bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of quercetin on hippocampal CA1 neurons following middle cerebral artery ischemia‒reperfusion in male rats: a behavioral, biochemical, and histological study
Authors: Mahyar Mehran , Ghadirzadeh Erfan , Nezhadnaderi Pedram , Moayedi Zahrasadat , Maboud Parniyan , Ebrahimi Arvin , Siahposht-Khachaki Ali , Karimi Narges 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Introduction
Cerebral ischemic strokes cause brain damage, primarily through inflammatory factors. One of the regions most affected by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is the hippocampus, specifically the CA1 area, which is highly susceptible to ischemia. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin on hippocampal CA1 neurons following MCAO.

Materials and methods
Fifty-six male Albino Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (intact, sham, stroke, vehicle, and three quercetin-treated groups receiving 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively), each containing 8 rats. Various assessments, including brain water content, the rotarod test, the Bederson neurological score, the Morris water maze (MWM) test, the shuttle box test, histopathological evaluations, and measurements of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, were conducted across the groups.

Results
Compared with control rats, 5 and 10 mg/kg quercetin-treated rats presented significant improvements in brain water content, neurological function, and motor function and improved performance in the MWM and shuttle box tests. Histopathological analyses revealed better preservation of CA1 neurons in these groups. Additionally, IL-10 levels significantly increased, whereas IL-1β levels significantly decreased. However, the group receiving 20 mg/kg quercetin showed no statistically significant changes in the parameters assessed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Quercetin may help prevent or ameliorate brain injuries caused by acute stroke, suggesting its neuroprotective effects. The reduction in IL-1β and increase in IL-10 may play key roles in quercetin’s protective mechanism.
Pentraxin 3: a novel biomarker in pediatric central nervous system infections
Authors: El-Kady Huda , Mostafa Mona Gamal , Madkour Shaimaa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Pediatric CNS infections have been identified as a global health problem, associated with an increased death rate and fatal consequences. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase mediator that increases in body fluids and plasma throughout inflammation. Our study was designed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PTX3 levels in pediatric patients with different central nervous system (CNS) infections.

Methods
We enrolled 100 children hospitalized at Fayoum University Children’s Hospital with suspected CNS infections fulfilling the case criteria for CNS infections. We recorded their medical history and examination data upon admission. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level, complete blood count (CBC), CSF PTX3 level, CSF analysis and culture, and blood culture were assessed in all patients at the time of admission.

Results
Levels of PTX3 were significantly correlated with the duration of symptoms before admission, length of hospital stay, patient outcomes, CRP levels, CSF findings, and CSF cultures (P value < 0.001). Patients who needed mechanical ventilation or experienced adverse outcomes had greater levels of PTX3, which were more prevalent in those with a bacterial etiology (P value < 0.05).

Conclusion
PTX3 indicates disease severity and prognosis. PTX3 showed statistically significant sensitivity when discriminating between bacterial and aseptic CNS infections, as well as between bacterial CNS infections and controls. However, it has lower sensitivity and specificity than other CSF biomarkers, though it is higher than serum CRP.
Psychometric properties of the health literacy questionnaire tested in Vietnamese adults with chronic diseases
Authors: Ha Dinh Thi Thuy , Bonner Ann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) is an increasingly used health literacy instrument that has been translated into many languages. The HLQ has 44 items and comprises 9 scales assessing the multidimensional construct of health literacy. This study reports the HLQ reliability and construct validity tested in people with chronic diseases living in Vietnam.

Methods
Adults (n = 600) hospitalized with chronic disease in Vietnam completed the HLQ. Floor and ceiling effects, item, and scale difficulty levels were assessed. Generalized linear models with backward modeling techniques were performed to test key variables associated with each HL domain. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing nine one-factor models were fitted to test the structure of each scale, and a nine-factor model tested the hypothesized structure of the HLQ, followed by the calculation of scale reliability using Cronbach’s alpha.

Results
No item had floor effects, and only eight items showed ceiling effects. Two scales that had the most difficult tasks to complete (highest difficulty level) were 8 “Ability to find good information” and 9 “Understanding enough to know what to do”. Variables associated with health literacy were education, income, age, residential area, main support persons and comorbidity index (associated with 7, 7, 4, 3, 2 and 2 out of 9 scales, respectively). Each HLQ scale demonstrated a robust unidimensional construct with all CFI ≥ 0.95, RMSEA varied from 0 to 0.07. The nine-factor CFA model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices: X2 = 5537.4, 866 df, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.98, NFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.09, 90% CI (0.093, 0.097), PCLOSE < 0.001. The highest scores were rated on scales 4 “Social support for health” and 6 “Ability to engage with healthcare providers”. The reliability of all nine scales ranged from 0.81 to 0.89.

Conclusions
The Vietnamese version of the HLQ demonstrated psychometrically robust properties with high reliability and satisfactory construct validity indexes. This instrument will enable researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to assess health literacy abilities in Vietnam which could inform improvements in healthcare services and clinician practice.
Comparison of warm sitz bath and electronic bidet with a lower-force water flow for postoperative management after hemorrhoidectomy (BIDLOW)
Authors: Kwon Yoon-Hye , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Oh Heung-Kwon , Lee Jae Bum , Jung Hyung-Joong , Song Kee-Ho , Heo Seung Chul , Shin Rumi , Lee Joongyub , Park Kyu Joo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aim
Electronic bidets can be a substitute for sitz baths, but no study has examined the use of electronic bidets to manage anal problems.

Methods
A randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicenter, parallel group trial was performed. Patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned (1:1) to use the electronic bidet or warm sitz baths for 7 days after hemorrhoidectomy. The primary endpoint was the difference in the anal pain VAS score for 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy.

Results
Patients were assigned to the electronic bidet (51) or sitz bath (50) groups. Twenty-six patients dropped out after randomization, and the final analysis included 34 patients in the electronic bidet group and 41 in the sitz bath group. The VAS score for anal pain 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy did not differ between the electronic bidet and sitz bath groups (38.3 ± 21.9 vs. 42.0 ± 21.1, p = 0.453). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the VAS score in the electronic bidet group (81.22) was greater than the margin of noninferiority (46.20).

Conclusion
The VAS scores after hemorrhoidectomy did not differ between the electronic bidet and sitz bath groups, but the noninferiority of the electronic bidet to sitz baths for anal pain 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy was not verified.

Trial Registration
The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: NCT02353156, date: 02/02/2015).
External validation of AI-based scoring systems in the ICU: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rockenschaub Patrick , Akay Ela Marie , Carlisle Benjamin Gregory , Hilbert Adam , Wendland Joshua , Meyer-Eschenbach Falk , Näher Anatol-Fiete , Frey Dietmar , Madai Vince Istvan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used to predict clinical deterioration in intensive care unit (ICU) patients through scoring systems. Although promising, such algorithms often overfit their training cohort and perform worse at new hospitals. Thus, external validation is a critical – but frequently overlooked – step to establish the reliability of predicted risk scores to translate them into clinical practice. We systematically reviewed how regularly external validation of ML-based risk scores is performed and how their performance changed in external data.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and arXiv for studies using ML to predict deterioration of ICU patients from routine data. We included primary research published in English before December 2023. We summarised how many studies were externally validated, assessing differences over time, by outcome, and by data source. For validated studies, we evaluated the change in area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) attributable to external validation using linear mixed-effects models.

Results
We included 572 studies, of which 84 (14.7%) were externally validated, increasing to 23.9% by 2023. Validated studies made disproportionate use of open-source data, with two well-known US datasets (MIMIC and eICU) accounting for 83.3% of studies. On average, AUROC was reduced by -0.037 (95% CI -0.052 to -0.027) in external data, with more than 0.05 reduction in 49.5% of studies.

Discussion
External validation, although increasing, remains uncommon. Performance was generally lower in external data, questioning the reliability of some recently proposed ML-based scores. Interpretation of the results was challenged by an overreliance on the same few datasets, implicit differences in case mix, and exclusive use of AUROC.
Reclaiming Indigenous systems of healing: experiences of disabled Māori of Māori-centric health service responses in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Roguski Michael , Officer Tara N. , Good Gretchen , McBride-Henry Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
The impact of the pandemic on Indigenous and disabled people's access to healthcare has resulted in significant disruptions and has exacerbated longstanding inequitable healthcare service delivery. Research within Aotearoa New Zealand has demonstrated that there has been success in the provision of healthcare by Māori for their community; however, the experiences of tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled Māori, have yet to be considered by researchers.

Methods
Underpinned by an empowerment theory and Kaupapa Māori methodology, this research explores the lived realities of tāngata whaikaha Māori or their primary caregivers. Twenty in-depth interviews gathered participants’ lived experiences, and a discursive lens was brought to the narratives of tāngata whaikaha Māori who have accessed, and received, culturally responsive healthcare services during the pandemic.

Results
Positive experiences accessing primary and secondary services were associated with Māori-centred healthcare and seamless engagement with support services that were founded upon the active dismantling of structural inequities and the prioritisation of Māori cultural values in their care delivery, inclusive of tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty), and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).

Conclusions
This study provides a novel and solid foundation for comprehending how healthcare can be realigned to cater to the requirements of disabled Indigenous populations.
Effect of dietary supplementation of Lawsonia inermis and Acacia nilotica extract on growth performance, intestinal histopathology, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens challenged with coccidiosis
Authors: Eldeeb Fares A. , Noseer Enas A. , Abdelazeem Shimaa , Ali Esraa , Basher Asmaa W. , Abdalla M. A. A. , Ibrahim Hytham H. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAvian coccidiosis is one of the many disorders that seriously harm birds’ digestive systems. Nowadays the light is shed on using Phytochemical/herbal medicines as alternative natural anti-coccidial chemical-free standards. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the impact of lawsonia inermis powder (LIP), and Acacia nilotica aqueous extract (ANAE), on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant status, cytokine biomarkers, total oocyst count and intestinal histopathology of broiler chickens challenged with coccidiosis. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old Ross chicks were randomly distributed into 8 groups, four were challenged with coccidia, while the other four were unchallenged. Each group consisted of 3 replicates of 10 chicks each. The birds were challenged with Eimeria species orally on day 14 of age. Group 1B was unchallenged, and Group 2 A was challenged with coccidiosis and both were fed the basic diet without additives. Groups 3 A, 4 A, and 5 A were challenged and fed on the basic diet supplemented with LIP (40 g/kg of diet), ANAE (5 g/kg of diet), and LIP + ANAE combination, respectively. Groups 3B, 4B, and 5B were unchallenged and fed on the basic diet supplemented with LIP (40 g/kg of diet) and ANAE (5 g/kg of diet) and LIP + ANAE combination, respectively. The best results of growth performance parameters were recorded in G5B, and G5A followed by the group fed on ANAE and then the group fed on LIP compared with the control. All challenged broilers had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, creatinine, glucose, MDA, IL-4 &TNF-α levels compared to all unchallenged broilers. Challenged broilers had lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, SOD, GPX & IL-10 levels compared to non-challenged broilers. Histopathological examination of the small intestine and cecum of challenged treated groups with LIP + ANAE showed good mucosal integrity, few leukocytes infiltration, and low total oocyst count in broilers manure, followed by ANAE then LIP groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of lawsonia inermis powder and Acacia nilotica aqueous extract either alone or in combination had positive effects on broiler performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, cellular response, and intestinal morphology during the exposure to Eimeria spp. as a potential natural anti-coccidial.
Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis via miR-5692a/IL-8 axis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yu Yulong , Yin Han , Wu Bili , Zhao Weiheng , Wang Yuan , Aili Aifeina , Yang Mu , Yu Qianqian , Yuan Xianglin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
The association between the intestinal microbiota and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been extensively studied, with Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum, FN) being found in high abundance in colorectal cancer tissues. Previous research has emphasized the significant role of F. nucleatum in the occurrence of CRC. However, the impact of F. nucleatum on CRC liver metastasis has not been well understood.

Methods
The effects of F. nucleatum on metastasis ability of CRC cell were evaluated in vitro were examined by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. The mouse model of CRC liver metastasis was constructed by spleen injection, and the degree of liver metastasis was assessed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. The gene expression changes in CRC cells after co-culture with F. nucleatum was analyzed through transcriptome sequencing. qRT-PCR and Western Blot assays were performed to validate the expression of related genes and proteins.

Results
The metastasis ability of CRC cells was significantly enhanced after co-culture with F. nucleatum in vitro. In the mouse model, F. nucleatum also promoted the development of liver metastasis in CRC. Mechanistically, F. nucleatum infection increased the expression of IL-8 by downregulated the level of miR-5692a, a regulatory microRNA of IL-8. This led to the activation of the ERK pathway and resulted in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that F. nucleatum promotes CRC liver metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the miR-5692a/IL-8 axis. These findings provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis.
ESBL- and pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales from Swedish dogs and cats 2017–2021: a retrospective study
Authors: Bonnevie Anna , Myrenås Mattias , Nilsson Oskar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a threat to both human and animal health. Of special concern are resistance mechanisms that are transmissible between bacteria, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC). ESBL/AmpC resistance is also of importance as it confers resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics including third generation cephalosporins. The Swedish Veterinary Agency (former English name National Veterinary Institute) performs confirmatory testing of suspected ESBL-/pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical background, antibiotic susceptibility, and genetic relationships of confirmed isolates from dogs and cats in Sweden from 2017 to 2021.

Results
The study includes 92 isolates of ESBL/pAmpC-producing bacteria from 82 dogs, and 28 isolates from 23 cats. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacteria, and the most frequent sampling site was the urinary tract. From eight dogs and two cats, ESBL/pAmpC-producing bacteria were isolated on more than one occasion. Multi-resistance was more than twice as common in samples from dogs (50%) than in samples from cats (22%). Among dogs, sequence type (ST) 131 and ST372 were the dominant strains and blaCMY-2 and blaCTX-M-15 the dominant genes conferring reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins. Among cats, ST73 was the dominant strain and blaCTX-M-15 the dominant gene.

Conclusions
Monitoring the resistance patterns and genetic relationships of bacteria over time is important to follow the results of measures taken to reduce resistance. Knowledge of the appropriate antibiotic usage is also crucial. In this study, a variety of STs and ESBL/pAmpC-genes were detected among the isolates. There were available antibiotics likely effective for treatment in all cases, based on resistance pattern, infection site and host species.
Effect of PCSK9 inhibitor on early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke patients with a history of coronary heart disease: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in Dalian, China
Authors: Gong Xing , Yu Xinting , Pu Lanlan , Jiao Yang , Liu Lin , Cao Hua , Ji Xiaofei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Early neurological deterioration (END) is a critical determinant influencing the short-term prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and is associated with increased mortality rates among hospitalized individuals. AIS frequently coexists with coronary heart disease (CHD), complicating treatment and leading to more severe symptoms and worse outcomes. Shared risk factors between CHD and AIS, especially elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), contribute to atherosclerosis and inflammation, which worsen brain tissue damage. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors offer a promising treatment option. They effectively lower LDL-C levels and may help reduce END in AIS patients with CHD. This study aims to evaluate how effective PCSK9 inhibitors are in reducing END among this high-risk group and to provide new insights for treatment strategies.

Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, blinded-endpoint, single-center clinical study. A total of 156 AIS patients with a history of CHD and within 24 h from symptom onset will be recruited and randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the PCSK9 inhibitor combined with statin treatment group (PI group) or the statin monotherapy group (AT group). The PI group will receive a combination therapy consisting of evolocumab and rosuvastatin calcium tablets, while the AT group will receive only oral rosuvastatin calcium tablets. The trial duration will last for 90 days and comprise three phases: screening, treatment intervention, and follow-up assessments. Participants will undergo comprehensive examinations and assessments on days 1, 7, 30, and 90 after enrollment.

Discussion
This study aims to investigate the potential preventive effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on END in AIS patients with a history of CHD. A positive outcome from this trial could provide novel clinical strategies for reducing the incidence of END and improving the short-term prognosis among these stroke patients.

Trial registration
China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300078198. Registered on 30 November 2023.
Fabrication of promising competitive graphene nanocomposite transducer to determine Prucalopride succinate in pharmaceutical formulation and in spiked human biological fluids
Authors: Saad Marwa T. , Boltia Shereen A. , Fattah Taghreed A. , Zaazaa Hala E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe development of a newly fabricated ion-selective electrode (ISE) solid-contacted type for the determination of prucalopride succinate represents a significant advancement in analytical chemistry, particularly in the context of green chemistry principles. The optimization process involved numerous trials to ensure the selection of a cation exchanger and ionophore that offer high sensitivity and selectivity for prucalopride succinate. Through these optimization trials, sodium tetrakis was identified as the most suitable cation exchanger, while calix [8] arene demonstrated the highest affinity towards prucalopride succinate as the ionophore. This careful selection of components ensures accurate and specific detection of prucalopride succinate. To enhance the electroanalytical performance of the ISE, a graphene nanocomposite layer was developed as an ion-electron transducer between the carbon and synthetic polymeric membrane. This graphene-nanocomposite layer improves the overall performance of the ISE, providing a Nernstian slope of 57.249 mV per decade, which aligns with the recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The integration of these components and the utilization of green chemistry principles in the design of the fabricated ISE enable rapid and accurate determination of prucalopride succinate. This innovative approach holds great potential for applications in pharmaceutical analysis and quality control, providing a more sustainable and efficient method for the analysis of prucalopride succinate.