bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Piperlongumine combined with vitamin C as a new adjuvant therapy against gastric cancer regulates the ROS–STAT3 pathway
Authors: Chen Di , Wei Xinyue , Yang Ke , Liu Xinyue , Song Yujin , Bai Futing , Jiang Yi , Guo Yuhang , Jha Rajiv Kumar 
Published: April 2022

Objective To investigate the effects of piperlongumine (PL) and vitamin C (VC) on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling in gastric cancer cell lines. Methods In vivo tumour xenograft anticancer assays were undertaken to confirm the anticancer activity of PL. Cell viability, flow cytometry and Western blot assays were undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of PL, VC and combinations of PL and VC in AGS and KATO III cells. Results Both PL and VC induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in AGS and KATO III cells. These effects were dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS). PL effectively suppressed STAT3 activation while VC caused abnormal activation of STAT3. The combination of PL and VC exhibited a stronger apoptotic effect compared with either agent alone. PL reversed the abnormal activation of STAT3 by VC, which could be a key to their synergistic effect. Conclusions PL combined with VC exhibited a stronger anticancer effect by regulating the ROS–STAT3 pathway, suggesting that this combination might be a potential adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer.
Combination of Lidocaine and IL-1Ra Is Effective at Reducing Degradation of Porcine Cartilage Explants
Authors: Buchanan Michael W. , Furman Bridgette D. , McNulty Amy L. , Olson Steven A. 
Published: April 2022

Background: Posttraumatic inflammation after joint injury, ranging from sprains to articular fracture, contributes to the development of arthritis, and the administration of interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a potential intervention to mitigate this response. Although IL-1Ra mitigates cartilage degenerative changes induced by IL-1, lidocaine is used for local pain management in acute joint injury. Intra-articular delivery of both drugs in combination would be a novel and possibly disease–modifying treatment. However, it is not known whether the interaction with lidocaine at clinical concentrations (1%) would alter the efficacy of IL-1Ra to protect cartilage from the catabolic effects of IL-1. Hypothesis: Treatment of articular cartilage with IL-1Ra in combination with a clinically relevant concentration of lidocaine (1%) will inhibit the catabolic effects of IL-1α in a manner similar to treatment with IL-1Ra alone. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Fresh porcine cartilage explants were harvested, challenged with IL-1α, and incubated for 72 hours with IL-1Ra or a combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine. The primary outcome was total sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) release. Additional experiments assessed the effect of storage temperature and premixing of IL-1Ra and lidocaine on sGAG release. All explants were histologically assessed for cartilage degradation using a modified Mankin grading scale. Results: The combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine, premixed at various time points and stored at room temperature or 4°C, was as effective as IL-1Ra alone at inhibiting IL-1α–mediated sGAG release. Mankin histopathology scores supported these findings. Conclusion: Our hypothesis was supported, and results indicated that the combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine was as efficacious as IL-1Ra treatment alone in acutely mitigating biological cartilage injury due to IL-1α in an explant model. Clinical Significance: The combination of IL-1Ra and lidocaine is stable when reagents are stored in advance of administration at varying temperatures, providing clinically relevant information about storage of medications. The ability to premix and store this drug combination for intra–articular delivery may provide a novel treatment after joint injury to provide pain relief and block inflammation–induced catabolism of joint tissues.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of brimonidine loaded silica nanoparticles-laden silicone contact lenses to manage glaucoma
Authors: Xu Yunli , Li Hongyi 
Published: April 2022

Glaucoma is treated by frequent instillation of 0.2% w/v brimonidine tartrate eye drop solution, which showed poor ocular bioavailability of 1–3%. Medicated contact lenses can be used to improve the ocular drug bioavailability. However, drug loading in the contact lens matrix showed high burst release and changes the optophysical properties of the contact lens material. In this paper, a novel brimonidine loaded silica nanoparticles-laden silicone contact lenses (Bri-Si) were designed to achieve controlled drug delivery without altering the optophysical properties of the contact lens. Silica nanoparticles were prepared by polymerizing octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) molecules at the oil/water interface of microemulsion. Traditional soaking method (Bri-SM), direct brimonidine-loading method (Bri-DL) and microemulsion-laden contact lens (Bri-ME) were developed for comparison. The Bri-Si lens showed improved swelling, transmittance, oxygen permeability and lysozyme adherence compared to Bri-SM, Bri-DL and Bri-ME lenses. The Bri-DL lens showed high brimonidine leaching during extraction and sterilization steps, with low cumulative drug release. While, Bri-Si lens show controlled brimonidine release for 144 h. In a rabbit tear fluid model, the Bri-Si lens showed high brimonidine concentration for 96 h compared to Bri-ME lens and eye drop therapy. Based on histopathological studies of cornea, the Bri-Si lens was found to be safe for human applications. The data demonstrated the novel application of silica nanoparticles to control brimonidine release from the contact lens without altering the optophysical properties of the contact lens.
Porphyromonas gingivalis amount in the tongue biofilm is associated with erosive arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ceccarelli Fulvia , Saccucci Matteo , Natalucci Francesco , Olivieri Giulio , Bruni Erika , Iacono Roberta , Colasanti Tania , Di Carlo Gabriele , Alessandri Cristiano , Uccelletti Daniela , Russo Paola , Pilloni Andrea , Conti Fabrizio , Polimeni Antonella 
Published: April 2022

Background Several data have demonstrated the occurrence of erosive arthritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, a few studies have focused on the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this feature. The implication of oral pathogens has been proved in Rheumatoid Arthritis: in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg), by inducing citrullination, could trigger autoimmune response. Here, we evaluated amount of Pg on the tongue in a cohort of SLE patients with arthritis, focusing on the association with the erosive phenotype. Methods SLE patients with arthritis were enrolled. DAS28 was applied to assess activity. Erosive damage was evaluated by ultrasound at level of MCP (metacarpophalangeal) and PIP (proximal interphalangeals) joints. All subjects underwent a tongue cytologic swab in order to quantify the amount of Pg (real-time PCR). The bacterium expression was obtained from the ratio between the patient’s DNA amount and that obtained from healthy subjects. Results 33 patients were enrolled (M/F 3/30; median age 47 years, IQR 17; median disease duration 216 months, IQR 180): 12 of them (36.4%) showed erosive damage, significantly associated with ACPA positivity ( p = 0.03) and higher values of DAS28 ( p = 0.01). A mean ratio of 19.7 ± 31.1 was found for Pg amount. Therefore, we used Pg mean values as threshold, identifying two groups of patients, namely, high Pg and low Pg. Erosive damage was significantly more frequent in high Pg patients in comparison with low Pg (60.0% vs 26.0%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, high Pg patients showed higher prevalence of skin manifestations, serositis, and neurological involvement ( p = 0.005, p = 0.03, p = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion The possible contribution of oral microbiota in SLE erosive arthritis was here evaluated for the first time, finding a significant association between erosive damage and higher expression of Pg at tongue level.
Effects of Disability Severity on the Family Burden of Home-Dwelling Uygur and Kazakh Aged in Rural Western China: Family Function as a Mediator
Authors: Tang Xueting , Zhao Shuhua , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhou Jia , Wang Yuhuan , He Bin 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Caring for the disabled elderly puts heavy burdens on their families. This study aimed to explore family function (FF) as a mediator in the relationship between disability severity (DS) and family burden (FB) of the Uygur and Kazakh home-dwelling disabled elderly cared for by informal caregivers in China. Method: A cross-sectional design with multistage sampling was used to recruit 431 families with Uygur and Kazakh disabled elderly in Bortala, Xinjiang, China. Data were collected using the Activities of Daily Living Scale, Family Burden Interview Schedule, and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index Scale and then analyzed using hierarchical regression. Results: FF had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between DS and FB (β = 0.131; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.074, 0.197]; p < .01); the effective rate was 41.46%. Discussion: Multidisciplinary care teams should implement targeted interventions to improve FF of the disabled elderly to alleviate FB.
Independent Living Coordinators’ Effects on Intangible Domains in an Independent Living Program
Authors: Nathans Laura L. , Chaffers Lori J. 
Published: April 2022

Purpose This study involved an evaluation of the role of the Independent Living Coordinator (ILC) in a. Email multi-domain Independent Living program (ILP). It focused on the intangible domains of health/mental health, support, and prevention. Method One hundred and nineteen ILP plans from 97 foster youth were coded to determine which goals were achieved for foster youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Quotations from case notes and IL plans were selected to illustrate the role of the ILC. Results Results demonstrated that ILCs were effective in achieving goals regarding mental health counseling and medication management and practical support for finances and transportation. ILCs struggled to promote peer support, romantic relationships, and use of birth control. Discussion ILCs play roles in supporting foster youths’ transition into adulthood. ILCs were successful based on the types of goals, their understanding of developmental needs, and access to resources. Future research should involve randomized control trial evaluations.
Novel Digital Workflow for Nasoalveolar Molding and Postoperative Nasal Stent for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Carter Chad B. , Gallardo, Francisco F. , Colburn Hannah E. , Schlieder Daniel W. 
Published: April 2022

Objective We present a novel digital workflow to provide presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) treatment for a patient with a unilateral cleft lip/palate utilizing nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and a custom postsurgical nasal stent. Setting Within the US military healthcare system, the Joint Base San Antonio Craniofacial Anomalies Team utilizes dental scanners, predictive 3D modeling software, and 3D printing technology in a digital workflow for NAM appliance fabrication. Workflow Soft tissue facial scanning, peri-oral scanning, and dental putty impressions are used to facilitate fabrication and measure outcomes. Digital modeling software and 3D resin printing are utilized to manufacture the prescribed devices. Main Outcome Measures and Results Extra-oral facial scans and intra-oral impressions are compared between 3 timepoints: pre-treatment, posttreatment with NAM, and postsurgical treatment. Conclusions The ability to share workflows, establish outcome standards, and streamline patient care will continue to advance best practices in digital PSIO.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Malaria Incidence and Risk Factors in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Eniyew , Alemu Gelaye Kassahun , Dessie Awrajaw , Shimelash Alebachew , Asmare Biachew , Deml Yikeber Argachew , Lamore Yonas , Temesgen Tegegne , Demissie Biruk , Teym Abraham 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Malaria is a life-threatening acute febrile illness which is affecting the lives of millions globally. Its distribution is characterized by spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Detection of the space-time distribution and mapping high-risk areas is useful to target hot spots for effective intervention. Methods: Time series cross sectional study was conducted using weekly malaria surveillance data obtained from Amhara Public Health Institute. Poisson model was fitted to determine the purely spatial, temporal, and space-time clusters using SaTScan™ 9.6 software. Spearman correlation, bivariate, and multivariable negative binomial regressions were used to analyze the relation of the climatic factors to count of malaria incidence. Result: Jabitenan, Quarit, Sekela, Bure, and Wonberma were high rate spatial cluster of malaria incidence hierarchically. Spatiotemporal clusters were detected. A temporal scan statistic identified 1 risk period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. The adjusted incidence rate ratio showed that monthly average temperature and monthly average rainfall were independent predictors for malaria incidence at all lag-months. Monthly average relative humidity was significant at 2 months lag. Conclusion: Malaria incidence had spatial, temporal, spatiotemporal variability in West Gojjam zone. Mean monthly temperature and rainfall were directly and negatively associated to count of malaria incidence respectively. Considering these space-time variations and risk factors (temperature and rainfall) would be useful for the prevention and control and ultimately achieve elimination.
Reporting of clinical trial safety results in ClinicalTrials.gov for FDA-approved drugs: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Chen Krista Y , Borglund Erin M , Postema Emma Charlotte , Dunn Adam G , Bourgeois Florence T 
Published: April 2022

Background Adverse events identified during clinical trials can be important early indicators of drug safety, but complete and timely data on safety results have historically been difficult to access. The aim was to compare the availability, completeness, and concordance of safety results reported in ClinicalTrials.gov and peer-reviewed publications. Methods We analyzed clinical trials used in the Food and Drug Administration safety assessment of new drugs approved between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. The key safety outcomes examined were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events. Availability of safety results was measured by the presence and timing of a record of trial-level results in ClinicalTrials.gov and a corresponding peer-reviewed publication. For the subset of trials with available results, completeness was defined as the reporting of safety results for all participants and compared between ClinicalTrials.gov and publications. To assess concordance, we compared the numeric results for safety outcomes reported in ClinicalTrials.gov and publications to results in Food and Drug Administration trial reports. Results Among 156 trials studying 52 drugs, 91 (58.3%) trials reported safety results in ClinicalTrials.gov and 106 (67.9%) in peer-reviewed publications (risk difference = −9.6%, 95% confidence interval = −20.3 to 1.0). All-cause mortality was reported sooner in published articles compared with ClinicalTrials.gov (log-rank test, p = 0.01). There was no difference in time to reporting for serious adverse events (p = 0.05), adverse events (p = 0.09), or withdrawals due to adverse events (p = 0.20). Complete reporting of all-cause mortality was similar in ClinicalTrials.gov and publications (74.7% vs 78.3%, respectively; risk difference = −3.6%, 95% confidence interval = −15.5 to 8.3) and higher in ClinicalTrials.gov for serious adverse events (100% vs 79.2%; risk difference = 20.8%, 95% confidence interval = 13.0 to 28.5) and adverse events (100% vs 86.8%; risk difference = 13.2%, 95% confidence interval = 6.8 to 19.7). Withdrawals due to adverse events were less often completely reported in ClinicalTrials.gov (62.6% vs 92.5%; risk difference = −29.8%, 95% confidence interval = −40.1 to −18.7). No difference was found in concordance of results between ClinicalTrials.gov and publications for all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, or withdrawals due to adverse events. Conclusion Safety results were available in ClinicalTrials.gov at a similar rate as in peer-reviewed publications, with more complete reporting of certain safety outcomes in ClinicalTrials.gov. Future efforts should consider adverse event reporting in ClinicalTrials.gov as an accessible data source for post-marketing surveillance and other evidence synthesis tasks.
Hyponatremia management among patients admitted to tertiary hospital: A retrospective evaluation
Authors: Zurnuq Sultan , Aljurfi Mahmoud , Albekery Mohamed , Shawaqfeh Mohammad S , Elmubark Ahmed , Vasudevan Senthilvel , Alharbi Shmeylan , Alkatheri Mohammed , Albekairy Abdulkareem M , Al Katheri Abdulmalik A 
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the adherence to the guidelines in patients presenting with hyponatremia defined as a sodium (Na) level ⩽120 mEq/L, treated with 3% hypertonic saline or normal saline. The comparison included 3% hypertonic saline use, safe serum sodium increases within 24 and 48 h, frequency of hyponatremia-related complications, and length of stay. Methods: This retrospective observational study enrolled 122 patients with serum sodium ⩽120 mEq/L admitted to the Internal Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard-Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to December 2017. The patients were treated with either 3% hypertonic saline or normal saline. Results: Of the 122 patients, 105 (83.3%) received normal saline, and 17 (13.5%) received hypertonic saline. In the normal saline group, the mean serum sodium increase at 24 h was lower (6.60 ± 4.75) compared to the hypertonic saline group (9.24 ± 5.04). The length of stay was longer in the normal saline group (10.35 ± 13.90) compared to the hypertonic saline group (4.35 ± 3.39). A small proportion (8.7%) of the normal saline group had a serum sodium increase >12 mg/dL at 24 h compared to 29.4% for the hypertonic saline group, and the difference was statistically significant (p value = 0.013). Almost one-third of the sample (36%) presented with complications, the majority (77.3%, n = 34) had a serum sodium of ⩽115 mg/dL, and 22.7% (n = 10) with a serum sodium of 116–120 mg/dL (p value = 0.041). Conclusion: Despite the strong recommendation for 3% hypertonic saline use in severe hyponatremia, many practitioners still use normal saline, even in patients with serum sodium ⩽120 mEq/L. Normal saline showed some efficacy in managing hyponatremia in asymptomatic cases; however, severe cases may have a delayed correction, hyponatremia-related complications, and an extended length of stay.
Association of ABO blood group with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Rupandehi district of Nepal
Authors: Gurung Sanyukta , Mahotra Narayan Bahadur , Shrestha Lava , Sherpali Aakash , Joshi Surya Prakash , Shrestha Gambhir , Shrestha Shailesh , Shakya Aman , Kandel Manoj 
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Recent studies after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 have shown an association of the ABO blood group to the susceptibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Anti-A and anti-B antibodies, carbohydrate clustering, interleukin-6 levels and host transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 were suggested to cause the variable susceptibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection to the ABO blood groups. This study aims to find the association of the ABO blood group with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection susceptibility in Nepal. Methods: Population-based matched case–control study was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022 in Rupandehi district of Nepal. A total of 1091 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 cases and 2182 controls were included in the study by convenient sampling method. Results: A statistically significant association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was observed for the blood group AB between cases and controls (11.5% vs 8.5%; odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–1.78). However, there was no association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection for blood group A (26.7% vs 28.23%; odds ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval = 0.79–1.09), B (26.9% vs 29.84%; odds ratio = 0.86, 95% confidence interval = 0.73–1.02) and O (34.9% vs 33.41%; odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = 0.92–1.25). Conclusion: This study reported slightly more susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among individuals with blood group AB.
Orofacial pain disorders: An overview and diagnostic approach
Authors: Peng Kuan-Po , Oppermann Thalea 
Published: April 2022

Background: Non-dental orofacial pain disorders are not uncommon, but idiopathic or primary facial pain syndromes are rare. Inadequate recognition of these disorders usually leads to unsatisfactory and unmet treatment needs. Methods: We conducted a narrative review with a literature search in PubMed until December 2021, focusing on current guidelines and the recently published International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP). Results: In this paper, we provide an updated overview of the common orofacial pain disorders following the ICOP, covering the classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical approaches, and treatment options. Additionally, we propose a pragmatic approach focusing on the attack duration to improve distinguishing orofacial disorders. Conclusion: The introduction of ICOP offers the opportunity to better coordinate and concentrate scientific efforts, which lays the foundation for the identification of the disease mechanism of facial pain disorders and the optimization of the currently still insufficient therapeutic strategies.