bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Lymphatic Leakage Following Radical Cystectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Xue Zixuan , Yan Ye , Chen Huiying , Mao Hai , Ma Tianwu , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Hongxian , Ma Lulin , Zhang Shudong , Ye Jianfei , Kai Hong , Zhang Fan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Lymphatic leakage is a common complication after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).This study aimed to investigate the risk factors contributing to postoperative lymphatic leakage in patients with MIBC.
Materials and Methods
A total of 534 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and PLND were enrolled in the retrospective study at Peking University Third Hospital from January 2010 to July 2023. Patients were categorized into lymphatic leakage(n = 254)and non-leakage groups (n = 280) and compared demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative factors. Multivariate logistic regression found factors that predict lymphatic leakage. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between lymph leakage ratio and risk factors.
Results
Patients with lymphatic leakage had significantly higher rates of receiving extended PLND (19.7% vs 11.4%, p = 0.008), higher number of total lymph nodes removed (median 11 vs 8, p < 0.001), longer hospital stays (median 13 vs 11 days, p < 0.001), higher rates of postoperative hypoalbuminemia (56.7% vs 36.4%, p < 0.001) and fever (14.2% vs 8.6%, p = 0.04) compared to the non-leakage group. On multivariate analysis, higher number of lymph nodes removed (OR 3.278, 95% CI 1.135–9.471, p = 0.028) were found to be significant independent risk factors for lymphatic leakage. A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of lymph nodes excised and lymphatic leakage rate (R = 0.456, p = 0.013).
Conclusions
The increased number of lymph nodes dissected is associated with a heightened risk of lymphatic leakage following radical cystectomy for MIBC.
Recurrent brain abscess due to pulmonary arteriovenous fistula:a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Rui , He Xin , Hu Xueqian , Zan Chunshu , Li Yang , Wei Zhenqing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Brain abscesses are critical infections of the central nervous system, resulting from various pathogens. Common causes of recurrent brain abscesses include immunodeficiency, chronic otitis media, sinusitis, and intracranial infection spread. Although rare, pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a significant risk factor for brain infections, as it allows pathogens to bypass pulmonary filtration and directly enter systemic circulation via abnormal vascular connections.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a patient who developed two episodes of brain abscesses over a 35-year period following surgery for pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, suggesting a potential link between PAVF and recurrent brain abscess formation.
Conclusions
This case highlights the need to consider PAVF as a possible underlying cause in cases of recurrent brain abscesses. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on brain abscesses associated with pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this rare but impactful association.
An ALS Assembly Modulator Signature in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: Implications for ALS Pathophysiology, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics
Authors: Yu Shao Feng , Michon Maya , Lingappa Anuradha F. , Paulvannan Kumar , Solas Dennis , Staats Kim , Ichida Justin , Dey Debendranath , Rosenfeld Jeffrey , Lingappa Vishwanath R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Assembly modulators are a new class of allosteric site-targeted therapeutic small molecules, some of which are effective at restoring nuclear localization of TDP-43 in ALS cellular models, and display efficacy in a variety of ALS animal models. These compounds have been shown to bind selectively to a small subset of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a protein implicated in ALS pathophysiology. The targeted subset of PDI resides within a novel, multi-protein complex that includes other important members of the ALS interactome, such as TDP-43, RanGTPase, and selective autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1. We demonstrate here that a similar multi-protein complex drug target is present in PBMCs from ALS patients, as isolated by energy-dependent drug resin affinity chromatography (eDRAC), thereby extending earlier literature suggesting PBMC dysfunction in ALS. Signature alterations in the composition of the multi-protein complex in PBMCs from ALS patients compared to PBMCs from healthy individuals are identified. ALS-associated changes in the PBMC drug target include increased RanGTPase and MMP9, diminished p62/SQSTM1, and most distinctively, appearance of a 17kDa post-translationally modified form of RanGTPase. These changes are not readily apparent from analysis of whole cell extracts, as the multi-protein complex drug target comprises only a miniscule percentage of the total of the proteins, including RanGTPase, that are present in the extract. The targeted multi-protein complex appears to come together in a transient, energy-dependent fashion, to form the signature detected upon eDRAC enrichment. Furthermore, whole blood from ALS patients shows a distinctive degradation of RanGTPase not observed in blood from healthy individuals. This degradation appears to be rescued by treatment of whole blood from ALS patients with either of two structurally unrelated ALS-active assembly modulators. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ALS is fundamentally a disorder of homeostasis, albeit manifest most notably in motor neurons, that can be detected early, prior to disability, in blood and restored to the healthy state, by treatment with small molecule protein assembly modulators.
The Association Between Timing of CT and Outcomes for Severe Trauma Patients: Analysis of a Nationwide Trauma Registry
Authors: Nishimura Takeshi , Taira Takuya , Suga Masafumi , Kikuta Shota , Ijuin Shinichi , Inoue Akihiko , Matsuyama Shigenari , Ishihara Satoshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
With advances in technology, early CT scanning is advocated for trauma patients. However, the benefits of early CT scanning remain unclear. Thus, we examined whether elapsed time to CT acquisition is associated with the prognosis of severe trauma patients.
Methods
We utilized the Japan Trauma Data Bank, a nationwide database. Patients directly transferred from the trauma scene were included. Severe trauma patients, defined as those with Injury Severity Scores (ISS) greater than 15, were enrolled. We excluded patients with cardiac arrest on hospital arrival, ISS scores of 75, missing data on timing of CT, inappropriate CT time, and elapsed time from hospital arrival to CT scan longer than or equal to 60 minutes, as well as those who required damage control surgery and those who died within 24 hours. Patients were divided into six groups based on elapsed time to CT acquisition (0–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 min.). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was amount of transfusion, including red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets.
Results
Of the registered trauma cases, 13,802 cases were included in this study. The crude proportion of in-hospital mortality in the 0–9 min. group was the highest (15.4% [138/898]) compared to other groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that quick CT scanning (0–9 min.) did not contribute to improved in-hospital mortality compared to other groups, especially the lowest mortality group (40–49 min.) (10.0% [150/1,503], odds ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.79, p < 0.01). This trend was significant in patients with severe head trauma (defined as head Abbreviated Injury Scale score > 2) and with less severe trauma (ISS 16–25). Transfusion amounts did not differ between groups.
Conclusion
Early CT scanning after hospital arrival did not contribute to improved in-hospital mortality or reduce the transfusion amount for severe trauma patients.
WITHDRAWN: Appraisal of carbon emissions from logistic processes and prevented by initiatives in the local community
Authors: Snizhkovska Liliia , Sós Eszter , Wang Bohong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates a novel methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions by re-evaluating the packaging and transport systems of local communities at a time when concerns about environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change are increasingly heightened. The research first presents CO2 emissions data associated with each logistical sub-process and the methodology used to calculate the CO2 emissions associated with the products. Then, the analysis of a local community-owned asset exchange is presented. Based on the packaging size and weight of the items, calculations are made of the CO2 impact of transporting a product from different distances. The results are also analyzed by investigating the activity of the local community with four different modes of transport and then comparing the amount of CO2 emitted to the population of a city. The study demonstrates that freight transport operations are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and seeks to identify opportunities that could lead to significant carbon footprint reductions through community initiatives. The paper points out that even a local community exchange of goods could make a significant contribution to reducing global CO2 emissions. Therefore, in addition to measures to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, implementing a "Think globally, act locally" policy would contribute significantly to CO2 emissions reductions.
Unraveling the interplay between vitamin D deficiency, VDR polymorphisms, and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chakraborty Sanchari , Pal Randrita , Begum Farzana , Naskar Tapan Kumar , Das Nilansu , Basu Barnali Ray 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and emerging heterogeneous disorder in reproductive-aged women and teenagers. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) pronouncedly influence its manifestations. The interplay between VDD and VDR polymorphisms has an umbrella effect on the endocrine and metabolic milieu of PCOS, underscoring the importance of VD in its management. This study tried to find out: How how VDD and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene influence the pathophysiology of PCOS, and how do these associations vary across different ethnic groups?
Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 80 PCOS women (ages 17–36 years) and 100 of their gender, and age-matched healthy controls (HC) belonging to the ethnicity of West Bengal, India. VDD and VDRpolymorphisms [BsmI (rs1544410) and FokI (rs2228570)] were estimated by biochemical assessment and PCR-RFLP, respectively. Bioelectrical impedance and structured questionnaires were used for evaluation of anthropometric indices, sunlight (UVB) exposure, and nutritional status, respectively.
Results: This study finds significant correlations between VDR variants and insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammatory markers, and obesity indices. Mutant VDRgenotypes (BsmI-bb/Bb, FokI-ff/Ff) influence metabolic and cutaneous features, suggesting a genetic basis for VD-related disturbances in PCOS.
Conclusions:The study accentuates the need for personalised therapeutic strategies, particularly VD supplementation, based on genetic profiles to manage PCOS and its associated metabolic disturbances.
Key Message:VDD, a genetic predisposition related to VDR-SNPs, combined with limited sun exposure and poor dietary choices, exacerbates PCOS symptoms, impacting metabolic and endocrine homeostasis.
Can the haemoglobin-albumin-lymphocyte-platelet (HALP) index be used as a prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Authors: Akkurt Esma Sevil , Ensarioglu Kerem , Ozyurek Berna Akıncı , Özdemirel Tuğçe Şahin , Birben Ozlem Duvenci , Dolmuş Tunahan , Ozdag Ozlem 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction The HALP score is an indicator of systemic inflammation and can be used as a prognostic marker. It has been previously associated with many cancers, but its relationship with prognosis in patients diagnosed with IPF is unknown. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the usability of the HALP score as a prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with IPF.
Material and methods Our study included 224 IPF patients who were diagnosed and had follow-up visits in the chest-diseases clinic of our hospital between January 2021 and March 2023. The patients’ clinical information, comorbidities, laboratory values, PFT-DLCO parameters at the time of diagnosis, six-minute walk tests, body mass indices, prognosis information and death information were recorded.
Results A total of 224 patients were included in the study group. The average age of the patients was 66.27 years, and the majority of patients were male. The median duration of survival was 892 days. The mean of the calculated HALP score was 53.27. Patients were divided into two groups with a HALP score cut-off of 25. When survival duration was compared between the two groups, it was statistically different.
Conclusion To conclude, the HALP score is a reliable, simple, easily accessible and inexpensive index for predicting the prognosis of IPF. Although the HALP score has been studied primarily in patients with cancer or other inflammatory diseases, we hope that future researchers will investigate the combination of the HALP score with other scores to obtain more specific information about the prognosis of different diseases.
Endophytic bacterial communities associated with halophytic plants in southern Tunisia
Authors: Hamdene Ichrak , Bez Cristina , Bertani Iris , López-Menchero Jorge Rojas , Yahyaoui Anissa , Venturi Vittorio , Sadfi-Zouaoui Najla 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In the arid regions of southern Tunisia, soil and irrigation water salinity are the main serious issues that threaten agriculture. The potential of endophytic bacteria in providing salt-tolerance has not been investigated. Twenty-two plants and their corresponding soils were collected from five sites in two governorates kebili and Gabes. Significant differences in soil physicochemical properties were observed between sampling sites. The soils are generally poorly developed, non-fertile (with very low organic matter and high CaCO3 levels), and highly saline, leading to limited cultivation potential. Molecular identification of plants revealed nine different families and 14 genera, with the Amaranthaceae family being the most prominent, including Atriplex spp. (2), Bassia spp. (2), Suaeda spp. (4), and Halocnemum spp. (1). Bacterial community studies were conducted of both culturable and non-culturable endophyte communities inhabiting the green and root compartments of different halotolerant plants. Endophytic microbiome compositions differed between above-ground and below-ground tissues within the same plant family. A higher prevalence of three phyla Proteobacteria (67.80%), Firmicutes (14.06%), and Actinobacteria (6.57%) was detected across all samples. At the genus level, Acinetobacter, Halomonas, Kushneria, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Streptomyces formed the common core microbiome. PICRUSt gene prediction highlighted multiple KEGG functional pathways, indicating the role of these bacteria in plant adaptability under extreme conditions. Leveraging the microbiome of halophilic plants with specific species could be a valuable tool for enhancing plant adaptation during salt-degraded soil restoration
The injury effect of osteopontin in sepsis-associated lung injury
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Zhicai , Song Zhixing , Lu Xuexue , Li Zhu , Pi Dandan , Xu Feng , Li Jing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is a severe condition causing organ failure due to an abnormal immune reaction to infection, characterized by ongoing excessive inflammation and immune system issues. Osteopontin (OPN) is secreted by various cells and plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses and immune regulation. Nonetheless, the precise function of OPN in sepsis remains to be elucidated.
Methods
In the present study, we evaluated the levels of OPN in paediatric patients with sepsis and healthy individuals. We examined the impact of OPN on survival rates, systemic inflammation, and lung injury within an experimental sepsis model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of OPN in sepsis were investigated through Mouse Hemophagocytic Synuclein (MH-S) cells.
Results
The OPN level was found to be elevated in patients with sepsis (243.5 ± 204.5 pg/ml) compared to children with common infections (101.6 ± 30.67 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) and healthy individuals (44.71 ± 23.82 pg/ml) (P < 0.0001).The serum OPN level on the first day ( 243.5 ± 204.3 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that on the sceond day (69.58 ± 58.70 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) and the third day (60.42 ± 55.15 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) in pediatric patient with sepsis admission to pediatric intensive care unit(PICU). Intravenous administration of OPN inhibitor into the tail vein decreased the mortality rate (HR = 0.2695, p = 0.0015), suppressed systemic inflammatory responses and mitigated lung tissue damage. The concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum of CLP mice treated with OPN inhibitor decreased compared with CLP mice. Within the sepsis mouse model, there was a marked increase in OPN expression in the lungs tissues compared to the sham group mice. This surge was accompanied by a significant accumulation of alveolar macrophages and an upregulation of inflammasome expression. Mechanistic investigations in MH-s cells revealed that OPN-SiRNA suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response by inhibiting caspase1-dependent classical pyroptosis signaling pathway.
Conclusion
This study reveals that OPN has an adverse impact on the host's immune response to sepsis. Suppressing OPN expression holds potential therapeutic value for the treatment of sepsis.
Trial registration
Study on the diagnostic value of osteopontin in children with sepsis. MR5024001771. Registered 22 January 2024. https//www.medicalresearch.org.cn.
An evaluation of Scottish Green Health Prescriptions using the APEASE criteria
Authors: Howlett Neil , Freethy Imogen , Harding Sian , Wagner Adam P , Miners Lisa , Greco Honey-Anne , Lamming Laura , Lloyd Nigel , Brown Katherine E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Time spent in green space such as parks and forests can have positive effects on physical and mental health. Green Health Partnerships were set up in Scotland to promote use of green space for health improvement. One of the main mechanisms to achieve this was the setup of Green Health Prescriptions (GHPr). This study evaluates three GHPrs in different localities across a range of feasibility elements, and the funding and resourcing associated with implementation.
Methods
Interviews were conducted across service user, referrer, link worker, and activity provider groups across Dundee, Highland, and North Ayrshire. Interviews were deductively analysed using the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Spillover effects, Equity) criteria. Data within each APEASE domain was then inductively coded producing more reflexive sub-themes. Data on funding and resources associated with delivering each programme was also collected to provide further context to the APEASE criteria.
Results
All stakeholder groups generally found the concept of using green spaces and the GHPr acceptable, and, although service users perceived that staff were often good communicators, there were times where awareness of and knowledge about the GHPr were lacking. There were reported improvements across a wide range of physical and mental health, and social outcomes for service users. The GHPr was also considered affordable in terms of the green health activity sessions. A key issue for staff across practicability, acceptability, and with monitoring equity, was the lack of underpinning IT infrastructure for referrals, communication with link workers, and data capture to reflect on service user progress. As implemented in Dundee, progression through the GHPr, after initial referral, took on average 195 minutes, at a cost of £64 per service user.
Conclusions
This evaluation highlighted the potential benefits for service users that can be realised through a GHPr. However, a lack of supportive systems to capture referral information, communicate between professionals, and document service user progress limits a more robust and extensive evaluation of the current GHPr model.
Evaluation registration:
Research Registry identifier: researchregistry9069, registration date: 25/04/23.
Chromatin accessibility and gene expression in the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Prat Agustina , Muñoz Daniela , Lizarraga Ayelen , Seifert-Gorzycki Julieta , Sanchez-Vazquez Estefania , Johnson Patrica , Mazzulla Pablo Hernan Strobl , de Miguel Natalia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted parasite, causes more than 270 million infections annually. The infection's outcome varies greatly depending on different factors that include variation in human immune responses, the vaginal microbiome, and the inherent virulence of the strain. Although the pathogenicity of the different strains depends, at least partially, on differential gene expression of virulence genes; the regulatory mechanisms governing this transcriptional control remain incompletely understood. While many studies have reported a positive correlation between gene expression and chromatin accessibility in other cells, this relationship has not been analyzed in T. vaginalis. To address these questions, we selected two contrasting T. vaginalis strains based on their interactions with host cells: B7268 strain, a highly adherent one and resistant to metronidazole, and NYH209 strain, a poorly adherent one and sensitive to metronidazole. Next, we combined the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), to delve into the relationship between chromatin accessibility and gene expression in these distinct T. vaginalis strains. Our findings demonstrate a correlation between chromatin accessibility and gene expression across both strains. Moreover, we found that chromatin accessibility plays a pivotal role in modulating mRNA expression levels of several established genes linked to parasite pathogenesis and drug resistance. We also identified several open chromatin peaks residing at intergenic regions, revealing possible distal regulatory elements that may control gene expression. These results highlight the importance of chromatin accessibility in modulating gene expression in the parasite T. vaginalis, with possible consequences in pathogenesis and/or drug treatment.