bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kimura's disease as a mimicker of cavernous hemangioma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wen‐Chieh Teng , Kuan‐Hui Yu , Li‐Yu Lee , Chih‐Chun Lee , Shao‐Chieh Chang , Sing‐Ya Chang , Tien‐Ming Chan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractKimura's disease (KD) is an immune‐mediated disorder which mainly affects Asian men. It appears as head and neck subcutaneous masses, with inflammatory infiltrate and elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels. The clinical presentation of KD resembles that of various diseases. Here, we report the case of a 30‐year‐old Filipino man with KD mimicking cavernous hemangioma who was treated by surgery. Careful survey for possible KD cases is crucial. Misdiagnoses are prone to futile interventions and unwanted effects. Surgery with adjuvant therapy is superior to other forms of KD treatment.
Downregulation of Krüppel‐like factor 14 accelerated cellular senescence and aging
Authors: Hou Yuli , Song Qiao , Wang Yaqi , Liu Jing , Cui Yuting , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhang Jingjing , Fu Jingxuan , Cao Min , Zhang Chi , Liu Congcong , Wang Xiaoling , Duan Huanli , Wang Peichang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAging has been considered as a risk factor in many diseases, thus, comprehensively understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of delayed aging is important. Here we investigated whether Krüppel‐like factor 14 (KLF14) is a suppressor of cellular senescence and aging. In our research, KLF14 levels significantly decreased not only in the lymphocytes of healthy people but also in the cells and tissues of mice with aging. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments on cells and mice to reveal the function of KLF14 in aging. KLF14 deficiency facilitates cellular senescence and aging‐related pathologies in C57BL/6J mice, whereas KLF14 overexpression attenuates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, KLF14 delays aging by binding to the POLD1 promoter to positively regulate POLD1 expression. Remarkably, cellular senescence mediated by KLF14 downregulation could be alleviated by POLD1 expression. In addition, perhexiline, an agonist of KLF14, could delay cellular senescence and aging‐related pathologies in senescence‐accelerated P8 mice by inducing POLD1 expression, as perhexiline could enhance the effect of KLF14's transcription activation to POLD1 by elevating the binding level of KLF14 to the POLD1 promoter. Our data indicate that KLF14 might be a critical element in aging by upregulating POLD1 expression, indicating that the activation of KLF14 may delay aging and aging‐associated diseases.
The new normal? Cluster farming and smallholder commercialization in Ethiopia
Authors: Dureti Guyo Godana , Tabe‐Ojong Martin Paul Jr. , Owusu‐Sekyere Enoch 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCluster farming is increasingly recognized as a viable means of improving smallholder economic integration and commercialization in many developing countries. However, little is known about its impact on smallholder welfare and livelihoods. We examine the relationship between cluster farming and smallholder commercialization using a large‐scale survey of 3969 farm households in Ethiopia cultivating high‐acreage crops such as teff, wheat, maize, barley, and sesame. Using switching regressions and instrumental variable estimators, we show that cluster farming is associated with commercialization measured as commercialization index, market surplus value, and market price. To further deal with endogeneity concerns, we also employ some pseudo‐panel models where we observe similar insights. Beyond this, we account for heterogeneities by disaggregating households based on farm scales and crops cultivated. Our findings show that cluster farming is positively associated with commercialization for all farms and crop types despite this disaggregation. However, the related gains are higher among medium and large farms and vary per crop type. These findings imply that cluster farming is crucial in improving smallholder commercialization and may be a critical entry and leveraging point for policy. We thus lend support to initiatives and plans that seek to upscale cluster farming as they can potentially improve smallholder commercialization with ensuing impacts on rural livelihoods and welfare.
Evaluation of an online education program for healthcare professionals on best practice management of perinatal deaths: IMPROVE eLearning
Authors: Medeiros Poliana de Barros , Flenady Vicki , Andrews Christine , Forbes Madeline , Boyle Fran , Loughnan Siobhan A. , Meredith Natasha , Gordon Adrienne 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe IMPROVE (IMproving Perinatal Mortality Review and Outcomes Via Education) eLearning, developed by the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence in partnership with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand was launched in December 2019. Based on the successful face‐to‐face program, the eLearning aims to increase availability and accessibility of high‐quality online education to healthcare professionals providing care for families around the time of perinatal death, to improve the delivery of respectful and supportive clinical care and increase best practice investigation of perinatal deaths.AimsTo evaluate participants' reported learning outcomes (change in knowledge and confidence) and overall acceptability of the program.MethodsPre‐ and post‐eLearning in‐built surveys were collected over two years (Dec. 2019–Nov. 2021), with a mix of Likert and polar questions. Pre‐ and post‐eLearning differences in knowledge and confidence were assessed using McNemar's test. Subgroup analysis of overall acceptability by profession was assessed using Pearson's χ2.ResultsOne thousand, three hundred and thirty‐nine participants were included. The majority were midwives (80.2%, n = 1074). A significant improvement in knowledge and confidence was shown across all chapters (P < 0.01). The chapter showing the greatest improvement was perinatal mortality audit and classification (21.5% pre‐ and 89.2% post‐education). Over 90% of respondents agreed the online education was relevant, helpful, acceptable, engaging. Importantly, 80.7% of participants considered they were likely to change some aspect of their clinical practice after the eLearning. There was no difference in responses to relevance and acceptability of the eLearning program by profession.ConclusionsThe IMPROVE eLearning is an acceptable and engaging method of delivery for clinical education, with the potential to improve care and management of perinatal deaths.
Assessing medical student satisfaction with rural placement: The Australian Rural Clinical School Support Survey
Authors: Elliott Jasmine , Luk Michelle , Varshney Karan , Williams Kyle , Wright Julian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionAustralia has a doctor shortage in rural settings, and rural placements for medical students have an important role in increasing the likelihood of students staying in rural settings throughout their careers. However, to date there is limited research regarding medical student perceptions of rural placement quality.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine factors that impact the overall medical student experience during rural placements.DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingRural/remote clinical schools across Australia.ParticipantsMedical students on rural/remote clinical placements for at least 6 months.Main outcome measuresTo assess factors impacting student experience on rural placements, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey, known as the Australian Rural Clinical School Support Survey (ARCSSS) which was completed online by medical students across Australia. Demographic data were collected in addition to responses regarding academic teaching, extracurricular activities, and support services. Multiple choice and Likert scale questions were utilised.ResultsA total of 107 responses to our survey were analysed. The majority of participants were female (66.4%), and in their middle years of clinical education (55.1%). Overall, respondents showed high levels of satisfaction with clinical school supervisors, and clinical education. A high proportion of respondents indicated minimal accessibility of health and other support services. While a large proportion of participants indicated satisfaction with the rural placements, it was demonstrated that students were generally dissatisfied with school wellness activities and extracurricular activities. Financial insecurity was noted.ConclusionThe findings from our survey indicate there are numerous areas in which rural placements have been effective for medical students, and others in which improvement is needed. Furthermore, more research is required to better develop well‐being initiatives that are effective in improving overall experience.
Evaluation of androgen receptor markers in erectile dysfunction
Authors: Khodamoradi Kajal , Campbell Katherine , Arora Himanshu , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundSteroid hormones, such as testosterone, play a crucial role in modulating the development of male internal and external genitalia as well as secondary sex characteristics by binding to the androgen receptor. Once bound, androgen receptor operates as an inducible transcription factor, interacting with a multitude of co‐regulators to initiate various downstream signaling pathways. The androgen saturation hypothesis posits that beyond a specific threshold, androgen receptor binding and functionality remain unaltered despite an increase in serum testosterone levels.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore the expression of these proteins in penile tissue samples from men with severe erectile dysfunction to enhance our understanding of the influence of serum testosterone on androgen receptor function.Materials and MethodsPatients undergoing surgical management for high‐grade ED at our institution were invited to participate in the study. During inflatable penile prosthesis surgery, corpus cavernosum biopsy was obtained. Protein was extracted from each sample for western blot analysis which was probed with androgen receptor, heme oxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and phosphodiesterase type 5 antibodies with GAPDH for protein normalization.Results12 men agreed to participate in this study. Serum testosterone levels were obtained from all participants on the morning of their surgery. The median testosterone level was 300.15 ng/dL. Our findings revealed a decrease in androgen receptor and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at serum testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (p = 0.022, 0.03). Similarly, hemeoxygenase and phosphodiesterase type 5 expression levels were significantly lower at serum T concentrations below 200 ng/dL (p = 0.017, 0.014).Discussion and ConclusionThese data showed a significant decrease in the expression of proteins downstream of the androgen receptor at lower serum T levels. This suggests a potential correlation between serum T concentration and androgen receptor signaling and supports a potential saturation value between 200 and 300 ng/dL.
Topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for central serous chorioretinopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Larsson Janni M. E. , Boberg‐Ans Lars C. , Vangsted Andreas , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Grauslund Jakob , Hajari Javad N. , Klefter Oliver N. , Schneider Miklos , Subhi Yousif 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a prevalent exudative maculopathy and the ongoing verteporfin shortage restricts current treatment possibilities. Topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have previously been proposed as a treatment for CSC, although its exact efficacy remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we outlined the efficacy of topical NSAIDs for the treatment of CSC. We searched 11 literature databases on 13 December 2022, for any study describing topical NSAID treatment for CSC. Thirteen eligible studies were included with a total of 1001 eyes of 994 patients with CSC. Six studies were case reports, two were cohort studies and five were non‐randomized comparative studies. Where specified, topical NSAIDs used were bromfenac 0.09%, diclofenac 0.1%, ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5%, pranoprofen 0.1%, and nepafenac 0.1% and 0.3%. Studies were predominantly of cases with acute CSC and several case studies reported treatment outcomes simultaneously with discontinuation of corticosteroid use, which complicated treatment evaluation. Meta‐analyses of comparative studies revealed a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant best‐corrected visual acuity improvement of −0.04 logMAR (95% CI: −0.07 to −0.01 logMAR; p = 0.01) at 1‐month follow‐up, which became statistically insignificant at 3‐month follow‐up (−0.03 logMAR; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.003 logMAR; p = 0.08). Further, we found no benefit in complete subretinal fluid resolution at 1‐month follow‐up (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.81–1.76; p = 0.37) or 3‐month follow‐up (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.59; p = 0.33). Taken together, available evidence does not support the use of topical NSAIDs for the treatment of CSC.
Non‐invasive biomarkers for close activity monitoring in birdshot chorioretinitis: Optical coherence tomography angiography and beyond
Authors: Moll‐Udina Aina , Dotti‐Boada Marina , Miguel Lucía , Rodríguez Anabel , Gascón Jesús , Sainz de la Maza Maite , Adán Civera Alfredo Manuel , Molins Blanca , Llorenç Victor 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify non‐invasive imaging biomarkers potentially useful for close activity monitoring in birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR).MethodsCross‐sectional study of BSCR eyes included as per Levinson's and/or SUN criteria. Eyes were blindly classified into active or inactive groups per clinical inflammatory parameters, ultra‐widefield (UWF) pseudocolour images, UWF fluorescein angiography (FA) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) cube. Qualitative and quantitative OCT and OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A) parameters at the fundus, superonasal and inferonasal fields were compared between active and inactive eyes.ResultsThirty consecutive BSCR patients (60 eyes) were analysed. 28 eyes (46.66%) were from women and the overall mean age was 59.7 ± 12.3 years. Active eyes showed an abnormal retinal thickening at inferonasal field (nasal retinal thickness) and a higher averaged thickened retinal index (ATRI) (72.36 active vs. 20.12 inactive, p < 0.0001). A significant moderate correlation was observed between ATRI and FA scores (r = 0.259, p = 0.022). Macular vascular loops were more frequent in the superficial vascular plexus of OCT‐A in the active eyes (p = 0.028). The vascular perfusion index tended to be higher in all subfields of active eyes but did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionMultimodal imaging could be key to discerning activity in BSCR eyes. Higher ATRI and the presence of vascular loops in the superficial plexus are potential non‐invasive activity biomarkers for the close monitoring of BSCR.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Significant histological changes among treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine aminotransferase levels by different criteria
Authors: Li Shun , Shi Lichen , Xu Xiaoqian , Wang Hao , You Hong , Jia Jidong , Kong Yuanyuan 
Published: August 2023

SummaryBackgroundThe upper limits of normal (ULNs) of ALT are not consistent across the major international guidelines which may affect the eligibility for antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB).AimTo estimate the proportions of histological changes among treatment‐naïve patients with CHB within differently defined ALT ULNs.MethodsWe searched PubMed and Embase up to May 15th, 2023, to identify studies of treatment‐naïve CHB patients with liver biopsies. We pooled proportions of moderate to severe necroinflammation, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis in those patients within different ALT ULNs by using random‐effect models.ResultsWe included 23 studies with 4010 participants. Within ALT ULN at 40 IU/L, the pooled proportions of moderate to severe necroinflammation, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 33% (95% CI: 26%–42%), 32% (95% CI: 27%–38%), and 3% (95% CI: 1%–5%), respectively. Within ALT ULN at 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women, the pooled proportion of significant fibrosis remained at 30% (95% CI: 25%–34%; 432 participants). However, it was 21% (95% CI: 11%–37%; 361 participants) even in those within ALT ULN at 20 IU/L. Subgroup analyses suggested a significantly higher proportion of significant fibrosis among studies with prospective design or enrolled patients' mean age >35 or >40 years.ConclusionsSignificant histological changes occurred in approximately 1/3 of treatment‐naïve CHB patients within ALT ULN at 40 IU/L, whereas the proportion of significant fibrosis was approximately 1/5 even in those within ALT ULN at 20 IU/L.
Effects of low‐protein diet and feed restriction on mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters in porcine skeletal muscles
Authors: Ishida Aiko , Ashihara Akane , Nakashima Kazuki , Katsumata Masaya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigated the effects of a low‐protein diet and feed restriction on the mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) in the longissimus dorsi (LD), rhomboideus (RH), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles of pigs. Eighteen piglets were divided into three groups: a control (CP21%), low‐protein diet (LP, CP16%), and feed‐restricted diet (FR, CP21%, 76% feed intake of control pigs) groups. The expression levels of CAT‐1 in the LD and BF muscles of LP pigs were higher than that of control pigs, whereas that of FR pigs showed no difference. The CAT‐2A expression levels in the RH muscle of FR pigs were higher than that of control pigs. The free lysine concentrations in all muscles of LP and FR pigs were lower than that of control pigs. To examine the factors that affect CATs mRNA expression, we evaluated the effects of lysine, arginine, insulin‐like growth factor‐I, and dexamethasone on the expression of CATs in C2C12 myotubes. CAT‐1 expression levels increased in lysine and/or arginine deprivation. We show that CAT‐1 and CAT‐2A expression levels in skeletal muscles differ in response to dietary treatments and CAT‐1 expression in skeletal muscles appears to increase in response to low free lysine concentrations.
Outstanding Gir oocyte donors: How does individual factor affect in vitro embryo production efficiency?
Authors: Oliveira Clara Slade , Rosa Paola Maria da Silva , Camargo Agostinho Jorge dos Reis , Feres Luiz Fernando , Saraiva Naiara Zoccal , Oliveira Leticia Zoccolaro , Camargo Luiz Sergio de Almeida 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe oocyte donor plays a pivotal role in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) success. The individual factor affects blastocyst/oocyte ratio and determine the existence of outstanding performing animals. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of individual factor effect to IVP efficiency, in a population of Gir oocyte donors. Extreme (high or low IVP efficiency based on blastocyst/oocyte ratio) animals were selected out of a population of 250 oocyte donors (1,734 observations) to form high (>0.48, n = 40), average (0.17–0.48, n = 168), and low (<0.17, n = 42) efficiency donor groups. Cumulus‐oocyte complex indicators (total number, IVF‐grade number, and IVF‐grade/total ratio) were lower (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors. The number of blastocysts per OPU was analyzed for highest performing bull, and an increase (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors and a decrease (p < 0.05) in low efficiency donors were noticed, compared to average efficiency donors. The number of pregnancies obtained per OPU was affected (p = 0.017) by donor's efficiency (low: , average: , high: ), being 4.3‐fold higher in high than in low efficiency donors. We conclude that producing embryos from high efficiency blastocyst/oocyte ratio donors increases blastocyst and pregnancy numbers by OPU, being an important indicator for donor selection in IVP programs.
Age‐related hearing loss and dementia‐related neuropathology: An analysis of the United Kingdom brains for dementia research cohort
Authors: Katanga Jessica A. , Hamilton Calum A. , Walker Lauren , Attems Johannes , Thomas Alan J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAge‐related hearing loss frequently precedes or coexists with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The role specific neuropathologies play in this association, as either a cause or a consequence, is unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate whether specific dementia related neuropathologies were associated with hearing impairment in later life. We analysed data on ante‐mortem hearing impairment with post‐mortem neuropathological data for 442 participants from the Brains for Dementia Research Cohort. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of hearing impairment with the presence of each dementia‐related neuropathology overall, and with specific staged changes. All analyses adjusted for age and sex, and several sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings. Presence and density of neuritic plaques were associated with higher odds of hearing impairment ante‐mortem (OR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.78–7.46 for frequent density of plaques). Presence of any LB disease was likewise associated with hearing impairment (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27–3.48), but this did not increase with higher cortical pathology (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 0.75–3.11). Nonspecific amyloid deposition, neurofibrillary tangle staging, overall AD neuropathology level, and cerebrovascular disease were not clearly associated with increased risks of hearing impairment. Our results provide some support for an association between dementia‐related neuropathology and hearing loss and suggest that hearing loss may be associated with a high neuritic plaque burden and more common in Lewy body disease.
Un classement multicritère des villes du québec pour favoriser la prise en compte de leurs différences
Authors: Rochefort Michel , Pham Thi‐Thanh‐Hiên , Tchinda Paul‐Émile , Penvern Logan 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTWhen it comes to making planning and development decisions, the concepts of small, medium‐sized, or large cities are sometimes used to adapt public policies and instruments, or even to highlight challenges that are specific to certain categories of city. In this article, we take a look at the various dimensions that can be used to characterize cities, so as to empirically test a multi‐criteria approach and build a typology of Quebec cities. Using an ascending hierarchical classification, we derive 11 classes of cities, whose conceptualization and graphic representation enable us to highlight their role and, in part, to localize their polarized area. This article complements and adds to works undertaken by other researchers over the last 20 years. Although it does not aim to propose specific changes to public policies and instruments, this article may serve to inform public decision makers in the development of such policies and instruments, and to enrich academic debates on the nature of small and medium‐sized towns in particular.