bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Spontaneous Renal Tubule-Like Structures from Human Adult Renal Progenitor Cell Spheroids Derived from Urine
Authors: Giannuzzi Francesca , Picerno Angela , Maiullari Silvia , Montenegro Francesca , Cicirelli Antonella , Stasi Alessandra , De Palma Giuseppe , Lorenzo Vito Di , Pertosa Giovanni Battista , Pontrelli Paola , Rossini Michele , Leo Vincenzo Di , Errede Mariella , Tamma Roberto , Ribatti Domenico , Gesualdo Loreto , Sallustio Fabio
Published: June 2024

The rapidly developing field of renal spheroids and organoids has emerged as a valuable tool for modeling nephrotoxicity, kidney disorders, and kidney development. However, existing studies have relied on intricate and sophisticated differentiation protocols to generate organoids and tubuloids, necessitating the external administration of multiple growth factors within precise timeframes. In our study, we demonstrated that human adult renal progenitor cells (ARPCs) isolated from urine of both healthy subjects or patients, have the capacity to form spheroids that naturally can form very long tubule-like structures. Importantly, the generation of these tubule-like formations is driven solely by ARPCs, without the need for the external use of chemokines or growth factors to artificially induce the process. These tubule-like structures exhibit expression of structural and functional renal tubule markers and bear, in some cases, striking structural similarities to various nephron regions, including the distal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and proximal convoluted tubules. Furthermore, ARPC spheroids express markers typical of pluripotent cells, such as stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4), secrete elevated levels of renin, and showed angiogenic properties. Notably, ARPCs isolated from urine of patients with IgA nephropathy form spheroids capable of recapitulating the characteristic IgA1 deposition observed in this disease. These findings represent a significant advancement in the field, opening up new avenues for regenerative medicine in the study of kidney development, mechanisms underlying renal disorders, and the development of regenerative therapies for kidney-related ailments.
Effects of atmospheric systems operating in the Northeast of Brazil on the volumes of artificial reservoirs
Authors: Gomes Rafaela dos Santos , Lima Kellen Carla
Published: June 2024

This study aims to quantify the impact of rainfall patterns influenced by the seasonal movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) southward, Frontal Systems (FS), and South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) during El Niño, La Niña, and neutral years on water volumes in artificial reservoirs across the Northeast of Brazil (NEB) from 1998 to 2018. Data sources include outgoing longwave radiation from NOAA, daily rainfall from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project, and reservoir volume from the National Water Agency and state departments. ITCZ identification employed semi-objective techniques, while CPTEC/INPE reports aided in identifying ITCZ and SACZ. The study calculated reservoir water volume percentages and applied correspondence analysis between volume changes and atmospheric systems during El Niño, La Niña, and neutral years. Typically, the ITCZ central position during February-May hovered around − 1ºS; when deviated, negative rainfall anomalies occurred, correlating with reduced reservoir volumes. El Niño years consistently exhibited negative rainfall anomalies with the ITCZ between − 1ºS and 1ºN. Approximately 17% of FS reaching Brazil during November-February reached southern NEB, with an average of three FS and SACZ cases per season in this region. Lower FS and SACZ occurrences during November-February often corresponded with negative reservoir volume trends.
Determination of the appropriate chemotherapy for patients aged 80 years or older with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Cho Junhun , Kim Won Seog , Kim Seok Jin , Yoon Sang Eun
Published: June 2024

The optimal chemotherapy for newly diagnosed (ND) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients aged 80 years or older has not been conclusively determined. Due to the expected toxicities and comorbidities in this age group, intensifying the dosages of chemotherapy may not always be a viable solution. However, undertreating the disease based solely on a patient’s frailties can lead to disease progression, and patients often succumb to the disease in routine practices. This retrospective study was conducted to determine whether there is an optimal regimen for elderly DLBCL patients. We selected ND-DLBCL patients aged 80 years or older and excluded those who did not receive chemotherapies or those who received treatment other than combinations of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or rituximab and bendamustine (BR). We assessed the efficacies, survival outcomes, and toxicity according to the regimen, including standard-dose R-CHOP, R-miniCHOP, and BR. The patients who received the standard dose of R-CHOP presented a better overall response rate (ORR) than those who received R-miniCHOP. Moreover, there was no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.581) or overall survival (OS, p = 0.693) among the patients who received standard-dose R-CHOP, R-miniCHOP, or BR. The patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–1, serum albumin ≥ 3.5 g/dL, early stage, and GCB subtype were associated with superior PFS and OS. The incidence of any grade or grade ≥ 3 neutropenia was reported in patients who received the standard dose of R-CHOP, but there were no significant differences in treatment-related mortality across the regimens. Nevertheless, the patients who addressed adverse events and followed the planned treatment schedules seemed to achieve better treatment survival outcomes. No single superior regimen was found for DLBCL patients ≥80 years. These insights provide valuable guidance for tailoring treatment strategies to optimize outcomes for elderly DLBCL patients, particularly those with poor health conditions and specific phenotypic characteristics. Thus, comprehensive evaluation before chemotherapy initiation needs to be performed for better survival outcomes.
Superficial abdominal surgical site infection caused by Aspergillus welwitschiae: a case report
Authors: Horiuchi Hiroshi , Watanabe Akira , Yaguchi Takashi , Ban Sayaka , Otsuka Tsuyoshi , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Furuya Ryosuke
Published: June 2024

Background
Aspergillus spp. are rare causes of surgical site infections (SSIs). Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly identified as Aspergillus niger through morphological findings, has been sparsely reported as a cause of abdominal SSIs.
Case presentation
An 86-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation who was taking 6 mg of prednisolone daily for rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital because of sudden abdominal pain. An open Hartmann operation was performed on the day of admission with a diagnosis of sigmoid colon perforation. A superficial abdominal SSI was observed. Aspergillus welwitschiae, which belongs to Aspergillus section Nigri, was identified through calmodulin gene analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of voriconazole (VRCZ) was 2 mg/L. Surgical removal of the infected tissue and administration of VRCZ were effective in treating the infection.
Conclusions
Given the reported tolerance of azoles in Nigri section species, identification and drug susceptibility testing of these fungi are highly important.
Clinical efficacy of thalidomide for various genotypes of beta thalassemia
Authors: Yang Wei-jia , Kang Qing-ping , Zhou Qian , Lin Tao , Gong Xiao-min , Huang Cui-juan , Dou Min , Lin Ying
Published: June 2024

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of thalidomide across various genotype presentations of β-thalassemia so as to facilitate the early screening of thalidomide-sensitive thalassemia cases and to understand the impact of iron overload on thalidomide.
Methods
From our initial sample of 52 patients, we observed 48 patients with β-thalassemia for two years after administration of thalidomide. This cohort included 34 patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and 14 patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). We recorded the values of hemoglobin (Hb), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), and serum ferritin (SF) in the baseline period and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after enrollment, as well as the pre- and post-treatment blood transfusion volume in all 48 cases. According to the increase in Hb levels from baseline during the 6-month observation period, the response to thalidomide was divided into four levels: main response (MaR), minor response (MiR), slow response (SLR), and no response (NR). A decrease in serum ferritin levels compared to baseline was considered alleviation of iron overload. We calculated the overall response rate (ORR) as follows: ORR = MaR + MiR + SLR/number of observed cases.
Results
The ORR was 91.7% (44/48 cases), and 72.9% showed MaR (35/48 cases). Among the 34 patients with TDT, 21 patients (61.8%) were free of blood transfusion, and the remaining 13 patients still required blood transfusion, but their total blood transfusion volume reduced by 31.3% when compared to the baseline. We found a total of 33 cases with 10 combinations of advantageous genes, which included 5 cases with βCD41-42/βCD17 and 6 cases with βCD41-42/β-28. Based on the treatment outcomes among the 48 cases in the observation group, there were 33 cases in the MaR group and 15 cases in the SLR/NR group. There was a difference in HbF between the two groups at baseline (P = 0.041). There were significant differences between the two groups in Hb and HbF at the time points of 6 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared to the baseline measurement, there was a significant decrease in the level of SF at months 12 and 24 (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
In this study, we identified 10 β-thalassemia gene combinations that were sensitive to thalidomide. These gene combinations can be used for initial screening and to predict the therapeutic effect of thalidomide in clinical practice. We examined the therapeutic response to thalidomide and found that the administration of thalidomide in combination with standardized iron removal was more beneficial in reducing iron overload.
12/15-Lipooxygenase Inhibition Reduces Microvessel Constriction and Microthrombi after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Dienel Ari , Hong Sung Ha , Zeineddine Hussein A , Thomas Sithara , M Shafeeque C , Jose Dania A , Torres Kiara , Guzman Jose , Dunn Andrew , T P Kumar , Rao Gadiparthi N. , Blackburn Spiros L. , McBride Devin W.
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose
Impaired cerebral circulation, induced by blood vessel constrictions and microthrombi, leads to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). 12/15-Lipooxygenase (12/15-LOX) overexpression has been implicated in worsening early brain injury outcomes following SAH. However, it is unknown if 12/15-LOX is important in delayed pathophysiological events after SAH. Since 12/15-LOX produces metabolites that induce inflammation and vasoconstriction, we hypothesized that 12/15-LOX leads to microvessel constriction and microthrombi formation after SAH, and thus 12/15-LOX is an important target to prevent delayed cerebral ischemia.
Methods
SAH was induced in C57BL/6 and 12/15-LOX−/− mice of both sexes by endovascular perforation. Expression of 12/15-LOX was assessed in brain tissue slices and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were administered either ML351 (12/15-LOX inhibitor) or vehicle. Mice were evaluated for daily neuroscore and euthanized on day five to assess cerebral 12/15-LOX expression, vessel constrictions, platelet activation, microthrombi, neurodegeneration, infarction, cortical perfusion, and for development of delayed deficits. Finally, the effect of 12/15-LOX inhibition on platelet activation was assessed in SAH patient samples using a platelet spreading assay.
Results
In SAH mice, 12/15-LOX was upregulated in brain vascular cells and there was an increase in 12-S-HETE. Inhibition of 12/15-LOX improved brain perfusion on days 4–5 and attenuated delayed pathophysiological events, including microvessel constrictions, microthrombi, neuronal degeneration, and infarction. Additionally, 12/15-LOX inhibition reduced platelet activation in human and mouse blood samples.
Conclusions
Cerebrovascular 12/15-LOX overexpression plays a major role in brain dysfunction after SAH by triggering microvessel constrictions and microthrombi formation, which reduces brain perfusion. Inhibiting 12/15-LOX may be a therapeutic target to improve outcomes after SAH.
Fewer berries and more pods: losers and winners of chronic disturbance in an Ecuadorian tropical dry forest
Authors: Espinosa Carlos Iván , Jara-Guerrero Andrea , Castillo-Escobar Judith , Cueva-Ortiz Jorge , Gusmán-Montalván Elizabeth , Stimm Bernd , Hildebrandt Patrick , Escudero Adrián
Published: June 2024

Although chronic disturbance is widely recognized as a main driver of biodiversity loss in tropical dry forests, their consequences beyond the taxonomic loss perspective (i.e the functional dimension of diversity) still need to be clarified, especially in those plant traits associated with dispersal. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic disturbance on the functional diversity of a seasonally dry tropical forest, and their potential effects on the frugivores guild. We characterized eight plant traits related to seed dispersal and calculated the community weighted means and functional diversities for trees and the whole woody community. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effects of the disturbance on these functional estimates in relation with the abundance and diversity of fruits as resources for wildlife. Our results revealed that, the dominance of plants with costly fruiting species was reduced with disturbance. Functional richness and divergence were reduced with the disturbance, mainly in the qualitative traits. Finally, the availability of resources was slightly different between groups of dispersers, observing a general pattern of reduction in the availability and richness of fruits with disturbance. Our results suggest that the changes in species richness and abundance are not random but the result of filtering on traits related to dispersal costs and their subsequent ability to withstand environmental stress. The observed changes in vegetation have a direct effect on the availability of resources for frugivorous species, which in the medium term can affect the woody species persistence and catalyze the woody species loss.
Probabilistic Nested Model Selection in Pharmacokinetic Analysis of DCE-MRI Data in Animal Model of Cerebral Tumor
Authors: Bagher-Ebadian Hassan , Brown Stephen , Ghassemi Mohammad M. , Acharya Prabhu C. , Chetty Indrin J. , Ewing James R. , Movsas Benjamin , Thind Kundan
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Best current practice in the analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI is to employ a voxel-by-voxel model selection from a hierarchy of nested models. This nested model selection (NMS) assumes that the observed time-trace of contrast-agent (CA) concentration within a voxel, corresponds to a singular physiologically nested model. However, admixtures of different models may exist within a voxel’s CA time-trace. This study introduces an unsupervised feature engineering technique (Kohonen-Self-Organizing-Map (K-SOM)) to estimate the voxel-wise probability of each nested model.
Methods
Sixty-six immune-compromised-RNU rats were implanted with human U-251N cancer cells, and DCE-MRI data were acquired from all the rat brains. The time-trace of change in the longitudinal-relaxivity (ΔR1) for all animals’ brain voxels was calculated. DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed using NMS to estimate three model regions: Model-1: normal vasculature without leakage, Model-2: tumor tissues with leakage without back-flux to the vasculature, Model-3: tumor vessels with leakage and back-flux. Approximately two hundred thirty thousand (229,314) normalized ΔR1 profiles of animals’ brain voxels along with their NMS results were used to build a K-SOM (topology-size: 8x8, with competitive-learning algorithm) and probability map of each model. K-fold nested-cross-validation (NCV, k = 10) was used to evaluate the performance of the K-SOM probabilistic-NMS (PNMS) technique against the NMS technique.
Results
The K-SOM PNMS’s estimation for the leaky tumor regions were strongly similar (Dice-Similarity-Coefficient, DSC = 0.774 [CI: 0.731–0.823], and 0.866 [CI: 0.828–0.912] for Models 2 and 3, respectively) to their respective NMS regions. The mean-percent-differences (MPDs, NCV, k = 10) for the estimated permeability parameters by the two techniques were: -28%, + 18%, and + 24%, for vp, Ktrans, and ve, respectively. The KSOM-PNMS technique produced microvasculature parameters and NMS regions less impacted by the arterial-input-function dispersion effect.
Conclusion
This study introduces an unsupervised model-averaging technique (K-SOM) to estimate the contribution of different nested-models in PK analysis and provides a faster estimate of permeability parameters.
Urban-rural differences in factors associated with smartphone addiction among preschoolers in Dhaka district, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: Kibria Md. Golam , Islam Taslima , Sultana Papia , Jahan Nusrat , Anannna Sadia Anjum , Mohiuddin Golam , Roy Manoranjan , Alif Sheikh M
Published: June 2024

Background: Children are increasingly becoming addicted to smartphones and screens, which is raising concerns about their physical and mental wellbeing. This study aimed to assess urban-rural differences in the prevalence and correlates of smartphone addiction among preschoolers in Dhaka district, Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the mothers of 840 preschoolers living in Dhaka city and two sub-districts. We assessed preschoolers’ smartphone addiction using the child version of the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale. Logistic regression was performed to identify the correlates of smartphone addiction among preschoolers, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: The overall prevalence of smartphone addiction was 59.9%, and it was higher among urban preschoolers (urban: 70.5% vs. rural: 49.3%). Playing games on smartphones was a risk factor for smartphone addiction, and the likelihood of addiction was higher among rural children (aOR: 3.76, 2.18 to 6.5) compared to urban children (aOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.25 to 4.26). Mother’s daily smartphone use at home for more than two hours in both urban (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.31 to 5.35) and rural areas (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.28) were associated with smartphone addiction. Both urban and rural children were respectively 1.64 (95% CI: 1.08 to 2.47) and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.14 to 2.07) times more likely to develop smartphone addiction if the number of smartphones they accessed increased by one. In urban areas, the children of working mothers were at 2.91 (95% CI: 1.09 to 7.73) times higher risk of smartphone addiction compared to those of stay-at-home mothers. Rural children who used the Wi-Fi internet had the higher odds of showing addictive behaviours (aOR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.88 to 4.88).
Conclusions: The prevalence of smartphone addiction was higher among urban children compared to rural ones. We found sociodemographic and smartphone use pattern-related risk factors for smartphone addiction among children in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, it is very important to adopt appropriate counselling and health education to prevent and control smartphone addiction in preschoolers.
Cerebral Insights into Olfactory Discrimination: Vanillin, Vanitrope, and Vanillyl Ethyl Ether
Authors: Joshi Akshita , Thaploo Divesh , Weise Susanne , Warr Jonathan , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2024

The study investigates neural processing underlying the perception of vanillin and structurally similar odorants, vanitrope, and vanillyl ethyl ether (VEE), aiming to discern subtle differences in odor perception using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Despite similar psychophysical ratings of intensity, pleasantness, and familiarity for the odors, fMRI analysis with 44 individuals revealed distinct activation patterns in brain regions associated with olfactory processing, memory retrieval, and odor recognition. Specifically, increased activations were observed in the parahippocampal gyrus and left amygdala during the perception of vanillin compared to vanitrope and VEE. This indicates a link between emotional responses and familiarity; particularly during vanillin's resemblance to the familiar scent of vanilla. Results from further analysis could imply that the orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the diffentiation of odors, especially in linking vanillin to the the familiar aroma of vanilla, while the hippocampus might be involved in consolidating odor-induced memories. The findings underscore the intricate interplay between olfactory perception, emotional processing, and memory consolidation within the human brain. The study demonstrates the utility of fMRI in elucidating subtle perceptual differences in similar odorants and sheds light on the underlying neural mechanisms governing odor discrimination and recognition.
The Experience of Interprofessional Collaboration in a Telehealth Context in Primary Care: The Perspective of Patients Living with a Chronic Illness – A Research Protocol
Authors: Mcgraw Monica , Couturier Yves , Gaboury Isabelle , Poirier Marie-Dominique , Poitras Marie-Eve
Published: June 2024

Background: The enhancement of primary health care and the prevalence of chronic diseases are key issues worldwide, especially in Canada. As the incidence of chronic illnesses rises, they have emerged as the foremost cause of mortality worldwide. This trend has led to a surge in demand for healthcare services, placing significant pressure on primary care systems. In 2019, with the arrival of the pandemic, the rapid introduction of telehealth emerged as a crucial resource for patients with chronic illnesses, augmenting the role of primary healthcare as their initial point of contact. This resource was implemented with no infrastructure, often without patient support, and left to the discretion of individual professionals. Interprofessional collaboration plays a critical role in optimizing the use of telehealth in managing chronic diseases. Interprofessional teams can provide comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted needs of patients with chronic illnesses. This approach ensures that patients receive holistic and coordinated care, leading to better health outcomes. Despite its advantages, telehealth can have negative effects if used sub-optimally.
Methods/design: To describe the process of interprofessional collaboration in the telehealth context in primary care coming from the perspective of patients living with chronic disease, this qualitative research is based on a constructivist research methodology, where the research team constructs knowledge derived from the interpretation of information obtained during the interviews with participants. To meet the study's objectives, qualitative Journey Mapping data collection will be carried out, following the approach of Trebbel. Individual interviews will be analyzed qualitatively and iteratively. This method is useful for analysis being done by different people from the team, including those with little experience in qualitative analysis.
Anticipated benefits: The health and well-being of patients is central to the practice of healthcare professionals in primary care. Patients living with chronic diseases are among the most frequent users of primary care in Canada. The results of this study will support and improve the interprofessional collaboration process in the telehealth context, using a patient-centered approach. Journey mapping will help identify potential facilitating factors for improving primary care in the telehealth context according to the patient's journey. Results will be used to build a practical guide (phase 2) supporting interprofessional collaboration in the primary care telehealth context.
Type of Manuscript: Case Report Massive Cerebellar Infarction Caused by Spontaneously Isolated Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Dissection: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Xuming , MMed Yuqi Liao , Wu Jiarui , Cao Liming
Published: June 2024

Background
Diagnosis of posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection (PICAD) based on radiological images is difficult. Massive cerebellar infarctions caused by spontaneous isolated PICAD are rare and the relevant clinical, imaging, and treatment options are unclear.
Case presentation:
A 39-year-old man was admitted with dizziness, an unstable gait for two days. Physical examination showed decreased muscle strength in the right limb and right-sided ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a massive acute right cerebellar infarction but other modalities including head and neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed no obvious abnormalities. High-resolution vessel wall MRI (HR-VW-MRI) revealed right PICAD. The patient was diagnosed with massive cerebellar infarction caused by PICAD and began active conservative treatment. The initial PICAD lesion disappeared 1.5 months after discharge. The patient experienced only slight weakness in the right limb by 3 months.
Conclusions
Since MRA or CTA may fail in identifying PICAD, HR-VW-MRI is key in diagnosis and follow-up evaluation. Aggressive medication may be effective and safe for PICAD.
Sex-Specific Risk Factors and Clinical Dementia Outcomes for White Matter Hyperintensities in a large South Korean Cohort
Authors: Schweitzer Noah , Son Sang Joon , Thurston Rebecca C. , Li Jinghang , Chen Chang-Le , Aizenstein Howard , Yang Shaolin , Iordanova Bistra , Hong Chang Hyung , Roh Hyun Woong , Cho Yong Hyuk , Hong Sunhwa , Nam You Jin , Lee Dong Yun , Park Bumhee , Kim Na-Rae , Choi Jin Wook , Cheong Jaeyoun , Seo Sang Woon , An Young-Sil , Moon So Young , Han Seung Jin , Wu Minjie
Published: June 2024

Objective:
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain MRI images are the most common feature of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Studies have yielded divergent findings on the modifiable risk factors for WMH and WMH’s impact on cognitive decline. Mounting evidence suggests sex differences in WMH burden and subsequent effects on cognition. Thus, we aimed to identify sex-specific modifiable risk factors for WMH. We then explored whether there were sex-specific associations of WMH to longitudinal clinical dementia outcomes.
Methods:
Participants aged 49–89 years were recruited at memory clinics and underwent a T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) 3T MRI scan to measure WMH volume. Participants were then recruited for two additional follow-up visits, 1–2 years apart, where clinical dementia rating sum of boxes (CDR-SB) scores were measured. We first explored which known modifiable risk factors for WMH were significant when tested for a sex-interaction effect. We additionally tested which risk factors were significant when stratified by sex. We then tested to see whether WMH is longitudinally associated with clinical dementia that is sex-specific.
Results:
The study utilized data from 713 participants (241 males, 472 females) with a mean age of 72.3 years and 72.8 years for males and females, respectively. 57.3% and 59.5% of participants were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) for males and females, respectively. 40.7% and 39.4% were diagnosed with dementia for males and females, respectively. Of the 713 participants, 181 participants had CDR-SB scores available for three longitudinal time points. Compared to males, females showed stronger association of age to WMH volume. Type 2 Diabetes was associated with greater WMH burden in females but not males. Finally, baseline WMH burden was associated with worse clinical dementia outcomes longitudinally in females but not in males.
Discussion:
Elderly females have an accelerated increase in cerebrovascular burden as they age, and subsequently are more vulnerable to clinical dementia decline due to CSVD. Additionally, females are more susceptible to the cerebrovascular consequences of diabetes. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex when examining the consequences of CSVD. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms driving these sex differences and personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
Clinical trial registration: The BICWALZS is registered in the Korean National Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical Research Information Service; identifier, KCT0003391). Registration Date 2018/12/14.
A comprehensive evaluation of the long-term trend of the basic climatic variables and the net water available (NWA) index in Iran during the period from 1960 to 2020
Authors: Rezaee Ali , Mosaedi Abolfazl , Beheshti Aliasghar , ZArrin Azar
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the effects and consequences of climate change have shown themselves by creating irregularities and trends in the essential climatic variables. In most cases, the trend of climatic variables is associated with periodicity. In this study, the trends and periodicity of these data (precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and net available water (NWA) have been investigated in a period of 60 years in Iran. The Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator are applied for analyzing the trend and its magnitude. Wavelet transform is used to detect the periodicity of time series and to determine the correlation between NWA and temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration in common periodicity. The results show that the stations located in eastern and western Iran have more significant increasing/decreasing trends. Evapotranspiration shows the highest increasing trend in most stations, followed by temperature, while NWA and precipitation have trends at lower significance levels and decreasing direction. The examination of periodicity in time series showed that, among all the studied stations, evapotranspiration has the most extended periodicity with an average length of 8.3 years, followed by NWA, temperature, and precipitation with 7.3 years, 5.8 years, and 5.5 years. The results of the correlations investigation showed that in about 80% of the stations, there is a high correlation between precipitation and NWA in the short-term periodicity and at the end of the studied period. The evapotranspiration variable in most stations has a high correlation in different periodicities with the amount of NWA.
A Non linear curve relating Anion Gap to AKI progression among AKI patients Complicated With COPD Within 14 days :a retrospective cohort study from Dyrad database
Authors: Lv Yunyun , Hu Ruimin , Wang Yaotang
Published: June 2024

Background
Current evidence on the relationship between anion gap and AKI progression is insufficient. Further investigation is necessary to validate this relationship.
Objective
The primary aim is to gain a deeper understanding of how anion gap influences AKI progression and its implications. The secondary objective is to examine the combined effects of anion gap and interacting factors on AKI progression outcome by constructing cox model and threshold analysis.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study involving 1868 participants from the Dyrad database was conducted. Data from all participants were analyzed to investigate meaningful covariates, including physical signs, laboratory items, diseases, and SOFA score. Cox regression, smooth curve fitting, and threshold analysis were used for analysis.
Results
The overall incidence of AKI progression was 12.6% in group1 (AG < 16) and 27.2% in group2. Lower eGFR and chloride levels were observed in group1 compared to group2. After multivariate adjustment, a significant association between anion gap and the risk of AKI progression was observed (HR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.03–1.08, P < 0.001, Model 3). Multivariate smooth splines analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between anion gap and AKI progression (P for nonlinearity = 0.02). Threshold analysis showed an 8% increase in the risk of AKI progression when AG exceeded the inflection point of 12.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that anion gap level is associated with AKI progression. A nonlinear association was revealed, indicating that higher AG levels are linked to an increased risk of progression in AKI patients with COPD when AG is greater than 12. Further validation and confirmation of these findings are necessary.
May Measurement Month 2022: An Analysis of Blood Pressure Screening Findings from Sierra Leone
Authors: Jalloh Mohamed Bella , Williams Christine E.E. , Jegede Oluwanfunmike G. , Malijan Greco M. B. , Naveed Asad , Kanu Alieu , Bah Abdul K. , Jalloh Fatima , Jalloh Abubakar , Faulkner Monalisa M.J. , Agboola Kehinde , Baldeh Mamadu , Russell James B.W. , Oladapo Olulola O.
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Elevated blood pressure, a major modifiable risk factor for death and disability globally, remains a significant public health challenge despite increased knowledge of preventive measures. Its high prevalence and underdiagnosis, particularly in low-resource settings, necessitate effective interventions.
Methods
The May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aims to raise awareness and promote screening programs. This study presents the findings of the MMM 2022 in Sierra Leone. We conducted an opportunistic cross-sectional study in Sierra Leone from May to September 2022, enrolling 818 participants aged 18 or older.
Results
Among the participants (mean age 38.0 years, predominantly Black), the prevalence of hypertension was 25.7% (210 out 818 participants). However, only 17% (140 out of 818) of the participants were previously diagnosed with hypertension. The findings revealed a wide range of antihypertensive medication use among the known hypertensives, ranging from no medication to the use of five or more medication classes. Approximately 43.6% of the known hypertensives were taking one antihypertensive medication, while 22.9% were taking two medications. A significant proportion, 42.9%, of the known hypertensives did not consistently adhere to their antihypertensive medication regimen, citing common reasons such as cost, availability, side effects, and forgetfulness.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of community-based screening in identifying undiagnosed hypertension and emphasizes the need for expanded or alternative screening and referral programs to increase awareness, promote preventive measures, and improve hypertension management in Sierra Leone.
Comparative Analysis of Adjuvant Radiotherapy, Lymph Node Dissection, and Metastatic Positive Rate on Prognosis in T3-4N+ Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: A Study Based on SEER Database and External Validation in China
Authors: tian chenrui , Yu Haodi , Zhang Qingyu , Cang Shundong
Published: June 2024

Background
Adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) is recognized as a pivotal therapeutic modality capable of augmenting the overall survival(OS) outcomes in patients afflicted with gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJ) at the T3-4N+ stage. However, there remains a need for comprehensive investigations into the optimal timing of radiotherapy administration relative to surgery. Furthermore, the number of regional nodes examined(RNE) and the metastasis lymph node ratio (MLR) exert discernible impacts on the prognosis of such patients. Our study endeavors to delve deeper into elucidating the interplay between ART and surgical interventions, while assessing the prognostic significance of RNE and MLR, with the ultimate goal of developing a nomogram to accurately predict the 5-year survival rate for T3-4N+ gastric cancer patients.
Patients and Methods
7,709 patients with GEJ cancer were involved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, spanning 2010 to 2019. 335 gastric cancer patients were involved from the Henan Provincial People's Hospital (HPPH), spanning 2015 to 2019. OS was analyzed using the log-rank test and multivariate analysis. The Cox regression models were valuable in predicting outcomes for these cancers. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) were used to validate predictive model. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to analyze the potential nonlinear relationship between RNE and prognosis. Additionally, the relationship between MLR and prognosis was examined using the same method.
RESULTS
We found that esophageal adenocarcinoma exhibited a superior response to preoperative radiotherapy(p<0.001). However, the timing of radiotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma post-operation did not significantly affect outcomes (p=0.6). Age, tumor grade, lymph node stage, RNE, type of surgery, and timing of radiotherapyrelative to surgery emerged as crucial prognostic factors for T3-4N+ gastric cancers. Additionally, the analysis showed no significant nonlinear relationship between RNE (with a threshold of 15) and patient survival in esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas (p>0.05), suggesting consistent findings across varying levels of lymph node removal.
CONCLUSIONS
Esophageal adenocarcinoma demonstrates a greater therapeutic response to preoperative radiotherapy. Our nomogram provides an effective tool for predicting the 5-year prognosis of T3-4N+ gastric adenocarcinoma. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the removal of 15 lymph nodes may not represent the optimal strategy for lymph node dissection. Additionally, MLR emerges as a significant prognostic factor influencing outcomes in patients with both esophageal and gastric cancer.
Assessment of sweet whey fortified with selenium and Bifidobacteria on reduction of pesticide liver toxicity in albino rats
Authors: Moawad Raghda M.S. , Osman Ali H.A. , Hassanein Khaled M. A. , Elkot Wael F. , Asar Ahmed Mahmoud , Hafiz Halah , AlFaris Nora A. , AL-Farga Ammar , Zaidalkilani Ayah T. , Hassan Hanaa M.
Published: June 2024

Background
Deltamethrin (DLM) represents one of the most commonly used pesticides. DLM passes through milk, vegetables, and fruits to humans or through animals (veterinary drugs and feeding on contaminated forage) to milk; it can escape from skin to blood and be secreted in breast milk in lactating women. It was believed to have neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic properties.
Methods
In order to investigate deltamethrin-induced hepatotoxicity, 64 rats were divided into 8 groups. The control group did not receive any treatment. D 30 mg/kg DLM (body weight) dissolved in corn oil, B 1 mL whey (1010 cfu/ml of Bifidobacterium logum ATCC 15707), S 1 mL whey (0.5 ppm selenium), BS 1 mL whey (1010 cfu/mL of Bifidobacterium logum ATCC 15707 + 0.5 ppm selenium), BD 1 mL whey (1010 cfu/mL of Bifidobacterium logum ATCC 15707 + DLM), SD 1 mL whey (0.5 ppm selenium) + DLM, and BSD 1 mL whey (1010 cfu/mL of Bifidobacterium logum ATCC 15707) + 0.5 ppm selenium + DLM.
Results
Results marked that manipulation of bifidobacteria, or selenium triggered significant improvement in AST, ALT, GSH, TNF-α, NF-KB and BCL2 as well as reduction in histopathological necrosis, congestion, and degradation.
Conclusion
Whey beverage fortified with Bifidobacterium longum and selenium implicated reduction in oxidative stress, histopathological degradation that accomplished DLM toxicity. Utilization of whey (a byproduct from cheese making) is considered a recycling process which supports ecofriendly practices and sustainability.
Preparation and characterization of sodium-ion conducting biopolymer electrolyte membrane based on agar-agar with sodium nitrite for primary Na-ion battery.
Authors: Sowmiya S , Shanthi C
Published: June 2024

Utilizing a solution-casting approach with water as the solvent, agar-agar solid biopolymer membranes incorporating sodium nitrite at various molecular ratios were successfully synthesized. Characterization of these membranes was conducted using techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), AC Impedance techniques, Transference number measurements, and Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the membranes, while FTIR elucidated the complexation behavior between the polymer and salt. DSC analysis indicated a decrease in the glass transition temperature with increasing salt concentrations up to a specific value. TGA was employed to assess the thermal stability of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The conductivity of pure agar-agar was found to be 3.12 X 10− 7 S cm− 1, and the maximum ionic conductivity, observed at room temperature, reached 5.07 X 10− 3 S cm− 1 for the membrane with a composition of 30% agar: 70% NaNO2. Transference number measurements, conducted using Wagner's DC polarization technique, provided insights into the nature of charge transport within the membrane. The electrochemical stability, determined through linear sweep voltammetry, was observed to be 2.8 V. Furthermore, the highest conductivity polymer electrolyte was employed in the fabrication of a primary sodium ion battery, incorporating two types of cathodes- V2O5 and MnO2. The resulting batteries exhibited open circuit voltages of 3.02 and 2.69 for V2O5 and MnO2 cathodes, respectively.
Critical resistance to carbapenem and aminoglycosides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Spread of bla NDM /16S methylase armA harboring isolates with intrinsic resistance mechanisms in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Soltani Behnaz , Ahmadrajabi Roya , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood
Published: June 2024

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is the one of the main Gram-negative bacterium cause of infections in hospital settings and the spread of them is significant challenge to public health.
Methods: In this study, a total of 30 non-duplicate isolates of CRPA were collected. Antibacterial susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotic agents and AmpC overproducer isolates were determined. Minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of isolates to cefepime (FEP), imipenem (IPM), ceftazidime (CAZ), and meropenem (MEM) were evaluated with/without cloxacillin (CLX). The carbapenemase and 16S rRNA methylase genes were identified by PCR and the transcription levels of oprD, ampC, and mexA genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. ERIC-PCR was used to detect genetic relationships among the isolates.
Results: All isolates were resistance to IPM, MEM, CAZ, FEP, CIP, GEN, TOB and strong biofilm producer. The resistance genes including blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSIM, blaGES, and armA were detected in 21 (70%), 6(20%), 3 (10%), 2 (6.6%), 1 (3.3%), and 56.6% of the isolates, respectively. CLX at 250 and 500 µg/mL significantly reduced the level of MIC to MEM, IPM, CAZ, and FEP and at 2000 µg/mL significantly reduced the level of MBIC to MEM, IPM, CAZ, and FEP. In all of isolates the transcription levels of oprD were significantly downregulated as well as were showed significantly increasing for ampC and mexA. ERIC-PCR typing results divided 30 isolates into four clusters.
Conclusion: In this study we reported the spread of different clone of CRPA harboring co-existence various carbapenemase genes with armA 16S rRNA methylase for the first time in Kerman, Iran. Also, our isolates had a combination of resistance mechanisms to carbapenems as well as biofilm formation along with resistance to aminoglycosides, the further spread of which could cause serious challenge in hospital settings. Therefore, serious monitoring is necessary to reduce their prevalence in our hospital.
An extracorporeal and finely adjustable Pringle maneuver instrument for Laparoscopic Mesohepatectomy
Authors: Chu Hongpeng , Chen Longjiang , Wang Xu , Fang Xiaosan , Han Meng , Wang Guannan , Jiang Yaqi , Wang Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Background
Laparoscopic mesohepatectomy remains in the exploratory stage because it is difficult to perform. Bleeding control is crucial for a successful operation. Our medical center has designed blocking forceps to perform the Pringle maneuver. This study aimed to investigate the value of these novel blocking forceps in laparoscopic mesohepatectomy.
Methods
Data from patients with malignant liver tumors who underwent laparoscopic mesohepatectomy between July 2017 and June 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients who underwent the Pringle maneuver using novel blocking forceps were selected. The baseline data of all patients and the data of perioperative laboratory tests, imaging, and surgery-related parameters were statistically analyzed.
Results
All 61 patients who met the screening criteria underwent laparoscopic mesohepatectomy using novel blocking forceps for the Pringle maneuver. A total of 4 patients underwent an open surgery. Times of blocking was 2.92 ± 2.17, and the duration of blocking was 42.74 ± 33.00 minutes. Blood transfusions were performed in 6 patients, of whom 566.67 ± 150.55 ml were administered. All the patients underwent R0 resection. The complication rate was 8.2% in all cases. No deaths occurred.
Conclusion
Our designed blocking forceps for the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic mesohepatectomy is conducive to the successful completion of surgery.
The Knesset Corpus: An Annotated Corpus of Hebrew Parliamentary Proceedings
Authors: Goldin Gili , Howell Nick , Ordan Noam , Rabinovich Ella , Wintner Shuly
Published: June 2024

We present the Knesset Corpus, a corpus of Hebrew parliamentary proceedings containing over~30 million sentences (over~384 million tokens) from all the (plenary and committee) protocols held in the Israeli parliament between~1998 and~2022. Sentences are annotated with morpho-syntactic information and are associated with detailed meta-information reflecting demographic and political properties of the speakers, based on a large database of parliament members and factions that we compiled.
We discuss the structure and composition of the corpus and the various processing steps we applied to it. To demonstrate the utility of this novel dataset we present two use cases. We show that the corpus can be used to examine historical developments in the style of political discussions by showing a reduction in lexical richness in the proceedings over time. We also investigate some differences between the styles of men and women speakers. These use cases exemplify the potential of the corpus to shed light on important trends in the Israeli society, supporting research in linguistics, political science, communication, law, etc.
Commercially available snail secretion filtrates: evaluation of extraction methods and functional properties
Authors: Filippo Maria Francesca Di , Dolci Luisa Stella , Bonvicini Francesca , Sparla Francesca , Gentilomi Giovanna , Panzavolta Silvia , Passerini Nadia , Albertini Beatrice
Published: June 2024

Snail secretion is a complex mixture of several components, including proteins, glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides and smaller molecules. Its growing use in nutraceutical, cosmetic and biomedical applications, as well as a component of edible and green packaging to replace chemical plasticizer, implies more affordable and sustainable extraction methods. We chose four extracts obtained from Cornu aspersum snails, differing by origin, extraction medium (namely, citric acid, lactic acid or none) and additives and we performed a series of characterizations including the SDS-page, the measure of pH and density, the evaluation of dry matter and of protein content, supported by structural determinations by means of UV-visible and infrared spectroscopy, X-Rays diffraction and thermogravimetric measurements. Biological assays comprising evaluation of cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity were also carried out. All the tests were performed both on the as received snail filtrates and on the samples after proper dialysis to remove preservatives added by manufacturers. Our results put into evidence that the properties and composition of the final extract are strongly influenced by the collection method, that can be relevant for the proper use of snail filtrate in specific applications.