bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individualisation of radiation protection recommendations for patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE
Authors: Monserrat Fuertes Teresa , Santos Zorrozua Borja , Rodeño Ortiz de Zarate Emilia , Peinado Montes Miguel Ángel , Vigil Díaz Carmen , Mínguez Gabiña Pablo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs for any other nuclear medicine treatment, patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE should be given some radiation protection recommendations after being discharged to limit the dose received by family members and public. The restriction periods will depend on the remaining activity at the time of discharge, the washout rate and patients’ personal conditions. The activity in patients’ whole-body follows a bi-exponential behaviour. At the time of discharge only the first part of the time-activity curve is known. However, the second phase of the bi-exponential curve should be known to individualize the time of restrictions. The main purpose of this prospective study was to establish a simple method for calculating the restriction periods based on measurements taken before discharge.MethodsThe whole-body time-activity curve was calculated for 20 patients from dose-rate measurements performed during the first week post-administration. An effective decay time$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24was calculated from a mono-exponential fit performed with the 6 h and 24 h measurements and compared with the effective decay time$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{24,48,168}$$Teff24,48,168obtained from the mono-exponential fit performed with the 24 h, 48 h and 168 h measurements. The differences between them were calculated and the 95th percentile of these differences was used as a correction factor for$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24. A modified effective decay$$T_{{{\text{eff}},{\text{ mod}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff,mod6,24was obtained by adding the correction factor to$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24and the restriction periods for each patient was calculated. The whole body activity washout between the first and the fourth treatment cycles of 16 patients was also compared.ResultsThe comparison of the whole-body activity curves between the first and the fourth cycle of the treatment for 16 patients would indicate that the recommendations on radiation protection determined from the first cycle could reasonably be used for the remaining cycles in most patients. The values of$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24and$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{24,48,168}$$Teff24,48,168obtained for the 20 patients were significantly different. The 95th percentile of the differences between$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24and$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{24,48,168}$$Teff24,48,168was 46 h, which is thus the time to be added to$$T_{{{\text{eff}}}}^{6,24}$$Teff6,24so as to determine the restriction periods.ConclusionsThe proposed method makes it possible to calculate the restriction periods for patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE before they leave the hospital in a conservative and individualized way.
A possible manifestation of pancreas divisum–pancreatic pseudocyst in an infant with no apparent history of pancreatitis: a case report
Authors: Baba Tokuro , Yamazaki Toru , Sakai Masato , Matshuda Koichiro , Amaya Koji , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Okada Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Pancreas divisum (PD), the most common pancreatic anomaly, is caused by the failure of pancreatic bud fusion in the embryo. Although most cases are asymptomatic, it can cause pancreatitis or epigastric pain. We report an unusual case of PD in an infant.

Case presentation
The patient was a 9-month-old girl with no pertinent medical history. She had suffered vomiting and diarrhea for 1 week before transfer to our hospital. Her general condition was poor, and abdominal distention was noted. Blood tests revealed microcytic anemia with normal chemical markers. The parents reported no episode of pancreatitis. Ultrasonography revealed massive ascites, which was later found to be bloody. Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging depicted a cystic lesion, approximately 2 cm in size, anterior to the second portion of the duodenum. During exploratory laparotomy, a pinhole was identified on the cyst wall, which was mistakenly identified as a duodenal perforation, and direct closure was performed. Postoperative levels of serum amylase and inflammation markers were elevated, and the amount of ascites increased, impairing oral feeding. The level of pancreatic enzymes in the ascites was high. Imaging studies were repeated, but the cause of pancreatic fistula was not identified. Conservative therapy, including administration of total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and octreotide, was initiated, but the situation did not improve. Three months after admission, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a thick dorsal pancreatic duct communicating with a hypoplastic ventral duct, which was indicative of PD. Contrast medium leaking from the dorsal duct near the minor ampulla revealed the presence of a pseudocyst. Stenting via the minor papilla was impossible because the minor papilla was obstructed. Instead, a stent was inserted into the ventral pancreatic duct. Endoscopic transgastric drainage of the cyst was effective, and the patient was discharged, 7 months after admission. The patient is healthy, but the gastric stent needs to be replaced regularly.

Conclusion
In children, PD can manifest with pancreatic pseudocyst that causes pancreatic ascites, even in the absence of pancreatitis. This may be a previously unrecognized manifestation of PD in children, and clinicians need to be aware of it.
Determinants of Malnutrition and its associated factors among pregnant and lactating women under armed conflict areas in North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based study
Authors: Belew Aysheshim Kassahun , Awoke Tadesse , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Atnafu Asmamaw , Guadu Tadesse , Azale Telake , Yitayal Mezigebu , Assefa Yohannes Awoke , Getachew Rediet , Amare Tadele , Yitayih Sewbesew , Shitu Kegnie , Demilew Demeke , Dellie Endalkachew , Aschalew Andualem Yalew , Fanta Biruk , Worku Netsanet , Yalew Ermias Solomon , Abich Yohannes , Azeze Getachew , Worku Chanyalew , Kibret Alemu Kassaw , G/Medhin Tsegaye , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir , Salelew Endalamaw , Nenko Goshu , Fekadu Hailab , Molla Ayenew 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Maternal malnutrition remains a major public health problem, particularly in low and middle-income countries and war-affected areas like Ethiopia. Malnourished pregnant and lactating women with low nutrient stores have babies with poor mental and physical development, increasing the risk of poor birth outcomes. Despite the fact that the majority of Ethiopian mothers are malnourished, there is little evidence in war-affected areas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant and lactating mothers in the war affected area of North Gondar Zone, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to May 25, 2022. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 1560 pregnant and lactating mothers. MUAC was to ascertain the outcome variable. Data was entered and analyzed by using EPI INFO version 3.5.3 and SPSS version 24, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors associated with acute malnutrition. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of the association, while a P-value of 0.05 was used to declare the significance of the association.

Results
The prevalence of acute malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women was 34.3% at the 95% CI (31.9–36.8). The age of the mothers (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.99), family size 6–8 (AOR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.82), and greater than or equal to 9 family sizes (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.97), were significantly associated with acute malnutrition.

Conclusions
In the current study, the prevalence of acute malnutrition among pregnant and lactating mothers is high in the study area. Mother’s age and family size were factors associated with acute malnutrition in war-affected areas. As a result, mothers with large families will require special assistance to reduce the impact of malnutrition.
Ability of diagnostic injection to predict surgical outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy
Authors: Mirenge Goertz Dunia , Bary Mohamed Elsayed Abdel , Elwany Amr Hamdy , Moussa Wael Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Arising from different anatomical structures of the spine, chronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability, and its management is still controversial. Thus, appropriate and effective management of chronic low back pain requires a precise diagnostic tool in order to target pain generators. Therefore, the role of diagnostic injection in predicting the outcome of surgical treatment of chronic low back pain and lower limb radicular pain need to be evaluated in order to guide the surgeon, especially in case of unclear pathoanatomical features. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of lumbar spine diagnostic injections in surgical outcome in patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy.

Patients and methods
This study included 30 patients complaining of chronic low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy who underwent lumbar spine surgery following positive diagnostic injections. The pre- and postoperative assessments consisted of a general neurological examination, evaluation of the Oswestry disability index, and a visual analog scale.

Results
This prospective non-controlled study was conducted on 30 patients complaining of chronic low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy. The mean age was 42.60 ± 8.27 years with a range of 24.0–62.0 years. The visual analog scale decreased significantly from preoperative mean value of 8.26 ± 0.79 to postoperative mean value of 1.97 ± 0.92; with almost two-thirds of the patients experienced more than 75% pain reduction. The Oswestry disability index decreased significantly from preoperative mean value of 34.13 ± 4.88 to 11.47 ± 3.36 after surgery in the whole sample. The post-selective nerve root block visual analog scale was significantly correlated to the postoperative visual analog scale, while the postoperative Oswestry disability index was not significantly associated with the post-selective nerve root block visual analog scale.

Conclusion
The use of lumbar selective nerve root block and lumbar provocative discography for patients with chronic low back pain and radiculopathy and equivocal radiological findings can improve surgical outcomes regarding pain intensity and spine functional outcomes. Diagnostic selective nerve root block can predict the postoperative pain relief.
Differential diagnoses of cavitary lung lesions on computed tomography: a pictorial essay
Authors: Naggar Amine , Laasri Khadija , Berrada Kenza , Kabila Badr , El Aoufir Omar , Laamrani Fatima Zahra , Jroundi Laila 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Cavitary lung lesions are frequent findings on imaging, with the most common sources being malignancies and infections. They have multiple etiologies and differential diagnoses, which can have overlapping imaging characteristics, posing a diagnostic difficulty.

Main body of the abstract
This article is an educational pictorial essay highlighting the pitfalls and differential diagnoses of lung cavities, and focusing on the typical imaging patterns, the clinical and biological contexts of each etiology, illustrated by images that were extracted from the images archiving system of our radiology department.

Short conclusion
The radiologist should be aware of all etiologies of cavitary lung lesions, including the less frequent ones, and be familiar with their imaging patterns and characteristics, which aids in establishing the diagnosis or, at the very least, narrowing down the evoked diagnoses.
Hepatic function and structure in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Arabi Mehran , Naseri Hamid-Reza 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Broad applications of nanoparticles have invoked the concerns about their impacts on living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the possible changes that could take place in the liver of feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) after oral ingestion of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO).

Methods
Pigeons were acclimatized to the laboratory conditions with a photoperiod of 12:12 h at 20 ± 2 ˚C for 14 days and maintained on seed mixture and clean tap water ad libitum. The birds were randomly assigned to five groups of 10, including one control group and four experimental groups orally receiving 0, 30, 50, and 75 mg/kg b.w. of nano-ZnO through oral gavage for 7 and 14 consecutive days.

Results
The oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, namely lipid peroxidation content and catalase activity in the liver samples, and the level of hepatic necrosis markers (ALT, AST, and ALP) in the blood sera were increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant capacity of liver samples measured by FRAP test was reduced. Histopathological changes revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, swelling area, vacuolization, and expansion of interstitial spaces in liver samples exposed to 75 mg/kg nano-ZnO.

Conclusions
Nano-ZnO induced obvious hepatotoxicity in the liver of pigeons, where the OS pathway may be the potential mechanism underlying this toxicity.
Liaison psychiatry services in Scotland, 2022: online survey of NHS health boards
Authors: Shankar Prakash , Smith Murray 
Published: September 2023

Aims and methodLiaison psychiatry services have seen significant developments the UK. Regular surveys of liaison psychiatry in England have contributed to this, but it has not attracted the same interest in Scotland, with only a mention and no commitments in the Scottish Government's Mental Health Strategy. There have been no comprehensive surveys in Scotland and this study was an attempt to explore provisioning of services. A questionnaire was sent to liaison psychiatry services in the mainland Scottish National Health Service (NHS) health boards.ResultsResponses obtained from all 11 boards revealed considerable variation in service provisioning. Services provided through acute rather than mental health directorates seem significantly better resourced.Clinical implicationsLiaison psychiatry services can improve care for patients but require adequate resources to do so. There are limited quality standards for Scottish liaison services, unlike other devolved nations, leading to variation in provision. This survey will assist in designing quality standards for liaison psychiatry in Scotland.
Dihydrofolate reductase activity controls neurogenic transitions in the developing neocortex
Authors: Saha Sulov , Jungas Thomas , Ohayon David , Audouard Christophe , Ye Tao , Fawal Mohamad-Ali , Davy Alice 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
One-carbon/folate (1C) metabolism supplies methyl groups required for DNA and histone methylation, and is involved in the maintenance of self-renewal in stem cells. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a key enzyme in 1C metabolism, is highly expressed in human and mouse neural progenitors at the early stages of neocortical development. Here, we have investigated the role of DHFR in the developing neocortex and report that reducing its activity in human neural organoids and mouse embryonic neocortex accelerates indirect neurogenesis, thereby affecting neuronal composition of the neocortex. Furthermore, we show that decreasing DHFR activity in neural progenitors leads to a reduction in one-carbon/folate metabolites and correlates with modifications of H3K4me3 levels. Our findings reveal an unanticipated role for DHFR in controlling specific steps of neocortex development and indicate that variations in 1C metabolic cues impact cell fate transitions.
Activation of respiratory-related bursting in an isolated medullary section from adult bullfrogs
Authors: Saunders Sandy E. , Santin Joseph M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Breathing is generated by a rhythmic neural circuit in the brainstem, which contains conserved elements across vertebrate groups. In adult frogs, the ‘lung area’ located in the reticularis parvocellularis is thought to represent the core rhythm generator for breathing. Although this region is necessary for breathing-related motor output, whether it functions as an endogenous oscillator when isolated from other brainstem centers is not clear. Therefore, we generated thick brainstem sections that encompass the lung area to determine whether it can generate breathing-related motor output in a highly reduced preparation. Brainstem sections did not produce activity. However, subsaturating block of glycine receptors reliably led to the emergence of rhythmic motor output that was further enhanced by blockade of GABAA receptors. Output occurred in singlets and multi-burst episodes resembling the intact network. However, burst frequency was slower and individual bursts had longer durations than those produced by the intact preparation. In addition, burst frequency was reduced by noradrenaline and μ-opioids, and increased by serotonin, as observed in the intact network and in vivo. These results suggest that the lung area can be activated to produce rhythmic respiratory-related motor output in a reduced brainstem section and provide new insights into respiratory rhythm generation in adult amphibians. First, clustering breaths into episodes can occur within the rhythm-generating network without long-range input from structures such as the pons. Second, local inhibition near, or within, the rhythmogenic center may need to be overridden to express the respiratory rhythm.
Experiencing short heat waves early in development changes thermal responsiveness of turtle embryos to later heat waves
Authors: Breitenbach Anthony T. , Marroquín-Flores Rosario A. , Paitz Ryan T. , Bowden Rachel M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Although physiological responses to the thermal environment are most frequently investigated using constant temperatures, the incorporation of thermal variability can allow for a more accurate prediction of how thermally sensitive species respond to a rapidly changing climate. In species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), developmental responses to incubation temperature are mediated by several genes involved in gonadal differentiation. Kdm6b and Dmrt1 respond to cool incubation temperatures and are associated with testis development, while FoxL2 and Cyp19A1 respond to warm incubation temperatures and are associated with ovary development. Using fluctuating incubation temperatures, we designed two studies, one investigating how conflicting thermal cues affect the timing of commitment to gonadal development, and another investigating the rapid molecular responses to conflicting thermal cues in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). Using gene expression as a proxy of timing of commitment to gonadal fate, results from the first study show that exposure to high amounts of conflicting thermal cues during development delays commitment to gonadal fate. Results from the second study show that Kdm6b splice variants exhibit differential responses to early heat wave exposure, but rapidly (within 2 days) recover to pre-exposure levels after the heat wave. Despite changes in the expression of Kdm6b splice variants, there was no effect on Dmrt1 expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate how short exposures to heat early in development can change how embryos respond to heat later in development.
Evaluating the role that Care Groups play in providing breastfeeding and infant feeding support at community level: a qualitative study in Dedza district in Malawi
Authors: Pieterse Pieternella , Walsh Aisling , Chirwa Ellen , Chikalipo Maria , Msowoya Chimwemwe , Mambulasa Janet , Matthews Anne 
Published: September 2023

Background: Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is a key nutrition policy objective in Malawi. This study assesses the role that care group volunteers (CGVs) play in providing breastfeeding and infant feeding support at community level. Care groups are a peer-to-peer learning approach, which has been part of Malawi’s nutrition policy since 2012, yet its efficacy and its role within community-level nutrition support remains under-researched. Methods: In July 2021, we conducted 60 qualitative semi structured interviews in Dedza District with village leaders, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), CGVs and district health officials, mothers with at least one child under two (n=36) who were randomly selected, and (purposively selected) mothers who had a child who was born prematurely or with low birthweight. The research was conducted in one of two care group programme implementation areas, or in several villages where care group interventions had not taken off. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated into English and then analysed using qualitative data analysis software. Thematic analysis was used to elicit key themes. Results: Only eight out of 26 women in locations where care groups were active reported receiving breastfeeding support from care groups. All mothers reported receiving breastfeeding support at the health facility where they delivered their baby(ies) (n=36) and some (n=24) also at ante-natal care clinics. Where care groups were active, 18 out of 26 interviewees reported interacting with them, mostly during cooking demonstrations or receiving home visits. Little interaction was observed by interviewees between HSAs and CGVs (n=1) and no evidence suggested coordination between HSAs and CGVs around (vulnerable) newborn baby visits, as described by one HSA. Conclusions: This research shows that care groups, despite being well-known, remain an under-appreciated and un-integrated volunteer cadre. Policy reform in relation to care groups in Malawi could improve care group efficacy.
Gilbert’s syndrome as a protection against the development of other diseases
Authors: Miazga Dominika , Maziarczyk Alicja , Surdacka Laura , Blicharz Monika , Bartosik-Zielińska Diana 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and purpose Gilbert's syndrome is a condition caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, which conjugates bilirubin in hepatocytes. Its less efficient functioning results in disorder of bilirubin metabolism which leads to increased level of this compound. It has been observed that there is interesting correlation between elevated levels of bilirubin and the risk of developing certain diseases in patients with this condition. The aim of this review is to understand the correlation between elevated bilirubin levels and the risk of developing selected diseases in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome and how to use this knowledge in innovative therapeutic options.
State of knowledge Bilirubin was considered a non-functional waste product of heme breakdown, used to be seen as a concerning indicator of liver disease or even a potentially harmful substance for the nervous system. However, lately it turns out that bilirubin has strong antioxidant properties, which help to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid oxidation. Recent studies have shown that even slightly elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, such as those commonly found in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome may protect these patients against diseases associated with increased oxidative stress, an overactive immune response and metabolic dysfunction.
Conclusions As a result, individuals with Gilbert's syndrome are observed to have a lower risk of developing diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In these patients mortality rate compared to the population with normobilirubinemia is decreased. Based on available studies, it has also been concluded that inducing mild hyperbilirubinemia - iatrogenic Gilbert's syndrome - using appropriate substances may have health benefits.