bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of air pollutants on clinical visits for childhood allergic respiratory disease induced by house dust mite in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Junyang , Hu Yabin , Li Huaiyuan , Lin Yihang , Tong Shilu , Li Youjin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of allergic respiratory disease (ARD) is increasing worldwide during the last few decades, causing a great disease burden especially for children. Air pollution has been increasingly considered as a potential contributor to this trend, but its role in ARD induced by house dust mite (HDM-ARD) remains unclear, especially in time-series study.

Methods
A positive reporting of respiratory allergy to named allergens was included by serum specific IgE testing. A time series Quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear model, combined with generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollutants on ARD, HDM-ARD and ARD induced by non-house dust mite (NHDM-ARD).

Results
A total of 16,249 cases of ARD, including 8,719 HDM-ARD and 8,070 NHDM-ARD from 1 Jan 2013 to 31 Dec 2017 were involved in this study. Air pollutants were significantly associated with clinical visits for childhood ARD and HDM-ARD. Exposure to higher O3 and interquartile range (IQR) increment in O3 (40.6 µg/m3) increased the risks of clinical visits for childhood HDM-ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile of O3: 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.55; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.17) and ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile of O3: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12). In addition, higher O3 was associated with increased RR of boys with ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.51; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.16) and HDM-ARD (RRlag0-5 for the 95th percentile: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.75; RRlag0-5 for IQR increment (40.6 µg/m3): 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.22), but not in girls.

Conclusions
Exposure to O3 appeared to be a trigger of clinical visits for childhood ARD, especially for HDM-ARD and boys. These findings provide novel evidence on the impact of air pollution on HDM-ARD, which may have significant implications for designing effective intervention programs to control and prevent childhood ARD, especially HDM-ARD, in China and other similar developing countries.
Plasma proteome changes linked to late phase response after inhaled allergen challenge in asthmatics
Authors: Weitoft Maria , Kadefors Måns , Stenberg Henning , Tufvesson Ellen , Diamant Zuzana , Rolandsson Enes Sara , Bjermer Leif , Rosmark Oskar , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
A subset of individuals with allergic asthma develops a late phase response (LPR) to inhaled allergens, which is characterized by a prolonged airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the plasma proteome and circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells associated with the LPR following inhaled allergen challenge.

Methods
Serial plasma samples from asthmatics undergoing inhaled allergen challenge were analyzed by mass spectrometry and immunosorbent assays. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Mass spectrometry data were analyzed using a linear regression to model the relationship between airway obstruction during the LPR and plasma proteome changes. Data from immunosorbent assays were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results
Out of 396 proteins quantified in plasma, 150 showed a statistically significant change 23 h post allergen challenge. Among the most upregulated proteins were three protease inhibitors: alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin and plasma serine protease inhibitor. Altered levels of 13 proteins were associated with the LPR, including increased factor XIII A and decreased von Willebrand factor. No relationship was found between the LPR and changes in the proportions of classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes.

Conclusions
Allergic reactions to inhaled allergens in asthmatic subjects were associated with changes in a large proportion of the measured plasma proteome, whereof protease inhibitors showed the largest changes, likely to influence the inflammatory response. Many of the proteins altered in relation to the LPR are associated with coagulation, highlighting potential mechanistic targets for future treatments of type-2 asthma.
Drug delivery strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Yang Sisi , Cai Chengwei , Wang Huanqiu , Ma Xueqing , Shao Anwen , Sheng Jifang , Yu Chengbo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high rates of recurrence and death. Surgical resection and ablation therapy have limited efficacy for patients with advanced HCC and poor liver function, so pharmacotherapy is the first-line option for those patients. Traditional antitumor drugs have the disadvantages of poor biological distribution and pharmacokinetics, poor target selectivity, high resistance, and high toxicity to nontargeted tissues. Recently, the development of nanotechnology has significantly improved drug delivery to tumor sites by changing the physical and biological characteristics of drugs and nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetics and biological distribution and to selectively accumulate cytotoxic agents at tumor sites. Here, we systematically review the tumor microenvironment of HCC and the recent application of nanotechnology in HCC.
The combination of endurance exercise and SGTC (Salvia–Ginseng–Trigonella–Cinnamon) ameliorate mitochondrial markers’ overexpression with sufficient ATP production in the skeletal muscle of mice fed AGEs-rich high-fat diet
Authors: Haghparast Azad Maryam , Niktab Iman , Dastjerdi Shaghayegh , Abedpoor Navid , Rahimi Golbarg , Safaeinejad Zahra , Peymani Maryam , Forootan Farzad Seyed , Asadi-Shekaari Majid , Nasr Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Ghaedi Kamran 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Skeletal muscle mitochondria is one of the most important affected sites of T2DM and its molecular mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Some recent theories believed that mitochondrial markers are upregulated in response to high fat induced T2DM; however, the reasons and the affected factors are still uncertain. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the effect of high fat induced T2DM on mitochondrial markers of skeletal muscle, and an herbal component along with endurance exercise, as probable treatments, in AGE-rich high-fat diet (AGEs-HFD) induced T2DM mice.

Methods
T2DM was induced by 16 weeks of AGEs-HFD consumption in male C57BL/6 mice, followed by 8 weeks of drugs ingestion and endurance exercise treatments (n = 6 in each group and total number of 42 mice). The herbal component was an aquatic extract of Salvia officinalis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Panax ginseng, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, termed “SGTC”. We then examined the relative expression of several mitochondrial markers, including Ppargc1α, Tfam, and electron transport chain genes and ATP levels, in skeletal muscle samples.

Results
T2DM was successfully induced according to morphological, biochemical, and molecular observations. All mitochondrial markers, including Ppargc1a, Tfam, Cpt2, and electron transport chain genes, were upregulated in T2DM group compared to controls with no significant changes in the ATP levels. Most mitochondrial markers were downregulated by drug treatment compared to T2DM, but the ATP level was not significantly altered. All mitochondrial markers were upregulated in exercised group compared to T2DM with mild increase in the ATP level. The Ex + SGTC group had moderate level of mitochondrial markers compared to T2DM, but the highest ATP production.

Conclusion
The highly significant overexpression of mitochondrial markers may be in response to free fatty acid overload. However, the lack of significant change in the ATP level may be a result of ROS generation due to electron leakage in the AGEsRAGE axis and electron transport chain. Almost all treatments ameliorate mitochondrial markers’ overexpression. The SGTC appears to regulate this with its antioxidant properties. Instead, exercise upregulated mitochondrial markers efficiently; however, the most efficient results, i.e. the most ATP production among the treatments, were observed in the Ex + SGTC group.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation of a non-randomized controlled trial of yoga-based intervention to reduce behavioural issues in early adolescent school-going children in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sivashankar Josephine Thirumagal , Surenthirakumaran Rajendra , Doherty Shannon , Sathiakumar Nalini 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Adolescence can be difficult to navigate and the post-conflict environment in Jaffna Province, Sri Lanka compounds existing issues for adolescents. Conduct problems, hyperactivity along with emotional problems are challenges faced by adolescents, particularly in fragile, post-conflict settings. This study was a non-randomized controlled trial carried out in 4 educational zones over 6 months. The study implemented a yoga-based intervention package: two types of slow breathing for 5-6 min, Surya-namaskaram for 6-8 min, and mindfulness meditation for 5-6 min. Pre/post quantitative assessments were conducted with intervention and control groups. A focus group was conducted with the intervention group. The aim was to evaluate. Effectiveness of implementing a yoga-based intervention package in grade 8 school children (early adolescents) to address behavioural problems.

Results
Paired t-test and independent t-tests were completed for both arms using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS21). Parents’ assessments of emotional issues reduced for the intervention group (n = 584) [t(584) = 11.41, p = 0.001] along with reduction of the total difficulty score [t(584) = 28.12, p = 0.001]. Teachers’ assessments indicated prosocial scores improved in the intervention group [t(584) = − 28.5, p = 0.001]. Students’ self-assessments in the intervention group indicate a reduction in emotional problems [t(584) = 6.4, p = 0.001], and reduction in problems with peers [t(584) = 14.4, p = 0.001]. Within the control group (n = 499), teachers’ assessments indicated emotional problems increased [t(499) = − 9.5, p = 0.001] and prosocial scores reduced [t(499) = 13.5, p = 0.001]. Students’ self-assessments in the control group indicated emotional problems increased [t(499) = − 27.1, p = 0.001]. A comparison of post-test scores revealed a statistically significant difference between groups. Focus group results indicate students felt the intervention had an overall positive effect on school achievements, family dynamics and individual health.

Conclusions
This yoga-based intervention package appeared to be effective in reducing both externalizing and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. Practicing Surya-namaskaram, breathing control techniques and mindfulness meditation significantly reduced both externalizing symptoms (conduct problems and hyperactivity) as well as internalizing symptom (emotional problem and peer problems). It is recommended this intervention be scaled up across Sri Lanka and other similar post-conflict regions.
The visibility of breastfeeding as a sexual and reproductive health right: a review of the relevant literature
Authors: Stone Carina , Smith Julie P. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Governments must protect and apply maximum feasible resourcing to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding in order to meet their international legal obligations with respect to the human rights of women and children. However, governments across the world have consistently failed in these duties. Breastfeeding has been notably absent from mainstream feminist advocacy on sexual and reproductive health rights (‘SRH rights’). Why is there this lack of focus on breastfeeding in feminist advocacy in this area? This review seeks to identify the extent to which the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is visible within the SRH rights and the gender responsive budgeting literature.

Method
A cross-disciplinary single scoping literature review of online and other databases was conducted to yield final samples of eighty-seven publications from the SRH rights literature and forty-four publications from the gender responsive budgeting literature. These publications were searched for references to breastfeeding.

Results
Only 21% of the sexual and reproductive health rights literature and just one gender responsive budgeting publication sampled referenced the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Where breastfeeding was mentioned in the publications reviewed it was, in general, brief and on the periphery of discussion.

Conclusions
Reviews of the SRH rights literature and the gender budgeting literature both reveal an overwhelming absence of meaningful analysis on breastfeeding. The lack of attention to breastfeeding in the gender advocacy space represents a lost opportunity to advocate for the alleviation of the economic and social constraints imposed on breastfeeding women and caregivers.
White matter is increased in the brains of adults with neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Wang Su , Friedman Jan M. , Suppa Per , Buchert Ralph , Mautner Victor-Felix 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by increased Schwann cell proliferation in peripheral nerves. Several small studies of brain morphology in children with NF1 have found increased total brain volume, total white matter volume and/or corpus callosum area. Some studies (mostly in children with NF1) also attempted to correlate changes in brain morphology and volume with cognitive or behavioural abnormalities, although the findings were inconsistent. We aimed to characterize alterations in brain volumes by three-dimensional (3D) MRI in adults with NF1 in major intracranial sub-regions. We also aimed to assess the effect of age on these volumes and correlated brain white matter and grey matter volumes with neuropsychometric findings in adults with NF1.

Methods
We obtained brain volume measurements using 3D magnetic resonance imaging for 351 adults with NF1 and, as a comparison group, 43 adults with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) or Schwannomatosis. We assessed a subset of 19 adults with NF1 for clinical severity of NF1 features and neurological problems and conducted psychometric testing for attention deficiencies and intelligence quotient. We compared brain volumes between NF1 patients and controls and correlated volumetric measurements to clinical and psychometric features in the NF1 patients.

Results
Total brain volume and total and regional white matter volumes were all significantly increased in adults with NF1. Grey matter volume decreased faster with age in adults with NF1 than in controls. Greater total brain volume and white matter volume were correlated with lower attention deficits and higher intelligence quotients in adults with NF1.

Conclusion
Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dysregulation of brain myelin production is a cardinal manifestation of NF1 and that these white matter changes may be functionally important in affected adults.
Use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: a THESIS* survey of Belgian specialists *THESIS: treatment of hypothyroidism in Europe by specialists: an international survey
Authors: Burlacu Maria-Cristina , Attanasio Roberto , Hegedüs Laszlo , Nagy Endre V. , Papini Enrico , Perros Petros , Sawadogo Kiswendsida , Bex Marie , Corvilain Bernard , Daumerie Chantal , Decallonne Brigitte , Gruson Damien , Lapauw Bruno , Reyes Rodrigo Moreno , Petrossians Patrick , Poppe Kris , Van den Bruel Annick , Unuane David 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Hypothyroidism is a topic that continues to provoke debate and controversy with regards to specific indications, type of thyroid hormone substitution and efficacy. We investigated the use of thyroid hormones in clinical practice in Belgium, a country where currently only levothyroxine (LT4) tablet formulations are available.

Method
Members of the Belgian Endocrine Society were invited to respond to an online questionnaire. Results were compared with those from other THESIS surveys.

Results
Eighty (50%) of the invited 160 individuals, completed the questionnaire. LT4 was the first treatment of choice for all respondents. As secondary choice, some also prescribed liothyronine (LT3) and LT4 + LT3 combinations (2 and 7 respondents, respectively). Besides hypothyroidism, 34 and 50% of respondents used thyroid hormones for infertile euthyroid TPOAb positive women and the treatment of a growing non-toxic goiter, respectively. Had alternative formulations of LT4 to tablets been available (soft gel or liquid L-T4), 2 out of 80 (2.5%) participants would consider them for patients achieving biochemical euthyroidism but remaining symptomatic. This proportion was higher in case of unexplained poor biochemical control of hypothyroidism (13.5%) and in patients with celiac disease or malabsorption or interfering drugs (10%). In symptomatic euthyroid patients, 20% of respondents would try combined LT4 + LT3 treatment. Psychosocial factors were highlighted as the main contributors to persistent symptoms.

Conclusions
LT4 tablets is the preferred treatment for hypothyroidism in Belgium. A minority of the respondents would try combined LT4 + LT3 in symptomatic but biochemically euthyroid patients. Thyroid hormones are prescribed for euthyroid infertile women with thyroid autoimmunity and patients with non-toxic goiter, a tendency noted in other European countries, despite current evidence of lack of benefit.
Immune responses to alglucosidase in infantile Pompe disease: recommendations from an Italian pediatric expert panel
Authors: Gragnaniello Vincenza , Deodato Federica , Gasperini Serena , Donati Maria Alice , Canessa Clementina , Fecarotta Simona , Pascarella Antonia , Spadaro Giuseppe , Concolino Daniela , Burlina Alberto , Parenti Giancarlo , Strisciuglio Pietro , Fiumara Agata , Casa Roberto Della 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundClassic infantile onset of Pompe disease (c-IOPD) leads to hypotonia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy within the first days to weeks of life and, without treatment, patients die of cardiorespiratory failure in their first 1–2 years of life. Enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa is the only available treatment, but adverse immune reactions can reduce ERT’s effectiveness and safety. It is therefore very important to identify strategies to prevent and manage these complications. Several articles have been written on this disease over the last 10 years, but no univocal indications have been established.MethodsOur study presents a review of the current literature on management of immune responses to ERT in c-IOPD as considered by an Italian study group of pediatric metabolists and immunologists in light of our shared patient experience.ResultsWe summarize the protocols for the management of adverse reactions to ERT, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, and provide expert recommendations for their optimal management, to the best of current knowledge. However, further studies are needed to improve actual management protocols, which still have several limitations.
Non-inferiority test for a continuous variable with a flexible margin in an active controlled trial: an application to the “Stratall ANRS 12110 / ESTHER” trial
Authors: Sandie Arsene Brunelle , Molinari Nicolas , Wanjoya Anthony , Kouanfack Charles , Laurent Christian , Tchatchueng-Mbougua Jules Brice 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Non-inferiority trials are becoming increasingly popular in public health and clinical research. The choice of the non-inferiority margin is the cornerstone of such trials. Most of the time, the non-inferiority margin is fixed and constant, determined from historical trials as a fraction of the effect of the reference intervention. But in some circumstances, there may some uncertainty around the reference treatment that one would like to account for when performing the hypothesis testing. In this case, the non-inferiority margin is not fixed in advance and depends on the reference intervention estimate. Hence, the uncertainty surrounding the non-inferiority margin should be accounted for in statistical tests. In this work, we explore how to perform the non-inferiority test for a continuous variable with a flexible margin.

Methods
We have proposed in this study, two procedures for the non-inferiority test with a flexible margin for continuous endpoints. The proposed test procedures are based on a test statistic and confidence interval approaches respectively. Simulations have been used to assess the performances and properties of the proposed test procedures. An application was done on a real-world clinical data, to assess the efficacy of clinical monitoring alone versus laboratory and clinical monitoring in HIV-infected adult patients.

Results
Basically, for both proposed methods, the type I error estimate was not dependent on the values of the reference treatment. In the test statistic approach, the type 1 error rate estimate was approximatively equal to the nominal value. It has been found that the confidence interval level determined approximatively the level of significance. For a given nominal type I error α, the appropriate one- and two-sided confidence intervals should be with levels 1−α and 1−2α, respectively.

Conclusions
Based on the type I error rate and power estimates, the proposed non-inferiority hypothesis test procedures had good performances and were applicable in practice.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00301561. Registered on March 13, 2006, url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00301561.