bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RBP4-based Multimarker Score: A Prognostic Tool for Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Ye Bingqi , Zhao Qian , Fan Jiahua , Li Xiaomei , Shan Chunfang , Liu Fen , Song Ning , Zhu Jiajun , Xia Min , Liu Yan , Yang Yining 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Context
Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. However, its association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains obscure.

Objective
Here, we examined the prognostic value of baseline RBP4 and its derived multimarker score for MACEs in ACS patients.

Methods
A total of 826 patients with ACS were consecutively recruited from the department of cardiology and prospectively followed up for a median of 1.95 years (interquartile range, 1.02-3.25 years). Plasma RBP4 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adjusted associations between RBP4 and its derived multimarker score (1 point was assigned when RBP4 ≥ 38.18μg/mL, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 55%, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] ≥ 450 ng/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, and age ≥60) with MACEs were analyzed.

Results
In total, 269 ACS patients (32.57%) experienced MACEs. When patients were grouped by multimarker score (0-1, n = 315; 2-3, n = 406; 4-5, n = 105), there was a significant graded association between RBP4-based multimarker score and risk of MACEs (intermediate score (2-3): HRadj: 1.80; 95% CI, 1.34-2.41; high score (4-5): HRadj: 3.26; 95% CI, 2.21-4.81) and its components (P &lt; .05 for each). Moreover, the prognostic and discriminative value of the RBP4-derived multimarker score remained robust in ACS patients with various high-risk anatomical or clinical characteristics.

Conclusion
The RBP4-derived 5-item score serves as a useful risk stratification and decision support for secondary prevention in patients with ACS.
Cerebral Cortical Thickness Morphometry and Neurocognitive Correlations in Adolescents With Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Rojas-Ramos Juliana Cristina Romero , Pelaez Julita Maria , Ono Sergio Eiji , Ramos Cássio Slompo , de Carvalho Neto Arnolfo , de Lacerda Luiz , Nesi-França Suzana 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Context
Subtle cognitive impairments have been described in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected by neonatal screening (NS), even with early and adequate treatment. Patients with CH may present with brain cortical thickness (CT) abnormalities, which may be associated with neurocognitive impairments.

Objective
This work aimed to evaluate the CT in adolescents with CH detected by the NS Program (Paraná, Brazil), and to correlate possible abnormalities with cognitive level and variables of neurocognitive prognosis.

Methods
A review was conducted of medical records followed by psychometric evaluation of adolescents with CH. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with analysis of 33 brain areas of each hemisphere was performed in 41 patients (29 girls) and in a control group of 20 healthy adolescents. CT values were correlated with Full-scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores, age at start of treatment, pretreatment thyroxine levels, and maternal schooling.

Results
No significant difference in CT between patients and controls were found. However, there was a trend toward thinning in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex among patients and in the right postcentral gyrus cortex among controls. CT correlated significantly with FSIQ scores and with age at start of treatment in 1 area, and with hypothyroidism severity in 5 brain areas. Maternal schooling level did not correlate with CT but was significantly correlated with FSIQ. Cognitive level was within average in 44.7% of patients (13.2% had intellectual deficiency).

Conclusion
There was a trend toward morphometric alterations in the cerebral cortex of adolescents with CH compared with healthy controls. The correlations between CT and variables of neurocognitive prognosis emphasize the influence of hypothyroidism on cortical development. Socioeconomic status exerts a limiting factor on cognitive outcome.
Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus: Recent Developments in Pharmacological Management of Hyperglycemia
Authors: Munoz Pena Juan M , Cusi Kenneth 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Context
The management of solid-organ transplantation is rapidly evolving, and posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), which is increasingly common, is a barrier to transplant success, adversely impacting infection rates, allograft survival, cardiovascular disease, quality of life, and overall mortality. Currently, the management of PTDM relies primarily on intensified insulin therapy. However, emerging studies report that several noninsulin glucose-lowering agents are safe and effective in improving metabolic control and enhancing treatment adherence. More importantly, their use in PTDM can potentially transform the long-term management of these complex patients, as some glucose-lowering agents may provide benefits beyond glycemic control. For instance, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors may offer cardiorenal protection, and pioglitazone may treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review will focus on the pharmacological management of PTDM and the emerging evidence for noninsulin glucose-lowering agents in this population.

Evidence acquisition
Evidence from observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses.

Evidence synthesis
PTDM adversely affects the outcomes of infection, organ survival, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Insulin therapy has been the drug of choice but is associated with weight gain and hypoglycemia. In contrast, noninsulin agents appear safe and may provide additional benefits, such as cardiorenal protection with SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RA, and cardiometabolic benefits with pioglitazone, in patients undergoing solid-organ transplantation.

Conclusions
Optimal care of patients with PTDM requires close monitoring and the early involvement of the endocrinologist as part of a multidisciplinary team. Noninsulin glucose-lowering agents will likely play an increasing role as more long-term, controlled studies become available in this setting.
RFamide-related Peptide 3 Signaling via Neuropeptide FF Receptor Stimulates Prolactin Secretion in Female Rats
Authors: Aquino Nayara S S , Mansano Naira S , Vieira Fernanda A S , Silva Kaoma S C , Gusmao Daniela O , Anderson Greg M , Frazao Renata , Reis Adelina M , Szawka Raphael E 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The RF-amide peptides comprise a family of neuropeptides that includes the kisspeptin (Kp), the natural ligand of kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r), and the RFamide-related peptide 3 (RFRP-3) that binds preferentially to the neuropeptide FF receptor 1 (Npffr1). Kp stimulates prolactin (PRL) secretion through the inhibition of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons. Because Kp also has affinity to Npffr1, we investigated the role of Npffr1 in the control of PRL secretion by Kp and RFRP-3. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Kp increased PRL and LH secretion in ovariectomized, estradiol-treated rats. The unselective Npffr1 antagonist RF9 prevented these responses, whereas the selective antagonist GJ14 altered PRL but not LH levels. The ICV injection of RFRP-3 in ovariectomized, estradiol-treated rats increased PRL secretion, which was associated with a rise in the dopaminergic activity in the median eminence, but had no effect on LH levels. The RFRP-3-induced increase in PRL secretion was prevented by GJ14. Moreover, the estradiol-induced PRL surge in female rats was blunted by GJ14, along with an amplification of the LH surge. Nevertheless, whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed no effect of RFRP-3 on the electrical activity of TIDA neurons in dopamine transporter-Cre recombinase transgenic female mice. We provide evidence that RFRP-3 binds to Npffr1 to stimulate PRL release, which plays a role in the estradiol-induced PRL surge. This effect of RFRP-3 is apparently not mediated by a reduction in the inhibitory tone of TIDA neurons but possibly involves the activation of a hypothalamic PRL-releasing factor.
Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Untreated Adult Patients With Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Alpha
Authors: Dahll Louise Koren , Westbye Alexander Bauer , Vinorum Kristin , Sejersted Yngve , Barøy Tuva , Thorsby Per Medbøe , Hammerstad Sara Salehi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Thyroid hormone resistance due to pathogenic variants in thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA) is rare and descriptions of patients are sparse. The disorder is probably underdiagnosed as patients may have normal thyroid function tests. Treatment with thyroxine in childhood improves clinical symptoms. However, it is not clear if treatment has beneficial effects if started in adulthood.

Cases
We investigated 4 previously untreated Caucasian adult first-degree-related patients with the THRA c.788C &gt; T, p.(Ala263Val) variant identified by a gene panel for intellectual disability in the index patient. Clinical data and previous investigations were obtained from medical reports.

Results
During childhood and adolescence, short stature, short limbs, metacarpals, and phalanges, and delayed bone age maturation were observed. Delayed motor and language development and decreased intellectual and learning abilities were described. Abdominal adiposity, round face, and increased head circumference were common features. All individuals complained of tiredness, constipation, and low mood. While thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were within the reference range, free triiodothyronine (FT3) was high. FT4/FT3 ratio and reverse T3 were low. Other main features were low hemoglobin and high LDL/HDL ratio.

Conclusion
Investigation of 4 first-degree-related adult patients with untreated resistance to thyroid hormone alpha (RTHα) revealed more pronounced phenotype features and hypothyroid symptoms than previously described in patients treated with levothyroxine from childhood or adolescence. The delay in diagnosis is probably due to normal thyroid function tests. We suggest that THRA analysis should be performed in patients with specific clinical features, as treatment in early childhood may improve outcomes.
Μια Θετική Ψυχολογική Παρέμβαση για την ενίσχυση θετικών χαρακτηριστικών παιδιών και εφήβων με νεοπλασματικές παθήσεις
Authors: Σολδάτου Σπυριδούλα , Λεοντοπούλου Σόφη 
Published: July 2023

Η παρούσα μελέτη είχε σκοπό να διερευνήσει την αποτελεσματικότητα μιας Θετικής Ψυχολογικής Παρέμβασης σε παιδιά και εφήβους με νεοπλασματικές παθήσεις. Εστιάστηκε στην ενίσχυση των θετικών συναισθημάτων, της ελπιδοφόρας σκέψης και της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας, μέσω της αναγνώρισης και ανάπτυξης θετικών χαρακτηριστικών 25 αγοριών (Ν = 13) και κοριτσιών (Ν = 12) ηλικίας 10 έως 15 ετών. Το δείγμα αποτελούνταν από άτομα που ακολουθούσαν θεραπευτική αγωγή σε Ογκολογικές Μονάδες Παίδων στην Αθήνα και φιλοξενούνταν στον ξενώνα «Φλόγα». Η παρέμβαση περιλάμβανε δύο ομάδες, μία ομάδα παρέμβασης και μία ομάδα ελέγχου και πραγματοποιήθηκε σε τρεις συναντήσεις, σε απόσταση τουλάχιστον μίας εβδομάδας μεταξύ τους και για τις δύο ομάδες. Οι συμμετέχοντες/ουσες συμπλήρωσαν μια συστοιχία ερωτηματολογίων πριν την παρέμβαση, αμέσως μετά την ολοκλήρωση και των τριών συναντήσεων, όπως και έναν μήνα μετά την ολοκλήρωση της παρέμβασης. Εκτός από κοινωνικο-δημογραφικές ερωτήσεις, το ερωτηματολόγιο περιλάμβανε ευρέως χρησιμοποιούμενες κλίμακες για καθεμία από τις μεταβλητές, καθώς και ειδικά σχεδιασμένες ερωτήσεις για την αξιολόγηση της παρέμβασης. Η Θετική Ψυχολογική Παρέμβαση αποδείχτηκε αποτελεσματική, αυξάνοντας τα θετικά συναισθήματα, την ελπιδοφόρα σκέψη και την ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα της ομάδας παρέμβασης σε σχέση με την ομάδα ελέγχου. Τα αποτελέσματα διατηρήθηκαν και κατά τον επανέλεγχο. Η ομάδα παρέμβασης, σε αντίθεση με την ομάδα ελέγχου, αξιολόγησε την παρέμβαση θετικά, θεωρώντας ότι επέδρασε ευεργετικά και ενίσχυσε όλες τις εξεταζόμενες μεταβλητές. Τα αποτελέσματα συζητούνται ως προς την σημασία τους για τον σχεδιασμό και τη διεξαγωγή στοχευμένων ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών παρεμβάσεων για νεαρά άτομα με νεοπλασματικές και άλλες παθήσεις.
Effectiveness of half-day interactive continuing medical education workshop in improving oncologists’ knowledge in prescribing opioids
Authors: Almouaalamy Nabil A. , Abrar Mohammed B. , Adem Sittelbenat H. , Alnatsheh Abdelmajid 
Published: July 2023

Background: Patients with cancer commonly experience persistent pain, and opioids have remained the mainstay of pain treatment because of their rapid effectiveness in treating moderate to severe pain. As medicine progresses, we need to establish continuous medical education sessions to educate, update, and establish competency in opioid prescribing in cancer patients. Aim: The objective of this study was to explore whether continuing medical education interventions improve oncologists’ knowledge about pain management when prescribing opioids. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional prospective pre- post-test study. Continuing medical education workshops lasting three identical half-days was offered in 2019. Training sessions were held at the Princess Noorah Oncology Education Center. A total of 40 participants were recruited from a single discipline (oncology) rather than from multiple disciplines for the workshops. The continuing medical education program included six lectures and case presentations. An assessment of 16 multiple-choice questions (case scenario format) with four options was administered to the participants before the training workshop. Results: The mean scores of the participants’ knowledge increased from 9.48 (pre-test) to 11.93 (post-test). This improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A novel finding of this study is that continuing medical education lasting a half-day is as effective as a one-day workshop and even superior to traditional continuing medical education lasting two days. Conclusions: A half-day continuing medical education program significantly improved physicians’ knowledge of prescribing opioids in cancer patients. This study suggests that a well-designed continuing medical education program is essential for its success.
Upper extremity kinematics of a 3D reach-to-grasp-to-mouth task in sub-acute stroke survivors in comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Sardesai Sanjukta , Solomon M John , Arumugam Ashokan , Dylan Nazareth Elton , R Pai Aparna , Kumaran D Senthil 
Published: July 2023

Background Only 5-20% of stroke survivors exhibit almost complete motor recovery at six months post-stroke. The Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR) Taskforce has recommended the use of performance assays that predict recovery. However, not much is known about the differences across various stroke severity groups. The purpose of this study was to determine whether kinematic parameters of time, average velocity, shoulder angles and elbow angles were able to distinguish upper extremity movement capacity in individuals with varying levels of stroke severity and healthy controls. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which is part of a large cohort study. 27 sub-acute stroke survivors (58.8 ± 12.7 years; 18 males, 9 females; categorized into mild (51-66), moderate (25-50) and severe (<25) Fugl Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FM-UE) categories and 10 healthy controls (48.9 ± 13.7 years; 6 males, 4 females) performed 20 trials of a 3D reach-to-grasp-to-mouth task. Kinematic parameters were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test. Results: Movement time was significantly different between severe and all other stroke groups (mild [p<0.001], moderate [p<0.001]) and healthy controls (p<0.001). Average velocity was significantly different between all three stroke groups (mild [p=0.03], moderate [p<0.001], severe [d= -3.7, p<0.001]) and healthy controls. Elbow flexion was significantly different between moderate and severe stroke groups (p=0.009). Elbow extension showed significant differences between mild and moderate stroke groups (p<0.001). Shoulder extension exhibited significant differences between mild (p<0.001), moderate (p<0.001) and severe (p<0.001) and healthy controls. Conclusions: Kinematic analysis of a reach-to-grasp-to-mouth task helps to differentiate between varying groups of severity post-stroke such as mild, moderate and severe, based on Fugl Meyer for Upper Extremity scores.
Unraveling the secrets of plant roots: Simplified method for large scale root exudate sampling and analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Subrahmaniam Harihar Jaishree , Lind Salomonsen Camilla , Radutoiu Simona , Ehlers Bodil K. , Glasius Marianne 
Published: July 2023

Background: Plants exude a plethora of compounds to communicate with their environment. Although much is known about above-ground plant communication, we are only beginning to fathom the complexities of below-ground chemical communication channels. Studying root-exuded compounds and their role in plant communication has been difficult due to the lack of standardized methodologies. Here, we develop an interdisciplinary workflow to explore the natural variation in root exudate chemical composition of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We highlight key challenges associated with sampling strategies and develop a framework for analyzing both narrow- and broad-scale patterns of root exudate composition in a large set of natural A. thaliana accessions. Methods: Our method involves cultivating individual seedlings in vitro inside a plastic mesh, followed by a short hydroponic sampling period in small quantities of ultrapure water. The mesh makes it easy to handle plants of different sizes and allows for large-scale characterization of individual plant root exudates under axenic conditions. This setup can also be easily extended for prolonged temporal exudate collection experiments. Furthermore, the short sampling time minimizes the duration of the experiment while still providing sufficient signal even with small volume of the sampling solution. We used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for untargeted metabolic profiling, followed by tentative compound identification using MZmine3 and SIRIUS 5 software, to capture a broad overview of root exudate composition in A. thaliana accessions. Results: Based on 28 replicates of the Columbia genotype (Col-0) compared with 10 random controls, MZmine3 identified 354 metabolites to be present only in Col-0 by negative ionization. Of these, 254 compounds could be annotated by SIRIUS 5 software. Conclusions: The methodology developed in this study can be used to broadly investigate the role of root exudates as chemical signals in plant belowground interactions.
MILITARY METAPHORS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE ANGLOPHONE MEDIA TEXTS
Authors: Polonskaya O. 
Published: July 2023

The study examines the military metaphors of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Anglophone media texts.
The goal is to explore all these perceptual tactics have been used regarding COVID-19, as a means of constructing narratives and trying to find meaning for both the pandemic, and the disease itself. War metaphors are considered first, as they were particularly frequent and controversial at the beginning of the pandemic.
The interpretation of the metaphor goes beyond its traditional understanding as a rhetorical device. This approach is consistent with cognitive theory, which states that a metaphor is a mental tool that reflects how we reason and represent the world.
The article deals with specific cases of the metaphorical representation of the pandemic, selected from reports, notes, articles of English-language electronic media.
The results obtained prove the widespread use of metaphor in the media, its importance for understanding complex situations, conveying ideas and influencing the audience.
Analysis of poisonings in patients up to 18 years old hospitalized in the Clinical Department of Toxicology and Cardiology in Stefan Wyszyński Regional Specialist Hospital in Lublin in 2022
Authors: Sosnowska Weronika , Brzozowska Aleksandra , Tchórz Michał , Taracha Kalina , Tkaczyk Rafał , Tomczyk Jakub , Tomkiewicz Maciej , Środoń Maria , Świątek Gabriela , Śwital Magdalena 
Published: July 2023

Introduction and purpose: Poisoning in children and adolescents remain a serious medical, psychological and social problem. The aim of the study was to analyse poisonings in patients up to 18 years old admitted to the Clinical Department of Toxicology and Cardiology in Stefan Wyszyński Regional Specialist Hospital in Lublin in 2022. Material and method: The research was retrospective. Medical records of 120 cases of poisoning in patients up to the age of 18 were analysed. Results: In the studied period 120 patients from 13 to 18 years old were hospitalized due to intoxication, 84 (70%) of them were female and 36 (30%) of them were male. Majority of cases came from urban areas (69,2%). The most frequent causes of poisonings were medicaments (55%), drugs (29,2%) and alcohol (28,3%). The intentional intoxications were found in 113 (94,2%) cases, 45 (39,8%) of them were suicide attempt. Mental diseases were found in 71 (59,1%) cases, the most common one was depressive disorder. There were no deaths in the researched group. Conclusions: Because of the relevance of child patients poisoning young people should be provided with psychological care. Female teenagers must get special kind of support. The availability of child psychiatrists and psychologists is still too poor. Prohibition of selling alcohol to minors should be enforced stricly. It seems that acces to OTC drugs is way much too easy for people. There is a necessity of parents’education about children poisoning.
Comparing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis - patient's perspective, special consideration of quality of life
Authors: Barczuk Patryk , Bączek Kacper , Barć Jan , Bara Sebastian , Bondos Borys , Antonik Jacek , Barczak Iga , Dzięgielewski Jędrzej , Gałajda Elżbieta , Kochan Robert 
Published: July 2023

Introduction and purpose: All over the world, patients suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). Patients can choose to undergo hemodialysis in a specialist center or use peritoneal dialysis in their own home. The aim of this study is to answer the question which of the above methods has a better impact on the quality of life of patients.
Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was reviewed using the words “peritoneal dialysis”; “hemodialysis”; “quality of life”.
Description of the state of knowledge: Patients with better physical and emotional functioning have a reduced burden of kidney disease, improved physical ability, pain relief, better overall health, enhanced social function, and more energy. Studies comparing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) have consistently found that PD is more effective in improving various aspects of quality of life (QOL), such as the physical component score, social component score, cognitive status, emotional function, physical function, body pain, burden of kidney disease, impact of kidney disease on daily life, symptoms/problems, sexual function, finances, and patient satisfaction.
Summary: Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who were treated with PD experienced better overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to patients treated with HD. This result was measured min. using the SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires.