bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consensus statement on the management of incidentally discovered FDG avid thyroid nodules in patients being investigated for other cancers
Authors: Wadsley Jonathan , Balasubramanian Sabapathy P. , Madani Gitta , Munday Jean , Roques Tom , Rowe Christopher W. , Touska Philip , Boelaert Kristien 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWith the widespread use of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET/CT) in the investigation and staging of cancers, incidental discovery of FDG‐avid thyroid nodules is becoming increasingly common, with a reported incidence in the range 1%–4% of FDG PET/CT scans. The risk of malignancy in an incidentally discovered FDG avid thyroid nodule is not clear due to selection bias in reported retrospective series but is likely to be less than 15%. Even in cases where the nodule is found to be malignant, the majority will be differentiated thyroid cancers with an excellent prognosis even without treatment. If, due to index cancer diagnosis, age and co‐morbidities, it is unlikely that the patient will survive 5 years, further investigation of an incidental FDG avid thyroid nodule is unlikely to be warranted. We provide a consensus statement on the circumstances in which further investigation of FDG avid thyroid nodules with ultrasound and fine needle aspiration might be appropriate.
Serum kisspeptin, neurokinin B and inhibin B levels can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish idiopathic CPP from premature thelarche in the early stages of puberty
Authors: Vuralli Dogus , Ciftci Nurdan , Demirbilek Huseyin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThere is controversial results about serum kisspeptin, neurokinin‐B (NKB), anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB) levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Aim of this study is to evaluate serum levels of these four peptides in patients presented with early pubertal signs, and to evaluate their diagnostic validity in the diagnosis of CPP.DesignCross‐sectional study.PatientsStudy included 99 girls (51 CPP, 48 premature thelarche [PT]) whose breast development started before 8 years and 42 age‐matched healthy prepubertal girls. Clinical findings, antropometric measurements, laboratory and radiological findings were recorded. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test was performed in all cases with early breast development.MeasurementsKisspeptin, NKB, INHB and AMH levels were measured in fasting serum samples using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between mean ages of girls with CPP (7.1 ± 1.2 years), PT (7.2 ± 1.3 years) and prepubertal controls (7.0 ± 1.0 years). Serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels were higher in CPP group compared to PT and control groups, while serum AMH level was lower in CPP group. Serum kisspeptin, NKB, and INHB were all positively correlated with bone age (BA) advancement, and peak luteinizing hormone in GnRH test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most important factors used to differentiate CPP from PT were advanced BA, serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels (AUC: 0.819, p < .001).ConclusionsWe, first showed in the same patients' group that serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB were higher in patients with CPP and can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish CPP from PT.
Activation of the bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR in the spinal dorsal horn alleviates neuropathic pain
Authors: Wu Yuning , Qiu Yuxin , Su Minzhi , Wang Linjie , Gong Qingjuan , Wei Xuhong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsBeyond digestion, bile acids have been recognized as signaling molecules with broad paracrine and endocrine functions by activating plasma membrane receptor (Takeda G protein‐coupled receptor 5, TGR5) and the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The present study investigated the role of bile acids in alleviating neuropathic pain by activating TGR5 and FXR.MethodNeuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. TGR5 or FXR agonist was injected intrathecally. Pain hypersensitivity was measured with Von Frey test. The amount of bile acids was detected using a bile acid assay kit. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess molecular changes.ResultsWe found that bile acids were downregulated, whereas the expression of cytochrome P450 cholesterol 7ahydroxylase (CYP7A1), a rate‐limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis, was upregulated exclusively in microglia in the spinal dorsal horn after SNI. Furthermore, the expression of the bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR was increased in glial cells and GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn on day 7 after SNI. Intrathecal injection of either TGR5 or FXR agonist on day 7 after SNI alleviated the established mechanical allodynia in mice, and the effects were blocked by TGR5 or FXR antagonist. Bile acid receptor agonists inhibited the activation of glial cells and ERK pathway in the spinal dorsal horn. All of the above effects of TGR5 or FXR agonists on mechanical allodynia, on the activation of glial cells, and on ERK pathway were abolished by intrathecal injection of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline.ConclusionThese results suggest that activation of TGR5 or FXR counteracts mechanical allodynia. The effect was mediated by potentiating function of GABAA receptors, which then inhibited the activation of glial cells and neuronal sensitization in the spinal dorsal horn.
Microglial transglutaminase 2 deficiency causes impaired synaptic remodelling and cognitive deficits in mice
Authors: Liu Cong , Gao Xing , Shi Ruo‐Xi , Wang Ying‐Ying , He Xuan‐Cheng , Du Hong‐Zhen , Hu Baoyang , Jiao Jianwei , Liu Chang‐Mei , Teng Zhao‐Qian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMicroglia are the primary source of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) in the brain; however, the roles of microglial TGM2 in neural development and disease are still not well known. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role and mechanisms of microglial TGM2 in the brain. A mouse line with a specific knockout of Tgm2 in microglia was generated. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT‐PCR assays were performed to evaluate the expression levels of TGM2, PSD‐95 and CD68. Confocal imaging, immunofluorescence staining and behavioural analyses were conducted to identify phenotypes of microglial TGM2 deficiency. Finally, RNA sequencing, qRT‐PCR and co‐culture of neurons and microglia were used to explore the potential mechanisms. Deletion of microglial Tgm2 causes impaired synaptic pruning, reduced anxiety and increased cognitive deficits in mice. At the molecular level, the phagocytic genes, such as Cq1a, C1qb and Tim4, are significantly down‐regulated in TGM2‐deficient microglia. This study elucidates a novel role of microglial TGM2 in regulating synaptic remodelling and cognitive function, indicating that microglia Tgm2 is essential for proper neural development.
Compelled to Compete: Rendering Climate Change Vulnerability Investable
Authors: Thomas Kimberley Anh 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTThe imperative for vulnerable populations to adapt to greater environmental variability is increasing in lockstep with the onset of wide‐ranging climate change impacts. However, while critical adaptation research emphasizes the necessity of addressing the underlying drivers of vulnerability to climate change, mainstream approaches to adaptation stress economic growth as a prerequisite for climate responses. Accordingly, capital‐intensive adaptation measures promote competitiveness to spur economic growth in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, where more than 18 million people face environmental hazards such as seawater intrusion, flood, drought and cyclones. This study evaluates competitiveness as a mandate for effective climate change adaptation. It finds that adaptation can advance either competition or vulnerability reduction, but it cannot logically or pragmatically pursue both.
Performance of two‐dimensional shear wave elastography and transient elastography compared to liver biopsy for staging of liver fibrosis
Authors: Kovatsch Audrey , Honcharova‐Biletska Hanna , Segna Daniel , Steigmiller Klaus , Blümel Sena , Deibel Rudolf A. , Kühlewindt Tobias , Leinenkugel Georg , Müller Sandra , Furrer Eva , Schawkat Khoschy , Reiner Cäcilia S. , Weber Achim , Müllhaupt Beat , Scharl Michael , Gubler Christoph , Jüngst Christoph 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundStaging of liver fibrosis traditionally relied on liver histology; however, transient elastography (TE) and more recently two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) evolved to noninvasive alternatives. Hence, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 2D‐SWE assessed by the Canon Aplio i800 ultrasound system using liver biopsy as reference and compared the performance to TE.MethodsIn total, 108 adult patients with chronic liver disease undergoing liver biopsy, 2D‐SWE and TE were enrolled prospectively at the University Hospital Zurich. Diagnostic accuracies were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analysis, and optimal cut‐off values by Youden's index.ResultsDiagnostic accuracy of 2D‐SWE was good for significant (≥F2; AUROC 85.2%, 95% confidence interval (95%CI):76.2–91.2%) as well as severe fibrosis (≥F3; AUROC 86.8%, 95%CI: 78.1–92.4%) and excellent for cirrhosis (AUROC 95.6%, 95%CI: 89.9–98.1%), compared to histology. TE performed equally well (significant fibrosis: 87.5%, 95%CI: 77.7–93.3%; severe fibrosis: 89.7%, 95%CI: 82.0–94.3%; cirrhosis: 96%, 95%CI: 90.4–98.4%), and accuracy was not statistically different to 2D‐SWE. 2D‐SWE optimal cut‐off values were 6.5, 9.8 and 13.1 kPa for significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively.ConclusionsPerformance of 2D‐SWE was good to excellent and well comparable with TE, supporting the application of this 2D‐SWE system in the diagnostic workup of chronic liver disease.
The effects of pine mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) on the growth of Scots pine and Crimean pine in Turkey
Authors: Sakici Oytun Emre , Özcan Gonca Ece , Seki Mehmet , Sağlam Fadime 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effect of pine mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) on basal area increment of Crimean pine and Scots pine was investigated. Dendrochronological data were collected from 223 (71 uninfected and 152 infected) Crimean pines and 195 (77 uninfected and 118 infected) Scots pines located in Kastamonu province of Turkey in 2014. Infected sample trees were classified as light, moderate or severe infection levels. Growth trends and basal area increment loses were compared between uninfected and infected trees for the periods of the last 10, 20 and 30 years. In addition, infection status of forest stands was investigated using temporary sample plots; 27 plots in Crimean pine stands and 26 plots in Scots pine. Results demonstrated that basal area increments were negatively affected by pine mistletoe for both species. Mean basal area increment losses of infected trees for the last decade were determined as 24% for Scots pine and 26% for Crimean pine. Basal area increment losses varied by infection levels (light, moderate and severe) as follows: 25%, 20% and 28% for Scots pines and 20%, 32% and 9% for Crimean pines. Scots pine stands were more severely infected by pine mistletoe than Crimean pine stands. There were negative correlations between number of infected trees and stand density for both species, while positive correlation was detected between the number of infected trees and mean diameter for Scots pine. The results of this study indicate that the pine mistletoe infection has negative effect on radial growth of Scots pine and Crimean pine trees. The results can be an important contribution to the forest management and protection activities in mistletoe‐infected stands.
Blood biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment patients: Relationship between analytes and progression to Alzheimer disease dementia
Authors: Silva‐Spínola Anuschka , Lima Marisa , Leitão Maria João , Bernardes Catarina , Durães João , Duro Diana , Tábuas‐Pereira Miguel , Santana Isabel , Baldeiras Inês 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeBlood‐based biomarkers are promising tools for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) at prodromal stages (mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) and are hoped to be implemented as screening tools for patients with cognitive complaints. In this work, we evaluated the potential of peripheral neurological biomarkers to predict progression to AD dementia and the relation between blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD markers in MCI patients referred from a general neurological department.MethodsA group of 106 MCI patients followed at the Neurology Department of Coimbra University Hospital was included. Data regarding baseline neuropsychological evaluation, CSF levels of amyloid β 42 (Aβ42), Aβ40, total tau (t‐Tau), and phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐Tau181) were available for all the patients. Aβ42, Aβ40, t‐Tau, p‐Tau181, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were determined in baseline stored serum and plasma samples by commercial SiMoA (Single Molecule Array) assays. Progression from MCI to AD dementia was assessed at follow‐up (mean = 5.8 ± 3.4 years).ResultsAt baseline, blood markers NfL, GFAP, and p‐Tau181 were significantly increased in patients who progressed to AD at follow‐up (p < 0.001). In contrast, plasma Aβ42/40 ratio and t‐Tau showed no significant differences between groups. NfL, GFAP, and p‐Tau181 demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy to identify progression to AD dementia (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81, 0.80, and 0.76, respectively), which improved when combined (AUC = 0.89). GFAP and p‐Tau181 were correlated with CSF Aβ42. Association of p‐Tau181 with NfL was mediated by GFAP, with a significant indirect association of 88% of the total effect.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the potential of combining blood‐based GFAP, NfL, and p‐Tau181 to be applied as a prognostic tool in MCI.
The compassionate type? Personality, self‐compassion, and postdivorce adjustment among Iranian women
Authors: Ghasemi Azin , Hall Scott S. , Shahi Hassan , Meyers Lawrence S. , Karami Jahangir , Mehrabani Arash Rahro , Rahandaz Zahra , Boehnke Klaus 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined whether the association between the Big Five personality dimensions and postdivorce adjustment (PDA) was mediated by Neff's concept of self‐compassion.BackgroundResearch on marital psychology suggests that multiple psychological factors are associated with PDA. However, the mechanisms by which these factors affect PDA have received much less attention. Accordingly, in the current study, the potential mediation effect of self‐compassion was investigated. Cultural context of PDA is considered.MethodA total of 334 divorced Iranian women took part in the study. Participants completed a sociodemographic survey, including the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), the Self‐Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS‐SF), and Fisher's Divorce Adjustment Scale (FDAS).ResultsCorrelational analyses and structural equation modeling showed a significant positive association of self‐compassion with self‐reported measures of the positive factors of PDA (feeling of self‐worth, disentanglement from love relationships, social self‐worth, and rebuilding social trust), and the personality traits of emotional stability, extraversion, and conscientiousness. There also was a significant negative association with the negative factors of PDA (symptoms of grief and feeling of self‐anger) and the personality traits of agreeableness, and openness to experience. Self‐compassion significantly predicted variation in positive psychological health beyond that attributable to personality; it partially mediated the relationship between personality and postdivorce adjustment.ConclusionsPersonality appears to relate to postdivorce adjustment through self‐compassion. The role of Iranian cultural characteristics in perceiving the magnitude of stress resulting from divorce, and postdivorce adjustment is discussed.ImplicationsEnhancing self‐compassion among divorced Iranian women seems to be a worthwhile approach to divorce counseling.
Investigation of the effect of sugammadex on glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in C6 cell line and the roles played by nitric oxide and oxidative stress pathways
Authors: Dirik Hasan , Joha Ziad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis experiment was intended to evaluate the effect of sugammadex on the cytotoxicity induced by glutamate, involving the nitric oxide and oxidative stress pathways. C6 glioma cells were used in the study. Glutamate was given to cells in the glutamate group for 24 h. Sugammadex at different concentrations was given to cells in the sugammadex group for 24 h. Cells in the sugammadex + glutamate group were pre‐treated with sugammadex at various concentrations for 1 h and then exposed to glutamate for 24 h. XTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Levels of nitric oxide (NO), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), total antioxidant (TAS), and total oxidant (TOS) in the cells were calculated using commercial kits. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Sugammadex at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL significantly enhanced the cell viability in C6 cells after the cytotoxicity induced by glutamate (p < 0.001). Moreover, sugammadex considerably decreased the levels of nNOS NO and TOS and the number of apoptotic cells and increased the level of TAS (p < 0.001). Sugammadex has protective and antioxidant properties on cytotoxicity and could be an effective supplement for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson if further research in vivo supports this claim.
Oral health inequalities in Swedish older adults over 25 years of follow‐up
Authors: Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Mastrovito Berit , Sannevik Josefine , Lie Stein Atle 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe inequalities in tooth loss and dissatisfaction with teeth related to time‐invariant and time‐variant socio‐demographic characteristics and use of dental care across the middle and older life course and to assess whether oral health inequalities remain stable, widen or narrow from age 50 to 75.Materials and MethodsIn 1992, 6346 residents, aged 50, consented to participate in a prospective cohort study including postal questionnaire follow‐ups every fifth year until age 75. Tooth loss and dissatisfaction with teeth were assessed at each survey wave in addition to socio‐demographic factors and use of dental care. Multivariable logistic regression, generalised estimating equations, GEE, and random intercept logistic mixed models were used for estimation of population‐averaged and person‐specific odds ratio. Interaction terms of each covariate with the time indicator were added to test whether inequalities changed across time.ResultsPerson‐specific OR and 95% CI estimates for tooth loss varied from 1.29 (1.09‐1.53) (unmarried vs married) to 9.20 (6.07‐13.94) (foreign country vs native). Estimated ORs for tooth dissatisfaction ranged from 1.33 (1.15‐1.55) (unmarried vs married) to 2.59 (2.15‐3.11) (smoking vs no smoking). Inequalities in tooth loss according to sex, educational level and country of birth were smaller in magnitude in 2017 than in 1992. Inequality estimates in dissatisfaction with teeth according to use of dental care and perceived health were, respectively, smaller and greater at older than at younger age.ConclusionSocio‐demographic inequalities in oral health persisted from age 50 to 75 and varied in magnitude across time. Both convergence and widening of disparities in oral health occurred towards older ages.
Predictors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults
Authors: Abu Kamel Andaleeb M. , Alnazly Eman , Shawish Najah Sami 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsWe examined the predictive factors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Jordanian older adults.BackgroundVaccine hesitancy among older adults is influenced by several factors.DesignThis study employed a cross‐sectional design.MethodsOnline surveys were conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. The surveys included socio‐demographic variables, COVID‐19 vaccine‐related information, the Vaccine Attitude Examination Scale and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale.ResultsParticipants were 350 older adults (aged 68.1 ± 7.21 years; 62.9% females). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of correlated variables on the explanation of anti‐vaccination attitudes. Participants reported a moderate level of fear of COVID‐19 and a moderate level of hesitancy towards receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine. The linear regression model revealed that several chronic illnesses, fear of COVID‐19 and number of family incidences of COVID‐19 explained vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionsRaising awareness among older adults about the desired effect of the COVID‐19 vaccine in terms of minimizing hospitalization, disease consequences and mortality rate is required. Well‐tailored interventions are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy among older adults and reinforce the importance of receiving the vaccine for those with multi‐morbidities.
Prevalence of grief symptoms and disorders in the time of COVID‐19 pandemic: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kustanti Christina Yeni , Jen Hsiu‐Ju , Chu Hsin , Liu Doresses , Chen Ruey , Lin Hui‐Chen , Chang Ching‐Yi , Pien Li‐Chung , Chiang Kai‐Jo , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMillions of people worldwide are mourning the loss of loved ones due to the COVID‐19 epidemic, which may adversely impact their mental health. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate pandemic grief symptoms and disorders for developing policy, practice, and research priorities. The databases of Cochrane, Embase, Ovid‐MEDLINE, WHO COVID‐19, NCBI SARS‐CoV‐2, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Science Direct were comprehensively searched until July 31, 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute's and Hoy's criteria were used to evaluate the studies. A pooled prevalence was presented in a forest plot figure with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and prediction interval. Between‐study heterogeneity was measured using the I2 and Q statistics. Variations in the prevalence estimates in different subgroups were examined by moderator meta‐analysis. The search identified 3677 citations, of which 15 studies involving 9289 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence rate of grief symptoms was 45.1% (95%CI: 32.6%–57.5%), and grief disorder was 46.4% (95%CI: 37.4%–55.5%). Grief symptoms were significantly higher in <6 months (45.8%; 95%CI: 26.3%–65.3%) compared to the period of more than 6 months. Unfortunately, moderator analyses for grief disorders could not be performed due to limited studies. The prevalence of grief problems during the pandemic was substantially higher than in non‐pandemic conditions; therefore, it is crucial to strengthen bereavement support to reduce psychological distress. The results provide a foundation for nurses and healthcare workers to anticipate a heightened need for support and provision of bereavement care in the post‐pandemic era.