bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free urinary sialic acid levels may be elevated in patients with pneumococcal sepsis
Authors: Donoghue Sarah E. , Heath Oliver , Pitt James , Hong Kai Mun , Fuller Maria , Smith Joel 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Urine free sialic acid (UFSA) is an important diagnostic biomarker for sialuria (GNE variants) and infantile sialic acid storage disease/Salla disease (SLC17A5 variants). Traditionally, UFSA has been measured using specific single-plex methodology in relatively small cohorts of patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of these disorders. The use of multiplex tandem mass spectrometry urine screening (UMSMS) has meant that UFSA can be measured semi-quantitatively in a much larger cohort of patients being investigated for suspected metabolic disorders. We hypothesised that the neuraminidase of Streptococcus pneumoniae may release free sialic acid from endogenous sialylated glycoconjugates and result in increased UFSA levels.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records of patients who were identified as having S. pneumoniae infection and who also had UMSMS at the time of their acute infection.

Results
We identified three cases of increased UFSA detected by UMSMS screening that were secondary to S. pneumoniae sepsis. Additional testing ruled out genetic causes of increased UFSA in the first patient. All three patients had overwhelming sepsis with multiorgan dysfunction which was fatal. Glycosylation abnormalities consistent with the removal of sialic acid were demonstrated in serum transferrin patterns in one patient.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated in a retrospective cohort that elevation of UFSA levels have been observed in cases of S. pneumoniae sepsis. This expands our knowledge of UFSA as a biomarker in human disease. This research demonstrates that infection with organisms with neuraminidase activity should be considered in patients with unexplained increases in UFSA.
Concept of Unani Jali (detergents/cleansers) drugs and its scientific validation: scope for new opportunities in dermatological pharmacotherapeutics
Authors: Ara Shabnam Anjum , Akhlaq Shaheen , Ahmad Bilal , Fazil Mohammad , Akram Usama , Haque Merajul , Sayeed Ahmad , Khan Asim Ali 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The use of detergent-action drugs in traditional Unani therapeutic intervention has been a long-standing Unani medicinal practice. The key aim of the article is to provide thorough information on the novel, unexplored idea of Unani Jali (detergent/cleansers) drugs for the treatment of skin ailments, as well as to identify medicinal plants that have detergent action and correlate these findings with scientific studies that may support evidence for the drug’s detergent effect.

Content
The ethnobotanical classical literature of Unani medicine was investigated in order to have a comprehensive insight of Unani detergents/cleansers. Scientific studies were carried from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and google Scholar, among others. More than fifty exclusive plant, mineral, and animal-based detergents are found specifically for skin disorders in Unani therapy. These drugs basically evacuate impurities from the body’s excretory system and and have been found to have keratolytic and debris-peeling effects, as well as the ability to maintain skin tone consistency. Unani Jali drugs have also been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and tonic properties, suggesting its usefulness holistically.

Summary and outlook
Based on phyto constituents, prospective therapeutic response, and scientific data, this review proposes that Unani Jali drugs could be a safe and promising therapeutic option for dermatological illnesses such as vitiligo, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin sensitivity.
The diagnostic potential and barriers of microbiome based therapeutics
Authors: Acharjee Animesh , Singh Utpreksha , Choudhury Saptamita Paul , Gkoutos Georgios V. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
High throughput technological innovations in the past decade have accelerated research into the trillions of commensal microbes in the gut. The ‘omics’ technologies used for microbiome analysis are constantly evolving, and large-scale datasets are being produced. Despite of the fact that much of the research is still in its early stages, specific microbial signatures have been associated with the promotion of cancer, as well as other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, neurogenerative diareses etc. It has been also reported that the diversity of the gut microbiome influences the safety and efficacy of medicines. The availability and declining sequencing costs has rendered the employment of RNA-based diagnostics more common in the microbiome field necessitating improved data-analytical techniques so as to fully exploit all the resulting rich biological datasets, while accounting for their unique characteristics, such as their compositional nature as well their heterogeneity and sparsity. As a result, the gut microbiome is increasingly being demonstrating as an important component of personalised medicine since it not only plays a role in inter-individual variability in health and disease, but it also represents a potentially modifiable entity or feature that may be addressed by treatments in a personalised way. In this context, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based methods may be able to unveil new insights into biomedical analyses through the generation of models that may be used to predict category labels, and continuous values. Furthermore, diagnostic aspects will add value in the identification of the non invasive markers in the critical diseases like cancer.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among undergraduate students in Thailand during the peak of the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021
Authors: Lin Su Myat , Rattanapan Cheerawit , Mongkolchati Aroonsri , Aung Myo Nyein , Ounsaneha Weerawat , Sritoomma Netchanok , Laosee Orapin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the point prevalence of undergraduate students who are hesitant to accept COVID-19 vaccination and to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in university students.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted during June–July 2021. A total of 542 undergraduate students from universities in three central provinces of Thailand participated in an online survey via Google Form. We used a transculturally translated, Thai version of the Oxford Coronavirus Explanations, Attitudes, and Narratives Survey (OCEANS II).

Results
There were 217 undergraduate students (40%) who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the significant predictors for this hesitancy were: being students in Year 2 and higher (AOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.55–4.84); having negative beliefs toward the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 10.99; 95% CI: 6.82–17.73); and having a perceived positive general vaccine conspiracy belief (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.02–3.52).

Conclusions
It is important to minimize vaccine hesitancy among Thai undergraduate students with a negative perception of vaccines by clarifying false information.
Numerical study on the distribution of flue gas residence time in the desulfurization and denitrification system by the optimization of the model
Authors: Wang Junjie , Wang Yanjiang , She Xuefeng , Wang Jianfang , Xue Qingguo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
During the operation of the CSCR activated carbon desulfurization and denitrification flue gas purification system, due to the unreasonable design of flue gas pipe diameter and the uneven distribution of activated carbon porosity, the uniformity of flue gas distribution is prone to problems, which affects flue gas removal efficiency and increases operating costs. In this article, the Fluent software was used to establish a three-dimensional numerical model of the flue gas purification system, and the flow characteristics of the flue gas were studied by continuously optimizing the structure of the system model. The effects of different pipe diameters, the accumulation method of activated carbon in the desulfurization and denitration module and the distribution of porosity on the flue gas are analyzed, and the effects on the average residence time and variance of flue gas were further analyzed. The results show that the average residence time, the variance, the dead volume fraction, and well-mixed volume decreased, while the dispersed plug volume fraction increased for a module after optimization. The average residence time and the dispersed plug volume fraction decreased. While the variance, the dead volume fraction, and well-mixed volume fraction increased for the system after optimization.
Evidence implementation among complementary medicine practitioners: a meta-summary
Authors: Leach Matthew J. , Foley Hope 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the factors impacting evidence implementation in complementary medicine (CM) practice.

Content
MEDLINE and CINAHL were systematically searched for cross-sectional studies examining evidence implementation among CM practitioners. Qualitative data from eligible studies were collated and analysed using a meta-summary approach. Data were coded according to the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and translated into barriers and enablers.

Summary
Qualitative data were available for 614 participants (from 16 disciplines) across 14 studies. Coding identified 34 themes, with most themes aligning with the Inner Setting (11 themes) and Characteristics of the Intervention (10 themes) domains of the CFIR. The most commonly referenced barriers to evidence implementation were: ‘Lack of supportive resources’ (Effect size [ES]=33.3%), ‘Research misalignment with profession and practice’ (ES=14.5%) and ‘Lack of access to knowledge and information’ (ES=10.5%). The most common enablers were: ‘Recognition of a need for change’ (ES=8.2%) and ‘Perceived adaptability of EBP to the profession’ (ES=7.8%).

Outlook
This research offers new insights into the challenges and opportunities to implementing evidence-based practices in the field of CM. The findings underline the complexity of the phenomenon, and the need for a nuanced, multi-faceted and multi-stakeholder approach to improving evidence implementation in CM.
Pain and functional recovery from chronic low back pain over 12 months: implications for osteopathic medicine
Authors: Licciardone John C. , Pandya Vishruti 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Context
Although low back pain is a common medical condition that often progresses to become a chronic problem, little is known about the likelihood of recovery from chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Objectives
This study aimed to measure the risk of recovery from CLBP based on low back pain intensity and back-related functioning measures reported by participants within a pain research registry over 12 months of observation and to consider the implications for osteopathic medicine.

Methods
A total of 740 participants with CLBP in the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation in the United States were studied between April 2016 and October 2021. Inception cohorts for pain recovery and functional recovery were assembled from the participants who did not meet the recovery criteria at registry enrollment. The pain recovery criterion was having a score of ≤1/10 on a numerical rating scale for low back pain intensity, and the functional recovery criterion was having a score of ≤4/24 on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. A total of 737 and 692 participants were included in the inception cohorts for pain recovery and functional recovery, respectively. Participants provided follow-up data at quarterly encounters over 12 months to determine if they achieved and maintained a pain or functional recovery from CLBP over the entire period of observation. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with recovery.

Results
The mean age of the participants at baseline was 52.9 years (SD, 13.1 years) and 551 (74.5%) were female. No participant reported a pain recovery that was maintained over all four quarterly encounters, whereas 16 participants (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.2–3.4%) maintained a functional recovery. Having high levels of pain self-efficacy (OR, 17.50; 95% CI, 2.30–133.23; p=0.006) and being Hispanic (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.11–11.37; p=0.03) were associated with functional recovery, and high levels of pain catastrophizing (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.65; p=0.01) and having chronic widespread pain (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.66; p=0.007) were inversely associated with functional recovery. The findings for pain self-efficacy and Hispanic ethnicity remained significant in the multivariate analysis that adjusted for potential confounders.

Conclusions
The absence of pain recovery and the low likelihood of functional recovery observed in our study suggests that osteopathic physicians should embrace a biopsychosocial approach to CLBP management and work with patients to set realistic expectations based on more pragmatic outcome measures, such as those that address health-related quality of life. The findings also suggest the potential importance of patient education and counseling to enhance pain self-efficacy.
Biocomposites from agricultural wastes and mycelia of a local mushroom, Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer
Authors: Ly Lina , Jitjak Wuttiwat 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Biomaterials from mushrooms and natural fibers have been used to reduce environmental impacts. This study aimed to develop the mycelium composite from four local mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Auricularia auricula-judae, Lentinus squarrosulus, and Lentinus polychrous and three substrates derived from agricultural wastes (coconut husk, rice husk, and rice straw). The mycelia of all mushrooms were cultured on potato dextrose agar and measured for the growth for 9 days. It showed that L. squarrosulus had a colony size significantly greater than the other species. Then, L. squarrosulus was selected to form the biocomposites and tested for material properties, e.g., morphology, compressive strength, water and moisture absorption, and biodegradability. Microscopically, the mycelium colonized almost all parts of the rice husk while it colonized less in the rice straw and coconut husk. However, the rice straw absorbed significantly more moisture than rice husk and coconut husk, but the coconut husk absorbed significantly more water than the rice husk and rice straw. Moreover, the rice straw composite showed the highest compressive strength value and the greatest biodegradability according to the highest weight loss. This research provided the results of the mycelium biocomposite production and mechanical tests for future biomaterials.
A case series and literature review of necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Verheyden Matthew J , Rodrigo Natassia , Gill Anthony J , Glastras Sarah J 
Published: August 2022

Summary
Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare and chronic disease characterised by yellow-brown, atrophic, telangiectatic plaques usually located on the lower extremities, with pathological features of collagen necrobiosis and dermal inflammation. Most cases are seen in those with diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1DM), and many without diabetes have evidence of abnormal glucose tolerance or family history of autoimmune disease. In this study, we describe four patients with NL and T1DM. A common theme is late identification and delay in diagnosis. Hence, we discuss the clinical features, need for clinicopathological correlation, and the management and prognostic implications for this distinctive entity. While most remain relatively asymptomatic, others progress to debilitating disease with pruritus, dysesthesia, and pain. Pain is often intense in the presence of ulcerated plaques, a morbid complication of NL. Diagnosis requires the integration of both clinical and histopathological findings. NL has proven a challenging condition to treat, and despite the numerous therapeutic modalities available, there is no standard of care. Hence, in this study, we provide an overview of current management strategies available for NL.

Learning points

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is classically seen in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Koebner phenomenon, defined as the appearance of new skin lesions on previously unaffected skin secondary to trauma, is a well-recognised feature in NL.

Background skin phototype contributes to variable yellow appearance of lesions in NL.

Diagnosis of NL requires careful clinicopathological correlation.

NL is a chronic disease often refractory to treatment leading to significant morbidity for the patient and a management conundrum for the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

No standard therapeutic regimen has been established for the management of NL.
Metastatic mixed VIPoma/PPoma-induced diarrhoea causing renal failure
Authors: Brown George , Monaghan Anthony Mark , Fristedt Richard , Ramsey Emma , Al-Mrayat Ma’en , Rajak Rushda , Armstrong Thomas , Takhar Arjun 
Published: August 2022

Summary
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumours (VIPomas) are an extremely rare form of functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with an estimated annual incidence of 1 in 10 million. Associated tumour hypersecretion of other peptides, including pancreatic polypeptide (PPomas), may also be seen. These malignancies classically present with a defined triad of refractory diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis known as Verner–Morrison syndrome. Diagnosis is frequently delayed, and the majority of patients will have metastatic disease at presentation. Symptoms are usually well controlled with somatostatin analogue administration. Here we report a case of metastatic mixed VIPoma/PPoma-induced diarrhoea causing renal failure so severe that ultrafiltration was required to recover adequate renal function.

Learning points

Profuse, watery diarrhoea is a common presenting complaint with a multitude of aetiologies. This, combined with the rarity of these tumours, makes diagnosis difficult and frequently delayed. A functional neuroendocrine tumour should be suspected when diarrhoea is unusually extreme, prolonged and common causes have been promptly excluded.

These patients are likely to be profoundly unwell on presentation. They are extremely hypovolaemic with dangerous electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities. Aggressive initial rehydration and electrolyte replacement are imperative. A somatostatin analogue should be commenced as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.

This is an extreme example of Verner–Morrison syndrome. We are unaware of another case where renal failure secondary to diarrhoea and dehydration was so severe that renal replacement therapy was required to restore adequate renal function, further emphasising how critically unwell these patients can be.

Both the primary tumour and metastases showed a remarkably good and rapid response to somatostatin analogue administration. Cystic change and involution were noted on repeat imaging within days.

Prior to his illness, this patient was extremely high functioning with no medical history. His diagnosis was an enormous psychological shock, and the consideration and care for his psychological well-being were a crucial part of his overall management. It highlights the importance of a holistic approach to cancer care and the role of the clinical nurse specialist within the cancer multidisciplinary team.
Acrolein plays a culprit role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tong Zhen-Jie , Kuo Chin-Wei , Yen Po-Cheng , Lin Chih-Ching , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Lu Shing-Hwa , Chang Yi-Ping , Liu Wen-Sheng , Tsou Han-Hsing , Cheng Hsiao-Wei , Wang Hsiang-Tsui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), also known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD), is a major chronic complication of diabetes and is the most frequent cause of kidney failure globally. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of DN would lead to the development of novel therapeutic options. Acrolein, an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is a common dietary and environmental pollutant.

Design
The role of acrolein and the potential protective action of acrolein scavengers in DN were investigated using high-fat diet/ streptozotocin-induced DN mice and in vitro DN cellular models.

Methods
Acrolein-protein conjugates (Acr-PCs) in kidney tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and downstream signaling pathways were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Acr-PCs in DN patients were analyzed using an established Acr-PC ELISA system.

Results
We found an increase in Acr-PCs in kidney cells using in vivo and in vitro DN models. Hyperglycemia activated the RAS and downstream MAPK pathways, increasing inflammatory cytokines and cellular apoptosis in two human kidney cell lines (HK2 and HEK293). A similar effect was induced by acrolein. Furthermore, acrolein scavengers such as N-acetylcysteine, hydralazine, and carnosine could ameliorate diabetes-induced kidney injury. Clinically, we also found increased Acr-PCs in serum samples or kidney tissues of DKD patients compared to normal volunteers, and the Acr-PCs were negatively correlated with kidney function.

Conclusions
These results together suggest that acrolein plays a role in the pathogenesis of DN and could be a diagnostic marker and effective therapeutic target to ameliorate the development of DN.
Conocimientos y percepciones sobre el cambio climático en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Rodríguez Pacheco Farid Leonardo , Mejía Rodríguez Dania Liz , Sánchez Buitrago Jorge Oswaldo 
Published: August 2022

Atendiendo a la relevancia de adaptarse y mitigar el cambio climático, las universidades son un escenario clave para el desarrollo de acciones que impacten a nivel social, económico, político y cultural sobre esta problemática. Como un aporte a este propósito, se realizó una investigación para describir los conocimientos y las percepciones sobre cambio climático en estudiantes universitarios de la Región Caribe colombiana. La muestra incluyó 1 275 estudiantes de siete universidades públicas. Los principales hallazgos muestran una marcada tendencia al reconocimiento de causas y efectos del cambio climático, así como de estrategias para su mitigación. Sin embargo, no suele asociarse a efectos relacionados con su cotidianidad y contextos inmediatos. Los resultados evidencian la necesidad de articular explícitamente los procesos de formación profesional al reconocimiento de acciones relacionadas con el cambio climático. Asimismo, esta información permite fortalecer lineamientos contextualizados sobre el abordaje de este fenómeno en la educación superior.