bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose-dependent effects of oleuropein administration on regulatory T-cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An in vitro approach
Authors: Yousefi Zahra , Mirsanei Zahra , Bitaraf Fatemeh S , Mahdavi Sepideh , Mirzaii Mehdi , Jafari Reza 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is identified with chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of the joints. The defective activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) plays a crucial role in RA development. Oleuropein (OLEU) is the most common polyphenolic compound in olive leaf extracts with numerous pharmacological activities. In this study, the potential effects of OLEU in shifting CD4+ T cells toward Tregs are evaluated in patients with RA. Methods 32 healthy controls (HC) and 45 RA patients were included in two groups. The immunoturbidometric technique was used to measure serum levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF). Isolated CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HC and RA patients were cultured with appropriate concentrations of OLEU. The cytotoxicity effects of OLEU were determined using the MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h. The percentage of CD4+CD25 + FoxP3 regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and the expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β were evaluated by flow cytometry and immunoassay techniques after treatment of cells with different concentrations of OLEU for 24 h. The serum levels of RF and CRP in patients with RA were 11.8 ± 5.32 IU/ml and 6.36 ± 5.82 mg/l, respectively. Results OLEU had a dose-dependent effect on the CD4+ T cells via increasing the frequency of CD4+CD25 + FoxP3 Tregs ( p = 0.0001). Moreover, it induced the production of IL-10 ( p = 0.0001) and TGF-β ( p < 0.01) in both HC and RA patients. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that OLEU may have immunomodulatory effects by inducing Tregs, and it might help in developing a novel nutrition strategy for management of autoimmune diseases such as RA.
Patient Satisfaction in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics: In-Person vs Telemedicine
Authors: Kennelly Ann M. , McIntyre Brandon , Wood Alexis C. , Monteiro Sonia , Voigt Robert G. 
Published: April 2022

Background As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical practices for children with neurodevelopmental disorders urgently adopted telehealth, despite limited data regarding patient satisfaction. Objective To compare patient satisfaction survey scores for neurodevelopmental pediatric appointments completed in-person to appointments completed via telemedicine. Methods Using routinely collected Press Ganey survey results, the proportion of Top Box scores (the percentage of responses in the highest possible category [ie, the percentage of “very good” or “always” responses]) for an in-person only group was compared to the proportion in a telemedicine-only group using Fisher's exact test. Results Most respondents gave Top-Box scores in response to all of the questions for both in-person and telemedicine visits. There were no statistically significant differences in any domain of the Press Ganey surveys in Top Box percentages for in-person vs telemedicine visits. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that telehealth may be an acceptable modality for families seeking care for their children with neurodevelopmental concerns.
Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Prevalence Among Long-Haul Truck Drivers in the United States
Authors: Rogers Charles R. , May Folasade P. , Petersen Ethan , Brooks Ellen , Lopez Jasmine A. , Kennedy Carson D. , Thiese Matthew S. 
Published: April 2022

Purpose To determine the age-adjusted association between colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors and CRC prevalence among long-haul truck drivers (aged 21–85), after adjustment for age. Design Pooled cross-sectional analysis using Commercial Driver Medical Exam (CDME) data. Setting. National survey data from January 1, 2005, to October 31, 2012. Participants 47,786 commercial motor vehicle drivers in 48 states. Measures CRC prevalence was the primary outcome; independent variables included demographics, body mass index (BMI), and concomitant medical conditions. Analysis Kruskal-Wallis tests to analyze continuous variables; Fischer’s exact tests to analyze categorical variables; univariate and multivariable logistic regression for rare events (Firth method) to quantify the association between the independent variables of interest and CRC prevalence. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adjusted for age, gender, years with current employer, year of exam, and BMI in a multivariate logistic regression. Results Many factors were statistically significant. Obesity (OR = 3.14; 95% CI = 1.03–9.61) and increasing age (OR = 1.10 per year; 95% CI = 1.07–1.13) were significantly associated with CRC prevalence. Truckers with 4 or more concomitant medical conditions were significantly more likely to have CRC (OR = 7.03; 95% CI = 1.83–27.03). Conclusions Our findings highlight mutable risk factors and represent an opportunity for intervention that may decrease CRC morbidity and mortality among truck drivers, a unique population in the United States estimated to live up to 16 years less than the general population.
The Effect of Cumulative Lifetime Estrogen Exposure on Cognition in Depressed Versus Non-Depressed Older Women
Authors: Oughli Hanadi Ajam , Nguyen Sarah A. , Siddarth Prabha , Fox Molly , Milillo Michaela , Ercoli Linda , Lavretsky Helen 
Published: April 2022

Objectives Two-thirds of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Declining estrogen levels influence mood and cognition. Cumulative lifetime estrogen exposure (CLEE) correlates with cognition later in life. We examined the relationship of CLEE to depression and cognition in older women with major depression compared to non-depressed women. Design Older women (age ≥60 years) with depression were compared to non-depressed women using a lifetime estrogen exposure questionnaire. CLEE was defined as combined durations of reproductive span (age of menopause minus age of menarche) and any post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy use. Higher vs lower CLEE groups were based on a median of 474 months of estrogen exposure. Setting University hospital outpatient research program Participants 135 women ≥60 years; 64 depressed and 71 non-depressed Measurments Participants completed a comprehensive cognitive test battery. General linear models were used to examine the association between cognitive domain scores and CLEE in depressed and non-depressed women, controlling for age, education, and ethnicity. Results Depressed and non-depressed groups had significantly different levels of CLEE, measured in months: mean 495.7 (SD 108.6) vs 456.4 (SD 66.0) months, F(1,130) = 5.01, p = .03. Within the non-depressed participants, higher CLEE was associated with improved delayed recall (F(1,59) = 5.94, p = .02, effect size = .61), while no such relationship was observed in the depressed group. Conclusion Higher CLEE was associated with improvement in delayed recall among non-depressed, but not among depressed participants. This suggests a protective role of estrogen on memory in non-depressed older postmenopausal women. Further research should examine the role of the CLEE in antidepressant response and cognitive decline.
The Association of Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism With Cardiovascular Disease Events in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Craig Heather , Ryan Joanne , Freak-Poli Rosanne , Owen Alice , McNeil John , Woods Robyn L. , Britt Carlene , Tonkin Andrew , Gasevic Danijela 
Published: April 2022

Objective: Positive psychosocial factors may protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to determine the association of optimism and pessimism with CVD events in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: 11,651 adults aged 70 years and over, participants of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP), were followed-up for 4.7 years (median). The association of optimism and pessimism (assessed as separate constructs by revised Life Orientation Test) and incident CVD events (composite and components) was assessed by Cox regression adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic and health factors. Results: No association was observed between optimism and pessimism with composite CVD events. Being more pessimistic was associated with a greater risk of fatal coronary heart disease, while being more optimistic was associated with a lower risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Optimism and pessimism may shape cardiovascular health of older adults; and we argue these psychosocial factors should be researched as separate constructs.
Academia–business cooperation: A strategic plan for an innovative executive education program
Authors: Djoundourian Salpie , Shahin Wassim 
Published: April 2022

A major challenge facing institutions of higher learning is academia–business cooperation. To achieve it, some universities have introduced modest university–industry initiatives and executive education programs that in general have remained strategically inefficient. Meanwhile, in the last 20 years various researchers have called for the development of fully fledged entrepreneurial universities. However, according to many studies in the literature, the guidelines and standards that define these universities remain hard to adopt in conventional institutions as they reshape their whole mission and vision, organizational structure, leadership, culture, academic programs, type of research, incentives and rewards, and influence within the ecosystem. This paper argues that, given the inefficiencies in executive education programs and the difficulties and challenges in transforming conventional universities into entrepreneurial universities, a special efficient entity for executive education adopting an entrepreneurial approach should be developed in higher learning institutions to improve academia–business cooperation and to provide a potential pathway for a gradual transformation into an entrepreneurial university. Thus, the authors develop an innovative executive education strategic plan for universities to consider, coining the 10 Cs of the executive education alphabet—Commitment, Command, Collaboration, Capacity, Content, Cohesiveness, Competition, Cost, Cognizance and Communication—with the broad goal of building an efficient link between universities and the industrial and corporate sectors.
Prognostic factors of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with pulmonary embolism: An 11-year cohort study
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Huang Can , You Hanxiao , Zhao Jiuliang , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Zhao Yan , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: April 2022

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a higher risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) which is life-threatening, but there has been no research focusing on the prognosis of SLE patients with PE. This study was conducted to explore the prognostic factors of mortality in SLE patients with PE. Methods In this observational cohort study, SLE inpatients with PE treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020 were included and age, gender, smoking history, the onset of SLE and PE, organ involvement, SLE disease activity index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K), severity of PE, and treatment regimen were collected. Kaplan–Meier survival curve and univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were used to explore the prognostic factors of SLE patients with PE. Results A total of 86 SLE patients with PE were enrolled, with the age of 37.72±15.79 years old and the average lupus duration of 46.5 months. 17 patients (19.77%) died. 1- and 3-year survival rates were 83.40% and 79.40%. Thrombocytopenia (log-rank p = 0.004) and lymphocytopenia (log-rank p = 0.030) were predictors of mortality, and effective anticoagulation (log-rank p = 0.032), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (log-rank p = 0.021) were protective factors of mortality in SLE patients with PE. Effective anticoagulation was an independent protective factor of mortality in SLE patients with PE (HR = 0.14, p = 0.006). Conclusions Patients with thrombocytopenia and lymphocytopenia are more likely to develop a poor prognosis. Effective anticoagulation and HCQ could improve the prognosis.
Synthesis and characterization of nearly monodisperse superparamagnetic (Fe3O4/Poly(methyl methacrylate))-SiO2 nanoparticles with raspberry-like morphology
Authors: Moaref Roxana , Pourmahdian Saeed , Zahedi Farzad , Tehranchi Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: April 2022

Uniform and nearly monodisperse superparamagnetic Fe3O4/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (core)/SiO2 (shell) nanoparticles with raspberry-like morphology and high saturation magnetization were prepared in three different steps. At first, a facile, one-shot procedure to synthesize hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles through a modified co-precipitation method was implemented. Based on the hydrophobic interactions, these nanoparticles were used directly in a mini-emulsion polymerization resulting in encapsulation with PMMA. Then, for the covering with a silica shell, the surfaces of the Fe3O4/PMMA nanospheres were hydrolyzed in alkaline media and became hydrophilic through hydrolyzation. In the last step shell deposition of the Fe3O4/PMMA nanospheres through a modified Stober method was implemented. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the core-shell structure and the prepared products’ diameters were measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); the size of the magnetic nanospheres was approximately 83 nm. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) showed high magnetic saturation and superparamagnetic characteristics of the particles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used as a supplementary test and, based on the mass loss at high temperature (600°C), the magnetic (Fe3O4) and non-magnetic content (PMMA) of the Fe3O4/PMMA nanospheres was measured as 81 and 19%, respectively. The narrow polydispersity of the nanospheres, measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), was approximately 0.101. In every preparation step, the synthesized products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Our study focused on designing two-layered magnetic nanoparticles with drug delivery potential using two-layer encapsulation based on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface characteristics of the PMMA core and silica shells, respectively.
Development and Validation of a New Integrative Score Based on Various Systemic Inflammatory and Nutritional Indicators in Predicting Prognosis in Patients With Resectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Ji Feng , Wang Liang , Chen Qi-Xun , Yang Xun 
Published: April 2022

Background Recent studies revealed that various inflammatory and nutritional indexes were associated with prognosis in esophageal cancer (EC). However, these studies only evaluated one or two indexes, and the prognostic value of these indexes individually or in combination is unclear. This study aimed to construct an integrative score based on various inflammatory and nutritional indexes for prognosis in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods A total of 421 consecutive patients were randomly divided into either a training or validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3 for retrospective analysis. Using logic regression analyses, independent risk factors from peripheral blood indexes were screened to construct an integrative score. The associations regarding the integrative score, clinical characteristics, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results Out of 20 indexes, hemoglobin (HB), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent risk factors based on logical regression analyses. Then, an integrative score with the optimal cut-off value of .67 was established according to the Combination Of HB, CAR, and PLR (COHCP). The area under the curve (AUC) indicated higher predictive ability of COHCP on prognosis than other indicators. Multivariate analyses revealed that COHCP serves as an independent prognostic score. Patients with COHCP low group (≤.67) had better 5-year CSS (57.3% vs 13.5%, P < .001) and OS (51.1% vs 12.3%, P < .001) than those with high group, respectively. Finally, the nomogram based on COHCP was established and validated regarding CSS and OS, which can accurately and effectively predict individual survival in resected ESCC. Conclusion The COHCP was a novel, simple, and useful predictor in resectable ESCC. The COHCP-based nomogram may accurately and effectively predict survival.
Acute pancreatitis secondary to tamoxifen-associated hypertriglyceridemia: A clinical update
Authors: Goraya Muhammad Hassan Naeem , Abbasi Ehsan ul Haq , Amin Muhammad Kashif , Inayat Faisal , Ashraf Muhammad Junaid , Qayyum Mahrukh , Hussain Nadeem , Nawaz Gul , Zaman Muhammad Adnan , Malik Adnan 
Published: April 2022

Introduction Drug-induced pancreatitis has been increasingly recognized, but it is frequently encountered as an inconspicuous etiology. The underlying mechanisms of injury vary with different drugs. Tamoxifen is a frequently used anticancer drug that acts by selective modulation of the estrogen receptor in patients with breast cancer. Tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia is a relatively rare etiological factor for acute pancreatitis. However, acute pancreatitis secondary to this adverse effect remains an exceedingly important clinicopathologic entity. Case report We hereby delineate a rare case of acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia in a patient who was on tamoxifen treatment for the past 3 years. Her serum lipase and triglyceride levels were markedly elevated at 14,285 IU/L and 20,344 mg/dL, respectively. The diagnosis was considered based on the findings of a standard diagnostic workup and exclusion of alternative causes of acute pancreatitis. Management and outcome The patient was instituted prompt treatment with intravenous insulin infusion and gemfibrozil. The clinical outcome was favorable with no complications. Tamoxifen was permanently discontinued and was replaced with letrozole. Discussion This article illustrates that acute pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes in patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. It also underscores the importance of pre- and post-tamoxifen lipid screening, especially in patients with a history of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. It will facilitate an expedient detection of hypertriglyceridemia, potentially saving patients from associated morbidity and mortality.
Assessment of the impact of N95 respirators or surgical masks use on the retinal microvasculature
Authors: Gündoğan Medine , Akkaya Serkan , Bayram Nurettin 
Published: April 2022

Purpose To determine the possible impact of wearing N95 respirator or surgical masks on retinal vessel diameters and choroidal thickness in healthy healthcare workers. Methods Diameters of peripapillary retinal arteries and veins and choroidal thickness values at the foveal center and at 1000 μm distances from the foveal center in both nasal and temporal directions were measured before mask wearing using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. After four hours (h) of N95 or surgical mask wearing vessel diameter and choroidal thickness measurements were repeated. Results A total of 52 eyes from 52 participants (28 F [53.8%]; 24 M [46.2%]) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 34.58 ± 5.24 years (25–44 years). The diameters of all measured arteries [inferior temporal artery (p = 0.003), superior temporal artery (p < 0.001), inferior nasal artery (p = 0.003), and superior nasal artery (p = 0.004)] and veins,with the exception of superior nasal vein, (inferior temporal vein (p = 0.031), superior temporal vein (p = 0.027), inferior nasal vein (p < 0.001), and superior nasal vein (p = 0.063)] increased significantly after four hour use of N95 respirators and surgical maskswhen compared to baseline. There was also a significant diameter increase of the superior temporal (p < 0.001), inferior nasal veins (p < 0.001), and superior temporal artery (p = 0.037) for N95 respirators and surgical masks use, respectively. The differences in central subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness between baseline and after 4 h use of N95 respirators were statistically significant (From 366.73 ± 70.81 μm to 381.23 ± 69.29μm,p < 0.001 for the subfoveal; from 324.00 ± 64.13μm to 335.40 ± 61.35 μm, p = 0.007 for the temporal; from 297.40 ± 68.18 μm to 308.23 ± 74.51μm, p = 0.002 for the nasal thicknesses). Choroidal thickness values were also increased with surgical mask use. But only the increase in central subfoveal thickness was statistically significant (From 366.78 ± 71.00 μm to 372.58 ± 76.56 μm, p = 0.031 for the central subfoveal; from 297.42 ± 68.35 μmto 302.79 ± 73.05 μm, p = 0.068 for the nasal; from 324.01 ± 64.21μm to 330.33 ± 65.84, p = 0.117 for the temporal thicknesses). Conclusion With four hours use of N95 respirators or surgical face masks, retinal vessel diameters and choroidal thicknesses showed an increase in comparison to baseline measurements. Hemodynamic changes seen secondary to hypercapnia due to prolonged use of N95 respirators or surgical masks may also be observed in the retinal and choroidal circulation. Furthermore, the use of face masks should be taken into account while assessing the retinal microvasculature.
Environmental and Behavioral Factors Associated With Handwashing With Soap After Defecation in a Rural Setting of 2 Districts of the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Soboksa Negasa Eshete 
Published: April 2022

Background: Handwashing with soap can prevent the spread of fecal oral microbes in the home environment. Despite the lack of water and for a variety of reasons, soap-based handwashing is not practiced in developing countries after defecation. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the environmental and behavioral factors associated with hand washing with soap after defecation of respondents with children under the age of 5 years in a rural setting. Methods: Data used were taken from 756 households with children under the age of 5 that participated in a cross-sectional study conducted from July 22 to August 9, 2018, in 2 selected districts in the Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. It included post-defecation hand washing with soap and other variables such as sociodemographic information, environmental and behavioral factors. Stata version 16 was used to analyze the data. We use binary logistic regression models. To declare statistical significance, a P-value of less than .05 with an adjusted odds ratio and a confidence interval of 95% was used. Results: The prevalence of soap-based post defecation hand washing practices among respondents was 64.4%. Hand washing practice after defecation with soap has a significant association with having more than 1 child under 5 years of age (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.05-2.45), households living with cattle (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.30-3.07), use of unimproved latrine (AOR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.31-0.98), with the presence of feces in the compound of the households interviewed (AOR = 7.08; 95% CI: 4.07-12.35) and regular cleaning water containers before filling drinking water (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.13-4.15). Conclusions: Most of the study participants washed their hands with soap after defecation. The presence of feces in the compound, having more than 1 child, living with cattle, and cleaning water containers routinely before filling drinking water all enhanced post-defecation handwashing with soap. However, when using unimproved latrines, respondents’ post-defecation handwashing behavior with soap may be significantly reduced.