’ cognitive function. The Logistic regression model was used to investigate whether baseline VI had an effect on CFI. Confounding factors were adjusted in the regression model. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to quantify the effect of VI on CFI. Results A total of 3297 participants were included in the present study. The mean age of included participants was 58.5 ± 7.2 years. Male accounted for 1480 (44.9%) of all participants. At baseline, 127 (3.9%) of the participants had VI. The MMSE score of participants who had VI at baseline decreased by 1.7 ± 3.3 points on average during the six-year follow-up, and that of participants who had no VI at baseline decreased by 1.1 ± 3.3 points on average. The difference was significant (t = 2.03, p = 0.040). Results of the multivariable Logistic regression model showed that VI was a risk factor for CFI, with an OR of 1.052 (95%CI: 1.014 to 1.092, p = 0.017). Conclusions Averagely, participants with VI experienced a decline in cognitive function 0.1 points faster per year than participants without VI, as measured by MMSE score. VI is an independent risk factor for CFI.
Nationwide consensus on quality indicators to assess glaucoma care: A modified Delphi approach
Authors: Iorio-Aranha Flavio , de Freitas Cláudia , Rocha-Sousa Amândio , Azevedo Ana , Barbosa-Breda João 
Published: April 2023

Purpose Performance assessments are essential to tracking and improving quality in health care systems. Key aspects of the care process that act as indicators must be measured in order to gain an in-depth understanding of a care unit's operation. Without standardized quality indicators (QIs), it is difficult to characterize and compare the abilities of institutions to achieve excellence. The aim of this study is to reach a consensus among glaucoma specialists concerning the development of a set of QIs to assess the performance of glaucoma care units. Methods A two-round Delphi technique was performed among glaucoma specialists in Portugal, using a 7-point Likert scale. Fifty-three initial statements (comprising process, structure, and outcome indicators) were evaluated and participants had to agree on which ones would be part of the final set of QIs. Results By the end of both rounds, 28 glaucoma specialists reached consensus on 30/53 (57%) statements, including 19 (63%) process indicators (mainly relating to the proper implementation of complementary exams and the setting of follow-up intervals), 6 (20%) structure indicators, and 5 (17%) outcome indicators. Of the indicators that were part of the final list, functional and structural aspects of glaucoma progression and the availability of surgical/laser procedures were the most prevalent. Conclusions A set of 30 QIs for measuring the performance of glaucoma units was developed using a consensus methodology involving experts in the field. Their use as measurement standards would provide important information about unit operations and allow further implementation of quality improvements.
Prescription trends for preservative free glaucoma medication in a public health system
Authors: Pérez-García Pilar , Burgos-Blasco Bárbara , Morales-Fernández Laura , Fernández-Ruiz-Morón Ana , Gómez-Calleja Verónica , Oribio-Quinto Carlos , Collado-Vincueria Isabel , Garcia-Feijoo Julian , Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose María 
Published: April 2023

Purpose To analyze the prescribing trends over a 7-years period, between 2013 and 2020, in a tertiary hospital (Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain) and its health area. Material and methods A retrospective study on the data collected from the information systems, “farm@web” and “Farmadrid”, of glaucoma prescriptions in the framework of a public health system (Spanish National Health System) during the last seven years. Results Prostaglandin analogues were the most commonly used drugs in monotherapy during the study period (range: 36.82% − 47.07%). Fixed combinations of topical hypotensives had an upward trend since 2013 (range: 39.99% − 54.21%), becoming the most dispensed drugs in 2020 (48.99%). Preservative-free eye drops (lacking benzalkonium chloride, BAK) have displaced preservative containing topical treatments in all pharmacological groups. In 2013, BAK-preserved eye drops accounted for 91.1% of the total prescriptions, however in 2020 they only accounted for 34.2% of total prescriptions. Conclusions The results of the present study highlight the current trend to avoid BAK-preserved eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma.
Intensive care nurses’ experiences of caring for isolated COVID-positive patients during first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Køster Allan , Fernandez Anthony Vincent , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest , Andersen Lars Peter Kloster 
Published: April 2023

Background: COVID-19 has fundamentally changed all fields of health care. Intensive care nurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic facing the massive impact of the disease, both professionally and personally. This study investigated nurses’ experiences of caring for isolated COVID-19 positive patients in the intensive care department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated how isolation affected the nurses themselves, how they related with their patients, and how isolation affected patient care in general. Methods: The study was performed at a 20-bed university hospital intensive care department in Copenhagen, Denmark. COVID-19 positive patients were isolated or cohort isolated. A dedicated nurse cared for each isolated patient and wore full personal protective equipment. The study is based on in-depth phenomenological interviews with intensive care nurses conducted in summer 2020. The interviews were structured according to the principles of “Phenomenologically Grounded Qualitative Research.” The data included observations from within the isolated patient rooms. Findings: Six intensive care nurses participated in the study. The analysis documented following themes consistently reported by all nurses: (1) a general sense of uncanniness, (2) intense feelings of confinement and co-isolation, and (3) heightened senses of bodily objectification, including how nurses’ experienced their patients and also themselves. Conclusion: This is the first Scandinavian phenomenological study to focus on mapping the experiences of intensive care nurses during the extreme circumstances of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies may explore long-term effects, such as psychiatric morbidity or psychological functioning in these individuals.